ORCATS

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This year's ORCATS picnic at the KatyDean Ranch was as enjoyable as past picnics. Once more Don and Kathy Dean were excellent hosts as usual.

For those who could make it on Friday, the day began in Columbus, Ohio, touring first the American Whistle Factory, the only U.S. based company producing whistles many of which are hanging around the necks of NFL and NBA referees as well as in the hands of many police personnel throughout the country. The factory is small despite the large volume of whistles, the company produces annually. Our tour guide showed us a gold plated version made for a one time use in a Super Bowl game.

From the factory, we traveled southeast to the Franklin Park Conservatory, a delight for all budding botanists! The conservatory had a large selection of plant varieties including rain forest, desert and regular types including a room filled with plants and large varieties of butterflies flying freely in the area! Decorating the area and hidden among the plants were exhibits of Dale Chihuly glass sculptures. This really is an amazing place to visit.

The day rounded out as those who were around on Friday spent a lovely evening chatting surrounded by the lake and the nature at KatyDean Ranch. In attendance were Bill Jake, Evelyn Ryan, Jim Widner, Ken Piletic, Don and Kathy Dean.

Saturday brought in an additional group including Larry and Pat Evans, Mary Widner, Steve and Jean Scalzo, Jerry and Dottie. Besides large selection of delicious goodies, Bill Jaker produced and directed an ORCATS radio play, the Seven Minute Mystery. Though it is the raw footage, here is a video I took of the rehearsal and play. Unfortunately, the first part had people standing in front of the unattended camera. Bill is preparing a final copy with sound effects.

The day ended with everyone deciding to do it again next year. So make tentative plans to attend! We missed seeing Dan Riedstra and family as well as Dave Phaneuf!

If you click on the map below, it will take you to the Google map site if you want to examine the route in more detail.