Potomac Appalachian January 2015

24 Pages·2014·3.06 MB·English

the newsletteR of the PotoMAc APPAlAchiAn tRAil cluB
JAnuARy 2015 ‑ Volume 44, Number 1
hAwksBill AwARd winneRs gAtheR.
Photo by Stanley turk
RecoRd AttendAnce At the 87th AnnuAl
PAtc Meeting And AwARds BAnquet
VolunteeR of
A record 169 members met at the Meadowlark Gardens Atrium in Vienna, Va., for the 87th
the Month
Annual Meeting and Awards Banquet on Nov. 18. In addition to recognizing the successful
efforts of our volunteers, 12 officers were elected to lead the club for the next two years.
9
The evening was packed with a full agenda. This year’s “Wall of Acclaim,” photos depicting
volunteers at work on the trails during 2014, was projected on a screen while members socialized
and remembered the hard work combined with comradery in service to the PATC mission.
John Hedrick opened the meeting by welcoming members and guests; he then introduced
Joe Lombardo, treasurer, who reported that PATC’s finances were in good standing.
hike of the
PATC Vice President- Volunteerism, Dick Hostelley, introduced the staff, including
Month Anne Corwith who assumed the role of Cabins Coordinator after the retirement of Pat
Fankhauser in June, and Mona Filchock, former Sales Coordinator who was promoted
17 to Finance Coordinator earlier this month. Dick also introduced and thanked staff
and volunteers responsible for organizing the meeting and awards banquet.
Lee Sheaffer, PATC vice president-operations, expressed the need for volunteer help at the ATC
Biennial Conference, “Hiking through History” in July 2015. PATC is hosting the event for
ATC along with the Mountain Club of Maryland and is expecting a large number of attendees.
This year’s guest speaker was Eric Campbell, chief interpreter at Cedar Creek and
Belle Grove National Historical Park. Eric made a riveting presentation on the
youth section Shenandoah Valley’s involvement during the Civil War, keeping the audience in awe of
his knowledge as well as his ability to cover four years of history in thirty minutes!
23
Dick Hostelley returned to the podium to present well deserved awards to a
number of volunteers. A list of Service Award recipients appears on page 7.
Other awards presented at the awards banquet were:
The Hawksbill Award, named for the highest elevation in PATC territory, was conceived
118 PARk stReet, s.e.,
by Jim Tomlin in 2011. This award allows each chapter, crew, section, committee, district
ViennA, VA 22180‑4609
www.PAtc.net and formally recognized PATC group to honor one of its members who has made a
issn 098‑8l54
(continued on p.2)
PAtc Meeting And AwARds BAnquet
(continued from P.1)
significant contribution above and beyond the Service
Award. A list of Hawksbill awardees appears on page 6.
The Myron Avery Award is presented to one club member who
has provided great service to PATC within the last year. The
Myron Avery Award, the highest honor PATC bestows, was
pAwArpnaesp s Heprnerotecnesidoean rtbaitoyerynd P FtAroeiwv sKiead erYendnedsta arJwlo lMe hWrnee mphHrybeetesdeer.rnsihctekidp t otAo Pw:eatred B rown for 2014. dAkinesydcnu Bsoestleels es gtPhReAeo kVceeiV Rni leA RwtiicAo Rcn AAinMl thBhiPseet lsolhR oeincf AAclen dPdAAoRRA kch R VeAelkl ey.
• Tom Barber for his work at John’s
Rest and Old Rag Cabins
• Jim Corwith, editor of the
PATC Online Calendar
• Michael Dennis, GPS Ranger
equipment consultant
• Paul Alderman, Wade Aylor, Ken Frohnert, and
Det Wilkins, for their work with the Wilderness
• WBtdhuielorliir rSnk mcg Fh utouhlrmeecs eK a tcioenk n tetnrrha eaendn swydp iP olZdretaoe rkmen STaeotsoeslw lraeieanrrelb sac e ouornpgf es Sttrhrp fueoo ctrmts iuyoolsnuvea n pontrfai oaijne ct hAcodPoniPRnoAesRlceeAtRdcoV hRcAi onRAlocnlny et AetRxgiAPeuitlceo u nt.iVe
• Stoneybrook Farms for their outstanding support of the
hikers and crew members at Blackburn Trail Center
Details on these awardees appear on p. 3.
In addition, 50 year member acknowledgements
went to William H. Oscanyan, III; Allan B.
Tanner; Barry and Zenia Bielsker; Peter P. Lord;
Laurence and Ruth Liston; and John Shores.
