President’s Column
December 2004
Hal Genger left a message at work that The Sandpiper was going to be assembled Tuesday night November 30, that’s tonight. I like to get things done some time before the last minute, and I was prepared to write this column the night before. I got home from work to find a plumbing leak, and by the time I found out what I needed to fix it, the stores were closed. No hot water for the kitchen sink or dishwasher is no big deal, but it was too late to do the column. I got home late from work with the right part on Tuesday, and after another hour, it was fixed.
What in blazes does this have to do with Audubon or birds? As the Chambers Brothers (Remember them?) would say: TIME! Tick, tock; tick, tock!
There is a core of dedicated members that have given time and steadfast effort to RRAS. To see many of their names, look at the list of our directors and officers in this Sandpiper. Many of them have served well beyond their anticipated term because they feel it is time well spent and because there has been no one to take their place.
I am in my third term as President and came in without being President Elect. It would be nice to know that I might be replaced next year by someone who has “learned the ropes” as President Elect or Director. Our bylaws specify a three-year term as President Elect, President, and Immediate Past President to ensure a smooth transition of leadership. Don’t want to make such a commitment? Talk to a Board member of your choice, and we’ll see whether we can accommodate you. See something else that interests you? Contact a committee chair and volunteer for one specific project or task. The best gift that RRAS could get for the holidays is the gift of your time.
I can put the money I saved by not calling an after-hours plumber toward a new spotting scope. I can never get the time back.
Happy Holidays and clear days for the Christmas Bird Counts!