Alabama Ducks Unlimited Newsletter Fall 2013

Transcription

1 On the Wing Alabama Ducks Unlimited Newsletter Fall 2013 Dear Alabama Ducks Unlimited Members, Happy, Happy, Happy! This is a term many have heard lately on a popular TV show and I also think it describes the accomplishments we have made this past year in Alabama. We ended the fiscal year with over $1 million in total fundraising for Alabama and carried over momentum from our 75th Anniversary into the 76th. Thanks in part to what we do in Alabama, DU has now conserved over 13 million acres and you have played a significant role in helping us achieve that milestone. Whether you are a major donor, sponsor, regular member, volunteer, someone who purchases incentive merchandise from the DU website or all of the above, you should take great pride in knowing that you have played a part in leaving this legacy for future generations. However, we still have opportunities and room to improve our organization. Those opportunities lie in the area of recruitment of new members and volunteers. I would like to encourage you to recruit one more member, and if you re a volunteer, find another volunteer. If only half of you are successful, we would see a 50% increase by the end of Give it some thought and see who you might reach out to. We have wonderful things happening in our state organization, but we still need to grow our TEAM. With a stronger membership and volunteer base, we can expand our influence positively on the landscape and conserve more wetlands for future generations. As I write this letter, I m down to less than five months remaining as Alabama s State Chairman. I am passing the torch to Adam Pierce on March 10, 2014 at the Alabama DU State Convention in Huntsville. I hope you plan to attend so you can give Adam a huge Alabama DU welcome. More information on the State Convention will be included in this newsletter and I promise it will be a great weekend for the entire family. The Alabama DU state convention will be my last official event as your state chairman. I can t begin to tell you how honored I ve been to serve in this position for the last two years. I am proud to have worked with fellow volunteers, our state leadership team, DU staff, and all Alabama DU members to protect and conserve our natural resources and continue our hunting heritage. Thanks again for this wonderful opportunity and for your support of Ducks Unlimited. Chad Hughey Alabama State Chairman

2 Alabama Ducks Unlimited State Committee State Chairman Chad Hughey, Hartselle, AL (256) State Chair Elect Adam Pierce, Birmingham, AL (205) State Secretary Carol Sutfin, Birmingham, AL (205) State Treasurer Greg Hodges, Huntsville, AL (256) State Council Chairman Wayne Keith, Mobile, AL (251) State Major Donor Chairman Westley Jones, Tuscaloosa, AL (205) State Strategic Planning Chair Henry Gaulden, Morris, AL (205) Ducks Unlimited National Volunteers South Atlantic Flyway President George Dunklin, Jr., Humphrey, AR Sr. Vice-President Lloyd Goode, Raleigh, NC (919) Regional VP Stephen Whatley, Anniston, AL (256) Regional VP Bill Short, Columbia, SC (803) At-Large Board of Directors Monty Lewis,Thomasville, GA (229) National Development Committee Doug Roberts Spanish Fort, AL Ducks Unlimited National Staff - Alabama Regional Director - N. AL Doug Lasher Decatur, AL (256) dlasher@ducks.org Regional Director - S. AL Tom Ware Ocean Springs, MS (228) tware@ducks.org Volunteer Service Coordinator Betty Hayes Memphis,TN Headquarters (901) bhayes@ducks.org Director of Development - AL/FL/GA Shawn Battison 2506 Leonidas Dr. Montgomery, AL (334) sbattison@ducks.org Director of Fundraising & Volunteer Relations Don Manley 25 Scott Pl Clinton NC (910) (office) (910) (mobile) dmanley@ducks.org State Greenwing Chairman Colin McRae, Eutaw, AL (205) gcolinmcrae@gmail.com State Policy Chairman Grady Hartzog, Eufaula, AL (334) gchartzog@earthlink.net Visit us on Facebook at Alabama Ducks Unlimited Save an acre, become a sponsor. Page 2

