new members – Nature Along the El Camino Real

by Carolyn Henderson
photos by Sue Ann Kendall

I am excited to introduce the new members of our chapter to you. They are in order: Carolyn M., Don F., Teresa (Terri) B., Kay F., Kathleen (Kit) T., Tina D., Bill D., and Chad C. I’m sure everyone who attended the party last night now knows them, but I wanted to make sure those who couldn’t attend and our online fans also know and can say hello if they run into them. I believe they are going to be a great group for our chapter. Let me add that Terri has also received Full Certification and her first pin and name tag, too.

I also want to send out some thank yous to everyone that helped get this class through. We kept eight out of ten who registered. Eighty percent retention is a feat worth noting. Alan R. and Debra S. worked extra hard to train this group and get them to the end. Michelle Lopez attended every training session to make sure all the information was presented as intended by the speakers. Ellen L. also kept the potlucks organized with the help of Ann C. and Jackie T. According to Chad, it was a motivating factor. Several members attended most of the sessions to mentor the new members. Making contact goes a long way.

Many thanks go out to Liz L. for co-organizing the party last night. She also bought flashlights for the new members that will show the unusual colors on some lichen that Chad taught us about. Patsy C. made some very nice certificates and also kept the class on their toes about their hours. Pamela N. made the official ceramic frog magnets for each member and the trainers. Several members contributed to the very good bar-b-que we had last night with potato salads and deserts.

*New Members told stories and declared their favorite bird at the ceremony.*

It just goes to prove that it really does take a village to get things done.

Last but not least, you may want to send a big congratulations to Debbi H. on achieving 4,000 volunteer hours in TMN. We are waiting on the Presidential citation and pin to arrive for her. Ellen L also achieved 250 hours – a great deal of those hours occured being our hostess director.