Annual Meeting Success

3/24/2016

Kit Lane, Ed DeHaan, Russ Hall, Bob Hudson, Bob McKinstry, David Meeks ready to greet rain-soaked Friends. John McPherson holding the door for Ann Webster as she escapes the rain to go view the Bill Kilborn Photo Contest.

Carmelo Echevarria helps Lori Enblom shop, while others browse on the porch.

It rained hard for the 2016 Friends Annual Meeting as it had for the 2015 Annual Meeting, even though we moved the meeting from February to March. At least it was not as cold as in 2015! Despite the torrential rain during the 9:00 to 10:00 registration hour, more than 130 people came out for the day on the refuge.

The sales on the porch, where our Friends Booth retreated to stay dry-ish, were brisk. Our new hats and re-stocked tee-shirts sold well, meaning more revenue for our projects and more awareness of Friends of Refuges when we wear our Friends-logo items around town.

Bill Dummitt and Anne Lindgren ready to register the Members when they arrive.

The Bill Kilborn Photo Contest had 36 entries and sales of the entries brought almost $500 in revenue that will cover the cost of the new benches on the Tram Ridge Trail. Thanks to all the photographers and the bidders on the photos. Before they went up for sale, we all got to vote on our favorite photos. The winners were Ben West in first place, a tie in second by Ann Kamzelski and Frank Morgan, and Don Gambrell for 3rd place. The rest of us who entered were happy to be part of it, and to have many of our photos sold to help fund the benches.

Joyce DeHaan, Susan Kadar, and Brenda Boleyn consider their photo contest votes.

Ann Kamzelski and Donna Bushnell helping organize the Bill Kilborn Photo Contest

Voting, then bidding on favorites.

Milli Chapell and her dog Sophia visit with Donna Bushnell as others browse at the Bill Kilborn Photo Contest

Votes being considered

Ben West and his 1st place photo

The meeting itself was entertaining and got a nice write up in the Cedar Key News. Donna Bushnell led a fun installation of officers, as usual. Newly elected President Maria Sgambati highlighted the year's accomplishments and future plans. Featured speaker Dr. Tom Hoctor gave us an overview of the Big Bend of Florida as a key component of the state's conservation picture. Kenny McCain and lots of Friends members provided great lunch fare and desserts.

left to right at installation of officers and directors: Maria Sgambati, Bill Dummitt, Peg Hall, Libby Cagle, Russ Hall, Donna Bushnell, Bob McKinstry, Debbie Meeks, Paul Ramey, Margy Van Landingham

On the far right is John McPherson, who wasn't in the photo above.

Roger McDaniels explaining the Brazilian Pepper Eradication Project

Featured Speaker, Dr. Tom Hoctor, from University of Florida

John Nesbitt and Ron Black, the volunteer Shell Mound Unit who welcome visitors and maintain the area

And then came lunch, with Kenny McCain's ribs and chicken, Bushnells' baked beans, lots of slaw, broccoli, and swamp cabbage, and desserts brought by the members.

Roger McDaniels, Jerry and Kathy Lawrence waiting for lunch and chatting with other Friends members

Susan Kadar and Milli Chapell wait in line with Sophia

Lunch line

By the time lunch ended, the sky had cleared. Nevertheless many of us chose to stay indoors and hear the presentation by Refuge staff about history, prescribed burning, sustainable forestry, and wildlife preservation. Friends member Jerry Lawrence, who provided the photos below, spoke for all of us saying he found the whole day to be highly informative, especially in regards to how the refuge was acquired over time, its strategic importance to wildlife and resource preservation in the State of Florida, and the vision to take care of the land and water for future generations.