Appalachian Mountain Club - Delaware Valley Chapter

Chapter News

Leadership Workshop, Apr 16-18, 2010
posted Jan 30, 2010

The Delaware Valley Chapter will host an AMC Outdoor Leadership Training Workshop on the weekend of April 16-18, 2010. In an effort to make the training session more easily accessible for DV Chapter members, this session will take place at Nockamixon State Park and the Weisel Hostel near Quakertown.

Everyone is welcome to attend – leader wannabes, new leaders, new members, experienced leaders, members who just want to learn what leadership is all about.

Topics to be covered are the elements of outdoor leadership common to all AMC outdoor activities:

• Activity planning
• Leading safe and enjoyable activities
• Leadership styles
• Group dynamics
• Liability issues
• Decision making model
• Accident scene management
• Conservation and minimum impact issues
• AMC leadership requirements and guidelines
• How to become a DV Chapter activity leader
• Map and compass skills

Instructors: Experienced AMC volunteers and staff

Why attend? If you want to step up to leading outdoor activities, the workshop will give you the confidence and skills that you need. If you are already an experienced leader, this workshop will make you a better one.

How to register: Contact DV Leadership Chair Lennie Steinmetz, leadership@amcdv.org for additional information and registration.

Overnight accommodations: For those preferring to stay at Nockamixon rather than commute from home, lodging will be available at Weisel Hostel at a cost of $24 for the weekend.

New Members Social, March 9th, 7pm
posted Jan 13, 2010

Not just for new members - everyone is welcome! Please join us for a fun-filled evening - talk to trip leaders, watch a slide show, learn about AMC facilities, excursoins, the hike hotline and more. The social will be held at the Plymouth Meeting Friends House. Read more details....

New guidebook by DV member
posted Dec 21, 2009

Coming soon! AMC's Best Day Hikes Near Philadelphia by DV Chapter member Susan Charkes may be pre-ordered now from the AMC store (call 1-800-262-4455), and will be available Spring 2010. The book takes you through 50 of the region's best hikes for all levels.

The 2009 Chapter Annual Report
posted Nov 5, 2009

The Chapter Executive Committee has completed its Annual Report. The report will be presented at the Annual Dinner this Saturday, Nov 7th. You can also read it online, here.

Nominees for 2010 Executive Committee
posted Sep 30, 2009

The slate of nominees for the 2010 Executive Committee has been released. Election of the Executive Committee will be held at the Annual Dinner, Nov 7th. Chapter members should review the list of nominees, available here, before attending the Annual Dinner.

Escape to the PA Highlands
posted Sep 18, 2009

You're Invited to Discover the Outdoors in the Pennsylvania Highlands!!! Sept. 26th (National Public Lands Day) at Hopewell Furnace National Historic Site. Celebrate National Public Lands Day while you discover the Pennsylvania Highlands with AMC's new Pennsylvania Highlands Recreation Map and Guide. Visit http://hikethehighlands.blogspot.com for more details (or download a printable event flyer)

Scavenger Hunt in PA Highlands
posted Aug 3, 2009

The Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) and the Wildlands Conservancy have announced a scavenger hunt to be held within the Pennsylvania Highlands. The two organizations have created a series of 22 pocket-sized hiking cards which are designed to encourage people to explore the parks and trails within the PA Highlands. The scavenger hunt is a fun way to get people out into the Highlands and to discover the great outdoors. Answers to the scavenger hunt questions require participants to actually “hike the highlands” in order to discover them and submit the answers online. The scavenger hunt will run from July through Oct 31st 2009. Read more about it....

AMC Member Center Update
posted July 23, 2009

Now it’s easier than ever to sign into the AMC Member Center! Gone is the cumbersome registration process that frustrated so many. To get started, go to the AMC Homepage (www.outdoors.org) and click on "Member Center." Then follow these quick and easy instruction to get signed up and logged in.

