The Newsletter of the Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club

Rover’s Message

May-June-July 2017 Edition

Meeting Times, Juniata County Walk, Awards Page 2

Susquehanna Rivertowns Weekend, 4 Southeastern PA Parks Weekend Page 3

Online Start Box and Appalachian Trail events Page 4

Bike Events for 2017, Things You See on the Trail Page 5

Haunted Gettysburg Events, PA State Parks & Forest Challenge Page 6

Schedule of Events Page 7

Inside this issue:

The Rover Reporter

2017 Executive Officers

President Sharon Miller 717-805-9540 millersd@ptd.net Vice Presidents Lester Miller 717-938-3488 millersd@ptd.net Bill Rhoat rhtpr@aol.com Marcy Lucas lucas_mj@hotmail.com Secretary Regina Zapotosky 939-2077 rmzapoto@aol.com Treasurer Gloria Grabenstein 652-1607

Executive Committee Members

After Action Pat Eby 379-8945 Map Maker Lester Miller 938-3488 Membership Mary Watts 234-7765 Newsletter Pat Eby patriciaeby@verizon.net Publicity Kimberly Rowe kimberly@1moresale.com Sales Manager Amy Trommer 991-5232 Trailmasters Lester Miller 938-3488 Bill Rhoat 733-6915 Volunteer Coordinator Alice Eckardt 599-5033 Webmaster Regina Zapotosky 939-2077

Hello all, Once again I am in search of another IML stamp and IVV credit in another European country. This time in Blankenberge, Belgium. Lucy Yother from Leavenworth, KS, and I met at Dulles Airport and are headed to Brussels, Belgium. We will be boarding a train to Blankenberge, not a direct one, but one of several changes. Little did we know there would be trouble somewhere on the tracks and cause our connections to be quite late. We finally arrived at our hotel after lunch. All we wanted to do was crash. The next day we met the Ohl’s from WA state and Max from Australia. Then we saw Jamey and Evie also from Australia and several people from Germany. This is what is so great about doing these walks, we get to see people that we have met before and it is such a good feeling. This is how great it is to be participating in the Arlington weekend in October. That is an IML and IVV weekend of walking. On Saturday, we walked 27k in the wind and sun on streets and the beach. On Sunday we did 28k on the streets and beach with no sun and lots of wind. It was always good to finish and meet our friends for dinner. A great trip. I came home and went out and bought a lighter weight suitcase. Mine was light when I bought it in 2010, but sure feels like it has gotten heavier when I had to haul it up the steps at the train stations. It should go better on my next trip. Now to club business. We had a great weekend at the Susquehanna Rivertowns Weekend, April 28, 29, and 30. Thank you all for helping and walking and hope you enjoyed the beautiful weekend. We think we had one of the most beautiful start points possible at the Susquehanna River Trail Center in Columbia.

(Continued on Page 5)

THE ROVER REPORTER PAGE 2

New! Meeting Location Meeting Time

Club meetings are held on the last Tuesday of each month at 6:00 PM at Bass Pro on Paxton St in Harrisburg in the Hunt Club Meeting Room on the second floor next to the gun counter. Everyone is welcome to attend! The next meetings will be:

May 30, 2017 June 27, 2017 July 25, 2017

Events Distance

A Walk in Juniata County

Saturday August 26, 2017

Mifflintown and Mifflin PA

Start: Mifflintown Playground, 498 Jefferson St, Mifflintown PA 17059. There is free parking along the playground fence or turn right at end of fence to the small parking lot, or other nearby street parking.

Start between 8 am to 1 pm and finish by 4 pm

Trail: There is a 5K or 10K trail with a rating of 2B

The walk is on sidewalks, a nature trail and along the roadway. There are hills. The 10K crosses the two new bridges between Mifflintown and Mifflin. One is a pedestrian and the other is for traffic. It also passes 2 post offices, goes along the Juniata River and follows the nature trail. It is not recommended for wheelchairs, but strollers should have little problem with the hills. Some sidewalks do not have curb cuts.

Pets are permitted but must be leashed and picked up after. They are not permitted in the cemetery.

