The Times They Are A-Changin’

 “Come gather round people where you roam, and admit that the waters around you have grown And accept it that soon you’ll be drenched to the bone If your time to you is worth savin’ and you better start swimmin’ Or you’ll sink like a stone for the times they are a-changin.” 

These lyrics from this 1964 Bob Dylan song, like many of his lyrics, are harshly honest – and right now epitomize the circumstances at the Great South Bay Audubon Society. 

We are in need of new committed volunteers and new board members. We are looking for those individuals who want to join us in our mission and can commit to being an active part our group on the South Shore of Long Island and … 

• Add to the beauty of our home at the Brookside County Park in Islip. 

• Learn about the many magnificent species of birds on Long Island through our Birdwalks. 

• Be a part of or LEAD events that share information and camaraderie in our bird-loving community. 

The reality of our immediate need is significant. Because we are a Society governed through a series of by-laws, we are under constraints on the types of programs we run and how we spend our funds. We also have to achieve compliance on a county, state and national level. Items dictated include term limits, meeting schedules and how we vote – even things as simple as how often we publish our newsletter. 

As many of you know, Jody Banaszak has been President beyond the time allowed by our by-laws. We do not have a Vice President and I have been the Treasurer for a decade. At present, we do not have enough board members to keep our doors open. There cannot be another event, another cleanup or participation in another National or New York Audubon sponsored initiative without a new level of commitment coming from all. 

It is time for this organization to decide if they want to continue as the Great South Audubon Society, if they want to maintain the stewardship agreement with the County or if they want to simply be a bird club. 

The need is immediate; we need 6 new board members and 6 people to spearhead committees and put in volunteer time. Without this, we will have to close our doors. 

Contact greatsouthbayaudubon@gmail.com for more information.