JULY 2016 NEWSLETTER

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chapter of

The Izaak Walton League of America

Serving the Community Since 1935 www.bcciwla.org

President’s MessageNow that Independence Day has passed, we havetime to think about how daring, treasonous, andrisky our forefathers dared to be. The meaning ofindependence according to Webster’s NewCollegiate Dictionary is, “The quality or state ofbeing independent – free” or “Not subject to con-trol by others, Self Governing.” This same spiritholds true today.

This daring spirit has guided our chapter to dothings that meet the goals of our core values byprotecting wildlife, woodlands and open space forfuture generations. Our Net Zero efforts and plansare DARING to do it differently. Learning from thesuccesses of the Merrill Center and the BrockCenter and applying these lessons to improve ourown conservation farm, a five year plan is beingdeveloped to 1) reduce our energy usage, 2) con-trol and recycle our rain water runoff, and 3) pro-duce our own energy. Even if these initiativesdon’t save money, the community benefits fromour chapter’s example of how to become NetZero. Please join our Net Zero committee and putyour special talents to work toward pushing ourchapter to Energy Independence.

What else can you do? Change those light bulbsout for LED? Install a ceiling fan? Build a rain gar-den? Install an on-demand hot water heater?Remember to support conservation efforts evenwhen you are not at the farm. Incorporate theseenergy saving ideas into your everyday life. It’sthe right thing to do.

So strive to know the beauty and understandingof nature by taking your family and friends for ahike, or a fishing expedition to the big pond, or apicnic at one of our pavilions... Above all, let’s besafe out there.

Best Regards,Scott HarmonB-CC IWLA President301 467-0645 Cell

EXPLORE THE BEAUTY ANDNATURE AT B-CC IWLA

2 July 2016

Board of GovernorsFiscal Year: September 1, 2015 – August 31, 2016

OFFICERS

Scott Harmon, President301 467-0645 • scott.w.harmon@verizon.net

Carol Efdimis, 1st Vice President301 407-0025 • glock.22@verizon.net

Jim Tate, 2nd Vice President202 841-2056 • jim@tate-tate.us

Ron Marchessault,* Treasurer202 320-3834 • rmarche12@comcast.net

Lynn Adams, Membership Secretary240 285-3763 • clays7diva@gmail.com

Tom Lamkin, Corresponding Secretary301 330-2922 • tomlamkin@comcast.net

Jack Mandel, Recording Secretary301 229-9321 • jmandeldesign@gmail.com

BOARD MEMBERS

Art Duffy301 570-0737 • fourduffys@verizon.net

Warner Parks301 540-1947 • wparks29@gmail.com

Jeff Seaman301 775-4973 • jeff_seaman@hotmail.com

Tom Shiner202 309-9528 • tss@mandlf.com

Aaron Smith304 638-4190 • asmith@disasterdemonsemg.com

Joe Snider,* Past President240 876-4917 • joesnider2006@gmail.com

* Indicates Officers and Board Members who were absent from the previousmonth’s Board of Governors meeting.

The Izaak Walton League of America – a non-profit conser-vation organization – is recognized as a Section 501(c)(3)public charity under the Internal Revenue Code.

Address, phone and email changes should be sent to theMembership Secretary at the above address.

Submissions to the NEWSLETTER should be sent to:

Tom Lamkintomlamkin@comcast.net

301 330-2922

Summary of the June 2016Dinner Meeting andBoard of Governors MeetingJack Mandel, Recording Secretary 301 229-9321 jmandeldesign@gmail.com

June 15, 2016 Dinner Meeting • Scott Harmon called the 967th consecutive dinner meeting

to order at 7:30pm.

• Lynn Adams gave the membership report and led theinduction of five new members.

• Dave Hansroth, the area’s regional director of the RuffedGrouse Society, spoke to us about the group’s efforts inhabitat management. Dave thanked us for our sponsorshipand spoke proudly of the dozens of projects in the regionto plant Alders, Dogwoods, and Cedars to provide shelterfor Woodcock and a host of threatened songbirds. Onesuch project was right across the street at McKee-Beshers.Dave generously offered to host a “Woodcock Walk” onour farm.

