Good job Fred in the recent publication of your book, Smelter Grade Alumina from Bauxite. What?? For most of us, "Some reading material for insomnia"- His words not mine. Fred co-authored the book with his Engineer colleague, Benny Raahauge.
Thanks to technology, we enjoyed a personal presentation by several individuals in southern Africa via Zoom. All were involved with an organization called “Natural Selections,” which promotes both conservation and tourism. It is their belief that the two must play a role together. Offering a range of safaris (from simple tents to elaborate lodges) they educate clients and encourage donations to help preserve wildlife, support conservation scientists, and also maintain the lodges. Last year they collected over a million dollars from international sources for their many projects.
Natural Selections supports other species-specific groups, such as those protecting giraffes, rhinos, desert lions, etc. There are many projects that help reduce conflicts with agriculture and livestock so that the wild animals can survive. Examples involved consolidating tribal farm fields, fencing, and harvesting grass and other food sources. The organization has also found itself involved with conservation education from preschool through adult levels. It has also worked with health clinics and sanitation projects.
One presenter was a fellow Rotarian from the Gabarone Rotary Club, among the largest in southern Africa, now celebrating their 50th anniversary. This club has partnered with Natural Selections on many projects, especially involving health and education. Unfortunately, the Covid pandemic has decimated the tourism industry and many companies have not survived. Unemployment is high in Botswana and elsewhere, but they are making progress with vaccinations now.
Creative solutions have been needed when conflicts arose between wildlife and people. One problem was solved by supplying buses for school children when their path was also an “Elephant Highway” during migration. Better herding for domestic animals have reduced conflicts with lions. Natural Selections tries to support the most successful programs, and duplicate those. This fascinating presentation put our problems with wolf reintroduction into perspective
The Longs Peak Council Boy Scouts of America will be recognizing Ryan Mason as their 2022 Longmont Distinguished Citizen. A disquinshed Scout will also be recognized at this event. The Longs Peak Council will be hosting a dinner on Thursday, February 24th, 6pm at the D-Barn (136 S. Main St. Longmont). For tickets, contact club member, John Eastman.
Thank you for granting me the opportunity to serve as the president of the Rotary club of Longmont for the 2021–2022 Rotary year.
The upcoming year will be one of continuing change as we start the process of returning to the “new normal“ of in-person meetings. The process is going to be a "crawl, walk, run" and I hope everyone will be patient.
The theme of this rotary year is "Serve to change lives". It will be wonderful to be able to come up with projects to follow this theme and continue to serve our community locally nationally and internationally.
While we will not be able to have in person RYLA again this year, there will be a one day virtual session. With school being in person, I am looking forward to the Young Rotarian‘s being able to start up again in the fall. Our youth are the future of rotary!
My goal this year is to grow our club by a few members and for everyone to think of younger people in the community who would make great Rotarians.
Please add mailservice@clubrunner.com to your safe sender list or address book.
To unsubscribe from future e-mails, click here.
To forward this email to your friends, click here.
To view our privacy policy, click here.
ClubRunner
905.829.5299
102-2060 Winston Park Drive, Oakville, ON, L6H 5R7
Good job Fred in the recent publication of your book, Smelter Grade Alumina from Bauxite. What?? For most of us, "Some reading material for insomnia"- His words not mine. Fred co-authored the book with his Engineer colleague, Benny Raahauge.
Michael Belmont shared with the club a sample of his vast collection of music, performing a few songs for our club meeting. Thank you Michael! 
The Longs Peak Council Boy Scouts of America will be recognizing Ryan Mason as their 2022 Longmont Distinguished Citizen. A disquinshed Scout will also be recognized at this event. The Longs Peak Council will be hosting a dinner on Thursday, February 24th, 6pm at the D-Barn (136 S. Main St. Longmont). For tickets, contact club member, John Eastman. 
.png)
