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| OHCC LIVING | MAY 2025 |25 There are few things more exciting than the sighting of the spring's first Monarchs, and that is what has been happening in the Butterf ly Sanctuary over the past month. SMB volunteers have been working hard to get the Sanctuary ready for a new season, planting milkweed and nectar plants, weeding, and cleaning up the winter's debris. Once that work was done, the Sanctuary re-opened to its many visitors in early April, and we're now looking forward to another year of growth and beauty. If you are new to OHCC, be sure to visit the Sanctuary and make it part of your regular routine. Among our first visitors in those unseasonably cool days of March and April were a few brave Monarchs, along with some hardy Cabbage Whites, Cloudless Sulphurs, and even a couple of beautiful Mourning Cloaks. By mid-May, we expect to see all these species, and a few more, in increasing numbers. The return of our butterf lies is always a pleasure, but these days it's a big relief as well, amid more reports of the alarming decline in numbers of many types of butterf lies across the U.S. A comprehensive new study has just been published showing that, over the past 20 years, the country has lost at least 22 percent of its butterf lies. These results are "really alarming", according to the authors. Some species have been hit particularly hard, including the cabbage white, which has declined by half. While the Eastern Monarchs (who migrate to Mexico in winter) rebounded significantly in the past year, our Western Monarchs were at near-record lows last winter. The best defense against continuing decline, according to the study, is to do exactly what we are doing here: planting the pesticide-free native milkweed and nectar plants that sustain the butterf lies. Please join us in working to save these beautiful friends that play such an important role, as the authors of the study put it, "in supporting life on earth." Written by Myra Esler Save the monarch butterfly Experience the Spirit of John Denver with vocal artist, Jim Curry. Get ready to embark on a musical journey that celebrates the timeless melodies of one of America's most beloved singer- songwriters! Join us on Sat., May 17 at 7:30 pm in Abravanel Hall for an unforgettable evening as Jim Curry takes the stage to honor the incredible legacy of John Denver. Check at the front desk for ticket availability. As a seasoned performer renowned for his authentic tribute to John Denver, Jim Curry captures the essence of Denver's spirit through his heartfelt renditions of classics like Take Me Home, Country Roads, Annie's Song, and ank God I'm a Country Boy. Whether you're a lifelong fan or new to Denver's music, this concert promises to evoke past memories and create new ones. Jim Curry's dedication to preserving Denver's music is evident in every performance. His attention to detail, from the guitar playing to the vocals, ensures that fans get an authentic experience that pays homage to Denver's talent and artistry. Curry's passion for Denver's music shines through, making each show a heartfelt tribute to the legendary singer-songwriter. Grab your friends and family and come experience the magic of Denver's music live! Prepare to be transported back to the golden era of folk music with Jim Curry's soulful performance! Don't miss out on this extraordinary tribute concert. And, don't miss out on our last incredible performance for 2025 - A Tribute to the Music of Neil Diamond on Nov. 8! A special shout-out goes to our Star*Donors for making these concerts available to our community at such a reasonable cost. Written by Beverly Taylor OHSPA