1. Trail Mix - Unique Holiday Gift Ideas
Welcome to Trail Mix, a Zip-lock bagful of VO-related
fun facts, links and puzzlers, served up fresh with
every issue of Contours. Look for helpful information
on everything outdoors along with other interesting
tidbits that enhance your awareness and well-being (and
your funny bone too).
Check out the NEW Venture Outdoors Blog!
This year, Give the Gift of Adventure!
 |
Having trouble finding great gifts for your loved ones or do you want a different,
exciting, and fun gift? We have the perfect gifts for you!
Check out all of our great gift ideas! We've got Kayak Pittsburgh Gift packages, NEW Venture Outdoors
Merchandise, and the Venture Outdoors Adventure in a Bottle! |
Present Puzzler...
(Scroll down for the answer)
How much do you think the average shopper
will spend this holiday season?
2.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get
out your planners folks...
New Countywide Riverfront Park to Be Created
County Executive Dan Onorato signed into law the ordinance that passed last
week in Council -- unanimously -- calling for the creation of a new Countywide
Riverfront Park. Mr. Onorato also showed strong support for the concept and is
taking immediate action steps.
These are huge steps forward. None of this would have happened without the
enormous number of e-mails and letters that Council members and the County
Executive received endorsing this concept. The enthusiasm and overwhelming
support that was exhibited also greatly increases the chances that Foundations
and other funding sources will embrace this concept.
Thanks PPG!
Everyone here at
Venture Outdoors would like to thank
PPG for including us in the PPG Matching Gift Program! Your donations
help us make the Pittsburgh region a better place to live!
The PPG Matching Gift Program is a great opportunity for others at PPG and other local
companies to help us achieve our mission. Make a donation today through the Matching Gift
Program and help us get you outside!
For more information on the Matching Gifts Program
and PPG
click here.
Want to make a donation? Support V.O.!
Special
Events
Holiday Party & Open House
What?: Join
Friends of the Riverfront for the 15th annual Holiday Party & Open House.
We'll enjoy live instrumental holiday music, great local foods and microbrew by John Harvard's. No
need to RSVP. Come as you are and enjoy the food, fun, and friends.
When?: Thursday, December 14th at 5:30 pm.
Where?: Friends of the Riverfront office in the
RiverWalk Corporate Center at 33 Terminal Way,
just off of East Carson between 3rd and 4th Streets.
For more information: Please email at
friends@friendsoftheriverfront.org or call at 412-488-0212.
Fly Tying Nights
by Wilderness Voyageurs
What?: Join Dale Kotowski for Fly Tying Nights. We have some supplies,
but feel free to bring your own. Share patterns and tips or learn new ones.
When?: Beginning November 1st, every other Wednesday
night at 6:30 PM
Where?: Falls City Restaurant and Pub
For more information: Contact Wilderness Voyageurs at
724-329-8336.
Contest for Kids
National Safe Boating Council (NSBC)
presents its 2nd annual Boating Safety Sidekicks contest:
Who can enter?: Kids ages 4 - 15 (divided into 3 age groups. First, second, and third place prizes
will be awarded in each of the 3 age groups).
What to do?: Prepare a short story, poster, or video to tell others
how to be a safe boater.
Want to enter?: Visit the Boating Safety Sidekicks website at
www.boatingsidekicks.com for more information on the contest and how to enter.
Deadline: Enter now until January 1, 2007.
Environment/Health/Community
Venture Outdoors Member Joins Climb For Hope
Laura Willumsen of Pittsburgh has joined the Climb for Hope expedition which is
raising money for breast cancer research by climbing Cotopaxi, the highest active
volcano in Ecuador (19,500'), to raise funds that will be directed toward a vaccine being
developed at Johns Hopkins University.
The Climb for Hope was created by Andrew Buerger of Baltimore
whose sister has late-stage cancer. He and twenty other
climbers are raising a minimum of $5,000 each by the end
of December. The climb takes place from January 4 - 13, 2007 and will
be led by Chris Warner, a veteran mountaineer who has summited
Mt. Everest and K2 among many others.
To find out more about Climb for Hope and to make a donation, go to
www.climbforhope.org.
