Potomac Appalachian January 2017

24 Pages·2016·1.75 MB·English

THE NEWSLETTER OF THE POTOMAC APPALACHIAN TRAIL CLUB
JANUARY 2017 ‑ VOLUME 46, NUMBER 1
BANQUET ATTENDEES ENJOYED THE SPEAKERS AND
PRESENTATIONS. PHOTO BY STAN TURK
BIG ATTENDANCE, ELECTION UPSETS MARK PATC’S 89TH ANNUAL
MEETING & BANQUET
Don White Elected President as Club Enters 90th Anniversary Year
HIKER'S NOTEBOOK
More than 160 PATC members and guests gathered for the sold-out 89th Annual Meeting and
Awards Banquet at Meadowlark Gardens in Vienna, Va., on Thursday, Nov. 17. The elegant Atrium
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was filled with holiday lights and décor, and guests were greeted by the Abby Schaffer Quartet’s jazz
standards.
During happy hour, guests caught up with friends from the trail and perused a silent auction of
items donated by REI, Jim Zell, Stanley Turk, Pat Fankhauser, Mike Bucci, and Richard Rooney.
President Dick Hostelley and Vice President – Volunteerism Janis Stone conducted
the presentations of awards. The worthy recipients were featured in the evening’s
WHAT'S THAT program, with the exception of the one that by Club tradition is a guarded secret:
FLOWER? its highest honor, named for the club’s founding President, Myron Avery. This
year’s winner was Steve Bair. (Information about awardees begins on p. 8)
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Guest speaker Jim Northup, the superintendent of Shenandoah National Park, conveyed his love for
the park and its significance to the National Park Service, which celebrated its centennial in 2016.
Attendees were reminded that PATC is not itself too far behind in its longevity. The club will
celebrate its 90th anniversary next year. Attendees donned souvenir sunglasses that proclaimed,
“PATC looks at 90 – Our future is bright!”
continued on P. 3
PORTRAIT OF A
THRU‑HIKER
Remember this number!
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PATC’s CFC Number is: 91413
Attention all federal and military employees:
If you would like a simple and effective way to help
the club, please consider a donation to PATC during
118 PARK STREET, S.E.,
VIENNA, VA 22180‑4609 the Combined Federal Campaign (CFC) season. For the
WWW.PATC.NET National Capital Area, PATC’s CFC number is 91413. For the Chesapeake Bay campaign, please
ISSN 098‑8L54 refer to their charity list for the correct number. Thank you – your generosity is appreciated!
PATC 2016 ELECTION VIEWSHED Our Membership
RESULTS
Yes, we have close to, if not more than,
All y’all are truly ordinary people who 7,700 members of our club. That’s great!
do extraordinary things routinely!
Thank you and congratulations to the
What’s troubling is that, on average,
following members who were elected to
“Ordinary” people? 40 percent of our members do
serve as PATC Officers starting in 2017.
not renew their membership.
I’ve been an active member of our club
President Don White
since the late summer of 1990. I’ve never Why does this occur? We don’t know.
met a trail, shelter, or cabin overseer or We guess and guesstimate and we
Vice President
crew member or club officer who ever – offer anecdotes that may or may not
Operations Rush Williamson
ever – described her- or himself as anything point to reasons that so many members
Vice President Volunteerism Janis Stone but an ordinary “guy.” So, there’s that. leave us. But, we don’t know why.
Secretary Kirsten Elowsky Thank you very much to Dick Hostelley We will never satisfy everyone; we will
and those who served with him on the never have a year when no one leaves our
Treasurer Joe Lombardo Executive Committee and council for Club except by transfer or moving to
the fine work done over the past years. another area, retirement, or illness. We will,
Supervisor of Trails Jim Tomlin
That work is the basis on which your however, take the steps we must to help us
incoming council will build to further identify how we can specifically restore the
Supervisor of Lands Doug Humphrey
you and your activities in our club. confidence, enthusiasm, and commitment
Supervisor of Facilities Glen Tsaparas a member had when she or he joined.
Membership is a challenge to serve. Each
Supervisor of of us serves as best we can depending We can also set up and promote regional
Communications Anstr Davidson on our circumstances. But we’re not club activities that welcome individuals
comprised of members and volunteers, and families to meet and have fun.
Supervisor of Activities Pat Fankhauser shipmates. Each of us volunteered to
Our Chapters
become a member; we’re all members and
Supervisor of Marketing Emeline Otey
Membership is a Challenge to Serve.
Several chapter presidents have expressed
Supervisor of concerns over issues between their
If you’re interested in knowing about
Membership Steve McLaughlin communities and the club at large. We will
me, go to http://www.southshenandoah.
resolve these and resolve them quickly.
net/patc-contacts/a-t-district-manager.