• Scott Harmon said that our stand of Chestnut trees willreach the end of their lifespan soon, and he and others aremonitoring the trees, hoping to gather fruit to propagatemore saplings.

• Scott Harmon gave the Treasurer’s Report in Ron’s absence.

• Scott Harmon mentioned that Don Perino could use somevolunteer help to establish a wildflower stand behind thelog cabin.

• Tom Shiner said that Net-Zero planning is active and hecould use volunteer support in a host of different areas.

• Bill Gordon reported that he and Bob Pavlick are our dele-gates and will vote on the dues increase proposal bynational.

• The meeting adjourned at 8:45pm.

June 22, 2016 Board of Governors Meeting • Scott Harmon called the meeting to order at 7:30pm.

• Other chapter officers present were Carol Efdimis (1st VP),Jim Tate (2nd VP), Tom Lamkin (Corresponding Secretary),Lynn Adams (Membership Secretary), and Jack Mandel(Recording Secretary).

• Other Board members present included Aaron Smith, ArtDuffy, Jeff Seaman, Warner Parks, and Tom Shiner.

• Other members present included Butch Mezick, FranWright, Jim O’Connell, Bill Gordon, Mark Shanker, FrankParker, Bob Pavlick, Larry Anderson, Lin Tate, and PatTarquinio.

• Scott gave the Treasurer’s Report: Operating Account-$29,688.78, Management Reserve- $23,235.00, Land Fund-$1,529.00, Capital Fund- $34,284.26.

• Lynn Adams gave the Membership Report: 573 Individual,348 Family, 13 Associate, 2 Youth, 18 Student, and 77Retired.

• Jim O’Connell and Mark Shanker of the Legacy Foundationspoke to us about the mission of the group and its impor-tance to B-CC IWLA.

• Pat Tarquinio reported that the sunflowers are fightingwith the weeds for light and water; let’s hope the flowerswin. Pat has worked hard to remediate erosion issues with

(continued on page 3)

Montgomery County AG Fair BoothWe are looking for volunteers to

help man the booth at this year’sMontgomery County AgriculturalFair. The fair starts on August 12 andruns through August 20. We arelooking for volunteers to work six-hour shifts. The early shift runs10:00am to 4:00pm and the late

shift 4:00pm to 10:00pm. Volunteers get free admission and a parking pass. It is a great way to earn your volunteerhours, as well as an opportunity to promote our organizationand educate the community about our mission. I am alsolooking for any promotional material about the chapter andour activities that can be displayed or handed out at thebooth. Please contact Steve Poss at 301 332-5259 or bandsposs@gmail.com if you have any questions or BillLeaman with the Rockville Chapter at 240 888-7600 to sched-ule a time slot.

July 2016 3

the driveways and spent many hours tweaking the area bythe shotgun range; the first downpour proved that hisefforts were successful. Jim Tate recommended possibleonsite testing of recycled material leachate.

• Scott Harmon mentioned his desire to work closely withthose putting together a “Master Plan” for the Chapterwhen his presidency is over.

• John Novack said the small pond work is going well, butwe still have some lilies trying to sprout in the mud; he islooking into ways of eradicating these before refilling.

• Butch Mezick said that September is when the final inspec-tion of reforested trees is set to take place; the red cedarsplanted are doing well.

• John Lamb says he needs volunteers to do some work onthe trails soon.

• Carol Efdimis said there is a newly graded trail for the rifleand pistol range from the handicapped parking area.

• Warner Parks reported that the Father’s Day Shoot wentreally well with over 60 shooters!

• Tom Shiner said that the Net-Zero committee is workinghard to get a Master Plan draft on the table.

• Bill Gordon reported that WV would vote for the duesincrease.

• A motion to accept five new members passed.

• Meeting adjourned at 9:20pm.

