Presidentially Speaking Dave Richards 407-491-4357 drichards0901@gmail.com

“Better to Light Just One Little Candle”

When I was growing up there was a program

on TV called “The Christophers,” which advocated an individual’s power to make

changes in his or her environment. The program’s motto was: “It is better to light just one little candle than to curse the darkness.” Recently, I found a phrase similar to this with origins in China that was used by Adlai Stevenson when speaking at the UN about Eleanor Roosevelt in 1962. When thinking about this concept, I came to the conclusion that as a hiking club we, as members, should be called to “write just one little note” to one of our leaders during September, the Club’s volunteer appreciation month. As my last term as President comes to a close, I reflect on the many volunteers we rely on to get things done: hike leaders, committee members, committee chairs, officers, directors, and trustees. What I am asking you to do this month is to recognize someone in our Club who has impressed you by the amount of effort exhibited in his or her volunteer role. Take a minute to e-mail, text, send a note, card, letter, or even talk to this person about what he or she does to make our Club possible. I am not looking for you to send me any notes. Rather, express your thanks to someone you do not normally speak with but you feel has done something worthwhile for the Club. Remember, your effort to recognize good performance means a lot to those who labor to make our Club function. “Better to write just one little note to someone who matters, than curse the darkness of lack of recognition.”

Election of Officers, Directors, and Trustees for

2016: Now that we have our slate for 2016 set, it is time to begin the election process. This year we will need to get your votes in by October 14 so that our Teller Committee will have time to count the votes prior to our October 24 General Meeting where the results will be announced. Please send in your ballots as soon as possible once you receive your voting information.

Hike Lorain County Series Continues Friday,

September 25: Come join me in hiking Lorain County! In September we will be hiking in Findley State Park, 25381 State Route 58, Wellington, Ohio. Park at Beach House parking lot (turn left upon entering park). We will do a 5 mile

hike on trials around the park at 10:00 a.m. Bring a lunch and join in fellowship after the morning hike. The 5 mile afternoon hike will start at 2:00 p.m. from the same location. This is the last of the Hike Lorain County series for 2015.

Reminder: Next General Meeting Is Saturday, October

24, at 1:00 p.m., followed by the annual Chili Cook-off. Come and meet our new leadership team for 2016 and enjoy the fellowship of our membership. After the meeting, stay and participate in the Chili Cook-off, whether by submitting your favorite chili for competition or by eating — or both! Bring several small bowls — or a muffin tin — so you can taste multiple entries before voting for your favorite chili.

Midyear Report: For those who missed our August 1

general meeting, here is a summary of the status of our Club’s 2015 Objectives. Overall, we are on track with all objectives except the number of members hiking at least once per month; our average is 440, which is short of our goal of 500 members hiking at least once a month. You can help us make this goal possible by hiking at least once a month for the remainder of this year. Our monthly hiking schedules continue to break records for the number of hikes, averaging over 400 hikes per month (a 36% increase since 2010). Thus, there are many options so get out there and take advantage of the good weather and variety offered by our hiking schedule. You will be glad you did!

2015 CHC Holiday Party — Save the Date!

Mark your calendars for the Cleveland Hiking Club

Holiday Party Sunday, December 6, 2015

4:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m. Wal-Tam’s Grand Ballroom

10808 Granger Road Garfield Heights

Watch for more details in the October Newsteps.

September 2015, Volume 87, No. 9

Editor-in-Chief: Kim Woodward akwoodward@aol.com

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Members Hiking Mile-a-Day in July 2015 (306) Paula Dudley 440-627-6354 chcmembers@yahoo.com

280 Sandra Phillips 259 Barb Appel 257 Katherine Malmquist 257 Julie Wojcik 251 Rose Prisko 246 Victor Myhal 243 Doug Hardman 243 Alice Kruse 222 Bob Novacek 217 Lucy Erba 211 John Sech 195 Kel Young 183 Marianne Ellis 178 Denise Tobiasz 178 Sharon Uhl 177 Laurel Luke 177 Dave Tobiasz 175 Mary Kurtz 172 Ron Hueter 172 Ellen Ruh 169 Joan Jochum 166 Giovanna DiLauro 164 Annette Hueter 161 Varsha Jhala 161 Joan Mihelich 160 Joseph Kosir 160 Tim Ruh 159 Claire Jencson 155 Nelly Vileikis 154 Bill Miller 151 Joan Prentice 150 Larry Clager 146 Donna Wirtz 145 Dan Herris 143 Alan Ceol 140 Jeanne Henry 137 Arthur Lieberman 136 Marianne Trausch 133 Connie Kearns 132 Elsie Davies 132 Judi Krahn 131 Zelfa Sawaya 130 Karen Cogley 130 John Gabrovsek 129 Kathleen Crippen 126 Dan Lintern 124 Carrie Ellington 124 Ken Howard 123 Betsey Luce 122 Erin Bethea 122 Linda Black 122 Debbie Wood 120 Matt Collings 120 Rita Gabrovsek 120 Marilyn Rohde 118 Patricia Irvine 118 Douglas LaPlante 116 Don Hoffman 115 Gary Dolch 114 John Barnard 114 Dee Behrens 112 Doreen King

112 Roy Kress 112 Karen Magill 111 Pat Spoth 110 Mary Bradshaw 110 Marty Ritzert 110 Gayle Shroy 109 CJ Keyes 107 Patty Abdenour 107 Sharon Horvath 107 Antonina Knapper 107 Richard Knapper 107 Nancy Konrad 105 Beth Arcady 105 Bob Kimmelfield 105 Don Richards 104 Kathy Driscoll 103 Len Hueter 102 Jane Hill 102 Tammy Sech 101 Ron Posner 100 Sally O'Donoghue 100 Susan Wright 99 Sue Portnoy 97 Janet Christen 97 Adela Kuc 95 Eloise Plavney 95 Ellen Woodruff 91 Paula Dudley 90 Robert DiVincenzo 90 Edwin Harstine 89 Patricia Sharkey 88 Ed Dooner 87 Rhonda Skalsky 85 Karen Dribben-Alprin 84 Judith Muzzy 84 Bobbi Wirtz 82 Chris Rettig 81 Dan Ezra 81 Kathy Miki 81 Ellen Newton 77 Leo Deininger 77 Mary Jo Hobe 77 Cathy King 77 Linda McAllister 77 Cedric Plavney 76 Donna McCafferty 76 Robert Sweet 75 Mary Ann Chee 74 Greg Anikeeff 74 Judith Gaume 74 Rose Jancsy 74 Ralph Kneale 73 Suzanne Fisher 73 Terry Ross 73 Bob Warner 72 Mary Del Heron 72 John Hunter 72 Gretty Myers 71 Russell Dean 71 Peggy Koesel 71 Bob Rosenthal

