I wanted to take a moment and thank the bird club members and all the kind people of the community that have contacted me recently regarding the health and welfare of parrots in general. It’s very nice to know that there are people out there that genuinely care that their parrots are the happiest that they can be in captivity. As my final editorial, I’d like to end my term on a positive note: parrots in Anchorage are happier because of you. Those of you that read our newsletter and website and take the time to attend the bird club meetings are starting to make a difference. Please keep it up. We have some exciting times ahead of us and the bird club has an exciting list of board member nominations for year 2006. In year 2006, the Alaska Bird Club hopes to also add a variety of workshops and classes in addition to it’s monthly membership meetings. We have such valuable resources within the club. It’s time to start sharing those. Leanna Rein, your current Vice President can make bird toys from some of the most basic things you have around your house and turn them into toys that parrots love for hours. Cindy Welbourne , your current Adopt-A-Bird chairperson is very well versed on the Pionus species. I really enjoy sitting down with her and just listen to her speak Pionus. It’s a blast and I learn a lot. Diane Richards, a crafter at heart, can make some of the most incredible art pieces, incorporating parrot themes in them. I myself, will painting more this next year. I can teach you to paint your parrot, honest! I also know other hidden talents that lie within some of the members like Elizabeth Flores, Marta Muth, Brent Keay, Amber O’Neill, Greg Wilkie, Joan Lawrence, Jenny Treacy and the list goes on. I am so very proud of our club and what we have accomplished this past year. So please join us or stay with us. Be a member. Membership Renewals are due December 31st. STEP UP!

Happy Birding and be kind to your parrots and to each other!

Lin