H H H H H H H
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AMERICAN HOMING PIGEON FANCIERS, INC. H H H H H H H
INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AMERICAN HOMING PIGEON FANCIERS, INC.
President 1st Vice President - 4th Vice President - Kevin Williams Help-A-Beginner and Scholarship Chairman 150 Tremont St Youth Membership and Bylaws Chairman Braintree Ma, 02184 Sam Pixley Scott Landry Phone: (617) 281-6688 34 Mills Hollow Drive 11 Evergreen Lane sgtwindows@mail.com Fredricksburg Va. 22406 Industry, ME 04938 Phone: (540)752-9014 Phone: (207) 491-9041 Past President/Advisor [email protected] [email protected] Richard Smith 289 W. Valley Stream Blvd. 2nd Vice President - Legal Adviser Valley Stream, NY. 11580 Lost Bird Coordinator Thomas R. Scanlon, Esq. Phone: (516) 812-9711 Sal Lama 828 Hempstead Tpke., Suite 1 Fax: (516) 485-2342 17820 Monteverde Dr. Franklin Square, NY 11010 [email protected] Spring Hill, FL, 34610 Phone (516) 280-8448 Ext. 301 Phone: (727) 364-7554 [email protected] Secretary and [email protected] SkyTalk Editor Database Administrator Susan Hurrell 3rd Vice President - Sami Eljamali P.O. Box C Registered Champion 16 Moriches Middle Island Rd. Clark Mills, NY 13321 Chair and Awards Shirley, NY 11967 Phone: (315) 765-8136 James Walker (347) 834-7795 [email protected] 309 Green Avenue [email protected] Lyndhurst, NJ. 07071 Treasurer Phone: (201) 939-3142 Southern Representative John Gallagher John Gallagher 15 John Quincy Lane 9363 Bradey St Weymouth, MA 02191 H H H H H H H Springhill, FL. 34608 Phone: (352) 398-9996 Phone: (781) 254-6426 [email protected]
Managed by Active Pigeon Flyers since 1881.
www.IFPigeon.com www.DaybreakDesign.net SkyTalk Table of Contents 2021 President’s Message...... 12 Secretary Message...... 24 H H H H H H H The Exclusive: I-Com Band...... 24 2022 Band Price List...... 25 2021 I.F. Band Listing...... 27 Stafford Veteran Raises Birds for Racing - By: James Scott Baron. . . . . 42 SkyTalk 2022 Advertising Rates...... 45 2020 I.F. Hall of Fame - Young Bird Awards...... 46 2020 Champion Loft Results - Young Birds...... 47 2020 I.F. Hall of Fame - Old Bird Awards ...... 48 2020 Champion Loft Results - Old Birds...... 49 1999-2020 Registered Champions Results...... 50 Check the IF Website for 2020 I.F. Speed Records Young & Old Birds...... 51 updates & news. I.F. Help-A-Beginner Application...... 53 Scholarship Rules & Application...... 54 WWW.IFPIGEON.COM Registered Champion Certificate Rules & Application...... 56 Champion Loft Award Rules & Entry Form...... 58 All club forms can be Person of the Year Entry Form ...... 60 found on the Individual Membership Application...... 61 IF Website. Speed Records Award Entry Form...... 62 Rookie of the Year Entry Form...... 63 Hall of Fame Rules & Entry Form...... 64 Past IF Convention Photo Collage...... 68 What the I.F. Can Do for You ...... 70 Financial Burdens Flying Pigeons - By Erik Hall ...... 71 A Blast from the Past...... 72 Spotlight Lofts - By Erik Hall...... 73 - Spotlight On Vinnie Torre - Hillside Loft...... 74 - Spotlight Loft On Sal Rodriquez...... 77 - Spotlight Loft On Joe & Fran Politi ...... 80 - Spotlight Loft On Don Hart ...... 82 2020 I.F. Person of the Year ...... 85 2021 I.F. 140th Convention Information...... 86 The IF $1,000 Scholarship Program...... 88 Advertiser’s Index...... 90
Publisher: International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers, Inc. Editor: Susan Hurrell Design & Layout: www.DaybreakDesign.net
SkyTalk 2021 — 3 DEVRIENDTS ERIK Lutz, FL 33549 [email protected] JANSSENS HALL 631-774-8238 VANDENABEELE'S
I have won over 150 races competing against the best on Long Island including all the major futurities and derbies. I have also bred over 100 winners for some of the best lofts in the USA. Since my retirement in 2017 to Florida I no longer race, I have kept these families intact over the years without any crossing of other families. Keeping the families intact using an excellent genetic pool based not only on pedigree, but on performance, these families have proved the test of time while so many have come and gone. Some accomplishments in 2019: AU Convention race / IF Convention race 8 birds clocked, 6 different lofts, 7 in the money, 1st breeders championship / LCM Futurity, NJ, 80 lofts 3 birds entered, 10th, 15th / Plains Classic 3rd / LS Futurity 4th / U-10 $50 band race, Spring Hill, FL 1st / Challenge Race, Spring Hill, FL 14th / Flamingo One Loft, 250 mile 1st, 8th (eq.1st.) / Flamingo One Loft 325 mile final race 8th (eq 1st).
DEVRIENDTS Since 1971—From the imports that came in to this country in the 60’s and the great one’s from Campbell Strange; LODI, STRIKER, MR. MAGOO, NUES, etc. JANSSENS
Since 1976—From the DEKLAK imports from Ed Jankowski with only the additions of direct DeKlak’s from imports.
Since 2017—From The best available breeding from grandchildren on RUDY, SUPER ROMEO, PRE OLYMPIC,
VANDENABEELE'S THE PERFECT COCK, GOLDEN GABY, DAVINA, DURHAM DAZZLER, INBRED BLIKSEM, etc.
4 – SkyTalk 2021 www.DaybreakDesign.net For Healthier, Better Performing Birds, Specify… PrimaLac ® Microbials for Pigeons
Most pigeons need help maintaining proper microbial balance to control a wide range of bad bacteria. Used by Dr. John Kazmierczak as an aid in the prevention and control of E. coli and Salmonella in his pigeons, PrimaLac colonizes the intestinal tract with ©Foto: Peter van Raamsdonk. van Peter ©Foto: good bacteria resulting in firmer droppings and improved feather quality.
Field Tested. Field Proven. Since 1974, Star-Labs has been committed to improving avian health and performance with PrimaLac Microbial Cultures. Today, Star-Labs is the leader in Direct-Fed Microbials for pigeons. The unique blend of beneficial bacteria in PrimaLac can offer breeders of all A source of live types of pigeons an edge in raising better performing, (viable) healthier birds. naturally occuring microorganisms • Compatible with other medications.
To order PrimaLac Pigeon Water Soluble or for more information, contact:
P.O. Box 77 • Clarksdale, MO 64430 800-894-5396 • Fax: 816-667-5427 e-mail: [email protected]
©2004 Star-Labs/Forage Research, Inc. All rights reserved.
SkyTalk 2021 — 5 Contact us for NEW cost-saving shipping ideas!
6 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 Flamingo International Challenge One of the is starting its 21st Year! LONGEST Running There will be a 4 Race series: 150, 200, 250 and 350 mile races 150 mile race Average Speed ONLY and ONE LOFT PRIZES in the 200, 250 and 350 RACES Races! Birds will be accepted February 15, 2021 until July 1, 2021 Live clocking in races & training via Win Companion Brooksville, FL
First Place with 1000 paid $100,000 entries 1st red-colored pigeon & 1st white-colored pigeon in the 350 mile race win 1000.00!
JOIN the Excitement! .com www.flamingoic
Perch fees are 100.00 per bird or 6 for 500.00. Entry fee is 300.00 Due after the 100 mile training toss. There will be a 100.00 Silver Option & a 250.00 Gold option in the 350 mile race. Prizes will be based on paid entries in the 150 mile race. The 350 mile race will split first drop & then clocking position after that. 350 mile race Monday November 29, 2021. We will have a 4 Race series, 150, 200, 250 and a 350 mile race. There will be a 400 mile race 2 weeks after the 350 mile race 200.00 per Bird. Birds will be vaccinated for PMV. Contacts: Jim Milligan at 352-279-0671 John Gallagher at 352-398-9969 or email: [email protected] Hernis (Grande) Rodrigues at 786-380-9681 Flamingo International Challenge 11350 Sunshine Grove Road, Brooksville, FL 34614 2021 Long Island Challenge 300 Mile Young Bird Race
Only $20 entry fee per bird. Use your own bands. PRIZES SPLIT 50% HANDLER / 50% BREEDER 2021 Auction Dates: 2/21/21, 3/21/21 & 4/25/21 Race entry birds are auctioned off to handlers on these dates.
Race Date: 10/31/2021 (Any date changes will be posted at www.pigeonring.com) Race results as well as YB races leading up to the big race to be posted at www.pigeonring.com. Birds are auctioned off to SLI club members as handlers. Birds become the property of the Handler.
Please have birds arrive 1-3 days before auction dates. Send $20 entry fee per bird along with birds. (Checks made out to “John Leggio – SLI Club”) (ENTRY FORM can be obtained from www.pigeonring.com)
Congratulations to the 2020 1st PLACE WINNER (20/SCHOLAR-25999)
Breeder/Handler: Joe Colondona of JAPS Loft
Contact someone from the list below to arrange shipping birds into the Race. Name Loft Name Phone 300mi. Distance Email Baynon, Cliff LUDO/TDM prefers email 337.237 [email protected] Colondona, Joe JAPS Loft 631-960-3696 331.959 [email protected] Leggio, John J.Leggio & Son 631-655-7167 331.586 [email protected]
Race Sponsor:
8 – SkyTalk 2021 METUCHEN SHOOTOUT RACE & AUCTION * OPEN TO ALL NJ & NY FLYERS 2021* 250 Mile Young Bird Race & Auction Race LIBERATED FROM SOMERSET PA. Ships Friday OCT. 8TH 2021 BASKETING 7:00 - 10:00 PM LIBERATION SATURDAY OCT. 9TH QUEEN CITY CLUB HOUSE at: 1811 BRUNELLA AVE. PISCATWAY, NJ 08854 (DO NOT MAIL) CLUB PHONE 732-752-0223 2500 Points FIRST PRIZE! STEVE BALOG SR MEMORIAL AUCTION SHIPS WITH THE METUCHEN SHOOTOUT / SEPARATE LIBERATIONS HONORING ALL THE FALLEN FANICERS THAT HAVE CONTRIBUTED SO MUCH TO THE SPORT 1000 Points FIRST PRIZE guaranteed! SUNDAY MARCH 28TH AT THE QCP CLUB HOUSE: 1811 BRUNELLA AVE. PISCATWAY, NJ 08854 (DO NOT MAIL) BIRDS DISPLAYED AT: 12:00PM AUCTION STARTS AT 1:00PM BIRDS FROM AWARD WINNING LOFTS WILL BE UP FOR AUCTION! AUCTION PRIZES SPLIT 60% BREEDER 40% FLYER. LOCAL LOFTS MAY DONATE A MAXIMUM OF 5 BIRDS!
QCM FUTURITY RACE & AUCTION * OPEN TO ALL NJ & NY FLYERS 2021* 250 Mile Young Bird Race, Auction & 1 Bird Derby Ships Friday Sept. 17TH LIBERATION SATURDAY SEPT. 18TH FROM MADISON VA. BASKETING 7:00 - 10:00 PM FROM: QUEEN CITY CLUB HOUSE at: 1811 BRUNELLA AVE. PISCATWAY, NJ 08854 (DO NOT MAIL) CLUB PHONE 732-752-0223 2500 Points Guaranteed FIRST PRIZE! QCM AUCTION 1000 Points FIRST PRIZE Guaranteed! AUCTION PRIZES SPLIT 60% BREEDER 40% FLYER FRIDAY APRIL 9TH BIRDS DISPLAYED AT: 7:00PM AUCTION STARTS AT 8:00PM AT THE QUEEN CITY CLUB HOUSE at: 1811 BRUNELLA AVE. PISCATWAY, NJ 08854 (DO NOT MAIL) CLUB PHONE 732-752-0223 BIRDS FROM AWARD WINNING LOFTS WILL BE UP FOR AUCTION AGAIN!
CONTACT FOR OUT OF AREA ENTRY, AUCTION BANDS, FUTURITY BONDS & BANDS, ALL INFO: Wesley Wilczewski: 917-681-4468 929 Raritan Rd. Scotch Plains, NJ 07076 John Panek: 908-581-7262 Steve Balog Jr.: 732-718-4643 1120 Hanover St. Piscataway, NJ 08854 Baron Salcedo 551-208-4430 FOR MORE INFORMATION SEE US AT: WWW.QUEENCITYPIGEON.COM
SkyTalk 2021 — 9 Enjoy the Boston Area in the Fall with... The New England Derby
(ONE LOFT - 4 RACE SERIES - Over $200,000 in Prizes!) Accepting Pigeons March 1st thru May 1st 2021 • Replacements up until May 31st Projected Final Race Date: October 8, 2021
PERCH FEE: $150 / *SPECIAL* – 4 Birds for $500 (Due with shipping of birds) ***This perch fee is non-refundable*** Bands on all birds will be sealed for privacy. Pigeons will be chipped upon arrival. Youngsters will be treated for canker, coccidiosis and vaccinated for PMV upon arrival. All necessary products and supplements will be used to ensure the health of all birds. Training will begin in mid-August. ACTIVATION FEE: $450 per bird Activation race will be 120 miles. After the race, the breeders will have 7 days to pay the $450 activation fee. If the fee is not paid within 7 days, the bird will be sold to the public and the new buyer will own the bird. To be eligible for race prizes, a bird must be activated before the 1st race. Go to www.NewEnglandDerby.com for complete prize list & rules. 1st RACE - 125 MILES - Activation Race (No prizes average speed only) 2nd RACE - 153 MILES - September 2021 (Top 5 positions $1,000 each) 3rd RACE - 219 MILES - September 2021 (Prizes for Top 5 positions) 4th RACE - 316 MILES - October 2021 (Prizes for Top 10 positions) FINAL RACE - 406 MILES - October 2021 (1st Place $80,000!!!) * First prize for the final race will be split if there is more than one bird on the first drop. After that, prizes will be paid on clocking order with no splits.
AUCTION The Top 75 birds returned from the final race will be sold at auction on iDreamPigeons.com. The owner will receive 50% of the auction money after commission and expenses. Pedigrees must be provided for the auction or the breeder forfeits their 50%.
The New England Derby Loft Details 808 West Washington Street The New England Derby Loft is 200’ long x 16’ wide, Hanson, Massachusetts 02341 with an 8’ aviary on the front (or 200’ by 24’ loft). Box perches and solid floors for comfort. Contact Info: Hasan Prashkov The loft sits in the center of 100 acres and the loft manager’s home has a view of Cell: 617-504-2213 the entire loft and property. Email: [email protected]
www.NewEnglandDerby.com
10– SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 — 11 SkyTalk 2021 President’s H H H H H H H Message Richard Smith
I also would like to mention that Val Matteucci, after 21 years, has decided to retire his position of IF Secretary/ Greetings members! Treasurer. I have enjoyed working with Val and his service to our club has been invaluable. Many thanks to I would like to wish everyone a very happy, healthy 2021 Val for all his hard work! Susan Hurrell will be the new IF with good luck in the 2021 racing season. Also, a very Secretary. She is also the editor of the SkyTalk Magazine. big welcome to all new clubs and members that have John Gallagher stepped up to be the new IF Treasurer. I joined the IF in 2020. know both Susan and John will do a great job.
Racing season was quite a bit different this past year I want to make mention we lost IF member Doc Piaget with many races postponed or cancelled. As most of this year. A great pigeon flyer who attended many IF you are aware, the 2020 IF Convention was cancelled Conventions. Always a pleasure to talk to whether you also due to the pandemic. I am hopeful that we all can were a rookie or a seasoned flyer. get together again for this year’s 140th IF Convention I am sad to say we did not get any entries for the I.F. in Islip, NY on Long Island. The dates this year are Scholarship program this year. Our sport continues to November 4th through November 6th, hosted by be a great way to teach the youth responsibility, morals the Islip Homing Pigeon Club. Doug Franze is the and have some fun doing it. We need to help build our Convention Chair with Erik Hall and Rich Neske, as sport up with new junior flyers. Educate and share your Co-Chairs. The details start on page 86. Additional experiences with the kids and remind them we do have a information and updates will be posted on our website: scholarship program. www.IFPigeon.com and the host club website: www. islipracingpigeonclub.com. Please check those sites THANK YOU to all the SkyTalk advertisers. Please often for new and additional information. support our advertisers as they help support the I.F. and our sport. If you would like to write an article, create an As always, I encourage clubs and combines to advertisement to promote your loft, or announce a club host or co-host an I.F. convention. It’s a very good race, simply contact Susan Hurrell and she will make it opportunity to gain club exposure, momentum, prestige, happen. I would also like to thank Erik Hall for his hard membership recruitment and fund raising. Questions work on SkyTalk again this year with his writings. Great and concerns can be answered by some of our previous job Susan and Erik! It is the IF membership's magazine. convention chairs. We would like to see I.F. members go to new areas of the country and visit new lofts in The I.F. continues to stand behind drug testing. It the upcoming years. Let us know if you and your club/ is important and always will be important that as a combine are interested in hosting an I.F. Convention. collective group, we promote clean, fair and transparent races where the best birds/flyers win. There is protocol I would like to congratulate our 2020 "Person of the in place for drug testing and it works. I will continue to Year" recipient Kevin Williams. Kevin was the I.F.'s work on the drug testing program as well. 2nd Vice President and Youth Membership Chair for many years. Kevin was also the Chair for our 2019 IF Again, thank you to the new IF Officers for taking on Convention held in Boston, Massachusetts. He is a great new roles. It was my pleasure to serve as the IF President. flyer and an outstanding choice for 2020. Yours in the sport, Speaking of Kevin Williams, I am proud to announce H H H H H H H that as of January 1, 2021 we have a new slate of IF Richard Smith Officers which Kevin Williams will be the new IF President. I myself will step down and continue to be a part of this organization as an advisor. The complete list of new IF Officers is on the inside front cover.
12– SkyTalk 2021 NEW FOR 2021 HUDSON COUNTY HOMING PIGEON CLUB 99TH ANNIVERSARY
350 MILE BAND RACE WEST CONCOURSE Ships Thursday Oct 7th 2021 / Liberate Saturday Oct 9th 2021
RACE IS OPEN BY INVITATION ONLY
25000 Points Guaranteed to the Winner All additional prizes are based on the number of bands sold
Purchase 10 Bands for $1000 and an additional 10 (FULLY ACTIVATED) Insurance bands for $500 (Must Be Paid Upfront) or pay a $100 activation fee for each band on shipping night. All Bands must be paid for when received
For More Information Contact: Vinnie Torre: (201) 522-8599 Stanley Krawiec (732) 446-4842
OUT OF AREA ENTREES ARE WELCOME: MUST PURCHASE BANDS
Portion of the proceeds is to be donated to the St. Joseph School for the Blind Jersey City, NJ.
