Cumberland Valley A. T. Club - Latest Blog Entries

Follow the link below to learn how you can help preserve the Recreational Trails Program

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:00 -0500

SUPPORT THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

Follow the link below to learn how you can help preserve the Recreational Trails Program

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:00 -0500

SUPPORT THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

Follow the link below to learn how you can help preserve the Recreational Trails Program

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:00 -0500

SUPPORT THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

Follow the link below to learn how you can help preserve the Recreational Trails Program

Tue, 31 Jan 2012 18:41:00 -0500

SUPPORT THE RECREATIONAL TRAILS PROGRAM

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY VISITOR CENTER ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Sat, 28 Jan 2012 08:11:00 -0500

APPALACHIAN TRAIL CONSERVANCY VISITOR CENTER ANNOUNCES SCHEDULE OF EVENTS OPEN TO THE PUBLIC

Harpers Ferry, WV (January 25, 2012) – Over the course of the next several months, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Visitor Center will host a variety of events to raise awareness about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.) as well as the ATC. All events are open to the public and are free of charge.

"The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited to be able to offer these fun-filled events to the public to provide them an opportunity to learn more about the A.T. and the ATC” stated Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manger at the ATC.

All events will be held at the ATC’s Visitor Center, located at 799 Washington St., Harpers Ferry, WV. These events include:

February 11 / A.T. Short Film Festival: See a compilation of short films taken on or about the A.T. Have you seen a video you think should be included? Email us the link at info@appalachiantrail.org by February 1^st. Free popcorn will be provided!
March 3 / Cake Baking Contest: In celebration of the ATC’s 87^th birthday, the ATC will hold a cake-baking contest! Submissions are due by 11:00 a.m. and must have an A.T. – related appearance. Judging will begin at 1:00 p.m.; awards will be given in three categories: best tasting, best A.T. related design, and best junior entry (under 18). Cake eating will begin at 1:30 p.m.
May 5 / Hiking Season Kickoff: Jumpstart your hiking season with a visit to the ATC and a hike. Maps and recommend hikes will be provided. Throughout the day, guests will be entertained with activities, gear on display, and special guest speakers. At 1:00, thru-hikers will share their stories of adventure upon reaching the “psychological half-way point” in their 2200-mile journey along the A.T. from Georgia to Maine.
June 2 / National Trails Day African American History Hike: In celebration of National Trails Day, take a guided hike around Harpers Ferry while learning the rich African American history of the area.
July 21 / Junior Ranger Day: Kids of all ages are welcome to gather together to learn about the A.T. and how to get out on the Trail by taking part in the Junior Ranger program. Stop by the visitor center to receive a Junior Ranger booklet, complete the activities, and receive a Junior Ranger badge!
August 11 - 12 / A.T. 75^th Anniversary Weekend Celebration: Come join the ATC as we celebrate the 75^th Anniversary of the completion of the A.T.
September 29 / Family Hiking Day: This initiative, started by the ATC in 2011, is an effort to get people of all ages and experience levels outside and active. The ATC visitor center will be providing resources, games and activities, and a list of hikes for families to use in order to explore the A.T. in a fun, safe and engaging way.
October 27 / A.T. Jack-o-lantern Contest: Create an A.T.–related Jack-o-lantern and enter it into a contest just in time for Halloween. The top three pumpkin designs will win prizes and all will be displayed on ATC’s front porch.
December 1 / A.T. Community Holiday Party: Join fellow A.T. enthusiasts for homemade treats, hot drinks, and fun for the holidays. This event also coincides with the Olde Tyme Christmas celebration in Harpers Ferry, WV.304.535.2200 x128 or at lpotteiger@appalachiantrail.org or visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.