70 Dwight Bird 70 David Hobe 70 Charlene Nagy 70 Bonnie Wallis 69 Karen Krauss 68 Frank Skala 66 Linda Condit 66 Mary Hornsby 66 Janet Orban 65 Janice Radl 65 Rita Stroempl 63 Judy Bednarz 63 Celeste Birze 63 Carrie Konkoly 63 Leslie Leventhal 63 Terry Marquard 63 David Richards 62 Karen Christie 62 Kathy Mates 62 Gabriel Zerkowski 61 Kathy Berg 61 Beverly Dahms 61 Ray Matthiesen 61 Christine Prosek 61 Ann Roberts 61 Michael Sasarak 61 Tom Sheridan 61 Jim Spoth 61 Wendy Tully 60 Robert Bayt 60 Jeffrey Kearns 60 Arlene Kitchen 60 Michele Lanza 60 Rick Ramsey 60 Janice Snyder 59 Janet Rybicki 58 Smiljka Bosnar 58 Karen Decker 58 Jim Lahman 58 Ruth Philbrick 58 Cheryl Stefanik 57 Brenda Hairston 57 Diann Ludwig 56 Annette Jencson 56 Polly Sems 56 Diana Stack 55 Pat Ayers 55 Lil Baratko 55 Rita Bennett 55 Sandy DeMart 55 Jean Helmlinger 55 Karen Leary 55 Tom Overall 54 Elaine Jaffe 54 Dieter Sems 52 Linda Barnard 52 Nina Fried 52 Ted Krauss 52 Karen Pressman 52 Darrell Trebec 52 Hank Zalar

51 Margaret DeMarco 51 Brenda Lett 51 Bob Myers 50 Gary Jencson 50 Mary Carol Lewis 50 Gail O'Brien 50 Ellen Papadimoulis 49 Bob Maruna 49 Sanda Myint 48 Doris Dietsche 47 Erik Baldwin 47 Eileen Burry 47 Meena Dixit 47 Mila Mandic 47 Barb Palumbo 46 Thomas Cady 46 Linda Heiden 46 Gail Holian 46 Sharon Tadj 45 Mary Baldwin 45 Joan Delahay 45 Kathleen Mayher 45 Barb Riccio 44 Pete Kenney 44 Craig Shopneck 43 Karen Barton 43 Pala Krznaric 43 Margot Richter 42 George Baker 42 Robert Haas 42 Claudia Zalar 41 Rick Benesh 41 John Jencson 41 Ron Konieczynski 41 Margaret Krolikowski 41 Agnes Morrissey 41 Marilyn Richards 41 Bob Shroy 40 Lynn Brantley 40 Vlad Broz 40 Nick Caruso 40 Elisabeth Kroepel 40 Sarah Piller 40 Shirley Proffitt 40 Elizabeth Quinones 40 Ellen Shafer 40 Ken Stovarsky 40 Bob Trausch 40 Earl Waltz 39 Pamela Fenn 39 Dottie Lima 39 Ed Meleason 39 Kathy Meluch 39 Ralph Meluch 39 Patricia Tsevdos 38 Fran Jacobs 38 Jeff Lennartz 38 Kevin Marriott 38 Joan McDermitt 38 Diane Urban 38 Darlene Wiegandt

37 Sandra Barlett 37 Suzanne Bellini 37 Joseph Brown 37 Martha Coates 37 Rick Drake 37 Cindy Shadler 37 Ruth Skuly 37 Leslie Telich 36 Chris Bedell 36 Ellen Carter 36 Kent Geist 36 John Heidenreich 36 Paula Jacobson 36 Aggi Konieczynski 36 Gordon Mann 36 Christine Novak 36 Chuck Stinnet 36 Kim Woodward 35 Karen Birt 35 Jane Duke 35 Wendy Gillund 35 Marcia Grant 35 Alicia Hajba 35 Jan Kimmel 35 David Sagerser 35 Sherrie Wooden 34 Laurine Braun 34 Debbie Brindza 34 Maureen Huefner 34 Gregory Kruszka 34 Susan Kruszka 34 Judy Lawless 34 Joan Llewellyn 34 Tom Smeal 34 Sherry Widdowson 33 Michael Bauer 33 Margaret Daniels 33 John Galla 33 Janice Ginsburg 33 Louise Hayes 33 Trudy Hitsman 33 Carol Lewanski 33 Katherine Scheid 33 Richard Scheid 32 Merryl Carlsson 32 Karen Datko 32 David Einstein 32 Mary Graf 32 Carol Lindblom 31 John Chambers 31 Deborah Hamzah 31 Harvey Hanna 31 Frank Klaus 31 Gloria Lawson 31 Lawrence Martin 31 Ruth Martin 31 Julie Miller 31 Joan Reidy 31 Lori Wright 31 Gayle Zipay 31 John Tisdale

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July 2015 Statistics

Total number of hikes entered .......427 Most members on a hike .................... 44 Number of mile-a-day hikers ....306

Members hiking at least once ........539 (2c. Leader Adela Kuc) Total miles of hikes entered ...2,228

Members per local hike (average)...12.4 Most miles on a hike......................... 220 Members per local hike (median) ..11

Total number hikers (members)...5,302 (2c. Adela Kuc; 19e. John Sech) Number of hikes canceled ........... 2

Total member miles hiked.........26,536 Local hikes with 30 or more members .... 9 (7q and14p)

Mileage Awards for July 2015

22,000 Sharon Horvath 17,000 Bob Warner 10,000 Ed Dooner 10,000 Kathy Miki 9,000 Gary Dolch 9,000 Annette Hueter 8,000 Larry Clager 8,000 Beverly Dahms 8,000 Betsey Luce 7,000 Gail Holian 7,000 Julie Wojcik 6,000 Margot Richter 6,000 Diana Stack 5,000 Kathy Berg 5,000 Arlene Kitchen

