New Howell start site January 2, 2010

The Howell Recreation Office start site for AVA sanctioned Howell, MI year 'round event will be closed for the holidays, December 24-31.  The new Howell start site at the UPTOWN COFFEEHOUSE at 102 E. Grand River Avenue on the NE corner of Grand River and Michigan at in Howell will open with a new walk route Jan. 2, 2010.

Uptown Coffeehouse

102 E. Grand River,
Howell, MI 48843

517-546-1124

Hours of Operation:

Monday-Thursday   6:00 a.m. -    8:00 p.m.

Friday 6:00 a.m. -  10:00 p.m.
Saturday 7:30 a.m. -  10:00 p.m.
Sunday 7:30 a.m. - 5:00 p.m.

Historic Pathwalkers Fall Newsletter November 2009

The weather is telling me that our walking season is coming to an end. The temperatures continue to drop and October has seen more than its share of rain. November is also starting out rather wet but at least it’s not snow yet!
We have closed four of our walks for the season. These are the two in Ludington, Manistee and Traverse City. Scheduled to close at the end of November are Douglas, Holland, South Haven, St Joseph and Zeeland. That leaves Grand Haven and Grand Rapids which will end on December 6. The final numbers are not yet in but all indications so far show that we had a very successful season. The number of walkers was definitely up from last year. We have three walks that are open year round and they are Lansing, Howell and Coldwater.
All of these walks have been sanctioned for next year and will open again in the spring. This is a good time to thank all of our POCs. These are the people who are instrumental in keeping the boxes stocked and available to the walkers giving them a chance to enjoy their community and contribute to the local economy. They send quarterly reports to the AVA and help keep our treasurer supplied with funds to operate the club. A big THANK YOU to all of you! We appreciate all you do. Please remember that our officers are available for help with any issues you might have.
As walks close for the season please send the stamp to AVA, 1001 Pat Booker Rd., Suite 101, Universal City TX 78148 within 10 days. You may enclose the last participation report with it but you have 30 days in which to send that in. If these deadlines are not met we as a club are fined $10.00 for each late stamp or report so your prompt attention to this is much appreciated! As usual, any expenses that you incur may be reimbursed by sending receipts to our treasurer.
All money should be sent to our treasurer, Alma Lucas, 5261 Southbrook Ct. #51, Hudsonville, MI 49426 and all quarterly reports sent to me, Jean Woltjer, 211 Cambridge Ave. Holland MI 49423 or email to jean.woltjer@att.net.
This year it seems we had an unusually high number of comments on the start cards that were returned. It’s always nice to get some feedback on our walks and ALL of it was positive! That is very encouraging and we want to continue to keep our walks interesting and enjoyable for our visitors. The AVA continues to bring out new special programs and we want to contribute as much as possible in order to attract walkers to our state and to our clubs walks.
There are a few changes in our starting points for next year. Our Howell box has been moved to the Uptown Coffeehouse at 102 E. Grand River Ave. and our alternate start point in St. Joseph has changed its name to Stevensville Inn and is scheduled to change to a Super 8 in February. The Landis Clothing store will continue as the other starting point in St Joseph.
We hope to have a scheduled event or two next year and will continue to work on that. If you have any ideas along that line please communicate them to one of the officers for consideration.
We always enjoy seeing and hearing from members and this summer heard from the Perrys again. They are 95 and 91 respectively and are charter members of the club. In years past they contributed much to the success of our events (I know Rita was secretary at one time too) and it’s nice to know that they continue to have an interest in our activities even though they can no longer participate in the walks.
Another couple that comes to mind is Daryle and Joan Fountain. Joan has had some health issues but is coming along nicely and we wish both of them the best and hope to see you again next year.
We missed seeing Bill and Judy Bowne this year and hope all is well with them.
Our club is now also on Facebook so look for us there. We also have a blog now where you can find information on our activities. The blog address is http://historicpathwalkers.blogspot.com . This was set up by Linda Theil. All of our members can become correspondents and be able to put photos or comments on our blog. Please contact Linda at linda.theil@gmail.com if you would like access.
She has to send you an invitation which if you accept you may go on the site and post. We would like to see this grow and build a community where we can all share. Additional walk information can also be obtained http://ava.org
This newsletter will be the last one for 2009. As always the summer has flown by and the holidays are not that far away. Thanks to all who’ve contributed to another successful walking season and may you all have Happy Holidays.


