We’re planning a big event

From Sandy Seibert, president

Now that the 2007 Bluebirds Across Nebraska (BAN) conference is history, it’s time for us to begin planning for the 2008 conference. At the conference in Nebraska City, several people told me how wonderful the speakers were. I had one lady tell me that it was the best conference BAN has ever had. Another person commented on the fact that they thought each conference is better than the last. In an effort to continue to better our conferences, a “super festival” is being planned for next year.

In 2003, BAN hosted the North American Bluebird Society’s (NABS) conference in conjunction with our yearly conference in Kearney. That gathering was a tremendous success with more than 400 people attending. Those of you who were there know that the field trips were wonderful, the speakers were remarkable, and everyone had a great time.

In 2008, the BAN annual conference will again be held in Kearney. The plan is not to duplicate the 2003 event but to surpass it. Toward that end we are planning the “Great Plains Sandhill Cranes and Bluebird Festival” to be held March 6 through March 9. The BAN Board of Directors has already been very busy preparing to make this festival a great event. We have applied for and received two grants; one will help defray the cost of top-notch speakers and the other will help with publicity.

The list of speakers who have committed to speaking at the festival is impressive. In addition to speaking individually at the conference, the husband and wife team of Bill Thompson, III and Julie Zickefoose will entertain us at the Friday night casual dinner with their singing and playing of several musical instruments. Bill is the editor of “Bird Watcher’s Digest.” Julie is a nationally known nature writer, artist, and naturalist. Kevin Berner, former research director for NABS, and Keith Radel, always a BAN favorite, will speak on bluebirds. In addition, Keanna Leonard of Rowe Sanctuary will speak on Sandhill Cranes. Rounding out the list of speakers for the conference and the Friday night get-together will be Al Batt. Al has appeared at BAN conferences in the past and I think most of us could listen to him talk all day long. A banquet is scheduled for Saturday evening with entertainment by Ron Cisar. Ron will play the guitar and sing the songs that nature has inspired him to write.

Other planned events include a birding field trip, trips to the Sandhill crane viewing blinds and a prairie culture trip. Friday afternoon will give you the opportunity to attend workshops featuring Zickefoose and Thompson III.

Every effort is being made to keep prices for this festival at reasonable amounts. We will be advertising the festival in national publications in an effort to draw attendees from across the country. Bringing in people from other states not only will help with expenses but it is also a wonderful way to share bluebird experiences. You never know what new ideas you might pick up from talking to people from different areas.

Businesses and organizations throughout the state are being contacted for sponsorships. Several commitments have already been received. If your business or organization would be interested in being a sponsor, please contact Steve Eno for more information. Bluebirds Across Nebraska is a 501(c)(3) organization and any donation is tax deductible.

The raffle, oral auction, and silent auction that we have each year at our conference help to defray costs. This is how each one of you can help with the festival. I’m sure that there are many of you that have a special talent. We are asking everyone that is an artist, photographer, wood carver, or sculptor to share your talent by donating one of your works of art. Those of you that do needle work, stained glass, or any other type of art, you can help by creating a piece for the festival. With a membership of more than 1,800 people, I’m sure there are many of you that are wonderful craftsmen. If you feel you have no artistic talent, we ask you to help by donating a purchased nature-related item. This summer while shopping or on vacation, keep your eyes open while browsing the gift stores for that one item that you know everybody attending the conference will want to bid on. Your generosity will be greatly appreciated.

Putting on a conference of this caliber will take many volunteers. One of the unique things about BAN is the willingness of so many members to help when called upon. Please read the article elsewhere in the BANner about volunteering to see how you can help with the festival.

It may seem early but March will be here before you know it. Mark your calendar for March 6 – 9, 2008, and plan to attend the Great Plains Sandhill Crane and Bluebird Festival. I can guarantee you will have a wonderful time.

Looking for a few good volunteers

By Sandy Seibert

Bluebirds Across Nebraska needs your help. The Great Plains Sandhill Crane and Bluebird Festival will be held March 6 – 9, 2008. Volunteers are needed in several areas. Please read about the following opportunities and consider helping with the festival. We need help in the following areas:

	We need a person willing to contact people who might be interested in having a booth at the festival. This person would also be in charge of fielding questions from potential vendors and creating a “map” of vendors for setting up at the hotel.
	Registration packets will be distributed to attendees when they register at the hotel. We need to have someone that will organize three or four additional people to assemble the packets. This job will be performed about two weeks in advance of the festival and all materials will be supplied.
	We are looking for someone who would organize a group of people to solicit businesses for auction and raffle items. This person would also be in charge of helping other volunteers set up the raffle and silent auction at the conference.
	Because the birding field trip begins quite early in the morning, a breakfast is supplied for attendees. We need to have someone who will organize a group to put together these “sack” breakfasts.
	The morning of the field trips, attendees will meet in the hotel lobby. We need to have someone with a strong voice who is willing to organize the people to make sure they get on the correct bus. This is a job that will require only a couple of hours of time.
	There will be several excursions to the crane viewing blinds at Rowe Sanctuary, both early morning and late afternoon. Someone is needed to gather those scheduled to go and make sure they have transportation to the blinds, i.e. carpooling.

If you are willing to volunteer for any of these positions, please contact Steve Eno. The success of the festival depends on all of us. If you don’t feel you are able to be in charge of one of these activities, please consider being one of the helpers.