The Allentown Hiking Club ... this is OUR Club

As we are about to embark into a New Year, I'm once again reminded that everything the Allentown Hiking Club does is for and because of its members. Members continue to be what makes the Allentown Hiking Club thrive, and that includes new and long time members with both new and tried and true hikes and ideas. It is that combination of old and new that helps the club draw from past experiences to further our goals and mission.

I want to make the time for a few introductions and thank yous.

I first want to thankoutgoing Treasurer Michelle Hinkle for all of her time and support over the past six years in that role. While having been a club member for some time, Michele stepped up when the opportunity arose and her support has always been greatly appreciated. I want to welcome Liz Uhl into the position of Treasurer and thank her for similarly stepping up when additional support was needed. I look forward to her input and support in the future.

Along those lines, I couldn't help but notice the ever presence of our Secretary Dick Fink, who has been dutifully fulfilling his responsibilities for the past 18 years. I can hardly recall a time that his soft spoken leadership wasn't there to keep the club on track and I want to thank him for his continued support.

And finally, Karen Gradel has been serving in both President and Vice President roles for the past ten years. Her ongoing leadership and overall support in those roles and others has shaped the club into what it is today.

I simply cannot imagine where the Allentown Hiking Club would be without the support and guidance of these individuals. All the said, there are always opportunities to get more involved and help to shape our future. In the new year I encourage members to find new ways to support the club, with nothing being too small of a gesture. If there is a hike or walk you enjoy and think others would enjoy it, then add it to the club calendar. If there is a role within the club you think you may be interested in, then reach out for more information. If you're unclear what roles and opportunities are even out there, I'm happy to have that conversation. If you've recently made a trek that you would like to share with the club, let us know and you can present at at upcoming meeting. Plus there are always ongoing trail maintenance opportunities, our annual Trail Magic in June, snacks for monthly meetings, and countless other activities that keep us going throughout the year. Again, no support is too small or insignificant. Thank you all for another great year on trail, hiking and maintaining and sharing the magic.