FC•ion mPalrmleys,ii tdDteeanen ta: DnDnuioceukwn eHckeoed,s tctehhlleae iy2r 0o1f4 t hEel eEctleiocnti ornessu lts: edleuelceetwcitoeinoken R sAe nscunhlAotiusRn. dcAens the
• Vice President-Volunteerism: Steve O’Connor
• Vice President-Operations: John Hedrick
• Treasurer: Joe Lombardo
• Secretary: Tom Avey
• Supervisor of Marketing: Emeline Otey
• Supervisor of Membership: Rick Canter
• Supervisor of Communications: Alan Day
• Supervisor of Trails: Wayne Limberg
• Supervisor of Lands: Bill Downes
• Supervisor of Activities: Rush Williamson
• Supervisor of Facilities: Mel Merritt
Owhiasus tf goawouiran rygde ePadrAs Ta o Cpf ls aPeqrruveeisci doe efa nastp ppJrorehescindi aeHtnioet.dnr fiockr —Edna Baden PshAyosMssBitneoglll itcehAye lA ltnyo—dR colhue ftotgf toloien ARgdig PehRRtse,s hPiiRdPee—snitd eJnoht‑ne lheecdtR dicickk.
All Annual Meeting photos by Stanley Turk
2 January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian
PAtc honoRs ouR Best, BRightest
And Most dedicAted
PATC recognizes outstanding achievement made on
behalf of the club by both members and non-members.
In addition to the Hawksbill and Service awards,
which are presented by committees, crews, chapters
or sections, the following awards were presented by
club officers during the Nov. 18 annual meeting.
Note: Nomination write-ups may have been edited for
Dick Hostelly presents Zoe Sollenberger with an Appreciation Award
grammar, style and in some cases brevity. –Editor
for leading a team of mules on the Kennedy Peak restoration.
surveying equipment for the club at the
AppreciAtion AwArds do damage to
lowest possible cost. He then worked
John's Rest if it fell the wrong way.
Primarily for non-members, this award For Old Rag Cabin, he helped cut and closely over a significant period of time
is given to individuals or groups who haul donated logs from his property with PATC volunteers to help establish
have made some special contribution to that we used to replace rotten logs surveying protocols and procedures for
the club and our objectives. Recipients at the cabin. He has been on several a variety of tasks. Without his efforts,
could include government officials ORC work trips and most recently the GPS Rangers would have had a
(federal, state, local) who have assisted ran the trencher for the power line. much more difficult launch and would
the club in our activities; individuals who not have been able to get up to speed
have donated land or facilities; retired Jim corwith as quickly. Michael continues as an
PATC employees; or anyone else who Nomination by John Corwith adviser to the group and quickly and
has helped the club in a significant way. fully answers all land surveying-related
The individual or group is nominated My father, Jim Corwith has been editor questions we pose to him. The GPS
by a PATC member or employee and of the PATC online calendar for over Rangers volunteers would like to show
approved by PATC council. Awardees two years. He took on this role with their appreciation of all of his expert,
receive a plaque recognizing the only a little arm twisting even though valuable, and freely-donated help.
award with the name of the person or he lives a day's drive away and has
Paul Alderman, wade Aylor, ken frohnert
group and the name of the award. never participated in any other PATC
and det wilkins
events/activities. He is dedicated to
tom Barber
the task and works hard to update Nomination by Frank Haas
Nomination by John Corwith the calendar on a daily basis and even
Several non-PATC members work
(previously awarded) does so while traveling/on vacation.
with the Wilderness Work Force. They
He raised three Eagle Scouts and had
Tom Barber, Steve Barber's son, has a we grown up in the area, I'm sure we contribute their efforts in the wilderness
terminal brain tumor and I'd like to would all have been members of PATC. area of Spotsylvania County, Va.
recognize his contributions to the club They have been working with regular
before it is too late. Tom has helped Michael dennis members for eight or ten years or so. The
Steve on numerous occasions doing Nomination by Jim Tomlin shelter at the Gordon Flank Attach was
maintenance on John's Rest. On one repainted. The road to the work barn was
occasion, he helped remove a difficult A professional land surveyor working confronted with much erosion; water bars
dead tree that was in a position to pro bono for PATC, Michael has been were installed to direct water to the east
instrumental and down to VA 20. The fitness trail at
in the selection Germanna College was restored for use.
of surveying At the same location, the remnants of
equipment and Governor Spotswood house and castle
the establishment were cleared of debris. This is part of what
of surveying they have been doing these past few years.
procedures for
Bill schumacker and Zoe sollenberger
the PATC GPS
Rangers. Michael Nomination by Alan Day
worked closely with
PATC appreciates the support that
PATC volunteers
Bill and Zoe provided to the Kennedy
and surveying
Peak Tower reconstruction project
equipment
by using their mules to transport
companies to
equipment needed to complete this
identify the
“map N Angels:” Jennifer Azzariti, Todd Kutyla and their two difficult effort. It would have been
most appropriate
children were largely responsible for the update of PATC map N.
January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian 3
available to provide shelter overseers
with “how-to” advice to repair shelters
and had replaced numerous shelter
roofs throughout our region.