Restrooms are available at the Start/Finish. Water will be available at the Start/Finish and the Checkpoint. Food will be available for purchase at the Start/Finish by the 4K Square Dance Club.

The Special Programs: Bridges, Ice Cream Parlors, Water Fountains, Take a Walk in a City Park, US Post Offices, Walk the USA-Street by Street. PA County Challenge - Juniata

Point of Contact: Joyce Krow 717-527-4798 jakow@centurylink.net

Start Point Cell 717-994-4474

Near By Year Round Events: Burnham and Lewistown: The start point for both events is in the Burnham YMCA which is 22 miles away. Little Buffalo State Park: The start point is in Sharar’s Grocery in Newport which is 24 miles away.

Directions: From East of Mifflintown: Take US 22/322 West to the Mifflintown exit, turn left at stop sign onto State Route 35. ** Drive about a mile, when you see the Mifflintown Firehouse on the left, turn left onto Cross St. Turn left on Schweyer Ave. Start Point is on right. From West of Mifflintown: Take US 22/322 East to Mifflintown exit, turn right at the stop sign onto State Route 35 continue from above **

275 Bill Rhoat

375 Jennifer Betar

Tim Krow 400

Joyce Krow 950

Jack Highberger JoAnn Highberger

2800 Alice Eckardt

3000 Bill Rhoat

3500 Tim Krow

4000 Joyce Krow

10000 Jack Highberger

JoAnn Highberger

2017 AVA Biennial Convention June 7-9, 2017

This is the first picture from Bill Rhoat at Crazy Horse in North Dakota. The face is 86

ft. high. This was taken at the beginning of his convention adventure, which was just

after his train adventure.

More will be in the next issue of the Rover Reporter. Thanks Bill

THE ROVER REPORTER PAGE 3

Susquehanna Rivertowns Weekend

Three Walks and a Bike

Friday, April 28, to Sunday, April 30, 2017

Atlantic Region Director, Tom Jackson presented the three club presidents with AVA Commendable Service Awards for working together to organize the Susquehanna Rivertowns Weekend, with three walking trails and a bike. From left - Maria Roshon, President Penn Dutch Pacers, Tom Jackson, Sharon Miller, President Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club, and Pam Copenhaver, President of York White Rose Wanderers.

It was a lovely idea and though a lot of work, the events were wonderful. The weather was great and so was the start point. Lots of snacks were donated and consumed.

4 Walk Events in Southeastern PA Parks

Oct 20-21-22, 2017

Registration Point: Quality Inn - Pottstown 61 west King St, Pottstown PA 19464 Driving directions to the events will be provided. Start Times: Fri/Sat 8:30 am to 4:00 pm, Sun 9 am and must have finished all trails by 1 pm on Sun.

Award is a 3inch diamond shaped patch featuring a white squirrel named “Creamsicle”. There are a limited supply. There will be no reorders. Award and credit is $7. IVV credit only is $3.

March Creek State Park Trail is a 6K or 12K rated 3C. Special Programs are Boardwalks, Bridges, Treasure Hunt, Trekking with Trees and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Contact Dave Brown 610-906-6252

Nolde Forest State Park Trail is a 6K rated 2C or a 10K rated 3C. Special Programs are Boardwalks, Bridges, Treasure Hunt, Trekking with Trees, and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Contact Dave Brown 610-906-6252

Hopewell Furnace/French Creek State Park Trail is a 5K or 10K rated 3C Special Programs are Honoring Our Flag, National Parks Centennial, Treasure Hunt, Trekking with Trees and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Contact Jeanne Clancy 484-462-8541

Warwick County Park Trail is a 5K or 10K rated 2C. Special Programs are Boardwalks, Bridges, Honoring Our Flag, National Register of Historic Places, Treasure Hunt, Trekking with Trees, and You’ll Never Walk Alone. Contact Jeanne Clancy 484-462-8541

All events except Warwick County Park qualify for KSVA State Parks and Forest Challenge.

Two events are sponsored by the Liberty Bell Wanderers

and two events are sponsored by the Chester County Red Rovers.

You can find a brochure online at -

www.libertybellwanderers.net

Info for reservations is on page 6.