5,000 Bob Novacek 5,000 Polly Sems 4,000 Connie Kearns 4,000 Richard Zytkowski 3,000 Mary Jo Hobe 3,000 Varsha Jhala 3,000 Joan Mihelich 3,000 Susan Otto 2,000 Joan Jochum 2,000 Douglas LaPlante 2,000 Terry Ross 2,000 Ellen Woodruff 1,000 Elisabeth Kroepel 1,000 Laurel Luke

1,000 Tim Rocco 1,000 Cheryl Stefanik 500 Sandra Barlett 500 Gloria Lawson 500 Chuck Smith 100 Dwight Bird 100 Laurine Braun 100 Jane Duke 100 Christina Larsen 100 Kathleen Mayher 100 Mary Morgin 100 Marilyn Rohde 100 Ellen Shafer 100 Chuck Stinnet 100 Susan Strauss

Membership Report

Veronica (Roni) Pavia • 330-468-3706 • chcmemberchair@gmail.com

New Members Sandra A Brickner 8250 Royalview Drive Parma, OH 44129 440-454-0565 sandyb415@prodigy.net Mel C Gurry 32652 Springside Lane Solon, OH 44139 440-248-2592 melgurry@sbcglobal.net Michael B McGee 3920 Sawbridge Drive, Unit 5 Richfield, OH 44286 330-659-0879 mbmohio@aol.com Gail C Mix 6 Hudson Common Hudson, OH 44236 330-463-5375 hmpilsner@hotmail.com Marilyn Pokorny 8481 Hallnorth Drive Mentor, OH 44060 440-205-0026 marpok@sbcglobal.net

Barbara J Riccio 5909 Ruple Parkway Brookpark, OH 44142 216-246-0629 ricam_oh@hotmail.com Debra S Ritt 6575 Liberty Road Solon, OH 44139 703-498-9207 rttdbr@aol.com Kimberly M Seymore 9782 Broadview Road David Seymore Broadview Hts, OH 44147 216-299-1150 ksamboravon@yahoo.com John L Tisdale 30903 Nantucket Row Bay Village, OH 44140 440-471-4763 ejnewt@oh.rr.com Address & Other Changes Marilyn Chakan PO Box 351 Valley City, OH 44280 330-416-9184

Continued on page 4

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Verlene B DeWitt 11320 Bay Drive Ronnie DeWitt Little River, SC 29566 bigvbd@gmail.com Penelope Koach 27825 Detroit Road #715 Westlake, OH 44145 koach0424@yahoo.com Patricia A Sharkey 3420 Wooster Road Rocky River, OH 44116 216-556-3583 E-Mail Address Changes Jeff Jaster jeffandsue@aol.com

Moving? Changing your Marital or Membership Status? New Phone, E-mail?

Want to receive 10% discount at Appalachian Outfitters?

Be sure to notify the Membership Co-chair, Veronica (Roni) Pavia, 8016 North Gannett Road,

Sagamore Hills, OH 44067 Phone: 330-468-3706;

E-mail: chcmemberchair@gmail.com.

A Wine Trail with a

Covered Bridge Hike September 26, 2015

Denise Tobiasz 440-915-6549 / Kathy Kristof 216-577-1593 Come and join us September 26 on a fun-filled wine

tasting hike. We will stop at various wineries for tastings, as well as a distillery and a covered bridge. Along the way we will stop for snacks, take a lunch break, and perhaps listen to some music at a winery. You can bring snacks and lunch or purchase food at the wineries. Don’t forget some water. The hike will be 12 miles with a 6 mile option and will be on roads. After the hike you can stay for dinner if you like.

We will meet at 10:30 a.m. at Ferrante Winery and

Ristorante, 5585 State Route 307, Geneva, Ohio (440-466-8466). There will be short shuttle for those hikers choosing the 6 mile option.

Directions from Cleveland: Take I-90 East to Route 534

South; turn right on State Route 307 (west) and Ferrante is about 1/2 mile on the right.

Any questions, call Denise at 440-915-6549 or Kathy at

216-577-1593.

NEWSTEPS deadline is the 10th of the month. Send information to akwoodward@aol.com (please include “Newsteps” in subject line). Trip details should be no more than ½ page.

Photos are welcome.

Annual Put-in-Bay Leisure History Hike September 12, 2015

Ron Konieczynski konieczynski@sbcglobal.net The annual Put-in-Bay history hike, now in about its 25th

consecutive year, will take place on Saturday, September 12, on South Bass Island. This 5 mile leisure hike (10 mile option) features narrated stops at historical places for the first 5 miles, followed by an on-your-own lunch break (for discount lunch coupons, see www.millerferry.com/discounts/coupons/). The optional second 5 miles are self-guided, with a map, and end back at the ferry dock.

The hike is timed to coincide with Put-in-Bay’s annual

celebration of Commodore Perry’s naval victory over the British in the Battle of Lake Erie. Island events include a parade, art, music, a military encampment typical of 1812, and over 1,000 Boy Scouts on their annual camporee on Lake Erie. The Grand Parade starts at 2:15 p.m. and includes local and regional dignitaries, Boy Scouts, classic cars, 4 or more high school marching bands, the captain of the USS Lake Erie, area veterans, and War of 1812 reenactors. In open-air exhibits downtown, area and regional arts and crafts people display and sell their original works in photography, watercolor, acrylic, pottery, silversmithing, and stained glass. See www.putinbay.com/attractions.htm for a list of other island attractions.

To get there: Take the 10:00 a.m. Miller Ferry from

Catawba to the Lime Kiln dock on South Bass Island. To get to Catawba, follow I-90 west to State Route 2 west, cross the Sandusky Bay Bridge, exit onto State Route 53 north, and continue north to its end at the ferry dock. Ferry tickets are $7 each way. The last ferry departs the island at 8:00 p.m. The hike starts soon after the 10:00 a.m. ferry docks on South Bass Island.

Inaugural Hike in Richfield Pam Fenn 216-650-8832 pfenn7@gmail.com

It’s open! The transfer of the former Girl Scout Camp

Crowell-Hilaka to the Richfield Joint Recreational District is complete. Come to the 5 mile inaugural hike through the new park on Saturday, September 19, at 9:30 a.m. Be advised that the trails were not maintained when the Girl Scout Camp was closed, so the trails may be a bit rough.

