AMC Fall 07 Newsletter.Qxp
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Our National Parks I close with my final newsletter article as Chapter Chair and say AMC Fall Gathering thank you to the Worcester Chapter’s 3000 members who have Highland Center (Under The Red Felt Crusher) supported the AMC. I especially would like to acknowledge our October 12-14, 2007 executive committee, leaders, volunteers, and staff who have By Chapter Chair, Barbara Dyer been a pleasure to work with on behalf of promoting the AMC mis- Make your reservations today! Group Reservation #67573 hen I was younger I was often asked the sion. It has been a wonderful two year term and I wore my name usual question of “What do you want to badge proudly. Through serving as a volunteer for the AMC I Join us for this club-wide event, hosted by the New Wdo when you grow up?” My answer was have been inspired, motivated, and rewarded. I now turn over the Hampshire Chapter, at AMC's Highland Center at Crawford not the typical to be a vet, doctor or lawyer but I historic red felt crusher given to me by my mentor Jim Walsh, to Notch. Enjoy hikes and programs all weekend led by AMC our incoming Chapter Chair Sharon Foster. I know you will wel- clearly had goals to be a park ranger, tour guide, staff and volunteer leaders, as well as technical climbs, travel agent, Inn owner, or whitewater rafting come Sharon the same way you did me and enjoy all the exciting sightseeing, club-wide meetings, equipment consignment guide. These jobs seemed to be the perfect fit for initiatives she has planned for our chapter. I look forward to retir- my lifestyle and dreams. Instead I ended up in a ing to a slower pace to be at harmony in the mountains where you shop, a Saturday evening performance by Sha Riordan of career in education and am doing a combination will likely run into me at our AMC huts and lodges…. "Up to the Mountains", and a special demonstration of the of my dream jobs for my volunteer efforts with the new AMC White Mountain Guide Online--going live this AMC. As a leader I find such reward in organiz- August! ing trips to the great outdoors by sharing my pas- THANK YOU Worcester Firefighter and member John Griffin for sions with my students on mountain classroom your heroism while at Lonesome Lake. Your efforts in helping us Barbara Dyer in Grand Canyon All members are welcome to this event! Space is limited so trips and with my own children. are greatly appreciated. The Dyer Family. be sure to make reservations by September 12, 2007. was hooked on seeing our nation’s parks and Bunk and private room packages available, including Happy Trails! I still envy the park ranger’s careers and am monuments and now 20 years later I am happy meals, activities, and registration fee. Reserve directly with impressed with all they do to keep our parks safe to share I have visited many of our famous places Barbara AMC Reservations at 603-466-2727. from performing wildlife management to wildfire through the Canadian Rockies and throughout the controllers; rangers oversee our beautiful national spectacular U.S. I encourage you too to bring [email protected] or (508) 735-3281 between 3-9 pm parks. We are very fortunate to live in a country (Barbara lives in Southboro with her family and can be reached for any chapter related your families to parks instead of spending for- inquiries at that provides us with open space where our tunes at resorts and theme parks. Kids love the wildlife roams free and our heritage is preserved. opportunity to see wildlife, learn history, touch a National Parks are our natural playgrounds and wildflower, frolic in waterfalls and glacial lakes, places we can and should protect. It is stated that explore rims and canyons, view the spectacular park visits are down and some less visited places night sky, and to spiritually connect with our out- are considering closing because of the rising door world at their level. I honestly can’t think of costs of upkeep. Families are too busy for vaca- a better family trip than to explore peaks and Appalachian Mountain Club Fall 2007 Fall Club Mountain Appalachian tions because of scheduling conflicts and technol- Appalachian Mountain Club Fall 2007 Fall Club Mountain Appalachian canyons together. ogy has ruled the world. Unfortunately, many chil- The dren prefer sensationalism and technology over This summer I was fortunate enough to share outdoor activities. with my own family the grand West. We drove through the deserts and canyons of California and The parks pass is up to $80 which may appear Arizona to the