At our recent Winter Solstice gathering, the 2023 VFSS Recognition Awards were presented to Leona Axbey and Steve Deering.
Presenting the award to Leona, VFSS President Jim Edmondson said:
You may not know that Leona is a long time birder and naturalist. If you want to know the geographical range of the cardinal or the migratory pathways of the Sandhill crane, ask Leona. Birders tend to be committed and observant, and able to find hidden treasures in any situation. Leona has shared these qualities, very generously, with the VFSS community for over 25 years.
While she first ‘discovered’ the Folk in the early 1980s, it was during the 1990s as more time became available in her schedule that she was able to become more active in the VFSS. Besides being a fine singer and songwriter, and in recent years a member of the Jenny Pluck Pears music ensemble that plays English Country Dance tunes, Leona has been a Board member and a hard-working volunteer for numerous committees. Leona was a member of the Retreat Committee from 2010-2015. She has been a member of the Programs Committee and Features Coordinator. She has ably served as MC at our VFSS gatherings. Over the last four years she has worked hard to provide excellent programming for the VFSS community–both online and in person.
Leaning on her bird-watching skills, Leona is the one who will make several trips to check out venues for special events. She writes evocative songs that help her listeners perk up our eyes and ears to the wonders of nature AND takes excellent, detailed minutes. If you are under the weather, Leona will likely be one of the people who, like a little bird, will bring her gentleness to visit you.
So Leona, for your hard work, dedication, and community-building, the VFSS offers you this Recognition Award.
Presenting the award to Steve, VFSS Board Member Elizabeth Dunn said:
Once upon a time there was a computer engineer. He retired, and was reincarnated as a folksinger and organizer. (His name is Steve Deering, and the VFSS is so happy to have him.)
Steve has brought a dedication, intellectual rigour and technical sophistication to the VFSS that has elevated the organization. Would you like to know how attendance at the VFSS rises and falls according to the seasons? Ask Steve; he has a graph for that.
Would you like to know how many parts per million of CO2 indicate a higher risk of Covid transmission in the Quaker Hall? Ask Steve; he has a monitor for that.
Steve is technically gifted, no doubt. But we also want to recognize him for that quality that we see much less frequently: the ability to combine exceptional technical abilities with a great capacity for warm and effective relationships.
Steve joined the VFSS only seven years ago, jumping right in to the music, specializing in sea songs with the Shanty Crew and obscure Scottish ballads; he has also become a fine bodhran player. He has served on the Retreat Committee, became VFSS Membership Secretary in June 2018 and a Board member since 2019; he has also served as Board President for two hard-working years, as well as being the VFSS’s chief tech leader during the Covid era, guiding us ably and cheerfully through the establishment of our online song circles and now live-streaming.
Steve also manages all incoming payments for memberships, retreat registrations, and other miscellaneous income. This has made it possible for our Treasurer to fulfill their responsibilities at a distance.
Steve is easy and fun to work with. He has built up our community through hours and hours of work. He does not hesitate to ask for help when he needs it. All of these qualities make him a very valuable member.
So Steve, for your hard work, special skills, and community-building, we offer you the VFSS Recognition Award.