SUMMARY(continued from page 2)

Potomac Valley Chapter

12th Annual Fun Shoot & Sporting Clays ChallengeSaturday, August 6, 2016 at B-CC IWLA Shotgun Range

Registration – 12:30pm

Shoot – 1:00pm – 5:00pm

Last Shooter Out – 3:00pm

Dinner – 4:00pm – 6:00pm

Awards – After Last Shooter Finishes

Individual Cost of $45.00

Includes: 50 Targets (25 Skeet & 25 Sporting Clays)

Dinner • Trophies • PrizesDoor Prizes

Additional Options:$10.00 – Senior Division Class (Over 65)

$10.00 – Side x Side Division$15.00 – Non-Shooter Dinner Only

For more information, please contact Terry Oland

2409 Thurston Road, Frederick, MD 21704-8152 • Phone: 301 874-5269 • E-mail: terry.oland@comcast.net

LIMITED TO 50 SHOOTERSPlease Sign Up Early!!! New and inexperienced shooters welcome. Help and instruction provided!!

Net ZeroTom Shiner

The ad hoc committee for Net Zero will contribute a Site Planalong with various Perspective Drawings to the chapter’s outlinefor 5-year planning document. The preliminary drawings andanalysis will be open for membership review in July. Any mem-bers interested in participating in the Net Zero initiative cancontact Tom Shiner at 202 309-9528 or tss@mandlf.com.

A Net Zero energy building (or facility) is one that over thecourse of a year produces at least as much energy fromrenewable sources as it consumes.

4 July 2016

The Campground is closed during all black powder and firearms deer season.Check the online www.bcciwla.org electronic calendar for current and updated scheduled times of events.

2016 CALENDAR OF EVENTS

Date(s) Activity Time

Thursday, September 1 Opening Day – Dove Shoot 12:00noonThursday, September 1 Opening Day Picnic 5:00pmMonday, September 5 MEMORIAL DAYTuesday, September 6 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Saturday, September 10 Hunter Safety/Education Class 8:00am – 4:00pmSunday, September 11 Hunter Safety/Education Class 8:00am – 4:00pmMonday, September 12 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, September 13 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – duskThursday, September 15 Cub Scout Troop 694 Meeting 7:00pmMonday, September 19 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, September 20 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, September 21 Monthly Dinner Meeting 6:30pmMonday, September 26 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, September 27 Sporting Clays Finale 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, September 28 Board of Governors Meeting

SEPTEMBER

Monday, August 1 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, August 2 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – duskSaturday, August 6 Ruffed Grouse Society Fun Shoot & Sporting Clays Challenge 12:30pm – 6:00pmSunday, August 7 3D Archery Shoot 9:00am – 3:00pmMonday, August 8 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, August 9 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Saturday, August 13 Adopt-A-Road Clean up 8:30amSaturday, August 13 Chapter House Clean Up 9:00amMonday, August 15 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, August 16 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, August 17 Monthly Dinner Meeting 6:30pmThursday, August 18 Cub Scout Troop 694 Meeting 7:00pmSunday, August 21 3D Archery Shoot 9:00am – 3:00pmMonday, August 22 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, August 23 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, August 24 Board of Governors Meeting 7:30pmMonday, August 29 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, August 30 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

AUGUST

JULYTuesday, July 5 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – duskSunday, July 10 3D Archery Shoot 9:00am – 3:00pmMonday, July 11 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, July 12 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – duskSunday, July 17 Chapter House Clean Up 9:00amMonday, July 18 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, July 19 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, July 20 Monthly Dinner Meeting 6:30pmThursday, July 21 Cub Scout Troop 694 Meeting 7:00pmSunday, July 24 3D Archery Shoot 9:00am – 3:00pmMonday, July 25 Boy Scout Troop 496 Meeting 7:30pmTuesday, July 26 Sporting Clays 3:00pm – dusk

Wednesday, July 27 Board of Governors Meeting 7:30pm

Hunter Safety John Lamb

On September 10 and 11, the chapter will host one of itsbi-annual Hunter Safety/Education courses. This class is free ofcharge and open to anyone wishing to get certified throughthe State of Maryland. All new potential hunters must enroll-in and satisfy a certification program. Our class is a 2-daycourse from 8:00am to 4:00pm on each day. I do encouragethose hunters whom are exempt from completing this pro-gram due to grandfather clauses to enroll as well. Typically,the class age range runs from 6 – 75 years of age. The certifi-cation is recognized throughout the U.S and all over theworld.

