Versailles News: It’s BS (bird stuff)!

0

Have you notice the street walkers in Versailles? I’m speaking of those who have an aversion to walking under trees, especially since the sidewalks are covered with bird feces? I can’t say I blame them, especially since birds poop every 15 minutes, although in some cultures getting pooped on by a bird is good luck. So in the words of Dirty Harry you’ve got to ask yourself one question, “Do I feel lucky?”

Versailles still has their bird problem and homeowners have tried countless methods of preventing these migratory creatures from roosting in their trees. Some individuals have successfully driven the birds away from their property only to have them roost in trees in front public buildings, such as churches, lodges and businesses.

Bird droppings are a problem for many towns and homeowners. Birds don’t urinate instead they excrete uric acid as part of their waste. Uric acid is corrosive to many materials, such as concrete, brick, stone, asphalt roofs, all cars, window screens, fabric and metal awnings, outdoor fabrics and clothing. The damage is exacerbated by allow dropping to accumulate over long periods of time. In fact, bridges have weakened from the accumulation of bird doodoo. Did you know the responsibility of cleaning the public sidewalks belongs to the homeowner, not the town? Although a prudent individual might find it easiest to remove the tree, these trees are not the homeowner’s property, rather they belong to the town. Since birds are indirectly protected by town ordinances (because you cannot discharge a firearm in town or create noise which would disturb the peace, even if it was only intended to scare the birds) man and nature must co-exist. Therefore we probably need to know how to clean after these tiny creatures with the not so tiny habit.

The excrement comes off the sidewalk with a garden hose and a push broom fairly well. You can also add a cap full of Simple Green cleaner to make the project easier or consider a power washer. A hose will clean off roofs and gutters, as well as many outdoor fabrics, along with a bristle brush and quite possibly a stain remover.

When it comes to your vehicle, bird feces can damage the paint so you need to remove it right away with hot water and a clean cloth, but be careful, droppings can contain pebbles (which some birds swallow to aid digestion). If a stain remains seek recommendations from an auto supply store or car dealership.

In all fairness, people love birds, perhaps not their poo but they love their pretty feathers, pretty songs, and perhaps even envy their gifts of; flight, fortitude to weather storms, hunting and nurturing skills and their instinct to head south for the winter.

UPCOMING EVENTS:

This Sunday is St. Peter’s Homecoming with a 2 p.m. service led by Rev. Brian McGee of Greenville’s St. John’s Lutheran Church. The public is invited to attend. Please bring your lawn chair. Light refreshments will be served after the service.

Monday, September 18, from 12:30 – 7 p.m. there will be a blood drive at the Versailles K of C Hall on State Route 47. The drive is in memory of Steve Knapke. Remember to donate you must be at least 17 years of age, weigh a minimum of 110 pounds, provide a photo ID that includes your full name. For more information you may call 1(800)388-GIVE or send an email to [email protected].

Thursday, September 21, there will be accordion, guitar and harmonica music at the Fr. Jaekle Room of the Versailles K of C Hall from 2 – 4 p.m. This is a non-denominational gathering open to the public. The event is sponsored by the St. Vincent DePaul Chapter of Versailles.

Mark your calendar for next Saturday, September 23, when the North Star Community will hold an open air dance with music by MicStand Band and Renegade. This is perfect time to purchase a chance to win a golf cart. The event begins at 6:30 p.m.. Also put Sunday, September 24 on your calendar for an all-you-can- eat breakfast buffet from 8:30 a.m.– 12:30 p.m. at the Versailles Eagles.

