over. I want to thank the membership, and those of you who were patient with

me as I figured out what to do the first year or so. I gained much knowledge and insight

about OBBA – it’s history and current situation. There are so many of you who have so much to offer. However, the challenge for all of us if finding a way to share with OBBA and its members the knowledge, experience and lessons we have learned over the years. Along those same lines, the challenge for me, as President, has been to re-kindle the spark of excitement about OBBA that existed, at it’s peak, when OBBA was a newly formed organization. It is unfortunate that many, or perhaps most of the "original" members have either passed away or moved out of the state. Those of you who remain are deeply involved in your own research/conservation efforts.

I would like to think, and I will go so far as to say that OBBA was instrumental in the future successes and motivation of many of you who have moved on to create your own projects, groups, organizations, or take on positions as researchers, naturalists, conservationists, etc. I would further like to think that the inspiration of bird banding research provided by OBBA members has been a starting point and/or life changing experience in your field of research. It was for me! I would not be a part of any research project had it not been for OBBA and the members I met over 18 years ago and now consider life-long friends. Now, like many of you and your involvement with field research, my projects have included volunteers who have furthered their ornithological hobby by educated hundreds of school children about migration and bird banding, started their own non-profit organizations related to bird banding and conservation, and have obtaining advanced degrees in ornithology.

Now, imagine how many lives YOU have touched in your field of expertise – especially those of you who have been hard at it for 25-35 plus years! It is humbling to consider the possibilities.

The past few years have been a "re-growth", of sorts, for OBBA. The research committee, and new OBBA members, some of which are current officers and others running for an OBBA office, have given OBBA a renewed vigor towards the organization and a renewed interest in taking OBBA to the next step in its evolution.

The research committee has met several times and have taken steps in a positive direction for OBBA. Most importantly, we will be adding to our goal of providing valuable research opportunities. The areas which we will begin adding new focus and energy to are Education and Training.

The first opportunity for an "organized" educational opportunity will be at the Spring Bandout, April 28-30 in Hocking Hills, Ohio. The camp where we stay will be full of Campfire Boys and Girls for their annual "Spring Skills Weekend". We have had such positive feedback from the youth in the past that the new and current Executive Director has requested that we notify them each year of the Bandout date so they can schedule their weekend the same. This year we will be incorporated into their programming for the day. Bird Banding will be a ‘stop’ in one of their ‘skills’ areas. This is very exciting to me and to those who have helped at the camp in the past. If you can save a weekend for a special event, save April 28-30 to help out with the kids! We will also have the opportunity to "mingle" with the youth at a lunch and dinner in the camps rustic dining lodge. Our participation with them will strongly secure our future with the camp ultimately the future of the Bandout! We can use extra volunteers and "person-power" to help with the children. Come if you can!

The meeting coming up this Spring will be in Delaware Ohio at Ohio Wesleyan University hosted by Jed H. Burtt, Jr. We will have a study skin quiz of birds in spring plumage, three or four presentations throughout the day, OBBA Business meeting, continental breakfast and lunch, and time to visit and chat.

See you at the meeting!