The vote counts for the contested
html and drop me a line or call me. Now,
positions were as follows: Each member of a chapter is a member
let’s take a look at some other things:
of PATC and all members are highly
President: Dick Hostelley 113,
Our Website valued. Chapters have their own unique
Don White 183
composition and perspective because
The number one issue others have, and of their regions and the counties and
Supervisor of Lands: Ric Francke 66,
continue to complain about is our club’s cities or towns they serve. Chapters
Doug Humphrey 225
website. There are two primary areas at are, to their neighbors, the face, the
issue: the front end and how difficult it is spirit, and the sinew of the PATC.
to find something and the admin backend.
Our Sections
Multiple different databases have
During the 1930s, Myron Avery felt
to be manipulated to make some
confronted by what he saw as a divisive
semblance of working in concert,
element within the PATC: a number of
and this isn’t always the case.
members, who were very active with the
For instance, some who rent a cabin find club’s efforts to create and maintain the
out that they can’t rent a certain cabin Appalachian Trail, were also dedicated
because they are not club members. mountaineers and they wanted to set up
Determining this is after the fact a section for that sport. Letters flew back
and requires staff time to review all and forth and words were exchanged
online reservations made overnight. at meetings and on work trips.
I cannot give you a timetable but I promise Finally, in 1937, Avery and the
you that we will fix this as soon as possible. Council formally acknowledged the
Mountaineering Section, led by Paul Bradt.
Today, the PATC has two additional
special interest sections: the Shenandoah
2 JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
Mountain Rescue Group, or SMRG, Our PATC@90 BANQUET SUMMARY
and the Ski Touring Section.
CONTINUED FROM P.1
2017 is our 90th anniversary! This is our
We will ensure that the PATC time – our time as PATC to celebrate our
PATC Staff Director Brewster Thackeray
continues in harmony our association heritage and our tireless ongoing programs
introduced the people who manage the
with each of these sections. and projects on behalf of our public service.
club’s headquarters operation, putting
I’m looking for us to take on challenges to:
faces to the people that answer the
Our Outreach
phones and emails. Our freshest hire,
• Work with our partners to restore the
Rush Williamson, Patrick Wilson, Betty Finance Coordinator Tom Driggers, met
Land and Water Conservation Fund
Gatewood and others have established many members as he was hard at work
and nurtured outreach programs with • Build and support regional Speakers processing the evening’s payments.
various communities, local schools, Bureaus to represent our work locally
ELECTION 2016
and college and university groups (see
https://youtu.be/ne2DKpU8n-8). • Increase the number and
As happens at this event every two years,
broaden the scope of our Hikes
the Election Committee, led this year
That’s the core of our outreach, but we Program in our regions
by Dewey Clark, supervised the club’s
need to set up an ombudsman group that
will establish further, deeper contacts with • Set up “PATC Day” at regional elections for 2017-2018 elected officers.
communities and which will work with theme parks with discounted
Attending members were provided a
PATC members to do the field work. entry fees for members
ballot. In contrast to past years, a large
I don’t want to create a bureaucracy, These are just some of the things we can number of members had requested
although an ombudsman group may appear do. But we will not be able to do many of absentee ballots, of which 173 were
to be one. What we need is to coordinate them if only the few who have been elected received. The interest level was clearly
our efforts and give our neighbors a or appointed to serve on our Council have driven by a rare contested election.
single element they can reach that will to do it all. We are a club of members, each
Don White challenged incumbent
line up our people who will respond. of whom volunteered to be a member.
President Dick Hostelley, while Doug
We will work on this and I’ll Don’t be surprised if and when someone Humphrey ran against incumbent Ric
report our progress as I can. calls and asks you to help out with an event. Francke for Supervisor of Lands. Both
challengers were elected. The nominees for
Our Communication By the Way… the other 10 ExCom offices ran unopposed
and were affirmed by the voting process.
We must improve our communication We’re looking for a logo to help us promote
using all available media. We need our 90th Anniversary. Something like this: When all was said and done, the club
to get press releases, public service had begun an orderly transfer of power;
announcements, well-crafted videos, and recognized its leaders and core volunteers;
articles published to tell our story and tell those able to attend had enjoyed a terrific
it well. We also need to meld our various meal and entertainment; and the silent
social media ventures, each of which auction had generated more than $1,100.
seems to have been setup as the result of
PATC is grateful to Meadowlark Gardens,
individual rather than planned efforts.
managed by Northern Virginia Regional
If you’re thinking – “Propaganda!” – Park Authority, and the affiliated Great
no, you’re wrong. The Oxford Online Blue Heron Catering, for welcoming
Dictionary defines propaganda as: us and treating us exceptionally well.