Registering in the member center has many advantages. It allows you to sign up for our e-newsletter along with e-newsletters from other chapters. It also gives you access to weekly or monthly activity digests that can be tailored to your individual preferences.

Other features available through the membership center are a monthly AMC e-magazine that supplements "Outdoors Magazine" and access to sites that provide AMC members with product and service discounts.

A member center user guide that provides much greater detail is now available too. You can access this user guide by clicking on AMC Member Center User Guide.

PA Highlands Trail Celebration A Great Success!
posted May 30, 2009

The Highlands Trail is officially in Pennsylvania! On Saturday, May 16th, with over a hundred in attendance, AMC, the NY-NJ Trail Conference and the Borough of Riegelsville celebrated the near-completion of the 150-mile Highlands Trail in NJ and NY and welcomed the Highlands Trail into Riegelsville, Pennsylvania. The celebration began on the NJ side of the Riegelsville Toll-Supported Bridge with speeches given by the NYNJTC and Delaware River Joint Toll Bridge Commission, and continued with a hike across the bridge welcoming the Highlands Trail into PA. This included a ribbon-cutting on the NJ/PA border in the middle of the Delaware River on the bridge. Speeches followed on the PA side adjacent to The Riegelsville Inn by the Borough of Riegelsville, AMC, Rep. Quinn, and DCNR. A special unveiling of the Welcome to Riegelsville/Highlands Trail sign proceeded officially marking the beginning of the Highlands Trail in PA. The celebration finished with refreshments and a silent auction at the Borough Park including hikes at Mariton Wildlife Sanctuary and paddling demonstrations on the Delaware River. AMC also unveiled Hike the Highlands cards, that AMC has done in partnership with Wildlands Conservancy. The cards feature 22 hikes throughout the 13-county PA Highlands. A big thank you to AMC volunteers for making the celebration a success!

You can find out more and view pictures of the celebration and the PA Highlands Trail Network by following our blog at www.outdoors.org/hikethehighlands. On this webpage you can also download individual Hike the Highlands cards.

AMC Fall Gathering, Oct 16-18
posted May 7, 2009

Mark your calendar! Save the date! The 2009 AMC Fall Gathering will be held in the beautiful Berkshires - October 16-18 - during peak foliage season! Hosted by the Berkshire Chapter, at Becket-Chimney Corners in Becket, Mass., the event will run from Friday afternoon through Sunday afternoon. Hikes, bike rides, paddles, cliff/wall climbing, rope courses, workshops and presentations, Contra-dancing, campfires, socials - we'll have it all! Bring the family - the program is "kid-friendly." Go to www.amcberkshire.org/gathering, or email amcfg2009@gmail.com, for more information.

Hike Leader Meeting announced
posted Mar 22, 2009

Calling All Delaware Valley Chapter Hike Leaders! Be briefed on new developments that affect you and take a sneak peak at the summer schedule; ask questions, share concerns and discuss ideas. The Delaware Valley Chapter’s new Hiking Chair, Jeff Lippincott will be on hand along with several other Executive Committee members. Thursday, April 2, 2009 at 7:00 pm at the Plymouth Meeting Friends Meeting House, 2150 Butler Pike, Plymouth Meeting, PA 19462. More info and directions here, or contact Jeff at hiking@amcdv.org or 609-895-9782.

PA Highlands Trail Celebration - Updated!
posted Feb 15, 2009

YOU'RE INVITED! Sat. May 16th at 12pm - "Welcome to PA" Highlands Trail Celebration: AMC, NYNJTC, and the Borough of Riegelsville are holding a celebration in honor of the Highlands Trail reaching the NJ/PA border in Riegelsville, PA (Bucks County). Join in this exciting celebration by welcoming the Highlands Trail into PA via the Roebling Bridge. Refreshments, local hikes, bike rides and paddling trips will all be a part of the festivities. Read more details here... or contact AMC's Mid-Atlantic office at 610-868-6906 or jheisey@outdoors.org. Also, be sure to check out the Highlands Trail Network Public Open Houses happening throughout April, to learn more about the trail project or to be part of the planning process.

