Newsletter
Chapter Meeting September 2001
Reports
Treasurer’s Report
Bob Benham reports we have $1,504.27 on account.
Activities Report
Barb VanDyken reported on plans for a hike/picnic on October 27. More details will be available at our October meeting.
Trail Coordinators Report
Work days are as follows: October 6, October 20, and November 3. Meet at LaVerne's restaurant located at 915 Territorial in Battle Creek, at 7am.
Trail Conference Report
As a result of a request by the North Country Trail Association, a series of maps has been prepared by Annette Chapman, our representative, showing the status of the trail throughout the three counties served by Chief Noonday. After some minor changes, these maps will be presented and explained to the membership.
Map Coordinator's Report
Steve Hicks, as usual, was selling maps at the meeting.
National Conference Meeting
As usual, the Chief Noonday Chapter was well represented at the annual conference. The Conference took place in Cazenovia, NY, and a good time was had by all.
Trail thru hiker to visit Chief Noonday
An interview with Tom Garnett
C.N. (Chief Noonday): Tom, the buzz is that big changes are in store for our Chapter. Can you fill us in?
Tom: several months ago, Dave Cornell asked me to lead a re-evaluation of our organization and recommend changes.
C.N.: Why?
Tom: We have been very successful in meeting our goal of building new trail. But, building trail should only be a part of our mission. We now view the trail as a STRING. We should view it as a STRING OF PEARLS.
C.N.: Please explain?
Tom: Every trail has a story to tell. We have to modify our organization so as to support those who want to work on telling our story.
C.N.: Story? How do you tell the story?
Tom: This is done with the aid of signs, brochures, maps, and other media.
C.N.: What is the first step?
Tom: We need to do the research to develop the story.
C.N.: What research?
Tom: Let me give an example. Our trail north of Augusta crosses a site where there was an Interurban station. We need to research the history of the Interurban, relate it to this site, and then inform the trail user.
C.N.: Can you give us some other examples?
Tom: Wouldn't you like to know the history and mission of the Kellogg Forest and Biological Station? How about giving you information on how the Cheff Center helps disabled children? Would you be interested in knowing why there is a section of the Fort Custer National Cemetery where German POW's are buried? There is more.
C.N.: Where are we in this process?
Tom: We are updating our organizational chart so as to assign responsibility for telling the story to a new Vice President. We are also gathering up information from landowners and local historians. We are polling our membership t o see who is interest in working in this area.
WANTED
Trail adopter/maintainer for the Fort Custer National Cemetery. Three miles of beautiful North Country Trail needs a motivated person to see to its upkeep and maintenance. Training provided. Tools available. Apply at the October chapter meeting.
Bill Menke does it again!
A Trail Building seminar, specifically aimed at novices, will be put on by the North Country trail building professional Bill Menke during the first part of November in Southwestern Michigan. Call Dave for details.
October Meeting
Our October chapter meeting will be held in the Barry Township hall, in Delton, Michigan, at 7pm on October 10, 2001. We invite anyone who is interested in the North Country Trail, hiking, trail building, etc. to attend.
Chapter Contacts
See our CONTACTS web page to see who is who and how to get in touch.
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