The Appalachian Trail Conservancy's Konnarock Volunteer Trail Crew
Monday, December 29, 2008
Hikers Say Thanks
I received a note from Laurie Potteiger, Information Services Manager for the ATC with a message from hikers at this years "Gathering" saying thanks to the crew for their hard work in protecting the AT. In addition to the signed card above, Laurie included some kind words from a hiker.
“I owe a big, giant, super duper thank you … to the volunteers who keep the trail alive and continue to make it what it is.” -- Anthony Magee, ”Chili Pepper” 2007-2008
So, give yourself a big pat on the back and know your work does matter a lot to hikers on the AT!
Happy Holidays,
Kerry
Saturday, December 20, 2008
Another way to Keep Track of Krock Folks.
Here's a link.
Just in case you wanted to know....
Kerry
Monday, December 15, 2008
Passing of a Friend
It's with deep regret that we see the passing of fellow Konnarock Crew Volunteer and friend, Larry "Sugar Bear" Regan (1946-2008). Sugar Bear started Volunteering on the AT in 2007 and worked 5 weeks last season on Konnarock. Although his time on crew was short, his calm but fun loving demeanor was infectious.
Always quick to give a helping hand to anyone who needed it, Sugar Bear embodied the best of what Konnarock is about, a cooperative, friendly spirit to get anything done.
We'll miss you Sugar Bear,
Kerry
Thursday, December 11, 2008
2009 Trail Crew Staff Wanted
Hey folks! Be one of the few, the proud, the dirty.......an Appalachian Trail Crew Leader! ATC is now accepting applications for 2009 Trail Crew Staff.
You can find information about available positions as well as an application on our main website here.
Also, feel free to contact the office (540.953.3571) if you have questions.
Cheers,
Kerry
Monday, December 8, 2008
Tye River Relocation Video
Enjoy!
Kerry
Wednesday, November 19, 2008
2009 Applications Up
New Volunteer applications for 2009 are up on ATC's website here (scroll to the bottom of the page under "To apply." For you alumni, please contact us at crews@appalachiantrail.org and we'll send you an alumni application (we'll also have paper applications in the mail soon).
Remember, Week #1 almost will certainly fill up quickly (we've already got spots filled) so if you want that week, act fast!
Cheers,
Kerry
Tuesday, November 4, 2008
Wedding.....AT Style.
Your once fearless leader, Ted Wilson and frequent Konnarock Volunteer, Jamie Hickman got married on a beautiful November afternoon last weekend. What's more, we've documented for you what a trail worker looks like without dirty clothes (see above).
Kerry
Wednesday, October 29, 2008
2009 Schedule Up...
Friday, October 24, 2008
Tuesday, October 7, 2008
Dean Sims, ATC Volunteer of the Month
Monday, October 6, 2008
2009 T-shirt
We're looking for a design to grace the 2009 Konnarock t-shirt. If you've got an idea for a design and would like to send it in, you can send it via email at kwood@appalachiantrail.org or by snail mail: Appalachian Trail Conservancy, CO: T-shirt Design, PO Box 174, Blacksburg, VA 24063.
Friday, September 26, 2008
Support the GIVE Act of 2008 (S.3429)
Tell your Congressional Representatives to support the Shumer bill, Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S. 3429)!
As you know, volunteers are essential to implementing the mission of the Partnership and many other non-profits. Volunteering these days can be a problem if it involves a significant amount of driving our personal cars. Unfortunately, current federal tax law allows a charitable mileage deduction of only 14 cents per mile, and this has created a barrier that is preventing many people from volunteering as much as they would like. As a result, nonprofits from coast to coast have been losing volunteers because of high gas prices and this unfair tax statute.
I am asking you to give your strong support to the Giving Incentives to Volunteers Everywhere (GIVE) Act of 2008 (S.3429).
Introduced August 6, by U.S. Senators Charles Schumer (D-NY) and John Ensign (R-NV), and co-sponsored by Sen. Dodd of Connecticut, the Act addresses the adverse impacts on volunteers of high gas prices and the current discriminatory tax policy towards nonprofits by (1) setting the charitable volunteer rate at 70% of the standard business mileage rate, as adjusted by the IRS, in effect raising the charitable mileage deduction from 14 cents to almost 41 cents; and (2) making this change permanent, rather than requiring annual legislation.
A letter of support for the "GIVE Act" already has been sent to Senators Schumer and Ensign by the National Council of Nonprofit Associations, 34 other state associations of nonprofits, American Association of Retired Persons (AARP), American Red Cross, Catholic Charities USA, Independent Sector, and
Congress will be in session for only a few weeks before it adjournes at the end September or early October. Now is the time to contact our Senators and Representatives to ensure passage by both chambers within the next few weeks - a very short time given the large number of bills to be considered.
Take Action: What You Can Do
- Contact your
http://givevoice.org/campaign/giveact
- Write a letter to the editor of your local newspaper urging your Senators and Representatives to support the GIVE Act and make sure it gets passed in September. This bill is extremely important for the Partnership and other non-profit organizations across the nation. So please add your voice today by using the letter below or adding your own experiences.
Friday, September 12, 2008
2009 Schedule
Tuesday, August 12, 2008
Well, there you have it....
Steps couresty of Dannon et al.
Beautiful sidehill, that's what I like to see!
Monday, August 4, 2008
Longhorn smiles for the camera on the Pine Swamp Relocation.
We're off for a few days then we'll be hitting the Trail for our last week of the season (wow!). Next Monday as usual we'll have dinner for the returning Volunteers of the week but anyone is welcome and encouraged to come say goodbye to another successful season. If you'd like to come please let us know by calling camp ((276) 677-4055)).
Wednesday, July 30, 2008
Week 10, Crew-a-lishous....
Cutting a watermellon Konnarock style (actually we'd use a pulaski or chainsaw instead of a machette).
Thursday, July 24, 2008
Week 9
Sorry about the late post as we've been pretty busy! Week #9 has come and gone and we're already onto week #10! Crews enjoyed slightly drier conditions during week #9 but with the dry came the hot! This week is shaping up to be better temps-wise as today has been dry and in the mid to upper 70's; perfect for sidehillin' (which is what both crews are working on this week). For me, I'm headed out to meet Christine's crew for the night and a little work tomorrow!
See ya!
Kerry
Wednesday, July 16, 2008
Week 8, gRoaning on and Dam Camping...
Blurrrrrry work.
Wednesday, July 9, 2008
Lucky Number Seven
This is what happens when you give Volunteers some free time...
Enjoying the whole dam view....(I couldn't resist).
With a well rested staff, crews headed out for the second half of our 26th season.
Christine, Dannon and a crew of eight started their first week of the S. Yellow Creek Gap Rehabilitation just south of the Fontana Dam (largest dam east of the Mississippi River) in
Meanwhile, Ted, Adam and a crew of eight headed north to restart work (this project was last worked on in 2005) on the Tye River Relocation. Volunteers worked hard building new trail along with the Tidewater Appalachian Trail Club and then headed back to their “luxurious” accommodations at Sherando Lake where they enjoyed bluegrass music and a showing of “Alvin & the Chipmunks” as part of July 4th festivities.
This week, Christine heads back to S. Yellow Creek Gap and Ted heads back to Roan Mtn!
Cheers,
Kerry