Chapter Annual Dinner Report
posted Nov 17, 2008

The Delaware Valley Chapter held its Annual Dinner on Nov 15 2008. Highlights of the evening included presentation of the Chapter Conservation Award to Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), Charles Elliott and James Miles for their work on Act 24 (read more details in the news release), as well as presentation of the "Appie of the Year" award to Joan Aichele and "Golden Appie" award to Joseph Bell. Featured speaker and chapter member Phill Hunsberger gave an entertaining and informative talk on his adventures in the Himalayas. The event was held at the Inn at Towamencin in Kulpsville.

Annual New Members' Social
posted Jan 7, 2009

This event is for everyone, not just new members! Please join us for a fun-filled evening. Leaders representing our various activities will be on hand to answer your questions along with a short slide show presentation. Read all the details....

Chapter Annual Dinner Report
posted Nov 17, 2008

The Delaware Valley Chapter held its Annual Dinner on Nov 15 2008. Highlights of the evening included presentation of the Chapter Conservation Award to Rep. Robert Freeman (D-Northampton), Charles Elliott and James Miles for their work on Act 24 (read more details in the news release), as well as presentation of the "Appie of the Year" award to Joan Aichele and "Golden Appie" award to Joseph Bell. Featured speaker and chapter member Phill Hunsberger gave an entertaining and informative talk on his adventures in the Himalayas. The event was held at the Inn at Towamencin in Kulpsville.

New AMC Member Center
posted Oct 8, 2008

The AMC Member Center is now open. You can now enter the Center and renew your membership, control your membership options, learn about member-only offers, and subscribe to e-newsletters. That's just the beginning. Soon you will be able to select the method that Footnotes will get sent to you, and in the not too distant future you will have the ability to customize the activity notifications that get sent to your email inbox.

Access to the AMC Member Center requires a log-in id and password. If you have a valid email address on file with AMC you should have received an email with log-in information. You can log on and then edit your log-in id and password. If you forget the id and password follow the membership validation procedure described below.

If you did not get an email, either because you do not have an email address on file, or the one that is on file is outdated, you then must validate your membership. You can do this by entering your membership number. Your membership number can be found on the Outdoors magazine mailing label (above your name). Continue through the process and if no email address is on file a form will appear. Populate the form with your information and an email containing log-in information will be sent to you. Once you enter the information and submit the form, please be patient. It takes several days before the records are updated and you receive your notification email.

If you have an outdated email on file and follow the same process as above because you did not get an email, a screen will pop-up saying you are already registered and an email with log-in information will be sent to your email address. This is fine if you forgot your log-in information but if it is an outdated email address you may not receive the message. In that case, you will need to contact Membership Services at the AMC. You can reach them at 800-372-1758 M-F 8 AM to 5 PM. Also, you can submit a form that is available on the website and update your email address. Once you submit the form it will take about two weeks before the change takes effect.

Executive Committee nominations posted
posted Sep 29, 2008

The slate of nominees for the 2009 Chapter Executive Committee has been finalized and posted here. A vote on the approval of these officers will be held at the Annual Dinner.

Chapter Member Featured in Morning Call Article
posted Aug 11, 2008

The Lehigh Valley newspaper The Morning Call ran an article on August 5th entitled "Guardians of the Appalachian Trail", which featured our own Bill Steinmetz. The article focused on local efforts to protect the AT from development pressures such as the PPL proposal which threatens a section of the AT near Little Gap. Bill invests enormous energy and time in maintaining and defending the AT. Keep up the great work, Bill!

