We had another outstanding and informative presentation at our meeting this past week. Mr. Joe Belli, the Manager of the Panorama Vista Preserve, told us about that non-profit’s mission, gave an overview of its educational programs, and showed us photos of the land, the plants, and some of the animals that have been seen on the Preserve.

 

The Kern River Corridor Endowment and Holding Co. (KRCE, the non-profit which owns the land) is dedicated to:
1) improving wildlife habitat along the Kern River through restoration of its riparian forest and associated grasslands.
2) providing educational and research opportunities. To that end, KRCE has hosted twice-yearly science day camps for local school children.
3) providing low-impact recreational opportunities for our community such as walking, running, bicycling, and horseback riding. Motorcycles, overnight camping, campfires, etc. are not permitted.

 

If you have not been to the Preserve yet, it would make a wonderful family outing.  The Preserve is located east of Manor Drive below the Panorama Bluffs.  You can walk down from the Bluffs or you can park in the Preserve’s parking lot at the east end of the Roberts Lane Extension about ¼ mile east of the Manor Drive/Roberts Lane interchange.

At our meeting on August 21, 2019, we had number of Centennial High School Interact Club members who all introduced themselves at the beginning of the meeting.

 

Li Gibbs introduced our foreign exchange student, Claudia, who is from Spain. Li also introduced our local student, Jed, who is going to Korea as our local exchange student. Jed has been studying Korean for his big trip. Both Claudia and Jed were presented with our club's Rotary flag. Claudia then spoke about where in Spain she comes from, her family and what she likes to do in her free time.

 

Li Gibbs then introduced our speakers, Aleyna Young, Mock Trial participant from Centennial High School, and Brett Dodson, the Centennial teacher who is the Mock Trial coach for that high school. Ms. Young is certainly a very impressive young lady and Mr. Dodson could not make that any clearer. This past summer, she finished second place at the Gladiator Mock Trial Championships. When she "lost" (if you can call finishing second in a nationwide competition a loss), she stood up and clapped for the winner because, according to her, she was truly happy for the winner. Centennial High School has had a competitor in the Gladiator competition each year of its existence. It is one of only two schools that have ever done that. Undoubtedly, it is due to amazing talents like Ms. Young and Mr. Dodson's teaching and leadership. Keep up the great work Mr. Dodson and good luck with your future endeavors Ms. Young.

Our speaker at our regular club meeting on August 14, 2019, was Ms. Renee Goodwin who spoke about the world famous Iditarod Race Adventure.