At Houston Audubon's Volunteer Appreciation Picnic, held on February 6, 2010, President-Elect Mary Carter announced the recipients of the Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award.

The Laura Singleton Exceptional Volunteer Award is an annual tribute and memorial to Laura Singleton, a long-time Houston Audubon volunteer who passed away in 2002. The criteria for the award mirror what Laura herself represented -— the best of volunteerism. Laura was collaborative, inclusive and flexible in getting people to work together. She never hesitated to ask others to help, and because she approached everyone with enthusiasm and good humor, people responded in kind.

This year's recipients are Joy Hester and Don Verser.

Remarks by Mary Carter

"Don has the interests of Houston Audubon and conservation always in his heart and mind according to people who have worked with him at Houston Audubon. He is handy with a chain saw clearing hurricane debris, attacking invasive plants, clearing trails, building wonderful additions to the sanctuaries, in addition to being an expert birder and an inspiring volunteer. He is a hard worker and self-motivated in his devotion to helping Houston Audubon.

Joy has been a role model to me and many others involved in Houston Audubon in her activities as Board member, ED, President as well as volunteering at sanctuary work days and being an all-around advocate for Houston Audubon. Joy has attended countless meetings on behalf of Houston Audubon, and worked on behalf of Houston Audubon with other organizations to preserve Columbia Bottomlands, Whooping Crane habitat, Spring Creek Greenway project and many other projects in her quiet and effective manner. To quote one of the nominations, "in addition to being a wondrous volunteer, Joy's grace and charm under fire are awesome!"

Congratulations to you both!"

Joy Hester and Don Verser