With a new president at the helm, the Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club is set to continue its great work in the community in 2012, but for the first time in the club’s 93-year history that president will be a woman.

Barbara König has been named the club’s new president, and says that she is very “proud,” to take over the role.

“Proud of course, and a little overwhelmed right now,” König joked. “I have a great team behind me.”

As the only candidate for the position, it shouldn’t have come as a surprise for König, who has lived in the Valley for the last 12 years.

Having originally joined the club because many of the local hunters passed through her business, König Meat and Sausage Company, at one time or another, König says that she gradually became more and more involved over time.

“We were looking for a new president who would be a good person, but I never thought that I would bring myself forward to do that,” König said. “I was approached by long-standing members (to become president) who have really supported me.”

The Lake Windermere District Rod and Gun Club has a long standing history of involvement in the valley.

From funding scholarships to protecting wildlife habitats, the club is a “conservation minded organization dedicated to the preservation of our natural environment and to the promotion of outdoor recreational activities,” according to its website.

While there are several issues and projects König is looking forward to discussing at the first executive meeting, she says for now she is still getting organized.

“The first plan is to get everything in order so that the club can run smoothly,” König said.

“We just need to get everyone on the same track so that we’re all pulling together. The club has a long standing history in the valley helping with environmental impact, hunting regulations and keeping the valley free for everyone to enjoy, whether it’s hunters, fishers or just visitors, and we want to keep the valley the way it is.”