PRESIDENT'S MESSAGE

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Judy Willott - Kitsap Audubon President

E-mail us at president@kitsapaudubon.org

Our KAS year starts with the news from our Treasurer that Kitsap Audubon has received $700 in donations in memory of our long time member and KAS leader, Morry Walsh. In consultation with his family, we will be using these funds to support our scholarship program and our Audubon Adventures program for 4th and 5th graders throughout Kitsap County. We appreciate the contributions in Morry’s memory. In thinking of the contributions of so many KAS members over the years, I am reminded that our Nominating Committee will soon be at work recruiting candidates for officer’s positions, and will present the suggested slate of officers at our March meeting. We are also seeking members to perform the annual Audit of our books in July, not as far in the future as you might think. Should you be interested in any volunteer position, please let us know.

In other board news, we recognized Rosemary Courtright at our last board meeting for her leadership and hard work providing coffee, other beverages and arranging for cookies at each monthly meeting. Rosemary provided the board with the studies on the importance of using shade grown, free trade coffee to support the habitat of so many of our neotropical birds in their Central American habitat. We also support local coffee roasters. You can help support our coffee and beverage bar by putting a small donation in the kitty next to the beverages or volunteering to bring a plate of cookies at a future meeting.

Progress continues with our plans for the Kitsap Audubon section of the Puget Sound Birding Trail map. Look for copies of other bird trail maps at each general meeting. If you have favorite public birding sites be sure to let Jim Ullrich or Fay Linger know about them, so we might add them to our nomination list! Other Board projects include learning more about how our still new projector works and acquiring necessary cables to be sure it can connect to presenters’ computers. We also have been reviewing field trip guidelines, and have begun planning for festivals and presentations. One special event coming in June is Birdfest, June 6th at Islandwood on Bainbridge Island. David Sibley will be speaking. Watch the Islandwood website and future Kingfishers for more information.

Speaking of Board meetings, you are always welcome to attend. Our next meeting is February 2nd, 5:30 p.m., at Sian Palace in Poulsbo. You can of course direct any comments or concerns to any board member, or to me at president@kitsapaudubon.org

From Judy.

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Notes from the Board :

2009 recipients of the Kingfisher Award are:

Sandy and Gene Bullock

The 2009 Kingfisher Award recipients are Sandy and Gene Bullock. This is Kitsap Audubon’s highest honor, and is awarded annually to an individual or couple who have given outstanding service to Kitsap Audubon for five or more years. The Bullocks’ involvement began in 2003 when Gene joined the Board as a Member at Large. Both Gene and Sandy have served continuously in many capacities, on the Board of Trustees and on various committees, and represented KAS at numerous ACOW Conferences. Gene has also served as Vice-President on the Board and Sandy has served as Treasurer. Gene has been Conservation Chair since 2006 and received recognition from Audubon Washington for his tireless efforts to defeat Initiative 933 (a roll back of environmental protections). He has been editor of the Kingfisher since 2005. They have served as the KAS Compilers/Coordinators for the Christmas Bird Count, as well as leading the Poulsbo Area count, since 2003. Sandy stepped in as Acting President in 2007-08,, and she and Gene have served as Co presidents for the 2008-09 year.

The Board of Trustees voted to announce the recipients of the annual Kingfisher Award in the May Kingfisher. This eliminates the element of surprise, but it allows the KAS Board and members to fully honor the
recipients at the May meeting where the Award is presented. The Kingfisher Award is given to a KAS member, or members, who have been active supporters of KAS for at least five years and have been advocates for the
preservation of the environment and of wildlife. They have shown a dedication to KAS and its mission and have given us many Earn Kingfisher Award

See below for past winners of this prestigious award !

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The KINGFISHER AWARD is Kitsap Audubon Society’s annual recognition of the member or members who gave extraordinary effort to the KAS mission throughout the year. 

This award is given to a KAS member who has been an active supporter of KAS for at least five years and has been an advocate for the environment and wildlife.

Year 2008 winner was Dawn and Hans Hansen

Year 2007 winner was Dee and John Finkbeiner

Year 2006 winner was Glenn Anderson

Year 2005 winner was Richard Anderson

Year 2004 winner was Ernie and Fay Linger

Year 2003 winner was Nancy Ladenberger

Year 2002 winner was Morry Walsh

Year 2001 winner was Morna Blessing.

Year 2000 winner was John and Claudia McDonald

Year 1999 winner  was Ivan and Phyllis Summers

Year 1998 winner was Paul and Joan Carson

Year 1997 winner was Jack and Martina Hendry

Year 1996 winner was Ken Short

Year 1995 winner was Frank Beyer

                                                                                                                                 KINGFISHER AWARD SUGGESTIONS NEEDED Put on those thinking caps! The KINGFISHER Award Committee welcomes your suggestions for next year's recipient of KAS's highest honor. This award, to be presented at our annual general membership dinner meeting in May, honors a KAS member who has a history of volunteer excellence with our organization. To be considered, the candidate should have demonstrated the following characteristics: 

1. Has actively participated in the chapter for at least 5 years. 

2. Has produced work of high quality. 

3. Has demonstrated the ability to complete tasks responsibly and in a timely fashion. 

4. Has advocated for wildlife and for the environment. 

5. Has shown a dedication to the KAS chapter. 

Please submit any suggestions for the Kingfisher Award to the president@kitsapaudubon.org.   Many people work very hard to make KAS the great chapter it is, and we want no one to be overlooked. Thanks! We appreciate your help.