Rotary News

Ben Porkalob, Conservation Education Coordinator for the Keystone Elk Country Alliance at the Elk Viewing Center, was the guest speaker at Emporium Rotary’s luncheon meeting January 15th. Ben grew up in Kane and has a connection to Rotary. Growing up his parents hosted a Rotary exchange student from Tokyo, Japan, and to this day they still keep in touch with his family. Ben also received a Rotary scholarship when he graduated from high school which helped with tuition while 

attending IUP.

Many of you knew Ben as a teacher at the Woodland Elementary School here in Emporium for the past19 years, but in August of 2018, Ben decided to change careers somewhat, although his job still involves teaching. The Elk Viewing Visitor Center aims to educate the public about all things wildlife, including the Pennsylvania elk herd. They offer different types of education opportunities and unique educational field trips and distance learning. Over 1500 students visit the center each year from kindergarten to college. For more information you can visit www.experienceelkcountry.com/educators.

Also pictured is Rotarian, Chris McFall. Guest attending the luncheon were John & Paige Rosenberger and Ruth Ann Phillips.