The Shadow
CLIFTON FORGE — The Twilight Garden Club of Clifton Forge held its February meeting at the Clifton Forge Presbyterian Church Saturday, Feb. 23, with 12 members present.
Charlie Kahle was the guest speaker with his program, “Birds of a Feather.”
Charlie started birding after his retirement. He wanted to be outdoors, so when a friend took him hiking to Gap Mills in West Virginia and introduced him to the birds flying around, he was hooked and has been learning about them ever since. He goes mainly to Gap Mills which is owned by the National Forest Service and the Hanging Rock Raptor Observatory in Monroe County.
Peters Mountain, also in Monroe County, is a 50-plus mile ridgeline that is part of a major migratory bird route for raptors, eagles, hawks, owls, etc.
The weather and wind can affect the behavior of birds and volunteers keep records of what, when, where and why certain birds emigrate — some to South America where they nest, counts of different species, different styles of hunting — owls and raptors are natural enemies.
The U.S. Forest Service, including Boys Scouts of America keep year-round records and photos of these birds which can be viewed year-round at Peters Mountain.
Dr. LeHew and Mike Hayslett were mentioned as local counters of these birds.
Kahle recommended the book, “Hawks in Flight,” for those interested.
Cindy Brokaw, co-president, opened the business meeting with members reciting the prayer poem.
The January meeting was a social gathering at Michel’s Restaurant, Clifton Forge.
Secretary Barbara James read the November meeting’s minutes.
Treasurer Debbie Strott read a thank you note from the residents at Alleghany House. She also read the financial report.
Committee Reports were read as follows:
— Civic Improvement: Juanita Savage updated the Courthouse, Heritage Center and Clifton Forge Post Office;
— Yearbook:?Jo Fincham is currently working on the yearbook;
— Community:?Debbie Strott is preparing for the next “Clean Up”?Day;
— Officers:?The vice president needs a committee to get new officers for next year and this should be ready by April;
— Program:?Juanita Savage has a March program lined up;
— Ways and Means: Laura Rainone informed the club that the 2019 “May Faire” will be held Saturday, May 6, from 9 a.m. to 6 p.m. where a table of plants and herbs will be welcomed. Debbie Strott and Jo Fincham seconded the motion to have two baskets to auction off — Mother’s Day and Father’s Day.
New business announced that a new member will be coming to the next meeting.
The Shenandoah District meeting will be held Monday, March 18, and reservations are needed by Monday, March 11.
Judges Jennie Oeltjen and Ora Goodbar made the following decisions:
— Requested:?Juanita Savage, blue ribbon; Shirley Mayo, red ribbon;
— General:?Ron Goings, red ribbon;
— Requested Specimen:?Juanita Savage, blue ribbon;
— Houseplant in Dirt:?Cindy Brokaw, blue ribbon.
Refreshments were served by Sheryl Hall and Savage. The meeting was adjourned following refreshments.