3 Alabama Ducks Unlimited State Committee Alabama District Chairmen District #1 Grant McKelvey, Hartselle, AL (256) District #2 Shannon McBride, Huntsville, AL (256) District #3 Clint Bradley, Piedmont, AL (205) District #4 Josh Rudder, Birmingham, AL (205) District #5 Ryan Stallings, Northport, AL (205) District #6 Taylor Hart, Mathews, AL (334) District #7 Lamar Seibenhener, Auburn, AL (334) District #9 David Ladd, Spanish Fort, AL (251) If you would like to add your name to this list of individuals who have made the decision to leave a legacy for future generations, please contact Shawn Battison, Director of Development, at (334) or sbattison@ducks.org. Alabama Ducks Unlimited Major Donors Platinum Legacy Sponsor Life Sponsor (Cont...) Big Cypress Duck Hole, LLC Eddy L. Dryden Gold Legacy Sponsor Dr. Lee B. Dubois Monument, LLC John & Georgine Duckworth Diamond Benefactor J. M. "Mike" Dudley Stephen & Lucy Whatley Dick & Tamela Esham Willis C. Estis Gold Benefactor Winthrop & Reneau Hallett Grady C. Hartzog Ann & Judge Wally Haralson Benefactor Bill & Susan Hargett Mack H. Jenkins Anthony V. & Barbara A. Hattier II Richard & April Rice Issac Holman Doug & Joni Roberts Kenneth G. Hood Diamond Heritage Sponsor Mrs. Anne Irwin Horton Richard & Jacqualyn Kowallik James Austin Hoyt Sr. Heritage Sponsor James Austin Hoyt Jr. Peter V. Gregerson Jr. Jeff & Julie Hughes A. H. King Chad & Dana Hughey Douglas N. Lasher Mrs. Fay B. Ireland The Thomas E. Jernigan Foundation Glenn Ireland II Diamond Sponsor in Perpetuity Mr. & Mrs. Raymond B. Jones John G. Howell Ronald E. Jones Snuff Thompson Westley & Lori Jones Wes Jones Sponsor in Perpetuity Larry & Carolyn Landrem Dick Lanigan Hank & Julie Leucken Marshall's Outdoor Products, LLC Bruce T. Lightsey Bud & Pat Foshee Steve J. Logan Stanley & Jane Huner Bob & Linda Maynor Wayne & Pamela Keith Dr. Michael R. McClellan Carol Anne Sutfin Robby A. Miller Alabama Power Company Jon R. Moody Diamond Life Sponsor Jerry C. Oldshue, Jr. Henry & Leta Gaulden Dr. Jerry C. Oldshue & Dr. Isabel B. Oldshue Dan & Nancy Gardner Joseph Wiley Propst II Shawn & Jodie Battison Nickie & Leone Purser S. Floyd Fraser Jr., M.D. Barry Saunders Susan & Bill Collins, Jr. Jasper D. Smith Matthew W. Stiles W. Ryan Stallings T. Owen Vickers Mr. Greg Steenson Forrest Fitts William H. Stender, Jr. H. Gregory & Madeline S. Williams Matthew P. Stewart Life Sponsor Bob & Sharon Suellentrop Dwain Armentrout William E. Taylor Ronnie & Teresa Bailey Kenneth M. Thomas Neal & Sarah Ballard Buddy & Jackie Vail Connie & James O. Banks, Jr. Andrew & Belinda Villarreal John & Carolyn Blue Stephen W. Whatley, Jr. Dr. & Mrs. Charles R. Bradford Mr. Jimmy Whitaker Chuck & Ginnie Browning David A. White Cindy & Dr. Clyde Butler, Jr. Wendy & Dr. Jerre R. White Charles E. Carper IV Karen & Wayne Wood Zachary Chandler Dennis S. Woods Anthony G. Chavers Elizabeth & Robert Word, Jr. Thomas E. & Lee Clark Don & Frances Word Angus R. Cooper III Sunshine Homes Josh B. Crowe Sunshine Mills Jordan & Heather Dailey Decatur Chamber of Commerce Larry & Connie Dailey The Jurenko Foundation Jack Darnall Budweiser-Busch Distributing Company, Inc. Tra & Ashley Dockery Turner Beverage Company, Inc. Page 3