SkyTalk 2021 — 13 14 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 — 15
18 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 — 19 PERTH AMBOY RACING PIGEON CLUB
20 – SkyTalk 2021 BREAKTHRU PRODUCTS BREAKAWAY America’s #1 racing water supplement 16 oz. $18 Gallon $125 BREEDING EDGE Simply the best for breeding, growth moulting and maintenance 16 oz. $18 Gallon $125 A FEW DYN-O0MITE OF OUR The match that lights the fire in our breeding system 8 oz. $25 SPECIAL-K DIFFERENCE 10,000 MGB of B-12 per oz fabulous results on it 8 oz. $20 MAKERS RECHARGE The most effective electrolyte you will ever use 1 lb. $18 STINKY STUFF Vitamins, minerals, herbs, amino acids complete nutrition on feed 1 lb. $40 BLACK MAGIC Instantly absorbed high in iron and vitamins 8 oz. $20 ADENO ZAP It’s soon time for that yearly mess – Adeno Virus You know the symptoms, loose foul dropping, returning feed in crop in morning and upchucking of feed. Plus large losses if you train or race with it. Each year 100’s of flyers are able to greatly shorten the side effects above from Adeno Zap. Word of mouth alone has made it the #1 treatment. Adeno Zap will also help with any bacteria of E-Coli problem. Don’t wait until you need to order. Have it sitting in stock. 8 oz. $30
A Source of Excellence Since 1976 HOME ART LAB Flyte Pack consists of 2 performance Plus and 1 Performance Plus Booster a wide ranging vitamin at a great price $23.90 1 Pert $8.95 2 Pert $15.95 Performance Plus W – for stock birds and groing young as well as moult high in protein 3 for $23.90 1 for $8.95 2 for $15.95 8 oz. containers. RPC4 super bath powder for both conditioning feathers and removing lice 1 ½ lbs. $12.95 PoxDpy-2oz. apply to pox lesions to help quicken recovery $12 Elevation 8 oz. 18 amino acids plus herbs contains electrolytes helps restore aids fertility $25 HomeoPat 3 x 8 oz. for entgritis, loose dropping bacterial infections $23.85 ABA 18 oz. to protect against infections and virus picked up in shipping races or shows $13.95 FBB 3 A very potent probiotic only ¼ teaspoon per gallon, after infections, medications 4 oz. $17.95 ALPA 7 Gentian root extract for cleansing system invigorating birds 4 oz. $12.95 Formula 72 The blood builder, high in iron and B vitamins a must for flying and breeding 8 oz. $18.95 FTF The race day secret your competition will never tell you about 1000’s of 1st won 2 oz $38.95 NEW PRODUCTS Once – One drop in eye, one drop in nostril. Will clear eye irritation 2 oz. $26.00 Canker Away – Help remove canker from mouth and internal organs 8 oz. $20.00 Para Salmo – Excellent product for E-Coli and Salmonella 1 lb. $20.00 Cocci Plus – For Cocci, Thrush, and Apergillosis 8 o. $20.00
COMPLETELY NEW BREAKTHRU PRODUCTS 12005 WOODBRIDGE RD., GREENWOOD, DEL 19950 MANAGEMENT PH. 302-2584602 or Email: [email protected]
ALL PRICES IN U.S. DOLLARS. WE ACCEPT VISA, MASTERCARD & DISCOVER. ACTUAL SHIPPING CHARGES WILL APPLY TO ALL PRODUCTS.
SkyTalk 2021 — 21 22 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 — 23 H H H H H H H Secretary's Message
Hello All I.F. Members and Happy New Year!
First, a very special THANK YOU to all the SKYTALK advertisers who really help make this magazine happen. I truly enjoy working with all of you. Members, please support our advertisers. Also, a very special thank you to Erik Hall for all the hard work he puts into the I.F. SkyTalk to make it a success. We are happy to have loft interviews again. All your hard work is always appreciated. The IF SkyTalk Magazine is the membership's magazine. If you have a topic you would like to see published, contact me and I will try to make it happen.
I will start 2021 off as the new IF Secretary. Sincere thanks to Val & Patty Matteucci for all your help transitioning into this new role. I will have big shoes to fill after Val's 21 years in this position. Thank you again for all your help!
The Secretary Packet Mailing includes a copy of your club's 2021 membership list which must be updated with any additions/deletions/changes, a listing of various costs associated with bands, band order cards, information on diplomas, the IF Convention, etc. The price of stock bands are .60 per band. Complete pricing for I-Com bands are below and standard bands on the next page. Please note the deadline for ordering bands is APRIL 1st. NO EXCEPTIONS... I want to send the orders to the band manufacturers earlier, so the bands can be mailed before the Holiday rush in 2021. Please order enough bands, double-check your order, and refrain from making order changes which only delays the process.
I will mail out membership cards after dues are received. Please be sure to include BOTH a telephone number and an email address when sending in your membership renewal. It will be later than normal because of the transition period.
Please check the IF Website: www.IFPigeons.com for updates, convention information, current SkyTalk advertisers, awards, IF forms, and more. If you need to contact me, email is the fastest way you will get a response.
Good luck in this year's breeding & racing season! I look forward to hearing from you or seeing you at the I.F. convention.
Warm regards,
Susan Hurrell / IF Secretary & SkyTalk Editor / 315-765-8136 / Email: [email protected] (email fastest response)
THE EXCLUSIVE: I-COM BAND Available ONLY From The International Federation The I-Com band is used to band youngsters in the same manner as previous I.F. leg bands. The difference is, the separately purchased Electronic Race Chip then clips onto the I-Com band, leaving the other leg free for a second band, if desired. The e-chip may be installed at anytime.
The cost of the I-Com band is 60 cents each, the same price as regular stock bands. Stock bands and I-Com bands are sold in Units of 25 bands for $15.00 plus $8.00 shipping & handling. The cost of 100 I-Com bands is $110.00, plus I-Com rings may be ordered as your regular club $9.00 shipping. Costs are list on the next page. All IF bands band. The I-Com rings are available from the I.F. now. may be purchased by active I.F. members only/handling. Please order by contacting: The I.F. does not sell the chips for the I-Com rings at this Susan Hurrell, IF Secretary time, you must contact your E-Clock dealer and check P.O.Box C Email: [email protected] availability for your particular E-clock, and purchase the Clark Mills, NY 13321 Tel: (315) 765-8136 chips from them.
24 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 2022 Band Price List H H H H H H H Regular Band Or I-COM BANDS
NOTE: DEADLINE FOR ORDERING 2022 BANDS IS APRIL 1ST – NO EXCEPTIONS
1) CLUB/COMBINE/PERSONAL BANDS – REGULAR BANDS OR I-COM BANDS (Quantity in 100’s) – 2022 Color is Green. Different color – add $35.00 per order. Other colors are Blue, Orange, Yellow, Red & White.
QUANTITY PRICE POSTAGE TOTAL 1000 $350.00 $12.00 $362.00 900 300.00 12.00 312.00 800 290.00 10.00 300.00 700 285.00 10.00 295.00 600 280.00 10.00 290.00 500 275.00 10.00 285.00 400 250.00 9.00 259.00 300 175.00 9.00 184.00 200 150.00 9.00 159.00 100 110.00 9.00 119.00
NOTE: For Band Orders over 1000, following is a listing of the postage/handling fee to be added to each order. Please note when an order exceeds 1000 bands, the bands are .35 each (ex: 1100 x .35 = $385; 1500 x .35 = $525).
QUANTITY POSTAGE 1 - 1500 $14.00 1 - 2000 16.00 1 - 2500 18.00 1 - 3000 20.00 1 - 3500 22.00 1 - 4000 24.00 4000 & Over 30.00
2) STOCK BANDS – 2021 IF Stock Bands are available with the letter “E” or “Scholar” at .60 per band plus postage and handling. Minimum order is 25 bands. Additional orders are sold in increments of 25 bands. 3) I-COM BANDS – 2021 IF I-COM Bands, with the Letter “R”, are available at .60 per band plus postage and handling. Minimum order is 25 bands. Additional orders are sold in increments of 25 bands.
We have been informed by Gantner (I-Com Bands) that any change to the Color of the Year will cost an additional $250.00 per order. We have tried to change this rule, but to no avail.
BAND ORDER CARDS - Fill in ALL information legibly and return with payment for bands. Mail band orders with check made payable to IF of AHPF, Inc. and mail to: Susan Hurrell Telephone: (315) 765-8136 (Email communication is best/faster.) P.O. Box C Clark Mills, NY 13321 Email: [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 25 2021 THE ISLIP HOMING PIGEON CLUB OF LONG ISLAND
PROUDLY PRESENTS FOR OUT OF AREA FLYERS THE 250 MILE NASSAU SUFFOLK BAND RACE
USE YOUR OWN BANDS
ALL CAPITAL PRIZES SPLIT 50/50 HANDLER/BREEDER
YOU PICK THE HANDLER
ALSO IF YOU ARE FLYING IN OUR I.F. CONVENTION USE THE SAME BIRDS TO FLY BOTH RACES
SHIP ON OCT. 9, 2021 - LIBERATION ON OCT. 10, 2021 BIRDS WILL BE LIBERATED ON OUR LI COMBINE TRAILER
ALL BIRDS WILL ALSO BE ELIGIBLE TO FLY YEARLING RACE THE FOLLOWING YEAR YEARLINGS WILL BE LIBERATED WITH THE 250 MILE BUILDING FUND RACE
DRUG TESTING AND 5TH TIP RULE WILL APPLY RACE DECISION IS FINAL
FOR MORE INFORMATION CALL: DOUG FRANZ at 516-527-0748 RICH NESKE at 631-291-1913 ERIK HALL at 631-774-8238
26 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk H H H H H H H 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing H H H H H H H International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers, Inc.
3 AJ JUNIOR BARRERA 3 AMIGOS AJ Junior Barrera 3 Amigos Albert Janie, Jr. Narciso Barrera Joseph Swint 16 Westminster Dr. 2018 McKinney St 985 Waring Ave., Apt. 4E Shirley, NY 11967 Burlington, NC 27217 Bronx, NY 10469 (631) 291-7810 336-684-1030 (347) 248-6099 ARIZONA CHARLIE BB Arizona Charlie Bound Brook Club A Charles Cienega Ronald Kostecki A 1185 Kelli Ln. 172 Fairview Dr. I. F. Stock Cottonwood, AZ 86326 Neshanic Station, NJ 08853 Susan Hurrell (928) 300-2411 (908) 391-9093 P.O. Box C [email protected] [email protected] Clark Mills, NY 13321 (315) 765-8136 ATB BBF [email protected] American Trenton Breeders Bound Brook Homing Pigeon Club Jerry Johnson Ronald Kostecki ACA 07316 Lake Rd. 172 Fairview Dr. Anthracite Concourse Assoc. Hicksville, OH 43526 Neshanic Station, NJ 08853 Harvey Moore, Jr. (419) 956-7639 (908) 391-9093 333 Clarks Valley Rd. [email protected] Tower City, PA 17980 ATHENS, GA (717) 395-1168 Athens Area Racing Pigeon Club BFSC [email protected] Rance Wright Baltimore Pigeon F>S 171 Martin Pl. Mike Koethe ACS Arnoldsville, GA 30619 311 Edison St. Atlantic City Seashore Club (706) 742-8712 Baltimore, MD 21225 Dan Czarniak (410) 800-8648 30 Mordor Ave. B Hammonton, NJ 08037 BIG APPLE (609) 351-8732 B Big Apple Futurity [email protected] I.F. Stock Sal Bennici Susan Hurrell 314 Union St. AFL P.O. Box C Brooklyn, NY 11231 Ado Zohorovic Clark Mills, NY 13321 (646) 721-0019 7170 McBrayer Rd. (315) 765-8136 [email protected] Cumming, GA 30028 [email protected] (404) 392-3949 BONANZA BANA LOFT Connecticut Classic Club AIR Bana Loft Bob Carney AIR Tomasz Banasiak 2042 John Fitch Blvd. Joe Femminella 407 New Rd. S. Windsor, CT 06074 16 Gaymore Rd. Southampton, NJ 08088 (860) 967-6789 Port Jefferson Station, NY 11776 (856) 649-4169 (631) 474-5112 [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 27 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued BPFS CGO Baltimore Pigeon Fanciers Social C Central Georgia Open Mike Koethe C Heather Phitides 311 Edison St. I. F. Stock 1431 Knight Rd. Baltimore, MD 21225 Susan Hurrell Madison, GA 30650 (410) 800-8648 P.O. Box C (904) 677-1218 Clark Mills, NY 13321 BRA (315) 765-8136 CHEN LOFT Braintree Racing Pigeon Club [email protected] Chen Loft Dr. Dave Urnek Dave Chen 808 Commercial St. CAPITOL CITY 126 Red Oak Ln. Braintree, MA 02184 Capitol City Club Bangor, PA 18013 (484) 542-6888 (617) 823-0575 Stanley Krawiec [email protected] 4 Villanova Dr. Manalapan, NJ 07726 CLASSIC Connecticut Classic Club BRA-NWD (732) 446-4842 [email protected] Bob Carney Braintree Racing Pigeon Club 2042 John Fitch Blvd. Dr. Dave Urnek CC S. Windsor, CT 06074 808 Commercial St. (860) 967-6789 Braintree, MA 02184 Connecticut Classic Club Bob Carney (671) 823-0575 CLASSIC SURVIVA [email protected] 2042 John Fitch Blvd. S. Windsor, CT 06074 Classic Survival
(860) 967-6789 Luis Sosa BSC 1135 Ave. General Ramey Bay Shore Club CCC San Antonio, PR 00690 Charles Barbiere Carroll County Club (787) 975-8039 3 Houston St. Wayne Lowe Red Bank, NJ 07701 12001 Clyde Young Rd. CLAUSING (732) 530-7395 Woodsboro, MD 21798 Clausing [email protected] (301) 845-6715 David Clausing [email protected] P.O. Box 771 BSL Palmetto, FL 34220 Blue Sky Loft CCF (863) 444-0300 Teresa Hemminger Coastal Carolina Flyers [email protected] 10100 Grover Rd. Jerome Hickman Hanover, MI 49241 129 Tiff Lane CMC Central Mass. Club (517) 563-8495 Elizabeth City, NC 27909 Ray Cliche [email protected] (757) 576-7157 [email protected] 190 Bardwell St. Belchertown, MA 01007 BUFFALO CFL (413) 543-5750 Buffalo R.P.C. [email protected] George Huber CFL 70 Linwood Ave. Joe Colondona 61 Inlet View Path CMP Amherst, NY 14221 Central Maine Pigeon Flyers (716) 380-1576 E. Moriches, NY 11940 (631) 960-3696 Lee Gallant 530 Knox St. BXC CFZ Rumford, ME 04276 Bronx Homing Pigeon Club CFZ Loft (207) 357-7989 Clarence Griffin Chun Teng Zhang [email protected] 51 Minturn Rd. 4220 Lake Gentry Rd. Warwick, NY 10990 St. Cloud, FL 34772 (917) 807-6985 (321) 424-3075 [email protected]
28 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued
COPC DENNIS TERRIZZI E.F. PIGEON Carteret, Onslow Pigeon Club Dennis Terrizzi E.F. Pigeon Rex Straughan Dennis Terrizzi Joe Campione 347 Hogans Rd. 73 Park Lane Dr. 148 Lamar St. Hubert, NC 28539 Albertson, NY 11507 W. Babylon, NY 11704 (910) 330-2578 (516) 741-5483 (516) 640-6467 [email protected] [email protected] EAGLE LAKE LOFT COURT LOFT DIAMOND Eagle Lake Loft Court Loft Diamond Harold Lamons Sal Bennici Jack Marzillano 5035 Hamilton Rd. 314 Union St. 22 Hillberry Ln. Yoder, IN 46798 Brooklyn, NY 11231 Holbrook, NY 11741 (574) 575-3169 (646) 721-0019 (516) 607-5030 [email protected] [email protected] EARTHMAN CVHP DIAZ & SON Earthman Central VA Homing Pigeon Club Diaz & Son Paul Young Jenson Danny Campbell Tony Diaz 146 Skytop Dr. 2586 Camp Hydaway Rd. 602 Eldert Ln. Henderson, NV 89015 Lynchburg, VA 24501 Brooklyn, NY 11208 (970) 712-1551 (434) 942-1940 (718) 683-1266 [email protected] ECC CVI Effingham County R.P.C. Connellsville R.P.C. DINAS TIA SARAM John Carr Robert Morris Dinas Tia Saramo 1758 Courthouse Rd. 1748 Grindstone Rd. Salvador Rodriguez Guyton, GA 31312 Grindstone, PA 15442 2407 N. 3125 W. (912) 659-9347 (724) 677-0301 Clinton, UT 84015 [email protected] (801) 430-7784 CVR EMC Cumberland Valley R. P. C. DONOGHUE East Meadow Club Deb Albright Donoghue Tim McManus 1575 Salem Rd. Jesse Donoghue 26 Fordham St. Chambersburg, PA 17201 P.O. Box 991 Valley Stream, NY 11581 (717) 816-8698 Rimrock, AZ 86335 (516) 761-3471 [email protected] (631) 291-3723 Cell: (516) 761-3471 [email protected] D EMPIRE DZWONEK LOFT Empire DCUI Kris Dzwonek Dutchess County Ulster Invitational 28 Ewingville Rd. Tal Erglis Ray Pereira Ewing, NJ 08638 16 Gauthier Dr. 5 Farmview Rd. (609) 323-7392 Half Moon, NY 12065 Wappinger Falls, NY 12590 (518) 371-7949 (914) 760-5642 E EMPIRE-CA DEA E Empire-CA Dennis Aycock I. F. Stock Jim McInnes 5411 W. Monte Cristo Susan Hurrell 184 Hunt Rd. Glendale, AZ 85306 P.O. Box C Brighton, Ont, Canada K0K1H0 (602) 938-4962 Clark Mills, NY 13321 (613) 475-6052 [email protected] (315) 765-8136 [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 29 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued ERIE,PA FLY BY NIGHT GIG Erie Racing Pigeon Club Wilberto Aponte Golden Isles Of Georgia Bob Brown 2143 Corbin Ave. Bruce Lawson 3604 Bird Dr. New Britain, CT 06053 40 Pecan Rd. Erie, PA 16510 (860) 967-5732 Jesup, GA 31546 (814) 566-8453 (912) 221-0027 [email protected] FOYS [email protected] Foy's Pigeon Supplies ERP Jerry Gagne GOD Easton Racing Pigeon Club 453 Constitution Blvd. God Gary Karcher, Jr. New Brighton, PA 15066 Randall Jarrell (724) 843-6889 705 Sandford Rd. 375 Center St. [email protected] Pittsboro, NC 27312 Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (919) 210-2500 (908) 319-4129 FSC [email protected] [email protected] 50th State RPC Danny Lum GOH F 217 Kaia St. Gopher Hill Club Honolulu, HI 96813 Michael Smith F-16 LOFT (808) 536-6725 3033 Quail Rd. F-16 Loft [email protected] Sylvania, GA 30467 Slawomir Baginski (912) 425-0413 234 S. Frankfurt Ave. FSJ [email protected] Egg Harbor, NJ 08215 Rich Fox (609) 703-8967 Box 136 GOLD WINGS Summit Station, PA 17979 Gold Wings Loft FCC (570) 621-8923 Michelle Sonnie F. Colombofile Cuban 1346 Chestnut St. Gustavo Garcia FVC Douglassville, PA 19518 311 E. Third Ave. Frank Viola HPC (610) 582-1961 Roselle, NJ 07203 Joseph Swint [email protected] (908) 358-2414 985 Waring Ave., Apt. 4E Bronx, NY 10469 GPC FCON (347) 248-6099 Greater Philadelphia Club French Connection Loft Ray Dydak Bob French 4761 Garden St. 5014 W. Paradise Ln. G Philadelphia, PA 19137 Glendale, AZ 85306 GE (215) 288-7559 (602) 938-9306 Greater Elizabeth Club William Daniele GSB FFF 78 Oak St. Lindenhurst HPC Flying For Fun Carteret, NJ 07008 Joe Aprano John Lennon (732) 742-4982 5 Lewis Ave. 185 Four Leaf Clover [email protected] W. Babylon, NY 11704 Willard, NC 28478 (631) 661-4840 (910) 552-5003 GEF Greater Elizabeth Pigeon Club GURNAY, USA FJT William Daniele Gurnay Club Taranto Loft II 78 Oak St. Alan Dyar Frank Taranto, Sr. Carteret, NJ 07008 P.O. 2977 49 Glen Ave. (732) 742-4982 Yelm, WA 98597 Fairfield, NJ 07004 [email protected] (530) 598-6245 (973) 812-7938 [email protected] [email protected]
