From Juanita Roushdy

FOHI is having a reunion and fundraiser to celebrate the Hog Island Audubon Camp’s 75th anniversary during the weekend of August 20-21. Meet old friends, share stories, learn about and discuss FOHI’s plans for the future, and enjoy good food.

• Register now!

Picnic on the rocks

On Saturday, August 20, we’ll have a fundraising lobster clambake on the beach and a boat trip. Here’s your chance to share your passion and tell new donors about how Hog Island has changed your life. David Yarnold, CEO of National Audubon will join us for this event.

On Sunday, Friends will enjoy Janii’s cooking and have time to see the island. We’ll also talk about the future of the island. But most notable is a presentation by Jay Collier of new historical materials and FOHI’s plan to collect, digitize, store, and exhibit the materials. Of course, we’ll have other activities, including a tour of the ongoing Bingham cottages restoration by Eric Snyder and volunteers.

The anniversary weekend includes 2 nights on the island, lobster clambake, 2 breakfasts, lunch, and dinner, plus activities. Donation per person: $250.00

If you want to only attend the lobster clambake fundraiser and boat tour the donation is $100.00 per person.

Registration deadline is August 13.  Space is limited for the lobster clambake.

• Register now!

Contact: Juanita at president@fohi.org or 207-529-2355 for more information.

From Juanita Roushdy

Not to be outwitted by a mere surprise wild snowstorm on April Fool’s Day, determined FOHI neighborhood volunteers plowed through the 10” snow to stuff, seal, and stamp 7500 envelopes as part of our first-ever fund drive. Perhaps the aroma of hot seafood soup and Janii’s crème brulees helped!

Janine and Eric stamp envelopes

Lennie and Janii burn the sugar

Many thanks to the neighbors, 16 on Friday night and 13 on Saturday, and to Lennie and Jancie for letting us take over their house each night and use every soup bowl! Nellie, the dog, kept the floors clear of any crumbs!

Donations are gradually coming in. As we said in our letter, every donation, and every donor, counts! Since our mailing, we’ve received an anonymous donation of $10,000 and several gifts in honor of  special people: $1,000 in honor of Julie Seifert and Maddie Lucas, who spent their college summers volunteering at Hog Island; $250 in honor of Eric Snyder; and $100 in honor of Steve Kress.

Our flocks of guillemots, puffins, loons, and wrens are growing – they’re all coming back to Hog Island! We’re so happy and thankful!

It’s been moving to read alumni’s comments:

“I was so delighted to get your letter yesterday. I learned of the camp’s closing . . . and was sad as I hoped to bring my grandchildren there . . . I am thrilled at the news and will do all that I can to support the group.” a former camper, NY.

Ayla helps out

“Hog Island and those who gather there have impacted my life for the better in so many ways – so many gifts. It is imperative we do all we can to keep our beloved Audubon camp experience available to those yet to come.” Tom Schaefer, OH, Class of 1981.

Our draft business plan for Hog Island has been sent to National Audubon and will be presented at its May board meeting. We need to show our support of FOHI in providing a sustainable financial future for Hog Island- be part of our growing flocks.

May is just around the corner and so is the first FOHI volunteer week, May 25-28!

We’re excited!