Please note that the new signage may not be in place,

but the entrance is marked with an address marker (4374 Broadview Road); it is next to the Giant Eagle and the marker for the highest point in Summit County. The parking lot is about a quarter mile down the driveway. Restrooms will be available. Future plans for the park include further improvements on the trails and other amenities. There will also be a second hike in the park for 6 miles on Saturday, October 3, at 9:30 a.m.

5 – 9/15

Trail Tales Karen Leary kglgowalk@gmail.com

We may have plenty of adventure on the trails, but it’s

also fun to read about other adventures on or off the trail. Please consider checking out the books suggested in this column. Feel free to submit your suggestions as well.

The Oregon Trail: A New American Journey by Rinker Buck

If you love the lore of the West, you’ll enjoy this new

nonfiction book. During the mid-1800s, Missouri, Kansas, and Nebraska were the American frontier, where pioneers started their journeys and the nation fought over the future of slavery. Rinker Buck brings the land to life in a richly researched book that draws heavily from journals kept by the pioneers and their memoirs. For more than 400,000 Americans in the 15 years before the start of the Civil War in 1861, the Oregon Trail represented a chance to move west for new opportunities, perhaps to strike gold, or to escape religious bias. It was a journey of great promise and peril.

Buck wanted to go west and experience a bit of history.

He hit the road in the summer of 2011 — in a mule-drawn covered wagon. Buck followed in the old wagon ruts and dusty paths of the thousands of pioneers who navigated the 2,100-mile Oregon Trail. Buck and his brother, Nick, fashioned an epic of their own. They drove a 3-mule team from St. Joseph, Missouri, across the plains of Kansas and Nebraska, into the forbidding high altitudes of Wyoming, then into mountainous Idaho and on to Oregon. The book that came out of this madcap adventure is goofy and often self-indulgent, but it is also charming, big-hearted, impassioned, and a lot of fun to read.

Calling all tales! If you have a true tale from the trail that

you would like to share in this column, please forward it to Karen Leary at kglgowalk@gmail.com. Share your fun and fantastic stories. Did you do cabbage bowling on the Buckeye Trail? Did you find a watch on the trail only to have the original owner notice it on your wrist months later? Let’s read about your trail tales!

New Hiking Series: Historic Downtown Buildings

Chris Rettig 216-676-9306 Beginning in September, watch the schedule for a new

series of hikes. Annette Hueter, Denise Tobiasz, and Chris Rettig will lead hikes that go inside some of downtown Cleveland’s historic buildings. For years, we have viewed outsides of these buildings; now, we will have a chance to see the insides!

Come and join us on September 23 at 9:30 a.m. by the

Dancing Fountains in Tower City Center for a 5 mile hike. Please allow extra time for viewing and photography!

MOCA Hike and Tour Suzanne Bellini 440-247-7952 suzb65@hotmail.com

On Saturday, October 3, Suzanne Bellini will lead a 4

mile leisure hike to MOCA (Museum of Contemporary Art) in University Circle. The hike will start at 10:00 a.m. at Roxboro School in Cleveland Heights. After hiking the 2 miles down to MOCA, we’ll enjoy docent-led tours, have lunch, and hike back up to the starting point. Reservations are required for the docent-led tours, and up to 45 participants can be accommodated. Contact Suzanne at 440-247-7952 or suzb65@hotmail.com no later than Saturday, September 19, to say that you will attend.

2015 Photo Contest Chris Rettig 216-676-9306 / Denise Tobiasz 440-777-0545 The Cleveland Photographic Society will be judging our

photo competition again this year. The judging will be on Saturday, November 7, 2015, at 12:00 noon. Directions for the judging will be in the November Newsteps. All contest entries must be received by October 24, 2015.

The rules for the 2015 CHC Photo Contest are:

Photos must have been taken during the previous year: November 1, 2014, through October 24, 2015. All images must have been taken while participating in a Cleveland Hiking Club event, i.e., hike, potluck, excursion, etc.

All images must have been taken by the photographer who submits the image. In other words, you cannot be in a picture that you submit.

A total of six (6) images can be submitted. No more than two (2) images can be submitted in the

same category. Prints must be 8x10 inches. Mats should be 11x14 inches. All prints must be mounted on a sturdy backing and

matted using either black or white mats only. Mat and backing should be less than 1/8 inch thick.

Images can be enhanced by correcting the exposure, color saturation, and conventional cropping only. This will keep the competition fair to those who do not have Photoshop or other editing software.

Ribbons will be awarded to all first, second, and third place photos, and the photos will be placed on the CHC website.

The first place photos will be displayed in the cabin for one year.

All photo entries will be displayed at the Holiday Party. All photo participants must fill out and sign the Photo

Contest Entry Form (see page 11). The categories for 2015 are: People, Scenery/Landscape,

Flora, Architecture/Structure, Animals/Insects, and Black & White.

Photo entries can be given to Chris Rettig or Denise

Tobiasz, or brought to the General Meeting on October 24.

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Eyes in Back of His Head Ron Konieczynski konieczynski@sbcglobal.net

After spotting “the biggest coyote I ever saw,” Joe

Visitorski decided to hike facing backward, so that it can’t sneak up on him from behind. His plan is working and he has never been attacked by a coyote. He has, however, required hospitalization for 3 falls over tree roots and a tumble off a cliff.

What Joe doesn’t know is that there are only 2 or 3

recorded fatal attacks on humans by coyotes. Dogs cause many, many more injuries and deaths, as do snakes, bears, scorpions, and even Bambi the deer.

Do hikers need to fear coyotes? No, coyotes avoid

humans. A few years ago there was a coyote “attack” in Brecksville Reservation but no one was seriously injured; it turns out the coyote was only protecting its den.

The “biggest coyote” that Joe saw may not have been a

coyote anyway; it could have been a new animal, now moving into our area, called a coywolf. The coywolf is a hybridization of the eastern wolf from Canada and the

western coyote. These two canines got together less than 100 years ago in Algonquin Park in Canada and now their offspring are spreading east and south into the United States. Unlike almost all other animal hybrids, the coywolf is capable of reproducing, so it is here to stay.

The coywolf, at 50 pounds or more, is considerably

bigger than the 30 pound western coyote. It is a beautiful animal with a wolf-like face that is wider than a coyote’s. It is also smart and avoids detection, even in cities like New York, where it seems to be already established.

