Ecology Project International and Irish Cookies
Posted by Adele Gibbs
Minutes of the Missoula Sunrise Rotary meeting January 13, 2009.
President Elect Nominee Bill St. John led this morning's meeting with President Susan Hay Patrick and President Elect Arnie Didier both out of town. (Bill did a great job!) Carl Prinzing led us in the Pledge of Allegiance. Ramey Kodadek gave a terrific Zen invocation: The way is long - let us go together; the way is difficult - let us help each other; the way is joyful - let us share it; the way is ours alone - let us go in love; the way grows before us - let us begin.
Bill St. John reminded us that January is Rotary Awareness Month, and we should all be wearing our Rotary pins. Bill also reported that Bob Brown is doing well following his surgery and he appreciated the visits.
Sergeant At Arms David Bardwick introduced guest Kathy Abar (sister of Margot Belden). David then gave Paul Williamson the furry steering wheel cover and seat belt protector that "Menachem" had for Paul at the holidays. David followed with some musings from kids about how we decide who we should marry. And the humor just keeps on coming!
Bill St. John reminded us that next week's meeting will include the election of officers for the next Rotary year. Nominees include: Arnie Didier, president; Bill St. John, president-elect; Bobby Clay, president-elect nominee; Trevor Lewis, treasurer; Annie Gerken, secretary; Lou Bahin, Service Committee chair; Peg Novotny, Foundation Committee chair; Julie McFarland and Justin Metcalf, Public Relations Committee co-chairs; Susan Hay Patrick, past president; and Cynthia Bryan, advisor to the board.
Chris Warden, Anne Guest and Julie McFarland then presented Greg Johnson with a check for $7,860 for the Montana Repertory Theatre-one-half the net proceeds from last fall's Who's Who Revue! Chris thanked all who participated in and supported the Who's Who Revue. In presenting the check to Greg, Chris thanked him and the Rep for being a fantastic partner and a deserving recipient. Greg thanked the club, and said he's very glad to be a member of the Rotary as the money we raise goes direct to those in need.
Greg Johnson then reminded us that the Montana Repertory Theatre's Opening Night Gala will be held on January 23rd. This special party will kick off the Rep's tour season and starts at 6:30 p.m. The evening is a "Fabulous 50s Party" with a reception (hors d'oeuvres, no-host cocktails), followed by the play, followed by an after party (champagne, desserts, dancing to UM's steel drum Quartet Caribe)! The play is Ken Ludwig's "Leading Ladies." This event will be a Rotary fellowship event-with Rotarians receiving discounted tickets (just $20 instead of the public price of $25!). Rotarians (from all clubs) will be seated together. The signup sheet was again circulated. You can pay Greg or pick up your tickets at the door and pay at that time. Fun!
Accompanied by David Bardwick and Chris Warden on the train whistles, it was announced that the Money Train committee was meeting immediately following the regular meeting.
Bill St. John then presented his own version of COOKIES-the "Irish" version, as Bill said, mini bottles of Jack Daniels: to Adele Gibbs for offering Bill a hug prior to the meeting he was about to lead; and to Anne Guest, on being nominated as Downtowner of the Year by the Missoula Downtown Association.
Bill St. John reminded us that a host family is still needed for the remainder of the school year for Rotary exchange student Eva (16) from Spain. Please let Bill know if you, or someone you know, can help.
Dave Bell then introduced our speaker, Scott Pankratz, co-founder and executive director of Ecology Project International. Scott holds a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a MS from UM. Scott's mother is a 10+ year Rotarian in California. Scott said he was honored to speak at our meeting, and after seeing Jack Daniels, Red Bull and a big check at the meeting, he thinks he'll come back every week!
Scott explained that he started Ecology Project International (EPI) ten years ago and used the set up, implementation and evaluation of the program as his Master's thesis. He said the goal is to inspire the world's youth to take an active role in conservation. He explained that EPI develops place-based, ecological education partnerships between local experts and high school students to address critical conservation issues in several countries. Through EPI, young people from local communities and the United States learn about conservation and help protect threatened species and habitats. Scott said it is hard work for the students and the scientists they support.
