Thumbs up to the opening of trout season tomorrow. We know that for some, trout fishing comes close to being a religious experience, especially for fly fishermen.
It is, however, a sport within reach of everyone since you do not really need expensive or fancy tackle nor a boat and motor and all the other accouterments that, say, serious bass fishermen use. A rod with a spinning or spin-casting reel, some hooks and a can of night crawlers are all you need to go after the lively brown trout that have been stocked in some eight inland streams in Chautauqua County and 30 streams and lakes in Cattaraugus County.
We suppose one of the satisfying aspects of trout fishing, though, is that is does, indeed, take a degree of practice, skill and patience - and so the reward always feels well-earned.
Many a year, trout season has opened with a snow storm, and so tomorrow's forecast of partial sun and temperatures in the low-50s sounds just about perfect.
Thumbs up to the Kennedy Pride Committee for once again sponsoring a ceremony to properly retire worn or faded Americans flags at its mid-June meeting. Flags to be retired may be dropped off at the Kennedy Library or town clerk's office during their regular business hours. New flags are available at both places, by the way. And thumbs up to Roland Swanson for the reminder.
Thumbs up to those of you who answer the call from the American Red Cross for volunteers to help at local blood drives. The Southwestern New York Chapter needs volunteers to help at its location in Jamestown and at various mobile blood drives throughout the county. You would be helping with registration and serving refreshments - and your commitment would amount to two or three hours a month.
It is a mighty worthy cause and so if you feel you can spare the time, contact Amanda Farnham at 664-5115 or email Amanda.Farnham@redcross.org.
And finally on this last day of March, thumbs up to Audubon intern Elyse Johnson for creating a booklet and a self-guided nature trail at the Audubon Center. You and your children will find numbered posts along the half-mile trail and a corresponding page of information in the booklet telling you what you are likely to see. Yes, take your children, but leave your pets at home. The trail is paved for easy walking and is suitable for strollers and wheelchairs as well.
There is no charge to walk the trails at the Audubon Center on Riverside Road just off Route 62 between Jamestown and Warren. Booklets are available 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Monday through Saturday and 1 to 5 p.m. Sunday at the front desk.