President Jean Woltjer 616-392-2844 jean.woltjer@att.net
Vice Pres Pat Korloch 517-882-1495 pk55@juno.com
Secretary John Pierce 616-527-2413 hpvolks@iserv.net
Treasurer Alma Lucas 616-662-2359 ajlucas@charter.net

ArtPrize - Grand Rapids MI Sept 2009

Today I walked most of the Grand Rapids volksmarch and found that many, many of the ArtPrize entries are indeed on the walk route. Starting at the Big Boy Restaurant there are two billboard entries in front of the building that you can't miss. Continuing through Ah-Nab-Awen Park and past the Gerald R. Ford Museum there are several as well. As you follow the river and cross the 6th St Bridge you'll see more. In the downtown area they are everywhere including some in the Grand River, the most popular being "Nessie" near the Van Andel Musuem.
Don't miss the table and chairs above the Blue Bridge. There are 1262 entries in 159 venues. Many are outside but there are also many displayed in various buildings with free admission to all entries. This is an event not to be missed!

Jean

Grand Rapids MI Volksmarch - ArtPrize

Pictures along the Grand Haven, Michigan YRE 9/12/09

Invitation to art-loving walkers

The city of Grand Rapids, Michigan is turning into an art gallery for at least two weeks starting Sept 23.  The event is called ArtPrize and is an art competition that is judged by the public.  There will be a total of 1,262 entries during the 18 day indoor and outdoor event.  Some entries are already in place, many of them outdoors and scattered throughout the downtown area.  One is "Confetti Tower" a 16 foot tower which shoots biodegradable confetti when activated. The artists are competing for a top prize of  $250,000.00 !!

The Historic Pathwalkers have a great seasonal walk in Grand Rapids with a downtown start point at the Big Boy Restaurant on Pearl St.   By doing the walk you will see many of the art entries such as the one described above since they are in a 3 square mile area, most of which is on the walk route.

For more info on ArtPrize check out:

http://www.artprize.org/
http://www.mlive.com/artprize/

For info on the Grand Rapids volksmarch go to http://www.ava.org/clubs/pathwalkers/2009BrochureYRE.pdf
or
www.ava.org/clubs/pathwalkers 

Pictures along the Manistee YRE trail 9/4/09

Ludington neighborhoods

The pier and lighthouse in Ludington on Sat. Sept 5. Beautiful day for a walk.

As an alternative to the Mackinac Bridge walk try the Middleville bridge walk sponsored by MOVES. The trail runs along the Thornapple River crossing 4 bridges with the added feature of wildlife, birds and who knows what.
Starting time is anytime after 9:00 a.m. on Labor Day and the weather forecast sounds great for walking. Let's get out and support another Michigan club!

Walk in neighboring Toledo Saturday!

From Craig Gauger on Walklist@yahoogroups.com:

MVV WALK EVENT
this Saturday - August 22, 2009
West Toledo, OH
Start location: Eleanor Kahle Senior Center, 1315 Hillcrest Dr., Toledo 43612
Start times: 9 a.m. to 1 p.m. finish by 4

Three 5 km trails have been set up:

- Trail 1 includes neighborhood with special stops at the Firefighter's Museum and Boyd's Retro Candy Shoppe (they also have ice cream!) and one of the most perfect examples of a Lustron house with matching garage!

- Trail 2 includes historic Woodlawn Cemetery

- Trail 3 includes neighborhood area - including the "oldest house in West Toledo"

If you are doing any of the AVA specialty books - these trails hit a lot of the special catagories!
including Firehouses, Museums, Historic Churches, Veterans Memorials and more....

Information at http://www.ava.org/gen3/data/event_details.asp?eventid=83761. Come early and beat the heat. There is a fair amount of shade available. Oh, and don't forget the Ice Cream!!!

