Hometown? Toronto, Canada

What brought you to Pittsburgh? I was traveling back and forth from Toronto for business a lot and I would always try to extend my trips a little with outdoor rec. I called one outfitter who said they didn’t have anything for me, but they put me in touch with Mike Schiller (then WPFI executive director), and he and his wife took me out hiking for a weekend. They’re still great family friends.

So you’ve been involved with Venture Outdoors since the beginning.
After a year or two of traveling back and forth, I decided to move here. WPFI was instrumental in that. It was comforting to meet all these people. I met my husband through WPFI…a friend on a hike set us up on a blind date.

You and Joe have two girls, right? Are they outdoor enthusiasts already?
Avery is 4 and Madison is 2. We really started doing Tyke Hikes when Avery was 6 weeks old so, she’s spent a lot of time outside.

How have Tyke Hikes changed since those early years? What’s planned for this year?
We want to increase, expand. We don’t just meet on Tuesdays like we did at first, we have some Thursdays, and we try to include weekends for parents who do work. We’ve capped the age at 0-8 to make this program a stepping stone to VO’s other programs, like the Family & Community programs. Right now I try to keep my hikes in a 10 mile radius of my home…my hikes are at Frick and Schenley Parks in the South Hills. We have another volunteer, Ebony, who will start doing hikes on Thursdays.

What are your other hobbies and volunteer activities?
I also love kayaking and family camping. I used to own an organizing business, which I’d like to do again someday here in Pittsburgh.

If a parent walked up to you and asked, “why should I get my kids outside,” how would you explain your passion for this?
When I look at my kids, I want them to be aware of nature. It keeps your mind healthy. I can’t really ask my 2-year old how she feels about being outside, but she’s so happy. I want them outside playing and asking questions about rocks and spiders and leaves and birds. You can just tell…they don’t need a videogame in their hands, they have a leaf.

For more information on Tyke Hikes visit, ventureoutdoors.org/tykehikes.aspx.

Our group managed to find some untouched snow on the ball-field near Bausman Street before our return to the woods and uphill battle back to our picnic area.

With our appetites piqued, we sat down to create and eat, PB&J’s to our hungry hearts’ content. Creamy, crunchy, Nutella, Fluff, honey, Cheeze-its, chocolate chip, banana, apple, dill pickle, bacon, and anchovy piled up to create some sandwiches that were taller than their creators!

Check out some photos from the day below!

Our easy hike through Riverview Park turned out to be a challenging snowshoe adventure thanks to the ever persistent snow!

On this brisk but sunny day, we wound our way down the Old Zoo Trail to the Valley Shelter. Once we tackled the steep, slick descent into the valley from the observatory, we were warm and hungry for some mountain pies!

A big thanks goes to assistant leaders Brian Chase and Andrew Kirkpatrick who had a fire roaring to welcome us. We spend the afternoon stuffing pies with cherry, apple, strawberry, and peach before stuffing ourselves with delicious pies!

On the hike out of the valley one pleased participant told me that mountain pies made “the best lunch in the whole world!”

]]> http://blog.ventureoutdoors.org/2010/03/11/the-best-lunch-in-the-whole-world/feed/ 0 http://blog.ventureoutdoors.org/2010/03/09/board-member-bios-george-adams/ http://blog.ventureoutdoors.org/2010/03/09/board-member-bios-george-adams/#comments Tue, 09 Mar 2010 16:01:13 +0000 admin http://blog.ventureoutdoors.org/?p=2530 This week, our board bio is George Adams, Board Treasurer. George came to us, like Amanda Beamon did, through Duquesne University’s Boards by Design. We don’t have a photo of George so just use your imagination.

Hometown? Franklin, PA

What brought you to Pittsburgh, or if you’re a native, what kept you here?
Job opportunities brought me to Pittsburgh. All of the great people and entertainment/social options have kept me here. Pittsburgh is a great city!

In your own words, what’s a short description of what you do and/or how you got there?
As a Senior Tax Manager at Schneider Downs I oversee all of the tax planning and compliance matters for my clients. In addition, I act as a business advisor providing guidance throughout the year. I worked my way up through the ranks over the 12 years I have been employed at Schneider Downs to the position of Senior manager.

If you live with friends, spouse, or children, who?
My wife is Mary Kay and my daughter is Elizabeth.

How did you become involved with Venture Outdoors?
Prior to becoming a board member I attended several Venture Outdoors programs and I was connected with Erik Lingren and he indicated an opportunity to join the advisory board. After a year on the advisory board, an opening on the board of directors presented itself and I joined the board.