“information, especially of a biased —Submitted by Brewster Thackeray
or misleading nature, used to
promote or publicize a particular Think this rocks? Think it doesn’t? Send
political cause or point of view” your idea and artwork to anniversary@
patc.net. All artwork becomes the
Yes, we need to promote our activities
property of the PATC; we will credit
and the work our members do for
you for your design, of course.
their communities and the public
at large. No, we will not slant our Cheers,
stories or mislead the public.
—Don White
We may need professional assistance
to bolster our communication efforts.
SNP Superintendent Jim Northup was the
However, that’s an idea that we keynote speaker. Photo by Stan Turk
haven’t researched or scoped, yet.
JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 3
My tenure as your President was rewarding credit for their efforts and dedication.
and challenging. The club’s leadership and They work together when times are tough,
I made progress on a number of fronts and constantly support each other.
and the 2015/2016 Executive Committee
and Council accomplished a great deal. The many volunteers that support the
organization’s efforts are remarkable.
We developed a strategic plan that we They form the club’s backbone. They
are implementing in many areas. [Ed. are a dedicated lot, doing things that
Note: You can read the strategic plan only can be imagined. There is not a
online at: http://www.patc.net/PATC/ task or job that cannot be considered
WHO_WE_ARE/Our_Mission___ for their resolve. Only projects requiring
Vision/PATC/Who_We_Are/Our_ heavy equipment give any pause.
Mission___Vision.aspx?hkey=e045008a-
e648-40ee-b257-edbdcd086929] The volunteer working base has many
skills, loaded with knowledge that most
We improved PATC financials to meet businesses would envy, and at a cost
the various requirements of a 501(c) 3 that cannot be beat, just the cost of
organization. We enacted new policies, materials – labor is free, we’re volunteers!
many of which replaced policies that
DICK’S MUSINGS were old or not well documented, So as I step down from leading this club
having instead been followed as a at the conclusion of its eighth decade,
matter of historical use. We rewrote I am both proud of what we achieved
This will be my last “Musing.” I ran for our personnel policies to make them in the past two years, and I will admit,
reelection but despite the support of current with present legal requirements saddened not to lead the completion
many, fell short in that effort. I would and best employment practices. of some projects about which I feel
like to thank those who expressed their passionately. I hope the groundwork I laid,
support of my efforts by voting for me, Thanks to the work of Charlie Balch, alliances I helped to build, and projects
and at the same time also salute those the Endowment Committee and Brown that are underway will endure through
who voted for Don White. Don ran on an Advisory, our financial endowment is the change of administration. PATC
ambitious platform that clearly resonated strong. As we look to grow our fundraising has had my heart and soul for a number
with many, and he has now undertaken prowess, the 2016 Blackburn 21 Campaign of years. Even those efforts that do not
the duties of President of PATC. that raised $30,000 toward the new septic succeed, I am proud to have promoted,
system at Blackburn Trail reflects our because they were part of that which I
The election was what I had requested from
membership’s dedication to our work. cherish most, my time with PATC.
Dewey Clark and the Election Committee:
one that was open to all. The contested I would be remiss if I did not thank the My calendar for next year may have become
election more than doubled other recent members of ExCom whose continued suddenly freer than I hoped it would,
turnouts; the fact that only four percent of support, suggestions, discussions, ideas, but I look forward to staying connected
PATC’s membership voted reflects there is and comments helped keep us focused with my PATC friends. Most of all, I look
much room for increased participation, and and on track to make PATC the club forward to seeing you out on the trails!
discussion of how that can be achieved. that it is. Of course, we also give the staff
—Dick Hostelley
VOLUNTEER OF THE MONTH NOMINATIONS
We all know one – or more… those PATC volunteers who go above and
beyond the “call of duty”, achieving extraordinary results on behalf of
the club. Help us recognize these special people by nominating them to
be Volunteer of the Month. They will be recognized both on the PATC
website and here in the PA. Nominations should be typed in Microsoft
Word. Nominations should be 400 words or less. Include notable PATC
accomplishments, current duties and outside organization involvement.
A brief biographical sketch may also be included. Pictures should
accompany every submission. Pictures should be in jpeg format, high
resolution and at least 300k. Send nominations to [email protected].
4 JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
LETTERS TO ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS Darrell says that the greatest appeal
THE EDITOR of volunteering for PATC is all of
the effort that everyone else puts
DARRELL MIDGETTE into making the organization run.