EPI's first and flagship program is in Costa Rica, on a beach that is one of the four most important leatherback sea turtle nesting grounds in the world. (Scott asked whether any Sunrise Rotarians had been to Costa Rica. A handful had, including Brenda Thayer who was in a hot pool at the Arenal Volcano during an earthquake!) Visiting Costa Rica, Scott identified the need, and recruited students from a local high school to enthusiastically help the scientists with their work. For the past seven years, students from Hellgate High School have participated in this program, helping on the beaches of Costa Rice to protect and monitor the nesting of sea turtles. (The work helps to keep poachers away, as well as raccoons and coyotes.)
In fact, Scott said over 1200 students worked with EPI programs last year and he says the impact is lasting. Scott said that high school credits are often arranged for the participating students. He said he's seen lives change, and spoke about a young man named Alejandro Delgado. Alejandro took the course as a student, was inspired and became a science teacher. He has brought his students into EPI programs-bringing 12 students to the US to work on an EPI project north of Yellowstone National Park.
EPI has programs in four countries at this time. The projects in Costa Rica continue. More than six years ago, EPI started a program in the Galapagos Islands, working with the giant tortoises. Another program was started in Baja California, Mexico in the Sea of Cortez. There students help with snorkeling and whale surveys. In Montana, EPI work is being done in conjunction with the USFS at Gardiner.
Scott said that approximately 40% of the students in EPI programs are from the US, with most coming from countries where the work is being done. He said the goal is to get local people connected to their communities/areas and to teach them science, and to teach them that they can make a difference. EPI also wants to reach more areas and countries, "scaling up" to work with large foundations.
Last year EPI bought the Swift building off 4th Street just south of downtown. This historic building is now home to EPI's headquarters, with space for educational training and work with other organizations. Some organizations are already on site, and Scott hopes that will grow greatly, as he'd like it to be a big center for groups of nonprofits. Scott encouraged us to consider how we might help to make that a reality.
EPI has extensive local program participation. In addition to the Hellgate students, students from Missoula International School, Sussex, Sentinel, and Big Sky have or will be participating in EPI programs. For those interested in traveling, trips for adults and families are available to the three international program locations.
Scott brought us several copies of recent EPI newsletters and pamphlets about adult trips. And, he encouraged us to visit their offices in the Swift building on 4th Street.
Following this informative program, Bill St. John thanked Scott, and told him we'd be donating a dictionary to a local 3rd grader in his name. Bill also gifted Scott with an "Irish cookie."
Bill St. John then thanked Margot Belden and Gordie Campbell for their wonderful accounting work on the Who's Who Revue.
We then closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.
Bill St. John reminded us that January is Rotary Awareness Month, and we should all be wearing our Rotary pins. Bill also reported that Bob Brown is doing well following his surgery and he appreciated the visits.
Sergeant At Arms David Bardwick introduced guest Kathy Abar (sister of Margot Belden). David then gave Paul Williamson the furry steering wheel cover and seat belt protector that "Menachem" had for Paul at the holidays. David followed with some musings from kids about how we decide who we should marry. And the humor just keeps on coming!
Bill St. John reminded us that next week's meeting will include the election of officers for the next Rotary year. Nominees include: Arnie Didier, president; Bill St. John, president-elect; Bobby Clay, president-elect nominee; Trevor Lewis, treasurer; Annie Gerken, secretary; Lou Bahin, Service Committee chair; Peg Novotny, Foundation Committee chair; Julie McFarland and Justin Metcalf, Public Relations Committee co-chairs; Susan Hay Patrick, past president; and Cynthia Bryan, advisor to the board.
Chris Warden, Anne Guest and Julie McFarland then presented Greg Johnson with a check for $7,860 for the Montana Repertory Theatre-one-half the net proceeds from last fall's Who's Who Revue! Chris thanked all who participated in and supported the Who's Who Revue. In presenting the check to Greg, Chris thanked him and the Rep for being a fantastic partner and a deserving recipient. Greg thanked the club, and said he's very glad to be a member of the Rotary as the money we raise goes direct to those in need.
Greg Johnson then reminded us that the Montana Repertory Theatre's Opening Night Gala will be held on January 23rd. This special party will kick off the Rep's tour season and starts at 6:30 p.m. The evening is a "Fabulous 50s Party" with a reception (hors d'oeuvres, no-host cocktails), followed by the play, followed by an after party (champagne, desserts, dancing to UM's steel drum Quartet Caribe)! The play is Ken Ludwig's "Leading Ladies." This event will be a Rotary fellowship event-with Rotarians receiving discounted tickets (just $20 instead of the public price of $25!). Rotarians (from all clubs) will be seated together. The signup sheet was again circulated. You can pay Greg or pick up your tickets at the door and pay at that time. Fun!
