Community Outreach
Malvern scouts meet Warrior Hikers on Appalachian Trail
A small group of boy scouts from Malvern Troop 7 traveled to Duncannon, Pennsylvania to meet up with the 2014 Warrior Hikers on the Appalachian Trail. From left are, Shane Johnston, Vicki Sharpless, Cas Szupica, Jesse “The Viking” Swensgard, Matt Lanetti, Matt “Machine” Donnelly, Brody Plourde, Richie Cavallaro, Joe “QT” Young, Cosmo Brown, Cecil “Stitch” Thayer, Todd “Big Foot” Rogers & David Lanetti Courtesy Photo
The Warrior Hike ‘Walk off the War’ program is in its third year, the brainchild of U.S. Marine Sean Gobin who walked the entire 2,185 mile trail in 2012 to raise funds to purchase vehicles for disabled veterans. However, he recognized the therapeutic effects of this trek and decided the program would better serve as a way for veterans to decompress after their service in Iraq and Afghanistan.
This year, the program has expanded to include not only the Appalachian Trail, but also the Continental Divide Trail and the Pacific Crest Trail. On March 17, 14 veterans began the hike northward from Georgia toward Mt. Katahdin in Maine.
Malvern Troop 7 became involved with the Warrior Hike program when Troop Committee Chairperson, Vicki Sharpless, challenged the scouts to raise $1,800 – the cost to sponsor one hiker for the 6-month trek. She had heard about Warrior Hike in 2013 and had followed the program through Facebook.
The scouts and their families and friends surpassed the goal, raising approximately $2,500. In fact, two of the scouts, Richie Cavallaro and Brody Plourde, raised almost $2,000 of the total with the help of the students and families of St. Norbert School in Paoli.
Scouts Cavallaro, Plourde, Cas Szupica, Shane Johnston and Matthew Lanetti, along with leaders Sharpless and David Lanetti, made their way to the sleepy town of Duncannon, north of Harrisburg at the junction of the Juniata and Susquehanna Rivers.
The group met up there with the six remaining Warrior Hikers. The scouts and veterans formed a quick bond and shared hiking stories and other experiences. The scouts joined the veterans in their welcome ceremony, riding on fire trucks through the town and attending the evening’s community dinner at the local American Legion hall.
That night as the scouts and veterans parted ways, a promise was made. These new heroes – with trail names The Viking, Stitch, Cosmo, QT, Big Foot and Machine – plan to take a photo of themselves with a Troop 7 shirt at the top of Mt. Katahdin at the end of their journey, and the Troop 7 scouts will be cheering them the whole way.
Reposted from Dailylocal.com: http://www.dailylocal.com/lifestyle/20141002/malvern-scouts-meet-warrior-hikers-on-appalachian-trail
Hanover Shines!
“Not just stewards of this strip of land that runs through Norwich and Hanover, they are a caring community dedicated to creating the A.T. experience for others, whether they are through hikers trekking the whole length, section hikers tackling a section of the trail, or day hikers out for recreation.”
Hanover was featured in the latest issue of A.T. Journeys. Click here to read about the amazing volunteer efforts going on there!
New Community Supporters in Franklin
The Franklin Chamber of Commerce, First Baptist Church (FBC) of Franklin and Three Eagles Outfitters in NC were recently recognized for its support to the Appalachian Trail Community Program by a visit from AT Community Committee members.
Since Franklin’s formal designation in March 2010 as an A.T. Community the Chamber has helped build public awareness about the significant resources and economic opportunities the Appalachian National Scenic Trail brings to Franklin as an A.T. Community. The Chamber highlights Franklin as an AT Community in the New Comers Guide along with AT hike information, and they provide space for an AT display in the Chamber building.
Three Eagles Outfitters was recently recognized for their support to the Appalachian Trail Community Program by a visit from AT Community Committee members. For more than 20 years Three Eagles has offered support for AT hikers. They offer AT discounts, internet service, coffee bar & lounge, in-town shuttles to the store, and free mail drop service for hikers.
