The Harris Center celebrated the conclusion of its 50th Anniversary Year and recognized several extraordinary partners at its 50th Annual Meeting on Friday, Oct. 23. The past year was filled with special 50th anniversary events – many of them online as the world came to terms with the COVID-19 pandemic. Thus, this was the nonprofit’s first online Annual Meeting, with board members, staff, supporters, and friends smiling at each other from Zoom boxes. In addition to reviewing highlights of the past year and enjoying a brief slideshow “walk” down its 50-year memory lane, the winners of its 50th Anniversary Photo Contest were announced.
Meade Cadot was honored with the Educator of the Year Award, a fitting distinction for a man who has spent more than four decades giving his talents to the Harris Center, first as Executive Director and now as Naturalist Emeritus. Cadot also taught in Antioch University New England’s Environmental Studies Department for 30 years, inspiring countless students and naturalists along the way. His knowledge of birds, mammals, and winter tracking is legendary, and his land protection know-how is invaluable; he is a true Harris Center treasure.
The 2020 Laurie Bryan Partnership Award – honoring former Harris Center Executive Director Laurie Bryan’s achievements in working with community partners – was presented to Chris Conroy of Heartwood Media, who donated his time and creative talent to produce five short videos that tell the Harris Center’s story, beautifully commemorating its 5oth anniversary milestone.
Richard Haskins and Peter Harrison shared the 2020 Volunteer Extraordinaire Award for their incredible dedication to maintaining Harris Center trails. In addition to these awards, the annual meeting also included a brief business meeting, in which outgoing Board Chair Richard Pendleton was thanked for his years of service, and three new board members – Daniel Henderson, Karrie Kalich, and Denise Zimmer – were voted in.
The meeting concluded with an announcement that the Harris Center had surpassed its goal for its 50th Anniversary Fund. This fundraising campaign was launched earlier in the year to support innovative education and conservation research programs, and to ensure seamless stewardship of Harris Center lands and trails in response to extreme weather events. Hundreds of Harris Center supporters donated to this fund, ensuring very solid financial ground for the Harris Center as it looks ahead to its next 50 years.