By Deb Nickerson
March 1st dawned dry and chilly but filled with anticipation by those involved with organizing our chapter’s Annual Dinner, an affair that brings together our members for a catered dinner, reflections and featured presentation by a renowned professional in the field of bird conservation or study. What an evening it was!
Photo of Betsy Norton, by Quentin Phillips. Photo of Kathleen Snyder, by Quentin Phillips.
After enjoying a lovely dinner by Hunter Family Catering, perusing and purchasing the Events offered at tables in the back, and hearing from our President, Kathleen Snyder about the year’s accomplishments and Betsy Norton, who updated us on all the work our Conservation Committee is doing, we listened to Maria Ruth share with us the amazing behaviors of our very own Pigeon Guillemots which reside on the Salish Sea. We were rapt as she skillfully used personal stories, humor, and recently discovered scientific data to educate us about this oft neglected alcid, but one we frequently see from boats or the shore.
Photo of Maria Ruth, by Quentin Phillips. Photo of Maria Ruth, by Rachel Hudson.
Listening to each, I felt nothing but pride in all our chapter succeeds in getting done through an all-volunteer core group of committed people. From installing a MOTUS Tower to bluebird nest boxes, offering dozens of field trips, programs and classes, and preparing written and verbal comment on crucial issues, we serve to educate the public and conserve spaces for birds.
Many volunteers worked long hours to prepare for the evening. It was an honor to be a part of this committee. Sally Nole once again outdid herself creating the gorgeous duck decoy centerpieces; Marinka, Carla and Stevie helped paint some of the ducks and put them together at the dinner. Sally’s amazing talents keep us in awe of her. Kim Contris handled publicity. Margery Beeler, Kathy Prosser and Nancy Hubly handled pre-registration with aplomb despite website challenges. Kathy also coordinated the drinks and snacks for the event. Margery and her team of Connie Christy and Laurie Dils made entrance to the event at the registration table a warm, welcoming experience. Marinka Major, Nancy Hubly and Deb Nickerson prepared the Events/Adventures offerings. Stevie Morris and Carla Miller oversaw desserts which were baked by 13 volunteers. Steve Contris and Michael Dobbs put out the signs around the campus which were made by our ever-talented Sally Nole. We could not have had this come together as well without additional volunteers at the event: Shelley Horn, Liz Tobin, Maureen Bieker, Abby Salmon, Audrey Lambert, Michael Dobbs, Michelle and Andy Newman, Kim Contris, Tina Dew, Juanita Kelly, Quentin Phillips, Eric Miller, Rudy Prosser and John Sherman. South Puget Sound Community College handled all our needs expertly and seamlessly. Paul, as technical support, eased any concern we had about PowerPoint issues; he was right there when we needed him and was pleasant throughout.
Photo of Events and Adventures table, by Rachel Hudson.
It is the commitment of our dedicated chapter members that bring about the strong sense of community and purpose we have, which is only underscored by all our accomplishments. You are part of the real work we are doing to enhance our three-county service area, region, state and flyway. Thank you for being a part of something larger, something GOOD for birds and people!
Annual Dinner photo by Rachel Hudson