30 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued
GUSGUS HERMANOSCASTANE HPC Gusgus Hermanos Castaneda High Point Racing Pigeon Club Gustavo Hernandez Salvador Rodriguez Kenneth Robbins 11643 Patton Rd. 2407 N. 3125 W. 202 Back Creek Terrace Downey, CA 90241 Clinton, UT 84015 Asheboro, NC 27205 (562) 416-5467 (801) 430-7784 (336) 465-0858 [email protected] H HERO Hero HPL H PEER Sam Pirrone High Point Loft H Peer 4912 Comly St., Apt. B Bill Bonevelly Kenny Peer Philadelphia, PA 19135 27 Joan St. 10 White Oak Rd. (267) 538-2020 Wayne, NJ 07470 Parsippany, NJ 07054 (201) 538-6803 (973) 417-8085 HHC Hanover Homing Club HRFL HALL Lou Becker HRFL Hall 115 Old Waynesboro Hugo Rincon Erik Hall Fairfield, PA 17320 2002 Thornton Lansing Rd. 17534 Shadyside Circle (717) 989-6346 Lansing, IL 60438 Lutz, FL 33549 [email protected] (708) 906-5278 (631) 774-8238 [email protected] [email protected] HIP Hi-plane HUDSON COUNTY HANG Kevin Washington Hudson County Hang 8829 Pams Ave. Vincent Torre Chou Hang Richmond, VA 23237 647 Ratzer Rd. 5384 E. Tulare Ave. (804) 869-1428 Wayne, NJ 07470 Fresno, CA 93727 (201) 522-8599 (715) 781-4452 HOB [email protected] Hudson County HBG Vincent Torre HUDSON CTY Greater Harrisburg Pigeon Club 647 Ratzer Rd. Hudson Cty Arvel Freydenfelt Wayne, NJ 07470 Vincent Torre 723 Wyndamere Rd. (201) 522-8599 647 Ratzer Rd. Lewisberry, PA 17339 [email protected] Wayne, NJ 07470 (717) 979-5148 (201) 522-8599 [email protected] HOM [email protected] Heart Of Michigan Pigeon Club HC Ray Ashley HYLAN Hampton County R.P.C. 6196 Five Pt. Hwy. Hylan Melvin Drawdy Eaton Rapids, MI 48827 Nelson Ramos P.O. Box 9 (517) 663-1305 309 Dongan Hills Ave. Brunson, NC 29911 [email protected] Staten Island, NY 10305 (803) 842-6071 (917) 215-3000 HOMEWARD ANGELS [email protected] HDL Homeward Angels High Dimension Loft Leonard Meyers Raul Mejia P.O. Box 338 501 E. Vine Ave. Landrum, SC 29356-9450 McAllen, TX 78501 (864) 457-4676 (956) 639-1535 [email protected] [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 31 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued I J.L. LOFT JRC J.L. Loft Jamaica Rosedale Club IDF John Lauretti Joseph Swint Ideal R.P.C. 2566 Harvard Ln. 895 Waring Ave., Apt. 4E James Corso Seaford, NY 11783 Bronx, NY 10469 1224 46th St. (516) 587-4156 (347) 248-6099 N. Bergen, NJ 07047 (201) 867-2776 JAX JSC Cell: 201-450-4551 Jacksonville RPC Jersey Shore RPC Lizett Rodriguez Kurt Deyback IMC 7117 Oakney Rd. 1674 Harvard Ave. Indian Mills Club Jacksonville, FL 32211 Brick, NJ 08724 Tomasz Banasiak (904) 674-4636 (908) 433-6451 407 New Rd. [email protected] [email protected] Southampton, NJ 08088 (856) 649-4169 JERZY JUN Jerzy Jun IRPC Mike Bride Jun Y Zhang Interstate R.P. Combine 407 Sharon School Rd. 3623 Bridgeton Valley Cir. James Gretz Statesville, NC 28677 Bridgeton, MO 63044 141 Flowers Rd. (908) 303-0992 (646) 675-3977 New Alexandria, PA 15670-3054 [email protected] (724) 668-7616 JUTRAS [email protected] JESBRA LOFT Jutras Jesbra Loft Jerry Jutras ISL Waldemar Torres 102 Plains View Rd. Islip Homing Club P.O. Box 250600 Williamsburg, VA 23188 Doug Franz Aguadilla, PR 00604 (757) 876-4600 141 Brook St. (787) 384-5806 [email protected] Bay Shore, NY 11706 (516) 527-0748 JFR K Baltimore Pigeon F. S. ISLBR Mike Koethe K PEER Islip Club 311 Edison St. K Peer Doug Franz Baltimore, MD 21225 Kenny Peer 141 Brook St. (410) 800-8648 10 White Oak Rd. Bay Shore, NY 11706 Parsippany, NJ 07054 (516) 527-0748 JKMA (973) 417-8085 Suburban Combine, Inc. Gary Moore KING LOU RACE J 730 Sandra Ln. New Rochelle Club J & D LOFT Phoenixville, PA 19460-2322 Robert Waters J & D LOFT (610) 715-2090 326 King Ave. Don Giunta [email protected] Bronx, NY 10464 22 Ketchum Rd. (914) 497-7653 Hicksville, NY 11801 JOE & FRAN POLITI [email protected] (516) 987-1598 Joe & Fran Politi 172 Ballad Circle Holbrook, NY 11741 (631) 981-8915
32 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued
KOLV LHR LOREFICE FAMILY Kolvenbag & Son Lindenhurst H.P.C. Lorefice Family Geert Kolvenbag Joe Aprano Cowboy Lorefice 293 Hickory Dr. 5 Lewis Ave. 12220 N. Kalama Circle Kennett Square, PA 19348-1551 W. Babylon, NY 11704 Marana, AZ 85653 (610) 347-0908 (631) 661-4840 (520) 237-8086 [email protected] Nos. 6201-6500 LIN L Lindenhurst H.P.C LPC Joe Aprano Lennox Park Club LA LOMA 5 Lewis Ave. James Battin La Loma W. Babylon, NY 11704 7 Albany Ave. Americo Ramos (631) 661-4840 Newcastle, DE 19720 HC 03 Box 33477 (302) 571-8205 Hatillo, PR 00659 LINDA [email protected] (787) 380-4328 Linda Loft [email protected] Nick Lu LPM 39 Wolf St. Lennox Park Club LBR Philadelphia, PA 19148 James Battin Lindenhurst Homing (215) 275-9161 7 Albany Ave. Joe Aprano Newcastle, DE 19720 5 Lewis Ave. LIU (302) 571-8205 W. Babylon, NY 11704 Liu Loft [email protected] (631) 661-4840 Danhua Liu 1816 East Main St. LUDO LBRA Waterbury, CT 06705 Ludo Lindenhurst Club (917) 770-4617 Clifford Baynon Joe Aprano 22 Sycamore Dr. 5 Lewis Ave. LLF East Moriches, NY 11940 W. Babylon, NY 11704 Lakeland Flyers (631) 495-0734 (631) 661-4840 Kenny Peer [email protected] 10 White Oak Rd. LCC Parsippany, NJ 07054 LVC Connecticut Classic Pigeon Club (973) 417-8085 Lykens Valley Club Bob Carney Harvey Moore, Jr. 2042 John Fitch Blvd. LM 333 Clarks Valley Rd. S. Windsor, CT 06074 Lansing R P C Tower City, PA 17980 (860) 967-6789 Ted Wade (717) 395-1168 8651 Beardslee Rd.. [email protected] LCM Perry, MI 48872 Lyndhurst H.P.C. (517) 655-2372 LYN Vincent Torre [email protected] Lyndhurst H.P.C. 647 Ratzer Rd. Vincent Torre Wayne, NJ 07470 LOREFICE FAMILY 647 Ratzer Rd. (201) 522-8599 Lorefice Family Wayne, NJ 07470 [email protected] Joe Lorefice (201) 522-8599 855 Greenbelt Pkwy. [email protected] LHC Holbrook, NY 11741 Lyndhurst H.P.C. (631) 868-0662 Vincent Torre Nos. 6001-6200 647 Ratzer Rd. Wayne, NJ 07470 (201) 522-8599 [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 33 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued M METM NCC METM Northern Catskill Club, Inc. Joe Costa M.CUNNINGHAM John Panek 15 Feller New Mark Rd. M. Cunningham 16 Deerhill Rd. Red Hook, NY 12571 Michael Cunningham Somerville, NJ 08876 (845) 758-3555 1810 Berrywood Rd. (908) 581-7262 [email protected] Parkville, MD 21234 [email protected] (443) 794-2860 MH NEIL Neil MAIER Mingo Homing Club T. C. Ward Carmela George Maier 200-10 46 Ave. Bryan Maier 6574 Knoll Ct. New Tripoli, PA 18066 Bayside, NY 11361 925 Chatfield Rd. (718) 570-6305 Warrington, PA 18976 (610) 533-5708 [email protected] (215) 343-0403 NETO [email protected] MIKEY DAD LOFT Neto Mikey Dad Loft Carlos DaSilva MARPC 380 W. Dewey Ave. Mineral Area Racing Pigeon Club Michael Cautillo 94 Centre St. Roxbury, NJ 07885 Nick Ruiz (201) 755-5017 327 County Road 804 Bronx, NY 10464 (646) 261-3087 Centerville, MO 63633 NEVER HAPPEN (573) 440-0238 Never Happen MRC Kevin Williams Middlesex R.P.C. MAUI 150 Tremont St. Mary Bajer Maui Racing & Show Braintree, MA 02184 51 Davidson Mill Rd. Michael Francisco (617) 281-6688 N. Brunswick, NJ 08902 427 Waiehu Beach Rd. [email protected] Wailuku, HI 96793 (732) 422-8589 (808) 264-3135 [email protected] NEW [email protected] Newark HPC MTFL Tom Swan MCF Mel’s Loft 3115 Appleton Road Morris County Flyers Meletios Tsarouthsis Landenberg, PA 19350 Tim Kasharian 2686 Winona Rd. (484) 883-8196 P.O. Box 335 Baldwin, NY 11510 [email protected] Vienna, NJ 07880 (516) 643-4424 (908) 625-2183 NEWCHENG3025885 [email protected] N NewCheng302-588-5797 Steven Cheng NAF MET 2 Morris Ln. Suburban Combine, Inc. Metchun Pigeon Club Newark, DE 19713 Gary Moore John Panek (302) 588-5797 730 Sandra La. 16 Deerhill Rd. Phoenixville, PA 19460-2322 Somerville, NJ 08876 NHCF (610) 715-2090 North Hudson Club (908) 581-7262 [email protected] [email protected] James Corso 1224 46th St. N. Bergen, NJ 07047 (201) 867-2776 Cell: (201) 450-4551
34 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued
NHF NR North Hudson Club New Rochelle Club O James Corso Robert Waters OFRPC 1224 46th St. 326 King Ave. Old Fashion RPC N. Bergen, NJ 07047 Bronx, NY 10464 Ronald Jansen (201) 867-2776 (914) 497-7653 2 Lucky Lake Dr. Cell: (201) 450-4551 [email protected] Rock Hill, NY 12775 (845) 707-4459 NICK LEBRESCO NSBR [email protected] Nick Lebresco Nassau Suffolk Band Race Nick Lebresco Doug Franz 634 Meadow Dr. 141 Brook St. OLC West Chester, PA 19380 Bay Shore, NY 11706 Original Linden Club (610) 585-0699 (516) 527-0748 William Daniele [email protected] 78 Oak St. NTC Carteret, NJ 07008 NJF Northern Tier Club (732) 742-4982 Northwest Junior Flyers Denny McFadden [email protected] Tim Tessier 88 Kehrer Hill Rd. P.O. Box 325 Montoursville, PA 17754 OMEGA VB Chesterfield, MA 01012 (570) 433-3690 Vega Baja Omega Pigeon Team (413) 3459455 Ariana Hernandez Melendez [email protected] NW P.O. Box 2711 Northern Westchester Vega Baja, PR 00694 NKC Manny DiMaggio (787) 445-3410 Washington Combine Flyers 1939 Narragansett St. Aundra Harris Bronx, NY 10461 ONE OF A KIND 12320 Crain Hwy. (347) 237-6158 One of a Kind Brandywine, MD 20613 Alexander Mercado (240) 375-9719 NWA 3519 Malta St. Northern Westchester Philadelphia, PA 19134 NLI Manny DiMaggio (267) 231-1093 Northern Long Island 1939 Narragansett St. Tom Newman Bronx, NY 10461 ORP 20 Oak Tree Dr. (347) 237-6158 Overton RPC Smithtown, NY 11787 Ken Valestin (631) 724-2431 NWC 450 Bill White Ln. [email protected] Northwest Club Livingston, TN 38570 Igor Kravchuk (931) 267-4333 NPC 34 Little River Rd. [email protected] North Penn Homing Westfield, MA 01085 Terry Nogradi (413) 233-6800 P 115 Park Dr. [email protected] Doylestown, PA 18901 PAF (215) 345-8250 NWJ Perth Amboy R P C [email protected] North West Jersey Stanley Krawiec Tim Kasharian 4 Villanova Dr. NPR P.O. Box 335 Manalapan, NJ 07726 Northampton Pigeon Racing Club Vienna, NJ 07880 (732) 446-4842 Gary Karcher, Jr. (908) 625-2183 [email protected] 375 Center St. [email protected] Phillipsburg, NJ 08865 (908) 319-4129 [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 35 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued PALOMARSANTAMAR PERTH AMBOY PNWC Palomar Santa Maria Perth Amboy Club PNWC Salvador Rodriquez Stanley Krawiec Mark Mourton 2407 N. 3125 W. 4 Villanova Dr. 15577 Wagner Rd. Clinton, UT 84015 Manalapan, NJ 07726 Caldwell, ID 83607 (801) 430-7784 (732) 446-4842 (298) 484-4752 [email protected] [email protected] PAOF Perth Amboy R.P.C. PFL POLIDORO Stanley Krawiec Polisi Family Loft Polidoro 4 Villanova Dr. Ed Polisi Joe Polidoro Manalapan, NJ 07726 87 Cherubina Ln. 6 Justin Dr. (732) 446-4842 N. Babylon, NY 11703 Medford, NY 11763 [email protected] (631) 274-5534 (631) 445-2274 [email protected] PARKVIEW PFSC Parkview Baltimore Washington International PRASHKOV Joseph Gentile Mike Koethe Hasan Prashkov 16346 Bosley Dr. 311 Edison St. 401 Prospect St. Spring Hill, FL 34610 Baltimore, MD 21225 Norwell, MA 02061 (646) 642-6477 (410) 800-8648 (617) 504-2213
PAT PGC PROTÉGÉ Paterson Homing Pigeon Club Pine Grove Pigeon Club Protege Ray Torres Vince Kulbitsky Ken Rhodes 50 Center Ave. 127 Suedberg Rd. 150 Mink Hollow Rd., Cedar Grove, NJ 07009 Pine Grove, PA 17963 E. Fallowfield, PA 19320 (973) 785-2222 (570) 240-1442 (610) 486-6588 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
PEE WEE LOFT PHX PSC Earl Pearce Phoenixville Western Phoenix Sportsman Club 6439 St. RT 152 Gary Moore Rick Fernandez Richmond, OH 43944 730 Sandra Ln. 11855 W. Grant St. (740) 632-2151 Phoenixville, PA 19460 Avondale, AZ 85323 (610) 715-2090 (440) 655-6751 PEER [email protected] Peer PVI Kenny Peer PIGEON STORE Pascack Valley Inv. 10 White Oak Rd. Pigeon Store Vincent DeStaso Parsippany, NJ 07054 Pigeon Store 50 Old Middleton Rd. (973) 417-8085 548 Sunrise Hwy. New City, NY 10956 W. Babylon, NY 11704 (845) 304-6688 PENA (631) 991-7711 Pena Loft PYJN Jason Pena PJ LOFT Silver State RPC 20 Yorkshire Ln. PJ Loft Paul Young Jenson Avon, CT 06001 Peter Meca, Jr. 146 Skytop Dr. (860) 924-0028 1410 Cambiun Ct. Henderson, NV 89015 Hanover, MD 21076 (970) 712-1551 (410) 279-6844 [email protected]
36 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued
ReU ROMAN EMPIRE Q Reunion Lofts Roman Empire QCM Jimmy Gettings James Corso Queen City Club P.O. Box 414 1224 46th St. Steve Balog, III Winona, MO 65588 N. Bergen, NJ 07047 1120 Hanover St. (530) 243-6867 (201) 867-2776 Piscataway, NJ 08854 Cell: (201) 450-4551 (732) 718-4643 RFR Richmond Concourse ROXBURY LOFTS QCP Ed Gale Roxbury Lofts Queen City Pigeon Club 11887 River Rd. Rafael Bachier Steve Balog, III Chesterfield, VA 23838 188 Warren Rd. 1120 Hanover St. (804) 432-5026 Roxbury, MA 02119 Piscataway, NJ 08854 [email protected] (617) 594-5759 (732) 718-4643 RI RPC Rhode Island Pigeon Club Reading Pigeon Club R Dave Wood Perry Ansel R 16 Greystone Ave. P.O. Box 273 I.F. Stock N. Providence, RI 02911 Denver, PA 17517 Susan Hurrell (401) 231-7518 (717) 371-9125 P.O. Box C [email protected] Clark Mills, NY 13321 S (315) 765-8136 RICH [email protected] Rich S Rich Boelhower Central Massachusetts Club RDU 131 Summit Ave. Ray Cliche Raleigh Fords, NJ 08863 190 Bardwell St. Durham United (732) 738-7916 Belchertown, MA 01007 Cal Pasca [email protected] (413) 543-5750 5 Wyndham Pl. [email protected] Durham, NC 27705 RICHMOND,VA (919) 451-8060 Richmond Homing Pigeon Club SALS LOFT Ed Gale Sals Loft RED DRAGON 11887 River Rd. Salvador Rodriguez Red Dragon Chesterfield, VA 23838 2407 N. 3125 W. Terrance Chen (804) 432-5026 Clinton, UT 84015 6 Chute Rd. [email protected] (801) 430-7784 Dedham, MA 02062 (617) 816-6622 RITTER SBS Roy Ritter Baltimore Washington International RED RIVER T 5463 Ridge Ct. Mike Koethe Red River T Loft New Tripoli, PA 18066 311 Edison St. Frank Taranto, Jr. (610) 960-5286 Baltimore, MD 21225 176 Pine Brook Rd. [email protected] (410) 800-8648 Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 (201) 953-0540 RLPC [email protected] Red Lion Pigeon Club Ron Price 531 Crestwood Dr. Red Lion, PA 17356 717-855-8537
SkyTalk 2021 — 37 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued SCH SHACK SLI Schenectady Homing Pigeon Club Washington Combine Flyers Southeastern Long Island Shokri Enbawe Audra Harris John Leggio 5 Janet Ln. 12320 Crain Hwy. 370 Auborn Ave. Albany, NY 12203 Brandywine, MD 20613 Shirley, NY 11967 (518) 478-5968 (240) 375-9719 (631) 281-9473 [email protected] SHAMROCK SOJ SCHOLAR Shamrock South Jersey H. P. F., Inc. I F Stock Kevin Malley Jef Kurpaska Susan Hurrell 8 Sunrise Dr. 1420 Cooper St. P.O. Box C Stony Point, NY 10980 Deptford, NJ 08096 Clark Mills, NY 13321 (845) 942-0810 (856) 449-4766 (315) 765-8136 [email protected] SHC SQC Scotts Hill Club South Queens Club SCM Gena Fredrickson James Rodgers Southern Central Michigan 8053 Sidbury Rd. 2051 Strauss St. Louis Wisniewski Wilmington, NC 28411-7945 Brooklyn, NY 11212 5138 Vrooman Rd. (910) 686-9834 (347) 600-6423 Jackson, MI 49201 [email protected] [email protected] (517) 563-2851 SHSC SRPC SCO Spring Hill Sportsman Club Sandhills RPC Sullivan County Carolyn Gallagher Benja Burr Joe Perrello 16605 Diplomat Dr. 109 Pinedale Dr. P.O. Box 536 Spring Hill, FL 34608 Rockingham, NC 28379 Fallsburg, NY 12733 (352) 398-9969 (910) 995-8199 (845) 798-4693 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected] SI SSRPC SEA Staten Island Silver State RPC Seaport Fliers Anthony Montelli Paul Young Jenson Vincent Rooney 21 Comstock Ave. 146 Skytop Dr. 3124 Benefit Rd. Staten Island, NY 10314 Henderson, NV 89015 Chesapeake, VA 23322 (917) 972-3655 (970) 712-1551 (757) 421-7214 [email protected] SILVERADO STRAIT LINE FLY Silverado Strait Line Flyer SFA Mickey Holland, Jr. Blair Cooper Sportsmen Flying Assoc. 6100 Malibu Dr. 2653 State Rte. 55 Bob Olszewski Raleigh, NC 27603 White Lake, NY 12786 825 Johnson St. (910) 489-2947 (845) 807-2158 Maumee, OH 43537 [email protected] (419) 704-8838 SKY Skylands R. P. C. STY SFL Carlos DaSilva Steinway HPC SFL 380 W. Dewey Ave. Tony Diaz Michael Sadler, Jr. Roxbury, NJ 07885 602 Eldert Lane P.O. Box 130 (201) 755-5017 Brooklyn, NY 11208 Gypsy, WV 26361 (718) 683-1266 (410) 500-2869
