2024 Annual Meeting in Photos

Friends lucked out again this year! Like 2023, the sun was shining and the day was delightful. Everything was ready and awaiting the first members' arrival at 9:30 a.m.. They signed in and visited the information tables to chat about the past and coming year's activities and accomplishments. They shopped for Friends merchandise and at the silent auction tables. They hung out at the Friends new Refuge Rover Trailer.

All set up and waiting for the first members to arrive.

Signing in the first members.

Checking out the items at the silent auction.

Still considering what to bid on.

Members enjoy exploring the refuge map on the door of the Mobile Outreach Trailer.

Members gathered at the Mobile Outreach Trailer.

The presentations by Refuge Manager Andrew Gude, and Friends' President-elect Ron Kamzelski gave broad and deep overviews of Friends actions and impact and achievements on the Refuges.

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude giving his Refuge Update presentation. See it below.

Refuge Manager Andrew Gude's
Refuge Update Presentation

President-elect Ron Kamzelski's
Friends Update Presentation

The slate of officers and directors was approved by the membership. The financial status of the organization was reviewed.

Brandon Imhoff and Michael Dumas welcoming members to learn about mobility enhancing equipment they had on-hand to demonstrate.

Brandon and Michael chatting with members.

Brandon Imhoff, of Unlimited State of Ability, made a powerful presentation not only about accessibility but about the magic a wildlife refuge can provide. He related how he and his girlfriend’s first visit to our refuge was such a perfect day and experience that it made his plans to propose marriage easier and more special.

He and his colleague, Michael Dumas, provided members with lots of information and demonstrated some incredible mobility equipment, making Friends all the more enthusiastic about enhancing the accessibility on our refuges. 

Incoming President Denise Feiber introducing the Featured Speaker and Presentation.

Cynthia Barnett addressing the membership.

Incoming President Denise Feiber introduced the featured speaker, award-winning author and environmental journalist Cynthia Barnett and her presentation on Rain! We were honored she agreed to present and was received with great interest and enthusiasm. A new member said, "The speaker was amazing! I am planning to read all her books." A board member wrote, "The talk was one of the best! Who thought you could make such a great talk about Rain!

Cynthia Barnett chatting about her books with members Beth Wright and Jane Connors .

Getting ready for the BBQ lunch.

Lunch was a highlight, as always, with the feast prepared by local stars Ken and Rose McCain.

Members at Vista in the afternoon.

The River Trail Walk, led by John Thalacker, had more than a dozen participants. The Vista visit had at least that many and especially attracted members who had not previously seen the property. Some hearty folks participated in both walks and spent time with Brandon and Mike discussing the accessibility equipment in action.

"See you soon," says Sid Henkin.

"And at next year's Annual Meeting," says Debbie Meeks.

See you next year. Save the date -- Saturday, February 22, 2025.