Many of you may have spoken with me over the years when you called Los Angeles Audubon Society (for whom I have worked since 2000.) I am the administrative ‘voice’ who answers phone calls at (323) 876-0202. I field many, many calls about various situations concerning birds and habitat —such as bird ID’s, rescue, tree cutting, bird behaviors, how to volunteer, what education programs are available to the public, who can help, etc .... Often enough, I don’t know the answers, but I certainly know which LAAS Volunteer or Board Member does.

I want to express our gratitude for the support given by both our long time chapter members and by the newer generations who have just “discovered” L.A .Audubon.

I am also the person who manages our End-of-Year appeal, a direct-mail campaign asking our supporters to renew their local chapter memberships and to donate to support this chapter*. More and more folks are opting to make their renewals online, but, amazingly, in 2019 many preferred to use their personal checks, the provided remit envelope, and the U.S. Mail in response to our direct mail appeal.

I anticipate that this year’s direct mail campaign —like everything else in this COVID-19 pandemic and the current politicization of the USPS — is going to be affected. In previous election years, the timing of our mail-in campaign was adjusted so that our appeals did not get buried under or lost amongst all the political mail filling-up our U.S. Mailboxes (and recycle bins.) This year’s mailing will be timed so as not to add to the demands on the USPS as they handle larger-than-normal quantities of mailed in ballots. We will mail letters just after the election on Nov. 3, 2020.

Let me take a moment to sing the praises of the service the USPS has provided to this non-profit 501c3 organization over the years. Los Angeles Audubon has received timely deliveries of both packages and letter mail, and outstanding personal service whenever needed at the counters at our local (Eagle Rock) post office and commend them most highly!

I encourage all who read this letter to renew your support of LAAS by either visiting our website at www.laaudubon.org/membership and renewing your support using your credit card or PayPal account. Or, mail your check or money order to us (Payable to LAAS) mail to: Los Angeles Audubon Society, P.O. Box 411301, Los Angeles CA 90041-8301.

Please call me or email for additional information, I am happy to help. and look forward to meeting you.

Susan Castor, Member Services Administrator

Los Angeles Audubon Society

membership@laaudubon.org

(323) 876-0202