THE ROVER REPORTER PAGE 4

cards are PDFs that you can download and print as needed. The POC does not provide event directions or accept alternate payment methods. The entire online process should take less than 10 minutes for a first time user. START/FINISH TIMES: Please walk daylight hours only FEES: The “A” award is a 3x3 inch embroidered patch featuring a downy woodpecker on a white blazed tree as shown to the left and IVV credit is $7.00. You will have to contact Jane Holmes about paying and receiving the award. IVV Credit Only is $3.00 which you pay though PayPal. You must register and pay $3 for IVV Credit for each day you walk. You can take event credit for each day and take distance credit for the amount walked that day. You will have to send a check to the point of contact for the award. COUNTIES: Counties the AT covers include: Franklin, Cumberland, Perry, Dauphin, Lebanon, Schuylkill, Berks, Lehigh, Carbon, Northampton, and Monroe. CONDITIONS: For these trails, wheelchairs or strollers are not allowed. Pets are welcome, but need to be kept on leashes and you must follow clean-up laws. Bring extra water, wear sturdy shoes, and the use of hiking sticks is highly recommended. Use insect repellent - Lyme Disease is a major problem here. Additional Information:

Jane Holmes 760-496-8610

jensenholmespa@gmail.com www.ksva.net

450 Pinkerton Rd Mount Joy PA 17552

Online Start Box There is a new way to register for an event. It is using an Online Start Box. The following event is using this new way to register. The new event for Milford and Ricketts Glen State Park will also be using this Online Start Box. I’m sure there will be questions, but you will be able to go to www.KSVA.net to find your answers. If that doesn’t help, then contact the point of contact for the events.

Appalachian Trail

Year Round Walk January 1 to December 31, 2017

5K to 42K Trail Rating 4D

An Extended Distance Event. 105711 AT17/Y0088

TRAIL: The Appalachian Trail (AT) in Pennsylvania ”is where the trail maintainers sharpen the rocks and hiking boots go to die”. Many sections of the AT are very rocky and/or have lots of tree roots. The terrain is up and down in most areas and trail difficulty is anywhere from 3B to a 4D. Allow extra time to complete your hike. Do not hike when there is snow on the ground or very muddy. You are advised to hike with someone else and not alone and carry water. The entire 229.6 miles (369.5K) of the AT in PA is sanctioned as an extended distance event. The KSVA website (www.ksva.net) has a link that identifies 21 segments that can each be day hiked if you are able to place a car at each end. You can also do an out and back hike, either southbound or northbound, anywhere you can access the trail. Obviously, the trailheads identified at the link on the KSVA website are the best places to access the trail. START POINT: WEB REGISTRATION ONLY (www.cva4u.org) PROCEDURES: Please use the online start box provided by the California Volkssport Assn website (www.cva4u.org). Follow the left side link, “Online Start Box”, and the instructions provided to sign a waiver and register for this event. Payments for event credit, $3.00 and directions use PayPal. The directions and insert

THE ROVER REPORTER

(Continued from Page 1)

The following people worked that weekend: Pat Eby, Alice Eckardt, Cookie Little, Bob Gambert, Marcy Lucas, Rich and Paula Bergstrasser, Bill Rhoat, Grant Bollen, Trish Bowra, Jim Reedy and Lester Miller. Hope I didn’t forget anyone. Thanks for all your help. I never saw so many baked goods for sale at a walk. Thanks to all who brought them. Join us May 4, 5 and 6, 2018 for our second Susquehanna Rivertowns Weekend. Don’t forget the following events for this year: The Rovers have a walk August 26 at Mifflin/Mifflintown, the 30th Anniversary walk on September 16 in Harrisburg; and Hershey, November 24 and 25, the 30th year for a walk in Hershey at Thanksgiving. We will be looking for help at Hershey, so please volunteer. Hope to see you on the trail. Sharon

Things you see on the trail.

I don’t have a picture for you this time, but a story. We were walking the Historic Harrisburg Trail on the Saturday of Memorial Day weekend. I was as usual, running my mouth about what we were seeing. As we walked past the Railroad Station, I was talking about the Peregrine Falcons that nest on the Rachel Carson Building that is across the street.

