Message from the President

September/October, 2000 - President's Message. These past couple months have been very busy for NFSS and for me personally. On a personal note, I started a new job a couple months ago that has required a considerable amount of training and study. Six weeks after I started we left on a two-week trip through Washington and Idaho. Very enjoyable and restful. Eileen might tell the story different when It comes to climbing Mount Rainier. Other than that, she had a good time!

For NFSS, the high point was NFSS's representation at the AFA convention. Our AFA representative, Vince Huntington and Regional Vice President Sally Huntington gave a well received presentation on Hand Fed Finches and Quail. I look forward to reading about this in an article in the Bulletin. They also presented a "Lifetime Membership" award to Robert Black for his significant contributions to NFSS through print media. His well written, superbly edited books are valuable references to all aviculturialists who keep and breed Finches.

I am proud to announce that Darla Dentre will be assuming the duties of Awards Manager for NFSS commencing January 1, 2001. I want to thank Kerri McCoy and Ginny Allen for keeping everything together through 2000.

We do have two elected positions on the Board that are either open or soon will be. Jim Norman is relocating to a city outside Region 5. Dianna Rubly is getting married soon and starting a new life. She will be leaving the position of Liaison Officer December 31, 2000. Both positions are open for nominations to fill these valuable slots. Please send all nominations to me at Dale Laird, PO Box 2459, Goldenrod, FL 32733 or e-mail me at dalel2@prodigy.net.  The election for both positions will be by special ballot in the Nov/Dec issue of the bulletin.

I have formed a new committee headed by Daniel Almaguer to evaluate the Finchsave Committee and report back to the Board any recommendations for improvements.

As of this writing we are currently conducting the 3rd Quarter Board meeting. The minutes will be posted in the next issue of the Bulletin. Finally, the show season is well underway with shows happening all over the country every weekend. While it is nice to show birds, these events can be valuable to network for new bloodlines, breeding tips, and the opportunity to converse with your peers in aviculture. Take the time to check out a show in your area. You may find it to be considerably more than just a bird show. Until next issue, happy breeding and share the knowledge.

Dale Laird
President NFSS