Are there coywolves in Cuyahoga County? Probably.

Should hikers walk backward so they can’t sneak up? No; apparently no one has had a serious encounter with one. Is there a downside? Yes; dogs and cats kept outside, especially at night, can be at risk. Is it exciting? Yes; this is a new and beautiful animal — smart but so far not a threat. It’s a top-end predator that could ease the imbalance (think deer and Canada geese) caused by shooting the wolves that were once common in Ohio.

September Birthdays Veronica (Roni) Pavia • 330-468-3706 • chcmemberchair@gmail.com

1 Doreen King 1 David Richards 1 Cindy Shadler 2 Gene Connor 3 Wayne Isaac 4 Mary Jane Decker 4 Karen Weber 5 Judy Brown 5 Eileen Burry 5 Steve Horvath 5 Barbara Morton 5 Janice Radl 6 Joan Reidy 6 Melanie Satanek 6 Richard Urbas 6 Henry Zalar 7 Carol Fox 7 Frank Skala 8 Mary Ann Moos 8 Jane Vasu 9 Myrna Groger 10 Merryl Carlsson 11 Vera Grinshteyn

11 Mary Jo Hobe 12 Anthony Benedictis 12 Lawrence Martin 13 Thomas Cady 13 Margaret DeMarco 13 Mary Drost 13 Marlene Goldheimer 13 Cheryl Piper 13 Tillie Rooney 13 Kel Young 14 Linda Condit 14 Donna Miller 15 Peter Arcady 15 Arthur Cobb 16 Mary Jo Deucher 16 Cecil Dobbins 16 Beverly Glick 16 Caryl Jacobs 16 Dianne Nevans 16 Marilyn Richards 16 Robert Rosenthal 16 Christine Tiedemann

17 Marilyn Brundage 17 Robert Cohen 17 Linda Easterday 17 Bernard Effler 17 Renate Miller 18 Ed Dooner 18 Daniel Kozminski 18 Barbara Riccio 19 Jeanne Henry 19 John Holian 19 Sue Knirsch 19 Denise McDaniel 19 Gary Paul 20 Merida Martin 20 Vikki Sabo 20 Gail Schmidt 21 Judy Bednarz 21 Jeff Gattiker 21 Gretty Myers 22 Karen Cogley 22 Robert Trausch 23 Robert Haas

23 Mary Kurtz 23 Christine Orlowski 23 Rhonda Trice 24 John Galla 24 John Heidenreich 24 Ilona McFarland 24 Kathy Stroh 25 Karen Leary 25 Ellana Miklos 26 Dee Anne Behrens 26 Gail Mann 27 Bernadette Grosso 28 Rita Bennett 28 John Chambers 28 Robert Murphy 28 Arlene Troyer 29 Karen Dribben-Alprin 29 Blanche Vanis 30 Linda Black 30 Linda Deyling 30 Nancy Konrad 30 Timothy McCarthy 30 David Slawson

7 – 9/15

Social Whirl Darlene Jacobson 440-391-9921 djacobson577@hotmail.com

Unless otherwise noted, reservations for all CHC events should be made by calling Sue Portnoy at 216-464-0916 between noon and 7:00 p.m. or by e-mail to sport23@roadrunner.com (put “CHC” in the subject line). Checks made out to Cleveland Hiking Club should be sent to Sue at 27060 Cedar Road #206, Beachwood, OH 44122.

Unless otherwise noted, all events are at Camp Onwego. Saturday September 12: Kids’ Day at Camp 10:30 a.m. until 1:30 p.m. Jungle Terry, games, crafts, a short hike, and lunch. See August Newsteps for more information. Host: Shirley Pashall. Saturday, September 19: Annual Volunteer Appreciation Dinner Social Hour 4:00 p.m., Dinner 5:00 p.m. See August Newsteps for more information. Hosts: Cathy Berlo and Ron Delaney. Saturday, October 10: Potluck and Lecture on Eerie Lake Erie Social Time 5:30 p.m., Potluck 6:00 p.m., Lecture 7:00 p.m. See page 9 for more information. Host: Sandy Paliga. (NdPS) Saturday, October 24: General Membership Meeting and CHC Chili Cook-off Meeting 1:00 p.m. Annual chili cook-off to follow; see page 7 for more information. Hosts: Debbie Wood, Annette Hueter, Norma Delp, and Darlene Jacobson. (NdPS) Sunday, December 6: Annual CHC Holiday Party at Wal-Tam’s Grand Ballroom 4:00 p.m. until 9:00 p.m. Information to come in Newsteps. NdPS: Bring your non-disposable place setting.

Shaker Lakes Hike and Run Ruth Skuly 216-371-9535 rjskuly@att.net

The 18th Annual Hike and Run to benefit the Nature

Center at Shaker Lakes will be held on Sunday, September 20, at 8:45 a.m. The 12 mile hike, which begins at the Nature Center and follows Doan Brook to Lake Erie and back, will be led by Ruth Skuly and Leo Deininger. There also will be 2 one-way options: a 6 mile option that will go from the Nature Center to the Lake and 9 mile option that will include the trails on the Cleveland Lakefront Nature Preserve. A shuttle will bring the one-way hikers back to the Nature Center

Registration, which entitles you to a T-shirt and

refreshments, is necessary. The cost is $15. Proceeds from the hike assist with the cost of providing nature education to underserved populations of children from Cleveland. You

may obtain registration forms from Leo Deininger or from the Nature Center at Shaker Lake (2600 South Park Boulevard; 216-321-5935; www.shakerlakes.org) or register on line at www.hmapromotions.net. You may want to arrive early to park (overflow parking is on North Park Boulevard), sign in, and pick up your T-shirt.

The 6th Annual Chili Cook-Off October 24, 2015

Darlene Jacobson 440-247-1475 djacobson577@hotmail.com What better way to celebrate the seasons

changing than a big old-fashioned chili cook-off? As the gavel falls to close the CHC Membership Meeting on Saturday, October 24, we will be starting the party! Who will win the bragging rights this year? It takes a village to raise a chili cook-off, so your hosts are Debbie Wood, Annette Hueter, Norma Delp, and Darlene Jacobson.