A Ray of Light Exposes the Rigged System
Assisting with the publications is a
at Work In speaking of his inclusion with other
way to make a small contribution to
To the Editor: PATC publications layout and design the greater endeavors of the PATC.
experts, Darrell Midgette says “I’m more
Thank you to whoever wrote the notice
of a satellite than planet in that particular ANNETTE REBELLATO
“PATC Needs Your Vote” in the September
solar system.” I couldn’t disagree more!
issue!
Annette has moved to Colorado and
This is a revealing note on how the system Having recently worked closely with we have almost lost touch with her, but
operates. Why should a nonprofit spending
Darrell on the revisions of the two not before she did the layout and design
$50,000 a year to mail newsletters require its
Tuscarora Trail Guides, Tuscarora South of the most recent version of “Hikes
members make a formal request for a ballot
and Tuscarora North, I have a special in the Washington Region, Part B”.
to vote for their representatives?
appreciation for Darrell’s skills in graphic
Just as numerous southern and Midwestern design and even more in the sometimes This publication is special for several
states have recently passed laws making less than smooth process of going from reasons. First because of the time elapsed
it more cumbersome for their citizens to a list of revisions to a finished, polished between the previous version and the
vote, PATC was on the game all along. product. This “other side” of Darrell’s new one, it required much more updating
The organization as a whole should be expertise has played a significant role than is usually the case; but an even more
ashamed that 200 diners elect officers to a
in other more distant PATC projects. important reason is that it was the first
7,500‑member organization.
hiking guide on which the writer of this
It bothers me to know that our officers Darrell has assisted with PATC nomination had served as co-editor and
have been sitting tight for years, getting publications since about 2008, when a so it had a special significance for her.
re‑elected, and not straightening out the former Cabins chairman “wrangled me into Before working on this guide, Annette
medieval, ballot restricting system. It should the PATC web,” he says. He worked on two did the layout and design for the 2013
bother you too. previous versions of the Cabins Book, 2008 edition of the Tuscarora South Guide.
Again it looks to the outsider that the and 2013, and most recently did the layout
system is designed for keeping the old and design - and most notably the new —Nominations submitted by Emeline
boys in charge, and giving short shrift covers - of the two Tuscarora Trail guide Otey, Supervisor of Marketing
to the members. Best practices would books. Darrell started out in traditional
suggest that obtaining a ballot should illustration and design, creating work for
be as simple as receiving a newsletter. roleplaying and strategy games, as well as
I recall REI does mail ballots. maps of Arthurian Britain. He embraced
PATC needs to move into the twenty‑first digital technologies with his first and last
century on ballot reform. Time for change, corporate employer and has been happily
snap those fingers. Doing nothing to resolve freelancing (post-corporate life) since 1999.
the matter should pretty much disqualify
those in charge.
I have sent [Staff Director Brewster]
Thackeray my request for a ballot and so
should you...even though the ballot has been
sanitized of third party candidates.
Respectfully,
Jeff Tucker
Editor’s Note: This letter was received prior
to the November 2016 election but due to an
oversight, was not published at the time.
JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 5
APPRECIATION AWARDS the Superintendent of Prince William YOUTH AWARD
Forest Park since 2009, ensuring close
collaboration between the park and the
RANGER CHARLES (CHUCK) AYRES club as we work together to ensure the EDDIE BECTON
PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST safety of park visitors on the 37 miles of
PARK, TRIANGLE, VA. hiking paths at the park. Examples of his Since her first crew trip on the southern
Pennsylvania Tuscarora Trail in April 2016,
work include setting a collaborative tone
Ranger Charles (Chuck) Ayres has been Eddie Becton has attended every Cadillac
for the park and club’s mutual benefit
with the National Park Service for 41 Crew work trip this year. From a hardy age
by meeting annually with the club’s
years; 39 of which have been at Prince six to a mature age seven, she has thrived
Supervisor of Trails and the Spooky
William Forest Park, Triangle, VA. on building the greatest trails the club
Beaver Crew Chief to maintain open
Chuck has been the main point of contact has ever seen. No lopper, shovel or pick is
dialogue about common issues and goals.
and key player in the trail management left still for very long as Eddie deploys it
Martinez recently approved a change to
partnership between the park and on the trail. Under the supervision of her
the paperwork needed for the Volunteers
the club for the past eight years. His many adopted crew Moms (and her real
in the Park program, significantly
accomplishments include ensuring trail one) and Dads, Eddie works hard. Through
reducing the paperwork required to be
projects were closely coordinated between the long hours, repetitive actions, bugs,
completed by volunteers; and ensuring
the park and the club; advocating for the heat, and wearing of safety equipment, she
the club has the resources to maintain
club’s mission at the park; loaning tools doesn’t slow down. The crew has enjoyed
the park’s trail systems and sets the tone
and providing materials at no cost for Eddie’s company and inquisitive nature.