4 The Common Sense Bank At Southern States Bank we believe the most important thing is our relationships with our customers. We also believe in conservation of our wetlands and are a proud supporter of Ducks Unlimited. Stop by or visit us online and find out why they call us The Common Sense Bank. MEMBER FDIC Tommy Ware New DU Regional Director S. AL & S. MS My name is Tommy Ware. I am a Graduate from Tulane University with a BA in Homeland Security. I was recently employed with Ducks Unlimited on August 1, 2013 as the Regional Director for both South Alabama and South Mississippi. I have a great passion for waterfowling, upland hunting and fly fishing. I may be new to AL DU, but my roots run deep in Alabama. My father was from Sylacauga, Alabama and my grandfather resided in Pennington, Alabama. I also have a brother that lives in Rockford, Alabama and a sister in Anniston. I spent the summers of my youth at a place called Little Toms fish camp on Lay Lake, and I still return for those bedding crappie. Alabama holds a special place in my heart, and I am honored to be a part of the Alabama team. My position will allow me to frequent the state that has been dear to me through my years as a child and now as an adult. I look forward to working with our Alabama volunteers, and making new friends along the way. Know that I have an enormous amount of passion for waterfowling and Ducks Unlimited. I believe whole heartedly in the efforts of conservation. Many people have asked me How does Homeland Security relate to waterfowling and conservation? I like to say that it is another part of the security process - peeling back the layers of the interior and addressing what is all too often overlooked, our nation s natural resources. I have been given the privilege to work for DU to rally and help save these treasured resources, and with this I am honored. Theodore Roosevelt once said, "The wildlife and its habitat cannot speak. So we must and we will!" This quotation was meant to be remembered and implemented through the people that choose to be the volunteers and the folks behind the scenes. We are good stewards of the land and its inhabitants. We will be their voice! I am. You are. We are DUCKS UNLIMITED! Page 4

5 Alabama Ducks Unlimited 2013 Fall Calendar of Events DATE EVENT CITY CHAIRMAN PHONE 10/12/2013 Auburn Sponsor Dinner Auburn Lamar Seibenhener /17/2013 Prattville Dinner Prattville Rob Mitchell /17/2013 Fort Payne Dinner Fort Payne Mat Hicks /23/2013 Mobile Dinner Mobile Brent Keith /24/2013 Over The Mountain Dinner Birmingham Josh Rudder /24/2013 Marion Dinner Marion Jennifer Hoggle /24/2013 Enterprise Dinner Enterprise Mike Walters /25/2013 Eutaw Dinner Eutaw Harris Banks /29/2013 Eastern Shore Spanish Fort Jonathan Smith /1/2013 Huntsville Dinner Huntsville Justin Griggs /2/2013 Cullman Dinner Cullman Cody Hudson /7/2013 Birmingham Banquet Birmingham David Williamson /7/2013 Decatur Dinner Decatur Patrick Cordes /7/2013 North Mobile County Dinner Mobile Keith Coleman /9/2013 North Jackson County Stevenson Caleb Wynne /12/2013 Greensboro Dinner Greensboro William Holmes /14/2013 Scottsboro Dinner Scottsboro Lyles Sosebee /14/2013 Univ. Alabama Dinner and Concert Tuscaloosa Jake Ragsdale /14/2013 Demopolis Dinner Demopolis Brandon Smith /14/2013 Blount County Dinner Oneonta Rodney Gray /14/2013 Montgomery Dinner Montgomery Taylor Hart /14/2013 Auburn University Dinner Auburn Mason Childers /16/2013 Ozark Dinner Ozark Ben Moore /16/2013 Gadsden Dinner Gadsden Jason Emanuelsen /21/2013 Dothan Dinner Dothan Gary Glenn /21/2013 Shoals Dinner Tuscumbia Dale Liles For the most up to date event listings, and ticketing information, visit al.ducks.org. Page 5