38 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued SUN LOFT TDM Sun Loft T Tom De Martino Xue Xiang Zheng T TRIPLE CROWN Tom DeMartino 275 New State Hwy. Torrington RPC 402 Sleepy Hollow Dr. Raynham, MA 02767 Andrzej Burdyl Shirley, NY 11967 (917) 362-6200 50 Maria Rd. (631) 399-5555 Plainville, CT 06062 [email protected] SUNBURST FUT (860) 518-6516 Sunburst Racing Pigeon Club TFL Mike Weeks TACHYON Tierney Family Loft 2935 W. Aloma Dr. Tachyon John Tierney, Jr. Phoenix, AZ 85053 Tommy Hicks 27600 Dawn Acres Ln. (480) 797-8728 7883 Panther Lake Rd. Mechanicsville, MD 20659 Willow Springs, NC 27592 (240) 299-5478 SUNRISE (919) 801-4020 [email protected] Sunrise Pigeon Club [email protected] John Lauretti TONY LOFT 2566 Harvard Ln. TAO Tony Loft Seaford, NY 11783 TAO Tony Chen (516) 587-4156 Qi Tao Guo 673 Locke Heights Rd. 1168 Albury Ave. Bangor, PA 18013 SVC Spring Hill, FL 34606 (646) 355-9077 Susquehanna Valley Club (646) 639-2898 Ronald Fulkroad [email protected] TORR 244 Landfill Rd. Torrington Racing Pigeon Club Millersburg, PA 17061 TAPIA LOFTS Andrzej Burdyl (717) 692-4394 Tapia Lofts 50 Maria Rd. [email protected] Anthony Tapia Plainville, CT 06062 23 Olive Rd. (860) 518-6516 SVN Sandia Park, NM 87047 [email protected] Sullivan County (505) 730-8590 Joe Perrello [email protected] TRC P.O. Box 536 Tarheel R.P.C. Fallsburg, NY 12733 TAR Richard Smith, Jr. (845) 798-4693 Turbotville Area Racing Club 1753 Old Wesley Chapel Rd. [email protected] Allan Ross Linwood, NC 27299 2900 Orchard Rd. (336) 225-7719 SWAMPDOG Danville, PA 17821 [email protected] Swampdog (570) 275-3539 David Green TRUNNELL 508 W. Church St. TARG LOFT Trunnell Newton, MS 39345 Targ Loft David Trunnell (214) 914-1576 Chris Targonski 200 Old Kents Hill Rd. 11 Indian Hill Rd. Readfield, ME 04355 Higganum, CT 06441 (207) 446-4165 (860) 836-6370 [email protected]
SkyTalkSkyTalk 20212017 — 3947 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued TVF USMC VP Tennessee Virginia Flyers United States Marine Corps Valley Pigeon Club Phillip Dowell Michael Sherwood Ed Petroski 10437 Goose Creek Rd. 19 Vernal St. 63 Petroski Ln. Bristol, VA 24202 Wareham, MA 02571 Wapwallopen, PA 18660 (276) 591-6709 (508) 627-2748 (570) 868-5866 [email protected] [email protected] [email protected]
TYSON CORNER V VPC Tyson Corner Valley Pigeon Club James Corso VALHALLA Freddy Martinez 1224 46th St. Valhalla Lofts 164 Cook Ln. N. Bergen, NJ 07047 Kim Valestin Beacon Falls, CT 06403 (201) 867-2776 450 Bill White Ln. (203) 339-2023 Cell: (201) 450-4551 Livingston, TN 38570 (931) 267-4333 VPCA U [email protected] Valley Pigeon Club Freddy Martinez U-TEN VDB 164 Cook Ln.. Unit Ten R.P.C. VDB Beacon Falls, CT 06403 Bob Frank Tom VandenBossche (203) 339-2023 17840 Littlewood Dr. P.O. Box 233 Spring Hill, FL 34610 Litchfield, ME 04350 W (727) 378-3863 (207) 268-2169 [email protected] [email protected] WANG Wang U-TEN BRX VGWF Jason Wang Unit Ten R.P.C. Vance,Granville,Warren,Franklin 10411 Viridian Dr. Bob Frank Vinny Moreschi Port Richey, FL 34668 17840 Littlewood Dr. 1248 Julie McKnight Rd. (917) 669-6699 Spring Hill, FL 34610 Kittrell, NC 27544 [email protected] (727) 378-3863 (919) 810-5257 [email protected] [email protected] WC West Chester UCPR Nick Lebresco Union Colonbofila Puertoriguena VIOC Frank Viola H.P.C. 634 Meadow Dr. Angel Perez Rosario West Chester, PA 19380 Joseph Swint P.O. Box 573 (610) 585-0699 985 Waring Ave., Apt. 4E San Antonio, PR 00690 [email protected] (787) 546-0827 Bronx, NY 10469 (347) 248-6099 WCF UPC West Chester Club United Pigeon Combine VLP Nick Lebresco Scott Shirey New Rochelle Club 634 Meadow Dr. 241 N. Middlesex Rd. Robert Waters West Chester, PA 19380 Carlisle, PA 17013 326 King Ave. (610) 585-0699 (717) 648-1062 Bronx, NY 10464 [email protected] [email protected] (914) 497-7653 [email protected]
40 – SkyTalk 2021 2021 I.F. Band Listing Continued WCM WTCM Washington Combine Flyers World Trade Center Memorial Z Aundra Harris Clarence Griffin Z LINE 12320 Crain Hwy. 51 Minturn Rd. Z Line Brandywine, MD 20613 Warwick, NY 10990 (240) 375-9719 (917) 807-6985 Charles Zerafa [email protected] 7 Fielek Terr. WELSH Parlin, NJ 08859 John Welsh WVC (732) 727-6455 2144 Church Hill Rd. Wayne Valley Club [email protected] Lehighton, PA 18235 Ted Iwan (570) 386-2412 668 Ratzer Rd. ZFL Wayne, NJ 07470 Mid Atlantic RPC WESOLOWSKI LOFT (973) 262-3562 Ronnie Zonnak Wesolowski Loft [email protected] 9450 Bethel Rd. Walter Wesolowski Willards, MD 21874 255 S. 14th St. Y (410) 422-2659 Lindenhurst, NY 11757 (631) 774-7788 YUK ZHENG LOFT [email protected] Yukon Invitational H. P. C. De Nan Zheng Mike Belardia 6117 Magnolia Park Blvd. WHC 1715 Raccoon Run Rd. Riverview, FL 33578 Westside HPC Monongahela, PA 15063 (407) 257-9399 Frank Taranto, Jr. (412) 979-5124 176 Pine Brook Rd. [email protected] ZULU Lincoln Park, NJ 07035 Zulu (201) 953-0540 Domenick Aldellizzi [email protected] H H H H H H H 1118 Seanton Ln.
West Point, VA 23181 (760) 310-4525
MISSING EMAIL ADDRESSES!
There are alot of people on the IF band list that I do not have an email address for. If you are one of them please drop me a quick email with your name and band initials to: [email protected] So I can add it to the IF database for ease of communicating and sending out band order confirmations.
Thank you very much, Susan Hurrell, IF Secretary
SkyTalk 2021 — 41 STAFFORD VETERAN Raises BIRDS for Racing Pigeons Bring Comfort, Competitiveness to Hartwood man
From The Freelance-Star 12/22/20 Issue Article By: James Scott Baron [email protected] Sam Pixley gets set to release one of his racing pigeons at his Stafford County home on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Pixley keeps about 200 of the animals in a roost he built in his backyard. (Photographer: Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Star)
Sam Pixley’s passion for homing pigeons extends well based American Racing Pigeon Union and International beyond the routine care and feeding of his birds. Federation. In addition to the usual workshops and seminars, the convention also features a race. “It’s a hobby that requires you to read and understand a number of sciences,” said Pixley. “You have to learn how During October’s convention, Pixley earned $8,700 to be an amateur meteorologist, amateur veterinarian, in prize money after two of his birds placed fourth how to feed the bird, how to condition the bird.” and 26th in a 322-mile race from Bristol, Tenn., to the Washington area. Before the race, drivers transported Pixley trains and conditions about 200 birds that the birds to the starting point to begin their 5 1/2-hour occupy a 16-by-8-foot elevated loft near his rural journey to home lofts located within a 40-mile radius Hartwood home. Unlike common pigeons, Pixley’s of the White House, a central landmark chosen by the birds are specifically bred for long races. group. More than 500 birds competed, some finishing “We keep good pedigrees and we’re constantly with speeds of over 70 mph. looking for that genetic bank that has speed or The factors to calculate a birds’ speed include release endurance for the long races,” said Pixley. time, arrival time and distance covered, and a number For more than 40 years, Pixley has been a member of mobile apps make the calculation simple. A bird’s of the Washington Metropolitan Racing Pigeon results are then compared with others in the race to Concourse, headquartered in College Park, Md. The determine which returned to their home lofts at the 72-year-old Stafford County environmental inspector highest speed. is also a member of the Fredericksburg Racing Pigeon An auction followed the race in which the top 15 birds Club and serves as the first vice president of the were sold. Pixley’s fourth-place bird brought in $11,250. International Federation of Homing Pigeons. As the bird’s breeder, Pixley received 40 percent of Every year, Pixley joins hundreds of fellow pigeon that amount, with the remaining 60 percent going to enthusiasts at a convention hosted by the Oklahoma- support the concourse.
42 – SkyTalk 2021 Pixley said training young pigeons for long races concrete answers to the mystery of how a pigeon is able begins as soon as they start venturing away from their to successfully navigate back to its home loft. home loft. “How they know how to get there, no one knows,” said “When young birds disappear for an hour, an hour Pixley, who is willing to speculate. “It’s a combination of and a half, that means, in theory, they could have smell, sight, the sun’s position, and natural instinct.” flown out as far as 45 miles from the loft,” said Pixley. Pigeons also face a number of hazards along the way, To begin training, Pixley transports young birds 5 both natural and manmade, including power lines and miles from his home loft, releases them and returns wind turbines. home. He continues the process until the birds eventually beat him back to the loft. Once they “The hawk population, that’s our biggest loss,” said achieve that milestone, the birds are gradually taken Pixley. out to 10, 20, then 40 miles away from the loft. Pixley Pixley said he has driven more than three hours on said it takes about four weeks of training for young several occasions to recover downed pigeons belonging birds to reach the 40-mile mark. to fellow enthusiasts.
“Once they’re successful [at 40 miles], they’re ready “We take that very seriously,” said Pixley. “I’ve had for release at 100 miles,” said Pixley. “If they come pigeons recovered and sent to me by people in Florida.” home consistently from this range, I can bring them to a long race." Pixley said homing pigeons have enjoyed a long history of friendship and camaraderie with humans, and some Pixley said studies, conducted by the U.S. Army and have been memorialized for their heroics on several universities over a number of years, still lack the battlefield.
Racing pigeons owned by Sam Pixley lift off from their roost in the backyard of Pixley's Stafford County home on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Pixley's pigeons recently placed and won awards in a 300 mile race. (Photographer: Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Star)
SkyTalk 2021 — 43 During World War I, the U.S. Army established the Britain’s Dickin Medal, reserved for heroic animals, and Signal Pigeon Corps at Fort Monmouth, N.J., and by later, America’s Animals in War and Peace Medal of World War II, 3,150 soldiers and 54,000 war pigeons Bravery, created in 2019 as an equivalent to its British were assigned to the corps. counterpart.
Pixley said the Army built hundreds of identical, “Many guys who got out of the military got into portable lofts that were moved by troops as an pigeons,” said Pixley. “In fact, the Navy’s first Black offensive progressed. Admiral [Samuel L. Gravely Jr.] was a pigeon man. He was a good friend of mine.” “Birds flying in any direction with incredible vision located those lofts and would fly into them,” Today, two pigeons are included in the ship’s crest of said Pixley. USS Gravely, an Arleigh Burke-class guided missile destroyer commissioned in November 2010. Some wartime aviators even brought along the birds to send in the event help was needed on a mission. Pixley, himself a U.S. Army veteran who served in Vietnam from 1966 to 1968, gained an interest in the “When they went down, they’d put their coordinates hobby before his military service. He earned a pigeon on a message and the pigeon would locate a military raising merit badge in the Boy Scouts. loft and deliver the message to spark the recovery of the downed pilot,” said Pixley. Today, Pixley finds solace and friendship with his flock of pigeons, which instantly recognize him and greet him In October 1943, pigeon USA43SC6390, affectionately every time he returns home. known as G.I. Joe, was credited for saving the lives of over 1,000 soldiers and residents in a small Italian “I care for the pigeons as much as a person cares for village placed at the top of the Allied forces’ bombing their dog or cat,” said Pixley. “I sit outside when I come list. A message flown by the bird informed troops the home and watch them fly for hours at a time. I have a British had captured the village, and they were able high amount of love for those pigeons.” • to call off the bombing mission. G.I. Joe was awarded
Sam Pixley tends to a pair of his youngest racing pigeons at his Stafford County home on Tuesday, Dec. 15, 2020. Pixley's pigeons recently placed and won awards in a 300 mile race. (Photographer: Peter Cihelka/The Free Lance-Star)
44 – SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Advertising in the SkyTalk 2022 FOR SUCCESSFUL ADVERTISING... Prepare ads EARLY. Send in with payment and you will be close to the front! The LATEST ads will be accepted is 12/15/22.
Ad Specifications: Magazine is trimmed to 8 1/2” x 11” — Bleed size 9” x 11 1/2” (¼” on all sides) Photo Requirements: Original photos always produce the best results. If emailing photos, please scan at 100% size at 300 dpi. Digital photos should be full reproduction size at 300 dpi. We cannot reproduce web site photos. We are not responsible for low-res photo quality if sent to use. Ad Copy Requirements: Ad copy must be sent by email, or attached in one of these formats (.doc, .wps, .txt). Do not type copy in all CAPS unless you want it printed in all caps. Camera-Ready Digital Ad Formats Accepted: 300 dpi .jpeg or .tiff files (full size), Press Quality .pdf file, 300 dpi .psd file (please flatten or rasterize text in PhotoShop files). ADVERTISING RATES Prime pages are sold EARLY. If you desire a certain page call early for availability. Advertising publishing fees are as follows: Front Cover $750 2022 - SOLD Inside front cover $600 Back Cover $650 Inside Back cover $600 Color - Full Page $325 (Size: 8.5” w X 11” h) Color - 1/2 Page $200 (Size: 8.5” w X 5.5” h) Color - 1/4 Page $150 (Size: 4.25” w X 5.5” h) B & W - Full Page $200 (Size: 8.5” w X 11” h) Only size available in black & white. (The earlier your ad is received and PAID, the closer to the front of the book you will be.) For More Information Contact: Susan Hurrell at (315) 765-8136 or [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 45 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H
I.F. HALL OF FAME 2020 YOUNG Bird Awards
Pos Band Number Name Points
5-25 Lofts 1 IF 20 NSBR 389 Sami Eljamali - Samis Loft - Shirley, NY 177.47 2 IF 20 NSBR 380 Sami Eljamali - Samis Loft - Shirley, NY 171.75 3 IF 20 NEW 325 Tom Swan - Tom Swan Loft - Landenberg, PA 159.11 4 IF 20 LBR 69 Sami Eljamali - Samis Loft - Shirley, NY 158.07 5 IF 20 VIOC 154 Wiktor Gontowicz - Wiktor Loft - Brooklyn, NY 129.15
26-75 Lofts 1 IF 20 LBR 69 Sami Eljamali - Samis Loft - Shirley, NY 264.49 2 IF 20 NEW 325 Tom Swan - Tom Swan Loft - Landenberg, PA 257.01 3 IF 20 NSBR 389 Sami Eljamali - Samis Loft - Shirley, NY 193.62 4 IF 20 VIOC 154 Wiktor Gontowicz - Wiktor Loft - Brooklyn, NY 115.04 5 IF 20 BQC 297 Wiktor Gontowicz - Wiktor Loft - Brooklyn, NY 98.20
76-150 Lofts 1 IF 20 PAT 1457 Joanna Jedynak - Joanna Loft - Hackettstown, NJ 431.67 2 IF 20 NWJ 919 Al Kasharian - Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ 407.76 3 IF 20 NWJ 902 Al Kasharian - Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ 389.38 4 IF 20 NWJ 938 Al Kasharian - Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ 373.19 5 AU 20 PREL 2 Czeslaw Prelich - Prelich Loft - Passaic, NJ 369.86 6 IF 20 NWJ 909 Al Kasharian - Whitehall Loft - Andover, NJ 358.60 151-300 Lofts No entries received
2020 Young Bird Awards Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
46 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H
I.F. CHAMPION LOFT 2020 YOUNG Bird Awards
Pos Name/Loft – Club/Combine Points Pos Band Number Name Points 5-25 Lofts 1 Sami Eljamali - Southeastern Long Island Club .9774 2 Joe Aprano - Lindenhurst HPC .9613 3 Wiktor Gontowicz - ViolaClub .8899
26-75 Lofts 1 Sami Eljamali - Long Island Combine .9757
76-150 Lofts 1 Al Kasharian - Central Jersey Combine .9721
151-300 Lofts
No entries received
Good Luck Next Year!
2020 Young Bird Champion Loft Results Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
SkyTalk 2021 — 47 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H
I.F. HALL OF FAME 2020 OLD Bird Awards
Pos Band Number Name Points
5-25 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
26-75 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
76-150 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
151-300 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
Good Luck Next Year! 2020 Old Bird Awards Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
48 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H
I.F. CHAMPION LOFT 2020 OLD Bird Awards Pos Name/Loft – Club/Combine Points
5-25 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
26-75 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
76-150 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
151-300 Lofts
No entries received for 2020
Good Luck Next Year!
