March 14 — Newsmakers? Did you have a female ancestor who made the news? Why? Was she famous or notorious? Did she appear in the social column?
My mother's sister, Norma Werner Kraps, was an avid bird watcher. When my sisters and I were young, we would go hiking in the local park with the Audubon group to seek out our feathered friends. We learned the calls of the birds, and the colorings and markings of the birds. My aunt could tell from the song she heard what was in the area. She worked with scouting groups and was a guide to many.
In 1958 the Elyria Audobon Society was formed (Ohio) and in 2008, Norma was among a handful of members being recognized for their long-time association with the organization. Norma held all offices in the society.
Her special bird watching apparel was a pink hat and her binoculars. As her eyesight deteriorated due to macular degeneration, she got stronger binoculars until she could only recognize the songs of her feathered friends telling of their presence.
She traveled the United States always alert for new sightings and new adventures.
Thanks, my dear Aunt Norma, for the love of your feathered friends.
Norma Werner Kraps in 2008
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