and direction to the park staff to make
Boy Scout Eagle Scout projects or other
our volunteer efforts as easy as possible.
large public trail projects, and helping Eddie’s work ethic is described in this
to develop the initial memorandum of Mr. Martinez is scheduled to retire soon story from her mom after a work Trip.
agreement between the park and the from federal service. In honor of over
On the car ride home we were talking
club, as well as its most recent update. 41 years of service and in appreciation
about the trip and I asked her what parts
for his always friendly cooperation
Chuck is scheduled to retire soon from stood out to her from the weekend.
and collaboration with the Club that
federal service. In honor of 41 years of One of the first things she said was
enables the Spooky Beaver Crew to
service as a member of the National Park working with two crew members doing
provide such excellent service to our
Service and in appreciation for his always the rock work. I asked her why and she
federal partner, he was presented with
friendly cooperation and collaboration with replied, "Well, I really liked working
the PATC Appreciation Award.
the Club that enables the Spooky Beaver with Ann on the steps on the Conley
Crew to provide such excellent service —Nominations submitted by Mark Ellis trip and I want to get better at work."
to our federal partner, he was presented PATC District Manager,
She also joins our crew in enjoying
with the PATC Appreciation Award. Prince William Forest Park
the labors of food by bringing
SUPERINTENDENT VIDAL a dish to share for a meal.
MARTINEZ
FROM LEFT: Appreciation Award —Nomination submitted by
PRINCE WILLIAM FOREST
winners Vidal Martinez (left) and Chuck Kirsten Elowsky
PARK, TRIANGLE, VA. Ayres (right) with District Manager Mark
Cadillac Crew Leader
Ellis; Supervisor of Volunteers Janis
Vidal Martinez has been with the National
Stone presents the Youth Award to Eddie
Park Service or the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Becton. Photos by Stan Turk
Service for over 41 years. He has been
6 JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
HONORARY LIFE MEMBER Part of Rick's secret is his outreach after the fire have been scheduled to cut
to other organizations and potential vines, widen the trail and repaint blazes.
AWARDS
volunteer groups. In addition to recruiting
Mike and Karen have also taken on the
a dedicated and hardworking group of
responsibility of scheduling Hike Leader
RICK CANTER overseers for trails and shelters, Rick has
meetings each year at their home and also
organized an annual series of trail days in
I am pleased to nominate Rick Canter Maryland that has seen upwards of 350 at Sherando Lake for Hike Leaders and
for the PATC Honorary Life Award for volunteers from religious, civic and other guests and have provided meals for all. They
2016. He has richly earned it through organizations turning out to help maintain also arranged enjoyable annual meetings
his leadership and dedication to PATC. trails, move shelters, and rehabilitate and accommodation at PATC cabins.
campgrounds each spring. He has also
Rick joined PATC in 1990; two years later Mike and Karen are friendly people
been able to effectively tap into the local
becoming Catoctin District Manager and who are well received by all of our
merchant base in order to help fund efforts.
in 1993 became the District Manager for members. They are senior members of
Maryland. In 2005, Rick agreed to be As Supervisor of Trails, I would also like the chapter and could be considered
co-chair of the Maryland AT Management to add a personal note. Looking back, parents to our members. They deserve
Committee, in which he chaired when I became SoT in 2014, I wanted an Honorary Life Member award to
monthly meetings of a diverse collection to standardize club operations. Rick reward them for their dedicated efforts
of stakeholders in the AT, including wisely - and gently-reminded me that that benefit all of us in the chapter.
the Maryland Department of Natural one size doesn't fit all; that what works
—Nomination Submitted by
Resources, National Park Service, PATC, in SNP may not work in Maryland
David Bennick, President, Southern
ATC and Maryland Mountaineering or the North Chapter. This was a
Shenandoah Valley Chapter
Club. The management committee is a valuable lesson, all the more so because
critical group that formulates position of Rick's unquestionable support for
papers and recommends actions on all my efforts and the goals of PATC.
major projects impacting the AT in
Maryland. In 2012, Rick became District —Nomination submitted by
Manager for the club's Maryland shelters. Wayne Limberg, Supervisor of Trails
Rick continues to juggle all these jobs, MIKE AND KAREN WATERMAN
earning him the title of “Mr. Maryland”.