CVATC Potluck, Annual Membership Meeting and Africa Presentations Tuesday, March 6, 6 pm, Trinity UMC, New Kingstown

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 14:42:00 -0500

CVATC Potluck, Annual Membership Meeting and Africa Presentations
Tuesday, March 6, 6 pm, Trinity UMC, New Kingstown

We’re going to try something new this year. In the past, we’ve had a potluck as part of our December board meeting. The annual membership meeting has been held as part of the March board meeting. This year, we’re going to have a potluck dinner on March 6 and combine it with the Club’s annual membership meeting. Thanks to Don Badorf, we are having the event in the meeting room of Trinity United Methodist Church in New Kingstown, starting at 6 pm. HERE is a link to a map showing the church's location.

After the brief annual meeting to elect officers and directors for the new year, we will have two short presentations that we hope will be of interest. Jim Foster will speak and present slides from his 2011 climb of Mt, Kilimanjaro. At 19,600 feet, Kili is Africa’s highest peak and the 10^th highest in the world. Frank Bohn will speak and show slides from his recent big game safari in Tanzania, East Africa.

If you are attending, please bring a dish to share. The Club will provide plates, cups and utensils. The Club officers and directors have agreed to bring a variety of drinks, meats, vegetables, etc. to insure that we will not have all desserts to eat (as if that would be a bad thing!!).

Please contact John Zinn by March 1 if you plan to attend. Email him at pzinn@comcast.net, or call 697-0648. If you are a member of the meetup.com group Dayhikers of Central PA, you can register there instead. Please don’t register at both places to avoid double counting. We hope to see you on March 6!!

A note from CVATC Vice President Christine Lauriello on her new duties at AT Ambassador.

Sun, 22 Jan 2012 07:09:00 -0500

A note from CVATC Vice President Christine Lauriello on her new duties at AT Ambassador.

I have been chosen to be the AT Ambassador for Boiling Springs. You’re wondering what that will mean for the club and the AT. It will mean that I am supposed to reach out to the Boiling Springs community and get them involved in the stewardship of the AT. I am to find volunteers for our club, the Mountain Club of Maryland and the Mid-Atlantic Office of ATC. These volunteers could help with trail work, monitoring, invasive species, fund raisers, and even paper work. I am supposed to find 50 volunteers! Not an easy thing to do these days. I am to help/support events, workshops and activities for our community. I’m also to provide the ATC with community updates and pictures if I have them. I will be working closely with our club, the Mid-Atlantic office, MCM, local scouts, Boiling Springs Civic Association, South Middleton Township, and some local businesses. I will be compiling the volunteers for the AT maintaining clubs to use in the future and currently when opportunities come up. So hopefully I’ll be sending some volunteers everyone’s way!

Christine Lauriello

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Selects Community Ambassadors For Pennsylvania

Sat, 21 Jan 2012 18:39:00 -0500

Appalachian Trail Conservancy Selects Community Ambassadors For Pennsylvania

Boiling Springs, PA (January 12, 2012) – Christine Lauriello has been selected to serve as the volunteer ambassador to the designated Appalachian Trail (A.T.) Community of Boiling Springs, PA and Paul Smith will serve as the ambassador to Duncannon, PA. In this role, each will serve as a community liaison to the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) and the respective local volunteer club to bolster volunteerism and stewardship of the Trail the local level.

“The Appalachian Trail Conservancy is excited about building off its volunteer base by providing A.T. Ambassadors to designated A. T. Communities to help increase local stewardship of public lands and support healthy lifestyles for community citizens,” stated Julie Judkins, Community Program Manager of the ATC.

Christine Lauriello is a life long resident of Boiling Springs, and is vice president of the Cumberland Valley A.T. Club. She is president of the Friends of South Middleton Parks, Trees, and Trails, and is an avid hiker. She is married and has two children.

Paul Smith has lived in Duncannon, PA for four years and has lived in the area since 1984. Paul is a valuable asset to the Mountain Club of Maryland, the Susquehanna A.T. Club and the A.T. Community of Duncannon. He is serving as the chair for the entertainment committee of the Duncannon A.T. Community designation ceremony scheduled for June 2, 2012. He enjoys outdoor activities such as hiking, boating, gardening, and planting trees.

