The Register-Herald, Beckley, West Virginia

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June 13, 2009

Pink flamingos predicted to perch; insurance available

Jessica Farrish

ALERT: A flock of pink flamingos has been reported on the property of a Beckley restaurant, and “experts” say the birds will soon be landing on lawns all over town.

The birds are perched in front of Pasquale Mira, ready to “take flight” to more than 200 locations in the Beckley area.

Peggy Debnam of the Beckley Board of Realtors convention committee said the flamingos are a summer fundraiser for the many organizations supported by the board.

“These pink flamingos are going to be circulating through Beckley,” she said.

The group has around 200 members.

She said flamingos will “land” in yards and at businesses of those affiliated with the board.

“For the flamingos to be removed, they’ve got to pay,” she said.

The flamingos won’t just fly south on their own, though. Debnam said once they’re removed from one yard, the owner will have to “send” them to another yard.

If a flamingo stays on one lawn too long, it may attract others, Debnam said.

“Our flock is going to get bigger, and if someone wants to pay a certain amount to get the flamingos out of their yards, fine,” she said. “But if they leave them in there too long, those little flamingos are going to start having babies.”

Mike Tyree, president-elect of the Beckley Board of Realtors, said there is “flamingo insurance” for those who don’t want the colorful avian statuettes on their lawn.

“You just contact the Board of Realtors and make a donation, and that way you get off cheaper than if they come to your yard,” he said.

The price of flamingo insurance is a $20 donation.

Flamingo removal is more “expensive” than flamingo insurance, Tyree said.

“You have to call the board, make your pledge, and they’ll come out and take the flamingos out of your yard.”

The flamingo fundraiser is a fun way to raise money for the various community organizations that are supported by the Beckley Board of Realtors, Tyree said.

“We’ve helped with just various charities,” he said. “We don’t have any one project we do specifically.

“Every year, we try to look where the greatest need is, where we’ll have the most impact.”

Hospice of Southern West Virginia is one of the organizations supported by the group.

The Board of Realtors also has given out backpacks and school supplies to underprivileged children in the community.

“This is home, and we’re always looking for a way to give back to the community,” Tyree said.

The West Virginia Association of Realtors has awarded the Beckley Board of Realtors the Community Involvement Award for the past two years, Tyree said.

Those who want more information or “flamingo insurance” may contact the Realtor board at 304-252-8366.

— E-mail:

jfarrish@register-herald.com

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