The Bi-Weekly e-Newsletter of Venture Outdoors Inc.
304 Forbes Ave, 2nd Floor, Pittsburgh, PA 15222
For Information and Registration 412-255-0564 (M-F 9-5) or www.ventureoutdoors.org
Welcome to the Outdoors!
What's in this issue? (Left Column)
1. Trail Mix: Love Your Heart!
2. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
3. Call for Volunteers
4. Outdoor Announcements and Events
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Feedback! - Membership
II. PAEE Conference
III. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight
(Japanese Fish Printing, Boating & Water Safety Awareness Course, Wine & Cheese Hike)
IV. Venture Outdoors Activity Listing
V. TEAM VO MS150 Biking
VI. V.O. in the News
VII. Inspirations (George Santayana)
VIII. What's Goin' On?
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1.
Trail Mix - Love Your Heart!
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).
Have a Heart
With Valentine's Day coming up, you may be thinking of "hearts" as associated with love poems, roses and all that gushy stuff…
But have you ever thought of the heart that is a part of your body?
Your heart is a muscle about the size of two clenched fists. Click here to find a site where you can view the heart in action. It acts as the driving force behind the body's nutritional "delivery system", pumping oxygen and nutrient-rich blood to all parts of the body, and carrying away waste to be excreted from the body. In light of this, the health of the heart is crucial to the health of the entire body.
Active Hearts are Healthy Hearts...
Exercise is key to having a healthy heart. It is a muscle after all!
Regular, aerobic (meaning you need oxygen to do it) exercise, such as biking, brisk walking, running, or swimming can condition your heart and lungs, giving you more energy and endurance and reducing your risk of heart disease. Click here for a breakdown of different activities and how effective they are in conditioning your heart.
Outdoor activities, such as hiking, can be a fun, engaging way to increase exercise. Even low to moderate activities can improve your heart health. Click here for tips to increase your aerobic activity at home, work, and play.
Other Heart-Healthy Tips:
*Be proactive in learning more about your health. Explore your options carefully.
*Eat a balanced diet.
*Stop smoking.
*Reduce stress.
*Take a multi-vitamin supplement.
*Consult your doctor
to find out if you are at risk for heart disease.
*For information on women's heart health, contact Working Hearts.
Puzzler...the Heart of the Matter
Can you answer the 3 questions below?
Get 1 right, you're a heart novice.
Get 2 right, you're a heart expert.
Get 3 right, you're a heart guru!
The answer is at the bottom of this newsletter...but we know you won't peek...
The Questions...
1. True or False: the larger the animal is, the faster its heart beats.
2. The "boomp-boomp" sound of your pulse is the result of what?
3. How much blood does your heart pump in a minute?
2. Venture Outdoors
Membership Corner
V.O. Member's Day!
Sunday, February 12
Ohiopyle State Park
12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Free for V.O. Members and their Friends
Join us for outdoor winter fun and food at the Venture Outdoors Members Winter Party,
featuring
the 4th Annual Camp Stove Cook-off!
Activities include (*weather permitting):
*Snowshoeing
*Hiking
*Cross-Country Skiing
*Snow Creature-Making
*Chair Massages by Michelle Paracca
The Cook-Off will allow you to show off your back-country culinary skills! Food must be made on site using a camp stove outdoors(as though you were camping), but you can do the prep work at home if you like. Prizes will be awarded in all categories:
Best Entree
Best Appetizer
Best Dessert
Best Overall (entered in all 3 categories)
Judges will be looking for presentation as well as taste and ease of preparation.
To register for the Camp Stove competition, call 412-255-0564 (M-F) or email info@ventureoutdoors.org.
Please notify us by February 9th.
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.
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3. Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
Members Winter Party
We need volunteers for our 4th Annual V.O. Member's Day!
(see Venture Outdoors Membership Corner)
Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
2006 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Expomart
Volunteers needed for 3 hours shifts -
you pick the time.
