Newsletter December 2002

Next Chapter meeting

The next meeting is Jan 8 in Delton, Michigan.  For directions and a map, please go to the web page at www.northcountrytrail.org/cnd/delton.htm.  A program is tentatively scheduled as a lead in to our spring hike.  Please check the web site for details as the meeting date approaches at www.northcountrytrail.org/cnd/.  Meetings are at 7:00 PM at the Barry Township Hall in Delton the second Wednesday each month, and are open to the public.

Bob Papp and Rob Corbett at Dec 11 Meeting

Bob Papp, the North Country Trail Association Executive Director spoke at our meeting about:

Work Session January 18

A work session is scheduled for January 18 north of Augusta.  We are having breakfast between 8 and 9 am at the McDonalds in Richland.  We will then leaving for our work session at 9 am.  If you come later, look for us at EF Avenue north of Augusta at the trail crossing.

Those who are considering working should let Tom Garnett know via email at least a day ahead, so he can contact everyone to cancel if he determines weather conditions are not acceptable. Tom’s email address is GARNETTT@trinity-health.org

Winter Hike Planned

The date has been firmed up for our winter hike.  It will be February 8, and we are considering the Yankee Springs area.  Jerry Pattok and Larry Hawkins are setting up this event, and are talking about a bonfire with cocoa at the conclusion of the hike.  More details will follow in January.

Spring Hike Planned

A spring flower / bird watching hike is also in the works.  Details are coming, probably in February.

Blazing Project

John Rudnicki and Sheryl Drenth have quietly been doing a great job on checking out and refreshing our blazing on our Chapter’s section of the trail.  Blazing refers to the blue painted markings on the trail, to help hikers know they are on the trail.  This is a huge job and we should all thank them for this effort.

Trail Adopters

Dave Cornell reports he is working to match prospective adopters with trail sections.  As for now, the following sections need adopters:

Rotary Presentation in Kalamazoo

Tom Garnett was the luncheon speaker at the Kalamazoo Rotary meeting on November 18.  About 120 people viewed Tom’s presentation, which included comments on our Chapter, an NCTA video, and a Question & Answer session. Thanks go to member Sandy Bliesner for inviting us to this opportunity to tell about our trail and our group.

Other Activities on the Horizon

Member Brad Parsons has asked that we schedule a presentation to the Sierra Club, possibly in April or May.  A hike may be scheduled afterward.  Thanks Brad.  A trail adopters meeting, and a Trails Day program are also on the agenda for January. 

Email delivery

34 folks are now receiving the newsletter via email only.  Thanks for helping us save postage. If you would like to receive your copy of the newsletter by email, write to me at nalcoman1@aol.com.

Work Session November 16

Tom Garnett, Andrew Leat, John Rudnicki, Jim Heaton, Larry Pio, and Susan Bond helped out on our reroute of the section of trail near bridge park.  It was one of our easier sessions, with removal of a fallen tree, a little minor trimming, and remarking the trail our major accomplishments.

New Members

The following are new members.  Please join me in extending a welcome to all of them:

• Peter Baenziger,  Kalamazoo

• Frank Ballo,  Delton

• Kathryn Barden,  Hastings

• John Champa,  Howell

• Scott and Terri Edick,  Dimondale

• Carolyn Edmunds,  East Lansing

• Gary Ellis,  Battle Creek

• Thomas Griebe,  Northville

• Bill and Judy Harrison,  Caledonia

• Jack Lohrberg,  Kalamazoo

• Wayne Marvin,  Kalamazoo

• David Otto,  Edwardsburg

• Edward Pavwoski,  Lansing

• Francine Schippers,  Wayland

Winter Sports Fest

City of Portage's Schrier Park Winter Sports Fest is on January 11.  One of our corporate sponsors, Lee’s Sports, is also a sponsor at this event from noon to 4 PM at Schrier Park on W. Osterhout Avenue.

Winter camping and snow shelter demonstrations, ski and snowshoe instructions, and a chance to try out equipment will be available.  Interpretive walks are scheduled for 12:30 and 2:30 by the Kalamazoo Nature Center staff.  It is free, and they have refreshments and a fireplace.

MEMBER SURVEY

As we head into the new year, it is a good time to reflect on how we can do things better. As usual, there is the caveat that usually we are limited by the number of volunteers, and the time it takes to prepare for and accomplish all the tasks we take on.  We would like your comments and feedback on how we can make the Chief Noonday Chapter better for everyone.   You can fill out a survey by clicking here!

Have a safe and happy holiday season!