As we looked up, we saw an adult sitting on the nesting ledge. Then we noticed a few folks on lawn chairs with binoculars watching them. One of them lent us his glasses and explained that one of the youngsters had bumped into the building and had floated to the ground, and that was what they were there for. They had rescued it and were taking it to a rehab center for wild birds. They had gotten permission from the PA Game Commission first.

We then saw the other two fledglings sitting on a lower ledge and the folks explained that the adult had put food on that ledge for them. But then we heard the mama soaring and screaming for her other chick. She was not happy. Luckily the little one was in good hands. She just didn’t know that. Pat Eby

PAGE 5

Bike Events

The “Guided Bike” concept is being tested by the AVA National Executive Committee. A “Guided Bike” 3 day event currently scheduled for: Sept. 21, 2017 - 27K is in Damascus VA, starting at Blue Blazes Bicycle and Shuttle Service, 226 W Laurel Ave, Damascus VA 24236; Sept 22, 2017 - 25K is in New River State Park, 116 Orphanage Dr, Max Meadows VA 24360 and starts at Bike Rentals at Foster Falls; Sept 23, 2017 is back in Damascus and is once again a 27K. As always, for more information on the Guided Bikes: contact Tom Jackson thomasjackson@embarqmail.com 717-677-6511 There are nine chances to do year round or seasonal bikes in 2017 in Pennsylvania. New seasonal bikes are being held in Bird In Hand, Punxsutawney, Cook Forest State Park, Pine Creek Trail in Tiadaghton State Forest and the entire Pine Creek Trail is currently sanctioned as an “Extended Distance” Bike Event. Year round bikes are held in Easton, Mount Joy, Gettysburg, Valley Forge, and two on the York Heritage Rail Trail. Enjoy the trails!

Take your dogs

Volksmarching -

They need exercise too!

We also have books for

them.

Don’t forget water for

them and for yourself.

Be prepared for the

heat.

THE ROVER REPORTER PAGE 6

PA State Parks and Forest Challenge

2015-2016-2017

Keystone State Volkssport Assn will again sponsor this challenge program to encourage participation in events in our State Parks and State Forests. All of them have a lovely and colorful patch. Are you up to the challenge! We have so many wonderful parks and forests and this will be the year to get out and enjoy them. But be sure to wear bug spray in the summer. Many of these walks can be snow shoed. So that would be a new adventure. There is even a swim and bikes. You can get either the first time challenge book or the 2nd time challenge book on line at www.KSVA.net The list of qualifying State Parks and Forests for 2017 Year Round or Seasonal events are as follows: Shawnee State Park Ricketts Glen State Park Michaux State Forest 2 Snow Shoes and a walk Susquehannock State Park Presque Isle State Park Caledonia State Park walk and swim Mont Alto State Park Pine Grove Furnace State Park Cowan’s Gap State Park Delaware Canal State Park in Morrisville and New Hope Little Buffalo State Park Cook Forest State Park walk and bike Tiadaghton State Forest walk and bike Several of these are new for 2017.

Access information about the State Parks and Forest Challenge at www.KSVA.net. You will also find our Year Round and Seasonal Booklet with information about these walks and all of the events that are offered in PA at the website.

Haunted Gettysburg Weekend

Nov. 10, 11, 12, 2017

The events are called:

Stories of the Women,

Ghost Walk,

Gettysburg in the Great War,

and in Orrtanna, a Winery Walk

Contact Tom Jackson

thomasjackson@embarqmail.com

Accommodations: If you plan on going, you need to make reservations at the Days Inn Gettysburg before Oct 10, 2017. The York White Rose Wanderers rate is $52.00 plus tax. Call 717-334-0030

Social: There is a Social on Nov 11 at 7 pm at the General Pickett’s Buffet. The price is $14.50 which includes everything including tip (but not alcoholic beverages). To register for the social, send a check to Gloria Rudacille, 310 Cherry St, York PA 17402. Make the check payable to “YWRW” . If you have any questions, you can call Gloria at 717-578-2085 or email gigglesrjg@comcast.net.

4 Southeastern PA Parks Hotel Registration and Meet and Greet Information.

Event Information on page 3.