For chili competitors, registration is required by October

16. Contact Darlene Jacobson at 440-247-1475 or djacobson577@hotmail.com. Bring a crockpot of hot chili and a serving utensil to Camp Onwego by 2:00 p.m. on October 24.

For all those ready to taste, please fill out the form below

and send a check for $4 per person attending to Darlene Jacobson, 577 Solon Road, Bentleyville, Ohio 44022, by October 15. Competitors and 1 guest per competitor do not pay the $4 per person fee.

Bring a non-disposable place setting for tasting. A great

tip: bring a muffin tin or small cups to taste multiple chilies per trip. We will have bread, crackers, and hot beverages.

Please plan to come to the General Meeting at 1:00 p.m.

After the meeting is adjourned at about 2:30 p.m., the cook-off social time will begin.

Chili Cook-off Reservation Form Name of chili taster(s): _____________________________________ ($4 each) _____________________________________ Please make check payable to Cleveland Hiking Club and mail to: Darlene Jacobson, 577 Solon Road, Bentleyville, Ohio 44022.

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Thank You Notes

Thank you to all members of club who sent get well cards. I was overwhelmed. I appreciate your thoughtfulness and hope to be hiking again soon. Lou Shainker

A big thanks to all who attended the 2015 steak

and corn roast. A very special thanks to all of my helpers: Erik Baldwin, Mary Jane Decker, Barb Appel, Jack Kohut and Jude Szczepanski, Bob and Joyce Maruna, Harvey and Beth Hanna, Rhonda Skalsky, Tom Overall, Ted and Karen Krauss, Craig and Bonnie Shopneck, Shirley Pashall, and Bill and Chris Rettig. Without their help, the day would not have run as smoothly as it did. I would like to also thank Margot Richter and Victor Myhal for bringing extra dessert delights. It was very well attended — 105 people came. Great weather, too. Thanks again. Sharon Horvath

Can Committee Report

Alice Kruse 440-247-6049 alicekruse@sbcglobal.net Have cans in the garage but do not know where to take

them? On the west side, Bill Rettig, Chris Rettig, Matt Collings, Julie Wojcik, and John Hunter will take them. On the east side, Betsey Luce, Barb Palumbo, and Alice Kruse accept them. If you do not see one of us ask in the circle; if your cans are clean many others will transport them. If you want to join our group, call Alice Kruse.

July contributors:

Patty Abdenour Rachel Abernethy Judy Bednarz Dee Behrens Mika Bosnar Karen Birt Gale Chun Larry Clager Matt Collings Linda Condit Beverly Dahms Margaret Daniels Elsie Davies Leo Deininger Sandy DeMart Karen Dribben-Alprin Carrie Ellington Marianne Ellis Lucy Erba John Gabrovsek Judy Gaume Marlene Goldheimer Jane Hill Don Hoffman John Hunter

Gary and Claire Jencson CJ Keyes Bob Kimmelfield Doreen King Arlene Kitchen Pala Krznaric Brenda Lett Betsey Luce Gordon and Gail Mann Donna McCafferty Joan McDermitt Lee Nageotte Ellen Papadimoulis Bill and Chris Rettig Marty Ritzert Lee and Carol Schiemann Gail Shank Bob and Gayle Shroy Frank Skala Bob and Marianne Trausch Pat Tsevdos Paul and Diane Urban Julie Wojcik Hank and Claudia Zalar plus 3 bags at hike on July 13

Getaway Weekend October 3 to 4, 2015

Dave & Denise Tobiasz 440-777-0545 dstobiasz@aol.com Jim & Pat Spoth 440-543-3398

Ready to get away for the weekend and enjoy some fall

hiking? Hike McConnells Mill State Park in Pennsylvania on Saturday and then join Jim and Pat Spoth in the evening to celebrate the 23rd anniversary of Youngstown’s Mill Creek Park hike at Steamers Restaurant (please RSVP to Jim and Pat for the dinner). Then on Sunday, we’ll hike the fall classic: 15 miles in Mill Creek Park.

On Saturday, October 3, we will be starting at 9:00 a.m.

at the Slippery Rock Creek Gorge Trail/North Country Scenic Trail. Meet at Alpha Pass Trail Head parking lot (GPS coordinates N40 57.627 W80 10.124). If you are staying in a motel, we will meet in the lobby of the America’s Best Value Inn at 8:15 a.m. If driving directly from Cleveland to the motel, use the GPS coordinates N40 58.428 W80 39.678 and we will drive to the hike.

We will shuttle to begin the hike. Don’t forget to bring

lunch and your camera. The hike will be 10 miles on trails. To see a trail map, go to www.dcnr.state.pa.us and click on Find a Park, then choose McConnells Mill.

Saturday evening, at 7:00 p.m., we will be dining at

Steamers Restaurant, 10078 Market Street, North Lima, Ohio, 330-549-9041, nearby to our motel. Please RSVP to Jim and Pat Spoth. You can view the menu and wine list at www.enjoysteamers.com.

On Sunday, October 4, join Jim and Pat Spoth at 9:30

a.m. at Youngstown’s Mill Creek Metro Park in the Wick Recreation Area. Jim and Pat will be hiking 15 miles on trails — don’t forget your lunch. GPS coordinates are N41 05.196 W80 41.536.

Places to stay in North Lima (Exit off I-76) include:

America’s Best Value Inn, 9988 Market Street, 330-549-0157, www.americasbestvalueinn.com (check out the “senior rate” starting at $57.66). Directions to the motel: take I-80 east to I-76 east to exit 232, then Ohio Route 7 north for 0.3 mile. Distance is about 1 hour 20 minutes from Cleveland. Other options in the area are Quality Inn, 10076 Market Street, 330-549-9190, and Holiday Inn Express, 10111 Market Street, 330-549-0070.

Great Allegheny Passage Trail Update Erik & Debi Baldwin 216-554-9074 chinacat1966@yahoo.com

For the weekend of October 17 and 18, we have blocked

a group of rooms at the Comfort Inn in Belle Vernon, Pennsylvania. The rate is $101 plus taxes. The address for the Comfort Inn is 4300 State Route 51 S, Belle Vernon, PA, 15012; 724-929-3177. Remember to mention CHC for the group rate. For full trip details, see the August Newsteps.

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Safety Tips: Hiking and Brain Health Karen Pressman karenpressman81662@gmail.com

Many of us joined the Cleveland Hiking Club for the

numerous physical and health benefits that hiking provides: lower blood pressure, weight loss, reduction in bone loss, enhanced strength, improvement of diabetes and cardiovascular issues — the list goes on and on!