Mike and Karen have been active members
When it comes to PATC, however, he has
of the Southern Shenandoah Valley Chapter
by no means limited his contribution to
for many years. Karen served as Treasurer
the First Line State. He has he served on
and then President during 2012 and 2013.
the club's Conservation Committee as
Over the years, Karen has called all those
well as Vice President for membership and
new members indicating an interest in our
supervisor for volunteerism. Since 2015, he
chapter. She discusses PATC, our chapter,
has been on PATC's Executive Committee.
hiking in general, our hike schedule and
other chapter activities. Her warm welcome
caused more new members to get involved.
Mike and Karen have been trail overseers
of the North River Trail on Shenandoah
Mountain, a relatively obscure trail that
is part of the Great Eastern Trail. The
trail is in excellent condition because of
work trips the Waterman’s have led or
scheduled on our chapter hike schedule.
They have also individually taken many
trips by themselves to work on their trail.
They helped with a two-year project to
measure all the trails on Shenandoah
Mountain.
They have also scheduled and led work trips FROM TOP: Steph Danahy and John Stacy
rock their PATC sunglasses. As PATC
to the chapter’s Appalachian Trail section
ABOVE: Dick Hostelley presents an
looks towards our 90th year, the future is
from Ivy Creek Overlook to Pinefield Gap.
Honorary Life Member Award to Rick
so bright we need sunglasses. Photos by
Canter. Photo by Stan Turk The section is in excellent condition, even
Stan Turk
after fires burned parts of it. Work trips
JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 7
MYRON AVERY AWARD and training overseers, a task made more HAWKSBILL Anne Corwith
difficult by the remoteness of the district.
AWARDS Robert Look
STEVE BAIR He is an excellent carpenter and rock William Lamar
Eric Keltz
mason and accomplished eight work trips
Dennis Calhoun
Steve Bair is the district manager for one to design and construct an outstanding Rachel Fisk Levin
of the most challenging trail districts in PATC tool storage facility and workshop Luke Arbogast
Marian Styles
the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club. at the Simmons Gap building which is William Susa
Janice Cessna
a shared facility with the South District
His district encompasses some 60 miles Ian MacKay
Ranger station. He used his mason skills Christopher Firme
of “Blue-blazed” hiking trails in the to repair the Old Rag Shelter fireplace George Alderson
South District of Shenandoah National Lynn Gallagher
which needed extensive rehabilitation. Dennis Turner
Park. Almost 95 percent of these trails are Francis Wodarczyk
designated wilderness, meaning only hand Steve is always ready to assist with projects Jen Tullman
Dennis Staiger
tools such as loppers, cross cut saws and in other areas. For example, he is a member Harry Hicock
swing blades are authorized to clear the of the elite PATC “Crapper Crew” and Sandy Staiger
Dick Kerr
trails of undergrowth or other obstacles. this season participated in the removal of Eric Geilker
composted material and the relocation of Alan Kahan
In addition, most of the trails begin on Lauren Walsh
four handicap privies, a task not enjoyed by
Joe White
the Appalachian Trail and descend some
everyone. He is the overseer of the Old Rag Anstruther
2,000 feet to the park boundary, making
composting privy, a very high use facility Davidson
accessibility difficult and laborious.
which requires frequent maintenance
The trails for the most part are rocky
visits. Steve also used his carpentry skills to
and subject to overgrowth by invasive SERVICE La Benn
assist in the construction of a composting
plants and numerous dead trees. privy at the Range View Cabin. AWARDS Bruce Berberick
Mark Berrier
As a relatively new District Manager,
His willingness to assist others in work Arthur Abrams
Steve was presented with some nine Patrick Bishop
projects is exemplified by the five work
trails that lacked overseers or required trips (including the FMSS survey) on the Jack Adams Alvin Black
major trail assistance. He personally John Allen
Appalachian Trail, Timber Hollow to Larry Blaskopf
conducted 28 work trips to restore
Hawksbill section, the five work trips on Mark Allen
Leander Bowen
these trails to SNP standards. This was
the Knob Mountain Cut-Off Trail in the Michael Allen
an extraordinary accomplishment and Micah Brachman
North District. and assisting to repair a
reflected favorably on his dedication part of the Buck Hollow trail. He spent Terry Allen Gordon Bradford
and fitness. He simultaneously spent a John Anderson
considerable time with the Park Staff and John Bridges
considerable amount of time recruiting
the Miller/COORS Shenandoah Brewery Marit Anderson
Lindsay Brown
employee volunteer group planning William Archer
Michael Brown
numerous trail work projects. He also
Cynthia Ardecki
conducted a presentation to the PATC/ Peter Brown
Janet Arici
NOLS Master Leave No Trace class held Gary Bruner
in the park. At the request of the Park Esther Aulthouse
Chris Brunton
Steve assisted in the removal of a bent Steve Bair
Ron Bungay
and ineffective lighting rod on the Byrd’s
Charles Balch
Nest 2 Hut at the Hawksbill summit. Don Burnes
Alan Barbee
RB Buxbaum
If all this is not enough, Steve is a certified Christy Barber
Nathan Caldwell
PATC chain saw operator. He can always
Stephen Barber
be relied upon to assist in blow down Dennis Calhoun
Dick Batiste
removal regardless of the location. Lynn Cameron
Brenda Beard
Malcolm Cameron
Steve’s energy is contagious and his
Edlyn Becton
extensive contributions reflect his high Richard Canter
Martha Becton
efficiency, professionalism, strength and Paul Cantrell
vitality. His outgoing and courteous John Beisner
Thomas Carroll
personality and expertise set the standard
for others to emulate. Steve is highly
ABOVE: District Manager Steve Bair OPPOSITE PAGE: Hawksbill Award
deserving of PATC’s highest award.
