Page 10 - Jupiter Spotlight - March '25

Page 10, Jupiter Spotlight

Northern Notes Jupiter Senior Softball News

John Katulak, a stalwart of the Jupiter Senior Softball a JSSA member) and his
Loggerhead Shrikes – Association (JSSA) for more than two decades, was enshrined wife Millie Frantz. As
Feb. 7 as the organization’s 2023 Hall of Fame inductee.
the 2023 Hall of Fame
Nature’s Butcherbird A large crowd of senior softball players plus Katulak’s inductee, Katulak’s brass
family members attended the event at Jupiter Community nameplate was added
By Katie Roundtree, prior to Winter League games. Scheduling conflicts delayed to the award plaque on
Director of Finance and his formal induction until February. display at the park.
Administration, Northern The JSSA Hall of Fame was created in 2020 to The Hall of Fame was
Palm Beach County memorialize “those very few members who have made an established in 2020 in
Improvement District extraordinary impact on the association.” honor of longtime JSSA
The Loggerhead Shrike Katulak’s accomplishments include serving 12 years member Ted Battistone
is a gray and white bird that on the JSSA Board of Directors under five different who received the award
resembles a Mockingbird commissioners. He was assistant commissioner, treasurer, posthumously. Other
at first glance. Both are entertainment director and founder of the sponsorship honorees are Mike
types of songbirds with a program with local businesses. Richmond, 2021; Gerry
similar overall gray, black Richard Sewell, JSSA vice-commissioner, presented Elias, 2022; and Mike
and white pattern and are Katulak with the framed Hall of Fame citation which Manasia, 2024.
about the size of a cardinal or robin. The shrike has blacker lauded him for his service and accomplishments, including The Jupiter slow-
wings, a larger head, a black mask, and a heavy, hooked the following. “His intricate knowledge of the game is pitch softball program
bill, unlike mockingbirds that have grayer wings, a smaller legendary to those who play alongside him, and it has been is sponsored by the
head and a thinner bill. The Loggerhead Shrike’s black said he exudes an on-field presence that possesses ‘one nonprofit Jupiter Senior
mask acts like the black paint athletes wear to keep the of the loudest voices’ but also the biggest heart. He truly Softball Association in John Katulak admires his
sun’s glare from impeding eyesight. exemplifies the core tenets of the JSSA Mission Statement.” cooperation with Jupiter’s Hall of Fame citation that he
Where they truly stand out is in their unique hunting Katulak, who turns 76 on March 18, said, “It was a Parks and Recreation received from Richard Sewell.
techniques. The shrike, a carnivorous bird, has a great honor to be respected by all of my peers in softball Department. For more
preference for lizards, and I appreciate it very much.” He was joined at the information go to www.leaguelineup.com/jssa or contact
bugs, and small animals, enshrinement by his wife Debbie, brother Arthur (also Gary Newman at (917) 623-0791.
unlike the seeds and
berries that mockingbirds
enjoy. Their hunting style
is both fascinating and
terrifying for their prey. edwardjones.com/findyourrich | Member SIPC
Shrikes hunt from above,
diving down to snatch What does it
their prey in their hooked
bill. The upper part of
the shrike’s hooked bill mean to be rich?
features a pair of built-in projections called “tomial teeth.”
These specialized “teeth” are used to dispatch rodents by
striking the nape of the neck, instantly paralyzing them, Maybe it’s less about a
and then shaking them with enough force to break their
necks. They are quick and efficient hunters, earning them magic number and more
the nickname “butcherbirds.” Their genus name, Lanius,
is derived from the Latin word “butcher.” Shrikes can also about discovering
hover over prey, waiting for the perfect moment to strike.
These remarkably intelligent birds then impale their the magic in life.
prey on barbed wire, thorns, tree branches, or other sharp
objects to immobilize and kill it, if their beak hasn’t
Sally S Stahl, CFP®, AAMS™
already done the job. This practice, akin to a human’s What does it mean to be rich? Let’s prepare for your
pantry or larder, also helps them store food for days if Maybe it's less about a magic number and more about discovering
Financial Advisor
food is scarce. A large pantry can serve to attract mates the magic in life. future together.
or feed juveniles. This practice can also help remove 1851 W Indiantown Rd Ste 106
toxins, making the prey safe to eat after a few days. For Let's prepare for your future together.
Jupiter, FL 33458
instance, impaling a toxic monarch butterfly helps break Sally S Stahl, CFP , AAMS™ © 2025 EDWARD D. JONES CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED.
561-748-7600 ®
down toxins, making it safe to eat after a few days. Financial Advisor
Another reason for their macabre tendency to impale 1851 W Indiantown Rd Ste 106
their prey is due to their tiny feet and legs. Their beak and Jupiter, FL 33458
561-748-7600
hunting abilities are similar to hawks and falcons, but their
passerine feet are similar to songbirds and can only perch CAT-16762-A-A1-AD © 2025 EDWARD D. JONES CO. ALL RIGHTS RESERVED. AECSPAD 24135450
on branches instead of using them like hawks and falcons
to rip and tear. The barbed wire and sticks hold the prey
in place so the shrike can eat it. Don’t judge their feet too
quickly, though; shrikes have been known to carry prey
the same size as themselves.
Loggerhead Shrikes are typically found in open areas
with scattered shrubs and trees, but the species can also
be found in more heavily wooded habitats with large
openings and very short habitats with few or no trees.
They particularly like tree snags (dead trees), where they
can perch high up to look for prey.
These vicious, intelligent, ruthless birds are amazing
animals in our area. Next time you see a gray and white
bird, look closely and see if it might be nature’s butcherbird.
NPDES tip: Safely use and dispose of pesticide. If all
of the pesticide cannot be properly used, check with your
solid waste management authority to find out when and
where to properly dispose of this type of hazardous waste.
Photos by Lucas Shaffer,
NPBCID Environmental Manager