In this issue:
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-by Ranger Jay Johnstone
Whoa, what a year! A baby boy opened the 2002 season, knee surgery put me on the bench for spring, and now I have a new job at the Ohmahgolly Gulch. It will take me a while to recuperate from the past 12 months, but it has certainly been worth the effort. Fatherhood has been incredible, I'm losing my limp, and I have one of the best jobs on the planet.
For those that know me, you are probably aware that environmental education has been my main interest and speciality. Earlier this summer, I applied for an E.E. specialist position at the Grand Canyon National Park and made it to the final interview stage. My new boss, Jacob Fillion, said he had a tough choice between myself and another applicant, and, although he received a shining reference from Nancy [Smaroff], he was going with the other person. Here I thought Nancy carried more weight - I guess I didn't pay her enough. Anyhow, life went on, and I didn't think about Arizona for a few weeks. Out of the blue, Jacob calls me up and tells me one of his staff is going to a different position and would I mind taking his slot. Gee - let me think about that - leading Junior Ranger programs along the rim trails, doing Outreach programs in schools throughout the Colorado Plateau, conducting curriculum-based school programs on the area's incredible natural and cultural history, and working (playing?) with teachers and college students on the river and in the inner canyon during summer classes. Jacob, let me get back to you… What am I saying?! Of course I want the job - and you say you want to pay me too? When can I start?
Needless to say, I am very excited about the opportunities the region and position provides, and I am sure the job will be challenging, rewarding and fascinating. And I like spicy Southwestern food. I expect to be moving to Flagstaff, AZ in Late October- November, but the exact date is subject to funding. Some things don't change.
I would like to say THANK YOU to all the folks I've worked with on the BTW project. The program staff is top-notch, and I have gained a wealth of information and techniques from each of them. I can honestly say that I wouldn't be heading to The Canyon without the contacts and knowledge gained while working with you. During the Teacher/Ranger Institutes, I was learning as much as I was instructing. These professional-grade sessions provided experiences that will go far in my future pursuits with teachers and educators at Grand Canyon. I especially enjoyed working with and getting to know park rangers from the other participating parks. In the spirit of interpreters everywhere, I looted many valuable trinkets from your programs and will employ the ideas and methods on my future programs. Just doing my part to spread the wealth.
So, a couple of thoughts to leave you with:
1. Invest all you can into this program. It is the best I've ever seen, and I doubt the Canyon has anything as comprehensive or complete. For the students, teachers and rangers, it's a win, win, win situation.
2. Chase down all those opportunities, and don't give up
your dreams. 
3. Answer the phone at 9:30 p.m. It could be the Grand Canyon offering you a job.
Thanks for everything, and congratulations to all for creating and sustaining such a phenomenal program.
Sincerely,
Jay Johnstone Park Ranger, George Washington Memorial Parkway
(temp.!)
Editor's Note: The BTW staff would like to thank Jay for his unswerving dedication to, and support of, the BTW program. Good luck to you, Jay. We'll miss you!
