Thank you from Margery Beeler – I will never find the perfect words to express my gratitude for being chosen to receive BHAS’s first Volunteer of the Year Award.
I came to Olympia in 2002 from S.W. Florida, where I was deeply involved with one of Audubon’s most impressive custodial possessions: Corkscrew Swamp Sanctuary. This was my second post-retirement relocation from my life in Schenectady, New York, and career in public libraries. My life in Olympia has been intertwined with BHAS from my arrival, and I have loved this organization, not just for its mission (the original drawing point) but more importantly for the community of people it attracts.
My involvement in the Annual Dinner and its auction was truly a labor of love from the beginning in 2003. We never made a huge amount of money with the auction, but I always liked to think we provided members with a chance to feel they were contributing to the organization through their donations or purchases, as well as a venue at the dinner for social interaction.
As membership chair, I have been happy to maintain our membership database. While this is not always an exciting effort, I have always believed in its importance and am glad I can continue to do it for BHAS. I have enjoyed participating in the various areas in which I felt I could contribute, and I plan to contribute as long as that contribution is acceptable. Having my contributions acknowledged as valuable is the veritable icing on the cake.
Thank you all. You’ve made me very happy.