AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 2, Issue 1

Volume 2, Issue 1 - November, 2014
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

The season is complete and this issue starts Volume 2 of the AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter.  One year ago, I started this job as manager of the museum and also started this newsletter as a way to let all of our volunteers (and anyone who was interested) know what was going on at the museum.  I have had a wonderful year and look forward to what next season will bring through our door.  I hope you all will continue to come along with me.

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Fall Furnace Fest

On October 18th and 19th, the local community converged onto the park and gathered for the annual Fall Furnace Fest.  This festival is the biggest event of the year at the park and is put on by the Friends of Pine Grove Furnace.  Many volunteers come together to provide the visitors with a large number of things to do and see, including pumpkin carving, scarecrow making, hay rides, mansion tours, music, vendors, food... Well, you get the idea.  The whole park is involved and it is a real good time.  

A perfect autumn morning awaits festival visitors

Last year, I recall a good number of visitors coming through the museum that day, but I was pleasantly surprised when those two days accounted for our highest visitor counts of the season, pushing us up over my goal of 8300 visitors by a good margin.  

Rough Edges String Band setting up

I'm pretty sure one of the reasons a lot of Festival visitors came through the museum was the excellent music that was emanating from the Rampatheater area.  The Rough Edges String Band had set up at the ramp and provided some very good music in the early afternoon.  It was very pleasant hearing the excellent folk music coming through the front door and quite a few visitors mentioned how nice it was.

A nice crowd gathering to listen to the great music

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Drag'n Fly and Freckles

I like to follow hikers who publicly track their journey as they make their way along the trail striving to complete a Thru hike.  This year I was especially interested in following two local Gals.  Carolyn "Freckles" Banjak and Nan "Drag'n Fly" Reisinger, who completed what the ATC describes as an Alternate style Thru Hike.  Starting at Springer and making their way north, they eventually "saved" a little of PA, jumped up north to beat the weather and summiting Katahdin, then coming back down and filling in the gaps.  This left the wonderful situation of actually finishing their 5 millionth step at the Museum.  

The Museum awaits the Hikers

Freckles and Drag'n Fly heading for the last white blaze

We all gathered around and waited for the two hikers to show up and it was a pleasure to applaud their finish of the 2185.3 miles of the trail.  

Nan also walked herself into the AT record books by being the oldest female to complete a Thru Hike.  Congrats to both.

Here is a link to their story written by BJ Small, for The Sentinel
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Museum Receives $18K Grant

Gwen Loose, one of our Museum Board Members and a dedicated Docent worked long and hard to submit an application for a grant from the Cumberland Valley Visitor's Bureau and her tremendous effort paid off with an $18,000 grant that will be applied to the renovations taking place in the basement.  On November 12th, Gwen and I headed to the Catering Barn in Mechanicsburg and had a nice breakfast before receiving our grant check.

The funds will go a long way to making the best children's exhibits that we can for the basement space.  You can read about all of the grants CVVB awarded here.

If you haven't seen the progress that Ron Bungay and crew have made in the basement, here are a few pictures to bring you up to date.  

Utility area, wall removed

Snake central (old well) gets a new lid 

New wooden pillars were placed along the walls

Work is proceeding

Jeff Seal works on the stone wall

Work around the door

Pouring the new floor

Nice and smooth

The new wall between the exhibit space and the utility space

I guess I haven't taken a most recent picture.  I will remedy that for next month's Issue.  There is still a lot of work to be done, but the bulk if it is complete.

Much thanks goes to Gwen for her work with the grant and alto to Ron and his crew, Carol Bungay, Mike Wingeart, Martha Wingeart, Jeff Seal, Bill Dickinson, Sam Vinch and Maureen Vinch for the amazing transformation that has taken place in the basement of the Old Mill.  
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Highlights and Milestones of the Season

As the season went on, I started keeping track of the little milestones and highlight that happen as visitors come to the museum and our Docents greet them and show them the way.  Here are some I would like to share: 

Total Attendance: 9166
Total Docent Hours: 1886.7
Other Volunteer Hours: 1748 and counting
First 100+ visitor day: 4/26/14 - Mikki Williams and Howard Davis on duty
Total 100+ visitor days:20
Total 200+ visitor days: 2, Fall Furnace Fest weekend.
Highest Visitor Day: 273, 10/18/14 - Barb Culton and Joe Harold on duty
Our other busy days were Memorial Day weekend and Hall of Fame weekend.