Changes in Fall Musky Stocking
Waterways around PA will see an increase in musky stockings in the near future. The PA Fish and Boating
Commission would like input from anglers about the changes. You can take the survey
here, or for more information, please visit
www.fishandboat.com.
Leave
No Trace Survey
The
Center for Outdoor Ethics is seeking your input and
ideas in order to make the Leave No Trace program more effective,
useful and successful. Please take a few minutes to complete
this quick survey. Your input is extremely valuable, and
your comments and new ideas are welcome.
Click
here to take the survey!
Clean-Up/Trails
Mountain
Bike Trail Maintenance
with the Pittsburgh
Trail Advocacy Group
Bring: tools, water and lunch, gloves, and appropriate clothes.
Next Date and Location:
Sunday, December 10
- Northpark, end of the year wrap up trail day.
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
3.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Special Holiday Offer!
Adventure in a Bottle
For just $70, you'll receive 2 free 2 hour passes to Kayak Pittsburgh, 2 tickets to the Banff Mountain
Film Festival, invitations to member appreciation events and member-only events, priority seating on Venture Outdoors activity waiting lists,
and much more! Find out more about
the Adventure in a Bottle.
This offer is ONLY available until December 31, 2006. We cannot guarantee delivery
for orders made after December 19th and unless picked up from our office, are
subject to extra shipping charges due to the customer. For more information please call us at
412-255-0564 or click here.
Member
Discounts
 
Sign up for Membership today and pledge your support to
outdoor recreation!
Put yourself in the center of the action! We make it easy
for you to become a member with Venture Outdoors TODAY.
Members receive discounts on the hundreds of activities
with Venture Outdoors throughout the year, discounts
from local merchants, priority listing on activity waiting
lists and subscriptions to Contours and Adventure Times
as well as providing support for the organization that means
so much to you. Read on for some of the great things that
come along with Venture Outdoors membership, and to join,
click here!
Become
a V.O. Member!
Discover the advantages of a Venture Outdoors membership...call
today!
412-255-0564, ext. 26
Or, click here.
|
4.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little
help here!
|
Gift-wrapping at REI
for Venture Outdoors
|
 |
Every year during the holiday shopping season, REI likes to extend an invitation to the groups
and organizations that they work with to come into their store during the busy holiday weekends
to set up a gift wrapping table.
We extend this opportunity to volunteers to go to the store and
promote and raise funds for Venture Outdoors as we wrap gifts. This will take place December 16th.
If you are unable to donate your time, please consider donating supplies such as wrapping paper,
tape, bows and tags. For more information, please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26
or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
Calling all Database Dynamos and Office Oficianos
Do you have some time to spare during the week?
If so, we would be happy to include you in our ever-growing
family of volunteers. Venture Outdoors staff is in need
of volunteers for data entry, mailings and premium shipments
as well as various office assistance during regular business
hours
(9 – 5 PM, Monday – Friday). Shifts are flexible.
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26
or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
today.
5.
Support VO
Do
your online shopping through iGive
and support Venture Outdoors!
That's right, go head and buy something for yourself
or a friend – a new CD, the latest bestseller, essentials like
toothpaste or vitamins, even a computer. But first join at www.iGive.com/VentureOutdoors.
Every time you shop at one of the over 600 name-brand stores
in the Mall at iGive.com, we'll receive a donation of up
to 26% of each purchase you make, at no cost to you.
Membership is free and your privacy is guaranteed.
Contact Allison with any questions about this great program:
aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org
Thanks for supporting Venture Outdoors!
|
I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Sunday, December 10
Snowshoeing Intro & Hike
If there's snow, we’ll seek out the deep stuff and experience the forest at its most beautiful!
If the snow has not yet arrived, we'll still try on the snowshoes and take them for a spin through
the grass, getting the feel for what it's like to make even bigfoot jealous! Then we'll head into
the park for a hike and have lunch along the trail. This park provides incredible views of the
Allegheny River far below, especially in winter when the trees have shed their leaves.