A research study published in June by Stanford

University’s Gregory Bratman suggests that taking a walk in the park is soothing to the mind as well — hiking in nature changes the workings of our brains resulting in improved mental health. Bratman’s study demonstrates that interacting in nature, even for a short time, can decrease brooding and rumination, a mental state familiar to most of us that involves those broken record thoughts about things wrong with ourselves and our lives. These thoughts aren’t only maladaptive and counterproductive; they can also be a precursor for major depression. What’s most exciting about Bratman’s research is it’s a cognitive neuroscience study involving before and after brain scans of the participants along with the traditional experiments and questionnaires. The researchers examined the brain region known as the subgenual prefrontal cortex, which is responsible for maladaptive behavior. Following a 90 minute walk in nature, the brain scans consistently showed decreased activity and blood flow to this region of the brain. These results strongly indicate that getting out in nature could be an immediate way to improve one’s mood!

Research is now catching up to what CHC members

have known all along. Spending time outdoors in nature is good for us physically and mentally! Stay safe and happy on the trail!

Special Hikes Special hikes are those I made and never thought I would.

P robably ’cuz the roads I chose were not the ones I should.

Even tho I left on time thought I knew the way.

Chalk it up to one wrong turn to surely cause delay.

I t’s all in the desire and the will to persevere.

And hope that heavy traffic does not somehow interfere.

Lastly in the future, I hope I never miss

Hikes I want to get to ’cuz mileage is Pure Bliss!

HIKING SCHEDULES Didn’t get a schedule? Lost a schedule?

Want more schedules? Go to the website: www.Clevelandhikingclub.org to

download and print a schedule.

Ghostly Tales Potluck: Eerie Lake Erie

Saturday, October 10, 2015 Sandy Paliga & Annette Hueter

Come to Camp on October 10 for tales of ghost

ships, ghost stories, and ghostly things happening in and around Lake Erie. The Lake Erie Triangle, the phantom Veronica Richard, the haunted carousel horse from Cedar Point, the ghost ship Marquette & Bessemer, and Bessie, Lake Erie’s very own monster are just a few of the supernatural events in store. Come and take a walk with presenters Cathy Clager and Rita Wolansky on the eerie side of Lake Erie. The social time begins at 5:30 p.m., followed by a potluck dinner at 6:00 p.m. and the program at 7:00 p.m. Don’t forget your non-disposable place settings. Coffee and tea provided.

Make your reservations to Sue Portnoy at 216-464-0916

between noon and 7:00 p.m. or send e-mail to sport23@roadrunner.com (put CHC in subject line).

To help work up an appetite, come early for the 3:00

p.m. hike prior to this event. See hike schedule.

Highlights — CHC General Meeting

August 1, 2015 Camp Onwego

Board members in attendance: Dave Richards, Dan Herris, Peggy Koesel, Annette Hueter, Aggi Konieczynski, Betsey Luce, Dave Sagerser, Frank Skala, Kathy Wilmer, and Debbie Wood. Not present: Doug Hardman, Kent Geist, Paula Dudley, Ken Howard, Matt Collings, and Dave Tobiasz. Dave Richards called the meeting to order at 7:00 p.m. Key Statistics. Dave Richards reported that as of June 30, 2015, the average number of members hiking once a month is 440, the average number of members hiking at least a mile a day is 253, and the member retention rate is 92.3%. Dave stated that the Club is on target financially, continues to conduct hikes safely with few injuries requiring medical treatment, and is on target to make $1,000 in donations to hiking-related activities by year end. So far this year, CHC has offered an average of 317 hikes a month, a 35% increase over 2014. Dave also reported on the status of various goals and activities he has for his final term. This included implementing the Club’s revised constitution and overseeing the standing rules review. The rules review committee will present the proposed rules to the Board on September 1, 2015. Dave has also worked with Club historian Ellen Botnick to develop a process to improve the Club’s recordkeeping and make sure that the CHC’s historical record is preserved. The Board has given further Continued on page 10

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consideration to establishing a “hall of fame,” with a new working title of Member Recognition Program. Five key historical members have been selected to test the process. Hikes have been scheduled in several Lorain County parks and a series of hikes is anticipated for Lake County in the coming year, as part of CHC’s effort to establish a link with parks in those counties. The Park Relations Committee has reached out to those planning the Republican National Convention to offer to work with the City to lead hikes for conventioneers and their families, highlighting the downtown area, Lakeview Cemetery, and the Cultural Gardens. Online scheduling is now available. To avoid conflicts, social and other Club events should be posted on a page on the website.

General Membership Action Items Ratification of Meeting Minutes. A motion to ratify the minutes of the May 17, 2015, General Membership meeting was made, seconded, and approved. Hiking Schedules. A motion was made, seconded, and the members voted to approve the September and October 2015 hiking schedules, subject to correction. Outreach. Alice Kruse requested the following donations from the Outreach Fund: $300 to the Buckeye Trail Association and $200 to the Nature Center at Shaker Lakes. Both donations were approved. Nominating Committee. The Nominating Committee (John Galla, Janet Christen, Frank Klaus, Ralph Qualtiere, and Jim Lahman) announced the candidates for 2016: President, Frank Skala; Vice-President, Bob Novacek; Chief Pathfinder, Dave Tobiasz; Recording Pathfinder, Paula Dudley; Recording Secretary, Peggy Koesel; Corresponding Secretary, Dan Herris; Treasurer, Dave Hobe; Trustee, Larry Clager and Doug Hardman; and Directors, Matt Collings, Ken Howard, Annette Hueter, Betsy Luce, David Sagerser, Kathy Wilmer, Debbie Wood, Gordon Mann, Bob Kimmelfield, Laurie Herris, Ken Stovarsky, and Giovanna DiLauro. After candidates present at the meeting introduced themselves, the slate was approved. Transition Process. Dave Richards reported that, consistent with the new constitution, all positions will be up for election in 2016, with some positions having a 1-year term and others a 2-year term. This will allow half of the CHC’s leadership to be up for election each year thereafter and avoid a major turnover in leadership in any single year. 2016 Voting Process. Ballots will be mailed in mid-September and be due by October 14 to allow time for votes to be counted in advance of the October 24 General Meeting. Katherine Malmquist has agreed to serve as Teller for a second year. Excursions. Kathy Driscoll presented an excursion for approval: Toronto, Canada; dates: August 26 to 28, 2016; leader: Rich Urbas. The excursion was approved.

