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)
We are in the process of improving the format of Contours.
Contact Tricia with any feedback: tchicka@ventureoutdoors.org
1. Trail Mix: Get Moving Pittsburgh!
2. Photos from the Sojourn
3. Call for Volunteers
4. Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
5. Outdoor Announcements and Events
Even More Fun Stuff: (Right Column)
I. Venture Outdoors Activity Spotlight (Fly Fishing Intro, 60 Hikes within 60 Miles, Backpacking Essentials)
Check out the Fall Schedule on the web!
www.ventureoutdoors.org
II. V.O. in the News
III. Inspirations (Stephen Wright)
IV. What's Goin' On?
V. Support VO (iGive)
The Allegheny Conference would like to know:
What is your opinion of Pittsburgh?
Let 'em know what you think! Take one of the following surveys:
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghcsur.htm (for residents and non-residents)
http://www.alleghenyconference.org/pghbsur.htm (for business leaders living OUTSIDE the region who are responsible for deciding where to locate their businesses)
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1. Trail Mix - Get Moving Pittsburgh!
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).
Through the raindrops...
Today we walked with Get Moving Pittsburgh, a regional partner of America on the Move
sponsored by UPMC Health Plan. We trekked from the Courthouse Courtyard to Market Square
from noon to 1 PM. Dan Onorato, the Allegheny County Chief Executive, attended the event,
and the masters of ceremonies were Ken Rice and Patrice King Brown from KDKA-TV. The walk
was a great way to get some healthy exercise during lunchtime - in spite of the weather!
You Can Get Moving Too!
Getting healthier and getting some exercise is as easy as taking the stairs instead of
the elevator or adding a few extra steps into your daily routine. Check out these sites
for more great ideas to get moving or to join Get Moving Pittsburgh:
Get Moving Pittsburgh! - Look here
for some great tips on getting moving every day or join Get Moving Pittsburgh.
America On The Move - Check out the national movement to get healthier!
The GO Guide
- Check out the GO Guide for tons of activities to get you moving in the Great Outdoors!
Venture Outdoors
- Don't forget to check out our website for events and activities!
Get Moving Puzzler...
The answer is at the bottom of this newsletter, but don't peek!
Do you think walking backwards burns less, more, or the same amount of calories
as walking forwards does?
Visit VO at the Expo
Bring this ad and pay only $10 to get in the door!
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MIND YOUR BODY & SPIRIT EXPO
Sunday September 17th - 10 am - 8 pm
Greentree Holiday Inn
Tickets $10 in advance / $20 at the door.
Enjoy a wonderful day of speakers, demonstration
and over 40 exhibits on health enhancing products and services.
Produced by: David Fish and Faith Starr, researchers and educators of Energy Medicine and the creators
of HEAT Technology. For more information go to www.mindyourbodyandspirit.com
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Special guest speakers include:
Deborah Ray – nationally syndicated radio show host.
Dr. Sherri Tenpenny, author and expert on the Bird Flu and the effect of vaccines on health.
David Wolfe – leading authority on chocolate, healing herbs, superfoods and raw-food nutrition.
Dr. Dennis Courtney,
Hank Baughman,
Billy Best,
Arline Brecher
Plus...many local healers, practitioners and service providers.
2.
Photos from the Sojourn
3 Days of Watery Fun and Education
PHOTOS of the 3-day adventure by Justin Shellenberger, Don Erdeljac,
Wes Posvar, and Tricia Chicka are now posted online.
Check them out here.
"Locking through" on the Allegheny at the Sojourn
Photo by Don Erdeljac
3.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little help here!
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.
Experience Pittsburgh from a different perspective
Now in TWO locations!
4.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
Go Kayaking!
Here's yet another reason to be part of our member community...
Join or renew your membership today onsite at either location of Kayak Pittsburgh and you'll receive one free hour of rental (must be used at time of purchase). For questions about membership or to join, please call Allison at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or e-mail aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org.
Member Discounts
The Vitamin Emporium is offering members $5 off $30 or more and $10 off $60 or
more their products which are already 10-20% off suggested retail prices. The Vitamin
Emporium offers a wide-array of high-quality vitamins, herbal and homeopathic
remedies, and organic and natural body and skin care products all at discount prices.
The store also carries hard-to-find and unusual products as well as natural gift and household
items. The store’s concept is geared toward attracting consumers who have already or want
to get informed and take charge of their health and learn more about how nutritional
supplements can enhance their health and quality of life.