According to my records, the following volunteers have been helping out at the museum for all five seasons.  They were recognized at the dinner.  There are probably more people who have been contributing, but I was using the spreadsheet I inherited that mainly tracked Docent hours.

Five Season Volunteers (Docent): Linda Bierly, Ron Bungay, Robert Croyle, Robert Freeman, Jim Foster, Georgia Freet, Janice Gibson, Bill Leslie, Gwen Loose, Larry Luxenberg, Joan McKean, Mary Parry, Lorrie Preston, Margy Schmidt, Jay Sexton, Dan Taylor, Mikki Williams, Kent Wilson, Jennifer Wright, Tom Wright.  

We also applauded those who served 10 or more shifts as a Docent during the season.

10+ Shifts: Joanne Firman - 41, Bill Quinn - 26, Ed Riggs - 25, Michele Burton - 22, Georgia Freet - 14, Gwen Loose - 14, Joan McKean - 13, Jay Sexton - 12, Jack Harbaugh - 11 and Rayne Debski - 10.

Thanks to all for your dedicated service.  It is truly appreciated.
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Volunteer Recognition Dinner

November 16th marked the Fifth Annual Volunteer Recognition Dinner, held at the Ironmasters Mansion in the Park.  Close to forty guests came together to celebrate the season and join us in recognizing all of the volunteers that make the Museum possible.  

There was plenty of food and even some drink and lots of good stories passed around.  The good feelings I feel as we acknowledge the accomplishments of the museum and the people who give their time is amazing.  I thank all who did what they could during the season to make this one of the most successful years of the Museum's existence.  

The day had started out with some warm cider and cookies over at the museum in the new basement space.  Ron and Carol set up some chairs and heaters and were showing some pictures of the work of the summer.

A nice social hour started at four with light snacks and drinks.  I passed out a little quiz for all to play with where we could also gather some ideas for retail items and what to do with the new exhibits that will be going into the Children's Area of the basement.  

Next a LOT of food was put out buffet style for all to enjoy.  We had to put the desserts in the kitchen as there was not enough table space out in the dining area.  I'm pretty sure everyone had their fill and I know I was pretty stuffed when I was done.  

After dinner we started the recognition phase of the night.  I started out with the facts and milestones of the year, so that the attendees could see how their hard work had paid off for the museum.  I also announced the Five Season Recognition and 10+ Shift Volunteers and awarded each with a special AT Museum Gift Certificate of $20 and $10 respectively.  We also shared stories of working at the museum during the season and there were some very interesting and funny stories to tell.  

Next Larry Luxenberg (President of the AT Museum Society) spoke on the great things that we did this year and gave us a little preview of what was to come.  Larry also mentioned our need of some special people.  We still need someone to lead the Sunday Programs and we are looking for someone with HVAC skills to help install a heating/cooling system in the museum.  We also need to get a committee for logging all of the wonderful artifacts that keep coming into the museum.  

Each volunteer received a complimentary one year membership in the AT Museum Society, a nice card from Red Wolf the membership secretary, a Museum support sticker and a special 2014 Volunteer Patch.  (Those of you who couldn't attend the dinner will be receiving these things in the mail shortly.)  

