As this year comes to a close, I would like to recognize and thank those folks that have supported The Alaska Bird Club (TABC) in so many ways. Most people may not ever see the ‘behind-the-scenes’ work that takes place to effectively run an organization and most times, those that are doing the work aren’t obvious to the public. As a result of these individuals TABC had many “Firsts” this year and here’s a few:

The first dedicated phone line: Thanks to the efforts of Jennifer Slaughter, TABC has a dedicated phone line that isn’t associated with someone’s private phone number. This is a huge improvement in service to our customers and TABC receives several calls per day that can now be responded to by the most appropriate TABC volunteers.

The first on-line store through Café Press: Thanks to Robert Ekstroem, TABC has an online store where folks anywhere can order a variety of TABC merchandise. TABC receives a percent of the profits with each order that can be applied to programs of our choice.

The first TABC pins: Thanks to the efforts of Keira Ekstroem, TABC has lapel pins available for purchase, awards, special events, etc.

The first volunteers at all three PetZoo locations: Thanks to the efforts of Susan & Dave Allen, Cindy Welbourne, and Greg Wilke, TABC is present every month at all three PetZoo locations to distribute information to the public. This has resulted in donations by PetZoo and the public that has supported the Adopt-ABird Program and other club activities.

The first Disaster/Emergency Preparedness Committee: Thanks to the efforts of Garry Wallan, TABC has a committee dedicated to the development and implementation of a disaster and emergency plan (available on the website). This is a huge endeavor, but one that will benefit parrots and their guardians statewide.

The first TABC satellite Adopt-A-Bird Program in Fairbanks: Thanks to Cindy Welbourne’s efforts, TABC was able to fulfill our goal and we now have an Adopt-A-Bird co-chair in Fairbanks.

The first “How To” series: The “How To” series was started this year to provide the public with information on a variety of “How To” topics. These are added to monthly and are available to the public online and in the Newsletter.

In addition to what was listed above, TABC is blessed to have a cast of volunteers that support our efforts by providing emergency and foster care to birds in need. Many times a year, TABC is called upon to assist with the care of birds that have been abandoned, injured, confiscated, lost/found, or have owners that can no longer care for their birds due to a crisis or emergency. Our emergency and foster providers are truly the life-line for these birds and their families and without their selfless efforts, TABC would not be able to manage an adoption program. The folks that adopt birds in need are a true blessing and we wish we could clone each and every person that opens their hearts and homes to adopt homeless animals! I am truly humbled by the heroic efforts I have witnessed by the volunteers that help birds that come our way!

Our sincere gratitude to every person that made a donation to TABC! Lots and lots of people opened their wallets, donated cages and equipment, space for meetings, printing, food, supplies and their precious time. You are the BEST!

A round of applause and huge thanks to Jennifer Slaughter and Garry Wallan for their ongoing efforts to keep up with and improve the Newsletter and website! If you haven’t taken the time to acknowledge their hard work, please do!

Last, a standing ovation for the various committees that are the pillars of support for TABC: The Lost/Found-Rescue Committee (Thanks Amber!); the Hospitality Committee (Thanks Susan & David!); the Emergency/Disaster Preparedness Committee (Thanks Garry!); the Adopt-ABird Committee (Thanks Cindy & Kathleen); the Nominations Committee (Thanks Keira!); the Seminar Committee (Thanks Diane & Susan); and many others.

If you happen to see any of these individuals, please take a moment to recognize them for all their hard work. These folks and many others working behind the scenes this year contributed to TABC’s successful year. If you would like to join our efforts, we would welcome any assistance you could lend!

Leanna Rein, President
The Alaska Bird Club

The Alaska Bird Club • P.O. Box 101825 • Anchorage AK 99510
akbirdclub@yahoo.com