We called it our “Mini-Convention” this year because we scaled it all down to
basically 24 hours of information and fun, with heavy emphasis on the fun part.
If you missed it, you really missed a good one. Here are some of the “hi-lites.”
After a buffet luncheon on Saturday afternoon, our new State Chairman, David Shefferly welcomed everyone to the Conservation Workshop. Paul Hess, our own Regional Biologist from GLARO gave a wonderful account of recent project accomplishments in our state. His motivating talk was followed by another interesting presentation by the new Chief of MI Wildlife Division of the DNR, Dr. Russ Mason. He and his crew talked enthusiastically about the benefits of partnership between MI DU and the DNR. We have some very smart and dedicated people working for us and with us in our mission. After the inspiring accounts of what has been accomplished this past year, and a few suggestions for the coming year, we had a little Wine and Cheese Reception to honor all donors to MI DU. At that event, Diana and Marshal Anderson were “pinned” as new Life Sponsors. Thank you Diana and Marshal. The afternoon leisure hours were spent by the families either at one of the 3 pools, in the game room, bowling, or putt-putt golfing. Valley Plaza Resort is an impressive facility for both meetings and family fun.
Before dinner many of the adult convention participants enjoyed their first taste of a new addition to the DU partners----Sweet Lucy, a bourbon based liqueur previously not available in Michigan. The producer, Prichards’ Distillery has now opened a distributorship here, and you are welcome to contact Terry Laymon for details on how your committee can partake in the state introduction of Sweet Lucy. The delicious buffet steak dinner was followed by an energizing program of stories, awards, and blitzes. Dale
Borske of AuGres was the winner of our Browning Silver Hunter 70th Anniversary
shotgun which had been raffled all afternoon by an enthusiastic Monroe group of volunteers. From the Sponsor Art Contest, David Bollman, a local MI DU Major Donor from Sterling Heights, became our 2010 Artist of the Year. Several chapter awards were presented by the RD’s. For a complete listing of the “Top Ten” chapters in ten different categories, please check with your RD for a copy of the brochure. Our latest Conservationist of the Year is now Terry Laymon. He was presented with a life-sized goose decoy---how appropriate. The prestigious Russ Bengel award for 2008 was bestowed on our out-going State Chairman, Tony Piper. The evening was capped off with the traditional Hospitality Room and card playing, and a good time was had by all.
On Sunday morning, after a continental breakfast, a two-hour State Committee (BOD) meeting was held with 31 attendees. One of the upbeat aspects of the meeting was a brief introductory talk by our new DFVR, Joe Breidenbach. He explained our new alignment in Region 3 with Wisconsin and Minnesota, and believes that is a great place for Michigan to be, in a strong and challenging region. He emphasized the importance of a positive attitude amidst the down economy, and he will provide assistance to MI DU in any ways he can. For complete detailed minutes of the meeting, you may contact Dave Bowers, State Secretary.
So the first truly Mini-State-Convention that began at about 11:00 am on Saturday, March 14, ended at 11:00 am on Sunday, March 15, with a full agenda accomplished successfully and with renewed energy. It was awesome to come together again in Midland, and catch up with old friends. I think several of us gained a lot by just having a conversation with Ron May. I do hope you can make the State Convention next year. It will probably be held close to the same date and probably at the same location. It really gives you a renewed sense of purpose as to why we are Michigan DucksUnlimited.
Above:
Carolyn Stahl, 2007 Russ Bengel
winner, presents the 2008 Russ
Bengel Award to Tony Piper.
To the right:
Paul Hess, GLARO Regional
Biologist, presents the 4th MI DU Conservationist of the Year Award
to Terry Laymon.