Volunteers- Nov. 5

Jennie and I hosted a luncheon this Wednesday for people who volunteer the Lab. We had about 30 people show up, representing a wide range of people, from Nic Easley, who works in the dining hall and helps with the kid’s program, to Ron Meyer, who started working as a doctor in Gunnison County in the 50’s and has been critical to the success of the Lab’s Breeding Bird Survey. I expressed special appreciation to Lou Beckman, who helps organize the 4th of July race, and Maureen Hall, who also helps with the 4th of July race and many of our mailings. I gave a big shout out to Kevin Donovan—he’s been responsible for building and renovating many of the Lab’s cabins, including the recent Barclay renovation. He always helps out when we have our historic preservation dinner by giving tours and talking about our projects. I also thanked John Norton for the annual evening he and Robin have been hosting in their home up Cement Creek to introduce more people to the RMBL.

Finally, I honored Beverly and Bailie Griffith, with special thanks to Beverly. They have hosted and co-hosted events for the RMBL and held innumerable dinners to introduce friends to the RMBL and RMBL scientists. Beverly speaks very eloquently about the value of the Lab and I’ve seen a number of scientists get excited by seeing Gothic reflected in her eyes.

I am a big believer that our happiness is determined by our commitment to, and engagement with, family, friends, and community. The RMBL exists because generations of scientists, students, family, and friends have made it happen. The RMBL is a special place because of the commitments of those individuals. Just as importantly, the lives of numerous people have been enriched because of their participation in the RMBL community. These fall luncheons are special to me because it is clear that the community of individuals who can both contribute to the RMBL, and benefit from being part of our community, is growing beyond just the students and scientists. It now includes people who discover and experience the Lab in a multitude of ways. Thanks to everybody who contributes time and resources!