We don't have any group walks on the schedule currently but if anyone is interested I am open to suggestions.... Anyone? Where would you like to walk?
We've had some warm weather finally but Sept and Oct are always good months for walking so let's have some discussion and maybe we can get together for another walk.

Jean W

Several of us did the Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti walks recently. Both are interesting and great walks. Add in beautiful weather and great company to top off the fun. I was able to complete my Historic Churches special program, pick up several stamps for others I'm working on and send in another event book. Thanks to the Washtenaw Wanderers for these walks.
Jean Woltjer, Historic Pathwalkers

South Haven was grand

Nancy B. prepares to walk 10K at South Haven, Michigan while husband, Daryl, studies map.

Ten Historic Pathwalkers had a grand time in South Haven on Saturday. The South Haven farmers market was in full swing at the open-air market building next to our Cafe Julia startpoint. The weather was mild -- skies were overcast, but the rain held off and the sun came out by noon. Daryl B., Alma L. and I enjoyed a 5K meander led by Daryl. 

Daryl B. discovered this interesting, naturalistic headstone, ca. 1923, in the South Haven cemetery.

He said this style was fashionable at that time.

Jean W. and Louise finished their fast 10K and joined us while we were enjoying a post-walk treat at the Cafe Julia startpoint. My espresso milkshake was delicious. Daryl and Alma had raspberry sorbet. We met the rest of the walkers for a great lunch downtown and headed home around 2:30 p.m. Wish you'd been there!

It's highly unlikely that we'll see one of these on any of our walks..... I saw this up in Cochrane Ontario on a recent trip to the north country..

South Haven, MI Group Walk July 25

South Haven, Michigan pier

The Historic Pathwalkers Michigan affiliate will host a group walk in South Haven, Michigan at 9:30 a.m. this Saturday, July 25 beginning at Cafe Julia, 561 Huron St, South Haven, Michigan.

Cafe Julia, South Haven, Michigan

Group Walk July 25 in South Haven, MI

Summer news

After a group walk on Saturday, June 27, the Historic Pathwalkers met for their annual meeting at the Big Boy restaurant in Grand Rapids. Several motions were passed which included the renewing of all our seasonal and year -'round walks based on participation last year and a good start to this year.

 

Alma Lucas gave the treasurer’s report and the AVA financial report has been submitted as required. Several items of interest include the possible change of the Howell start point. Linda is currently looking into that possibility and we will keep you posted if it changes. We are also looking into scheduling an event in Belle Isle and Portland later this fall and/or spring of next year.

Election

Election of officers resulted in no changes to the current slate:

President Jean Woltjer

Vice President Pat Korloch

Secretary John Pierce

Treasurer Alma Lucas

Membership reminder

Thanks to all who have renewed their memberships.  For those who haven’t and would like to, you may send $5.00 per household to Alma Lucas, 5261 Southbrook Ct, #51, Hudsonville, MI  49426. 

Pickle Pepper Poker People Walk

Two of our members from Indiana were able to be present and reminded us of the Pickle Pepper Poker People Walk which will be held in St Joe Indiana on Saturday, August 15.  This is a 6 or 12 K walk held during the St Joe Pickle Festival. If you’ve never done this walk it’s well worth the drive. For more information call Willa Thompson at 260-238-4221 or Wilma Fuelling at 260-432-4253.  Day of the walk call 260-312-3312.

We would like to welcome new members, David and Sally N. from Fennville and hope to meet them sometime soon. Currently we have quite an extensive mailing list. If you are receiving this newsletter but would like your name removed from our list please notify me at jean.woltjer@att.net   

This is a reminder to all POCs that it’s time for the AVA Quarterly Participation Report to be sent in.  Please be sure to do that in a timely fashion so as to avoid a late fee.  Thanks to all of you for your help.

Group Walk REMINDER:

9:30 a.m. Saturday, July 25. 

Café Julia, 561 Huron St. South Haven MI

Enjoy your summer!

Jean Woltjer, President

Historic Pathwalkers                                 

Historic Pathwalkers group walk and annual meeting June 27

When:

Saturday, June 27, 2009

Walk starting at 9:30 a.m

Meeting starting at approx 12:00 noon                

Where:

 Big Boy Restaurant, 407 Pearl St. Grand Rapids.