2020 Old Bird Champion Loft Results Compiled and Submitted by: Walter Cichon
SkyTalk 2021 — 49 SkyTalk 2021 Registered Champions Results H H H H H H H 1999–2020
Reg# Band# CLR/Sex Name Owner 1999-001 IF 97NHF3310 BC/C Hooker Lou Bernadone 1999-002 IF 95SMR0787 B.Pen/C The Terror Al Smith 1999-003 IF 92 RPC0658 BB/C John Stauffer 1999-004 AU 93FVC6330 BC/C John Stauffer 1999-005 AU 88SAV946 BB/H Savannah Ron & Bev Liszcz 1999-006 IF 97SCHE2509 BB/H #2509 David Reynaldo 1999-007 AU 96TFCF1077 BB/H #1077 Mike Bennetch 1999-008 AU 97TFCF0968 BB/C #0968 Mike Bennetch 2001-001 IF 2000GIC886 BB/H Blue Supreme Jose & Reinaldo 2002-001 IF 00GIC194 Perfect Lady 2002-002 IF 94NWJ923 Home Alone Alex Cornella 2003-002 IF 003026 Laura J. Famularo 2003-003 IF 03COPC127 BC/H Tom Baldwin 2004-001 IF 00HRP1081 Jack Steve Jenkins 2005-001 IF 02MRPC2413 BB/H Skydancer Everett & Renee Kennedy 2005-002 IF 98RPR113 BB/C George Kriegbaaum 2006-001 AU 00GNCC0242 BC/H Patrick Motley 2006-002 IF 02DRP104 DC/H Patrick Motley 2006-003 IF LKY 858 BB/H Simeon Parker 2006-004 IF 02ACA556 BWF/C Harvey R. Moore 2006-005 IF 02DIL045 BB/H Marshall Davis 2007-001 I.F.-01-WBC-1070 BB/C George Kriegbaum 2007-002 I.F. -05-PAF-5538 BB/C Andiamo Mike Romano 2007-003 AU-02-AMR-2191 BB/H Wesley Prelewicz 2008-001 AU-07-TL-20 BC/C SUPER 20 R.Rodriguez 2008-002 IF-07-Purgrain 1280 BC/C Art Jenkins 2008-003 IF-04-ECC-1723 BB/H Patrick Motley 2008-004 AU-06-GHC-1251 BB/H Miss Consistent Allan Frampton 2008-005 IF-04-CCC-1796 Blue Ridge Blue Robert Bankard 2009-001 AU-06-RI-6661 BC/C Bob Kell 2009-002 IF-06-Scholar-1606 DC/C Zoltan Paul Walsh 2009-003 IF-06-Scholar-100 BB/C #100 Paul Walsh 2009-004 IF-06-ACC-6143 BB/C Cash Dollar Paul Walsh 2010-001 AU-06-TOR-6070 BB/C Orgasm Ray Torres 2010-002 AU-07-TOR-7003 BB/C Lamariposa Ray Torres 2010-003 IF-07-I-17520 Gtodziua Bernie Gutowski 2010-004 IF-06-CCC-2079 DCWF/C Alfred Robert Bankard 2010-005 IF-06-JMP-1518 BB/C Hercules Mike Mantagas 2010-006 IF-06-WTCM-1994 BB/C Tarbaby Ray Torres 2010-007 IF-03-CCC-1580 BB/C Robert Bankard 2012-001 IF 08-CCC-2464 BB/C Robert Bankard
50 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk Registered Champions Results 1999-2020 (Continued) 2021
Reg# Band# CLR/Sex Name Owner 2012-002 IF-09-TAR- 8775 BB/H Misty Blue Robert Sterner 2012-003 IF-10-SOJ-4276 BB/C Johnny Boy John Glemser Reg# Band# CLR/Sex Name Owner 2013-001 AU-10-BLG-41 BB/H Simeon Parker 2013-002 IF-JMP-05-1705 BB/C #1705 Mike Mantaga 2013-003 AU-04-PigeonBid-0184 BC/C #0184 Mike Mantaga 2013-004 IF-11-WTCM-1752 BBWF/H Jewel John Minnuie 2013-005 IF-09-TAR-8726 DCWF/H Little One Robert Sterner 2014-001 IF-10-VIOC-2710 BB/C Mickey Mike Mantaga 2014-002 IF-12-PA-7410 BB/H Gloria Mike Mantaga 2014-003 IF-09-TAR-8744 RC/H Little Miss Annie Robert Sterner 2014-004 IF-11-CM-1532 RC/C Red Magic Khalid Yahya 2015-001 IF-10-GE-76 BCSP/H Shakira Joco Ricoca 2015-002 IF-12-TAR-2044 RCSP/H Sissy Robert Sterner 2015-003 IF-11-TAR-1366 BC/C Paycheck Robert Sterner 2015-004 IF-11-CCC-218 Robert Bankard 2016-001 IF-15-NR-797 BBWF/H Bronx Pharoah Louis & Tom Bernardone 2016-002 IF-TAR-4944 BBSP Flash Robert Sterner 2016-003 IF-12-CCC-510 BB/C Sheriff Robert Bankard 2016-004 IF-11-CCC-213 BB/C Zeus Robert Bankard 2017-001 AU 09 SURE-797 BB/H Al's Sure Bet Al Kasharian 2017-002 IF-13 TAR-3922 BB/C Power Blue Robert Sterner 2017-003 IF-12 CC-72 BB/C Robert Bankard 2017-004 IF-12 UPC-703 BB/C Red Band Cock Robert Bankard 2019-001 IF 2015 E 29014 BC/C Fletch Michael Zuber
Due to Covid and the limited races held, there are no new Registered Champions for 2020.
Results Compiled and Submitted by: James Walker
2020 I.F. SPEED RECORDS Young & Old Birds No New Speed Records Recieved for 2020 2020 IF SPEED RECORDS (as of 12/1/20) Speed Records Results Compiled and Submitted by: Beverly Gottlieb
TO BE INCLUDED IN THE INTERNATIONAL FEDERATION OF AMERICAN HOMING PIGEON FANCIERS, INC. SPEED RECORDS — YOU MUST BE A MEMBER AND SUBMIT IN WRITING THE SPEED, ALONG WITH VERIFICATION, TO THE SPEED RECORDS CHAIRMAN. SPEED RECORDS FORMS ARE IN THIS SKYTALK AND THE IF WEBSITE.
SkyTalk 2021 — 51 Contact the IF Secretary at: Susan Hurrell P.O. Box C Clark Mills, NY 13321 email: [email protected]
52 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk I.F. Help-A-Beginner 2021 Application H H H H H H H RETURN THIS APPLICATION AND TWO STAMPED ENVELOPES Mr. Sam L. Pixley, 34 Mills Hollow Drive, Fredericksburg, VA 22406 Phone: (540) 752-9014 - Email: [email protected]
Beginner’s Name: Dear Beginner: Welcome to the Help-A-Beginner program! The Street Address: program is kicking into gear and this letter is to inform you of the expected time frame of events City, State, Zip: that will occur. Save this letter and use it as a guideline for the year. January-February Home Telephone: ( ) Some of America’s best flyers/breeders are being asked Work: ( ) if they will volunteer to be part of the Help-A-Beginner Email Address: program and how many beginners they would be willing Years in the sport of racing pigeons: to help. Do you belong to an I.F. Affiliated Club? ❏Yes ❏No Late February-March Were you an IF member last year? ❏Yes ❏No A letter will be sent to all beginners and breeders/mentors Have you flown one YB or OB season? ❏Yes ❏No assigning beginners to mentors. The beginners will first Member of which Racing Pigeon Club: call or write their assigned mentors to work out all the details, this will entail sending $60.00 to the mentor to Name of Club President: cover the cost of shipping birds. This cost will include, President’s Phone number:( ) but is not limited to the purchase of proper shipping Name of Club Race Secretary: containers. It is important to remember that you will be working around the mentor’s schedule and not the Secretary’s Phone number: ( ) other way around. The mentor should receive your I am seeking help with: utmost respect. ❏ YB ❏ Breeders ❏ General Information March-July I feel I qualify and warrant help from this program Beginners will begin receiving birds from their mentors. because: It is important that you follow-up with your mentor letting him know that you received the birds and how you like them, and how you plan on settling them. Be sure to mention if you plan on flying them on your young bird team, etc. Remember your mentor will be sending you good birds and wants to know that the birds arrived safely. This is also the time to ask questions pertaining to your breeding and old bird season. May-June I will be checking with all the beginners and mentors to see how everything is progressing. I certify that I meet all the qualifications for the Help-A- June Beginner program and I agree to accept the responsibility You should be in continued communication with your of the expense for shipping any birds to me. I also agree mentor and keep him updated on your progress. I can’t to keep the breeder updated of all successes obtained emphasize enough the importance of keeping the lines of as a result of his/her help as well as sending final results communication open with your mentor. in to the IF HAB Chairman at the end of the season. Late July-August Signature of Beginner: Most everyone is beginning to train his or her young birds. Now is a good time to get some tips on how to We certify that the above named applicant is a member of handle the training to prevent losses. Be sure to ask about our club in good standing and has flown at least one race medication, feeding, etc. season, but not more than one young or old bird season. The applicant has a loft, which is not detrimental to the September-November image of the sport and maintains the loft in a clean and Young bird race season will probably be in full healthy fashion. swing and a regular call to your mentor will help avoid Signature of Club President: mistakes and help improve your results. Signature of Club Secretary:
SkyTalk 2021 — 53 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Scholarship Rules $1,000 Awarded to First Place
1. This contest is open to all students who are 4. The essay shall be typed double-spaced on white members, sons and daughters of members or grand bond paper using a computer, a word processor, children of International Federation members. or a typewriter. Graphics are not permitted. Membership must be continuous for a five-year The original copy of the essay should be submitted period. Students must be attending an accredited including a file in MS Word, MS Works or a two or four-year college or university and not have text file. already graduated. Only one entry per student is permitted. One-year scholarships are awarded 5. The essay will be judged on the following criteria: annually and are limited to undergraduate studies A. Historical accuracy at accredited educational/technical institutions. B. Clarity of thought Scholarships are not automatically renewable. The C. Organization student must take 12 credits. Current scholarship D. Grammar and Spelling recipients must re-apply each year and are limited E. Creativity to a total of two scholarship awards. Essay must F. Documentation be accompanied with official transcript from high school or college. 6. The International Federation establishes the closing date for this contest will be October 1st 2. The contest is for an original essay written in of each year. English. It must have a minimum of 500 words and not exceed 750 words excluding title page and 7. Awards: First, Second and Third Places. bibliography. One or two letter words such as I, to, and we are not counted. When counting words 8. The winning essays of the contest will be submitted in a date, a numerical date (2012) or a date spelled for publication in The Skytalk magazine. out (Seventeen seventy six) shall be counted as one word. The topic of the essay shall deal with how 9. Participants in this contest agree that the pigeons touched and affected the student’s family interpretation of rules and the decisions of the life. Also the topic of the essay, can deal with an International Federation and its judges are final. event, person, philosophy or ideal associated with the Racing Pigeons. Clear, well expressed, original essays are sought.
3. The Essay document shall have two parts: a) title SUBMIT ENTRY TO: page, b) essay. The title page shall include the essay title, the contestant’s name, address, and telephone Scott Landry number. In addition, the title page shall include the name, grade, address, and telephone number 11 Evergreen Lane of the high school or college the contestant is Industry, ME 04938 attending. The name and address of the person Phone: (207) 491-9041 who is a International Federation member, [email protected] through relationship to said member, and the club to which they belong.
54 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Scholarship Application
International Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers
Name:______Date of Birth:______
Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______
Phone Number (_____)______Email:______
(If under 21): Name of Parent or Guardian______
Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______
Phone Number: (____)______
Name of Pigeon Flyer that inspired you:______
Relationship to above individual:______
Most Recent School Attended: ______Year Graduate HS:______
School Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______
Name of College You Plan On Attending:______
Address:______City:______State:______Zip:______
Date of Acceptance:______
Program that you will be enrolled in:______
Duration of program:______
SUBMIT ENTRY TO: Refer to Scholarship entry rules and Scott Landry attach your essay to the entry form. 11 Evergreen Lane • Industry, ME 04938 Phone: (207) 491-9041 [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 55 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Registered Champion Certificate Rules
1. To qualify a bird must: 5. When a bird has achieved this award, each • Win five or more diplomas of 85 airline diploma performance will be listed on the survey miles and over. Champion Certificate showing position, distance, • Win one or more diplomas with an airline date, speed number of birds and lofts competing. survey of a full 290 miles or more to its loft. 6. Points will NOT be totaled on the certificate. (Exception for Hawaii: substitute from the Thus, later diploma performances by a champion longest possible race station where under may be entered on the certificate. Only one 290 miles.) champion certificate will ever be issued to an • Win diplomas in two or more separate years individual bird. (Champion bird diplomas issued of competition. prior to January 1999 which are non-registered • Score 125 or more points. may be returned by your club secretary to the Champion Pigeon Chairman for certification 2. A bird can only score points or get credit for a and issue of a Registered Champion Certificate diploma once for a single performance. This diploma. (There is no charge for this service) is to say that a bird cannot get credit for more than one diploma if competing in two or more 7. The bird must have won the diplomas within organizations at one time. (Owner decides which the last 10 years. If you feel your bird meets the club or combine diploma performance to use.) “Requirement” for the Registered Champion Certificate, contact your club secretary with 3. Points toward champion are allotted thusly: the diplomas the bird has won. The secretary • Winning bird receives a base of 20 points, will then check the requirements and figure regardless of the size of the organization in the points. If the secretary is satisfied that which it competed. the bird qualifies, he or she will complete • The second diploma winner gets one point less the record section. than the winner. • The third diploma winner gets three points less 8. Submit by Oct. 1. than the winner, etc. until diploma positions The club secretary will then forward this application are gone based one diploma position for every to the Champion Pigeon Chairman who will 5 lofts or fraction thereof. recheck the bird’s record and issue a Champion 4. Examples for points awarding: Registered Certificate signed by an I.F. official. • 211 birds, 20 lofts, and 391 miles–The winner DO NOT SEND DIPLOMA. The certificate will gets 20 points plus 2.11 plus 3.91 for 26.02 be sent to the club secretary for the signature of points. The second diploma gets one point less the club president and the club secretary. or 25.02. The third diploma gets 2 points less Certificates are issued at no charge. or 24.02. The fourth diploma gets 3 points less or 23.02. Registered Champion Certificate Chairperson • 2000 birds, 198 lofts, and 391 miles–The James Walker winner gets 20 points plus 20.00 (for birds) 309 Green Avenue plus 3.91 for 43.91, second diploma gets 1 Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 point less or 42.91 and so on with 20th diploma (201) 939-3142 getting 23.91 points.
56 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 Registered Champion H H H H H H H Certificate Entry Form
Please type or BLOCK-LETTER the following spaces so that we will get your name, etc., correct. Forms also available on line at www.ifpigeon.com I, ______of ______Street, City of ______and State of ______Zip ______do hereby submit to my Club Secretary for verification and completion of this application for a REGISTERED CHAMPION BIRD AWARD.
Banded ______Name if any ______owned and flown by me. Date______Signed______Record of Diploma Performance______This Entry Form must be signed by the Officer of the Organization you are submitting your race results for! Combine results submitted; Combine officer’s signature required. Club results submitted; Club officer’ssignature required.
Signature of Club Secretary ______Name of Club ______Address______For official use only City, State Zip ______Register Number______Date of Issue ______Phone # ______
Club Secretary’s Calculation of Points
POSITION DISTANCE BIRD POSITION DISTANCE DATE SPEED BIRD LOFTS TOTAL 20 OR LESS 1% 1%
RETURN TO: Entry Forms Registered Champion Chairperson Also Available online at James Walker 309 Green Avenue www.ifpigeon.com Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Phone: (201) 939-3142
SkyTalk 2021 — 57 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Champion Loft Award Rules You must be an I.F. member to qualify for this award. Race results and schedule must be submitted.
We understand that many clubs start out with a high turnout for Champion Loft Award Rules shipping and later in the season the number of loft’s shipping drops, therefore, the new rules allow consideration for our smaller clubs to CATEGORIES: compete for awards. Now, races with fewer than five lofts will qualify • 5-25- lofts • 76-150 lofts as long as there are three lofts at three different locations participating in the race. This rule change does not allow. • 26-75 lofts • 151 to 300 lofts Two lofts on the same property, in the same race, to be counted as the *Only Average Speed Races from one Club or Combine race series. 2nd or 3rd loft in the race, as part of the three loft requirement. All races must be flown during the calendar year submitted. *Your loft will only be entered once into a Category, “The largest Category.” An example is if you have 10 lofts in the club and 25 lofts All races submitted for each division application must be from the in the combine. You may only enter your best results once into the same organization. You may not mix results from different clubs or same category. If you combine is 50 lofts, then you may enter your include a combination of the club with combine results. No section loft results into that category as well. The exception will be if you fly results are permitted! It is necessary for combine results to have been in a second club and have results for this second club that puts your flown from the same club. loft in the same category twice results determined by formula/factors. Distances used are based on the individual’s loft survey, not the Applicant must be paid up IF member by April 1st to be eligible for designation of the race distance by the club, combine or other Old birds and September 1st for young birds. An application can competing organization. Your loft must fly the minimum distance (*51) be submitted by the flyer or breeder or by a club/combine official on at each distance to be eligible. All survey decimals will be rounded up. behalf of the bird or loft. Secretaries are urged to send in applications For example, 151 miles will be considered 200 miles and can be used for deserving members or their birds, so they can receive the credit at 100 miles. The same rule will apply on all loft distances right to the that they have earned and is due their accomplishments. 500. You must fly at least 451 miles to qualify for the 500 mile race. Legible copies of race results must be submitted with each application, You may use a longer average speed race in place of a shorter race. Old with each position highlighted or otherwise identified. Do not send Birds: only submit the best finish in a 100-200-300-400-500 mile Race. diplomas. Race results should show the name of the competing organization, the number of birds shipped by the organization, the Results for old bird entry for I.F. Champion loft is September 1. survey distances flown by individual birds and/or lofts, and all positions Young Birds: only submit the best finish in 2-100, 2-200 and 2-300 or won by birds in the race. If this information is not provided on the more mile races. Results for young bird entry must be submitted by race sheet, a certification of the information by the race secretary is December 31. permissible. Race schedule must accompany application. To cut down on paper work, we will accept win speed reports as an alternative of If flying “A” and “B” race on the same day, submit all “A” or all “B” race actual race reports, for your loft. You must send Race Winners report results. No mixing of A & B race. The exception to the use of mixing and the Single flyer report and fill out the award application in full. A & B race is only allowed race cancellation of a previous scheduled race occurs; a make up to race is rescheduled for release on the same Applications completed incorrectly or improperly, or received more day. The release,may be from the same station, or a shorter, or longer than two weeks after the deadline date, September 1st for Old birds, station will be allowed for release as long as they are considered for and December 31 for young birds, (though properly postmarked the Average Speed for that series of races. before the deadline) are subject to disqualification. Applications postmarked after the deadline date will be disqualified. One race per day, per Club, or Combine is allowed. If you fly two or more clubs in the same combine, your total entry of birds shipped to Faxed or Emailed results are not allowed! Applications are online, the common release point must be counted in your club or combine and forms are online. entry for the I.F. Champion loft award. This is to take into account for SUBMIT TO: any drag to your loft by the amount of birds, you shipped. No section James Walker results are allowed. 309 Green Avenue The use of a race less than 250 miles in place of a second 300 mile Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 average speed young bird race is acceptable if your Club/Combine does not fly two 300 mile Young bird races. Please make a note on your Phone: (201) 939-3142 application. The race must be at least 225 miles or over to qualify.
58 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 Champion Loft H H H H H H H Award Entry Form
Name ______
Address ______
Fly in Assn. with ______
Loft Name ______SUBMIT TO: James Walker Pres. Signature ______309 Green Avenue Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 Race Sec. Signature ______Phone: (201) 939-3142 Please enclose race results that go with these races.
