1. Trail Mix - MLK Day in the Park
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).
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Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Park
Monday, January 15, 2007
1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Schenley Park Ice Rink
Celebrate equality and diversity with a diverse number of outdoor (and indoor) activities!
FREE activities include sled riding, ice skating, art activities, keynote presentation of Dr. King and much more
for all ages.
Check out more
about the day here!
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Check out the NEW Venture Outdoors Blog!
2.
Call for Volunteers
We need a little
help here!
Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Park
We are in need of volunteer support for Martin Luther King Jr. Day in the Park on Monday, January 15, 2007
at Schenley Park Ice Rink. Martin Luther King, Jr. Day is a joint effort undertaken by numerous local partners.
Volunteer duties would include registration, ice skating, sledding, set-up,
and art activities. Lunch will be provided and volunteer shifts begin at 11AM. To sign up,
please contact Allison Ruppert at 412-255-0564, ext. 26 or aruppert@ventureoutdoors.org by January 12, 2007.
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.
3.
Outdoor Announcements & Events
Get
out your planners folks...
Job/Volunteer
Postings
MSA/Venture Outdoors Technology Intern
MSA and Venture Outdoors are looking for an intern to help them update this Southwestern PA
non-profit's technology. Are you up for the challenge? Apply by January 20th!
Whose UR MoJo? Logo Art Contest
Help VO create some snazzy new t-shirts!
Venture Outdoors is exploring the establishment of a Venture Crew to provide programming & experiences for youth ages 14-20.
There is a gathering planned on the early evening of Friday, December 29th to flesh out the idea and determine how to proceed...
If you know of any young men or women who might be interested, please have them contact VO Executive Director Erik Lingren at elingren@ventureoutdoors.org
or by calling 412-255-0564 x22 for more details on the exact time and location. Adults who might be interested in volunteering are also encouraged to attend.
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.
REI Garage Sale
Sunday, January 14
Doors open at 10:00 AM
The Garage Sale is a REI member’s only feature where we sell imperfect and used gear at savings
discounts up to 80% off. Non members may view the sale but must become members if they choose to purchase anything.
Product is available on a first come first serve basis.
Environment/Health/Community
Sustainability in the Parks/Alternative Fuels
Tuesday, January 9th
6:00 PM - 9:00 PM
CCI Center, South Side
Steel City Biofuels, the Pennsylvania Resources Council, Concurrent Technologies Corporation,
Pittsburgh Region Clean Cities, Sustainable Pittsburgh, PennFuture, and Venture Outdoors invite you to join us
for an evening with Jim Evanoff, Environmental Manager for Yellowstone National Park. Jim will explore Yellowstone’s
rich history as the world's first national park and how Yellowstone has emerged as a sustainable flagship for the
National Park Service.
In addition to biofuels, Jim will discuss the broad-based sustainability initiatives that the greater
Yellowstone area has embarked upon, and how critical it is to maintain the highest level of environmental
stewardship in this last intact ecosystem left in the world. The evening will be interactive, challenging
participants to examine commonalities and ways to collaborate & share information.
Free beer and food will be provided.
Christmas Tree Recycling
Saturday, January 13, 2007
10:00 AM and 2:00 PM
Construction Junction
Volunteers are needed to help unload trees from vehicles and direct traffic in the parking lot.
Everyone helping out can stay warm with free cups of hot cocoa and refreshments thanks to Whole Foods Market!
Additionally, volunteers will receive a free gift certificate from East End Food Co-op.
Call Mindy at Construction Junction at (412) 243-5025 or check out www.prc.org for more information.
This event is a project of Construction Junction, Pennsylvania Resources Council and the City of Pittsburgh.
Sponsored by Emery Tree Service.
5,000,000 Steps for a Cure
Starting March 17, 2006, Mark Shaffer will be attempting a thru hike of the Appalachian Trail in memory of his nephew
Eric, who lost his battle to leukemia a year before. His goal is to raise $20 for each mile walked. If you would like
to support Mark's endeavor to raise funds for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society, visit his website:
www.fivemillionsteps.org. You can also track Mark's
progress on the AT through his blog at http://fivemillionsteps.org/trailjournal/
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.
Thanks to all who donated! Laura has already raised $10,000 in two months: more than double the amount required!
Continue to make donations and find out more about Laura's expedition:
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.
