Ask any staff member or volunteer who has been around the refuge for more than four years about all of the recent or upcoming personnel changes at CNWR and watch their eyes roll. Most notably, after 16 years of dedicated service to CNWR, Refuge Manager, John Schroer, is retiring. Deputy Manager Tom Roster is also leaving for a new position as Refuge Manager of Iroquois NWR in New York. Additionally, Erin Kulynycz, a biologist for the past several years via the Student Career Experience Program, has taken a term appointment with the NPS, Assateague Island National Seashore.

But what about that old adage "out with the old and in with the new?" Well, Bill Haglan assumed the Supervisory Wildlife Biologist position effective October 31. Bill came to the position, vacated for almost 2 years, after working in the Washington Office. He has vast biological experience and previously worked as a wildlife biologist at the Charles M. Russell NWR in Montana. Also new to the refuge are two faces in maintenance, Ryon Walker and Jenny Haymond. Ryan is primarily responsible for maintaining outside grounds and facilities, while Jenny concentrates her time on the administrative and educational buildings. George Hunkovic, a not-so-new face to the refuge, was hired as a permanent seasonal law enforcement officer and will be on the "beat" during the busy summer season. Adding to our LE lineup will be the return of Supervisory Law Enforcement Officer Mark McGee in February 2005. Mark was called back into U.S. Coast Guard Active Duty after 9/11 and has been serving his country in several capacities since the national tragedy. The staff will be happy to have him back home safe and sound.

The times they are a-changing. But change, for all its uncertainty, can truly be a blessing as well.

Angela Tracy, Supervisory ORP