Henry is currently assisting with inside
repairs at the Appalachian Trail Museum
and works closely with Boy Scout
troops to provide volunteer projects. He
has been active in assisting numerous
scouts to achieve Eagle Scout status
by providing appropriate projects. In
his spare time he is the project lead for
constructing a new shelter at Dicks
Dome in Northern Virginia. The
PATC President Dick Hostelly (right) recognizes 50‑year member Allan Tanner. Ed Garvey shelter in Maryland was
constructed under Henry’s supervision
and he remains the shelter overseer.
impossible to restore the tower for safe for 11 years. This is a very important
use by hikers without this equipment. position and Henry is responsible for The fact that our shelters are recognized
planning and supervising all shelter by hikers as some of the best maintained
stoneybrook farm
construction and arranging for significant shelters along the AT and on other
Nominated by Chris Brunton maintenance work trips. He works trails is a positive testimony to Henry’s
closely with the supervisor of facilities professional expertise, dedication, and
Stoneybrook Farm has been a great to plan for new shelters and prepares commitment to excellence. Each year
supporter of the Blackburn Trail Center and submits the shelter budget. He he dedicates hundreds of hours working
this season. On numerous occasions approves all shelter expense vouchers. with crews and shelter overseers to insure
they drove to Blackburn to bring
our shelters are maintained to the highest
hikers food and give hikers shuttles During his tenure, he has personally
possible standards. Henry is clearly
at no charge. They cook meals for the constructed, with his shelter crew, some
deserving of the Life Membership award.
Blackburn crews using their home seven shelters throughout PATC and has
grown produce. In early spring they coordinated the construction on many John shannon
cut a hazardous tree at a very reduced others. These shelters are sometimes in
Nomination by Iva Gillet, Dan
price and last month several of their remote areas and Henry must compile
Ralston, and Andy Willgruber
members spend a very long day helping the bill of materials, arrange for the
to install the new Hiker Cabin roof. delivery of construction material, perform John Shannon has worked tirelessly
the site preparation and then obtain
on PATC trails for 28 years, clearing
HonorArY LiFe the necessary approval documentation.
fallen trees, removing encroaching
MeMbersHip AwArds This coordination involves significant
brush, cleaning and building waterbars,
personal time and travel, which Henry
regrading trails, and removing invasive
Nominees are typically long-time has always been willing to accomplish.
plants. An original member of the
members who have contributed to
Charlottesville Chapter, formed in 1986,
many areas of the club and shown Constructing a shelter for our hikers
John regularly heads up trail work along
outstanding performance over a long is a technical challenge and requires
the club’s section of the Appalachian
period of time. Honorary Life Members skills not normally available in
Trail between Rockfish and McCormick
are treated as Life Members of the club; our volunteer base. Henry excels
Gaps, and he is likewise available to
no further dues payment is required of in designing and completing these
help others with their trails. He is an
that individual. Awardees also receive shelters, which sometimes takes two
active member of the Flying McLeods,
a plaque identifying the award and to four months. He always emphasizes
formed by Mark Gatewood in 2007
an appropriate memento emblazoned safety on the job and despite the heavy
to control trail erosion in the South
with their name and the name of the construction material, there have been
District of Shenandoah National Park.
award. Nominees are nominated by no major accidents on his work trips.
a member of the club and awards are John previously served as overseer of
He has constructed 10 privies (some
approved by the PATC council. the Furnace Mountain Trail for some
composting) at many locations and
14 years. He served as president of the
henry horn has worked with the Deaf School to
Charlottesville Chapter for a dozen
construct other privies. He recently
Nomination by John Hedrick years, followed by several years as
replaced a number of rotted logs at the
newsletter editor. As for paperwork,
Henry has been a member of PATC Hightop and Old Rag shelter huts,
John has spent countless hours over
for 14 years and is presently the Shelter thereby saving Shenandoah National
the years keeping chapter records.
Construction lead, a position he has held Park considerable dollars. He is always
4 January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian
John has participated in many special including a new pole, underground nominees and the nominee cannot
PATC projects, including the Dunlodge cable, and replacement of an aging be a current member of the PATC
Cabin and property restoration, the AT and corroding panel box. He also executive committee. The awardee
trail relocation near Calf Mountain, arranged for the code inspection. will have their name engraved on a
ice-storm cleanup in 2006 and 1998, This project required four site visits, bronze nameplate with the year of
and Hurricane Isabel cleanup in 2003. and many hours of planning and the award and the nameplate will be
More recently, he has devoted many negotiating on PATC’s behalf. attached to a plaque located at PATC
hours to removing invasive plants. John headquarters. The recipient will also
will undoubtedly continue to direct time Other projects Kendall has carried out receive an appropriate memento with
and energy toward keeping the AT and include moving heaters and light switches their name and the name of the award
surrounding trails in top shape for the and rewiring to allow for the new emblazoned on the item. The award can
many people who use and enjoy them. double French doors in the living room only be awarded to an individual once.
