Greetings, Michigan Audubon Members!
Since the last issue of the Jack Pine Warbler, much has transpired with Michigan Audubon (MA). One of the highlights of the last few months has been meeting, spending time with, and celebrating the members of the AuSable Valley Audubon (AVA) chapter of MA. On September 16, this group of talented leaders and bird enthusiasts celebrated their 50th anniversary.
The interactive artwork created during the 50th anniversary celebration fro AuSable Valley Audubon.
They hosted a wonderful event that paid tribute to not only the numerous accomplishments of the chapter but poignantly recognized each member of the Society for their dedication and contributions over the years. This was done in numerous ways throughout the evening and brought to life by a special interactive presentation by Sue Duncan and Patsy Mortimer. A beautiful art piece, nearly 4 feet tall, of a nature scene, including a bare tree and water scene, was placed at the front of the room.
Sue led attendees through an activity of calling off numerous chapter events/functions that took place over the years and instructing attendees to write their names on a leaf for each event they participated in. Throughout the presentation, attendees brought their leaves up to the art piece and glued them onto the tree. As she went along, Sue had people stand up and act out the events, such as holding up make-believe binoculars for birdwatching events or demonstrating an aching back for participating in the removal of invasive species events. And guess what? Everyone participated and had a great laugh with it! Following Sue was Patsy. Patsy enhanced the artwork by adding birds, pollinators, and flowers to the piece. With each addition, she recognized an AVA member for their talents, contributions, and dedication to the chapter and related each item to the person. This presentation, as a whole, was incredibly meaningful and impactful.
This activity represents people’s momentous impact on one another, and the key role chapters have in this. Chapters of Michigan Audubon bring people together in various regions around the state to work for the greater good of their area.
They may be associated with sanctuaries and carry on important conservation work, or they may host events and provide meaningful education to the public. No matter the work at hand, it’s the creation and support of a community that makes Audubon chapters so valuable, so special. Being a part of a group focused on leaving the environment in a better place for the betterment of birds and humans is a beautiful legacy.
People and communities matter, and the AuSable Valley Audubon chapter is a shining example of this. Such inspiring leaders, life members, members, and contributors. Great job, AVA, on your 50th anniversary, and wishing you many more years of success!
Sincerely,
Kathleen Mennillo, MBA
Interim CEO
P.S. I had the pleasure of meeting many of the leaders of AVA at the event and I want to thank them for their warm hospitality and to recognize them for their immense dedication, passion, and leadership for making AVA a beacon of community stewardship. Bravo to (in alpha order by last name): Maggie Berch, Sam Burckhardt (MA Board of Directors), Sue Duncan, Ruth Golm, Dawn Hooper, Bob and Em Kemnitz, Tim and Dee Morand, Patsy Mortimer, Donna Piche, Peggy Ridgway, Bill Roth, and Kathleen Swindlehurst.
Featured photo: Tufted Titmouse. Photo by Nick Williams
This article appeared in the 2022 Fall Jack Pine Warbler.