At Keystone Trails Association's General Membership Meeting on Saturday, October 13, the following individuals were recognized for their hiking and volunteer achievements through KTA's Award Program.

Appalachian Trail Award (for hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania): Dory Peterson, Diane Reider, Tara Shade, Gary Edwards, and Daniel Hooven.

Western PA Hiking Award (for hiking 200 miles or more on specific Western Pennsylvania trails): Paul Lenz.

Merit I Award (for hiking the entire Appalachian Trail in Pennsylvania plus 200 or more miles on specific other trails): Gary Edwards.

Merit II Award (for hiking all of the Appalachian Trail between the Hudson River and the Potomac River, plus 200 or more miles on specific trails): Douglas Turner.

In addition to KTA's Award Program, KTA recognizes individuals that complete the 100-Mile Trail Challenge and that provide exceptional service to KTA's Trail Care Program.

The Keystone Trail Association's Trail Care Program is fueled by the hard work and dedication of its volunteers. At the fall weekend membership meeting, Ed Lawrence, Trail Care Chair, had the opportunity to recognize and honor those individuals who have made participation in trail care events a priority on their personal 'to-do' list.

The following twelve volunteers were honored for having attended three or four trail care events.: Curt Ashenfelter, Kevin Busko, Bill Dietrich, Pete Fleszar, Lorraine Healey, Ken Horting, Fred Koerner, Nan Koerner, Elwood Loudenslager, John Stevens, Donna Thompson, and Jennifer Ulmer.

In addition, eight individuals received the coveted orange "Trail Crew" t-shirt for recognition of attending at least five events this year, and helping to form the backbone of the program: Tom Bastian, Joe Clark, Joe Healey, Ed Lawrence, Catherine McLaughlin, Ginny Musser, Tony Robbins, and Dave Walp.

Finally, Tom Bastian and Tony Robbins were recognized for their ongoing commitment and service to the program "above and beyond" the exceptional.

These twenty "trail care recidivists" can hike with the added satisfaction of knowing that their time and efforts have kept foot paths across Pennsylvania open and accessible for everyone who seeks the sublimity of the treadway.

2012 Awards