FBC serves a free hiker breakfast for four weeks in the spring, takes a photo of each hiker and mails the photo along with a hiker written note home. Last year the church fed over 800 hikers.
Bill Van Horn- ATCC co-chair, Linda Harbuck- CoC Executive Director, Kristina Moe- ATCC co-chair, Olga Pader- ATCC member, Cindy Cavender- CoC Special Events coordinator and Marketing Director, Diane Baldwin- CoC Administrative Assistant, David Lippy- ATCC member.
David Lippy- ATCC member,Olga Pader- ATCC member, Jackie Kussow-Sroka- Three Eagles, Kristina Moe- ATCC co-chair, Kevin Kussow- Three Eagles, Bill Van Horn- ATCC co-chair.
Front row: Dave Lippy & Bill Van Horn- ATCC members
Back row: Patsy Parker- FBC breakfast organizer, Jack Jarrett- FBC associate pastor, Olga Pader-ATCC member & Nantahala Hiking Club president, Mary Beth Houston- FBC office administrator, Robert Brown- FBC pastor.
The A.T. Community Supporter Program is offered by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) as part of its A.T. Community Program. The Community Supporter Program highlights non-profits, organizations, and businesses that provide support to the hiking community, the Appalachian Trail and/or the ATC by recognizing participating entities as “A.T. Community Supporters.” Once designated the “Supporter” is recognized with a window decal, certificate and highlighted on the ATC web site.
ATC Hiring a VISTA in Maine!
| Position Title | Appalachian Trail Community VISTA |
| Location | Millinocket, Maine |
| Supervisors | ATC Community Program Manager – Project SupervisorSite Supervisor – Maine Community Committee |
All interested Candidates must send cover letter and resume including references to jjudkins@appalachiantrail.org ASAP.
Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) CONSERVATION DEPARTMENTAL MISSION
Permanent protection and sensitive stewardship of the Appalachian Trail footpath and associated resources through effective implementation of a cooperative management system involving ATC, Trail maintaining clubs, and public-agency partners.
More information on the Appalachian Trail Conservancy: www.appalachiantrail.org
Project Goal
The Appalachian Trail Community VISTA in Millinocket will develop programs to bring Appalachian Trail Communities together by fostering a regional identity around outdoor recreation based tourism, and promoting sustainable economic development. With a more deliberate and wider reach promoting the outdoor recreation opportunities, supporting local volunteer organizations through building capacity and volunteer opportunities around those recreation assets, the community can build on the economic advantage of the growing trend and get more youth to experience the community.
Focused VISTA Goals
- Create opportunities for underserved populations, particularly at-risk youth to participate in experiential outdoor learning on public lands. These educational opportunities will raise awareness of the economic opportunity presented by continued study, employment, and careers in conservation related fields.
- Resource Development Grant Writing and Fundraising Strategies
- Research, Strategic Planning, Community Engagement and Partnership Development
Job requirements
Bachelors degree, good communication skills, familiarity with computers, ability to work in a challenging and changing environment, flexibility and adaptability, self-motivation and a willingness to live in a rural Appalachian community.
GIS, environmental monitoring, community organizing, economic development and experience with the A.T. are desired.
Duration: VISTA is a year of service
Start Date: Pre-Service Orientation training starts August 11; onsite in mid-August
Hours: Full Time (no external employment is permitted)
This position is not a staff position and does not include a salary; rather, it provides a living allowance of approximately $900 a month. It includes health insurance, child care assistance, and an education award valued at or $5,645 or a cash stipend of $1,500 at the end of service. Candidates relocating more than 50 miles for service are eligible for $550 relocation/settling in allowance.
DOI/VISTA – Department of the Interior Volunteer in Service to America. The VISTA program was started by President Johnson as the domestic equivalent of the Peace Corps. VISTA seeks to alleviate poverty and build the capacity of those trying to do so.
