May 2009

A Day at the Refuge (Friday, April 24)

I arrived today shortly after 8AM to photocopy some documents needed for tomorrow's Board of Directors meeting. Then headed down to the canal for the 9AM airboat tour arranged for volunteers by Park Ranger Chuck Ryan. Two boats went out at 9 and again at 11. This was also done on April 10th. We were out for an hour and had a wonderful time – the low water enabled us to see lots of gators up close. Angie our driver and guide was wonderful.

We also saw Rolf Olson and John Marshall hosting a European journalist in a separate airboat and at least 10 other airboats bringing hired workers out to fight the invasives. It was also great to see Jay Brenner and Jean Poleshuck able to join us.

Back at the Visitors Center I saw the Store Committee – Harvey Eisen, Hal Albertson, Dave Lurie, and Frank Bodofsky – meeting with Treasurer Herb Teitler to discuss changes in Store Procedures. While this was going on I was working with 2 technicians from Solarguard to get our Gift Shop windows filmed and tinted. After that I met briefly with Rolf and Sylvia to discuss the timeline we hope to have in place by the end of the day for the installation of the new exhibits.

Serena Rinker was out today so I sent her an email re: the grant proposal for Everglades Day that we are working on together. There was more – but this is just a typical day – wanted to give you a bit of its feel – there's a lot going on and it's very exciting-and we need more help. Hope you can join with us if you haven't done so already.

Steve Horowitz
President
561-637-9751