and dining room, installing three new
Pete Brown
HonorArY MeMbersHip exterior porch lights and a floodlight,
AwArds installing a new circuit and four outside Nomination by Mary and Dewey Clark
outlets, and installing additional
Presented to a non-member for a fixed kitchen circuits and outlets, including a Pete Brown is district manager for the
amount of time, up to a life membership, microwave outlet over the kitchen range. North Chapter and has long been looked
for a significant contribution to the club. up to as the leader of this group of trail
The awardee will have full membership As this nomination is being written volunteers. He has created a culture
privileges for that amount of time Kendall is finishing the installation of collaboration and camaraderie that
designated in the award. The awardee of a new heater and thermostat for enables this small group to accomplish
will receive a plaque with their name the kitchen, and reconfiguring the an extraordinary amount of work. In the
and the name of the award. Nominees other heat circuits so renters cannot last year, this has included four major
are nominated by a PATC member or run up the club’s electric bill. “construction” projects: remodeling Little
employee and approved by PATC council. Cove cabin, building the Charlie Irvin
A bonus has been Kendall’s promptness
shelter, replacing the Silberman bridge,
kendall whyte in responding to our needs, patience and developing a state-of-the-art North
with our changing requirements, and the
Nomination by Jim Peterson Chapter website. Under Pete’s leadership,
overall quality and neatness of his work.
the North Chapter Yankee Clippers
Kendall Whyte, a licensed electrician in worked on these projects simultaneously!
MYron AverY AwArd
Martinsburg W.V., is nominated for an
honorary five-year membership for his Last August, PATC leaders, forest
The highest honor presented by the club,
continuous volunteer service to PATC service staff and other guests joined the
it is awarded to a single individual for
for the past five years in the restoration Yankee Clippers to celebrate the official
outstanding volunteer activity over the
and reconstruction of the Little Cove dedication of Little Cove cabin. While
past year. The activity can be in any area
cabin. During that period Kendall has work on Little Cove began several
and must be of a clearly extraordinary
made 12-15 trips to the cabin and has years ago, this past year Pete organized
nature. The nominee must be a PATC
worked an estimated 100 hours on site. 10 weekend work trips to complete
member and nominated by a PATC
In addition, he probably spent another 50 major renovations to this once decrepit
member. The Executive Committee
hours planning and researching solutions, hunting lodge. This beautifully rebuilt
will choose the candidate from the
acquiring materials and traveling to the
site. Using a conservative hourly rate, the
value of this service is estimated to exceed
$10,000. But the value of Kendall’s work
goes far beyond its monetary value.
On his first visit Kendall corrected
many unsafe situations, some of
which were code violations, and he
did the rewiring necessary for the
installation of a new cabin roof.
The construction of the new porch
required the relocation of the electrical
service entry. Kendall negotiated a
solution with an uncooperative electric
utility, obtained assurances that the
solution would pass electrical code
inspection, obtained materials, and Can you hear me now? John Hedrick presents Pete brown (on the phone) with his myron
planned or carried out all installation, Avery Volunteer of the Year award. robert Wise stood in to pick up the award.
January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian 5
2014 hAwksBill AwARd winneRs
This award is presented by each crew, district,
committee, chapter, section, Trail Patrol, and SMRG
to a PATC member who has shown outstanding
volunteer performance over the last year.
The award, named for the highest vertical elevation (4,050 ft.)
in PATC’s territory, was developed to fill the niche between the
PATC Service Award (which many of our worthy volunteers
receive on a regular basis) and the Myron Avery Award,
our highest honor, presented to one volunteer annually.
PATC leadership recognized that many individuals go
(left to right) Dick Hostelley, barry bielsker, edna baden, above and beyond to help their PATC group. We have given
Zenia bielsker. The bielskers are 50‑year members. each PATC group the ability to acknowledge this high
level of service by one special individual for the year.
cabin features a three-sided wraparound porch, gourmet
awardee nominated by
kitchen, custom stone work, finely crafted interior wood work,
and many other features. Pete carefully coordinated this Gregory J. bayens Potomac Heritage Trail
complex cabin reconstruction, all of which (except for some Glen breining bears Den
electrical work) was performed by Yankee Clippers primarily Gary P. bruner Yankee Clippers
using materials found on the 160-acre Little Cove property. beverley Carver AT SNP South
Thanks to Pete’s leadership and coordination, working with margaret Chapman Hikes
construction guru Al Black and cabin overseer Gene Leese, Dorsey Counts Spotsylvania
the Yankee Clippers transformed this property into one of Anstruther Davidson Cabins reservations
the most sought-after cabins in the PATC rental system. Carey Dueweke Potomac Appalachian
Joanne Fenninger Greater manassas
Work on constructing the Charlie Irvin shelter also occurred Doug Ford mutton Hollow
during this past year. The major challenge was transporting marit Anderson Gay Charlottesville Chapter
two tons of materials across a newly created half-mile stretch roger b. Hanson GPS rangers
of decomposing granite ridge trail atop the Tuscarora. When Charles Hillon manassas National battlefield Park
hopes of a National Guard helicopter drop vanished, Pete David A. House AT maryland
led the effort to carry to the shelter site 65 6”x12’ logs, 20 John Huennekens Acme Treadway
80-pound bags of concrete, 900 feet of framing lumber, 32 David randy Jackson Cabins maintenance
pieces of standing seam metal roofing, floor boards, posts, richard J. Kafka Activities
roof decking, and other materials and tools, as well as the Cindy l. Kelly Trail Patrol
generator. On the day the crew gathered at the material mike leo Flying macleods
staging area, amid the expected grousing, Pete simply picked Christopher e. looney blackburn Trail Center
up a load and everyone else followed. Actual construction Jayne mayne 2015 biennial
of the shelter then began in earnest, with the metal roofing Jeff monroe maps Committee
slated for carry-in and installation in late September. michael J. moran Wolf Trap
Jessica murphy Communications
The third project involved rebuilding the access bridge
russell muter manassas National battlefield Park
to Silberman cabin. Not merely a pedestrian bridge, the
David Nebhut SNP North
Silberman bridge had to be engineered to handle vehicle
James H. Peterson lands
traffic, including the 40-ton dump trucks that carry stone
rick Purvis manassas bullrunners
for the cabin access road. Amidst the other construction
richard rooney Staff Director Selection
work trips, Pete coordinated multiple Saturday work events
George m. ruben Headquarters
where the Yankee Clippers stained the timbers, removed the
Kathleen e Seiler North Chapter
existing deck, and installed the new timbers along with side
John Stacy Spooky beavers
rails on the 45-foot bridge spanning Aughwick Creek.
