What's New at Izaak?
Summer Movie and Popcorn
We are pleased to have a Summer Movie night on July 10th at 7pm the IKES! We have procured a copy of the film “The Compleat Angler”. This film, by artist and writer James Prosek, is an artful documentary of the mid 1600’s book written by Sir Izaak Walton. Walton’s book, which remains a top seller to this day in England, is also known as the “Fly Fishing Bible”. Prosek travels through England in the footsteps of Izaak Walton. Prosek and the Film have won numerous awards. In the words of Izaak Walton, “ Fly fishing becomes more than an activity, it cleans the soul of everyday troubles and allows a simple connection to nature”
Movie is free and starts at 7:00 P.M.
FREE popcorn
No reservations required
Save the Date: Hog Roast on August 17
The Whistle Pigs will be returning on August 17 for another amazing night to help fundraise for the Ikes. This year will be particularly important as we had a large spend for a new paved road and parking lot.
Fishing Day
Good news! Our June 1st “Let’s go Fishing Day” was a great success! We had many folks turn out to enjoy fishing, food and fellowship. BIG shout out to Tim Kanczuzewski and J.C. Sporleder for spearheading this event. Tim also negotiated a good price to stock both Rainbow and Brown Trout in the creek and ponds. We finally did it! We paved the road and parking lot at the IKES! The workmanship was exceptional and we even added an additional paved road part way to the archery range. The price tag was over $45,000, so we are accepting any donations to either the trout stocking fund or paving fund
As I'm sure many of you have already heard, our outstanding caretaker for the past 10 years, Casey Collier passed away on Memorial day. Quite fitting for the tough Vietnam veteran who received the Purple Heart along with other honors for his service to our Country. Casey always managed to take care of whatever needed to be done and he will be dearly missed around the park and in our lives. You can read Casey's obituary here.
His loss has created a void that needs to be filled. We are actively seeking his replacement. We want to first rely on our membership for suggestions. Please contact anyone below if you have questions or suggestions. The position is unique. It requires equipment and maintenance skills along with communication skills. It’s technically a volunteer position with “payment” being use of the caretaker’s house with utilities.
President, Mike Hay - 271-0973
Vice President, John Manuszak - 850-4550
Secretary, JC Sporleder - 277-4292
Fish & Outdoor Recreation, Tim Kanczuzewski - 340-0842
We welcome “perennial” Izaak Walton member and current Vice President, John Manuszak, to the IKES on Wednesday, May 15th. Mr. Manuszak taught biology at Mishawaka High School for 35 years and has always been an avid gardener. He will explain in detail the dos and don’ts of gardening along with tips, tricks and shortcuts. John will discuss methods to protect against rodents and rabbits. He will cover wide row gardening, companion crop gardening, and raised bed gardening. Other topics include how to purchase reputable seed, composting, and preparing for fallow.
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: roast pork loin with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults $6 12 and under FREE hot dogs for the kids!
Call in your reservations by Mon. May 13th at 272-3660
Remember that this our last dinner/program of the spring. Our next event is the annual Hog Roast featuring the Whistle Pigs on August 17th.
We welcome all members old and new along with their guests to the IKES on Wednesday, April 17th. It is our most popular program of the year, the annual tree seedling giveaway in honor of Arbor Day and Earth Day. The IKES have been giving away tree seedlings for seven decades!
Species this year are: Eastern Redbud, Eastern White Pine, Persimmon, Ninebark, and White Flowering Dogwood.We are delighted to offer 5 different species. There will be a presentation by Vice President John Manuszak describing this year’s species along with valuable planting tips. This is yet another activity that benefits our community and members alike.
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Tree handout starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: Polish chicken dinner with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults $6 12 and under
Call in your reservations by Mon. April 15th at 272-3660
Fishing Day Event Planned
Saturday, June 1st marks our fishing day event at the ponds. Come out for fishing fun! Equipment and refreshments provided. No Indiana License is required that day. It’s a free fishing day at the IKES!
Honeysuckle Eradication
Thanks again to Boy Scout troop 421 and the Klaybor family for the 5 weekends spent on Honeysuckle eradication at the 3rd pond. More such projects are planned and volunteers are always needed. Contact anyone below for more details & check our website.
A Note from the President
We have two great events this month at our IKES. First off, our popular tree seedling give away is Wednesday, April 17th. The seedlings are quite costly, so it is strongly encouraged to pre dig your holes and be ready to plant your trees right after bringing them home to give them a better chance for survival. Secondly, we are having an “open park” day on Saturday, April 20th from 1-3 P.M. We will be handing out the remaining seedlings to members and the public along with offering tours of the grounds!
Deadline for the annual Stan Klaybor scholarship award is April 30th. The $500 award is given to an area High School senior pursuing a degree related to the environment, and honors our perennial contributor, Stan Klaybor. The recipient will be awarded at our May dinner/program.
Most members have received their membership badges by now. Please display your badge when on the grounds. The easiest way is to punch a hole in it and wear it around your neck with a lanyard.
We welcome back Mr. Garry Harrington to the IKES on Wednesday, March 20th. Mr. Harrington, director of the Rum Village Nature Center, will present a program rich in detail describing the species of reptiles and amphibians we may encounter as Spring finally approaches.
