As the year draws to a close, we look to members stepping forward to fill several upcoming positions. We need nominations for President, Vice-President and Adopt-A-Bird Director (appointed but still need a volunteer for the program). If you feel you can fill one of these positions, or know someone you wish to nominate please contact Amy Benefield (her email address is on page 2) so she can contact the individuals nominated and confirm they will accept a nomination.

We also desperately need a newsletter editor and publisher. If you are interested in either of these positions please contact Kathleen O’Keefe so arrangements can be made to transition into the position. This is a lot of work, getting birds of the month, rainbow bridge, AAV reports, advertising, and distributing the newsletters either by mail or finding volunteers to deliver them to the various locations we have listed where our newsletters can be picked up.

I have faced many challenges being president, and also working with the adopt-a-bird program, checking emails, responding to concerns from members as well as nonmembers. Some of you may not have been pleased with some of my decisions, many of which were difficult to reach, and I tried my very best to meet the wishes and demands of this position. I have had a great team and am in hopes the next president has as good a team when they accept a nomination and offer to take up the reins of office.

We are all crazy about our birds and trying to make their lives the best we can. Each and every member of TABC is an asset to the club and I sincerely hope you will all continue working with the public and doing your part to continue educating the public.

I have also been approached by PetCo on Dimond and the manager has asked if we could find a volunteer willing to spend one day a month coming into the store to explain our programs and help educate the public on how long birds live, what they eat, why they should visit a veterinarian and perhaps even answer questions about adoption vs purchase of birds. Please let me know if anyone has the time to do this and maybe we could expand to the Mountain View PetCo.

-- Kathleen O'Keefe, President