Link to the article here: http://www.mcall.com/news/local/all-b1_5trail.6503596aug05,0,2973212.story

Wilderness First Aid, October 4th-5th
posted Aug 5, 2008

The Chapter again this year will host Wilderness First Aid. Taught by SOLO, this 16-hour course covers principles of long-term care, use of improvised resources in response to a crises in backcountry settings where 911 emergency response is not readily available. The course is recommended for all leaders and others who participate in or lead trips in the backcountry. Lectures, practice and simulations emphasize injury prevention and decision making. Optional CPR certification. The course will be taught at the Weisel Hostel, Nockamixon State Park near Quakertown, Pa. Partial tuition reimbursement is available to Chapter leaders leading two or more activities in a twelve month period following course completion. Contact Chapter Education Chair Tina Lawless for more information and to register.

Fall Gathering, October 17th-19th
posted Aug 5, 2008

Save this Date for the Fall Gathering in Northeast Maryland. Take a journey to the head of the Chesapeake Bay, only 40 minutes from the end of the New Jersey Turnpike, and enjoy the hospitality of the Washington, D.C. chapter. Don't miss this opportunity to enjoy AMC-style fun hosted by our southernmost chapter. Details and on-line registration are available at http://www.amc-dc.org/Files/re_fallGathering2008.php

New Mohican Getaway Schedule
posted June 4, 2008

The Mohican Getaway Program has a full schedule of reasonably priced two- and three-day activity-oriented outings planned at the Mohican Outdoor Center for the rest of the calendar year! Please check out the schedule (click here), which has just been updated with the latest details, and stay tuned for more info.

Potential Closure of NJ Parks
posted Apr 4, 2008

The Corzine administration is planning on closing a number of state parks and reservoirs in NJ in order to trim their budget. Many of the parks they are planning on closing are places where AMC recreates and lead trips everyday, including Round Valley Reservoir. To find out more more about the budget cuts and what parks will be effected please visit: http://www.njkeepitgreen.org The NY/NJ Trail Conference also has a very detailed information page on the budget cuts.

It has come to our attention that there will be a peaceful rally and demonstration against the park closings on Saturday, April 5th, 12:00 noon, at Round Valley State Park. This is not an AMC event. Please direct all questions about the rally to mapgar@gmail.com

AMC Club-wide Spring Gathering!
posted Mar 17, 2008

This year's Spring Gathering is being hosted by the Southeastern Massachusetts Chapter, at YMCA's Camp Burgess, located in Sandwich, Mass. on scenic Cape Cod. The weekend will be jam-packed with fun outdoor activities!. Learn more, and get registration information, on the SE Mass Chapter's Website. Don't miss out, sign up now!

Annual Dinner News
Nov 4, 2007

The DV Chapter's Annual Dinner, held Nov 3rd at the Four Seasons in Norristown, presented an evening full of good food, information, and socializing with club members. Regional Rep and ex-Chapter Chair Chris Rapacki played MC for the evening (pictured, right), overseeing the election of officers to the Executive Committee. "Appie of the Year" Awards were presented to Rich Wells and Eric Pavlak, and several members were honored for their 25-year membership anniversaries. Presentations were made by Mid-Atlantic Office staff Kristin Sykes and Jennifer Heisey; Conservation Chair Susan Charkes; and global-warming expert Andy Pitz. The main event was a fascinating talk and slide show by Sophia Danenberg, about her climb to the summit of Mt Everest. See more photos of the event.

USFS Workshop on PA Highlands
Oct 23, 2007

The USFS is holding a two-day workshop at the end of this week on its study of the PA Highlands. At the workshop the USFS will unveil draft results from the study including future build-out of the area. There will also be a discussion on conservation strategies to protect the resources of the PA Highlands. The event will be held on October 25-26, 8:30 am – 3:00 pm at McConnell Hall, Nolde Forest Environmental Education Center, 2910 New Holland Road, Reading, Pennsylvania. For more information contact Ed Boyer with the USFS at: (570) 296-9625 or eboyer@fs.fed.us

Notes from NYNJTC on New Trails/Relocations
Oct 15, 2007

A few notes on trail changes in North Jersey/Southern NY from the Oct 4th NY-NJ Trail Conference meeting, as reported to us by our Trails Chair.