Training – There are two trainings per year to advance the professional development of its VISTA members and their supervisors. These trainings help VISTA’s to utilize the Conservation Legacy network by meeting fellow VISTAs in person. The spring training is for VISTAs only and the fall training brings Supervisors and VISTA Members together. DOI/VISTA sites will be expected to participate in training and all expenses are covered.
VISTA volunteers are placed in communities to build capacity, empower citizens and community volunteers, and create a network of support that otherwise would not exist among isolated, rural communities. We use national service as a local solution and bring measurable results to the communities we serve. VISTAs have been developing ad hoc committees and local collaborative groups with participation from concerned citizens, local businesses and political decision-makers, and agencies regionally and statewide to identify economic and environmental problems and their sources. Through these grassroots engagements, communities implement successful projects and develop citizen-driven solutions by working with leaders in the community who will support these projects in the long-term future. Striving for sustainability, the Teams build capacity by recruiting and training community volunteers who are invested locally and able to continue addressing recovery and revitalization in their own communities. To guide the Volunteers in their service, the Teams have developed 5 core goals:
- Build Local Capacity
- Engage Economic Redevelopment
- Promote Environmental Stewardship
- Enhance Outreach and Education
- Promote Professional Development
Third Thursdays in Boiling Springs and Carlisle, PA
The Appalachian Trail Conservancy (ATC) continues its “Third Thursdays” event series with an easy, 4-mile hike beginning at 6 p.m. May 15 in Carlisle, PA. Explore the pastoral farmlands of the Cumberland Valley and learn why this landscape differs from much of the rest of the Appalachian Trail (A.T.)
During the event, Michele Miller, the ATC’s Resource Program manager in the Mid-Atlantic Region, will be on hand to share information about the routing of the Trail through agricultural lands. Heidi Witmer, executive director of the Carlisle-based LEAF Project, will also share gardening ideas for use in a much smaller scale in your own back yard. Space is limited; register by calling 717.258.5771 or online athttp://atcthirdthursdays.eventbrite.com.
The ATC’s Third Thursdays is a series of free, public events in the Central Pennsylvania region. The series began in April and will run through October with a different event each month.
Additional Third Thursdays events include a Boiling Springs History Hike, Cool Off in the Rock Maze Hike, Music & Art in the Park, Yoga Sunset Hike and Nocturnal Friends Hike.
Third Thursdays Event Series Overview:
Boiling Springs History Hike (5 miles, moderate)
Date: June 19
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Boiling Springs, PA
Cool Off in the Rock Maze Hike (3 miles, moderate)
Date: July 17
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Carlisle, PA
Music & Art in the Park
Date: Aug. 21
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Boiling Springs, PA
Yoga Sunset Hike (3 miles, easy)
Date: Sept. 18
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Boiling Springs, PA
Nocturnal Friends Hike (2.5 miles, easy)
Date: Oct. 16
Time: 6 p.m.
Location: Boiling Springs, PA
For more information about the Third Thursday events series, visit www.appalachiantrail.org/events.
Waynesboro designated an Appalachian Trail Community Town joins two others in state as noted waypoints on 2,000-mile trail
Waynesboro >> In 2013, the greater Waynesboro area was recognized by the Appalachian Trail Conservancy as an official Appalachian Trail Community. Waynesboro has joined Boiling Springs and Duncannon as Appalachian Trail Communities in Pennsylvania.
On April 26, a Saturday, representatives from the Borough of Waynesboro, Washington Township, the Appalachian Trail Conservancy and the Potomac Appalachian Trail Club will celebrate that designation in conjunction with Renfrew Institute’s Earth Celebration Day & Festival.
The event will start at 12:30 p.m.
Four days before that, on April 22, there will be areas at Renfrew focusing on the Appalachian Trail and how towns along the 2,000-mile trail help the hiking community.
The question is, what is an AT Community, and what does it do?
