Page 2 - spring 2019

In this issue

pring has finally arrived at the Rock! again, was fortunate to participate in a
SAfter an unusually cold and wet win- Naturalization Ceremony. More than 60
ter (by Las Vegas standards), the warmth applicants became part of our great coun-
is slowly creeping in. try on March 23. Read and enjoy their
stories on page 14.
We can tell that better weather is here
from several ways: The Scenic Loop Drive We also would like to extend a very
is experiencing its normal level of con- warm welcome to new members of the
gestion and periodic closures, new citi- Friends' management team. Erin J. Mc-
zens have been welcomed to our great Dermott and Edie and Kevin Cardiff joined
country and a few of The Rock Stars have the Friends team as, respectively, our new
emerged. Executive Director and Canyon Cleanup
Coordinators in January. Get to know
You can learn about the plans to allevi- more about Edie, Kevin and Erin on pages
ate the traffic issues on the Loop by read- 8 and 13.
ing the results of the Great Basin Institute
capacity study on page 10. Thank you for your continued support of
our work. Hope to see you at the Rock.
Friends of Red Rock Canyon, once Pat Williams

Farewell Bonnie Springs

Progress is a wonderful thing. Friends of Red Rock Canyon are both saddened by the
end of the Bonnie Springs era but are also looking forward to meeting our new neigh-
bors in a year or two. The Bonnie Springs property has been sold to local developers,
Joel Laub and Randy Jones, who are committed to creating a rural environment in
accordance with the existing zoning laws.

e have been extremely fortunate include a continental breakfast, bever-
Wto have the Bonnie Springs fam- ages, organizational updates and the
ily and staff’s support during the past graduation of our first class of Outdoor
nine years. They opened their doors, Adventures participants. The Veterans
welcomed our members and provided us Memorial Leisure Center, located in Sum-
with amazing breakfasts. All for free – merlin on North Pavilion Center Drive,
although Friends did contribute the will be the venue for the event with
gratuities for the incredible staff. Friends Friends underwriting the approximately
could not afford to provide these break- $1,100 cost. The board of directors will
fast meetings without the unwavering also ask for your suggestions for future
support of the Bonnie Spring’s staff and quarterly meetings, covering costs and
family. Their generosity in hosting our venues.
quarterly breakfast meetings over the
years, valued at more than $40,000, has Invitations will be mailed, either elec-
been an enormous gift that we likely tronically or via USPS, before April 17
won’t experience again. with a response needed by May 14.

The May 18 Membership Meeting will We hope to see you there.