Newsletter September 2002

Next Chapter meetings: On Oct.  9, Larry Pio will present a video taken on a recent hike in Glacier National Park in Montana.  The meeting after that is Nov.  13.  Both meetings are at 7:00 PM at the Barry Township Hall in Delton.  For directions, click here!

Night Hike on October 19

Joe Higdon and Jerry Pattok have set the schedule for the night hike to take place on Saturday, October 19, at 6:00 PM.  The meeting place for this hike is the parking lot on the north side of Chief Noonday Road, about 0.3 miles west of Yankee Springs Road.  After positioning cars, we will leave the parking lot at 6:30 PM, picking up the trail south about 0.1 miles west of the parking lot, to finish at Hall Lake.  This hike will last about 2 ½ hours, so bring along some water, and a snack.  Joe reports that a dry run on the hike was very interesting, and he predicts a great hike.  For further details, or to let Joe and Jerry know of your plans, contact them at the next chapter meeting, or by email Joe Higdon: jhigdon@plainwellschools.org  Jerry Pattok: gspattok@iserv.net

To find Chief Noonday Road, head north out of Yankee Springs about 2 miles on Yankee Springs Road, and turn left on Chief Noonday Road.  Please note:  Chief Noonday Road is also known as Michigan state route M-179, which is exit #61 (towards Bradley/Hopkins) off of US-131.

Trail Adopters

Dave Cornell reports we now have eight trail adopters, but have need for at least 6 more.  Several of the sections left to be adopted are easy (primarily just blazing), and several are difficult (including long stretches of mowing or weed whipping).  Something is available for everyone.  Please call Dave if you have an interest in adopting a section of the North Country Trail.  Trail adoption is critical as we continue to grow our trail mileage.  Our current trail adopters are:

Work Session September 28

Note:  CHANGE IN LOCATION!  We are having breakfast between 8 and 9am at Hickory Cafe; 14576 S. Kellogg School Road in downtown Hickory Corners on September 28.  We will then leaving for our work session at 9 am.  See map to the Hickory Cafe on our web site by clicking here!.  We have not yet scheduled any further work sessions this year.  Keep an eye on the web page for further updates at http://www.northcountrytrail.org/cnd

September 11 Chapter Meeting Summary

James and Marcia Mellen presented a slide show and discussion on their recent hiking trip to Acadia National Park; Mount Desert Island in Maine.  Judging by the crowd of people asking questions after their program, a lot of members have an interest in a Maine hike.

A walking staff was presented to past president Dave Cornell, in appreciation for his years of service, by Bob Benham.  Bob indicated his hopes that the Chapter would adopt a tradition of presenting a gift to the outgoing president.

The Interpretive Project, Trail Adopters, and Trails Day 2003 were also discussed.  Treasurer Steve Hicks reports a balance of a little over $4376.

The importance of reporting volunteer hours was discussed.  It was noted at the meeting that our Chapter received more awards for accumulated volunteer hours than anyone else at the latest conference held in North Dakota.   Essentially, we receive "matching funds" for purchasing tools, etc., based on the number of volunteer hours that are reported.  This can be done via a link on our web site, or on the National North Country Trail web site at:

http://www.northcountrytrail.org/voluntrs/rephours.htm

Charles Krammin

Also at our September 11 meeting, Charles Krammin reported his resignation as Trails Vice President and Director effective at year end.  He was given a round of applause and thanked for his years of service.  To give an idea of the type of service Charles has been providing to the Chief Noonday Chapter, Charles was given an award for over 400 hours of service last year.  This year I am sure he will come close again, after leading the 9 day hike in June, running the trail crew every other Saturday this year, maintaining all of the trail work equipment, as well as volunteering at just about every promotional event we have held.  Beyond that he has been involved with planning for all of the projects completed this year, and for planning of future construction of our trail.  The good news is Charles has promised to continue to provide advice to the group it will take to fill his shoes.  Thanks again Charles, and we hope you are able to relax and enjoy your retirement a little more.  You can send him a note of appreciation at his email address at krammin@core.com

Recent Trail Work Completed

On August 24, Charles Krammin and his crew installed the signs on Augusta drive (north of Augusta) marking the start of the trail north at that point.  His crew included James Heaton, Christy Stewart, John Rudnicki, and Gerry Phillips, as well as Heather from MSU.  On September 14, Charles Krammin, Christy Stewart, Andrew Leat, Jerry Pattok, LaVerne BeBeau, Fred Miller, D’Arcy Kelley, John Robertson, and Larry Pio completed most of the new section at the Ott Preserve, and installed a sign at Bridge Park in Battle Creek.

Hastings Summerfest

Jerry Pattok chaired a project for our informational booth at the Hastings Summerfest in August 23, 24, and 25, along with major assistance from LaVerne BeBeau.  Approximately 350 of the new brochures that Tom Garnett designed were handed out to booth visitors.  Most of the booth visitors were not familiar with our trail, so we have judged this to have been an extremely successful activity in getting the word out on a local recreational opportunity, as well as increasing interest in participation in our group’s activities.  We will be looking for similar opportunities in other communities near the trail.  Volunteers manning the booth were Sheryl Drenth, Dave Cornell, Bob Benham, Charles Krammin, Merry Ossenheimer, Jim Mellen, Steve Hicks, D'Arcy Kelley, Larry Hawkins, Neil Juhl, Mary Caris, Joe Higdon, Larry Pio, Laverne BeBeau, and Jerry Pattok.  Great job folks!