All participants must enroll online with the State ofMaryland. Pull up Register-ed.com, click on Maryland, click onHunter Education Classroom Course, and find the date withPoolesville IWLA location. The site will ask a few questionspertaining to the student from there on. Once enrolled, markthe date on your calendar and then wait for furtherannouncements. You can cancel your enrollment at any timeif needed but please try to do so at least a week ahead oftime so that another student may occupy that spot.

Students should bring a lunch and an enthusiastic learningattitude. The state will provide all other materials required.Members wishing to work off volunteer hours are welcometo assist. If you have any questions, please contact me at jpatricklamb@aol.com.

Beginning Hunting Seminar UpdateMark Gochnour

Scott Harmon and Mark Gochnour taught the third annualBeginning Hunting Seminar on June 4. There were nine par-ticipants in this year’s group. The cost of the seminarremained at $10 that included the manual given to the atten-dees (printed by Franklin Press of Poolesville). Mark and Scottshared their own personal experiences and knowledgegained over 3/4 of a century of hunting. A couple of theattendees had hunted when they were younger but werenew to this area, nor were they familiar with hunting on theproperty or in the state at all. Others were trying to learn howto hunt different species than they had in the past. Huntingskills and preparation, ethics, the need to practice with one’sweapon of choice, and scouting ahead of time were empha-sized among other things. Several phone apps were suggest-ed to aid in hunting including BackCountry Navigator. Theculmination of the seminar was the woods walk where loca-tions for tree stands were discussed, deer trails were pointedout, plants and trees identified, and the property explored. Amajor disappointment was the amount of trash found on theproperty while on the walk. Please remove your drink con-tainers, food wrappers and other stuff when you leave ourwoods!

The evaluations of the seminar continue to reinforce thatwhat is taught is very useful and that the Mark and Scott areon the right track. As usual, someone wanted a deer fielddressed, another wanted more on setting up a bow andputting up a treestand, and something new- there was arequest to teach participants how to film their hunt. Thesesuggestions and others will be considered for next year’s ses-sion.

The seminar is usually held the first Saturday of June, sopencil in that date on your calendar now. It is a worthwhileday to improve/reinforce your own hunting knowledge andskills. Inviting your family and friends is recommended.

July 2016 5

Have you Accessed the B-CC IWLAWebsite?R. Tucker Mostrom301 252-TUCK (8825) Tucker.Mostrom@gmail.com

The B-CC IWLA chapter website is fast becoming the fastestavenue to access current events, news, and opportunities tojoin the efforts of your fellow Ikes in making our corner ofPoolesville, our section of the Agricultural Reserve, and ourleading efforts in conservation “cool” again.

I need folks with a desire to communicate to help with theMedia Committee. We publish chapter content through emailand the chapter website (www.bcciwla.org). The ongoing,monthly, and ad hoc publications are getting a little over-whelming for this committee of one.

Contact me with your interest and ideas atMedia.BCC.IWLA@gmail.com.

As a member of the B-CC IWLA, I want to do my part and contribute the following amount to the B-CC IWLA LandFund Campaign.

Name

Address

City State Zip

$50 $100 $200 $500 $1000 OTHERYour contribution is tax deductible.

Please mail contribution form and check (written out to B-CC IWLA) to Lynn Adams, B-CC IWLA, PO Box 542, Poolesville, MD 20837

2016 Land Fund

Please submit all articles for the August 2016newsletter NO LATER THAN FRIDAY, JULY 29.