The Appalachian Trail Community™ program is designed to recognize communities that promote and protect the A.T. Towns, counties, and communities along the A.T.’s corridor are considered assets by A.T. hikers and many of these towns act as good friends and neighbors to the Trail. The program serves to assist communities with local initiatives such as sustainable economic development through tourism and outdoor recreation, while preserving and protecting the A.T. The A.T. Community Ambassador opportunity is the first of its kind within the A.T. cooperative management partnership.

The ATC was founded in 1925 by volunteers and federal officials working to build a continuous footpath along the Appalachian Mountains. The A.T. is approximately 2,185 miles in length, ranging from Maine to Georgia, making it one of the longest, continuously marked footpath in the world. Volunteers typically donate more than 220,000 hours each year on Trail-related work and about 2 to 3 million visitors walk a portion of the A.T. each year. This year also marks the 75th anniversary of the completion of the A.T.

About the Appalachian Trail Conservancy
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy mission is to preserve and manage the Appalachian Trail – ensuring that its vast natural beauty and priceless cultural heritage can be shared and enjoyed today, tomorrow, and for centuries to come. For more information please visit www.appalachiantrail.org.

Contact: Julie Judkins
Appalachian Trail Conservancy
Tel: 828.254.3708 x11
Fax: 828.254.3754
Email: jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org
Web: www.appalachiantrail.org

2012 Wilderness First Aid Classes offered in Central PA

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 16:00:00 -0500

In 2012, Penn Trails will again be offering Wilderness & Remote First Aid 2-year American Red Cross certification classes. Given the demand we experienced in 2010 and 2011, Penn Trails is offering the class in central Pennsylvania seven times this year. We are offering discounts to any registrants that are current members of recognized trail clubs, as well as, group discounts. If you would be so kind as to share this information with your colleagues and friends, I would sincerely appreciate it.

Best regards, Larry Knutson, Penn Trails

American Red Cross Wilderness & Remote First Aid Course

16 Contact Hours class, over two days, with a 2-Year Certification upon successful completion of course
Course taught by Larry Knutson, ARC certified national account instructor.
Prerequesite: Participants must have a current ARC or AHA Adult CPR/AED Certification
Course Fee: $125.00, includes instructor, course handbook and field guide and all materials
Course size limited to ten students per course.
Pre-registration inquries at info@penntrails.com or 717.486.4455
Course details and registration forms at http://www.penntrails.com/WildernessRemoteFirstAid.htm
A course discount of 5% will be provided to persons who possess current membership (verifiable) in recognized volunteer trails organizations.
A course discount of 12% per person will be provided for groups of six to ten persons who register as a group for the course.
Course format: Classroom based presentations and field-based scenarios

Currently announced Pennsylvania Course Dates and Locations:

February 11-12 @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA
February 18 & 25, US Army War College, Carlisle, PA (seats limited)
April 14-15 @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA
July 14-15 @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA
August 22-23 (DCNR personnel only) @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA
August 29-30 (DCNR personnel only) @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA
November 3-4, @ Kings Gap Environmental Education Center, Carlisle, PA

For more information, go to http://www.penntrails.com

Cumberland County Commissioners Meeting on Farmland Preservation

Mon, 16 Jan 2012 16:02:00 -0500

The Cumberland County Board of Commissioners will meet Thursday morning January 19^th at 10 a.m. at Business Central (across the parking lot from the Carlisle Post Office). The Commissioners must certify the level of County commitment to preserve farmland for the next year to the State Department of Agriculture by January 31^st.

The Agricultural Land Preservation Board voted to request a County commitment of $500,000. That level would realize a State match totaling approximately $1,000,000. It is critical to understand that the State match funds represent taxes we will pay the State irrespective of the County commitment. The County commitment simply brings our own tax dollars for agricultural land preservation back to our County rather than going for the same purposes to other counties.

We would request people’s consideration of attending the meeting to show your support for our agricultural community and environment.

