
| Jane Marlow Willis Honored at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary with Release of American Kestrels More than twenty-five guests gathered at Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary in Guston for a very special event on the morning of August 4. Six American Kestrels that had been raised at the sanctuary were released in honor of Journalist, humanitarian, and well-known Meade County resident, Jane Marlow Willis, who passed away at the age of 68 earlier this year. In 2009, Ms. Willis had nominated Mary Ann Tobin, Founder of Broadbent Wildlife Sanctuary, as the recipient of the conservation award from the state and local chapters of the Daughters of the American Revolution. Ms. Willis passed away just before the award could be presented, so Ms. Tobin made a decision to name a rescued baby American kestrel after her – thus the name “Baby Jane”. American Kestrels, also known as sparrow hawks, are the smallest falcons in North America, and this one arrived at Broadbent in very bad shape. Tobin, a State and Federally-licensed wildlife rehabilitator, nursed the baby back to health, and raised her until she was determined to be ready for release. The big day finally arrived. Guests were anxious to see “Baby Jane” and five other kestrels take to the skies. Broadbent staff gave a short educational presentation featuring Broadbent’s Animal Ambassadors. Cakes designed in the likeness of the kestrel were served to guests, who joined in a champagne toast to Ms. Willis as the birds were released. (See Tobin’s toast below.) In attendance were Betty Chambliss (Willis’s aunt), members of the Daughters of the American Revolution, several Board Members and supporters of the organization, and staff. A Toast to Jane Marlow Willis - Written by Mary Ann Tobin with Admiration “I have known Jane Marlow Willis probably all of my life. Jane’s Aunt and Uncle who owned the Irvington Herald News lived directly across the main street in Irvington in their living quarters over their newspaper. My family lived over our dry goods store, “Tobin’s Store”, directly across from Mr. and Mrs. George Wilson. Jane’s grandparents lived just across the railroad tracks in the large white house. Jane and I were both intelligent for our age, which was about the same, but we never had much in common and always had trouble making small talk when thrown together by the friendship of our families. I was a terribly bashful young girl and Jane tended to stutter slightly when she started telling an important story, so we truly had to work when we found ourselves together trying to communicate. I do know Jane was extremely intelligent, totally dedicated to Meade County and everything that was good for Meade County. She was a consummate journalist and would go above and beyond to write and research a story, and unlike a few journalists I have known, she always struggled to know the truth and relate that to the people of Meade County. Jane should have been listed in the Reader’s Digest as one of the special people whom everyone should know. She was definitely an individual and One of a Kind. People these days with these characteristics are either on the endangered species list or may already be extinct. Meade Countians were blessed to have had her dedicate herself to Meade County and its welfare.” |