Accompanied by David Bardwick and Chris Warden on the train whistles, it was announced that the Money Train committee was meeting immediately following the regular meeting.
Bill St. John then presented his own version of COOKIES-the "Irish" version, as Bill said, mini bottles of Jack Daniels: to Adele Gibbs for offering Bill a hug prior to the meeting he was about to lead; and to Anne Guest, on being nominated as Downtowner of the Year by the Missoula Downtown Association.
Bill St. John reminded us that a host family is still needed for the remainder of the school year for Rotary exchange student Eva (16) from Spain. Please let Bill know if you, or someone you know, can help.
Dave Bell then introduced our speaker, Scott Pankratz, co-founder and executive director of Ecology Project International. Scott holds a BA from the University of California at Santa Barbara and a MS from UM. Scott's mother is a 10+ year Rotarian in California. Scott said he was honored to speak at our meeting, and after seeing Jack Daniels, Red Bull and a big check at the meeting, he thinks he'll come back every week!
Scott explained that he started Ecology Project International (EPI) ten years ago and used the set up, implementation and evaluation of the program as his Master's thesis. He said the goal is to inspire the world's youth to take an active role in conservation. He explained that EPI develops place-based, ecological education partnerships between local experts and high school students to address critical conservation issues in several countries. Through EPI, young people from local communities and the United States learn about conservation and help protect threatened species and habitats. Scott said it is hard work for the students and the scientists they support.
EPI's first and flagship program is in Costa Rica, on a beach that is one of the four most important leatherback sea turtle nesting grounds in the world. (Scott asked whether any Sunrise Rotarians had been to Costa Rica. A handful had, including Brenda Thayer who was in a hot pool at the Arenal Volcano during an earthquake!) Visiting Costa Rica, Scott identified the need, and recruited students from a local high school to enthusiastically help the scientists with their work. For the past seven years, students from Hellgate High School have participated in this program, helping on the beaches of Costa Rice to protect and monitor the nesting of sea turtles. (The work helps to keep poachers away, as well as raccoons and coyotes.)
In fact, Scott said over 1200 students worked with EPI programs last year and he says the impact is lasting. Scott said that high school credits are often arranged for the participating students. He said he's seen lives change, and spoke about a young man named Alejandro Delgado. Alejandro took the course as a student, was inspired and became a science teacher. He has brought his students into EPI programs-bringing 12 students to the US to work on an EPI project north of Yellowstone National Park.
EPI has programs in four countries at this time. The projects in Costa Rica continue. More than six years ago, EPI started a program in the Galapagos Islands, working with the giant tortoises. Another program was started in Baja California, Mexico in the Sea of Cortez. There students help with snorkeling and whale surveys. In Montana, EPI work is being done in conjunction with the USFS at Gardiner.
Scott said that approximately 40% of the students in EPI programs are from the US, with most coming from countries where the work is being done. He said the goal is to get local people connected to their communities/areas and to teach them science, and to teach them that they can make a difference. EPI also wants to reach more areas and countries, "scaling up" to work with large foundations.
Last year EPI bought the Swift building off 4th Street just south of downtown. This historic building is now home to EPI's headquarters, with space for educational training and work with other organizations. Some organizations are already on site, and Scott hopes that will grow greatly, as he'd like it to be a big center for groups of nonprofits. Scott encouraged us to consider how we might help to make that a reality.
EPI has extensive local program participation. In addition to the Hellgate students, students from Missoula International School, Sussex, Sentinel, and Big Sky have or will be participating in EPI programs. For those interested in traveling, trips for adults and families are available to the three international program locations.
Scott brought us several copies of recent EPI newsletters and pamphlets about adult trips. And, he encouraged us to visit their offices in the Swift building on 4th Street.
Following this informative program, Bill St. John thanked Scott, and told him we'd be donating a dictionary to a local 3rd grader in his name. Bill also gifted Scott with an "Irish cookie."
Bill St. John then thanked Margot Belden and Gordie Campbell for their wonderful accounting work on the Who's Who Revue.
We then closed the meeting with a recitation of the Four Way Test.