By Bruce Urben, President
This article originally appeared in Wisconsin Waterfowl Association’s December, 2020 Newsletter edition.
By all accounts, 2020 has certainly been a memorable year for everyone. One many of us would like to forget for sure. If there is one word that sums up 2020, it is “Challenging”!
The pandemic has affected everyone, unfortunately most in a bad way. Our normal way of life has been turned upside down. Working from home, Zoom meetings, social distancing, masks, carry-outs, testing, virtual school, sporting events cancelled and no gatherings are just a few that come to mind that make up the new normal.
Just this morning I heard the news report that a second drug company is applying for emergency approval to dispense their new, effective COVID-19 vaccine. A vaccine that wasn’t even thought about until early March of this year. One drug company has shipped their vaccine to various parts of the country, already getting ready to distribute. Only nine months and a vaccine will soon be available to many of us. Phenomenal!
While we certainly have been impacted by this pandemic, we have also seen the best in us pulling together to get through. We have learned how to communicate electronically in a very efficient and effective manner. All of us have stepped up to support each other through food banks, donations to charities and even neighbor helping neighbor. These are all positive things that have evolved from 2020’s global pandemic.
Kids partaking of the educational opportunities offered at WWA’s Abrams Property in April 2020
Here at WWA we know first hand how generous our members have been with their donations of time, talents, funds and support. We have held several virtual fundraising events that were sold out, class A raffles have increased and nary a one has not sold out and our events have been well received at every venue. Your support to Wisconsin Waterfowl Association has been remarkable. I believe we have come closer to our members as an Organization during this time, and I can assure you it drives your staff and Directors to continue to fulfill our mission. We certainly could not have done it without you.
People have taken to nature at this time as well. Getting outside with family to enjoy everything that Wisconsin has to offer in the outdoors. More people on the trails, in the woods, lakes/streams and wetlands hunting, trapping and fishing. The time in nature may take a little of the pandemic stress away from our new “normal” routines.
2021 will be a new year, and hopefully a way to slowly get back to our old normal. I am sure that there will be lingering issues associated with COVID-19 through 2021, but I see nothing that cannot be overcome with people like you supporting what Wisconsin Waterfowl Association stands for.
On behalf of all our staff and Directors, we wish all of you and your families a joyous holiday season and want to thank all of you for your endless support of what we do at WWA.
Stay safe, be healthy and continue the mission.