How long have you served on the board, and what’s your role/committee on it?
I have served on the board approximately three years and I have been the Treasurer for the past year.

What VO outing have you recently enjoyed, which one would you like to participate in, or what’s your favorite outdoor activity/accomplishment?
The last VO event that I enjoyed was a trip leader social. My favorite activities are hiking/backpacking and camping, but I am open to try anything outdoors.

What are your other hobbies and volunteer activities?
I enjoy several different sports (Basketball, Golf and Tennis) and I also enjoy playing guitar and going to see live music.

This program encourages families to embark on a special mission to find hidden treasures in the park! Hand-held GPS (Global Positioning Satellite) units will be used to locate the treasures, or “caches”. This is a free, drop-in activity, so show up anytime between 1:30 pm-4:30 pm and we’ll show you how to use a GPS unit and set you on your course. Supplies are limited. No experience necessary. Participants can expect to burn over 600 calories throughout this activity!
Sign up now!

In April Highmark BCBS will sponsor our Outdoor Leadership Training Modules, which are held on consecutive Tuesdays beginning April 27. The Outdoor Leadership Module series is designed to improve your leadership skills in a format that fits your schedule. The series of three 2 ½ hour modules is a fast paced mix of skill training, awareness development and fun. The curriculum is based on our popular in-depth weekend training but scaled down to just cover the basics. No leadership experience is necessary, in fact, that’s just what these classes are about, learning to be an excellent leader.

Module 1 – UNDERSTANDING YOURSELF AND YOUR GROUP – 4/27/10
Module 2 – EFFECTIVE TEACHING, LEARNING AND MANAGING EXPECTATIONS – 5/4/10
Module 3 – MANAGING RISK, GROUP SAFETY AND INCIDENTS – 5/11/10

Sign up for the series here!

“Our ultimate goal is to leave no community without access to nature, said Sean Brady, Assistant Executive Director at Venture Outdoors. “An estimated 17% of Allegheny County residents are minorities. We asked, ‘how we can extend the health, wellness, and social benefits of our programs to all of those residents?’ The Family & Community Programs Initiative provides free and affordable, beginner-friendly outings that take place in diverse neighborhoods throughout Pittsburgh.”

In and around Pittsburgh, a rich network of parks, trails, and waterways provides multiple ways to get outside. Without knowledge of them, experience in outdoor recreation, or friends to serve as guides, it’s difficult to start on your own. It’s easier with skilled leadership, which is where Venture Outdoors steps in. Programs include free Family Outdoor Festivals in May, June, July, and August, which feature the best of outdoor recreation. Also starting in May, kayaking on the Northside’s Lake Elizabeth is free Monday-Friday, 4:00 PM to dusk. Outdoor Leadership Workshops are available for both adults and youth, so that community members can take the lead in building healthy lifestyles and a strong network of outdoor leaders.
In its first year, the Family & Community Programs served over 7,000 youth and families, including over 4,500 of racial minorities.

“We expected interest levels to be high because these are unique programs, but the results have exceeded all projections,” said Brady. “The community has affirmed our program model through enthusiastic partnership and promotion of outdoor recreation in new communities.”

“No matter what your athletic ability level is, outdoor recreation is a great way to spend time with your family while exercising,” said Mary Anne Papale, director of community affairs at Highmark Blue Cross Blue Shield. “Venture Outdoors’ programming is a fun, exciting and affordable way to become active or improve your current fitness routine.”
Venture Outdoors can also help you learn how many calories you will burn by participating in one of their more than 500 programs. Whether you prefer a Fishing Derby (around 215 calories), a Snowshoe Walkabout (650 calories) or learning to kayak (around 1,000 calories), Venture Outdoors can guide you toward living a healthier life.

About Venture Outdoors:
Venture Outdoors, a local non profit organization, seeks to transform the Pittsburgh region into a place where the outdoors is an integral part of urban culture, identity and lifestyle. By encouraging everyone to participate in outdoor recreational activities, Venture Outdoors promotes Pittsburgh’s unique natural amenities, highlights the region’s excellent quality of life, fosters a greater appreciation for the environment, inspires an active lifestyle and creates a shared sense of community.

Visit www.ventureoutdoors.org for more information about Venture Outdoors initiatives, programs, and community work.

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The article notes that we are continuing our most popular trips from last year, like the NYC Five Boro Bike Tour, Fall Foliage Bike Tour and the 24-hour Relay, but adding a new series of tours called the RAP Tour (Ride Across Pennsylvania) saying:

In addition to return trips to New York in May and Washington, D.C., in the fall, Venture Outdoors has added a 225-mile, four-day trip from Erie to Morgantown, W.Va., in August.