NEWSLETTER DEADLINE

6 July 2016

Shotgun Range ReportWarner Parks 301 540-1947 (Home) 240 620-6942 (Cell)wparks29@gmail.com

I would like to thank everyone who helped make theFather’s Day shoot a success. I would like to remind all mem-bers that Tuesday night is for Sporting Clays only; anyonewanting to shoot please arrive as early as you can becausesquads fill up quickly.

Please remember to stand to the side when cocking allarms. THE TRAP MACHINE needs a few minutes to warm upbefore you cock the throwing arm. Please refill and restockthe skeet houses and uncock all machines when done shoot-ing; this is currently not being done. Additional targets arestored in the container next to the parking lot, the trailerunder the tower, and the low skeet house on the left field.

Remember to pick up your empty shotgun shells and trashwhen finished shooting. Please keep the range clean andrestocked for the next range officer and shooters.

All Shotgun Range Equipment is to be used by pre-quali-fied Shotgun Range Officers ONLY. If any equipment is mal-functioning please let me or Joel know ASAP.

RANGE OFFICER SCHEDULE

JULY Sunday, July 3 Mike Noble, José SaizSunday, July 10 John Thereult, Kohler BraffordSunday, July 17 Hal Krause Sunday, July 24 Stephen Poss, Mark ShankerSunday, July 31 Need R.O.

AUGUST Sunday, August 7 Mike Noble, Jim CawSunday, August 14 John KipferSunday, August 21 Ted Whitehouse, Larry CamperSunday, August 28 Richard Drummond

HOURS OF OPERATION Sunday’s 9:00am to 5:00pm Trap, Skeet, Sporting ClaysTuesday’s 3:00pm until Dusk Sporting Clays

DINNER MEETING

The 968th regular dinner meeting will be held onWednesday, July 20 at the B-CC IWLA ChapterHouse. Dinner will be served at 6:30pm. All mem-bers and guests are invited.

Appetizers will be available before dinner. Dinnerthis month will include Salad, Roasted Pork Loin,Vegetables, Mashed Potatoes, Rolls, Ice Tea, andDessert.

BOARD OF GOVERNORS MEETING

The Board of Governors meeting will be held at theB-CC IWLA Chapter House on Wednesday, July27 at 7:30pm. Board members are expected toattend.

Rifle & Pistol Range ReportThoran Menser, Chairman301 972-8353 bcciwla.rp@gmail.com

Chris Efdimis, Chief Range Officer240 372-2258 bcciwla.rp@gmail.com

RANGE OFFICER SCHEDULEJULYSaturday, July 2 Mezick, B., Sullivan, T., Shanley, P.,

Rogers, B., Bruno, F.Sunday, July 3 Shanley, P., Mezick, B., Abid, G.,

Pumphrey, W.Saturday, July 9 Stokes, S., Burns, M. Behrend, D.,

Peterson, H.Sunday, July 10 Burns, M., Dickerson, C., Peterson, H.,

Hamilton, J.Saturday, July 16 Stokes, S., Behrend, D., Johnson, G.,

Mendoza, M.Sunday, July 17 Abid, G., Gallagher, J., Mendoza, M.,

Hammes, P.Saturday, July 23 Kiser, J., Gallagher, J., Smith, E.,

Canali, L.Sunday, July 24 Chen, G., Cho, B., Hammes, P., Canali, L.Saturday, July 30 TBDSunday, July 31 TBD

AUGUSTSaturday, August 6 Rogers, B., Hensley, J., Maisel, J.,

Griffin, J.Sunday, August 7 Hensley, J., Nichols, W., Bush, L., Bush, L.Saturday, August 13 Nichols, W., Mullis, A., Neilly, J.,

Flinchum, D. Sunday, August 14 Mullis, A., Watt, D., Flinchhum, D.,

Konrad, E.Saturday, August 20 Belendiuk, A., Smith, E.D., Kendall, R.Sunday, August 21 Watt, D., Cho, B., Hill, D., Adams, J.Saturday, August 27 Gori, R., Campagna, C., Leahy, M.,

Zoulis, A.Sunday, August 28 Leahy, M., Belendiuk, A., Bryan, T.

