We had our first friends meeting on July 10 2009. Here's a rundown on what happened. Despite the rain earlier in the day we met with a somewhat sunny sky and a rather cool breeze. In attendance were 20 plus people, two owls and one wolf. We kicked things off with some hellos and got right down into the business of things. Our 2009 Wildlife Audit was released. We currently have 137 animals residing at the center. The breakdown is as follows: mammal: 65; avian: 69; and reptile: 3. We also reported numbers for the past three years and so far our 2009 intake figures are historically average. We also reported an incredible 86% average success rate for the past three years. Success rate is given when an animal is either released back into the wild or adopted into a permanent home (for domestics).

Next, Leslie Hayhurst, our founder, announced that she was retiring. She then introduced her replacement, Amanda Kadlec. Amanda has been interning with the center since the spring and she will be taking over as full-time Rehabilitation Director. Amanda will still continue to learn wildlife rehabilitation under the tutelage of Leslie. Leslie's retirement had been a long-time coming (years even). It was always a matter of finding the right person for Genesis. Amanda will be a welcomed force guiding the center. Her intuition with the animals is uncanny and her spirit and commitment are unwavering. Amanda will also serve as executive board Vice-President.

Another new change comes in the form of our new president, James True. James has been volunteering for Genesis for the past three years and has been serving as our webmaster and very part-time education coordinator. James will be assuming the duties of President immediately and has also taken over as Education Director for the center. This was a job previously held exclusively by Leslie along with her other duties. James explained his number one priority is maintaining Leslie?s vision for Genesis and helping it grow in the community.

Leslie Hayhurst will stay on the executive board as Treasurer and Yvonne Hardin would continue serving Genesis as the new Board Secretary. Leslie and Yvonne are Genesis and with their guidance, we can continue their amazing work long into the future. It is so refreshing to know we will continue to hear their voice on the executive board.

The new executive board outlined their short-term goals for Genesis over the next 6-12 months:

1. Automate the records. Create a web-based software application designed for Genesis to aid in wildlife care, intake, and reporting.
   
2. Establish a quarantine facility for new arrivals. We?ve always had a quarantine procedure in place, but never in a permanent location.
   
3. Invigorate the Education Program with a Junior Rehabber program beginning in August 2009.
   
4. Update the Corporation By-Laws to bring in more community support as well as financial backing and sponsorships.
   
5. Continue the exciting transition to Eagles Nest
   

This report is already lopsided, for we have left out the most important element of Genesis. You could see the lifeblood of Genesis burning so bright in the eyes of all our friends last night. The questions, suggestions, and concerns are the heartbeat of this organization. They have stood by Genesis with blood, sweat, dollars, and tears over our 16 long years. Thankless days and nights of rehabilitation, pickups, drop-offs, community support, phone calls, pages, and even door banging. Genesis is nothing without our friends.