Read the full article

For more information on any of our 2010 tours, including packing lists and frequently asked questions visit, ventureoutdoors.org/biketours.aspx, or click the Bike Tours link on our homepage.

The Five Boro Bike Tour is just a one day ride, but we’re making it more like a mini vacation. We’ll take care of transportation, tolls and lodging, so you can simply enjoy the ride.

Our group will leave Saturday morning, May 1st, from Station Square and spend Saturday night, Sunday and Monday until noon in the Big Apple. We’ll return to Pittsburgh Monday evening, May 3rd. Sign up today, these last spots will be gone soon!

MORE INFORMATION

Check out some photos from previous years below:

Riders crossing the bridge to Manhattan.

The man on the right is none other than Todd Owens, Chair of the Venture Outdoors Board of Directors

Lining up for the ride to begin. Photo by Mike Vindler.

The ride is ready to start! Photo by Mike Vindler.

Photo by Mike Vindler.

Mother Nature blanketed the ground with snow for over 80 VO members to play in the picturesque winter wonderland, and she kept a fresh coat coming as we made our mark snowshoeing, cross-country skiing, roasting marshmallows, creating art with our friends from the Pittsburgh Center for the Arts, snow creature making, and of course, during a few impromptu snowball fights.

The highlight of our Winter Members Day was our Camp Stove Cook-off. This year, nine folks showed off their backcountry culinary prowess in four categories: appetizer, soup, entrée, and dessert.

Five winners prevailed: Best Appetizer – Sean Brady (mushroom/bacon quesadilla), Best Soup – Robyn Brady (potato soup), Best Entrée (tie) – Dave Smetak (roasted turkey over an open fire!) and Joe Harkiewicz (venison burgers), and Best Dessert – Lora Woodward (apple and cinnamon delight),

Thank you to every member, volunteer, and staff member who made this great celebration of our members and the outdoors possible! Our next members day will be Venture Outdoors 9th Annual Birthday Party in June. Details to follow. Be ready for some kayaking!

Check out some photos from the day below. See more photos from the day on our Facebook page: http://www.facebook.com/ventureoutdoors

Here a SimpleViewer Flash gallery should be displayed. Click here to open the post in your browser to see the gallery.

Fine Chocolate Tasting (Snowshoe) Hike
Imagine the smooth taste of milk chocolate as it melts over your tongue followed by the intense bitterness of dark chocolate as it sends your tastebuds in a frenzy. If you can identify with this vision, you need to join us on an evening walk through North Park. We’ll learn the basics of snowshoeing while taking an easy hike in the snow of North Park, and then meet at the trip leader’s house for a taste-testing of chocolate delicacies from the East End Food Co-op. Milk is included!

Date: Friday, March 5
Location: North Park
Time: 6:30 PM – 9:30 PM
Cost: $20.00 non-member / $15.00 member

Level 2 – Cross Country Skiing
For persons who wish to improve their XC skiing technique and to ski at a more enhanced pace. Physically fit newcomers to skiing may fit comfortably on Level 2 outings. Terrain will vary and require greater exertion on uphills and greater stability for downhills.

Date: Saturday, March 6
Location: Laurel Summit State Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 non-member / $15.00 member

Snowshoeing
Join us for a snowshoeing adventure. This activity is for persons who are physically fit and know the basics of snowshoeing. Distance and pace will increase from beginner and lite trips and the participant will encounter more challenging terrain. This out-and-back trip will feature a “make your own walk-a-bout trail!” Fee includes snowshoe rental. This hike is dog friendly!

Date: Saturday, March 6
Location: Roaring Run Natural Area
Time: 1:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Cost: $27.00 non-member / $20.00 member

Winter Tree ID Hike
Participants will learn basic tree identification skills in the winter landscape, and discover the treasury of historic and specimen trees that call Harrison Hills Park home. Naturalists from Friends of Harrison Hills Park will lead the hike. Snowshoes will be made available for participants on this outing.

Date: Saturday, March 6
Location: Harrison Hills Park
Time: 1:00 PM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 non-member / $6.00 member

Level 1 – Cross Country Skiing
For persons who are true beginners at XC skiing or have not been out for a long period of time. The trip emphasis is on education and technique. Skiing will take place on level or gentle rolling terrain. Speed and endurance are not the goals of Level 1 trips.

Date: Sunday, March 7
Location: Kooser State Park
Time: 10:00 AM – 3:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 non-member / $15.00 member