6 2014 ALABAMA DU CONVENTION is SPACEBOUND The Marriott at the Space and Rocket Center, Huntsville, Alabama, March 7 9, 2014 Plan on joining us as we light up the night sky over Huntsville and celebrate what looks to be another great year for Alabama Ducks Unlimited. We will provide an opportunity for our volunteers AND members to join us early for a golf and sporting clays shoot on Friday. We really kick things off Friday evening at Otter s with a Welcome to Huntsville Party at the Marriott. Saturday will involve some necessary business but conclude with an absolutely amazing Awards Banquet UNDER a Saturn Five Rocket at the Davidson Center on the grounds of the Space and Rocket Center. Won t you join us as we load Chad on the nose and send him skyward and celebrate these past two years of his State Chairmanship. Block the dates and start thinking Huntsville in March, today. See you there. Is Ducks Unlimited in your town? Alabama Ducks Unlimited would like to start the following chapters Would you like it to be? in 2013 and we need your help! Become part of the TEAM, and -Alexander City -AU Montgomery join TEAM DU today. -Birmingham Southern -Chilton County -Cleburn County -Eufaula Call Chad Hughey at -Fayette County -Franklin County -Hoover HS -Jackson (256) or -Marion County -Montgomery Acad chad.hughey.jrm8@statefarm.com chad.hughey.jrm8@statefarm.com chad.hughey.jrm8@statefarm.com -Mt. Brook HS HS sbattison@ducks.org -Selma and help us get a DU event in your -Pickens Co. -Thomasville -Valley town. Page 6

7 2013 Alabama Ducks Unlimited Stephen Whatley Tribute In the late 1970s, Stephen Whatley found DU as a committee member of an upstart Auburn Chapter, where he eventually served as chairman. During his time with DU, Steve helped found the East Alabama Sponsor Chapter, served as state treasurer and chairman, at-large national board of directors member, regional vicepresident and now chairman of the budget committee. Steve s most inspiring observation for those around him is, DU for life, and he exemplifies that. In addition to his continued commitment of his personal time, Steve and his wife, Lucy, are Benefactor Sponsors. Approximately 45 people gathered in Birmingham on June 6 to honor Stephen Whatley for his nearly 40 years of dedicated service to Ducks Unlimited. The Steve Whatley tribute event netted around $60,000 and brought in $175,000 in new commitments. DU staff, including Randy Graves, Curtis Hopkins, Shawn Battison and Chad Manlove attended the tribute. During the event, Steve and Lucy furthered their commitment to the ducks by upgrading to Diamond Benefactor Sponsors. Following Steve s example, past state chairmen Forrest Fitts and Greg and Madeline Williams upgraded to Diamond Life Sponsors. A site on DU s Coteau Ranch will be selected and dedicated to Steve in Lowndes WMA Enhancement - Alabama DU is partnering with the Alabama Division of Wildlife and Freshwater Fisheries (ADWFF) to expand and enhance Lowndes County Wildlife Management Area near Montgomery. The purchase of 1,400 acres of frequently flooded wetland habitat along the Alabama River expanded the WMA and waterfowl hunting opportunities for the public. To improve the previously unmanaged habitat, an aerial application of herbicide will be required. In some areas of the new acquisition, woody vegetation is choking out important waterfowl foods and restricting hunter access. The herbicide application, made possible by a grant from Alabama Power, will promote waterfowl food plants and ease access for hunters. Page 7

8 !"#$%&'()*'"+*%,"#"+*-*#.%"#$%,"/#.*#"#0* Chas Pell BLACKRIDGELAND.com Tom Jernigan Thomas Morrison Page 8