received the PATC's highest honor, the winners. Photo by Stanley Turk
Myrin Avery Award. Photo by Stan Turk —Nomination submitted by Anonymous
8 JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN
Beverley Carver Daniel Dueweke David Garman Harry Hicock Cynthia Kelly Scott Miller
Brad Case Richard Dugan Gabriel Garretson Charles Hillon Mills Kelly Charlie Miracle
Scott Cates Bette Dzamba Betty Gatewood John Hobler Dick Kerr Jeff Monroe
Janice Cessna Larry Eavey Mark Gatewood Stephen Hobler Ralph Kerr Francis Moran
Mark Chapin Anne Eggers Peter Gatje Kate Hoffmeyer David Kirkwood Chip Morgan
Geoffrey Chase Karl Eiholzer Eric Geilker John Holman Ron Knipling Edwin Murawski
Alex Chauche Barbara Elkus Alan Gerber Mark Holsteen Joseph Kolb Matthew Murray
Dewey Clark Mark Ellis Mike Gergely Gerald Hopkins Nancy Lake Peter Muschamp
Mary Clark Melvin Ellis Patricia Getty Dick Hostelley Robert Lake Jerry Naeve
Doug Connell Kirsten Elowsky David Geyer Greg Houchens Alexandra Lampros Barbara Nash
John Conover David Erdman Gale Gibson David House Jeffrey Landis David Nebhut
Barbara Cook Audrey Ewin Iva Gillet Glenn Housley Mike Landis Uyen Nguyen
David Coover Kathy Fairfield Ellen Glynn Quatro Hubbard Joann Langston Harry Nogle
Larry Corcoran Craig Falk Jean Golightly Charles Hughes Robert Lauchner John Noss
Anne Corwith Patricia Fankhauser Fritz Gottschalk Hook Hukee Joseph Laws Lynn Olson
John Corwith Dan Feer Maston Gray Douglas Humphrey Michael Leahy Brian Opdycke
Dorsey Counts David Fellers Michael Hall Timothy Hupp Gene Leese Rhett Orndorff
Wendy Cox Joanne Fenninger Hal Hallett Andrew Huttner Richard Leslie Kelly O'Rourke
Al Dahler Jim Fetig James Hannon Jim Hutzler Stephen Lillis Stephen Osbrach
Joan D'Alonzo Victor Fickes Ruth Hansen Dan Innamorato Wayne Limberg Emeline Otey
Steph Danahy Robert Fina Roger Hanson Suzanne Izzo Lawrence Linebrink Jeff Paccione
Bill Daniels Peter Fink Peter Harris Randy Jackson James Little Sean Palmer
Steve Dannenfeldt Curtis Finney Richard Heath Jim Jengeleski Eugene Locke James Paris
Anstruther George Finney Ron Heath Douglas Jessup Robert Look Patti Parrish
Davidson Tawnya Finney Michael Heckman Julie Johnson John Lord William Pearson
Howard Davis Jim Finucane Peter Hedrich Mike Johnson Ellen Loszynski Melanie Perl
Alan Day Christopher Firme John Hedrick Robert Johnson Dennis Lykins Mark Perschel
Kate Day Venus Foshay Laurel Heile Dave Jordahl Kathy Lykins Teresa Peters
Mike Derrico Jeanann Foster Doina Heinz Mary Jorgensen Ian MacKay James Peterson
Saleena DeVore Barry Freeman Todd Heinz Lou Juliana Charlie Macleod Catherine Pipan
Ken Domina Noel Freeman Dennis Helfrick Jay Jupiter Martha MacLeod Jim Plitt
Andrew Drennon Lynn Gallagher Paul Hession Richard Kafka Susan Malone Allen Poole
Hannah Malvin Laurie Potteiger
Jim Maness Richard Potteiger
Lee Manning John Price
Leslie Manning Dan Pulskamp
Michael Manning Rick Purvis
Sandi Marra Ted Rabkin
Rick Marsalek Jonathan Ralston
Barbara Martin Joseph Raynor
Kenneth May Gary Reed
John McCrea Reed Reed
Bob Mccullough Michael Reese
Judith McGuire Karen Reinauer
Tom McIntosh Marie Restrepo
Jeanne McSorley Shirley Rettig
Ann Melle Richard Rhoades
Mel Merritt Russell Riggs
JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN 9
SERVICE AWARDS Jim Tomlin Robert Wise