Only Average Speed Races are permitted. Send Race Schedule. OB 100, 200, 300, 400, 500. YB (2) 100, (2) 200, (2) 300
This Entry Form must be signed by the Officer of the Organization you are submitting your race results for! Combine results submitted; Combine officer’s signature required. Club results submitted; Club officer’ssignature required.
TOTAL # TOTAL # # OF BIRDS YOUR DATE OF DISTANCE WINNER’S OF LOFTS OF BIRDS POSITION SENT BY BEST RACE OF RACE SPEED IN RACE IN RACE YOUR LOFT SPEED
Entry Forms Also Available online at www.ifpigeon.com
SkyTalk 2021 — 59 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Person of the Year Entry Form
This person does not have to be a pigeon fancier, but can by anyone you think has contributed to the pigeon hobby and sport. Please explain why you feel the person you have selected should receive this award. Attach any articles, etc. that you feel may be helpful to your choice. ______
PERSON OF THE YEAR CANDIDATE Name ______Name ______Address ______Address ______Phone______Phone______SUBMIT BY AUGUST 1ST TO: Pigeon Fancier ❏ Yes ❏ No Rich Smith 289 W. Valley Stream Blvd. Valley Stream, NY 11580
Entry Forms Also Available online at www.ifpigeon.com
60 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 Individual Membership H H H H H H H Application
Please print and then fill out the form below including a check for $20.00 made out to the “International Federation” and mail to the following address:
Susan Hurrell P.O. Box C Clark Mills, NY 13321
Name:______
Address:______
City/State/Zip Code:______
Phone:______
Email:______
Place an “x” next to Member or Renewal. ❏ $20.00 New Member Dues ❏ $20.00 Renewal Dues ❏ $30.00 For International Members ❏ $10.00 Junior Dues (17 years & under)
I hearby request formal admission to the International Federation of America homing Pigeon Fanciers Inc. and if accepted to membership, agree to be bound by its Articles, Bylaws, Regulations and Conditions as they may now exist or may be subsequently adopted.
Signature:______
Print Name:______
The International Federation would like to welcome you to the sport! Thank you for your membership.
SkyTalk 2021 — 61 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H Speed Records Award Entry Form This Form May Also Be Used For Young-Bird Entry
Check One: ❏ Old Bird ❏ Young Bird This report must be signed by: Distance ______Speed-Ypm ______Mph ______President ______Date ______Flyer______Organization______Name ______Address ______Telephone ______Check One: ❏ Club ❏ Co mbine ❏ Concourse ❏ Other Race Secretary ______Organization______Address ______Name Of Loft ______Telephone ______Owned By ______This Entry Form must be signed by the Officer of the Street Address______Organization you are submitting your race results for! ______Combine results submitted; Combine officer’s signature required. City, State, Zip______Club results submitted; Club officer’ssignature required.
Telephone______• If entry is either officer, please have someone else sign. Flying With ______• Use one entry form for each submission. All requested information must be included. For the young bird speed list best races from the following distances: • Have this form signed by the president and race 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, secretary of each organization at the level entered, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-plus. (if on a club level, the club officers will sign; if on a combine level the combine officers must sign, etc.) For the speed list best races from • Only races flown from a single common point and the following distances: a common day at a common time will be considered. 50-100, 100-150, 150-200, 200-250, 250-300, 300-350, 350-400, 400-450, 450-500, 500-550, • There must be an entry of at least five (5) lofts in 550-600, 600-650, 650-700, 700-750, 750-800, every race. 800-850, 850-900, 900-950, 950-1000, 1050-1100, -plus. • List only the first position of your loft in any race. • You must be an if member in good standing dues You must submit in writing the speed along paid for the entry year! with verification to the Speed Records Chairman. • Submit copies of race results with this form. Deadline for submission is • All races flown within the last 5 years are eligible. December 1st of each year. SEND ENTRIES TO: This form can be used for all speed record entry, Beverly Gottlieb in which case the copies should be sent to the 7140 Race Rd. Speed Records Chairman. Hanover, MD 21076 [email protected]
62 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 Rookie of the Year H H H H H H H Entry Form
• Awarded to first-time flyers whether young or old birds series.
• Submit all races in which you participated for average speed at club or combine level.
• Form must be filled out properly. Submit results with application.
• Must be paid-up IF Member before you enter your first race. Deadline for submission: December 1st
Series OB/YB Band # Position Distance Lofts
1. 2. 3. 4. 5. 6. MAIL TO: 7. Help-A-Beginner Chairman: Sam Pixley 8. 34 Mills Hollow Drive 9. Fredericksburg, VA 22406 10. (540) 752-9014 11. [email protected] 12.
This Entry Form must be signed by the Officer of the Organization you are submitting your race results for! Combine results submitted; Combine officer’s signature required. Club results submitted; Club officer’ssignature required. Do Not Use
Your Name: Address: City: State, Zip: Complete Phone Number: President Signature: Secretary Signature: Entry Forms Also Available online at www.ifpigeon.com
SkyTalk 2021 — 63 SkyTalk 2021 H H H H H H H HALL OF FAME RULES
does not allow two lofts on the same property, in the same race, to be counted as the 2nd or 3rd loft in the race, as part of the 3 loft requirement. Race schedule must accompany Application. Results Rules & Regulations determined by formula/factors. Applicant must be paid up IF member by April 1st to be eligible for Old bird’s awards, and September 1st for young birds. CATEGORIES: An application can be submitted by the flyer or breeder or by a • 5-25 lofts • 76-150 lofts club/combine official on behalf of the bird or loft. Secretaries • 26-75 lofts • 151 to 300 lofts are urged to send in applications for deserving members or their birds, so they can receive the credit that they have earned and is due their accomplishments. A H.O.F. pigeon must be clocked a minimum of three times Legible copies of race results must be submitted with each in the top 10 percent of the birds in three individual races. application, with each position highlighted or otherwise The more times you clock your bird in the top ten percent identified. Do not send diplomas. Race results should show the more points the bird will receive. Birds in competition the name of the competing organization, the number of birds with fewer than five lofts will qualify as long if there are shipped by the organization, the survey distances flown by a minimum of three lofts from three different locations individual birds and/or lofts, and all positions won by birds participating in the race. Winners will be determined by a in the race. If this information is not provided on the race formula which consists of a base points set up in each Hall sheet, a certification of the information by the race secretary is of Fame category, the number of Lofts in competition, the permissible. Race schedule must accompany Application. distance your bird flew and the amount of pigeons in the race. Plus the birds entered in the race by the applicant are all part To cut down on paper work we will accept win speed reports of the formula/program. as an alternative of actual race reports, for your H.O.F. application. You must send Race winners report and the Single There is no mixing Club, Combine, Concourse or Federation bird report for each bird you are submitting for H.O.F and results into one application for a given bird. All races must be fill out the H.O.F. application in full. Applications completed from the same level of completion. incorrectly or improperly, or received more than two weeks No section results are allowed at all, only overall results after the deadline date (though properly postmarked before accepted for your H.O.F bird. the deadline) are subject to disqualification. Applications postmarked after the deadline date will be disqualified. Your bird will only be entered once into a Category, “The largest Category”. An example is if you have 10 lofts in the club and 25 Faxed or Emailed results are not allowed! Applications lofts in the combine. You may only enter your best results once are on line, and forms are on line. into the same category. If you combine is 50 lofts then you may Winner in each category receives an engraved glass enter the same bird into that category as well. trophy plaque. If your bird fly’s a special race outside your competition level then you may use that special race or races within the level of Deadline for submission of Old Bird competition you are entering. You may use a special race one entries is September 1st and for time either at the club level or with the combine results. A special race is a race that is outside the scope of your regular Young Birds December 31st. scheduled club or combines races. A special race is not a derby that is flown as part of another race. We understand that many clubs start out with high turnout for SUBMIT TO: shipping and later in the season the number of lofts shipping James Walker drops, therefore, the new rules allow consideration for our 309 Green Avenue smaller clubs to compete for awards. Now, races with fewer Lyndhurst, NJ 07071 than five lofts will qualify as long as there are three lofts at three different locations participating in the race. This rule change Phone: (201) 939-3142
64 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 HALL OF FAME H H H H H H H Award Entry Form
Owners Name:
Street Address:
Town, State, Zip:
Telephone:
For Performances in: ______Young Birds We hereby certify that the above data represents the true performance of the bird entered in this record ______Old Birds and we are a paid-up I.F. Member:
Club Affiliation: Owner:
Band No: Club Secretary:
Color & Sex: Club President: This Entry Form must be signed by the Officer of the Organization you are submitting your race results for! Combine results submitted; Combine officer’s signature required. Club results submitted; Club officer’ssignature required.
SUBMIT TO: James Walker 309 Green Avenue Lyndhurst, NJ 07071
Phone: (201) 939-3142
# OF BIRDS DATE OF TOTAL # TOTAL # YOUR YOUR WINNER’S DISTANCE YOU FLIGHT OF LOFTS OF BIRDS POSITION SPEED SPEED ENTERED
Entry Forms Also Available online at www.ifpigeon.com
SkyTalk 2021 — 65 66 – SkyTalk 2021 SIXTH ANNUAL CATSKILL MOUNTAIN RIP VAN WINKLE CLASSIC SPONSORED BY NORTHERN CATSKILL PIGEON CLUB, INC. CAIRO, NEW YORK 11,200.00 + POINTS IN TOTAL PRIZES*
*BASED ON A MINIMUM OF 125 BIRD PAID ENTREES, ADDATIONAL PRIZES WITH ADDITIONAL PARTICIPATION NO SPLIT: 100% POINTS TO BREEDER! 300 MILE RACE, 10/2/2021** WESTFIELD, N.Y. **DENOTES TENTATIVE RACE DATE
FOUR TRAINING RACES: TWO 100 MILE, ONE 150 MILE & ONE 200 MILE PRIZES: 1ST PLACE 5,000 POINTS 2ND PLACE 2,500. POINTS 3RD PLACE 1,500. POINTS 4TH PLACE 1,000. POINTS 5TH PLACE 900. POINTS
FIRST BIRD CLOCKED AFTER THE 29TH BIRD, THAT THE BREEDER DID NOT WIN A PRIZE, BREEDER GETS FREE 3 BIRD ENTRY IN NEXT YEAR’S RACE
21 POSITIONS AWARDED IN 2020, 15,600 POINTS ENTRY FEE: $125.00 PER BIRD 3 BIRDS/$300.00 • 5 BIRDS /$500.00 • 10 BIRDS / $900.00
5 BIRDS ENTERED 1 GOES IN ROTATION, 10 BIRDS ENTERED 2 GO IN ROTATION BIRDS ACCEPTED FROM Feb. 1, 2021 to June 1, 2021, FREE replacements until June 15th 2021. Breeder pays all shipping charges. Payment in full must accompany all entrees. Top 25 birds will be become property of NCC Pigeon Club, and will be auctioned off; 33% of the proceeds go to the Breeder, (NOTE: breeder’s share is forfeited if breeder does not supply pedigree before date of auction), 33% go to the Handler and 33% go to Northern Catskill Pigeon Club, Inc. all other birds become property of the Handler, UNLESS OTHER ARRANGEMENTS ARE MADE WITH HANDLER IN ADVANCE. Handlers CANNOT fly their own birds. Birds can only be flown in Official Classic Races.
For more information: go to www.nccpigeonclub.com OR Call: Joseph Costa: 845-758-3555 or Walter Sigda: 518-391-8537
TEN HANDLERS TO CHOOSE FROM TO DATE: Joseph Costa: 845-758-3555, Walter Sigda: 518-391-8537, Charles Morgan: 845-876-4515, Tom Sit: 845-332-9987, Philip Massaro: 518-822-1901, Tom Molle: 518-827-5121, Ed Dunne: 845-679-2027, Fred Fiechter: 518-678-5633, Mark Bajor: 518-860-6319, Frank Oringer: 518-821-3067
SkyTalk 2021 — 67 68 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2021 — 69 H H H H H H H What The I.F. Can Do For You The International Federation is a Non-Profit Corporation Organized and Existing Under the Laws of the State of Pennsylvania.
1. Every November the International Federation has it’s 12. The International Federation has a HELP-A-BEGINNER own convention. Attended in large numbers. People COORDINATOR who will assist new people into the sport attend this convention that are not even members of of Racing. the International Federation because of the fellowship. There are seminars, loft visits, young bird races, awards 13. The IF has literature for promotional and beginner banquet, bird auctions, friendship renewals, as well as programs for our membership. The literature is also plenty of activities for the children and wives. available in Spanish. 2. The International Federation publishes a SkyTalk 14. The International Federation has a Junior membership magazine yearly for our members. This magazine is full available to any under the age of 18. of advertisements for supplies, and supporters of the 15. The International Federation believes in Home Rule and organization. A complete set of, Constitution and By- this give clubs local control of their guidelines for racing Laws, is available on the web page www.ifpigeon.com. in their clubs. The mission of this organization is to Complete Band listings as well as award applications, promote pigeon breeding, training, racing and exhibition, award winners, interviews of champion I.F. members, to Instruct and assist novices, organize districts or clubs articles from the leading Vets in the USA. and impart info. To promote the sport perfecting through 3. The International Federation supports a Scholarship organization a closer association of pigeon fanciers Fund. An awarded is given to the winners of a for their protection and For the development of good scholarship essay for first second and third place; fellowship throughout the globe among them.
The Scholarship is available to members or members’ Furthermore, this organization is dedicated to the families to assist them with their secondary education. humane treatment of the animals around which 4. The International Federation has legal defense funds we have formed a common bond. available for members used primarily for fighting zoning The primary objectives of the I.F. are: ordinances. 5. The International Federation has its own awards A) To plan and execute programs designed to advance the program. Trophies are presented at the convention IF and the sport. banquet. Recipients are recognized for their outstanding B) To maintain a policy of Home Rule. accomplishments in a national pigeon publication. C) To form local affiliates (Clubs, Combines, Concourses, 6. The International Federation has a web page that is Centers, etc.) through which the affairs of the IF and its updated regularly, the newsroom will give our members members will be transacted. information that is current and relates to our sport. D) To issue and sell an official, registered leg band. 7. The International Federation has Club and Individual bands available to the membership at close to cost plus E) To encourage national, state, and local legislation which shipping. may be beneficial to the sport, the IF, and its members, and to provide as much legal aid to its members as 8. The International Federation has its own legal staff, possible. as well as an attorney that is a member of the Board of Directors. F) To maintain a limited financial surplus sufficient to protect the IF against times of emergency and to assure 9. The International Federation employs its own secretary its continued operation and perpetuation. to assure business continuity. The International Federation has serviced its members 10. The International Federation provides its members easy since 1881. We urge all pigeon enthusiasts who race, access to its officers, awards and Constitution and By- show, or just enjoy the keeping of pigeons to join the Laws chairmen. International Federation and experience the fellowship of 11. The International Federation is closely associated with our organization. YOU’LL BE GLAD YOU DID! Bird Shippers of America whose primary purpose is to Additional resources including pigeon supply houses, protect the right to ship live birds, of various types, publications, videos and web sites can be found at: through the United States Postal Service and hire a lobbyist in Washington, D.C. who actively leads us through the complicated scheme of our country’s politics in trying to succeed in our mission to ship our pigeons. www.IFpigeon.com
70 – SkyTalk 2021 FINANCIAL BURDENS OF FLYING PIGEONS
How often I speak to pigeon flyers across the country and they tell me of the struggles to keep their club or combine afloat financially. The cost of shipping birds to races are causing many clubs and combines to make drastic cuts to their schedules, many not flying old birds due to the lack of support from the few members that they have (that is a pet peeve I have but for another day) many more totally disbanding for financial reasons. Many clubs not only have the financial burden of transporting their birds but also paying rent or taxes etc. on their clubhouses. This causes many to raise their dues for the members, which in turn causes members to drop out.
Let me try and give some suggestions to try and a help alleviate these burdens… First, clubs/combines can maybe have a car wash or maybe everyone can bake a cake and have a bake sale selling the cakes in front of your local super market, or maybe they can ask the local school for permission to use their field and have a fair with pony rides. I don't mean to belittle this effort to raise some money but there are other ways that may generate a little more finances. Every year I get calls for a donation as a club is having an auction of some birds to help with the shipping costs of the upcoming season. I don't think this is a bad way to generate some quick money to help, unfortunately it is only a partial band aid, every auction will have some good sellable birds and then it will have a bunch of birds that guys are just dumping because the birds have not been any good and then feel someone should pay good hard earned money for these birds.
Let me suggest another way to make some real money and have a great time doing it… SPONSOR A CONVENTION. I know most of you will say this guy is NUTS, but it is not as hard as many choose to believe. It is a scary thought to many of even entertaining such a thought. I have been chairman of a convention and assisted in several more, all of which have been hugely successful. It is not a huge deal, you don't need a large amount of people involved, just a couple dedicated workers and support from others will do it.
To get it started you can hold a start-up auction the year before to raise funds to get you going. I have found that if you call on most successful pigeon people across the country they will donate a bird, you don't need a bunch of local guys dumping what they feel is not good enough for them. Hold an auction that will also be live and online, and you will be off to a good start. If your area is not large enough to accommodate the incoming convention birds maybe you can do it as a joint venture with another club/combine that is somewhat local. At the time of the convention have a guest speaker or two that will draw a crowd and follow up that morning with an auction. Many top pigeon people across the country will be happy to be part of this and bring their birds for auction to split total of the sales with sponsoring club/combine.
If anyone wishes to entertain the possibility of sponsoring a convention I would be happy to talk to you with any questions that you may have. The pony rides and cake sales are not going to keep you going.
Erik Hall [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 71 A Blast from the Past...