Special Thanks was given to: Roger and Kathy Stone (caretakers of the mansion and our hosts).  Robert Freeman, Barry Flicker and Jack Harbaugh (lawncare).  Georgia Freet (gardening, landscape). Jim Foster (Computers and Hall of Fame Banquet). Red Wolf (for all he does). Michele Burton, Steve Dodd, Robert Freeman, Howard Davis, Vern Graham, Carolyn Banjak, Nan Reisinger and Chris Firme (Road Scholar Hikes).  Ron Bungay, Carol Bungay, Mike Wingeart, Martha Wingeart, Jeff Seal, Bill Dickinson, Sam Vinch and Maureen Vinch (Basement Renovation). Jack Adams, Ed Riggs and crew (Second Floor Ramp).  And Sean Benson and the Pine Grove Furnace State Park Staff.  

We created a new award this year called The President's Award.  This award recognized outstanding contribution and extended service which exemplifies the true spirit of volunteerism and the Appalachian Trail.  This award went to Alan "Gonzo" StrackelJahn.

Lastly, we honored our Volunteer of the Year.  The winner of this award was Joanne Firman.  Joanne only started volunteering at the museum last season, but she quickly became one of my most dependable Docents.  Her 41 shifts helped ensure we were open all the days we advertised and the trials and tribulations she had to endure were a testament to her dedication.  Her warm welcome to all the visitors helped make them feel comfortable and she proved her fortitude by mastering the credit card machine and was responsible for the highest cash and credit card sales days throughout the season.  We are lucky to have Joanne on board and hope she continues to help us out with her magnificent Docent skills.  

Joanne Firman, 2014 AT Museum Volunteer of the Year

It was a very good night that marked a wonderful season and I thank all who helped out with the setup, cleanup and all the wonderful food that was provided.  
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Things Coming Down the Trail

November 24th, 2014 - Exhibit items removed, Museum put to bed for the winter.  

December (date TBD), 2014 - Move artifacts from second floor to Carlisle storage facility.
March 28th, 2015 - Museum opens for its Sixth season.

AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue 12

Volume 1, Issue 12 - October, 2014
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

This will be the last issue of Volume 1.  Next month I will start on Volume 2.  I will want to include a story of the Recognition Dinner, so I probably won't publish until the 20th or so.  

This has certainly been a good year for the museum.  Some of the things we do may move slow, but they do get done and we have lots of new things planned for next season.  

I hope those of you who can make the Volunteer Recognition Dinner have RSVP'ed or will do so shortly.  It will be a great time for all.    

Newest Museum Fall Picture

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Volunteer Recognition Dinner

November not only marks the end of our Museum season, it is also the time when the Museum shows its appreciation to all those who give their time and efforts to make the Museum what it is today.  On November 16th, we will gather at the Ironmasters Mansion to share stories, food and our sincere thanks to all those who have made the AT Museum the success it has become.  Those who contributed their time, blood and/or sweat should have received an invite by now.    
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Most Mature Thru Hiker Summits Katahdin

Drag'n Fly and Freckles on Big K

This year I have been keeping track of a little history that is being made on the trail.  Two local gals, volunteers here at the museum, are on the trail for a Thru Hike.  Freckles, aka Carolyn Banjak and Drag'n Fly, aka Nan Reisinger have summited Katahdin and after finishing a section in Vermont they had to skip and a few places down here in PA, will be finishing their 2014 Thru Hike at the Museum on October 19th.  Drag'n Fly will be the most mature (oldest, only in years, not in heart) female Thru Hiker to complete the hike in one year.  Please join me in offering congratulations to this amazing feat.  
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More Landscaping at the Museum

On October 2nd, a group of volunteers came together outside the Museum and planted some native grasses on the slope between the benches and the road.  They planted hundreds of plugs of Standing Ovation Grass, a North American native that will offer nice summer greens, blues and purples and in autumn, brilliant reds that will impress all who view it.  

Much thanks to Michele Burton, Bernie Ferrell, Georgia Freet, Jack Harbaugh, Tom Jackson and Margy Schmidt who came down and did all the digging and planting. 

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Progress on the Ramp

Just a quick picture to show that the work on the ramp continues and before long, we will be starting on the second floor renovations.  Many thanks to Jack Adams and Ed Riggs (pictured) and the many others who have helped Jack during this construction.