Pete Taylor Tuscarora South
Jeffrey l. Testerman Facilities
Another major “construction” project on Pete’s schedule
James Thompson maryland metro
was redesigning the North Chapter website, which is now
richard Weyrick AT mosby District
informative, creative, and should prove to be an effective
Patrick A. Wilson SNP Central
recruiting tool. Pete identified a retired IT professional to
michael D. Wingeart President's Selection
volunteer to build this state-of-the-art website. Pete then
David Ziobro Pennsylvania
encouraged contributions to the website and along with the web
(continued on p. 22)
6 January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian
t
seRVice AwARds
h
A
These awards are presented to members who have outstanding n
volunteer service over the current year. Nominees are k
y
selected by the crew leader, district manager, committee o
u
chairman or president of the chapter/section. Awardees
receive a certificate with their name and the award title and
at their option a rocker bar with the name of the award.
Peter Aagaard Anne Corwith Fritz Gottschalk Gene leese Jeff Paccione Joseph Stielper
bruce Agnew Jim Corwith maston Gray richard leslie Wendy Pacek Janis Stone
John Allen John Corwith Charlie Gutberlet rachel levin Glenn Palatini russ Strosnider
mark Allen Kevin Costello Charlie Gutridge Denny libby Sean Palmer James Surdukowski
michael Allen Dorsey Counts Frank Haas Wayne limberg Dick Peacock leigh Surdukowski
Terry Allen Steph Danahy Hal Hallett lawrence linebrink melanie Perl David Sylvester
mark Anderson Steve Dannenfeldt Ceresa Haney Charles little James Peterson Jim Tabor
Ken Andrews Anstr Davidson roger Hanson James little robert Pickett Hardcharger Taylor
luke Arbogast Don Davis Georgia Harris robert livezey Catherine Pipan Harry Thie
William Archer Howard Davis Peter Harris eugene locke laurie Potteiger Kathleen Thie
Cynthia Ardecki Alan Day michael Heckman robert look richard Potteiger Pat Thomas
Janet Arici Saleena DeVore Peter Hedrich Don looney David Proffitt James Thompson
bob Athey bill Downes John Hedrick John lord Andrew Protigal Carole Tomhave
Todd Athey Daniel Dueweke Adam Henderson Jack luksik Dan Pulskamp roger Tomhave
Jonathan Atkins richard Dugan Tex Herbel Dennis lykins rick Purvis Keith Tondrick
esther Aulthouse marilyn Duncan Clyde Hicks Kathy lykins Ted rabkin robert Torla
Tom Avey Scott Duncan Harry Hicock Ian macKay Dan ralston David Trone
Jennifer Azzariti michael Dyas ellen Hill Charlie macleod Ash rao Glen Tsaparas
edna baden bette Dzamba Charles Hillon Doug madej Joseph raynor J Tucker
Steve bair Dick eagan John Hobler Justin maimone michael reese Jen Tullman
Christy barber brandon easley John Holman Chris mangold marie restrepo Stanley Turk
Stephen barber larry eavey mark Holsteen lee manning richard rhoades Dee utz
Dick batiste mark ellis Dick Hostelley rick marsalek James rice Dan Varela
Gregory bayens melvin ellis Greg Houchens David martin russell riggs mike Wagner
Alvin black Kirsten elowsky John Huennekens Kenneth may Jon rindt Diana Wahl
Paul blackman robert england Charles Hughes John mcCrea Katherine rindt George Walters
Gordon bradford eliza beth engle Douglas Humphrey bob mccullough richard rooney Heather Warren
John bridges David erdman Timothy Hupp elizabeth mcGowan Thomas rostek John Watson‑Jones
ed brimberg Audrey ewin Tom Hutchings Tom mcIntosh George ruben George Weissbach
bob brown David Fellers Jim Hutzler matthew mcleod Thomas ryan Dale Welter
Karen brown Joanne Fenninger Dan Innamorato Jeanne mcSorley David Saah William Wentz
lindsay brown Victor Fickes robert Jennings George meek Keith Salley Allen Wheeler
Peter brown michael Filchock mike Johnson Ann melle Alex Sanders Gene Whitaker
Kathleen brumberger Peter Fink robert Johnson Scott miller randy Sanders bea White
Gary bruner Curtis Finney Thomas Johnson Peter minderman Catherine Savel bruce White
Chris brunton George Finney Dave Jordahl Charlie miracle John Schell Donald White
Casey buboltz Tawnya Finney Thomas Jorgensen Jeff monroe bob Scott Ken White
ron bungay Jim Finucane lou Juliana Francis moran eric Seaborg David Wilcox
Frank burke Christopher Firme Jay Jupiter Chip morgan Jeffrey Seal Karl Wilkerson
Heather Callahan ben FitzGerald richard Kafka Stef morris Kathleen Seiler Andrew Willgruber
lynn Cameron randall Flynn leonard Keifer randy motz David Sellers Ken Williams