THANK YOU!A big thank you goes out to Brian King who built a wagon

path from the R&P road to the range through the trees.Members may pull down to the gate to unload and access therange before they move their cars to the parking areas.

Adopt-A-Road ProgramInterested members

are invited to partici-pate in the chapter’sAdopt-A-Road program.Join our team on thescheduled dates below.Bags, gloves, and orangetraffic vests will be madeavailable for those whoparticipate.

Questions concern-ing the upcoming roadcleanups can be directedto John Robinson, 301641-1188.

SCHEDULE

Date Time Location

Saturday, August 13 8:30am Chapter HouseSaturday, October 8 8:30am Chapter HouseSaturday, December 10 8:30am Chapter House

July 2016 7

Welcome to the B-CC IWLA FamilyThe following members were inducted at the June

Dinner Meeting

Wai Chung. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 252-7781Interests: Rifle & Pistol, Shooting Sports

Peyton Ford. . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 520-3685Interests: All

Harold Hedrick . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 598-3574Interests: Ponds & Streams, Scout Camp, Youth Activities

Harold Hoffman . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 703 893-4759Interests: Photography, Rifle & Pistol, Shooting Sports

Jesse Knuth . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 693-8827Family: Chris, Interests: Archery, Hunter Safety, Rifle & Pistol

Carlos Lustra . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 519-9539Family: SheriInterests: Archery, Photography, Rifle & Pistol

Nelson Morais . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 202 234-4988Family: Susan, Michael, BrianInterests: Nature Trail, Photography, Rifle & Pistol

Martin Plante . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . 301 949-6359Interests: Photography, Rifle & Pistol, Shooting Sports

Something wants to eat you!(Reprint of 2013 article)Don Perinodperino@verizon.net

What is the most dangerous creature that you’re likely toencounter on our Chapter property? Your first thoughtsmight include a bear or a snake. Yes, those are potentiallydangerous animals, but neither of them considers a human tobe a source of food. However, there is a type of creature outthere searching for a human meal. It’s the deer tick. Deer ticks(more accurately named Black-legged Ticks) present a possi-ble danger because they are known to carry as many as tendifferent diseases. These diseases include Lyme disease andRocky Mountain spotted fever.

KNOW YOUR ENEMYIt’s useful to know how to recognize deer ticks. You may

have heard that they are tiny – about the same size as theperiod at the end of a sentence in the newspaper. On theother hand, you may have found a much larger tick crawlingon your clothing. So how big are they? It turns out that deerticks come in three sizes because they go through differentstages of their life-cycle.

THREE SIZES, THREE THREATSDifferent size deer ticks are more active at different times

of the year. Here’s how it works. In early spring the adultfemale ticks lay their eggs. Each female produces about 3,000eggs that won’t hatch until the beginning of July. Thesenewly hatched deer ticks (called larvae) are very tiny. They arehard to see if they get on your body. These larvae are aboutthe size of a period at the end of a sentence. The good newsis that larvae prefer to attach themselves to mice and birds,not people. They don’t initially carry disease. And, once theyfeed, they don’t feed again. Therefore, it’s unlikely you’ll getinfected from this kind of deer tick. They are active all sum-mer (peak in August) and then become dormant until theytransform into the next stage, called nymphs.

In the fall, medium size deer ticks called nymphs emerge.They are about the size of a poppy seed. In theory nymphs canbe active anytime in fall or winter when temperatures areabove 45 degrees. The main danger from these second-stagedeer ticks begins the following May when they start huntingin earnest. All summer long nymphs will wait on the edge ofa leaf or a blade of grass until an animal or person brushespast and then they hop on. May through July is the peak sea-son for this stage of deer tick. At this point in their life cycle,about 25% of the ticks carry a disease.