The Ramp

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Journalists Descend on the Museum

Also on October 2nd, the Cumberland Valley Visitors Bureau (CVVB) came by with about 25 local outdoor writers to check out the museum among other places.  They had a short talk by ATC Mid-Atlantic Regional Office Director Karen Lutz and an impromptu Q & A with two awesome Southbound Thru Hikers Walkie and Talkie.  The questions they were asked were great and the answers very informative.  It was just another way the the trail provides and was very serendipitous.  

Karen Lutz describes the Museum and its function to all visitors

Walkie and Talkie answer questions

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2014 ALDHA Gathering in Williamstown, MA

I attended my second Gathering last week.  This one was in Williamstown, MA on the campus of Williams College.  The fall colors were very vibrant and the view of Mt Greylock was amazing.  I spent most of the weekend manning the Museum table with Red Wolf and our Silent Auction turned Flea Market did rather well in bringing in much needed funds for our renovations.  All in all we brought in over $500 dollars in sales, memberships and donations for the museum.  Here are some pictures from the wonderful weekend.

Camping area

First Night's Reception

Bonfire

Hiker Trash enjoying the fire

Mt Greylock

Larry Luxenberg and Red Wolf manning the Museum Table

Frost introducing his Amazing Film, Long Start to a Journey

Night Two's Bonfire

Frosty Sunday Morning

Frozen Tarp

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Things Coming Down the Trail

October 18th and 19th, 2014 - Furnace Fall Fest. Museum open 9 to 4 each day.  

October 27th, 2014 - Last Road Scholar Hike of the season.  9:30 am to 3 pm (approx)
November 2nd, 2014 - Last day to visit the Museum before it closes for the season.

November 16th, 2014 - Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Ironmasters Mansion. 4pm

AT Museum Volunteer Newsletter - Volume 1, Issue 11

Volume 1, Issue 11 - September, 2014
brought to you by Joe Harold, Appalachian Trail Museum Manager

Where has the summer gone?  Before we know it, the leaves will be turning and the nights will be colder, but the visitors will still be coming to the Museum for a while.

This has been an amazing year and even though Autumn starts in a few days, we still have several weeks left of welcoming our visitors to the Museum.  So far, we have been open every day that we advertised (and also a few days when we were supposed to be closed).  Our guests seem to really enjoy the museum and share our excitement for our planned expansions.  

Of course, this is all possible because of you, the volunteer, who ensures all the work gets done and every visitor has a welcoming smile awaiting them when they walk through that screen door.    

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Volunteer Recognition Dinner

November not only marks the end of our Museum season, it is also the time when the Museum shows its appreciation to all those who give their time and efforts to make the Museum what it is today.  On November 15th, we will gather at the Ironmasters Mansion to share stories, food and our sincere thanks to all those who have made the AT Museum the success it has become.  Keep an eye on your inbox for the official invite and we hope each of you can attend.  
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New Sticker at the Museum

We have had a lot of visitors ask about stickers at the museum, so I thought I would add another to the one we already sell.  These oval stickers are very popular everywhere, so it was an easy job to get some made to add to our retail offerings.  

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Docent Stories: Phys Ed and the AT

Once again we have a great story from one of our Docents, Ed "Phys Ed" Riggs.  Truly inspiring.

Hiker Phys Ed raises his hands in triumph on the Big K

BY ED RIGGS

The trail will provide. This was my mantra for my Appalachian Trail thru-hike, which I completed on August 21. Actually, it took me two years to complete all 2,185 miles of the AT due to a heart issue. I had an arrhythmia, which kicked in occasionally when I would exert myself going uphill. The cumulative effect of the hills, the heat, the miles, and my condition combined to make the problem a daily one, and that was too much for me to handle. As a result, I was forced off the trail in Greenwood Lake, NY in late June of 2013. While my emotional heart and spirit were willing, my physical heart simply would not allow me to continue. So, I went to the doctor, and I got it fixed! I returned to the trail in mid-June of this year, and completed the trek to Katahdin. I guess one could either say that I am a thru-hiker who took 344 consecutive zeros, or I did two LASHs (long assed section hikes!). However you look at it, I did finish, and I am glad about that!

