President's Message to all Space Coast Audubon Society Members

By Jason Frederick

As our chapter’s new president and on behalf of the other officers and board members, I would like to say thank you. They are two words that mean so much more than words can say and yet are not used often enough to let people in our lives know just how we feel. We want to thank you for all of your support and participation in the programs and events that our chapter has been a part of over the years.

As the new president I would like to personally thank a few people I have served on the board with, in no particular order:

Sarah Linney, our out going President and new Treasurer. You did a great job and I am proud to have served as an officer and board member under you. I hope I can continue where you left off.

Jim Meyer, our Co-Vice President. It was a pleasure working with you. The work you have done on the viewing platform has been incredible. Thank you for filling in as field trip leader when ever I needed you help.

Kathy Frederick is our new Co-Vice President. With out getting mushy, thank you for your support and attending so many of the field trips. I know that you only drive, because my driving scares you. Thank you also for letting my tricking you into being Co-Vice President. Your support during this Ulumay battle was what kept me going.

Betty McKeown, our past Secretary. Your dedication to Audubon is a true bench mark I strive for. You are an inspiration. The distance you traveled to record my ramblings is just amazing. With out your help, so much could not have been accomplished.

Dee Fairbanks-Simpson, our Limpkin editor. You truly deserve all the thanks in the world. You hear more complaints when the newsletter is late, but never thank you for the great job you do putting it together. Most do not understand that when the newsletter is late, it usually is due to the fact that you do not have enough articles submitted and you have to search the internet for stories. I believe that our newsletter is superior to all others in the state and it is mostly due to your hard work.

Andy Bankert, your fundraising has been a huge help to our chapter and (‘bout to sound old) somebody at your age who is doing so much is inspiring to people of all ages. I only wish you best of luck as you start your college life.

Eileen Riccio who has been our Publicity Chair is now the Refreshments Coordinator. She has done a great job getting the word out about our field trips. Your presence on field trips can bring a ray of sunshine even on the gloomiest of field trips.

Laurilee Thompson, where to start. Your financial support, conservation knowledge, and the help you provide when we need guidance, putting on the Space Coast Birding and Wildlife Fest, Dixie Crossroads’ hospitality, and countless other things. I can’t tell you how many conversations I have had that include the other person saying “oh, I know Laurilee.” You are a living legend and a benchmark for which I can only dream of achieving.

Betty and Karl Eichhorn, you are legendary members to me and still make me feel like a groupie when I speak to you. I first learned of you from the Cruickshank’s Birds of Brevard County and when I met you I was lost for words. I just hope I have never messed anything up in you eyes.

Carroll Holland, I have tried to follow in your footsteps when it comes to speaking to students about birds and nature. You have large shoes to fill and I just hope to be half the man that you are. You bring a smile to mine and everyone’s face when they see you. For a man as tall as you are, you never make anyone feel small.

Doug Stuckey, I met you on my first Christmas Bird Count and now I have taken over for you in that count area and I have also taken over for you as Field Trip Coordinator. When it comes to the counts and field trips, I try my hardest not to mess it up. I have learned so much from you and hope I am passing on some of that knowledge to others.

Juliet Sisk, you had to cut your time short as our Education chair, but your kindness and personality will never be replaced. You are another great person who always brings a much needed smile to faces everywhere.

Bill and Pat Meyer, the two of you always brought smiles and leadership to board meetings for which we have still not found replacements for. I always look forward to seeing you at our general meetings.

Tom Atkinson, you were my first President that I served under and you are the one that gave me the opportunity to be Field Trip Coordinator. When I called you, you said, “Let’s see what you can do.” I hung up with you and immediately said to myself, “what have you done?” Everything I do, I do in hopes of making sure that you never regret your decision. As I start my term as President, I hope I can lead our chapter as well as you did.

Jim Stahl, your knowledge of nature is immense. I think of you as a man who speaks few words, but when you speak, you speak volumes. I have much to learn from you and I hope I have the opportunity to do so.

Elizabeth Bishop, your presence is still missed at our board meetings. You were always encouraging and a great source of wisdom.

Charlotte and Lenny Lieberman, the two of you were always and continue to be a huge help to our chapter. Lenny’s charm and wit helps to make our auction a joy and success each year. The kindness and warm personality of Charlotte is evident from the time she enters a room.

To me you are all great people and I consider myself lucky to know you. I hope I did not miss anybody, if I did by no means does this mean that you are not important.