Opportunity Knocks
Phil Taunton
Friday, October 5, 2007
I don’t think retirement is all it’s cracked up to be.
Or at least I haven’t been able to match any free time with my outdoor adventure desires.
One last golf tournament with Wifeus this weekend ought to free up something. It’s been a little more than a month since me and the BNSF railroad parted company, and I haven’t been able to catch my caboose yet!
I haven’t wet a line, harvested a dove or matched wits with a turkey.
Hopefully, all that will change, but right now, youth outdoor education programs have been keeping me busy. That in itself isn’t all bad.
The passing of Robert (Bob) Ecklund last weekend brings to mind a conversation I had with Melissa Davis, the Executive Director of Big Brothers, Big Sisters (BBBS) of the Flint Hills, Inc. Bob was very unselfish and an avid volunteer.
Littles all across our community, especially today, need more mentors like him.
Last August, Melissa told me that most of the Bigs are college students who fill a void by working with young people. They commit and generously volunteer their time. Melissa also told me that her organization has a program called Outdoor Heritage that encourages matches to share the wonders of the Great Outdoors.
During the month of September, her organization was not only busy with the recruitment of volunteers, but also busy with the recruitment of children who might benefit from the influence of a “Big Brother” or “Big Sister.”
If you would like to become a Big or know of anyone who might benefit from being a Little through the organization’s Youth Outreach program, please contact Melissa at 342-5645 or toll free at (888) 625-4845.
Big Brothers, Big Sisters of the Flint Hills, a United Way agency, has proudly served youth in Chase, Coffey, Lyon and Morris counties since 1972. Little moments might just bring big magic for young and old alike!
Outdoor happenings
I just got word from Brent Konen, the Council Grove Area Wildlife Manager, that he and his volunteers will be holding their Fourth Annual Outdoor Youth event on Oct. 20.
Anyone between the ages of 10 and 16 can participate and are invited to attend this free instructional shotgun and archery shooting safety clinic on Council Grove Reservior. The event will run from noon to 5 p.m. What a get-together this promises to be. The Kansas Department of Wildlife & Parks (KDWP), the U.S. Army Corps of Engineers (COE), the Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited (QU), the Kansas Wildlife Officers Association and the Morris County Hunter Education instructors are sponsoring this special event to enhance firearm and archery shooting skills.
The safety and shooting instruction will be provided and overseen by certified shotgun and archery instructors. All gear and supplies, including shotguns, shells, bows, arrows, targets and eye and ear protection will be provided by the KDWP’s “Pass It On” and Hunter Education Programs.
Registration for this event is required by Oct. 15. Participants are not required to have a hunter safety certificate. A free lunch will be provided by the Neosho Valley Chapter of Quail Unlimited and participants also will be given a free hunting vest at the conclusion of the event.
For more information, or for those interested in registering for this event, Brent can be contacted at (620) 767-5900.
Recipe of the Week
Tenderized Duck or Dove Breast, compliments of the NRA Member’s Wild Game Cookbook.
Ingredients:
6-8 duck or dove breasts
salt, pepper and flour
1/2 cup onions
1 cup mushrooms
1 1/2 cups red sweet wine
1 stick margarine
Tenderize each breast until they are double in size, flour and salt and pepper to taste. Heat margarine and brown breast in a large non-stick skillet on both sides uncovered for five to eight minutes. Reduce heat and add onions, mushrooms and wine. Cover and simmer until tender. Serve over hot rice. Enjoy.