malcolm Cameron William Ford Cynthia Kelly edwin murawski michael Seth Pam Williams
laura Campbell Noel Freeman mills Kelly matthew murray Philip Shanholtzer rush Williamson
richard Canter robert Freeman eric Keltz Peter muschamp John Shannon melanie Wilson
beverley Carver ralph Frink J. J. King russell muter lee Sheaffer Patrick Wilson
Scott Cates lynn Gallagher Susan King Jerry Naeve Kit Sheffield robert Wise
margaret Chapman ray Galles Gregg Kneipp barbara Nash Karen Shull Douglas Wolf
Dewey Clark David Garman robert lake David Nebhut rima Silenas Jackie Wolf
mary Clark betty Gatewood Alexandra lampros mark Nelson Zoe Sollenberger Tom Wolf
robert Clark mark Gatewood Jeffrey landis robert Nelson Thomas Sowers Joe Wood
James Clary Peter Gatje Joann langston Heather Niemela James Speicher Constance Wright
mike Cohn marit Gay robin laskowski Kate Nolan John Spies David Wurst
Nick Colombo Alan Gerber rob lauchner lynn olson John Stacy John Zampino
Trish Colombo Patricia Getty robert laughlin rhett orndorff Patrick Stark David Ziobro
Doug Connell Iva Gillet Joseph laws Kelly o'rourke James Stauch
John Conover ellen Glynn michael leahy Stephen osbrach George Stepanovich
larry Corcoran Jean Golightly Peter leComte emeline otey richard Stickley
January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian 7
dick’s Musings
For the past two years I have been
PATC’s vice president—volunteerism,
during which time I have had an
opportunity to see the many facets of this
club. I have been very impressed with
the work done by our many volunteers
and their dedication in maintaining
trails, huts, shelters and cabins. I am
excited about this opportunity to be
a voice for PATC as your president.
My predecessor John Hedrick has
laid a strong foundation for the new
EXCOM to build upon. The club
is in a strong financial position for
PATC President Dick Hostelley met this fellow in Fort William, Scotland. “I introduced
growth and sustainability due to
myself, but he held his lips as tight as a steel trap, and said not a thing,” Hostelley says
his leadership. Thank you, John!
Photo courtesy of Dick Hostelley
The first challenge facing EXCOM
things planned and in order. The big foundation on which the club will
will be to develop a strategic plan
hiccup at present is software. Computers continue to grow and sustain itself.
that outlines a disciplined approach
are wonderful, except when they do
to producing fundamental decisions not do what you want them to do. Like to comment? Send your thoughts
and actions that shape and guide what to: [email protected].
PATC is, what it does, and why it I look forward to serving you, PATC’s
does it, with a focus on the future. membership, as president, and I pledge -DICK
that I will perform my duties as your The measure of who we are is what we do
PATC is financially strong. Now let us
president in a professional, ethical, and with what we have.—Vince Lombardi
work on being strong with diversity in
thoughtful manner. The presidents
membership. The club must recruit,
who have served before have laid a
engage and retain a younger and more
diverse demographic. I encourage
EXCOM, when developing the PATC VolunteeR of the Month
strategic plan, to follow the Appalachian RoB lAuchneR
Trail Conservancy (ATC), which
addressed diversity in its strategic Plan Rob has been working on trails for
as “Broader Relevancy,” which states, in many years. Back in the 1990s, he was a
part: “Engage with and connect…to a PATC overseer in Shenandoah National
younger and a more diverse audience…” Park, working alongside the likes of
Phil Fosterman and Anneliese Ring,
Another area EXCOM will be looking to
who was supervisor of trails at the time.
address is how the present website reflects
Rob, Phil and Anneliese were regulars
PATC’s character and personality. We
of the Blue and White Crew in SNP.
will encourage those who have left our
membership to come back into the fold. Rob moved to Colorado—home of the
Additionally, the club must look at ways Rocky Mountains—in 1999 and became
to garner funding through donations, a volunteer maintainer of the Colorado
grants, planned giving, monthly giving Trail. His section in the Collegiate Range
and other means to ensure long-term of Chaffee County was a long drive from
financial success. As well, we must update home and very difficult to hike to.
our outdated Land Management Plan.