The Annual Meeting To Be Held in Newark, December 9, 1891
Special thanks to the Fanciers Journal.... A meeting of the Executive Committee of the Federation of American Homing Pigeon Fanciers was held on Wednesday, August 5, at the residence of Mr. William Bennert, Newark, NJ. The following members were present: President S. G. M. Maule, Secretary D. S. Rogers. John Shepard, James Work. Paul Krausc. John Diggle,G. R. Callaghan, all from Philadelphia; William Bennert. W. B. Garrabrant, George Bowerman, C. Mahr, A. Mahr, F. Morton, of Newark, and H. K. Tucker of Elizabeth NJ. The meeting was called to order by President Maule, and the business transacted was purely executive. At the request of the Philadelphia section it was Voted to issue diplomas instead of certificates. They are to be called Concourse Diplomas to distinguish them from regular Federation diplomas. The Philadelphia Section recommended the expulsion of one of its members for dishonest returns. Referred to the annual meeting for final action. A motion was made to hold the next annual meeting of the Federation in Newark. NJ. This brought out considerable Discussion and some Newark Members seemed to think Brooklyn or Plainfield would be more desirable. It was finally decided to hold the next annual meeting at Newark on December 9, 1881. the New Jersey central section to make all necessary arrangements. There will be no .show held in connection with the meeting, although it was suggested to exhibit all the prize winning birds of the season. After the meeting adjourned the members were treated bounteous refreshments and cigars by “mine host” Bennert. and proceeded to visit the lofts of the latter and those of Mr. Garrabrant. Most of the members left for New York to attend the meeting of the Empire City Homing Club, a full reportTHE of which will appear in next week’s issue of FANCIERS’ JOURNAL
72 – SkyTalk 2021 Loft Spotlights Interviews with By: Erik Hall Top Lofts Around the Country A renewed feature for the SKYTALK magazine starting this year is “Loft Spotlights.” We will do an interview with several different top lofts of IF members around the country. interviews, and we hope to have new interviews each year to share. Often, I have read interviews in various magazines from many pigeon owners of lofts around the This year we will start with four lofts from various country. Through my 50 years of flying pigeons, I areas. We have a little additional space due to the fact have also tried to follow anything I can learn from that didn’t have any coverage of an IF Convention the best in the country. Always studying pedigrees due to the Covid-19 disaster. Hopefully next year we and race results from so many lofts nationwide and will be back to normal, and we will continue with the then I read interviews from these lofts, and most Spotlight loft interviews doing three top lofts per year. unfortunately is not always the true stories of their We have presented the interview lofts with a list performance, breeding, etc. Not to say that this is of questions that we felt would be of interest to always the case, because many of the interviews that everyone. Some of the interviewed lofts are not we read are enjoyable and truthful… I applaud those comfortable writing about themselves, but rather interviewers. But as ego's being what they are, several answer questions presented to them. lofts that I know personally, or have followed race, breeding and results don't hold fact. Unfortunately, This year we will start off with four champions from in this time of dwindling sport participation we want their area and beyond. They are: the true facts. Vinnie Torre of Wayne, New Jersey, flying with the As we partake of these interviews in SKYTALK, you Central New Jersey Combine. can be assured that what you read is indeed factual. Sal Rodriquez of Clinton, Utah, flying with the Furthermore the lofts we interview will be lofts that Northern Utah Combine. are all willing to help anyone who would like to have some additional help achieving the top of the sport. Joe Politi of Holbrook, New York flying with the Everyone we interview will be truthful and honest Long Island Combine. lofts, they will always be there to help with the sport Don Hart of Spring Hill, Florida flying with the Unit and hold nothing back. The unfortunate part of Ten club, Greater Tampa Combine and the GHC club. these interviews is that SKYTALK being a once-a- year publication we can’t interview the many pigeon We hope you enjoy the interviews from these four top fliers that are so deserving. This year we have four racing pigeon lofts. •
SkyTalk 2021 — 73 Personal information, family, etc. I was born and raised in Hoboken New Jersey. In the Spotlight On… 1940's my father, an Italian immigrant, took apart and moved a house from Jackson Street to Monroe Hillside Loft Street. I was the youngest of eleven children, and was a terror growing up. I married and had a daughter. Vinnie Torre, Wayne, NJ I was widowed in 1996 with an eleven-year-old daughter to raise on my own along with trying run a business and fly my pigeons. In 1999, I went on a blind date and the rest is history. Lynne and I have This first interview is from the Hillside Loft of been together ever since. Before long I built her a loft Vinnie Torre and his partner in life and in pigeons, and then we compete against each other. I compete Lynne Earing. against my own birds. Most of her team are young Vinnie has been a mainstay in the pigeon sport in ones that I've bred. I lived and raced pigeons there the Lyndhurst Club of the Central Jersey Combine until 2014 when, as I say, I surrendered. Hurricane winning races for over 50 years and still at the top Sandy was the straw that broke the camel's back. of the game today. After his move from his life- Hoboken was flooded again. long home on the roof top in Hoboken NJ to the I sold my property and moved to Wayne New Jersey country home in Wayne, NJ he hasn't missed a beat. with my daughter, Megan and Lynne. Wayne was one I personally was told that when he moved to Wayne of the few towns in New Jersey that allowed homing that he was finished, the only thing that was finished pigeons. Thanks to a flyer who years ago was a town was that large buildings were built around his roof official and had regulations for flyers put into the top cutting off the fresh air to his lofts in Hoboken town ordinance. I found a beautiful piece of property the thing that changed in the move to Wayne was with an acre of land. The house was large, probably that he was back with a vengeance. bigger than we needed and needing a lot of work, but Knowing Vinnie for many years he always had the that wasn't my priority; it was the land. There was reputation of being very boisterous, yes, he would a main house and a rental house on the property. yell (and laugh) but he was always working for the Behind the property was woods. The first time I better of the sport, always working so hard to keep saw the property I said, "this is it." After purchasing the famous LCM race at the top, most of the time I the property, the Zoning Department told me I would hear complaints about his boisterous ways, could only put up a 125 square ft. loft due to land but they were always from guys who were never coverage. I had a meeting with the Zoning Official involved or step up to keep the club or races going. and asked what I could do to get a bigger loft. It was the rental house or a small loft. I guess you know Vinnie is always willing to help anyone out with any what happened. The rental house came down and my needs or advice. A great tribute to him and Lynne 10x50 ft loft constructed. was from the Hoboken Historical Society publishing a booklet featuring them and the history of pigeon I was always a good flyer in Hoboken and many flying in Hoboken NJ. critics said I wouldn't do well after the move. I think I proved them all wrong. I've been pretty successful in Not only does their famous Hillside Loft win my new location. It's a big change from city life and a consistently but when their birds are sent out, they coop on a roof. Our friend Jimmy Walker, a former win for others. In the past few years, they have won flyer and a Vice President of the IF comes to watch the Snow Bird race in California, twice winning the races here and always says, "I'm in heaven." the IF convention races, and twice winning second in the IF convention races in various parts of the How did you get started country. As a kid, maybe nine years old, I would see pigeons flying around a coop on the next block. It really We hope you will enjoy visiting with the Hillside sparked my interest. Before long my friend and Loft of Vinnie Torre and Lynne Earing.
74 – SkyTalk 2021 I stole some of his birds. The owner knew what happened to them. He could see our makeshift coop from his roof. Our coop was my sister's cedar hope chest. We threw everything out that was being saved for when she got married, cut a hole in it and added an orange crate to it. Well, to say the least I got some beating for that. Anyway, it was Frankie Longo's birds and he came up to the roof. He yelled and gave me a couple of slaps to the back of the head and told me he would give me some pigeons. I then worked in his store, cutting cold cuts (at nine or ten years old) and took care of his pigeons. That was the start of a life- long passion. It kept me out of a lot of bad trouble because I knew I had to take care of my birds.
Families of birds When I first started flying I had Bastines from Frankie Longo. Eventually I brought John Bladee Haveniths and Galexy Devriendts into the loft. When I was around sixteen years old I bought two pair of Bladee Haveniths for $60.00 a pair. It took me three months Vinnie Torre & Lynne Earing to pay them off and I had to go to Ozone Park New York every time I could get a few bucks together. I had for breeders and on the other side of the office four to take two trains to get there. When I paid them off I stalls for the flyers. It's a great set-up. I brought all got the pigeons. In 1988 I visited Campbell Strange in the breeding boxes with me from Hoboken and built Texas and I bought Mexican Red Janssens, Devriendts everything else. I have grates on the floor for easier and Jan Ardens. I also have been gifted Jankowski cleaning. I'm really enjoying this new loft. Janssens and Devriendts from my friend Erik Hall. Haveniths and Devriendts are my basic families and I Breeding, inbreeding, vs line-breeding vs crossing have done very well with them. My favorite breeding is line breeding with my family of birds. This way I keep my family together. Fifty Lofts years and I still have the same family. Sometimes I As I have said my first loft was my sister's cedar hope bring birds in from the outside and I may cross breed chest. I didn't have another loft for many years because them, but they never go into my breeding coop. I was helping Frankie Longo with his pigeons at his When I do bring birds into my coop, I try to bring the loft. After Frankie Longo passed away, Red Handel, same blood line that I have. When I cross breed I feel who lived in Jersey City, bought all of Longo's pigeons I don't have to inbreed. and flew them out of Frankie's loft, so I continued to take care of the birds, and we flew together. After Racing, systems, motivating, old bird racing, young one year Red Handel moved to Woodbridge NJ and bird racing took most of the pigeons, leaving me a few to fly and For old birds I fly the natural system; hens on eggs, I raced by myself. I was sixteen years old. Eventually cocks on young ones. For young birds I fly them I moved Frankie's flying loft from his roof to mine. I separated. I put the young birds together an hour had the breeders in the garage. I flew from that flying before basketing for motivation. loft until I left Hoboken at sixty-eight years old. I built Feeding types of feed a separate breeders loft on the roof and that was my For feeding I use Depurative the early part of the set up. It served me well. I always dreamed of a bigger week and then racing feed three to four days before loft and when we moved to Wayne, NJ I had a fifty basketing. For old birds I leave feed in front of them foot loft built with an office in the middle, two sections all the time. For young birds I feed them twice a day,
SkyTalk 2021 — 75 Spotlight on Hillside Loft (continued)
as much as they want; light in the morning and all they want at night from the 100 to the 300.
Medications, vaccines, etc. I vaccinate for para-mixer, herpes, adeno, pox, and paratyphoid. I do this before young birds. I like to do this when I move them over from the breeding coop. It has always worked well for me.
Vitamins, minerals, etc. The birds have grit in front of them all the time. I buy Versele-Laga grit combo. I also use red grit. I use Versele -Laga minerals.
Your greatest champions I've had more of my share of Hall of Fame, North American Champs, Concourse and Combine winners. Patty was my first Hall of Fame winner in 1971. As a young bird she was double banded and won both the Frytag 300 mi in the Bronx and YOF 300 mi in Brooklyn. Both specials had 130 plus lofts. As a young bird she also won the 300 mi one-bird Derby in the North Jersey Club with 80 lofts. She was a super breeder and bred multiple band race winner. Forty years later her family was still winning.
Caroline, my Devriendt family from Galaxy and Campbell Strange line are still winning. I had visited Campbell Strange in Texas and came home with Devriendts. Caroline won many races and her descendants are still breeding and flying. I've crossed Erik Hall's Devriendts that he got from Campbell Strange and have been very successful. Over the years I've had many band race and derby winners.
Thoughts on one loft racing I don't think one-loft races benefits the pigeon sport or clubs in any way. It not easy for clubs, especially those that have clubhouses to survive. With expenses such as taxes, insurances, gas and electric, and upkeep it a struggle to keep up. Some flyers are not supporting clubs and supporting one-loft races where most times profits go to the individuals running the race. Clubs are suffering. One loft races are a private enterprise.
Additional Comments I have been president of the Lyndhurst Pigeon Club and the Hudson County Pigeon Club for many years. I have also served and the Central Jersey Combine delegate for many years. •
76 – SkyTalk 2021 Spotlight On… Sal Rodriguez Clinton, Utah
The next loft we will visit is the super loft of Sal Rodriguez of Clinton. Utah. Sal is one of those quick lofts that doesn't get much attention unless you pay attention to super pigeons with super results. Who is Sal Rodriguez? He is a guy with first class super pigeons that win everywhere. As you read his responses to our questions, does he mention some of his One day a baby bird had hatched. Would the parents raise accomplishments?? it? No, I took him to the end of the property and threw Let’s start with who else breeds a SUPER CHAPION him up in the air!! To this day that bird has never flown. like his “SHAMLESS” pigeon, pay attention, this Families of birds is a guy in the USA that bred this super pigeon to Two years later my best friend, Antonio Ruiz, and I built compete in Mexico, as he does with many of his birds, a pigeon coop on one of the empty properties. In just two “SHAMELESS” ins champion of Mexico against 26,600 weeks the loft was full of pigeons. But we noticed that one birds, that's right 26,600 birds, those or numbers that hand ring was much better looking than the others. Our are only accomplished by super loft in Europe. curiosity got the best of us, so we began asking “Why was Here in the USA, he quietly has won 1st eq. Hoosier this pigeon better looking and why the ring?” We began race, several 1st. In some of the top combines in the asking questions and realized they were racing pigeons. country such as the Central Jersey combine, Long From then on, I only kept the famous ones: Janssen, Island Combine, 1st. Or eq. First in one loft races, Cions, Breekoos and Jan Aardens. winning endless awards in the Northern Utah combine, Just like all kids, we used our bikes or the bus to train Racing Pigeon Digest Awards, Ace Pigeon, Top in the birds, not like people use their personal vehicles the AU Convention races, etc. He has one of the very today. We didn’t even have clocks yet. Like all kids, we best lofts of the Dirk Van Dyck pigeons. Direct off the bragged that we had the best racing homers. A kid in super cock KANNIBAAL, RAMBO, his pigeons are another neighborhood challenged us to fly for money. scoring wherever they are sent. Not only does he have I had had new partner. His name was Salvador Garcia, super impact pigeons, he is a super guy too. Enjoy his his nickname was Cevichero. We took the challenge and interview. gathered the $100 pesos. As everyone remembers, the Personal information, family, etc. races where divided into blocks from each loft. Yes, we I have been married to my high school sweetheart for had to grab the bird after it had arrived and run to the 33 years and we are still as happy as we were on day one, chosen finish line. We won the race with mealy hen. I was no regrets. We have three kids: Lalo who is 30 years old, hooked. Later, we kept winning. My partner and I had the Emanuel who is 28 years old and Alexis who is 24 years best pigeons in town and by this time there where some old. We have three grandchildren: Brice who is 12 years famous birds like El Burras, El Alconillo, La Pinta and La old and Bella and Zeke who are both 8 years old. Dedos mochos.
How did you get started One day I made the biggest deal of my life I trade my When I was 5 years old, my neighbor gave me a pair of bike for three pair of breeders, wow I was so happy until fantails. I still remember those two, DC and Splash. Wow, I got home, my mom asked, “where is your bike?” I told I was the happiest kid on the block for months. I had the her I traded my bike for those birds, she was so mad she pair for two years and they never laid eggs. Finally, one day told me I was stupid, and I was in big trouble. But from there were two eggs. I was in first grade at the time and those birds I met my best friend Everardo Flores, nick the school was just one block from my house. I would run name Lalo we come so close when we had our first child, home after school to check and see if the eggs had hatched. I named him after my best friend.
SkyTalk 2021 — 77 Spotlight on Sal Rodriguez (continued) Girl,” De Especial,” “Perla,” “Moon–Kannibaall” and Lofts the famous “Kanniballs”—and the legend was born. At the age of 15, I migrated to Utah and have been here Sal’s Kannibaal was and still is one of my favorites. since. When my wife and I purchased our first home, Yes, I do believe that every couple of years something my first project was to build a pigeon coop. Where the different should be brought into the loft, something previous owners had a swing set and treehouse on a with performance to refresh the bloodlines. I am a big sandpit, I had built a loft. A very simple pigeon loft. But, as believer in inbreeding and use those blood lines to we all know, we “pigeon guys” are very curious. One day I crossbreed to fly. saw a flock of pigeons flying overhead so I followed them, about two blocks from my house. I saw a man, Leo Barns, Five years ago, I met Raul Castañeda from Guadalajara, and stopped and asked him many questions. He kindly Mexico. In a short time, we became very good friends and invited me to his club, Bonneville. They called it the rich started trading birds back and forth which a tremendous club (doctors, lawyers, rich guys). There I met my mentor, help to both of us. We became partners in the 2015 Raul one of the nicest gentlemen ever known, Dean Coombs. Race. We did so well our competitors named our ace pigeon He took me “under his wing.” At the time, everyone in the “Famous Shameless” because we were shamelessly taking Utah wanted to buy his birds, they were the best available. 1st place against 26,600 birds from 650 different lofts. And he was super breeder. But he was not a great flyer. He didn’t take it seriously; it was a past time for him. In 2018 we placed 5th against 3,500 other birds. The trip totaled 373 miles and both birds did awesome. In 1994 a gentleman by the name Peter Pollak had Kannibaal is the legend—he just keeps winning. purchased the birds in Belgium and he was “kicking butt and taking names.” Later that same year he was forced There is one thing in which I am a big believer, and this to quit, due to family issues. He had purchased the best is only my opinion: When breeding, use birds that are Smolders from a man in Belgium and Peter gave me 3 crossbred only 2 or 3 times. pair. They were my pride and joy. I bred them and tried training them but kept losing them in training. I was ready to give up until I purchased a pair of Meuleman’s from Mr. Horse Hackemer and crossbred them – boom! A Hit Pair. Claud, the female, was numbered 730 and the male was numbered 1413. That pair put me on the map. I kept the pair together and kept breeding champions! Seven-time 1st place champions from that pair.
Breeding, inbreeding, vs line-breeding vs crossing Let me start by sharing this with all the upcoming fanciers… One day a 98-year-old man sat me down and told me “Sonny, let me give you secret. It happens to all ‘pigeon guys.’ We all, at one time or another, have the once-in-a-lifetime “Hit Pair.” It’s sad is when we find out how great the pair was after you have lost all of their babies trying to win, because of all the new systems coming out now (the dark system, the light system). We’ve tried to fly natural and tried to fly using their systems. Here is what I’m telling you: Go home and look at your best pairs and tell me how many you have left from them. The year was 2014. To my surprise, my hit pair, the aforementioned 730 and 1413, weren’t doing so well –the cock was now infertile. So, I took all of their offspring and put them in my stock.
I began inbreeding to save the bloodlines in 2007. I was fortunate enough to run into “Mr. Turbo,” “Sal’s
78 – SkyTalk 2021 Racing, systems, motivating, old bird racing, young week. Once I started medicating, I stayed on top. You bird racing can’t win them all, but I was at the top regardless. Nowadays, if you don’t fly using systems, you will find Additional Comments yourself at the bottom of the sheet. It is that simple. With young birds, I prefer the light system. It’s very easy In conclusion, get the best birds you can buy. Don’t settle and simple and not so harsh for the yearlings as the dark for culls. I am talking from experience. When I began system which I flew, once, 2 years and never did again. flying, it was a hobby, and in the process, I wasted a lot of money buying $100-birds. Looking back, I wish Motivation the same you must find ways to motivate someone had told me to stop and save my money to your birds. buy one or two great pairs. I learned the hard way and wasted all of my money and time. One day, a little later, My cup of tea was old birds. I enjoy old birds. They are I realized that Campbell Strange had the best bird. much easier to work with and set-up. For many years Unfortunately, it was a year too late and he was out of I flew natural and was very successful, winning the the sport. Now, whenever I need to refresh my lines, I go long races – 400, 500 then 600 miles with hens sitting to Mr. Mike Ganus as we all know he has the best. on eggs. But as we all know all too well, it takes a lot of work. First, by looking at your schedule and making Aside from the pigeon hobby, the best thing about our sure the hens laid eggs 15 (or 14) days before the races. sport has been the friends I’ve been lucky enough to And what happens if the races are cancelled due to bad make, and the places I’ve been lucky enough to visit. All weather all that preparation was for nothing? because of the pigeons. •
Finally, I was introduced to the widowhood system and never looked back. I set up to fly widowhood and was very selective. I kept 30 cocks and kicked butt and took names for 3 years straight. I won Champion Loft in the Wasatch concourse.
Feeding types of feed When it comes to feeding, I do not make it complicated. I keep it very simple. The birds will tell you what they like and what they do not like.
Regarding widowhood, I feed twice in the morning. After flying in the morning, for 45 minutes and again in the afternoon after flying for 30 to 40 minutes. They eat all they want and after 20 minutes I remove the feed.
