Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park reset meeting for March 30

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park will conduct its annual meeting at 9 a.m., Saturday, March 30, in the park at the Officer’s Club, also known as Youth Camp 3.

Weather has forced the cancellation of two prior meeting dates, but Friends President Stuart Schmidt says he’s confident the third time will be a charm. This is the time to become part of the Friends family.

At the annual meeting, Friends members will gather to reflect on the past year’s activitiea, welcome new friends, and elect a member for the vacant board slot. The group is also looking for someone to serve as secretary, a good way to learn about the organization and a pathway to greater involvement. Schmidt encourages anyone interested in serving to contact him so he can make sure all the proper names are on the ballot. To express interest, email FOCHSP.president@gmail.com or call 302-858-6127.

This is an open meeting; all are welcome. There will be free coffee, bagels and donuts, and plenty of time to mingle with old friends and make new ones before the organized part of the program begins. Friends volunteers will also be selling merchandise including the signature Friends shirts and hats. Activities and volunteer opportunities for the coming year will be discussed.

Only members may vote for officers, but attendees can join the organization or renew a membership while at the meeting.

At 9:30 a..m., park staff will give a presentation, followed by Suzanne Thurman, executive director of the Marine Education, Research and Rehabilitation Institute Inc. MERR is dedicated to the conservation of marine mammals and sea turtles. Thurman’s presentation will detail what its members do to preserve marine life. The election will follow the presentations.

The Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park was founded almost 20 years ago. The group comprises people who value the beauty and heritage of Cape Henlopen State Park, and who have joined together to provide the park with tangible support in a variety of ways. The Friends is a private, nonprofit, member-supported, all-volunteer organization whose mission is to promote the protection and wise management of the diverse resources within Cape Henlopen State Park.

For more information, go to www.friendsofcapehenlopen.org.