New CVATC Welcome Signs

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 14:00:00 -0500

Enclosed is a picture of the new signs that will welcome AT hikers to the Cumberland Valley. We will place one each on top of Blue Mountain and South Mountain.

Please join us in thanking Vern Graham, sign maker extraordinaire!!

New Executive Director Selected For The Appalachian Trail Conservancy

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:01:00 -0500

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy’s (ATC) Board of Directors has appointed Mark J. Wenger as the new Executive Director. Follow THIS LINK for more details.

Nominations for 2012 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Accepted NOW through February 29.

Sun, 01 Jan 2012 08:37:00 -0500

Nominations for 2012 Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Accepted NOW through February 29. Follow THIS LINK for complete details.

PLEASE SUPPORT KEYSTONE TRAILS ASSOCIATION (KTA)

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 12:48:00 -0500

CVATC has long supported Keystone Trail Association (KTA). KTA represents our interests before state government, particularly with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources who control hiking trails in State Parks and State Forests, and the Pennsylvania Game Commission who control hiking trails on State Game Lands.

Over the past ten years, we and other local hiking clubs have chosen to advance KTA’s mission by establishing a more professional presence in the state capital, through the creation of a Harrisburg office and the hiring of a full-time Executive Director and Program Administrator.

What are some of the benefits we have received in the past - and will continue to receive in the future - by having a professional staff in Harrisburg? Benefits include:

· Representation before the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources on a whole host of issues, including hiker trail access, limiting expansion of ATV, mountain biking and horse riding on hiking-only trails, issues of signage and blazing on hiking trails, remediation or relocation of hiking trails before, during or after logging operations and Marcellus Gas Exploration and Extraction, grant funding, letters of authorization for hike leaders, etc.

· Representation before the Pennsylvania Game Commission on a whole host of issues including trail access (hikers are still permitted on State Game Lands whereas in the recent past mountain bikers and equestrians have been booted off State Game Lands), issues of signage and blazing of hiking trails, primitive camping, etc.

· Meetings with State Senators and State Representatives to press hiker-friendly laws as laws are written that impact state hiking trails.

· Support of local hiking clubs at local government meetings on the county and township level on issues concerning access, zoning, etc.

· Fundraising to support trail maintenance and other local club services including the website, Facebook page, newsletter, maps and guide books.

· Trail maintenance support through weekend Trail Care events and weeklong Trail Crew events, and purchase of specialized trail maintenance and trail building equipment.

CVATC has for many years had a Club membership with KTA. Many of our members have chosen to join as individuals. TODAY WE CALL ON YOU TO SERIOUSLY CONSIDER BECOMING A MEMBER OF KTA. If you are already a member, please consider making an additional contribution to support their efforts.

Please follow THIS LINK to become a member or make an additional contribution. Thank you in advance.

- CVATC Board and Leadership

Appalachian Trail Museum Volunteer of the Year for 2011 Recognized

Wed, 21 Dec 2011 12:46:00 -0500

Appalachian Trail Museum Volunteer of the Year for 2011 Recognized

GARDNERS, PA. – Jim Foster of Mechanicsburg, Pennsylvania, has been honored with the 2011 Appalachian Trail Museum Volunteer of the Year Award. A retired attorney who hiked the entire 2,181 miles of the Appalachian Trail in 2007, Foster served as the chair of the inaugural Appalachian Trail Hall of Fame Banquet and the Hall of fame selection committee. The Hall of Fame was established at the Appalachian Trail Museum in June 2011. He also serves as president of the Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club.

Also recognized for their service to the Appalachian Trail Museum were Nancy Robinson of Seven Valleys, Pennsylvania; Bill and Sharon Van Horn of Franklin, North Carolina; and Joanne Paine of Long Beach, California.

A total of 50 area volunteers served as museum docents, while many others helped as building and grounds attendants and in general support roles.

The Appalachian Trail Museum opened on June 5, 2010, and has had almost 20,000 visitors during its first two seasons.