Breathe Yoga Studio is offering a 10% discount on the purchase of a yoga class
package for Venture Outdoors members! Located in the historic South Side, Breathe Yoga Studio is dedicated to offering every
individual the opportunity to enhance their physical, mental and spiritual well-being through the practice of yoga. We aim to
create a safe, friendly and welcoming environment for our students to explore and experience an eclectic variety of beginner
through advanced yoga classes with knowledgeable and well trained instructors. Our on-going in-studio schedule includes yoga
classes in hatha, vinyasa, and Iyengar styles as well as Middle Eastern belly dance and modern dance classes. Breathe Yoga
Studio also offers off-site group and private instruction through our “Breathe Out” program including summer outdoor yoga
classes at South Side Works. Relax, rejuvenate and unwind - isn't it time for you to learn how to breathe?
Call 412/481.YOGA (9642) for more information.
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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5.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get out your planners folks...
Special
Events
Eustace Conway
Renowned Outdoorsman and Environmentalist
Date: Thursday September 14th
Time: 7:00 pm (Approx: 2 hrs)
Place:Carnegie Mellon University, Porter Hall 100 (call 412-268-2107 for information)
Cost: Free Admission
Purpose: Meet the man who is the hero of Elizabeth Gilbert's book, The Last American Man.
He is, as Gilbert implies with her literary and historical references, a cross
between Davy Crockett and Henry David Thoreau.
IMBA Trail Care 3 Day Event
Sponsored by Subaru
Friday, October 20
IMBA Slide Show and Social Hour
Time: 7 - 9 PM
Place: 412 South 27th St. in the South Side Works
Purpose: Join us for a multi-media presentation about IMBA's work around the world -
with amazing photos and video from all over the world. Meet the trail care crew and get to
know more of your fellow local mountain bikers.
Saturday, October 21
IMBA Trail Care Crew Class and Work Session
Time: IMBA Trail Building School: 9 a.m. - Noon, Lunch: Noon - 1:00 p.m.,
Trail work (Frick Park): 1:00 - 4 p.m.
Place: Meet at Wilkins School Community Center, 7604 Charleston Ave., Regent Square.
Head to Frick Park from there.
Purpose: Learn the principals of building sustainable,
fun trails in this classroom session. Apply what you've learned
in the morning by building a trail in Frick Park with the experts.
If you can’t make the class, you are still welcome to join the
trail work session.
Contact: Karl Rosengarth at imbakar1@verizon.net
or 412-767-5021. Please make reservations to attend the class.
Sunday, October 22
IMBA Trail Care Crew Work Session and MTB Ride
Time: Trail work: 10 a.m.-Noon, 1:30 p.m. start.
Place: Frick Park (Meet at the English Lane parking lot near the Blue Slide playground on Beechwood.
Come at 9:30 for pre-work coffee and pastries!)
Kid's
Mountain Bike Rides
By P.O.R.C. (Pittsburgh Off Road Cyclists)
Dates: Last Sunday of the following months: August, September,
& the second to last Sunday of October.
Time: 2-4ish PM
Place: Hartwood Acres Park, Mansion Parking Lot
Purpose: To expose kids to the joys of trail riding!
Kids Need: a bike, helmet, water to drink, and a signed parental release form (may sign at event)
Contact: Holly Forsyth, P.O.R.C. secretary - hollyforsyth43@hotmail.com (412)897-8551
Environment/Health/Community
Friends of Ohiopyle
The Friends of Ohiopyle, a chapter of the Pennsylvania Parks and Forest Foundation (PPFF), was officially formed in November of 2005. The mission of this non-profit as written in the group's strategic plan is:
To improve and preserve the ecological and geological features of Ohiopyle State Park and watershed. To promote the park and its available facilities while acting in concurrence with regional needs and views.
Find out more about this organization and their upcoming events here.
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!
Racing/Long
Distance Treks
The Great Race
Sunday, September 24, 2006
www.RunGreatRace.com
No service fee for online registration.
New 2006 Start Time (1/2 hour earlier)
5K Run - 8:00 a.m. Oakland
5K Walk - 8:02 a.m. Oakland
10K Run - 9:00 a.m. Frick Park
Early $18.00 registration fee deadline is September 1.
All registrations cost $25.00 after this date.
Register online or download an application at www.RunGreatRace.com
or pick up an application at Dollar Bank branches and Dick's Sporting Goods stores.
For more information or to request an application call The Great Race hotline at 412-255-2493.
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Cycling Events
The
Mercer County Trails Association, Inc. is sponsoring the following event in Greenville, PA:
Saturday, September 16th, 2006 - Pedal the Lakes
For more information, visit www.mctrails.org
Job/Volunteer Postings
Venture
Outdoors Job/Volunteer Opportunities!
Kayak Pittsburgh Attendant
Visit
our job/volunteer posting page for more details and future updates.
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, October 1
- North Park
For general information, email trail@bike-pgh.org
Tireless 2006
The Tireless Project is a collaborative of environmental non-profits working to clean
debris from our three rivers.