When I had to come off the trail in 2013, I was devastated. I was one of those hikers who swore that nothing was going to keep me from finishing in one straight thru-hike. It was difficult for me to come home and face people, and it was difficult to really get back into life as I had known it in the regular world. It was also hard to accept the fact that my body had failed me. Although I had a good reason to stop my hike, deep down I felt as if I was weak, and that I had let people down.

But I then found out about the AT Museum! That sounded good to me – all Appalachian Trail, all the time! So I signed up and started volunteering last fall. Amazingly, I started to feel better and slowly came out of my self-inflicted funk. As I started to prepare for my re-start this past spring, I looked forward to the days when I would be working at the museum. I loved talking with the NOBOs as they stopped by the museum. Many came into the museum to relax while their ice cream settled, but all had the common bond of what they were going through on the trail. And that is something that I could relate to with them. As I spoke to thru-hikers this past May, I told many of them of my plan to get back out there and finish. And I told them that I wouldn’t be surprised if I saw them again in a month or so.

As it turned out, I saw five people out on the trail that I had met at the museum in May! All remembered me, and all I hiked with for at least some time. None of them treated me any differently because I was taking two years. All of them were glad to see me. And all of them remarked how special the AT Museum is. They were envious that I lived close enough to the trail to make it a regular part of my life, and that is something that I am grateful for as well.

The trail will provide. I have countless stories about times during my hike where things were not going as planned. Whether it was me trying to get into town, getting split up from a particular hiking group, or having physical issues, I always found that somehow, things would just work out. I felt that I was being watched over and taken care of. That is trail magic in the most spiritual sense. And the lesson I learned of just staying calm and taking it easy because things will work out, has become a very real part of my life. Stay calm and hike on!

Now, here I am, having completed the toughest, most challenging, most difficult, most amazing, and most satisfying thing I have ever done, and I get to come back to the trail every time I volunteer at the museum. I have the most interesting conversations with hikers, and also enjoy introducing the wonders of the trail to those who are not as familiar. As I have given time at the museum, the museum has given me a reason to be ‘back on the trail.’ Because, as I said, the trail will provide.  
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Commuting to and from the AT

A short time ago, Jeffrey "Snailpace" Philbrick sent us a press release of his new series of books dubbed the Appalachian Trail Transit Guide.  These handy guides help hikers find their way to and from the trail using public transportation.  It is very comprehensive and full of practical information.  You can check out the guides on the smashwords site.
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Landscaping at the Museum

Before

If you have ever helped with cutting the lawn at the Museum, you might have had fun cutting the grass behind the benches next to the road where an old stone wall and some stumps sit on a steep incline.  After conferring with our Master Gardener, TGIF, we decided to put some mulch in that area in preparation for some native grasses to be planted.  We had a load of mulch dumped near the site and after some "treatment", I spread a lot of the mulch (both cardboard and wood) in the area to get it ready for the grass plugs.  It was a lot of hard work, but also very rewarding.  

After

Next Spring should see some nice native grasses growing there that don't need constant attention with a lawn mower or weed whacker.  There is more work to be done later this season, so if you want to help, let me know.
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Basement Renovation Continues

Ron and his crew have done a few more work days and here is a quick pic of how it is coming along.  Looking good.

Northwest Corner

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Things Coming Down the Trail

September 20th, 2014 - Joe goes hiking again.  The plan is to finish PA, Swatara SP to Delaware Water Gap.  Will check civilization as I can during the week.

September 26th, 2014 - Homeschool Co-op visits the Museum.

October 10th - 12th, 2014 - ALDHA Gathering - Williamstown, MA

October 13th, 2014 - Road Scholar Hike.  10am to 4pm (approx) - Museum open on Monday (Columbus Day)

October 18th and 19th, 2014 - Furnace Fall Fest. Museum open 9 to 4 each day.  

November 15th, 2014 - Volunteer Recognition Dinner at the Ironmasters Mansion. 4pm