In a fascinating slide show presentation he took us on a journey through the wildlife abounding in the 53,000 acre state owned military reservation which is also a Wildlife Sanctuary. As Mr. Skoglund remarked, “These are your resources.” They have documented 650 species of plants including many native grasses no longer found in other areas, 71 species of butterflies, and more kinds of dragon flies than have ever been recorded in Minnesota before. Blandings turtles are NOT rare at camp, bald eagles are flourishing, and believe it or not tanks take the place of bison in packing down the grass areas to promote their natural growth.

The two most interesting portions of the slideshow dealt with their continuing studies of bear, wolves and deer. They use high tech equipment in the form of tracking collars that are either GPS or satellite driven, a perfectly safe method of net capture from a helicopter, and involve community members in their efforts. In fact they have a great working relationship with both the DNR and Central Lakes College. We heard about two very friendly female bears who like MRE’s (instant meals for soldiers) better than Twinkies or hotdogs, got spoiled rotten by the soldiers, and eventually were lured from Camp to be legally harvested. This was a relief to Camp officials since soldiers were taking unnecessary chances with these bears—I wouldn’t have wanted to be the mother or wife of the one that sent the picture home of the bear licking the peanut butter off his face. The wolves were also very fascinating, especially when the tracking maps showed that some of the members of the two thriving packs at Camp were vacationing in places like Bemidji and the shore of Lake Superior in Wisconsin and making their way back to Camp.

He also talked about their two special “hunts” that help control the deer population. They have a youth hunt and one for disabled veterans. Thanks Marty for a very interesting presentation. To find more information on the Camp Ripley go to their website at http://www.dma.state.mn.us/cpripley/INDEX.HTM

Thanks Kim Ellingson for taking notes.

Bonnie Cumberland introduced him and spoke of his many achievements. She remarked, “It seems that giving to and supporting groups and organizations with time and talent is this individual’s life-long life style.” She listed some of his volunteer experiences including: Salvation Army, Rotary, St. Joseph’s Medical Center, Brainerd Lakes Area Chamber of Commerce, First Presbyterian Church, Central Lakes College, YMCA, Central Minnesota Initiative Foundation, the Northland Arboretum and many more. She cited him for developing new programs at Central Lakes College including the St. Scholastica degree program.

He has been Brainerd Citizen of the Year as well as winning the prestigious Boys Scouts of American Silver Beaver Award. She also quotes others who stated, “He has done all of these things and more for the benefit of the community and not for personal gain” and “The integrity of this man is over-whelming in today’s busy ‘I’ centered world.”

Warren joshed with Joyce Anderson who used a pretext to get him to today’s meeting. He went on to say, “It is not hard to give back to a community that is one of the most beautiful spots in the world. It is truly a great area with a wonderful school system, the perfect place to raise children.”

He thanked the Sertomans for the honor. Mr. William’s nomination will be submitted to the Great Plains Region and hopefully will go on to national competition from there. Bonnie thanked her committee including Trent Baumann, Dave Clausen, Kim Ellingson, Karen Owen and Brian Skogen.

Of Note

Thanks to Lynn Franz and the other Sertomans who helped with our contribution to the Festival of Trees.

Welcome back Greg Larson.

The Radiothon to Prevent Child Abuse raised $89,000 which is $15,000 more than last year’s total. Thanks to Mike Boen, Ann and Bob Sherman, and all the other Sertomans who were instrumental in making this possible.

Charlie Bartels thanked the “Sertoma Family” for all the support he has received this past year from the club itself and individual members.

• Kathy Williams has found a new job—maybe she can pass it on to Tammy Webb who is still looking for one. Anyway Tom Steigner was the recipient of her first “glamorizing” treatment—a milk bath. And in front of the tv cameras too!
• John Raboin is going to get a bill for $104 in fines for next year to prepare for his next yearly edition of Raboin’s Phone Booth Monikers.
• Our speaker warned us to NEVER but NEVER get into a plane with Red Baron Stoltman. Seems like he is master of the loops and dive bombs necessary to track wildlife from the air.
• Brian Lehman decided to be “the thorn between the roses” today. Whatever lovely ladies were surrounding him thank him for the compliment.