“Hi Ron, congratulations.” That was the greeting I received as I stepped out of my car for an evening meeting of the Henderson Audubon Society in the autumn of 1974 that was being held at the home of Frank Stanonis. I responded with “Hi” but in my head, I said, “congratulations for what?”
While we had moved to Henderson because I accepted a
teaching job at Henderson City High School, I spent several months of my free
time in 1972 and 1973 exploring the Henderson area and trying to connect with
the Henderson Audubon Society. Still, I needed help locating them or anyone
that was connected with the organization. Finally, in June 1973, I received a
telephone call from Dr. Richard Wham, who was a member of the Henderson Audubon
Society, and he told me that there was a meeting of the Society that very
evening if I was able to attend. I don’t remember what the evening program was
about, but I recall that at the program’s end, someone said that this evening’s
meeting was the last meeting for the season and that regular meetings would
start again in the Fall. They also said if anyone had ideas or recommendations
for programs that might be considered for the next season beginning in the Fall
of 1974, please let them know. During the refreshment period, I did mention
that I knew someone who was an expert in reptiles and amphibians of the region
that would make an excellent speaker and presentation.
The evening meeting at Frank Stanonis’ home was called to
order by Richard Wham, who was the newly elected President of the Henderson
Audubon Society. Just a few moments after the meeting started, I discovered
what I had been congratulated for. I discovered that, without my knowledge, I had
been elected (AKA appointed) as Vice President and Program Chair of the
Society. That was the first time I realized that just showing up and speaking
up can often lead to interesting things happening!
For those of you who have known me for many years, you might find it hard to believe that in my younger years, I was very introverted and would never even consider speaking in public. My Dad used to say that I was so shy that if I was totally lost somewhere that I wouldn’t even ask anyone for directions. Most of you know that as life moved forward, I managed to get over that issue.
So, that is how I came to be involved with the Audubon
Society. I showed up, I suggested a program and there you go! In addition to my
search for a local Audubon Society, I was also spending time looking into the
history of John James Audubon and his family when they lived in Henderson,
which meant that I spent considerable time in John James Audubon State Park.
The next few posts will focus on some of my adventures with the Henderson
Audubon Society and Audubon State Park.
Till next time,
Cheers.
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