Garry will be bringing along some live examples including a fox snake, tiger salamander, eastern box turtle, toads and more. Garry is a well versed naturalist and will field any questions you might have. This will be a great family event so be sure to bring the kids (free hot dogs) and a guest.
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: corned beef and cabbage with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults free hot dogs for the kids!
Please call in your reservations by Mon. March 18th at 272-3660. We need an accurate count for the caterer.
When: Saturday, 4/13, 9 am - 12 pm
Check-in stations: Veterans Memorial Park & Keller Park
Other information: Dress appropriately - Long pants, long sleeves, rugged work shoes, and work gloves. Trash bags and drinking water provided. Additional trash-moving tools are welcome.
For Questions call Mike Hay at (269) 240-8756 or email Amy Roush at aroush(@southbendin.gov
Register at: http://bit.ly/sbrivercleanup
Every volunteer will receive a community service certificate!
February Dinner/Program, “How to Attract Birds”
We welcome Greg Leyes, bird and plant expert, to the IKES on Wednesday, February 20th.
Mr. Leyes will explain in detail the importance of feeding birds all year long especially in the Winter months. He will describe the ideal plants and flowers you should have to attract our feathered friends along with the nutritional value of various seeds and grains. Greg will also talk about bird migration patterns in our region. This will be an enlightening and educational program for all ages. Bring a friend and enjoy!
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M.
Program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: City Chicken with the trimmings Cost: $9 for adults and FREE Hot Dogs 12 and under!
Call in your reservations by Tuesday morning, Feb. 19th by 10 A.M. at 574-272-3660
Another Season, Another Reason for the IKES 95 years.
Our local chapter of the Izaak Walton League is 95 years old! As a strong environmental group, we have made countless contributions to benefit our community. We plan on making many more.
In order to thrive, we rely on our membership. Not only do we need a membership base, we need members to become active. This includes attending meetings and serving on our board of directors. This requires a minimal time involvement to help make important decisions. I want to extend a BIG thank you to board members who are retiring. Both our treasurer Ken Kanczuzewski, and membership director Bob Fitzpatrick have announced their retirement. Both have over 25 years of dedicated service to the IKES. They were instrumental in all our major lodge remodeling and building projects. Their contributions are unparalleled and their presence will be sorely missed. Also, Kaine Kanczuzewski, programs director plans to finish his term ending this year.
Why did you join the IKES? This question and more will be asked of you in a survey that will be mailed to you soon. We would like to start an event weekend each month where we will have a special event and/or work project to participate in.
Archery News
Archers will be shooting leagues indoors through March on Tuesdays and Wednesdays (except for dinner/programs) and move outdoors in April. All are welcome to join in on the fun and learn a few pointers!
Santa is coming to the IKES on Wednesday, December 12th from 6-8:00 P.M. He has gifts for all the good boys and girls along with FREE Hot Dogs, Fries, Hot Chocolate, Cider and Cookies for the whole family. Come join the fun! This free event is being held to honor our valued members. Without you, we could not survive as an organization. Please come on out the 12th for some great food and presents for the kids or grandkids!
Reservations are recommended but not required by calling 272-3660. Give us a Jingle and visit Kris Kringle!
Add the Izaak Christmas Party to your calendar!
Izaak Walton will be hosting its 78th Annual Feather Party on Wednesday, November 14th from 6:00 - 9:00 pm.
The Feather Party is an annual fundraiser with door prizes, raffles, 50/50s, tipboards and turkey give-away! It's always a great time. The IKES always hold this event near Thanksgiving to give folks a chance to win a Turkey.
Tickets will be on sale at the door. We are not sending tickets out this year. Tickets are $10.00. Tickets can be used for food and drinks.
We also need volunteers to help at the event. Call 574-2371-0973 to help. Show up and HAVE FUN! Reservations requested but not required by e-mail or phone mtizhay.hay@gmail.com or 574-271-0973.
Mail donations to St. Joe County IWL 20400 Darden Road South Bend, IN 46637
Adults 21 and over only please.
We welcome Mr. Zach Dripps from MACOG to the IKES on Wednesday, October 17th. MACOG (Michiana Area Council of Governments) is a regional planning organization that assists local governments in solving interlocal issues. MACOG is working on several exciting plans. These include a regional Trail Branding and Wayfairing Guide Along with the Michiana on the Move 2045 Transportation Plan.
The Regional Trail Branding and Wayfairing, in partnership with Convention and Visitor Bureaus, is to develop a regional overlay that will be used to promote our 800 miles of trails and on road bike routes.
The Michiana on the Move 2045 Transportation Plan envisions how the region plans to grow in the next 25 years and its impacts to our transportation network. It will address projects and improvements needed to address the challenges.
Do not miss this event. See you at the IKES!
Dinner starts at 6:30 P.M. Program starts at 7:30 P.M.
Menu: Roast Beef with the trimmings
Cost: $9 adults FREE hot dogs for the kids!
Call in your reservations by Tuesday A.M. Oct. 16th at 272-3660
P.S. Mark your calendar for the annual Feather Party on November 14th!
