A number of our chapter members have given generously of their time, energy and skills this year during what is likely the most trying time in CAS history. Attempting to retain a community of service during this coronavirus pandemic has been extremely trying.

Two Meritorious Service Awards and four Certificates of Recognition were presented December 14, 2020 during the virtual meeting.

Receiving Meritorious Service Awards for exceptional effort are Valerie Barnes and Janet Tice, who updated our stagnant, aging website. Their awards read as follows:

Valerie Barnes

“Valerie Barnes proves repeatedly that she is not intimidated by 21^st century technology. Since the initial purchase of our computer, she has become the key conservator of Conococheague Audubon’s digital property, creating the bulk of our digital and online elements from designing animated PowerPoint programs to fine-tuning our virtual meetings.

Last winter, Val produced a promotional PowerPoint that was received eagerly by Chambersburg Area School District administrators.

As gathering became unsafe this spring, Val initiated practice Zoom sessions with other members and with upcoming speakers to minimize glitches. This fall, she and Bob Keener presented PowerPoint and Zoom lessons to a class of regional Pennsylvania Naturalist applicants.

A crowning achievement this year was the enormous effort she and Janet Tice put forth to assemble our chapter’s new, colorful, interactive website – one that we expect will make a huge difference in our online “traffic.” I cannot express enough gratitude for the countless hours Val put into this accomplishment.

In addition, Val maintains our membership roster, is our Corresponding Secretary, participates in our annual Beginning Birder Workshop and oversees our December undertaking, the Christmas Bird Count.

In short, Val is the heart and foundation of our chapter.

Thank you, Valerie Barnes, for setting a high standard in all you do.”

Janet Tice

“When it comes to enthusiasm, Janet Tice is front and center. While she has taken her turn more than once on our board of directors, Janet welcomes new volunteer opportunities. She had just begun to co-chair our annual workshop this year when our activities were abruptly halted due to the coronavirus pandemic.

As our current education chair, she continues to place Audubon Adventures in classrooms despite increasing difficulty in district-wide communication.

Janet makes herself familiar with all kinds of digital devices and the strange, wonderful things they do. What sounds “Greek to me” is a second language to her. She is one of our go-to technical folks who helps us show films at Chambersburg Area Middle School South.

She also gave a heads-up about the new sound system that the CAS board eventually bought.

This year, Janet Tice and Val Barnes gave our chapter the gift of a highly interactive, visually exciting website. Janet took time from a busy schedule to learn and apply new skills that benefit visitors to our site. As our web maintainer, she keeps our schedule current and presents a changing display of lovely bird photos.

Thank you, Janet Tice, for accepting a host of challenges.”

Debby Hook, Immediate Past President, Conococheague Audubon Society

In addition to the merit awards, four Certificates of Recognition were presented to:

Ken Higley: “The need for social distancing this year has led Conococheague Audubon to learn some new technology and to use some “gadgets” with which we are unfamiliar.

In our attempt to offer Zoom virtual meetings, Ken Higley shared freely of his time and the use of his Jetpack, a device that allows for a network connection, to help practice connecting with others through Zoom so our meetings could run more smoothly. Ken activated his Jetpack for our November meeting to allow the speaker to present from his home.

While he was briefly a member of the board of directors, Ken offered ideas and insight that helped the board with a few key decisions.

Thank you, Ken Higley, for your generosity and spirit!”

Debby Hook, Immediate Past President, Conococheague Audubon Society

Terri Kochert:“When all our plans and activities were shelved one-by-one in this pandemic year, our president did not let it stop her. Even the failure of a long-ailing sound system did not deter her.

Terri took reins in hand to arrange how and when we would meet. She researched and purchased an excellent new sound system that would be ours alone.

Terri helped us become comfortable with virtual meetings, taking extra time to practice Zooming with others so there would be minimal glitches. After preparing us for all the changes that would surround our congregating, she led us through the uncertainty month-by-month.

From rearranging planned schedules to adjusting to the disappointment of no major fundraising this year, Terri is deftly handling the CAS administration in this remarkable year.

Thank you, Terri Kochert, for providing the leadership that will keep us afloat!”

Debby Hook, Immediate Past President, Conococheague Audubon Society

Carl and SueAnn Sarvis: “Conococheague Audubon’s Norlo Park Native Plants Garden, now more than 10 years old, continues to add beauty and interest to the park. But a garden doesn’t grow itself, and we honor two quietly diligent gardeners, Carl and SueAnn Sarvis.

More often than not, the northeast section “adopted” by the Sarvises is the first to be weeded and tended to. From early spring and throughout summer, Carl and SueAnn maintain a tidy garden area.

Our garden supervisor Josh Donaldson said, “They must work early mornings because they’re never seen there, but they have been loyal, quiet helpers for many years and we thank them!”

SueAnn also is a bluebird trail monitor, working regularly with Linda Kaiser to check on the nestboxes during nesting season.

Thank you, Carl and SueAnn Sarvis, for being true friends to our local birds and plants!”

Debby Hook, Immediate Past President, Conococheague Audubon Society

Joyce Stuff: “Two years ago, we were in a bind about our bluebird trail. It was becoming more of a burden to continue, for several reasons.

During the year that we took a break from the trail, I leaned heavily on advice from Joyce Stuff, who is also an officer with the Bluebird Society of Pennsylvania.

There was never a question Joyce could not answer. When I despaired, she had ideas to try and reams of information from the Bluebird Society.

With Joyce’s expert help, we were able to restart the bluebird trail this March, albeit for only a short time due to social restrictions during the coronavirus pandemic.

Thank you, Joyce Stuff, for helping to give our bluebird trail a new lease on life!”

Debby Hook, Immediate Past President, Conococheague Audubon Society

“Finally,” announced Hook at the December meeting, “I want to unofficially recognize all of you who took part in the ConAudubon email conversations in April and May during the COVID-19 “lockdown”.

You shared photos of owls and songbirds; you shared stories and linked us to websites outside our chapter. You kept up our spirits with the sights and sounds of outdoors.

You made my day with each thread that I could pass on to all our members. Now with a new Facebook page, I hope you continue to share your birding experiences.”