rocky mountains of Colorado as Family Adventure Club by Barbara Dyer high but it now includes national forests which we well as many of our Southwest parks. California can use in NH, BLM areas and other offerings. Dreaming to Rocky Mountain High! You do not However, even at this rate, you couldn’t buy a ski have to look too far to explore our local region or The new Family Adventure Club this summer was a great suc- ticket or Disneyland ticket for one person, yet you learn about parks and monuments. Nearby, the cess. Many families in Worcester County enjoyed summertime fun can still travel inexpensively with a family for an Boston area has many opportunities to share his- orcester Chapter Chapter orcester orcester Chapter Chapter orcester entire year by investing in our parks. Visit the tory and the Cape Cod National Seashore is eas- doing weekly activities. Hiking Mt. Monadnock, Paddling Hopkinton National Parks and Conservation Association ily accessible. State Park, Rail Trail Bike Rides, Rock Climbing at Crow Hill, Hut Hikes, Camping, etc. There are www.npca.org to learn more about getting Acadia National Park in Maine is less than 6 still plenty of monthly opportunities to join other interested outdoor families for low cost acitivities. involved. Yes it takes planning and effort to visit a hours away and a world of solitude to move your Sign up with [email protected] if interested in getting on the e-list and check our web national park, but I’m certain you will be awe spirit whether it is hiking the trails, bike riding, or inspired with each unforgettable journey you take kayaking-- there is something for everyone. page for upcoming family events. and will soon forget technology and life’s uncer- Check out www.nps.gov and click on web rangers tainties. to get kids involved or test your own knowledge with virtual fieldtrips. Let technology be one way The day after I graduated college, I set out for News from the W the from News News from the W the from News to explore our parks, but better yet plan a trip and Chapter Youth Program my big adventure to world famous Yellowstone see for yourself what beauty awaits. This issue is National Park to work for a season. I lived in the dedicated to our many rangers and wildlife cute cabins near Old Faithful, worked like a dog experts who work to protect our parks and edu- The Worcester Chapter Youth Program is open and ready for business. We provide the leader- for minimal pay, but had the park as my backyard cate us on America’s natural world. ship to the great outdoors for local youth agencies and welcome new leaders to get involved. Our and the Grand Tetons as my neighbors. Life Wachusett Views Wachusett next training is in November 10. Contact Deb Phaup for more information on how you can make a couldn’t have been better! From that point on I Con’t next page difference in the life of a child at 978-988-0640 or [email protected] FALL ISSUE Fall Gathering Pg. 2 What The AMC Means To Us Pg. 7 Chair Thank You Pg. 3-4 New Members Pg. 8 Who’s Who/Trips Pg. 5 Learning The Ropes Pg. 9 Acadia National Park, ME Winter Hiking Pg. 6 Tully Camping Pg 10 amcworcester.org 2 10Contest Pg. 6 Chapter Events Pg. 11 Thank You Executive Committee Thank You Executive Committee By Barbara Dyer, Retiring Chapter Chair By Barbara Dyer, Retiring Chapter Chair ast issue I provided special Bruce Blais, our Endowment You will often find Tia welcoming many years on behalf of the trails we so thanks to our AMC dedicat- Chair, has undoubtedly been one of our our members at our potluck and major love to use in Worcester County. Don has Led volunteers serving on the most devoted long time members having events in addition to including our mem- been instrumental in coordinating very suc- Worcester Chapter Executive Committee served as chapter chair, nominations chair, bers in events like theaters, restaurants, cessful trails days. His enthusiasm and and will continue highlighting the following and many sub-committees over the past and concerts. Looking for something fun to love of the trails has brought him to work members who go above and beyond to 20 years or so. do? Call Tia! Tia resides in Webster. for the AMC and he also serves as co-chair make our chapter run smoothly…. Bruce is always willing to step in of the Midstate Trail. Don sits on our nom- and assist as needed at all levels. He has John Grote, our Technical Climbing inations committee and has served our Jean McInerney, our been instrumental in keeping history alive Chair has been instrumental in leading our chapter proud. Don resides in Boylston.