Page 67 - 2006 DT 12 Issues

black markings closely resembling August General Meeting
those of the highly venomous coral In Memoriam
snake with which it shares its habitat, he membership met at the Red
thus keeping would-be predators at a Spring picnic area on Saturday, Pat Steiner, former Ad-
respectful distance. TAugust 12, to elect open two- ministrative Assistant at the
Chameleons are most famous for year board positions for 2007-2008. A Visitor Center and Friends
color-changing adaptation. In addi- quorum of members elected all three member, passed away on July
tion to defense, their color displays candidates unanimously as follows: 21, 2006 after a long battle
are used to communicate with each • Pat Williams – President
other, signaling dominance or aggres- • Gracia Friesema – Vice President with COPD.
sion. Until now, chameleons were the • Blaine Benedict – Director-at- Pat was the backbone of
only known reptiles with the ability Large the Red Rock Visitor Center
to spontaneously change color. Only a In addition to the election, mem- staff and a great help to the vol-
handful of snakes can change colors, bers reviewed and approved the budget unteers. Starting as an AARP
but not quickly. A newfound species of for 2006-2007 at $193,600. placement in September 1997,
poisonous snake, dubbed the “chame- At the conclusion of the business she was subsequently hired by
leon snake,” is an enigma, because it meeting, dinner was provided by John Red Rock Canyon Interpretive
can. Scientists speculate that the snake, Mull’s Road Kill Grill. Association for the Visitor
found in Borneo’s Betung Kerihun
National Park, might use its talents as Center in January 1999 and
a warning behavior. kept the place running until her
Another newly discovered master “retirement” in April 2002.
of mistaken identity is a long-armed Pat was a very spiritual
octopus that can mimic poisonous (and spirited) individual who
creatures of the deep to avoid preda- never hesitated sharing her
tors. Octopuses are highly intelligent wit, wisdom and opinions with
creatures that can change the color and anyone who passed her desk.
texture of their skin to blend in with Her drop-dead sense of humor
rocks, algae or coral to avoid being Left to right: Gracia Friesema,
eaten. Until now, however, no octopus Blaine Benedict, Helen Barrett, and wry candor (and accompa-
was known to go a step beyond mere Athena Sparks, Pat Williams nying brays of laughter) made
camouflage to mimic dangerous ani- working with her a pleasure.
mals. This rather dramatic animal has September 11 She lived her life to the fullest,
th
been seen to mimic a sole fish, a lion Commemoration doing exactly what she wanted
fish and a toxic sea snake, appropri- to until she was finally able
ately folding or rearranging its arms. to rest.
Researches don’t doubt that there are Friends will remember the “Steiner,” as she was often
more disguises in its repertoire. Be- fifth anniversary of the Septem- called, was born on May 1,
cause it lives in a muddy and largely ber 11th attacks with a ceremony
barren habitat, it has nowhere to hide, at the Red Rock Canyon Visitor 1932 and is survived by her
a likely reason for its talents. Center on Monday, September best friends, Jean and Rachel
Except for predators at the top of 11, beginning at 10 a.m. The Las Miniaci, one son, two daugh-
the food chain, how well you master Vegas Fire and Rescue Squad will ters, three grandchildren and
this game of charades will determine provide the color guard. The Hon- one great-grandchild.
whether your species will live on orable Philip M. Pro, U.S. Court A walkway tile will be
of Appeals, will be the featured
or become another casualty on the speaker. Chamber music will ac- installed in November in Pat’s
endangered species list. Nature has company the ceremony. memory. Contributions may be
provided an out for those who must All Friends members are en- made to Friends of Red Rock
live by their wits; just pretend to be couraged to attend. Canyon, attn: Vicki Sudduth.
somebody else. ❏

FORRC/September 2006 Page 3