The 4 Way Forum

September 9, 2008

Volume 3 Number 11 Lancaster, Pennsylvania

Editor: Ed Bednar

Photos byLyn Paddock

Meeting convened by President Patrick

Prayer led by Darrell

Songs were led by Paul

Guests:Scott Russell-Lancaster Club

Ralph Goodno-Speaker

Anniversaries: Jim Eshleman, 30 year Anniversary

Birthdays:None

Happy Bucks: Remylc Mij: “Alaska is getting nearer and dearer to my heart.” He also mentioned that Alaska has a license plate that says that Alaska is where the air is cold and the governor is hot.

Announcements: Dave Loughery noted that we received a Thank You from the Oswego Village for our $750 contribution to their Summer Program.

U.N. Day is November 8

This week is National Literacy Week; a promotion that Rotary supports.

Brian Paup invited all who wish to participate on the Fun(d) Raising Committee to attend a meeting at Diane Valetri’s home on Wednesday, September 10, 2008 at 7 PM. Exciting projects are being proposed; everyone’s input is needed to make this year successful.

Bill Weik’s received his Isaac’s certificate for finding his name spelled backwards in last week’s issue of The 4 Way Forum.

Our upcoming Sunday Breakfast-Brunch date will be selected soon.

Program: Alan introduced Ralph Goodno, CEO of Lancaster

CountyConservancy, founded in 1969. The Conservancy is

an independent non-profit organization that seeks to protect

the natural lands in LancasterCounty with about $11 million

in assets.

Approximately 16% of LancasterCounty is forest land.

The rest of the land is agricultural, 63%, and developed, 21%.

Natural lands/forests do much to enhance the quality of life in

an area. They prevent rain run-off, which helps keep the soil intact and the creeks clean. Trees clean the air. They provide shelter for many of the wild creatures that enhance our lives.

The Conservancy owns 24 nature preserves, among them are: Tucquan Creek at Tucquan Glen in MarticTownship; Trout Run and the adjacent Steinman Run; and Fishing Creek in DrewmoreTownship. While the Conservancy actually owns the land, it oversees and provides for their public use. Many school classes make trips to the preserves so that the children can learn about ecology.

An activity that is gaining popularity is called “Geocaching”. Geocaching is an outdoor treasure-hunting game in which the participants use a Global Positioning System (GPS) receiver or other navigational techniques to hide or find containers (called "geocaches" or "caches") anywhere in the world. A typical cache is a small waterproof container containing a logbook and "treasure," usually toys or trinkets of little value.

If you haven’t visited one of the preserves, you might want to put it on your “todo” list.

There being no further business, the meeting was adjourned by Prez Pat.

Ye Ole Editor wishes to thank Lyn Paddock for preparing the minutes for this issue of The 4 Way Forum.