Sadly, we must report that our ongoing effort to bring to fruition the possibility of a permanent facility for WRI has been cancelled. In 1998, engineering studies performed by the Palo Alto Public Works Department found that the proposed site for a permanent facility revealed seismic damage and instability. Thankfully, the lease on our current facilities was renewed through 2001.
At this time, it would not be feasible for WRI to continue the campaign, as we must direct our financial and volunteer resources into strengthening our programs and governance of the organization to prepare us for changes as they arise. We want to thank all the hard-working volunteers and generous donors who supported the campaign, and we will be contacting you shortly on the status of your donations and pledges.
Numerous veterinarians were a tremendous help to us in 1998: Dr. Tina Peak, Dr. Beryl Mell, Dr. R. L. Collinson, Dr. Kenton Taylor, Dr. Fern Van Sant, Dr. Littlehale, Dr. Tina Burling, South Peninsula Veterinary Emergency Clinic, Serra Vet Hospital, The Animal Eye Clinic, Adobe Animal Hospital & Dr. Jane Johnson and Cupertino Animal Hospital
WRI members and friends donated an overwhelming number of items for the October sale, which netted over $2,900. Thanks to Lara Sox Harris, Sam Woodward, Martha Kudlacik and Lori Isakson for helping with storage, and to Melinda Nakagawa and Sarah Scanlan for doing a great job on publicity. Hengehold Trucks of Palo Alto generously provided a truck to pick up and store rummage, Sarah Scanlan bought a pizza for volunteers, and the First United Methodist Church in Sunnyvale graciously loaned tables and wardrobe racks for the day.
WRI would like to recognize the contributions of Tom Gerber, who almost single-handedly earned more than $1,600 conducting several rummage sales earlier in the year. Way to go, Tom!
Many people baked holiday cookies for the veterinarians: Diana Bonogofsky, Sam Brain, Courtenay Dawson-Roberts, Pam Hartman, Anne Kaliczak, Martha Kudlacik, Terri Lambert, Benedicte Last, Casey Levitt, Melinda Nakagawa, Vicki Pelton, Mina Reale, Sarah Scanlan, Debbie Schide, Nancy Tantzen, Kathy Tyson, Bernice White, Jo Whittle. Thank you!
Terri Lambert, animal care volunteer, recently reported the successful release of a Cedar Waxwing--the first release from her new aviary! WRI volunteers had been on the lookout for an appropriate flock, and one was finally spotted in Terri's neighbor's back yard in late January. With the help of WRI volunteers Courtenay Dawson-Roberts and Casey Levitt, he was released and quickly welcomed into the flock. Everyone is thrilled and relieved that the release went well and that the bird is now with its new family.
If you are interested in wildlife issues and events, visit the local Sierra Club's Wildlife Committee. It meets at 7:30 p.m. on the second Thursday of each month in the Library at the Peninsula Conservation Center in Palo Alto. For information, please call 650-390-8494. You do not need to be a Sierra Club member to visit the committee.
Want the scoop? For only $5, you can receive a copy of WRI's monthly Board minutes by mail. Send a check payable to WRI (attn: Board Secretary). Don't forget to include your address.
