RC - from the 2015 Calendar - photo by Jim Stroner
It is sad that we often don't speak of the importance of people until they aren't around to hear it. Sharon Johnson was a huge part of getting the Bear Center up and running in its first few years. Sharon was a private person with a big heart who wanted to work behind the scenes, never wanting to be named and purposely avoiding cameras. From before the Bear Center opened through 2012, she created job descriptions, procedures, and the inventory system. She did more work than could possibly be listed here. She worked closely with the bookkeeper, making sure everything was done correctly. Most of the time she worked completely as a volunteer, only occasionally allowing the Bear Center to pay her enough to cover gas and be able then to afford a therapeutic massage. Sharon passed away suddenly, at age 67, following a surgery. Her friendship and contributions to the Bear Center will never be forgotten. She loved nature, and Honey was her favorite bear.
Holly raking leavesOn a happier note, we’re pleased with Holly’s Den Cam, or will be when it is twisted to show her right side up. Being in color, it’s extra good in sunlight, which should make the maple leaves look nice that we hear are coming. But being in color, it’s a little poor at night even though it has infra-red. We’ve never watched a bear her age before. She turns 2 in January. She is doing what we see wild bears do—arranging bedding in her den and resting. She grooms a little but doesn’t have the skin problems she arrived with, so we expect less grooming than last winter.
Aster & Faith - 2015 Calendar - photo by Jim StronerOn another happy note, the first shipment of the limited edition Shadow’s Clan Calendar for 2015 arrived today, and the word is they are beautiful. The calendars have 8 extra pages, with the total number of pictures around 200. It is full of bear information. Calendar dates include special bear days, holidays, observances, and phases of the moon. Scott says Sue and I have to sign them on Monday, which is when the staff will begin packing orders. I feel a little odd to be signing them when Jim Stroner is the main photographer, but it does contain a lot about the research.
To purchase a calendar, visit this page: http://www.bear.org/website/gift-shop-pages/product/10391-2015-shadow-s-clan-calendar.html and check out all of the new merchandise here http://www.bear.org/website/gift-shop-pages/product/listing/18-new-items.html.
We at the Bear Center and the WRI hope all Lily Fans who celebrate Thanksgiving have a happy one.
Thank you for all you do.
Lynn Rogers, Biologist, Wildlife Research Institute and North American Bear Center