Tireless Fridays
4:30-10pm
These clean-up events are designed for volunteers over 18. Come out after work to help clean a blighted area along the river and stay for a riverfront party complete with live music, food, and brew.
Tireless Saturdays
10am-1pm
These events are just like Tireless Fridays but for our younger volunteers ages 14-18.
For more information or to volunteer
email tirelessfridays@hotmail.com
or call 412.381.1301
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Sunday, September 17
Fly Fishing: Intro 1
Time to brush off the dust from that fly rod you've been meaning to use and learn the basics from an
instructor dedicated to both a fun and responsible approach to fishing. Topics will include the basics
of rods, reels, line, tippets, knots, and flies, plus hands-on practice in a variety of casting techniques.
Of course, a fly-fishing experience wouldn't be complete without time on the stream, so bring your waders!
Taught by Cyndi Zibrida and Dale Kotowski, of Chestnut Ridge Trout Unlimited.
Location: Ohioplye State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - 5:00 PM
Cost: $50.00 member/$60.00 non-member
Monday, September 18
Backpacking Essentials
Designed for backpackers with little or no experience, as well as for those who prefer shorter distances.
If this is your first backpacking trip ever, we'll help you have a fun and enjoyable experience while
learning the ropes, so to speak. This outing includes a classroom session before the trip learning how
to make hiking and backpacking safe and lots of fun. We will also go over the gear and food needs for
the overnight trip with the experienced trip leaders. Then we'll make it real by getting out on the
trail for a day hike followed by one overnight trip that will include vistas, wildlife, mountain streams
and great enjoyment in the wild. We'll stay overnight in shelters or established backcountry campsites.
No experience required. Price includes class, guides, and reservations.
Location: Venture Outdoors Office
Time: 6:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $35.00 member/$45.00 non-member
Backpacking Essentials
Saturday, September 23
60 Hikes Within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh
Donna L. Ruff, author of 60 Hikes within 60 Miles of Pittsburgh, will be leading a series of four of
her favorite hikes from her book. Ruff is a native Pittsburgher and graduate of the University of
Pittsburgh, has spent most of her life outside, especially in southwestern Pennsylvania. At each event,
Ruff will lead the hike, answer questions and give advice, and autograph copies of her book. Filled with
detailed trail descriptions, precise directions, GPS-based trail maps, and elevation profiles. 60 Hikes
will also be available for purchase. Title and description used under permission of Donna Ruff and Menasha
Ridge Press.
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member/$10.00 non-member
Check out our new line-up of activities for the Fall!
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania:
Go From Street to Summit
(from "Your Kind of Town")
National Geographic Adventure Magazine
-September 2006
Kayak tour both a workout and a wonder
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Health
-Wednesday, August 16, 2006
Area wins praise for outdoor adventures
(VO in Nat. Geographic Adventure Mag)
Pittsburgh Post-Gazette, Lifestyle
-Tuesday, August 15, 2006
Rocky Mountain Kayak
Summer Roll Classes
Rocky Mountain Kayak will be hosting roll sessions and instruction all summer. There will be
a session every Wednesday evening from 6:00pm to 9:30pm (rain or shine). Classes will end in October, so sign up
today!
5 Week Packages
$75 without equipment rental
$100 with equipment rental
$10.00 Wet Suit Rental (per night)
Individual Sessions
$20 with equipment rental
$15 without equipment rental
$5 non-instructional use of lake
Bring dry clothes for food and beverages after class at Pagano's in New Stanton. For more information or
to sign up, contact Jeff Prycl at 724-925-9675 or visit the
RMK website.
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III.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"Everywhere is walking distance if you have the time."
- Stephen Wright
IV.
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, September 15
Beechwood Farms Birdwatching Walk
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 16
Harrison Hills County Park Birding Outing
Location: Harrison Hills Park, Natrona Heights/Freesport area
Time: 8:15 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Jim Ritchie, 412-828-0210.
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 8:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Fall Migration at Harrison Hills
Location: Harrison Hills
Time: 8:15 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Saturday, September 23
Sewickley Heights Park
Location: Sewickley Heights Park
Time: 9:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Dave Mottorn, 724-327-7582.
Location: Sugar Loaf Knob
Time: Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
Applejamm
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Sunday, September 24
Beechwood Birding Series
Location: Beechwood Farms Nature Reserve
Time: 8:00 AM - 10:00 AM
Cost: Free
Organization:
Audubon Society of Western Pennsylvania
Hike
Call Mike Robertson, 412-678-4039.
Location: Raccoon Creek State Park
Time: 9:00 AM - Call
Cost: Free
Organization: Sierra Club, Allegheny Group
V.
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!
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 ANSWERS: More, walking backwards actually burns 12.5 Cal/min or 1.8 times
as many calories as walking forward does! Check out this and other fun walking facts
at Fitness Club. |
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