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Messages

 

Dear Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan;

Executive, Coordinators and Members;

 

I would like to express compliments, positive reinforcement and encouragement to those in planning and organizing for the Sault Naturalists.  You are doing great!  Please don't surmise lack of interest from the membership if you get less than an encouraging number of ideas submitted for Outing and Program planning yearly.  Likewise, please don’t measure the success of a planned event by turn out, when, after searching and sourcing, making arrangements, publishing dates and updates, making sure all is safe and done to appropriate standards, you might feel the numbers light.   Although everyone has their reasons to go or not, surmise it is "their" work, family commitment, memory, sickness or fitness interfering if they don’t show, and not the planning.  What you are organizing and presenting is of high value.  I can’t even depend on myself for myself, day to day, so it is my health that is preventing me from getting out, but I am always interested.  My heart is with the Club.  I read and enjoy the newsletter, Program listing and Outing listing, visit our website and occasionally go to the Flickr site, so I still “feel” involved.

 

I think you have done amazingly well, with exciting and interesting events.  I wish that all your efforts could give you positive reinforcement, because I know how much you earnestly support the Sault Naturalists’ goals, or you wouldn't commit so much of your life and time for a cause.  I have been and continue to be exceptionally impressed with your efforts.  "Be proud of yourself and keep faith in the Club."  I know the hard work and collaboration it takes to prepare each Program, and each Outing, and bravo to each of you and all the co-supporters and leaders involved.  Creating Outings and Programs is the life blood for the long term existence of Our Club!   Thank you!

 

There are many people, and some that wear 2 or more hats, that cement our structure together, like those that--keep meeting and historical records-- write out reports-- book rooms—pay bills-- carry and store material critical to show who we are and what we can do --speak out on other committees in the name of  the Sault Naturalists' to reinforce our values in the public--build bird observation platforms or nest boxes, plus excite others as they teach bird recognition and how to enjoy and save our feathered friends-- patiently differentiate flora, even repeatedly, so the inexperienced become intrigued and possibly more protective--go after funding for Club causes everywhere possible-- are public relations ambassadors for our Club, at meetings and outings, by sharing of  themselves, their expertise, interests or concern over pertinent issues, listening to other points of view, then join forces as positive caretakers of this planet-- are kind enough to teach others what they know about plants, geology, birds, the environment and the natural world around us, so we can all have our eyes fully open to enjoy and wonder-- are responsible reporters to our members, at meeting and year end, of the multiple interests our Club undertakes—gather records to publish our newsletter, even with the worries of spelling, font, time lines, pictures and making it all fit in a fashion that is delightful to the reader—maintain and update memberships to keep them current and paid up--create internet sites to proudly show our values and upcoming meetings to the public, or for members to be interactive with--greet new members at meetings and making them feel welcome—and, prepare with care, warm drink and sweet treats, for us to enjoy as we socialize with our friends, old and new, at meetings!    Thank you!

 

I extend my gratitude to all the Executive and all those Sault Naturalists’ that work at every level and those that renew their memberships each year, whether they do more than that or not,  as it does take individual and team commitment to keep our Club viable.  Although your personal sacrifice of labour, time and membership dues may not be rewarded immediately, I guarantee you, your contribution is vital, and each of you matters to the cohesion of The Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan.  Thank you!  We are so fortunate to have ornithologists, botanists, geologists, environmentalists, and many other specialists in flora, fauna and the natural world, plus, enthusiasts and aspiring wannabe's.    You make it happen.  "Be proud of yourself and keep faith in the Club." 

 

Sincerely;

Linda M. Young

Life Member, Sault Naturalists of Ontario and Michigan

Sault Naturalists,

Sorry to be so late in filling you in on our progress. The truth is we

have been so tired after a day of painting and moving stuff to locate

misplaced stuff that I have been flopping in front of the TV only to

sleep through most of the 99 channels we have for free (for three

months only).

 

We have been in Midland for three weeks now and still are without a

decent  floor covering in the living room and dining room.  The house

was in even worse shape than our memory allowed - much to do - much

more to do!  My sister Loretta and her friend Venante have been helping with

the painting. I installed a new gas dryer yesterday (the 100 amp panel

was full.)  So far no big bang. We keep sniffing though.

 

None of the previous inhabitants of this house had even minimal ability

to hammer a nail, hold a paint brush, turn a screw or a modicum of

taste - well nothing that Betty and I recognize as taste.

 

However this is a beautiful area.  We look forward to having the time

to enjoy it. We have had nice visits with our daughter and my aging mother

within the last two weeks. That is why we had to make the difficult

decision to leave our friends in the Sault.

 

We will fill you in on our progress from time to time.

 

Cheers,

Gerry (Bennett)

 

Katie and I are enjoying NW Montana, and have been very busy working on our house. We've been attending the Flathead Valley Audobon meetings in Kalispell recently, and are happy to see such a large group of birders and conservationists. Unfortunately it's a 50-mile drive for us which limits some of our participation in their outings. It's getting chilly here at night -- in the low 30s -- and there's new snow in the mountains just above us already. The higher peaks in Glacier are beautiful. We miss our friends from the Sault Nats -- even the Canadians! 8^D -- Curt & Katie Bosket