GOING ‘ROUND: Roxanne Cooper of Grover, N.C., wrote late last
week: “In regards to the ‘Bigfoot sighting’ in Ridgway: They were
talking about it on the radio this morning. The station …103.7 WSOC
in Charlotte! One of the DJs is from the Cleveland area originally,
but I still found it interesting that they were discussing it on
there. I also saw the story on MSNBC. It’s crazy how a little story
will get all over the place anymore!”

GOOD IDEA: An idea from another little town crossed our desk the
other day and we decided to pass it along as a possible suggestion
for the bird watchers in our community.

The Oil City region is already making plans for a birding
festival, “The Birds in Your Backyard,” to be held the first
weekend in May.

On opening night, guests “flock and mingle” at a picnic followed
by a talk on owls and then an “owl prowl.” The next morning there
will be a guided birdwalk at Oil Creek State Park, named an
important birding area by Audubon Pennsylvania.

That afternoon, Venango Campus of Clarion University will host a
variety of workshops on such topics as hummingbirds, hawk migration
in Pennsylvania, nesting boxes, woodcocks, or bird habitat.

Noted local photographer Dr. John Karian will offer tips on
outdoor photography.

That night there will be a “Birder’s Banquet” at the campus,
with a keynote address to be delivered by Paul C. Baicich, an
authority on the birds of North America.

The weekend concludes Sunday with a guided birdwalk at Oil Creek
State Park or the Buttermilk Hill Nature Sanctuary. Those attending
may also choose to follow-up Dr. Karian’s program on outdoor
photography by accompanying him on a field trip to put his pointers
to practical use.

Gotta admit; it sounds like a real “hoot.”

TODAY’S QUOTE: “To be sure, the threat to freedom of expression
emanates from its enemies, not its supporters … but at a time when
the enemies of free speech are on the rise, it is vital that its
supporters do a better job, and that those who have remained on the
sidelines step up to the plate,” said Patrick D. Maines, president,
Media Institute, 2006.