Officer/Committee Reports Treasurer. Dave Richards reported for Doug Hardman that as of July 31, 2015, dues revenue will likely exceed budget and that the current balance of unencumbered funds on deposit was $37,001. Approximately 72% of the annual budget is used for printing and mailing hiking schedules and Newsteps. The Board has already approved and has disbursed memorial funds as proposed by the Memorial Committee. Chief Pathfinder. Frank Skala, reporting for Dave Tobiasz, stated there are 840 hikes scheduled in September and October 2015, the most ever. This is approximately 26,000 miles as a Club. Membership. As of July 31, 2015, the Club has 1,064 members, a record number. Camp. Mike Toth reported that our Camp Onwego neighbors appreciate having CHC as a neighbor. A couple have even been mowing the lawn for the CHC, refusing compensation. Dave Richards will send a formal letter from the CHC with our thanks. Mike named the members who have worked to maintain Camp Onwego this year: Fred Jarosz, Frank Skala, Pete Kenney, Norma Delp, Mary Hornsby, Sarah Clague, Louise Melnik, David Kennedy, Doug LaPlante, and Liz Kroepel. Dave asked Mike to find someone to assess what needs to be done with the Camp structures, the potential costs, and potential issues with the Camp’s grandfathered zoning status. Social. Darlene Jacobson asked for volunteers to chair the Chili Cook-off scheduled for October 24 and reminded members about the gear swap on August 16. Photography. Judging for the annual photography contest will be at the Cleveland Photography Society on November 7, 2015. The categories will be printed in Newsteps. Broadcast E-mail. CJ Keyes reminded members not to reply to broadcast e-mails, but to instead respond to the person noted in the e-mail. In response to a member’s comment, CJ stated there are times when more than one topic is addressed in an e-mail blast. She will try to note the number of items addressed in the subject line. Webmaster. Bob Kimmelfield will see if it is possible for the smart phone application to update if a hike is changed in an e-mail blast. Changes can also be transferred to the first page of the website if the Webmaster, as well as the e-blast committee, is notified. Trails. A trail work session is scheduled for August 8, 2015. Volunteer Appreciation Dinner. Chris Rettig, Nancy Kewish, and CJ Keyes will collect any items members wish to donate. The meeting was adjourned at 8:10 p.m.

Submitted by Peggy Koesel, Recording Secretary

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2015 CHC Photo Contest Entry Form

Name ____________________________________ Phone Number ___________________________ Image 1: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Image 2: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Image 3: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Image 4: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Image 5: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Image 6: Category __________________________ Location __________________________________ Categories: People, Scenery/Landscape, Flora, Architecture/Structure, Animals/Insects, and Black & White. Rules: No more than two (2) 8x10-inch color images entered per category. Six (6) images are the maximum that you can enter. All images MUST have been taken during a CHC hike, excursion, or event between November 1, 2014,

and October 24, 2015. Photos need to be matted using either black or white mats only. Mats should be 11x14 inches. Name, category, and location should be placed on the back of the matted photo. Photo should be placed on a sturdy backing that is less than 1/8 inch thick to aid mounting in a frame. Decisions regarding eligibility of entries are at the sole discretion of the CHC Photography Committee. Please contact any photography committee member with questions or concerns. CHC Photo Contest Entry release form I certify that I am the photographer of the work submitted and own all rights to this art. By submitting the artwork listed above, I certify I have the right to submit or publish this artwork. Images of persons, when identifiable, require their knowledge and agreement to allow their image to be taken by the maker. I do not permit I do permit (circle one) CHC to place the artwork in any electronic format (CHC website) for public viewing of CHC members and others. The images on Picasa are copyrighted by CHC. By participating in the CHC photo contest, I agree to release and hold harmless CHC, officers, and other agents from any and all damages or losses of any kind resulting from my participation in this contest. CHC, its officers, and agents assume no responsibility or liability for any damages, claims, causes of actions, and losses of any kind arising in whole or part from this contest. Photographer’s Name (print) ____________________________________________________________ Photographer’s Signature_________________________________ Date _________________________

Newsteps 13860 Lodge Drive North Royalton OH 44133 Return Service Requested

E x c u r s I o n s C a l e n d a r

Kathy Driscoll 440-973-4440 kathydriscoll@wowway.com D A T E NEWSTEPS L O C A T I O N C O N T A C T

2 0 1 5 8/24 – 9/4 NS 12/14 Page 7 Glacier NP & Waterton Lakes NP Erin Bethea

9/9 – 9/23 NS 11/14 Page 6

NS 1/15 Page 8 Prague, Vienna, Slovenia, Venice Joe Kosir & Frank Skala

9/12 – 9/18 NS 2/15 Page 7 Traverse City/Mackinac Island Judi Krahn

2 0 1 6 5/7 – 5/21 NS 8/15 Page 7 France –The Loire Valley and Paris Judy Gaume,

Darlene Jacobson, CJ Keyes 7/21 – 7/24 Chicago, Illinois Fred & Cleo Current

Glenn & Sally Hedenberg 8/26 – 8/28 Toronto, Ontario Rich Urbas

NS = Newsteps, 9/04 = Issue and year, Page 4 = Descriptive article on Page 4. Please do not call excursions leaders before full trip description in Newsteps. For an Excursion planning form, contact Kathleen Driscoll – kathydriscoll@wowway.com or 440-973-4440

Cleveland Hiking Club 2015 President – Dave Richards Vice President – Frank Skala Chief Pathfinder – Dave Tobiasz Treasurer – Doug Hardman Corresponding Secretary – Daniel Herris Recording Pathfinder – Paula Dudley Recording Secretary – Peggy Koesel Directors Matt Collings, Kent Geist, Ken Howard, Annette Hueter, Aggi Konieczynski, Betsey Luce, Dave Sagerser, Kathy Wilmer, Debbie Wood Trustees Tim McCarthy (2015) Jean Ruck (2016) David Hobe (2017) www.clevelandhikingclub.org

PRESORT STD U.S. POSTAGE PAID CLEVELAND, OH PERMIT #707