When: Wed, February 15: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Thurs, February 16: 5:00 PM - 9:30 PM
Fri, February 17: 12:00 Noon - 9:30 PM
Sat, February 18: 10:00 AM - 9:00 PM
*Especially need folks
Sun, February 19: 10:00 AM - 6:00 PM
*Especially need folks
Where: Monroeville Expomart
What: Venture Outdoors is hosting Kids Camp once again at the 2006 Allegheny Sport, Travel and Outdoor Show at the Monroeville Expomart and we need volunteers to help at the booth. Come help spread the word about Venture Outdoors to over 80,000 people! All volunteers get to enter the show for free (a $7.50 value) plus a Free kayaking coupon for two people at Kayak Pittsburgh. Just let us know which day you would like to volunteer, and we can arrange the times.
If you would like to help us out with these or any other events & projects, please contact Michael Sobkowiak at 412-255-0564 x25 or email msobkowiak@ventureoutdoors.org. Be sure to send your email address or other contact information.
General Volunteers
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).
Can't commit to the weekdays? We are always looking for volunteers for our exciting events such as the
Banff Film Festival and Venture Outdoors Festival. Please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org today.
4. Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Climbing Mt. Rainier
Tim O'Brien, a professional mountaineering guide with Rainier Mountaineering Inc. of Ashford, WA will be in Pittsburgh on February 2 to take his audience on a thrilling virtual climb of Washington State's 14,410 foot Mount Rainier. O'Brien, with more than 85 ascents of Rainier and many other peaks worldwide, will address both outdoor enthusiasts and armchair mountaineers alike at the show.
The show will be at Exkursion 4037 William Penn Highway (Monroeville) on February 2 at 7pm. The event is Free and open to the public. Doorprizes will be given away to audience members. Interested attendees can find more information by calling Exkursion at
412-372-7030.
Go RED Pittsburgh
On Friday, Feb. 3-Pittsburgh will be sporting its Black & Gold for the STEELERS and its RED for the women of Pittsburgh-- in support of national Wear Red Day and the American Heart Association's Go Red for Women's movement to increase awareness of heart disease and stroke.
Join the American Heart Association on Friday, Feb. 3 at PPG Wintergarden to celebrate National Wear Red Day. Festivities begin at 11 a.m. and include heart health stations courtesy of UPMC, beauty consultations by Izzazu Salon, STAR 100.7 will be on site with music, prizes and interviewing survivors and volunteers. A press conference with city council members will be held at noon and will feature Judy Olson, AHA Pittsburgh Board president; Dr. Oscar Marroquin, Medical Director, Magee Heart Center of UPMC, and a preview of the AHA "Real Men Wear Red Dresses" women's heart health awareness campaign by Mullen Advertising.
4th Annual Telepalooza
Saturday, February 4
Location: Seven Springs Mountain Resort
Featuring: Clinics, Longest Uphill/Downhill Course in the East, New: Backcountry/Off Piste Clinics, GS Nastar Yak-Yak Memorial Race, Food/Drink/Prizes.
Kids under 16 free with paid adult.
One day $65, Two days $85
$10 discount to A.T.A. members
Go to www.telemarker.org to register and join A.T.A.
WYEP's Inside Look At The Allegheny Front
Saturday, February 4
3:00 pm An Inside Look At The Allegheny Front
(85-seat Performance Space)
The staff from The Allegheny Front will be on-hand to give a special presentation about the award winning environmental show that is produced at WYEP and airs Wednesdays at 7:00 pm. A question and answer session will follow.
WYEP's Events Calender
Save the Trail!
The National Forest Service is planning to turn the Blackwater Canyon Trail
into a logging road.
Comments are being accepted until Feb 6.