Location: Harrison Hills Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Sunday, December 10
Alive in Nature
More than anywhere else, we can open up to life in a bigger way in the ambiance of our beautiful
natural surroundings. Go on a paced walk with Life-Coach Jessie Hipolit for a surprising blend of
experiences, including movement, contemplation, connection, and expansion. This series of specialty
walks are approximately 2 hours, covering 2-3 miles, in a variety of inspiring natural settings.
They will comprise a series of unique interactions with nature that will include activities,
provocative questions and times for quiet thought, and some discussion; all designed to raise our
awareness of our own aliveness in relationship to the natural world around us. Be sure to bring a
journal, a sit-upon, camera, binoculars, snacks, and a sense of expectancy!
Location: Schenley Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Saturday, December 16
Cross-Country Skiing Intro & Hike
If there's snow, we’ll seek out the deep stuff and experience the forest at its most beautiful!
If the snow has not yet arrived, we'll still go over the basics of cross country skiing and learn
about the gear so you'll be prepped for the upcoming season. Then we'll head to wolf rocks for a
hike and have lunch along the trail. This rocky hike features one of the best vistas in Western PA.
Location: Laurel Ridge State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
First night will get the ball rolling - er, rising
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
December 1, 2006
Venture Outdoors on WQED
Check out our Executive Director, Erik Lingren, and Nancy Furbee!
WQED Multimedia, Farmland Preservation, Part 2
Venture Outdoors on KDKA
Check out our recent spot on KDKA's Pittsburgh TODAY Live!
III. Venture
Outdoors Activities
For more information
on any of our activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Thursday, December 7
Winter Travel and Camping Forum
Location:REI, South Side Works
Time: 6:30 PM - 8:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Saturday, December 9
Day Trek
Location: Roaring Run
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Sunday, December 10
Snowshoeing Intro & Hike
Location: Harrison Hills Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Alive in Nature
Location: Schenley Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 12:00 PM
Cost: $12.00 member/$15.00 non-member
Thursday, December 14
All Terrain Evening Hikes - NEW Fall Series!
Location: Schenley Park
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Saturday, December 16
Cross-Country Skiing Intro & Hike
Location: Laurel Ridge State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: Moraine State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Sunday, December 17
Snowshoeing Intro & Hike
Location: Armstrong Trail, Armstrong County
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member/$20.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"Joy in looking and comprehending is nature's most beautiful gift."
~Albert Einstein
V.
What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
If you or your organization wants to contribute an event to this section of Contours, email
tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org for more information.
Friday, December 8
Backpack
Contact Patrick Roberts, 412-596-3566 or pdroberts19@hotmail.com.
Location: Laurel Highlands Trail
Time: 7:00 PM -
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, December 9
Ski-Touring
Call Sandy Coffer, 412-374-0947.
Location: Where snow conditions are best
Time: 10:00 AM - Late afternoon
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Adult Eco-Series
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 12 noon
Cost: $4.00 member/$5.00 non-member
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Winter Bird ID at REEC
Location: Upper St. Clair - Regional Environmental Education Center
Time: 1:30 PM - 3:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Sunday, December 10
Family Walkabout
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 2:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $3 member/$4 non-member
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Pittsburgh Trail Advocacy Group
Mountain Bike Trail Maintenance
Location: North Park
Time: 10:00 AM -
Cost: Free
Organization: Bike Pittsburgh
Hike
Call John Dern, 412-856-4642 to reserve.
Location: Keystone State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - Late afternoon
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Saturday, December 16
Bird Study Badges for Scouts
Reservations required.
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 9:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $20 per scout
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Complete Listings at www.ventureoutdoors.org
Questions?
Call us 412-255-0564
Contours is an e-newsletter of
Venture Outdoors and is published every two
weeks.
|
|
PUZZLER ANSWERS: About $791. According to the Pittsburgh Tribune-Review,
the average shopper is expected to spend approximately $791, which is up 7% from last year.
-
Electronics to fuel Christmas shopping frenzy, Pittsburgh Tribune-Review, November 24, 2006.
Remember to take a break from all your holiday shopping this year and get outside to enjoy a gift from
Mother Nature!
|
|
You are subscribed to %%list.name%% as %%emailaddr%%.
To unsubscribe, send a blank email to:
%%email.unsub%%
|