CONTINUED FROM P.9 Keith Tondrick Douglas Wolf BLACKBURN TRAIL CENTER
David Trone Jackie Wolf CARETAKERS NEEDED FOR
Jon Rindt Lee Sheaffer
Keith Troxell Tom Wolf SUMMER 2017
Katherine Rindt Kit Sheffield
J Tucker Andy Wolfe
Allison Rivetti Karen Shull Owned and operated by the Potomac
Stanley Turk Gail Wolfe
Jack Rivetti Sir Small Appalachian Trail Club, the Blackburn
Jeffrey Utterback Erin Woodward Trail Center is located on the AT 12 miles
Richard Rooney Judy Smoot
south of Harpers Ferry. Blackburn is a
Dee Utz Constance Wright
Robert Root Kerry Snow premier stop for AT through‑hikers and
Dan Varela John Ziegler
day hikers alike. It is also used for club
Carrie Rossiter Zoe Sollenberger
David Vogel David Ziobro meetings, training workshops and large
Thomas Rostek Thomas Sowers
group rentals.
Mike Wagner
George Ruben James Speicher The caretaker’s duties will include
Diana Wahl
Steve Rupert John Spies IN maintaining the trail center, hiker’s
Mark Walkup hostel and campground. Should
Thomas Ryan John Stacy
George Walters MEMORIUM have experience in offering comfort
Keith Salley Patrick Stark AWARD and company to weary AT hikers.
Alison Warfield
Alex Sanders James Stauch Flexibility and ability to get along with
Heather Warren wide variety of people a must! Prefer
Randy Sanders Daniel Stevens Dick Peacock
couple with knowledge of the AT and
Tenny Webster
Cathy Sandler Joseph Stielper Ralph Frink hiker’s needs. Very modest stipend
George Weissbach
offered along with a fabulous summer
Richard Sandler Janis Stone Harold W.
Alison Welch experience. Dates runs from April 1
Meriam Schroeder Richard Stromberg Washington
through Oct. 31.
David Welch
Lowell Schuetze Sybille Stromberg Ruth Rooney If interested, send a letter of
William Wentz
Bob Scott Marian Styles Bob Grossman application, resume and professional/
Rick Werner personal references to Chris Brunton,
Stuart Scott James
Richard Weyrick Rosanne S. P.O Box 169 Harpers Ferry, WV 25425 or
Eric Seaborg Surdukowski Berkenstock email [email protected].
Donald White
Jeffrey Seal Leigh Surdukowski Jack Meiners If you have questions call Chris at
Joe White
Kathleen Seiler Suzanne Swain 703/967‑2226
Paul R. Oliver
Andrew Willgruber
Jenny Sell Jim Tabor
Colin Ritter
Rush Williamson
David Sellers Hardcharger Taylor
Dan Wilson Benjamin Lim
Michael Seth Jerry Taylor
Marshall Wilson Andrew E. Glass
Philip Shanholtzer Harry Thie
John Shannon Kathleen Thie Melanie Wilson Robert E. Butt
Terry Shaw David Tolerton Patrick Wilson David Marsh
Michael Wingeart
CLOCKWISE FROM TOP RIGHT: PATC Staff Welcome Members to the Meeting (L‑R, front‑back, Heidi Forrest, Tom Driggers, Kit
Sheffield, Diane Yang). Photobomb by Ann Melle; Keynote speaker Jim Northup and his wife; Dewey Clark (far left) presents the 2017‑18
Executive Committee. L‑R, Secretary Kirsten Elowsky; Supervisor of Membership Steve McLaughlin; Treasurer Joe Lombardo; VP of
Operations Rush Williamson; VP of Volunteerism Janis Stone; Supervisor of Trails Jim Tomlin; Supervisor of Marketing Emeline Otey;
Supervisor of Lands Doug Humphrey; Supervisor of Activities Pat Fankhauser; President Don White; Supervisor of Communications
Anstr Davidson; Supervisor of Facilities Glen Tsaparas. Photos by Stan Turk
10 JANUARY 2017 • POTOMAC APPALACHIAN