Rob returned from Colorado to
In the new year, PATC’s primary Maryland in 2011, and decided to get
challenge is the 2015 Biennial back to PATC trail stewardship. He
Conference, for which Lee Shaeffer, met up with the South Mountaineers
Rush Williamson and their steering Volunteer of the month rob lauchner. and has become the overseer of the
committee are hard at work getting Photo by Sharon Lauchner Thurston Griggs Trail and nearby
8 January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian
sections of the Appalachian Trail
either side of Pogo Campsite. He
officially became the overseer in the
summer of 2013. The tread repairs on
the Griggs Trail are his handiwork.
Rob has also helped by weeding trails
on crew workdays, starting at 6 or
7 a.m., in the muggy air of summertime.
Along with his wife Sharon, he mows
the Appalachian Trail's open areas in
Weverton, Fox Gap and Turners Gap.
Rob's professional expertise is in GIS,
and he has the maps on the walls of
his home to prove it. Not just any
old maps, but a rather unique and
eclectic assortment. Rob is currently
between jobs; he has spent that free
time working for PATC and getting
his fixer-upper house in great shape.
Rob is an avid hiker; he has thru-
hiked the Pacific Crest Trail and
section-hiked most of the AT. He John Hedrick and Antietam Superintendent Susan Trail.
Photo by Jane Custer/NPS
also enjoys biking rail-trails and
canoeing. Sharon and Rob live near
the Appalachian Trail in Maryland. PAtc Adds new MARylAnd nAtionAl
BAttlefield PARks tRAil distRict
PATC thanks Rob Lauchner for
all of his dedication and good
Let the cannons virtually roar again!
deeds he performs for the club.
On Nov. 3, 2014, PATC President John Hedrick and Antietam National Battlefield
—Sharon Lauchner and Rick Canter
Park Superintendent Susan Trail signed a Memorandum of Understanding for trail
maintenance at the park. Also in attendance were PATC’s Supervisor of Trails Jon
Know a PATC volunteer who goes “above
Rindt; Jane Custer, chief of the Resource Management Division at Antietam; and
and beyond”? Nominate him or her for
PATC District Manager Jim Tomlin.
Volunteer of the Month! Send nominations
to Rick Canter at [email protected].
PATC has now officially added its 25th trail district and 13th formal collaboration
with a national park.
Located in Sharpsburg, Md., Antietam National Battlefield was the scene of the
highest number of casualties (23,000) in one day of battle in all of U.S. history, on
Sept. 17, 1862. Through this agreement, PATC will maintain a majestically scenic
and historically fascinating trail network at Antietam, comprising 12 trails and 13.4
miles, as part of the new PATC Maryland National Battlefield Parks District.
From the grassy paths around the Cornfield and the memorials along Bloody Lane
to a quiet streamside walk along Antietam Creek, Antietam battlefield has many
delightful trails in store for any hiker, especially history buffs. See http://www.nps.
gov/anti/planyourvisit/upload/Hiking-2011.pdf for more information about the trails.
PATC is proud to assist Antietam National Battlefield Park staff with the upkeep and
improvement of these trails. Many thanks to all of the PATC volunteers who have
stepped forward to volunteer to oversee a section of trail at Antietam. This duty is quite
an honor for PATC.
Keep an eye out on the “Help Wanted” section of the PA for available
opportunities to oversee a trail or be part of an ad hoc trail crew at Antietam.
For more information, contact [email protected].
—Submitted by Perry O. Bear
January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian 9
foRecAst
chAPteRs W. Va. However, anyone, regardless of get together with the members of area groups.
where they reside, may request to join Check out the Forecast calendar on the PATC
charlottesville chapter the chapter’s Yahoo group (www. groups. website www.patc.net for information.
The Charlottesville Chapter hikes every yahoo.com/group/ PATCWest). The group trail Patrol
Saturday; summer, winter and in between. is open to anyone interested in chapter
Trail Patrol volunteers are PATC’s goodwill
Hikes are usually 8 to 10 miles with some events but only current PATC members may
ambassadors to the hiking public. They
shorter hikes. We usually maintain trails post messages to the group. Hikes, trail
provide a visible, reassuring presence on
on the last Saturday of the month. meet at work trips and other activities are generally
the trails, and strive to educate the public
Albemarle High School in Charlottesville scheduled from march through December.
on good hiking practices, minimum impact
at 9 a.m. with food and water for the day. INFo: Dave Jordahl [email protected].
hiking and camping ethics. Patrol members
The majority of hikes are in the South and
are trained in land navigation, emergency
Central Districts of SNP, with some in the sPeciAl inteRest sections
procedures and personal equipment.