It’s a boon to hikers, said Joshua McAlister, of Waynesboro. McAlister, now 30, and his father hiked the entire 2,000-plus miles of the trail from Georgia to Maine in 2005. It took them 144 days.
When the McAlisters did their through-hike, information about what could be found in towns along the trail was pretty much hit-or-miss.
“It was just whatever information you could gather on your own,” he said. “Having the designation is good. It will help the hikers, and let them know what’s available.”
Trail hikers today can visit the Appalachian Trail Communities website and find out what is available in the 35 AT Communities, either before they set out, or even by using smart phones or other portable digital devices while on the trail itself.
“They can come off the trail on Route 16 and they will know what is available in the nearby towns, whether they need a meal, lodging for the night, or some equipment,” McAlister said.
Christopher Firme of Blue Ridge Summit, a fervent trail hiker since the mid-1980s, said getting a business listed on the website is simple.
“Having the area get the designation for the area means that businesses will be able to be more in the forefront for the trail community,” he said. “What happens is, businesses fill out information and it gets put on the AT website. That’s all it takes. It will allow through hikers and section hikers, when they’re setting up their plans, they will know that the trail comes out on 16 between Blue Ridge Summit and Rouzerville. They’ll know they can resupply. Some hikers will mail boxes of items to local post offices. They can get cleaned up and have a better meal than they would on the trail, and some will stay in a motel.
“We’re lucky that we have the AT in our neighborhood,” he added.
For all of its relative remoteness, the annual “population” of the Appalachian Trail is equal to a city the size of Los Angeles, according to the Appalachian National Scenic Trail website (http://www.nps.gov/appa), approximately 3 to 4 million visitors hike at least a section of the trail every year. That’s a lot of hungry, tired and footsore people with money in their pockets.
Though the AT is covered by the National Park Service, it is maintained by volunteers, Firme added.
“In Pennsylvania, it runs about 242 miles through state forests, parks, gamelands, national park lands, and municipalities,” Firme said. “The AT is unique.”
Firme’s “real job” is with the Maryland Department of Agriculture, where he spends his time fighting gypsy moths and the woolly adelgid and other pests. He is also one of the many volunteers who oversees and maintains the trail.
“I take care of a section of the AT from Route 16 to Rattlesnake Run Road,” he said. “I co-oversee with Al Black. We split the section; I take a piece about 2.2 miles long, and he takes of the remaining 2.3 miles. I take care of the Deer Lick Shelter.”
On the trail, there are always “blazes” — white spots spray painted onto trees to mark the trail — to maintain, wooden treads on steep parts of the trail to replace, and other chores.
Julie Judkins of the Appalachian Trail Conservancy, based in Harpers Ferry, W.Va., said the Appalachian Trail Communities program started with two test communities back in 2006.
“The two communities, Hot Springs, North Carolina and Boiling Springs in Pennsylvania, went through a year-long sort of forum process to see what kind of things communities would be interested in having while working with us,” she said.
As it turns out, the desires of the two communities were very different.
“So we tried to build a program over the next few years working with volunteers and managers, hiking clubs and different organizations,” Judkins said. “We realized we needed to be flexible.”
In 2010, the ATC launched the current Communities program.
“It has been very successful,” Judkins said. “We now have 35 communities in the program. There has been a lot of interest from communities all along the trail. Now, we have some leverage. There are a lot of branding opportunities, and the trail brings a lot of national name recognition.”
One of the conservancy’s main interests lies in getting the public to know where the AT is.
“It’s an actual national park in their back yard,” she said. “We’re thrilled that Waynesboro and Washington Township worked together and turned in an application together.”
Pat Fleagle, director of economic development for Mainstreet Waynesboro Inc., submitted the application, along with Clint Rock, Washington Township planner, and Kathy Seiler, local trail club representative, after months of reaching out to businesses and organizations in the area, according to a recent press release.
Posted from Public Opinion Online by T.W. Burger:
Appalachian Trail Communities 