The agenda includes election of officers, treasurers report and other routine business.

Hope to see you on June 27.

Jean Woltjer, Pres.

Historic Pathwalkers

Group walk in Howell 10 a.m. Saturday June 6

Thompson Lake, Howell Michigan

Members of the Historic PathWALKERS will do a group walk of our Howell American Volkssport Association   Year 'Round Event beginning at the Howell Recreation Center at 10 a.m, Saturday June 6, 2009. Come early to sign up and join us for a 10K or 5K volksmarch through historic Howell including the downtown shopping area, lakeside stroll, depot museum for the Ann Arbor railroad, the nineteenth century Livingston County Courthouse, and beautiful neighborhoods in this National Register of Historic Places town. New Walker Packets will be available.

Directions: From I-96, take exit #137 and go north on D-19/Michigan Avenue to Grand River Avenue. Turn west on Grand River Avenue, and go about a mile to the Howell Recreation Center, 925 W. Grand River Avenue.

Click on this link for volksmarching information .
Click here for information about the Historic PathWALKERS affiliate to the American Volkssport Association .

Douglas, MI group walk 9:30 a.m. May 9, 2009

Hi Everyone,

This is just a reminder that the Historic Pathwalkers are meeting at the Respite Cappuccino Court, 48 Center St.,  Douglas MI for a group walk on Saturday,  May 9,  at 9:30 a.m. I hope you can all join us for the walk.

The flowers are blooming and spring is definitely here.

For those who are interested, the Holland Tulip Festival  is going on this week with the BIG parade scheduled for Saterday afternoon so come and make a day of it..

Jean Woltjer, President

Historic PathWALKERS

Spring Newsletter, March 2009

From Historic PathWALKERS President Jean Woltjer:

It’s beginning to look and feel like spring.  It’s been a long winter and if you’re like most people you’re ready to start all those springtime activities.  Right at the top of that list is walking of course!  Most of our walks will open up again on April 1 and stamps are being sent out to the POCs as we get our boxes ready for the new season.

The following Michigan walks have been sanctioned for 2009:

Coldwater - Pat Korloch: 1/1/09 to 12/31/09

Lansing -                          1/1/09 to 12/31/09   

Doug/Saugatuck - J. Woltjer  4/1/09 to 11/30/09

Grand Haven -                       4/1/09 to 12/06/09

Holland -                                4/1/09 to 11/30/09

Manistee -                              4/14/09 to 10/18/09

Traverse City -                       4/14/09 to 10/18/09

Grand Rapids - Pierce/Woltjer  4/1/09 to 12/06/09

Howell - Linda Theil: 1/1/09 to 12/31/09

Ludington - Louise Blystra: 4/14/09 to 10/18/09

Ludington - St Park: 4/14/09 to 10/18/09

South Haven - Sandra Tyrrell: 4/01/09 to 11/30/09

St Joseph - Larry Wozniak: 4/1/09 to 11/30/09

Zeeland - Sara Donkersloot: 4/1/09 to 11/30/09

AVA and Club News
The 16^th Biennial AVA Convention will be held June 22-26 in Richardson, Texas.  I have extra brochures if you are interested.

We also have new 2009 Historic Pathwalker brochures which have been included in our walk boxes.  Thanks to Pat Korloch who again put a lot of work into this and the finished product shows it.   Let me know if you would like a copy (or more) either for yourself or to distribute as you travel to other walking destinations.

The 2009 Starting Point is also available to club members for $15.00.  I have copies if anyone would like one.  I’ll take them along to our group walks.

There have been several new AVA special programs announced for this year and many of our walks qualify.  We’ve tried to keep the AVA website up to date with these changes but if we’ve missed any please let one of the officers know and it will be added.  These special programs have really become a drawing card for many walkers as they try to fill up those books and hopefully will continue to bring walkers to Michigan. 

Last year we had a total of 430 walkers participate in our walks.  We got off to a slow start but things really picked up in the summer so let’s hope that we can match or exceed that number this year.