North District and in George Washington
INFo: murry moskowitz (trailpatrol@patc.
National Forest. Chapter hikes are posted ski touring section (sts)
net) or www.patc.net/trailpatrol.
at www.patc‑charlottesville.blogspot.com/ Since 1974, the STS has served to provide
(select Hike Schedule from the menu) cross‑country skiing experiences for beginner other clubs’ hikes
INFo: Iva Gillet ([email protected]) or through expert. The section sponsors We include these hikes to give members
Dan ralston ([email protected]) winter weekend ski trips to the mountains in more chances to hike. Please note that
maryland, West Virginia and Pennsylvania; there is no charge to go on a PATC hike,
north chapter
there are also more extensive trips that travel unless specifically stated. For many of
The North Chapter conducts monthly trail
west, north and across the ocean. Social these clubs there is a charge if you are
work trips on the maryland and Pennsylvania
events are scheduled throughout the year. not a member of their organization.
sections of the AT and Tuscarora Trail. We
If you share a respect for nature and enjoy capital hiking club
also lead hikes on these and other trails.
maryland AT work trips are generally held outdoor exercise, peaceful scenic trails, and (www.capitalhikingclub.org) and wanderbirds
on the first and third Saturdays; contact cheerful, goodhearted companions, join STS. (www.wanderbirds.org) hike on Saturdays
leonard Keifer ([email protected]). INFo: rob Swennes and Sundays, traveling by bus and leaving
Pennsylvania work trips are generally held [email protected]. from downtown, with suburban stops as well.
on the AT on the first Saturday and on the Mountaineering section center hiking club
Tuscarora on the third Saturday; contact We’re a diverse group of local D.C.‑area (www.centerhikingclub.org) and sierra club
Pete brown ([email protected]) climbers who share a common interest in (www.dc.sierraclub.org) hike on Saturdays
410/343‑1140. Pennsylvania AT work trips promoting safe climbing, conserving the and Sundays using carpools. Schedules
also include an optional Saturday dinner outdoors, developing new climbers’ skills, are available at PATC Headquarters.
at the Gypsy Spring Cabin. For information representing the Washington‑area climbing
northern Virginia hiking club
on upcoming hikes, contact Chris Firme at community and having fun! We provide
717/794‑2855 or [email protected]. instruction for those wanting to learn the (www.nvhc.com/) offers an amazing
Chapter home page is www.north.patc.net. basics—we are not a school, but we can number and variety of outdoor activities.
get you started. our climbs are local or west Virginia highland conservancy
northern shenandoah Valley chapter
further afield, nearly every weekend. In (www.wvhighlands.org) outings
The NSVC Chapter is now in the process of
the winter, we organize trips for beginning are mostly in W. Va.
reorganizing to build a chapter that has a focus
and advanced ice climbers. Please visit our
in line with that of the club and provides each
website at www.potomacmountainclub.org/. Meetings
member the opportunity to help build and direct
INFo: Andrew Weinmann at 540/550‑6522
the club in its activities. For more information
or [email protected]. new Members
on becoming a member of the Chapter or
how to get involved in the reorganization PAtc hikes Third Wednesday of each month (verify
process contact the interim Chapter President PATC offers diverse organized hikes. on in the Forecast). Curious about the club?
brian Heflin at [email protected]. weekends and weekdays, there are family Current, new and non‑members are
hikes tailored to kids; natural history hikes welcome to come and learn about PATC.
southern shenandoah Valley chapter
stalking the fascinating but often elusive INFo: Supervisor of membership,
For descriptions of hikes and work trips, go to flora and fauna of the region; hikes featuring [email protected]
www.ssvc.org or www.patc.net. We usually
varying levels of difficulty with the easy Hikers, Mountaineering ‑ second wednesday
hike in the southern and central districts
of the SNP and in the GWNF. Contact the midweek Hikers, and Vigorous Hikers; birding 7:30 p.m. except for August, or
listed hike leader for information about a hikes with experts to help sight and identify unless noted in the Forecast.
specific event, or contact malcolm Cameron, our avian neighbors; historical hikes tracking INFo: Andrew Weinmann
[email protected] or 750/234‑6273. little known structures in SNP; series hikes on (540/550‑6522 or [email protected])
a long trail or in a specific area; backpacking
west chapter trips; geology hikes focused on the unique shenandoah Mountain Rescue
group (sMRg) ‑ tuesday
The West Chapter is meant to serve those stratigraphy of our area; waterfall hikes to
residents who live in the area bounded beat the summer heat; and, outreach hikes to Group business meeting, 7:30 p.m.
by Frederick, md., to leesburg, Va., west INFo and next meeting date:
to Hancock, md. and to berkeley Springs, [email protected] or www.smrg.org
10 January 2015 • Potomac aPPalachian