1. The Indian Rock Trail (Blazed red & white) and the Wanaque Ridge Trail (Blazed Orange) are now open along with a new parking lot. These are situated west of Ramapo Lake and the Cannonball trail.
2. Stokes State Forest - The Stony Brook Trail starting on the AT and going westward to the parking area has been extended westward beyond the parking area.
3. There will be an AT relocation in Wawayonda State Park, NJ. Purpose of this is to help eliminate bikes and horses on the AT.
4. Construction on the new Iron Belt Trail in north Jersey will start next month. This trail will be 25 miles long and connect the AT in Wawayonda to the Highland Trail in Mahlon Dickerson County Park (Morris County). Expected to take two winters to complete. Most of this trail is on existing trails, with only 10 to 12 miles new.
5. The 1777 and 1779 trail near Bear Mountain have been re-routed. This is minor.

Annual Dinner Registration Deadline
Oct 11, 2007

The registration deadline for this year's Annual Dinner is October 24th. Your payment and registration form must be received by then, if you plan to attend. Haven't signed up yet? Take a moment to do it now! The registration form is in the Fall issue of FootNotes, and online as a printable PDF file. Don't miss out on catching up with what other members of the club are doing, and hearing Sophia Danenberg speak about her mountaineering adventures.

Hike and Fundraiser for AMC's Mid-Atlantic Conservation Work
Sept 19, 2007

Come join us for an event to kick off a fundraiser for AMC's Mid-Atlantic conservation work. The event will begin at 10 am on September 22nd at Clothesline Organics. Clothesline Organics is located at: 101 E 3rd Street, Southside Bethlehem. The event will include a presentation about AMC's work to protect the Mid-Atlantic Highlands as well as a discussion about activities in the Lehigh Valley. We will also be giving out maps of trails in the Lehigh Valley. Following the presentation there will some time to shop and then we will lead a hike from the store. From September 22 – 29, 12% of all members' purchases go to support AMC's conservation work. Also register for a raffle for a weekend getaway for two at AMC's Mohican Outdoors Center. For more information contact Kristen Sykes at ksykes@outdoors.org.

2008 Executive Committee Nominations Update
Sept 14, 2007

The slate of nominees for the 2008 Executive Committee is complete. Chapter members, please contact Nominating Committee Chair if you have questions or wish to offer further nominations. members may submit additional names for nomination up to 5 days before the November 3rd Annual Dinner.

Website Face-lift
Sep 10, 2007

As you can see, the website has recently undergone a face-lift! Hopefully, the new site will be more accessible and contain more useful information both for chapter members and for people just interested in learning more about the chapter and the AMC. If you are looking for something that used to be on the old website, and you can't find it, please contact the Web Team, so we know what we've missed. Also, you can use the "Old Homepage" link at the bottom of the main menu (for now) to access the old site.

If you're a chapter member, and are interested in helping make this website better, please read the call for volunteers, and if you can help, email webmaster@amcdv.org.

New White Mountain Guide Now Available Aug 01, 2007 The 28th edition of the AMC White Mountain Guide is now in print, and may be purchased at the AMC online store. Price: $24.95, Member Price: $22.46.

2008 Executive Committee Nominations
July 14, 2007

The Chapter Nominating Committee is looking for candidates to fill the Executive Committee roles of Leadership Chair and Education Chair. Chapter members, please contact Nominating Committee Chair Craig Smith if you know of a good candidate for any of these positions, or if you are interested in volunteering yourself.

Annual Picnic Report
June 20, 2007

The Chapter's Annual Picnic was held at Washington Crossing Park on Saturday June 16. Upwards of 90 people participated in hikes, a cookout and lively conversation on a beautiful, sunny day in the park. Hike leader Billy Neuman won an EMS gift certificate in the Leader Survey Raffle.

 

(News archive begun June 2007)