Dan Rohn was recognized as the Volunteer of the Year at the Ravensbeard 25th Anniversary Gala. We asked him a few questions to find out more about him.
RB: What inspired you to volunteer at Ravensbeard?
Dan: I was working on a show that was filming in North Carolina during the winter of 2024. The town that we were filming in did not charge us a filming permit fee but they requested we donate money to non-profits in the area. I was tasked with researching 501(c)(3)s to make donations to. I found Sea Biscuit Wildlife Shelter during my search. They were conveniently located down the street from our production office so I went over and met with Mary Ellen who runs the shelter. I thought their operation was well run and have always been interested in birds of prey. They have two beautiful red-tailed hawks – Glen & Scarlet. I started volunteering with them on my days off and became part of the "Friday Crew." Our production company ended up giving nice sized donations to Sea Biscuit as well as the Sea Turtle Protection Organization. When I wrapped up the job and returned home in the spring of 2024, my wife Hosanna told me about Ravensbeard. Naturally, I reached out to Ellen Kalish and started volunteering.
RB: What do you do when you are not volunteering at Ravensbeard?
Dan: When I'm not volunteering, I'm a film and television freelancer. Outside of work, I dabble in woodworking and I'm a self-professed world-class home chef. My wife, Hosanna, and I also go out exploring various art events, gallery openings, and concerts around the Hudson Valley. There is always a new restaurant or venue to check out in the area
RB: What does a volunteer do?
Dan: I think being a Ravensbeard volunteer is what you make of it. The main tasks are helping feed and clean the pens for the current residents passing through the Center. Depending on the day and what is happening, volunteering might include making runs to the Rhinebeck Animal Hospital for pick-ups or drop-offs of animals needing extra care. Ellen is also very open to allowing volunteers to be involved beyond just the daily cleaning and feedings. I enjoy doing physical work so I think I've created a lane for myself doing handyman work around the center.
RB: What do you like most about volunteering at Ravensbeard?
Dan: Ravensbeard is one of my three spaces. I enjoy the friendships I've developed with the other volunteers. I cannot wait to go in and see who has recovered and been released, and be surprised by who has come in.
RB: Do you have any stories you’d like to share?
Dan: Last summer Wild Hudson Valley hosted an event with Ravensbeard that Ellen was presenting at. It was cool to see people who signed up for the event react to seeing the birds in real life. Some people in the crowd were really excited about being up close to Sienna, Hudson, and Spike (Ravensbeard’s educational birds). It made me realize that what I get to do, even in a volunteer capacity, is special and I need to remind myself of that.