Clean-Up/Trails
Great Allegheny Passage
The trail from Pittsburgh to DC is now complete!
Click here for the Pop City article.
4.
Venture Outdoors Membership Corner
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.
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EMS: Going out of business Sale
Eastern Mountain Sports (EMS) in Ross Park Mall is going out of business by the end of January.
Take advantage of the steep discounts while they last! All sales are final, no returns or price adjustments.
Call the store for more information: 412-364-8078.
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I.
The Venture Outdoors
Activity Spotlight
Here are some trips that you'll really enjoy.
Check out the new Winter/Spring 2007 schedule!
Featuring: Lower Member Prices!
Sunday, January 7
Snowshoeing
If you can walk, you can snowshoe, but it's a lot more fun! If there's snow,
we'll head out on the trail and learn how to best maneuver with these
contraptions on our feet. Everyone should bring a lunch and we will find a
scenic spot along the trail to take a break. Fee includes snowshoe rental. If no
snow, simply deduct $15 and we'll hike instead.
Location: Bear Run
Time: 10:00 AM - 2:00 PM
Cost: $20.00 member, $35.00 non-member
Saturday, January 13
Cross-Country Skiing
Beginners looking for an easy, rejuvenating experience outdoors will spend a day in a nearby park
exploring a new trail getting some exercise and discovering something new about the natural world.
Location: Montour Trail, South Hills
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $3.00 member, $10.00 non-member
Thursday, January 18
All-Terrain Evening Hike
Avoid cabin fever and stay fit with a fast paced, fitness oriented hike in or
near our city. Be prepared for varying conditions with weather and trails, and
an (optional) stop to refuel and socialize at a local restaurant. We will cover
about 6 miles of interesting, but seldom seen territory.
Location: Schenley Park
Time: 5:45 PM - 8:30 PM
Cost: $10.00 member, $14.00 non-member
II.
V.O. in the News
Check
out the latest about Venture Outdoors in the news. See more press on our website.
Downtown Rises to the Occasion
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-Monday, January 1, 2007
Cultural Events in the City
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-Saturday, December 30, 2006
'Adventure City'
Pittsburgh Tribune Review
-Thursday, December 28, 2006
III. Venture
Outdoors Activities
For more information
on any of our activities visit our website
www.ventureoutdoors.org.
Wednesday, January 3
Full Moon Snowshoeing
*Hike - Reduced Price*
Location: North Park
Time: 7:30 PM - 9:30 PM
Cost: $5.00 member, $10.00 non-member
Saturday, January 6
Day Trek: Lite
Location: Montour Trail, South Hills
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $3.00 member, $10.00 non-member
Sunday, January 7
Snowshoeing
*Spotlight*
Saturday, January 13
Cross Country Skiing
*Spotlight*
Day Trek
Location: Ohiopyle State Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 member, $10.00 non-member
Tuesday, January 16
Winter Camping Introduction - Classroom
Location: REI, Southside Works
Time: 7:00 PM - 8:15 PM
Cost: FREE
(The Overnight on Jan. 27-28 costs $25.00 Members, $40.00 non-members)
Thursday, January 18
All Terrain Evening Hike
*Spotlight*
Saturday, January 20
Day Trek
Location: North Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $5.00 member, $10.00 non-member
Wine and Cheese Hikes
Location: Frick Park
Time: 4:00 PM - 7:00 PM
Cost: $25.00 member, $30.00 non-member
Snowshoeing - Lite
Location: Laurel Summit State Park
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $18.00 member, $30.00 non-member
Sunday, January 21
Cross Country Skiing - Lite
Location: Kooser State Park
Time: 1:00 PM - 4:00 PM
Cost: $15.00 member, $20.00 non-member
Doggie Day Treks
Location: Mingo Creek Park
Time: 10:00 AM - 1:00 PM
Cost: $8.00 member, $12.00 non-member
IV.
Words of Inspiration
Things that make you go, "Hmmmm..."
"Our lives begin to end the day we become silent about things
that matter."
~ Martin Luther King Jr.
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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V.
Support VO
Thanks for being a part of the Venture Outdoors community! Today we're asking you to support Venture Outdoors directly
with a tax-deductible contribution during these final weeks of 2006.
Please click here to donate on our secure pledge
page – and to lock in an additional end of year deduction for yourself. It's a win/win – for the outdoor community and for you!
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!
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