By Barbara Thackray

The Membership Committee of CNHA has recently received a new Chairman (Barbara Thackray) and is working closely with Beth Hanback, Business Manager to improve communication with current members and recruit new members.

We are very concerned about the number of members who do not renew, even though notification is sent with a complimentary copy of the Plover. We also want to increase local and national membership, and to make our presence more public around town here.

Beth has developed two new Member Packets, one for new members and one for renewing members. With Board approval not only will new members receive free Lighthouse Tour tickets but also receive a free Bus Tour ticket. New members receive a Membership Patch and we are awaiting approval for a similar token to include in the package. All Members of CNHA are eligible for 10% discount on items purchased at the Visitor Center shop or at the Lighthouse shop. We hope soon to have an easily accessible data base so that if you arrive without your membership card we can verify your status rapidly.

On October 7th, Lighthouse Recognition Day, members coming into the Visitor Center were invited to sign in. We had visitors from Florida. Pennsylvania, the DC area and Fredericksburg and Springfield, Va. At the Chili/Chowder Cook-Off in the Robert Reed Downtown Park, on October 20th we had an information table which attracted over 200 interested browsers. There are increasing numbers of interesting events around town and we hope you will let us know when you are here.

We are embarking on an ambitious program to attract local and national members to member-oriented events at the Refuge. In 2008 there will be special events on Easter Weekend, International Migratory Bird weekend, during Pony Penning week in July and in Waterfowl Week in November. This may be as small as a hospitality tent and art exhibition or as large as a social evening with a talk focusing on Natural History around the Refuge.

We also would greatly value feedback from you, our members. What sort of events would you like to have? What sort of events would encourage you to bring visitors, and potential members, with you?

Your membership is important to us! If you have any concerns our questions please contact us
CNHA at 757-336-3696 or E-Mai| cnha@verizon.net