About the Appalachian Trail Museum Society The Appalachian Trail Museum Society, a 501-C-3 not-for-profit organization formed in 2002, organizes programs, exhibits, volunteers and fundraising nationwide for the Appalachian Trail Museum. The museum opened on June 5, 2010, as a tribute to the thousands of men, women and families who have hiked and maintained the 2,181 mile long hiking trail that passes through 14 states from Maine to Georgia. Located in the Pine Grove Furnace State Park in Gardners, Pennsylvania, the museum is conveniently near Carlisle, Gettysburg and Chambersburg, Pennsylvania. Additional information is available at www.atmuseum.org.

DCNR Recruits Applicants For Trails Committee

Tue, 06 Dec 2011 16:12:00 -0500

The Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR) is accepting nominations through December 31, 2011 for fourteen (14) new appointments to the Pennsylvania Trails Advisory Committee. This Committee will fulfill the requirements of the provisions of the Transportation Equity Act for the 21st Century (TEA 21) and as amended under the Safe, Accountable, Flexible, Efficient Transportation Equity Act: A Legacy for Users (SAFETEA-LU).

For more information or to obtain an application, contact DCNR as follows:

Pennsylvania Recreational Trails Program
PO Box 8475
Harrisburg, PA 17105-8475
(717) 787-7672
E-mail: roprunty@pa.gov

Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club To Break Ground On Trindle Road Parking Lot

Tue, 22 Nov 2011 13:22:00 -0500

Boiling Springs, PA, October 13, 2011, updated November 22, 2011 - The Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club (CVATC) announced that its new parking lot at at the intersection of Trindle Road (PA Route 641) and the Appalachian Trail (AT) is now open for use. Trindle Road is one of the busiest roads in Cumberland County. There has never been an official AT parking lot at Trindle Road. The informal lot that used to be there was used heavily by AT hikers, but had very poor sight lines and was frequently filled with mud. CVATC estimates that hundreds of thousands of hikers and walkers use the AT in the Cumberland Valley each year.

The new official parking lot has eight parking spaces, including one with handicapped access. It will also feature a sign kiosk with information on the AT, local attractions and related information. The new parking lot will be located in Cumberland County midway between Mechanicsburg and Carlisle.

Jim Foster, President of CVATC, said: "This parking lot project represents a great partnership between a local municipality, a private business, county and state agencies, a charitable fund and our club. Middlesex Township, where the lot will be located, is giving us in-kind services. They will excavate the lot, then haul and install stone and gravel. Tom Scully, a Club member and registered landscape architect with R.J. Fisher & Associates, Inc., designed the parking lot. We have received a generous grant from the South Mountain Partnership, which is affiliated with the Pennsylvania Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (PA DCNR) and the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The Miles Fund, a charitable fund affiliated with Mountain Club of Maryland, has provided additional funding. Money for the sign kiosk is coming from the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau. Club member Vern Graham constructed the signs for the lot. Club members will provide much of the labor as volunteers." "We are thrilled and humbled by the fantastic support we've received from the community", Foster added.

Follow THIS LINK for a slide show of the work to date.

About CVATC - Founded in 1991, Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club maintains 17 miles of the Appalachian Trail in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania. A 501c3 non-profit, all-volunteer organization, CVATC is one of 31 organizations that maintain the world famous Appalachian Trail (AT) under the overall supervision of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy. The AT extends for 2,181 miles from Springer Mountain, Georgia to Mount Katahdin, Maine. It is the most famous and popular long distance hiking trail in the United States.

Contact - Jim Foster, President, CVATC, at cvatclub@gmail.com or 717-649-5505.

Appalachian Trail Community Ambassadors Sought

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 15:05:00 -0400

My name is Leanna Joyner, and I'm working with Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Community Program Manager Julie Judkins to coordinate a couple aspects of the A.T. Community program. Specifically, I am working to recruit, train, and assist A.T. Ambassadors and develop a design guide for signage and kiosks in communities and at trailheads.

As a first step, I am spreading the word about a volunteer opportunity to support A.T. Communities and the Appalachian Trail. Please share news of this opportunity within your community, advisory committee, and club. Feel free to share this information with local news sources as well.