For more info see the forest
service web site or go to www.saveblackwater.org
Environmental Fair
The Community and Public Affairs Council of the United Jewish Federation presents:
Eilon Schwartz
Jews and the Environment:
Exploring Our Relationship
Thursday, February 9, 2006
Community Day
6424 Forward Avenue
Squirrel Hill
An environmental fair will begin at 6:00 p.m.
Dr. Schwartz will lecture at 7:00 p.m.
Followed by a moderated discussion with a panel of
Jewish environmental experts.
Refreshments will be served.
For more information, contact Lisa Premo
at 412-992-5214 or lpremo@UJFpittsburgh.org
2006 Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards - Seeking Nominations
The Pennsylvania Environmental Council and Dominion, sponsors of the Western Pennsylvania Environmental Awards Program, have announced that they are now accepting nominations for the 2006 Environmental Awards, to be presented at the Westin Convention Center Hotel on May 25, 2006.
An independent panel of judges will evaluate all nominations. In honor of each awardee, the sponsors will make a $1,000 donation to a nonprofit organization of the awardee's choice that provides environmental benefits to western Pennsylvania. Nomination forms are available by calling PEC at (412) 481-9400 and must be submitted by March 17, 2006.
Natural Photography
Notes
natural landscape photography by
S. Rick Armstrong
January 13 through February 19
Artists' reception -- Friday, January 13, 7-9 PM
Photographic notations exploring the musical
nature of the urban wilderness.
Gallery hours: M-F, 12-5 PM, and during film
screenings in Melwood Screening Room.
Filmmakers Galleries
477 Melwood Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15213
412-681-5449
www.pghfilmmakers.org
Laurel Ridge State Park Web Cam
For anyone curious about how much snow is in the Laurel Highlands,
click on the link below for the web cam at Laurel Ridge State Park:
http://www.paccsa.org/webcam.htm
Work on the new building at Laurel Ridge is completed. The new ski shelter has three picnic tables,
a wood-burning stove, and a bathroom available. A new outside ski rack was put up,
while a station waxing table was recently installed inside the warming room. For directions, click here.
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I. Feedback! - Day Trips?
Many members operate under busy schedules and family obligations, which limits available time for whole-day outings. In light of this...
*Would you be interested in more half-day events held on weekends?
*Would you rather have these half-day events in the morning or afternoon?
Please send your comments to:
feedback@ventureoutdoors.org.
Thank you for taking the time to write!
II. PAEE Conference
You are invited to the
Pennsylvania Association of Environmental Educators annual conference, PENNSYLVANIA'S HARMONY,
March 24 - 26, 2006, in Ligonier, PA.
The conference of over 60 workshops, 12 field studies, prominent speakers,
symposiums, and entertainment is open to anyone interested in the wonders
of Pennsylvania's environment. The keynote speaker is Jean
Craighead George, author of Julie of
the Wolves and My Side of the Mountain.
THIS IS AN EVENT YOU DO NOT WANT TO MISS!
www.paee.net
724-843-7046
rroperti@zoominternet.net
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III. The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Check it out!
Wednesday, February 8
Japanese Fish Printing with Native Fishes
The Japanese invented gyotaku (gyo=fish, taku=rubbing) in the 1800s to record their catch (a fish print doesn't lie!). Since then, Gyotaku (pronounced ghio-ta-koo) has evolved into an art form, which you now have the chance to try! Using native fishes of Western Pennsylvania, you can create colorful prints that are both beautiful and authentic. Anything 100% cotton and pre-washed can be printed, including T-shirts, canvas bags, and scarves. For adults and children ages 9 and up.
Location: Venture Outdoors Office
Time: 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member/
$10.00 kids
V.O.'s Jon Luc Making a Fish Print
Saturday, February 11
Boating & Water Safety Awareness Course
This course certifies participants in boating and water safety, following the PA Fish & Boat Commission curriculum. Four hours of class time plus four hours of pool time teaches the skills important to be a safe boater in PA. For those who wish to operate jet skis or PWC's in Pennsylvania, you MUST be certified. This one-time class certifies you for life!