Medications, vaccines, etc. Once again, if you do not medicate it’s hard to win consistently. When I started flying, I did not medicate, and I did win but I was not able to repeat it week after
SkyTalk 2021 — 79 Spotlight On… Joe & Fran Politi Holbrook, Long Island, NY
The next Loft we visit is the loft of Joe & Fran Politi of Holbrook on Long Island, NY. I have known this super loft for over 40 years. Joe was known as the “Eastern Assassin” years ago and after all his years, he is still at the top of his game. When I flew in NY and I had a good bird, you always wanted to know when did Joe clock? In his interview he is kind of humble as to his accomplishments but let me tell you he has always been the loft to beat. Joe & Fran Politi - 35 years ago
For years he flew his fantastic loft of HVR's (of which he Families of birds probably should have kept some) but has since gone to In 1975, I met Pat Murphy & Tuttie Buongiorno who got his new family of pigeons and he is again winning the me started with Huysken VanRiels. Later I met Danny top futurity races, club and combine races. Again, this Buonogurio & Mike Diagastino who further guided me. year he has won Islip HPC and Long Island Combine There was no stopping me. I built my family of Huysken average speed. This year in the tough Islip HPC he won VanRiels into the end of 1990s. I then got birds down 4 races being second several times by seconds, but also from Ganus (Toppo, Jansen & Hofkens), from D&M Loft not just getting one bird, but clocking multiple birds up top. We are pleased to bring you another interview from (Scott Dale & Pete Masadonia). I still have the best of the a super guy with a champion loft. Ganus family and introduced some Mona Lisa & Rudy blood lines. In past of couple of years now, I've added Personal information, family, etc. some Gaby VanderBiels (from John Marles & Ken Hardy I grew up in Woodside, NY with my parents & brother from FL), with the help of my friend Danny Buonogurio, who was 10 years older than me. My wife grew up in who now lives in FL. Middle Village, NY. We met in 1971 at Rockaway Beach and were married in 1973 when I was 21, and she was Lofts 19. We bought a new house in Selden, LI, NY which we We've always flown under the name of "Joe & Fran Politi moved into right after we were married. Our son was Loft" (husband & wife team). born in 1975. A year later we moved into our 2nd home Breeding, inbreeding, vs line-breeding vs crossing in Holbrook, LI, NY (where we still reside now). Our I like breeding out of my best flyers... Breed best to best. daughter was born in 1979. We are proud to say that both We've lost so many birds due to Hawk attacks, that it our children are doing very well, married and have given became more beneficial if you have an outstanding us 6 wonderful grandchildren, ranging in age from 2 to 15. pigeon, to stock it & breed out of it. How did you get started Racing, systems, motivating, old bird racing, young It all started when I was about 12. I was in PS 73 Junior bird racing HS in Maspeth, NY. Every day when we changed classes, Old Birds-Natural system, race to the nest. I have also you would look out the classroom windows and see 1 - flown old birds separated with good results. Young Birds, 2 pigeon lofts on every block... homer lofts, flight lofts, I fly them to the perch. I prefer training my own birds. tippler lofts. I was hooked. I loved the homing pigeons. I got into cars/drag racing as a teen. I worked on my race Feeding types of feed car for hours, but my love for homing pigeons prevailed. For breeding, I use Superior Breeder feed. For racing, I built my 1st loft after I was married in 1973 in our new I use Gerry’s Superior feed from The Pigeon Store, 548 home in Selden. However, it wasn't until 1976 when we Sunrise Hwy., W, Babylon, NY 11704, where I also buy moved into our home in Holbrook that I started my medications. I use red stone & seaweed grit for racing pigeons. breeders & racers, also use pick pots.
80 – SkyTalk 2021 Medications, vaccines, etc. How can the sport be improved I medicate for worms, canker, cocci, e-coli, & Educate other people to the sport & bring new respiratory. I vaccinate for PMV & pox. member/flyers in. Maybe even give talks and visuals to kids in school on the sport to get them interested. I am Vitamins, minerals, etc. also a firm believer in drug testing on the birds. It keeps I'm a firm believer in vitamins-Vita Preen, Probiotics, things fair & honest. Vita King vitamin oil, & brewer’s yeast. Additional Comments Your greatest champions If it wasn't for my wife's help, support & patience GREATEST CHAMPS: Some of my greatest champs/ through the years, I wouldn't have been able to pursue all combine winners from year 2020 are: 2020 JFP 9 and succeed in this hobby. I thank my son and daughter Blue Hen; 2020 NSBR 81 Blue Hen; 2020 NSBR 89 Blue for "putting up with White Flight Hen; 2020 NSBR 856 Blue Hen; 2020 NSBR me" as well. Besides 1000 Blue Cock; 2020 JFP 8 Blue Cock; 2020 NSBR whom I already 81 Blue Hen; 2020 LBR 103 Blue Hen; 2020 LBR 102 mentioned above, Blue Cock. Two champs from 2019, 1st & 2nd place in I attribute this hobby NSBR Green Band race were 2 sisters, NSBR 1705 & to forming everlasting NSBR1706, Blue Bar Hens. friendships including Thoughts on one loft racing Manny Parada, Jack No thoughts on this, never participated. Marziliano (Diamond Loft), Chris Busick Special friends/influence and the late Richard In the beginning I was most influenced by Pat Murphy, Busick (Brothers Shamrock Loft, in Astoria Queens. He started me with Dawn Loft). • my 1st Huysken VanRiels. My next greatest influence was Danny Buonogurio, M&S Loft, in Ronkonkoma NY, when I met him at the ELI Homing Pigeon Club in 1976. That set off a friendship that continues till today. Even though he now lives in FL, we talk daily & brainstorm our racing techniques. Through Danny, I met Mike Diagastino from CT & Pete Masadonia & Scott Dale, D&M Loft from Ronkonkoma, NY.
SkyTalk 2021 — 81 Spotlight On… Don Hart Spring Hill, FL
Don Hart has been at the fore front of pigeon racing for many years. From all his days flying on top in Connecticut, to his present time in Florida. For all the years that I have known Don he has always sought out the best pigeons he could possibly acquire. For years he always sought out the best that Europe had to order, always going to the best lofts, for their best pigeons that he could bring into the USA. Therefore, his race results Don and Judy Hart have always awarded him with his efforts.
Since retiring to the hot bed of pigeon racing, he has set How did you get started his sights on short to middle distance racing, he is not I got started at age 8, my mother used to take me with an advocate of long-distance racing. His concentration her to the butcher market every week, the butcher was a on short distance is second to none. He is the man to pigeon racer and had a loft with racing pigeons behind beat in this hot bed of pigeon racers, everyone wants to the market. Every week I went to see the pigeons, after a know when did Don clock? This is what he has chosen while he gave me my first pigeons. to be his specialty and he has more than accomplished Families of birds his goal… but he is far from being done. The first pigeon that I purchased was from George Slate Every year he is at the top for average speed, champion of England and they flew very good overall for me. In loft, champion bird, etc. On race day you will not just 1959 I went to see Dr. Whitney of Speedome Lofts and I see one bird drop in, but numerous birds that will clock purchased his Huysken Van Riels and had great success within seconds. His super family of pigeons not only fly with them. In 1963 I flew with the Greater New Haven for him (even though he doesn't enter many out of area Pigeon Club that had 16 races, 8 old birds & 8 young bird races), people who purchase birds from him fly on top races, I won 13 times 1st and not lower than 3rd in the with his birds. Hope you enjoy this interview with Don other three. I flew a team of 12 widowhood cocks and 50 whos greatest asset is probably his wife Judy. young birds, at the end of 1963 I sold all the birds to Dr. Whitney and went to work for him. Personal information, family, etc. My wife Judy and I have five children who all graduated In 1970 I went to Belgium and purchased birds from Guy from college, and are now computer engineers, Vinois who was the champion of Belgium at the time and accountant, and a nurse director of clinical services. had great success with them winning the BFR RACE two We live now in Spring Hill, FL we originally came from years in a row and at least 50% of the races in New Haven Connecticut. We always had our own business. We Homing Pigeon Club. I now have pigeons direct from were always there for our grandchildren bringing them William DeBruijn, Houben and Gaby Vandenabelle. to school, picking them up when they were sick at Lofts school, and took care of their animals when they went In Connecticut I had a 36 ft. breeder loft and a 20 ft. two on vacation. When the New Haven Pigeon Club closed story flying loft. In Florida I have a 32 ft. breeding loft down, I had to drive an hour or more to a club that was that I had built last year for 56 pairs of birds. I also have flying. By now our grandchildren were now going to a 50 ft. breeding and flying loft. college, we heard about pigeon racing in Spring Hill, FL that was called little Belgium, we decided to buy property Breeding, inbreeding, vs line-breeding vs crossing and build a house and pigeon coup in 2006, we both I don’t believe in crossing any of my birds I breed all my figured this was going to be our last hurrah! family of birds straight, I inbred for stock only.
82 – SkyTalk 2021 Racing, systems, motivating, old bird racing, young bird racing I only motivate my birds by feed. My old birds and young birds, I have flown the young birds on the darkening system from 1959 to 2008. I stopped when I moved to Florida because the young bird races start in late September and end in early December, and the old bird races start in the middle of January, so the young birds don’t have time to moult. I don’t breed my old bird race team.
Feeding types of feed I feed my old birds and young birds with Browns Super “NADIA” UTEN-14-3025 1st Alachua 310 b. 2nd Crack. Alachua 145 b. 3rd Alachua 141 b. 6th Alachua 151 b. Medications, vaccines, etc. 6th Alachua 122 b. 7th Alachua 171 b. 12th Alachua I vaccinate twice for pox, PMV, adeno, herpes, rota 150 b. 16th Alachua 102 b. 1st CHAMPION BIRD 2016 virus and salmonella. OB’s. 10th Alachua 840 b. 12th Lake City 851 b. SISTER TO “CINDY” AU-14-UTEN-812 WON 1st NAT. ACE Vitamins, minerals, etc. PIGEON OB RACING PIGEON DIGEST AWARDS, I use Altima Vitamins and Vita Minerals. won in 2015 old birds 1st CHAMPION BIRD 1st Your greatest champions Alachua 347 b. My greatest champs, “APOLLO” GHC-15-11104 won “EXPO” UTEN-14-248 won 1st 200 mi, 1st 300 in YB’s 2015 1st 592 b, 2nd 693 b, 6th 618 b, 6th 694 b, mi, e1st 350 mi, EAST COAST ONE LOFT RACE, 21st 662 b, 25th 551 b, 1st NAT ACE PIGEON RACING sister “HOLLY” won 7th SCMDPR 2013, BROTHER PIGEON DIGEST AWARDS, SIRE to “De 44” won e1st “MISTER CHALLENGE” won e1st 350 mi. AMERICAN Unit Ten Band Race loft mates won 1st & 2nd 2019 OB’s INTERNATIONAL CHALLENGE RACE & e1st 350 mi. e1st 121 miles 278 b. 12 lofts e1st Lake City 121 miles EAST COAST CHALLENGE RACE sire to “YOUNG 257 b. 11 lofts, e 1st 150 miles 249 b. 13 lofts Sire to “24” EXPO” WON YB’S e1st 315 mi. combine 578 b. 28 lofts, Alachua 24/540 b. Alachua 7/687 b. Lake City 1st. e1st 300 mi. 178 b. e1st 531 b. e1st 592 b e4th 662 b. 15th “YOUNG EXPO” GHC-15-11141 won YB’s e1st 315 661 b. e6th 618 b. e1st 592 b & “DE77” 1st 300 mile band miles combine 578 b. 28 lofts, e1st 300 miles 178 b. race. e1st 531 b. e1st 592 b. e4th 662 b, 15th 661 b, e6th 618 “CINDY” AU-14-UTEN-812 won 1st NAT. ACE PIGEON b, e1st 592 b, 6th CHAMPION BIRD YB 2015, OB’s OB RACING PIGEON DIGEST AWARDS, won in 2015 2016, e3rd 122 b, e1st 141 b, e1st 145 b, e1st 171 b, e1st old b. 1st CHAMPION BIRD, 1st Alachua 347 b. e1st 210 b. e1st 102 b, e2nd 151 b, sister to “de 77” 1st $25 Lake City 265 b. e1st Lake City 246 b. e1st Jasper 178 b. dollar band race, Son of “EXPO” won 1st 200 mile, 2nd Jasper 238 b. 8th Lake City 238 b. 15th Alachua 1st 1st 300 mile, e1st 350 mile EAST COAST ONE BIRD 321 b. 27th Alachua 330 b. 31st Lake City 516 b. 51st RACE, SISTER “HOLLY” won 7th SCMDPR 2013. Bro. Alachua 520 b. “MISTER CHALLENGE” 1st 350 mile AMERICAN INTERNATION ONE LOFT RACE. “VICKI” UTA-18-3487 won in 2019 OB 1st GHC SS Alachua 713 b. 26 lofts won 9th GHC Alachua 1121 b. 41 “SCHALIE 333” UTEN-14-333 won 4x1st as old bird in LOFTS, won 1st UTEN Alachua 306 b. 13 lofts 1st Lake 2015, 1st 321 b. 1st 265 b. 1st 246 b. 1st 178 b. 5th 330 b. City 264 b. 12 lofts 1st Lake City 257 b. 11 lofts e2nd sister to “MALDA” WON IN YB’S 2015 1st 693 b. 2nd Alachua 323 b. 22nd Lake City 278 b. e4th Jasper b. 551 b. 2nd 694 b. 5th 662 b. 16th 618 b. 3rd NAT. ACE PIGEON RACING PIGEON DIGEST AWARDS, bro. Thoughts on one loft racing “BRX-16-5079” won 2nd $25 band race 300 miles loss by I send very few birds to one loft races but when I did less than 1 sec. this was my results, it is one way to test your birds. I was 7th in the main race of Million Dollar Race in
SkyTalk 2021 — 83 Spotlight on Don Hart (continued)
South Africa, East Coast Classic race had three birds in the race I had three 1st place 100 mi, 1st place 200 mi, 1st place 300 mi, equal 1st at main race 350 mi. American International Challenge race was equal 1st 350 mi race. It made me keep the mating of these winners together.
Special friends/influence Dr. Leon Whitney was a special friend in the sport, he provided me with excellent Huysken Van Riels pigeons and lots of knowledge of racing and handling of good pigeons. Another great friend is Dr. John Kazmierczak who always helped me with medical problems.
How can the sport be improved I feel the pigeon sport could be improved by doing more publicity on pigeon racing, when I ship birds at the post office the customers are always in awe that we race them and it’s right in their neighborhood.
Additional Comments I was President to Greater New Haven Club, Secretary to Southern CT. Combine and President of the Unit Ten Club. •
Above: Flying Loft
Below: Breeding Loft
84 – SkyTalk 2021 SkyTalk 2020 I.F. PERSON OF THE YEAR 2021 H H H H H H H Kevin Williams Written By: Erik Hall
This being a very different year for all of us. Hopefully everyone is staying safe and being as careful as possible. Unfortunately, there wasn’t an I.F. convention this year for everyone to get together, relax and enjoy a few days of seeing our friends who enjoy the 2020 IF Person of the Year Award togetherness that the convention brings. Regardless of all the craziness 2020 has brought to us all, missing a convention with seminars, a convention Before he will again assume a much-needed position, race that brings so much excitement, a banquet, and it is important that he receives this award that is way the crowning of a champion… life goes on. And too long overdue. we weren’t able to pay tribute at that convention to a special person that has always worked for the This presentation is unfortunately different, but betterment of the sport. the year 2020 has made everything different. It is unfortunate we could not present this award at the The IF will see some changes this year, but before 2020 convention banquet. that all takes place, we have to give credit to a very deserving person who has been such a main stay in As everyone reads this, he will also read this for the the sport of pigeon flying. I have had the pleasure of first time. So, on behalf of the IF my friend… knowing this person for about 35 years. From day one and the first beer we enjoyed together, I became aware of how he always is involved in doing all he could do to keep everything rolling in his club and CONGATULATIONS to concourse. He has held so many positions in both KEVIN WILLIAMS club and concourse, he has been chairperson and co-chair of several IF conventions—which have of BRAINTREE, MASSACHUSETTS always been top shelf. He has stepped up and has always played an active role as IF Vice President I.F. 2020 PERSON OF THE YEAR for many years. Anytime something is needed, he has been first in line to help. He has always been a guy who doesn't waver and offers well thought I will have to send you this award and you can display out resolutions to anything that comes up—his it in a special place. We will toast you when we all get leadership has always been top shelf. together soon. Congratulations!
SkyTalk 2021 — 85 H H H H H H H H H H H H H H 2021 IF CONVENTION Long Island, NY The 140th IF Convention Hosted By ISLIP HOMING PIGEON CLUB OF LONG ISLAND
86 – SkyTalk 2021 Check our website for updates. www.islipracingpigeonclub.com
SkyTalk 2021 — 87 Do you Know About the I.F. $1,000 Scholarship Awarded for First Place! Program? Prizes for 2nd & 3rd Places too! IF Junior Member ~ Your Son or Daughter ~ Your Grandson or Granddaughter ~ Could be the NEXT WINNER!
This contest is open to all students who are members, sons and daughters of members, or grand children of International Federation members. Membership must be continuous for a five-year period. Students must be attending an accredited two or four-year college or university and not have already graduated. Only one entry per student is permitted. One-year scholarships are awarded annually and are limited to undergraduate studies at accredited educational/technical institutions. Scholarships are not automatically renewable. The student must take 12 credits. Current scholarship recipients must re-apply each year and are limited to a total of two scholarship awards. Essay must be accompanied with official transcript from high school or college.
The submitted essay will be judged on the following criteria: Historical accuracy, clarity of thought, organization, grammar & Spelling, creativity, and documentation.
Please see page 62 for complete contest rules and page 63 for the entry form. Entries close October 1, 2021.
We missed not having any entries for 2020... Let's get those college bound kids moving!
You, as a junior member... Your son or daughter... Or your grandson or granddaughter... Could be the next I.F. Scholarship Winner!
88 – SkyTalk 2021 Pigeon Mini-Museum HELP NEEDED for my PIGEON MINI-MUSEUM. I collect anything to do with the history of pigeons. Old books, periodicals, stamps, artwork, figurines, trading cards, cigar bands, old timers, plates, cups, vases, medallions, trophies, diplomas, ribbons and my passion is collecting old bands. I welcome help with old AU, IF, USA and CU bands for my collection. I consider any band 2020 or older, no matter if plastic or aluminum. I really like the old aluminum bands from clubs that have the city embossed into them. Glad to save any part of pigeon history that you may consider discarding. Glad to send you postage money rather than throwing away old bands or other items. Thank you very much for helping.
John E Nelson (The Band Man) 29299 Misty Pines Street • Dowagiac, Michigan 49047 Cell Phone: (269) 208-1493 • email: [email protected]
SkyTalk 2021 — 89 SkyTalk H H H H H H H 2021 Thank You 2021 Advertisers! Advertiser Index 2021 I.F. 140th Convention . 86 & 87 PrimaLac -Star Labs . 5 Big Apple Futurity 2021. 23 Purgrain. Front Cover Breakthru Products...... 21 Racing Pigeon Digest...... 66 Boxes for Birds...... 6 Siegel's...... 11 Daybreak Design...... 18 Unit Ten Club . 17 Erik Hall ...... 4 Versele-Laga...... Inside Back Cover Flamingo International Challenge. 7 Vita King...... 89 GHC Classic Week...... 15 Greater Tampa Bay RPC. 16 This publication was created by Daybreak Design, with the Gulf Coast Classic ...... 14 exception of ads submitted camera-ready. Those ads should credit Hudson County HPC...... 13 their designer on their pages accordingly. I.F. DVD ...... 52 SkyTalk is a publication of International Federation of Homing I.F. Hat...... 52 Pigeon Fanciers, Inc. ©2020. SkyTalk is published annually by the Islip HPC...... 26 I.F. No part of this publication may be reproduced in any form John E. Nelson - Mini Pigeon Museum...... 89 without the express written permission of the I.F. The opinions Long Island Challenge ...... 8 expressed in this publication either editorially, or in advertising copy, or imagery are those of the authors and do not necessarily constitute Lyndhurst Homing Pigeon Club . 22 endorsement of the I.F. Metuchen & Queen City Pigeon Clubs...... 9 New England Derby ...... 10 Neither the officers of the I.F., the I.F., the Editor, or Daybreak New Hudson County Club...... 22 Design is responsible for any claims made by advertisers, the Northern Catskill Pigeon Club, Inc...... 67 timeliness of the publication of those ads or any consequential damages as a result of errors, timeliness or misunderstanding or PAOF – Perth Amboy Racing Pigeon Club ...... 20 information published in the advertisements. Patti Bosco, Florida Broker/Realtor...... 90 Pigeon Exchange...... 19 Statements made by writers in this publication are not necessarily those of the editor, designer, officers, directors or members of the I.F.
90 – SkyTalk 2021
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