After a nymph feeds from its host it drops off and trans-forms into an adult. These larger adult deer ticks, about thesize of an apple seed, are easier to see. About 50% carry dis-ease. Adult ticks actively seek a blood meal throughout the

fall. Their peak activity is October through November. Thosethat fail to find a host in the fall will try again in early springof the following year.

HOW TO DEAL WITH TICKSSeveral things can be done to help prevent tick bites:

1. Use a repellant such as Permethrin and/or DEET (Note:Permethrin works best).

2. Wear light colored clothing. This makes it easier to see thetick.

3. Consider wearing long pants and tucking them into yoursocks.

4. Do a tick check when you return home.

5. A handy way to capture and dispose of a tick is with adhe-sive tape.

If you do find a tick embedded in your skin don’t panic. It’sreported that the danger of infection is low if it’s removedduring the first day. Use tweezers to grasp the tick as close tothe skin as possible. Then pull backwards with steady pres-sure. Be careful to not squeeze the rear body of the tickbecause that will squeeze out the body fluids that may carrydisease. After the tick is removed, wash the area and applyalcohol or another disinfectant. Try to remove any mouthparts that are stuck in the skin. But if you can’t remove themyour body will probably expel them on it’s own.

The Bethesda-Chevy Chase Chapter ofThe Izaak Walton League of AmericaPO Box 542Poolesville, MD 20837-0542

FIRST CLASSU.S. POSTAGE

PAIDPermit #3878Suburban, MD

JULY 2016 SKYWATCHVenus and Mercury Returnby Dennis Herrmann

At the very end of July Mercury and Venus will touch thewestern horizon in twilight; 30 to 45 minutes after the Sunsets. Because neither gains much altitude, binoculars will helppull them into view out of the twilight sky. Venus will first bevisible at a bright –3.9 magnitude around July 25 – but it willonly be some 3 degrees above the horizon. Mercury at –0.6magnitude is a few degrees above Venus then, and over thenext 8 days or so, it will appear to ascend. By the 31st, it willbe 6 degrees above the western horizon 30 minutes after sun-set. Venus will still be below Mercury, but because it is somuch brighter, it will be easier to spot.

Though both Venus and Mercury are back in view, it willnot be an easy task to see them. A good clear view to thewestern horizon is necessary. Mercury will move quickly backinto conjunction with the Sun into August, but Venus will

continue to rise higher and become easier to see next monthand into September as well. Skywatchers though, should givea shot to finding them.

Jupiter comes into prominence as Venus and Mercury setand the sky darkens. It is still 25 degrees above the westernhorizon and gleams at –1.9 in magnitude. By the end of Julythough, Jupiter will only be 10 degrees up a half hour aftersunset. Jupiter’s four big moons will continue to put on agood show throughout the month as seen through small tele-scopes or good binoculars.

Mars is due south all month and bright at –1.4 magnitudeamong the dim stars of Libra. It has faded in brightness as wehave moved away from it in our faster, smaller orbit, but it isstill easy to see. It will continue to fade (about 40% in bright-ness) through July, but surface features can still be seen insmall telescopes. This includes the north polar ice cap of Mars.Saturn trails Mars across the southern sky just above Scorpiusin the constellation of Ophiuchus. Saturn is moving awayfrom Earth too, but it fades very little in brightness becauseits rings are tilted toward us, and they reflect even more lightthan the planet itself. Therefore the loss of brightness is onlyfrom +0.1 to +0.3. Again, the rings, the cloud bands and thedots of light around Saturn (its moons) are all easily seen intelescopes – and very impressive.

A neat event occurs on the morning of July 29 when thewaning crescent Moon (23% lit) will pass directly in front ofAldebaran, the brightest star in Taurus the Bull. We call suchan event an OCCULTATION. This will occur in the early morn-ing sky before the Sun rises.

New Moon phase is July 4; 1st Quarter Moon is July 11; FullMoon comes on July 19; and Last Quarter is on July 26.