Hotel accommodations are with Quality Inn - Pottstown. Liberty Bell Wanderers rate is $65 per night plus tax. Call for reservations at 610-326-6700 before September 28, 2017. Meet and Greet A meet and greet will be at the Quality Inn on Saturday October 21, 2017 at 6:00 pm. There will be an assortment of sandwiches, salads, beverages and desserts for $11. You must pre-register if you plan to attend. Send a check payable to Liberty Bell Wanders to Dave Brown, 533 Winthrop Rd, Collegeville PA 19426. Payment must be received by October 14, 2017.

THE ROVER REPORTER

Legend: W=Walk, GRP= Group Walk, GW=Guided Walk, NW=Night Walk, M=Meeting, S= Swim , B=Bike GB=Guided Bike

2017 ATLANTIC REGION CALENDAR of EVENTS From ava.org as of May 26, 2017

June 3 W Millersville MD (National Trails Day) Freestate Happy Wanderers 410-533-5805 10 W Churchville MD (Harford Comm Ctr) Baltimore Walking Club 410-272-2654 24 W Clarksville MD (River Hill Village Ctr) Columbia Volksmarch Club 410-290-6510 27 M Harrisburg PA (BassPro - 6pm) Susquehanna Rovers 717-805-9540

July 1 W Newport News VA (Walk, Eat, Meet) Virginia Vagabonds 757-814-1417 8 W Coatesville PA (Hibernia Cty Park) Chester County Red Rovers 484-432-8541 19 W Greenbelt MD (Comm Ctr) Great Greenbelt Volksmarchers 301-431-6668 22 M Meeting in Lansdale PA KSVA 717-979-3690 25 M Harrisburg PA (BassPro - 6pm) Susquehanna Rovers 717-805-9540 29 W York PA (Keystone State Games) York White Rose Wanderers 717-817-9724

August 5 W Montrose PA (Blueberry Festival) Finger Lakes Volkssports Club 607-754-1979 5 W Columbia MD (Harpers Choice Ctr) Columbia Volksmarch Club 410-290-6510 12 W Odenton MD (Piney Orchard) Annapolis Amblers 410-695-1031 16 W Greenbelt MD (Comm Ctr) Great Greenbelt Volksmarchers 301-431-6668 19 W Savage MD (UM Church) Freestate Happy Wanderers 410-437-2164 26 W Mifflintown PA (Juniata Cty) Susquehanna Rovers 717-527-4798 26 W Hagerstown MD (Augustoberfest) Antietam Pathfinders Volksmarch 301-302-5810 29 M Harrisburg PA (BassPro - 6pm) Susquehanna Rovers 717-805-9540

September 2 W Greenbelt MD Great Greenbelt Volksmarchers 301-431-6668 9 W Norristown PA (Farm Park) Liberty Bell Wanderers 610-906-6252 9 W Columbia MD (Owen Brown) Columbia Volksmarch Club 410-290-6510 10 W Laurel MD (9-11 Comm) Freestate Happy Wanderers 301-717-3604 16 WB Harrisburg PA (30 Anniversary) Susquehanna Rovers 717-979-3960 16 W Burke VA (Oktoberfest) Northern Virginia Volksmarchers 703-644-0189 16 W Glouchester VA (Beaver Dam SP) Peninsula Pathfinders of VA 757-357-5355 17 W Princeton NJ (Jazz Feast) Princeton Area Walkers 609-259-2365 20 W Greenbelt MD Great Greenbelt Volksmarchers 301-431-6668 21 GB Damascus VA York White Rose Wanderers 717-677-6511 22 GB Max Meadows VA York White Rose Wanderers 717-677-6511 23 GB Damascus VA York White Rose Wanderers 717-677-6511 23 W Bel Air MD Baltimore Walking Club 410-638-7043 23 W Lovettsville VA (Oktoberfest) Loudoun Walking & Volkssport Club 703-737-2175 26 M Harrisburg PA (BassPro - 6pm) Susquehanna Rovers 717-805-9540 30 W Frederick MD (Oktoberfest) Seneca Valley Sugarloafers 301-431-6668

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Susquehanna Rovers Volksmarch Club 390 Old Quaker Road Etters PA 17319

Dated Materials

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