COLUMBIANA CO. Biologist to speak at library

The former city resident reared a family in exotic climates and cultures.
By NANCY TULLIS
VINDICATOR SALEM BUREAU
EAST PALESTINE -- After living in Africa and the Caribbean for more than 30 years, John Herbert will share his experiences as a biologist rearing a family in often primitive conditions.
Herbert will give a presentation at 2 p.m. July 16 at the East Palestine Memorial Public Library.
Lisa Rohrbaugh, library director, said Herbert is originally from East Palestine and recently moved back to the city. He was a guest speaker for a Rotary meeting and gave a 45-minute presentation. "It was fascinating," she said. "We could have listened to him for three or four hours."
She said Herbert has a degree in biology and was studying rodents. He then earned a master's degree to specialize in the biology of mammals.
Different lifestyles
He has studied mammals of all types, including elephants.
Rohrbaugh said besides discussing his study of mammals in those countries over a 30-year period, Herbert will also talk about living and rearing a family in climates and cultures far different than that of the United States.
"He's got all kinds of stories," Rohrbaugh said. "A lot of his experience is about how he was viewed by the people in those countries. Because of the cultural differences and the customs, he and his wife were treated differently. She had to adhere to the country's customs concerning women. Some places she couldn't leave the house without her head covered or without wearing a veil."
There is no charge for the program. The library is at 309 N. Market St.