The Appalachian Trail Conservancy, in cooperation with local Appalachian Trail (A.T.) maintaining clubs and Appalachian Trail Communities™, is seeking A.T. Community Ambassador volunteers to help get local citizens involved with local maintenance, management and conservation projects on the Appalachian National Scenic Trail. The position begins on Dec. 15, 2011 with an initial training and will conclude 12 months later.

Individuals interested in volunteering should review the complete job description attached to this email and submit a letter of interest and resume to lj@leannajoyner.com and jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org with the subject "A.T. Ambassador" no later than Friday, Nov. 18.

In Partnership,

Leanna

The Appalachian Trail Is Coming To Colonial Park 4 Cinema in Harrisburg on Sunday, Nov 13th!! Special Deal for CVATC Members

Sun, 02 Oct 2011 14:08:00 -0400

The Appalachian Trail (A.T.) is coming to the Colonial Park 4 Theatre in Harrisburg!

This Fall, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) will be touring the east coast to help spread the word about the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Come rally with your fellow A.T. enthusiasts as we explore the National Geographic film - American’s Wild Spaces: Appalachian Trail. On Sunday, November 13 at 10:30 am, the roadshow will come to the Colonial Park 4 Theatre in Harrisburg, 5111 Jonestown Road, Harrisburg, PA.

SPECIAL BONUS!! Jennifer Pharr Davis will speak at the Harrisburg showing! This year "Odyssia" set the speed record for an assisted thru-hike of the AT by anyone, man or woman!! She did it in 46 days. She previously held the woman's record for an assisted AT thru-hike at 57 days, setting it in 2008 on her honeymoon, with the assistance of her husband, Brew. Reserve your seat today and meet Jennifer in person!

Here's how it works. Reserve your seat today by purchasing a NEW membership or gift membership to ATC using the internet link below (Offer cannot be combined with membership renewal). Every dollar raised goes to support the ATC and maintainer club efforts to conserve the footpath, viewsheds, and environmental and cultural resources along the A.T.

Event Highlights:
• Admission to view the National Geographic film - American’s Wild Spaces: Appalachian Trail
• Meet the hikers that were highlighted in the documentary (*at select locations only)
• Interact with a 2,000 miler (someone that has walked the entire estimated 2,180 miles of the A.T.)
• 1 year membership to the ATC
• Subscription to A.T. Journeys
• ATC decal and patch
• The satisfaction that your donation will help preserve and protect the A.T.

ATC IS OFFERING A SPECIAL DEAL FOR ALL PAID-UP MEMBERS OF CVATC!! All CVATC members will receive a special code that will give them $5.00 off the admission price. If you are a current CVATC member, you should receive the code via an email. (If you didn't receive the code, contact us by email at cvatclub@gmail.com) If you aren't a member of CVATC, join today to receive the special code.

Follow THIS LINK to reserve your seat, and to see a preview of the film.

About the Film:
For more than half of the U.S. population, the A.T. is less than a day's drive away. Yet despite its
proximity to many major cities like Atlanta and Boston, few truly know the splendor of this national
treasure. National Geographic takes viewers off the beaten track to discover the remote and often
unknown corners of the 5-million-step journey.

CVATC Receives Grant from MCM's Miles Fund

Sun, 25 Sep 2011 05:55:00 -0400

Cumberland Valley Appalachian Trail Club (CVATC) wishes to thank Mountain Club of Maryland (MCM) and its Miles Fund for the generous award of $3,000. These funds will be used to build a parking lot at the junction of the Appalachian Trail and Route 641 (Trindle Road) between Carlisle and Mechanicsburg. Thanks to this gift plus others from the South Mountain Partnership, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau and Middlesex Township, Cumberland County, we will begin construction shortly.

CVATC is pleased to continue the proud tradition of maintaining the AT in the Cumberland Valley of Pennsylvania, which was originally started by MCM several decades ago.