Awards at Festive Annual Meeting

Diane received the annual Bewick's Wren Award, which was established in 1991"to acknowledge individuals who have given exceptional service to the Society".A member of the National Audubon Society since 1970 and of Madrone since movingto Sonoma County more than eight years ago, Diane has contributed in virtuallyevery area of Chapter activity. She has served as President and Vice President,is a leader in educational and outreach programs, and is a regular participantin the Christmas bird count, walkabouts, membership activities, Pee WeeAudubon, the Mayacamas bird census, and the Bay Area Audubon Council. "Diane isabsolutely unselfish in her contributions to the Chapter," said out-goingPresident Peter Leveque. "For me personally, being able to draw on her goodadvice and past experience made it much easier, in fact, made it possible, tofunction as president."

Malcolm, who has been editor of the Leaves since 1991, was honored withthe Evalyn and Les Bowen Award. This award was established in 1988 in memory oftwo very active people who helped found Madrone Audubon, as a means of honoringoutstanding contributors to the Chapter. "The Chapter is fortunate to have avolunteer with Malcolm's professional skills," Peter said. "Thanks to Malcolmand his co-editors, our newsletter is certainly one of the best, and bestlooking, Audubon newsletters in the country."

There also were special words of appreciation to retiring Board members OliveCorey and David Biggs. Olive has served as Social Chair since 1983, and hasorganized wonderful events annually at the Christmas bird count and annualmembership meetings. She also has scheduled Madrone members to act as hosts atAudubon Canyon Ranch. David served as Treasurer from 1990 to 1996. He and hiswife, Kathy, also founded Pee Wee Audubon and are long-time participants in theChristmas bird count.

Installed during the meeting were Madrone's new officers: President JeffHoltzman, Vice-president Dan Kahane, Treasurer Bob Burness, Recording SecretaryClaire Shurvinton (second term), and Corresponding Secretary Barbara Taylor(second term).

The program concluded with a photographic essay on "California's EndangeredSpecies" by wildlife photographer Moose Peterson. Many thanks to all the greatcooks who contributed to the potluck, and especially to those who helpedarrange this great event: Marilyn Sanders, Connie and John Joachim, GloriaOverholt, Olive Corey, and many others. The meeting was held May 20 at SantaRosa's First Presbyterian Church.