Location: Kingsley Association, East Liberty
Time: 8:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $10.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Wine & Cheese Hike - Winery Special!
Stretch the legs, explore a new trail and meet other fun people as we hike a bit through one of our city's wonderful parks. After a few miles in the woods, you can relax with a repast of bread, wine and the best cheeses in the world. Now that's a tasty combination! Minimum age 21.
Location: Harrison Hills Park, The Vineyard by Mellon
Time: 3:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member/$30.00 non-member
For a complete listing
of activities,
check out our website: www.ventureoutdoors.org.
IV.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Listing
So much to do, so little time...
Saturday, February 4 Activities
Cross Country Skiing - Lite
Location: Laurel Ridge State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member
Day Trek
Location: Mount Davis, highest peak in PA
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Snowshoeing - Lite
Location: Bear Run Nature Reserve
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $30.00 member/$35.00 non-member
(If no snow, deduct $20 for hike price)
Wednesday, February 8
Japanese Fish Printing with Native Fishes
*Activity Spotlight!*
Thursday, February 9
All Terrain Night Hikes
Location: North Park: Boat House
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$12.00 non-member
Saturday, February 11 Activities
Boating & Water Safety Awareness Course
*Activity Spotlight!*
Cross Country Skiing
Location: Laurel Ridge State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member/$25.00 non-member
Wine & Cheese Hike
*Activity Spotlight!*
Sunday, February 12
Members Day: Ohiopyle
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 12:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: FREE for Members and their Friends!
Cooking up a storm at Member's Day.
V. TEAM VO MS150 Biking
Intro meeting at the Venture Outdoors office on
February 13, 2006 at 6:15 PM.
Please RVSP to aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
Imagine yourself, a member of TEAM VENTURE OUTDOORS, biking the MS150's "Escape to the Lake (Erie)."
Yes, you! Last year over 1,400 cyclists rode the one-way tour over scenic back roads as the finale to raising over $800,000 to help the fight against MS. Here’s an opportunity to have great fun, meet a challenge and do fundraising all as a team of great people for a great cause. This is a goal you can accomplish; it’s a very doable challenge for everyone interested.
The ride is a fundraiser; therefore, each person is required to raise the amount designated by the MS Society for participation. Any additional funds raised will qualify the team for prizes based on the most dollars brought in. For more details, click here.
Come join us on Feb. 13th to discuss the details
and training for TEAM VO!
VI. V.O.
in the News
Check out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news media:
Pittsburgh LIVE (Why Walk?)
Cranberry Journal (Snowshoeing)
Pittsburgh LIVE (Snow days)
Pittsburgh LIVE (...through the woods)
VII. Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go: hmmm...
"To be interested in the changing seasons is a happier state of mind than to be hopelessly in love with spring."
- George Santayana
VIII. What's Goin' On?
More action-packed activities from groups all around the region.
Wednesday, February 8
Backpacking 101
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: R.E.I.
Wednesday, February 15
Bike Maintenance 101
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: R.E.I.
Thursday, February 16
DEER IN YOUR BACKYARD: How To Deal With The Challenges of Overabundant Deer In Your Community
Location: Regional Learning Alliance, Cranberry
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Wednesday, February 22
Fitness in the Outdoors
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: Free
Organization: R.E.I.
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.
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PUZZLER ANSWER: 1. False, the smaller the animal is, the faster the heart beat. A hummingbird, for example, has a heart rate of about 1,000 beats per minute. An elephant heart beats about 25 times per minute. 2. The "boomp-boomp" noise your heart makes when it beats is actually made mainly by the closing of the valves during each cycle. Learn how to check your pulse! 3. Every minute, your heart pumps about 5 1/4 quarts of blood - enough to fill 2 ˝ two-liter plastic soda bottles. In one day, your heart pumps about 2,000 gallons of blood! (Answers from this site.)
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