Happy 99th birthday to my aunt Margaret Grilliot, also birthday wishes to Josh Overholser, Charlie Hartzell, Allison Horst, Ben Hartzell, Austin Reed, Michelle Flory, Nick Rhoades, John Rahm, Mandy Schlitter, Rebecca Shumaker, Sara Kelch, Carrie Sturwold, Scott Langston, Ben Eilerman, Ken Lawrence, Susette Kruckeberg, Norm Seubert, Kelsey Berning, Joelle Delancy, Ashley Monnin, Wyatt Murphy, Megan Dickmann, Linda Grisez, Ann DeMange, Joan Kunk, Mike Schuh, Nikki Roll, Whitney Gaines, Linda Meyer, Connor Custenborder, Jennifer Litten, Brenda Bruns, Diane Swallow, Debra Augustine, Ashley Cochran, Ann Fullenkamp, Joshua Paulus, Paula Cox, Jacquie Billenstein, Lois Poly, Diane Martino, Pam Ruschau, Joyce Riffel, Louie Von Duhn, Regina Schieltz, Rob Monnin, Sue Ann Knapke, Amy Wagner, Mike Grillot, Bonnie Slusser, Sally Tebbe, Twins Anna and Greg Dircksen, Denise Groff, David Vail, Jim Buchy and Glenn Monnin as their birthdays approach as well as, anniversary wishes to Mindy and Shawn Agne (1), Lori and Jeff Zirkle (3), Erica and Kyle Wentworth (5), Maggie and Brian Knapke (9), Jenny and Kyle Francis, Beth and Eric Schultz (12), Kim and Chris Hecht (15), Jenny & Jon Stammen (15), Corra and Don Beare, Megan and John Schmitmeyer, Natalie and Craig Bruns (19), Angie and Kevin Lyme (19), Susan and Brian Kramer (20), Carrie and Matt Cusick (21), Jenny and Tom Crandall (23), Kelley and Jamie McGlinch (24), Keri and Charen Kingrey (26), Pat and Sheila Voisard, Marge and Kirk Harman (30), Deb and Dewey Ward (40), Norma and Tom Parin, Joan and Virgil Heitkamp (50), and Mary Lee and Ed Gehret (51).

Please give your supportive and healing prayers to the many who are dealing with any of life’s countless challenges, and especially for Jim Peebles, Claire Owens, Ed Bulcher, Todd Richhart, Patty Jenkinson, Janie Huber, Mary Margaret Fullenkamp, Aiden Meyer, Sylvester Meyer, Terry Buteau, Earl Gigandet, Madison Berger, Tony Gehret, Terry and Donna Black, Norbert “John” Magoto, Phyllis Oliver, Lucy Hole, Susie Barga, Bob Longenecker, Mary Phlipot, Jerry Paulus, Tim Bayless, Pooch Barga, Anthony “Bucky” Francis, Chris Apple, Wilma Heiby, Carl DeMange, Rosie Cordonnier, Rhomaine Berger, Judy York, Miriam Harman, Jack Monnin, Mary Batty, Norma Magoto, Betty Kremer, Denny Grilliot, Beverly Brown, Joan Magoto, Virginia Smith, John Subler, Mary Barga, Anabelle Subler, Julia Billenstein, Merilyn Borchers, Connie (Baltes) Lechleiter, Dan Monnin, Lois Youngker, Barb Goubeaux, Cyril Frantz, Eileen Rahm, Cyril Voisard, Samantha Smith, the victims of hurricane Irma and those not mentioned by name who are recuperating, hospitalized, homebound and/or in need of our prayers.

Heartfelt sympathy to the family and friends of Brian Voisard (26), Mark Dirksen (48), Gloria Hollinger (89), Junior Turner (94) and also remembering within our hearts the lives of Shane Unger, Steve Knapke, Jake Compton, Sherian Bensman, John Laub, Norma Raterman, Juanita Gerling, Christina Sargent, Duane Mendenhall, Alice Kau, Kathy Black, Jimmy Baltes, Carole Kimmel, Kyle Rindler, Bob Rahm, Rev. Thomas Grilliot, Irvin Kelch, Jr., Gale Blakeley, Bob Reigel, Peg Baltes, Les Staley, Bob Shawler, Dorothy Gasson, Sharon Bubeck, Bertha Berger and all those not mentioned by name as the anniversary of their passing nears.

“Look down there at all those dumb people looking up at us with their mouths hanging open.”~Seagulls; Gertrude and Heathcliff

“Bird poop can be yucky and lucky.” ~C. Edwards

“Birdie, birdie in the sky, dropped a turdie in my eye. I don’t fret and I don’t cry I’m just glad that cows can’t fly!” ~A poem from my childhood

http://www.dailyadvocate.com/wp-content/uploads/sites/34/2017/09/web1_KathyMagatoPRINT-3.jpg

By Kathy Magoto

Versailles News

Kathy Magoto is a volunteer citizen columnist, who serves The Daily Advocate readers weekly with her weekly Versailles community column. She can be reached at [email protected] or at 526-3798. Feel free to contact her with Versailles news and tidbits. Viewpoints expressed in the article are the work of the author. The Daily Advocate does not endorse these viewpoints or the independent activities of the author.

No posts to display