Issue 329, April 19, 2026

“Sun is shining.  Weather is sweet.
Makes you want to move your dancing feet.”
Bob Marley

It’s that time of year when the sun shines brighter, pools open their sparkling blue waters and the irresistible smell of barbecue fill the air as grills fire up across backyards and patios.  Friends and family gather with laughter echoing under clear skies, kids are splashing and playing in the refreshing waters of the pool, while adults share stories, cold drinks and plates piled high with burgers, ribs & hot dogs.  The days stretch longer, schools are out & worries seem to fade in the background as everyone soaks in these simple, joyful moments of summer togetherness.  Whether you’re soaking up the beach vibes or enjoying a quiet neighborhood cookout, this season brings a special kind of warmth that makes life feel lighter and brighter.

Who’s in your backyard?

Mark Geil
2026 President

Issue 328, April 12, 2026

Tax season is upon us again & it started me thinking about where all this started… Here are some interesting fun facts about the U.S. tax system.

The modern tax system is mind boggling compared to its humble beginnings. The federal income tax was launched in 1913 with a simple four page Form 1040 (and that including instructions), with the average annual income around $800, which very few people actually owed. Today, the IRS processes between 150 and 165 million individual returns each season, so many that if one person handled them all at a rate of one per minute, working 24/7, it would take more than 27 years to finish the job.

What about some of the quirky rules in the state tax code, take Texas, cowboy boots are exempt from sales tax, while hiking boots do not qualify. In Indiana, marshmallow crème is treated as a tax-exempt food ingredient, but regular marshmallows are not. Even the forms themselves can have a touch of personality; Rhode Island’s income tax return includes smiley faces when getting a refund & frowny faces if you owe money, giving taxpayers an immediate emotional readout on their filing. Boy, I’m glad we are at income tax free state… But wait, what about federal deductions; some approved deductions have been a junkyard owner claiming cat food to fuel it’s pests control system, or a competitive bodybuilder deducting the cost of body oil used to shine up for competitions.

This just begs the question:
What deductions are on your form?

Mark Geil
2026 President