That is the question that is on my mind today. I am remembering back ten years ago to lunchtime walks around the parking lot at work with my co-worker debating aloud if I should ‘bother’ renewing my ADK membership or not. I had been a member for only one year. I was disappointed that I had only done one outing with the club in that whole year. One the one hand I liked the club’s Wilderness Weekends book and the new hiking places I had learned about through it. I had also learned some things at the few meetings I had attended. On the other hand I HAD only participated in that one outing and the $50 family membership fee was hard for my budget to accommodate back then. In the end I received a timely phone call from Woody Glebe, our irreplaceable Membership Chair, reminding me to renew and I did. As I wrote out the check that fateful day I made up my mind that if I was going to spend this kind of money on the club I was darn well going to get the most out of it.

Was it worth it in the end? What did I get out of my membership? Forgive this corny but sincere response: I have been personally changed for the better through all the experiences and people I have met through this club. These changes in me have changed my relationships at work and at home. Even my family has been changed because I have been changed. It is and has been a domino affect.

There was the year our chapter hosted the Finger Lakes Trail Conference Spring weekend at Holimont. What a weekend that was! Perfect spring conditions – the Service Berry trees were in full flower, the air was sweet and every outing was beautiful. As a result I joined the FLTC and have been on many other weekend hiking events across the state exploring the Ithaca, Bath, Tully and Catskill areas. All of these trips a trickle down result of Ellen Gibson involving our chapter in sponsoring that one spring event in Ellicottville.

At the end of our annual meeting one particular June, Diane Lawrence spoke about the upcoming ADK Fall Outing in Keene Valley. She had even taken the trouble to print up slingers on it. I would never have attended this event without that little push by Diane! It was my first high peak hiking experience! Since then I have not only been to Keene Valley but also the Five Ponds Wilderness Region, the mid-Hudson Valley and maybe soon Long Island! All through the ADK Seasonal Outings – like the ones coming up this spring in Long Island and this fall in the lower Hudson region.

The friendships I have made are of even greater, longer lasting impact than the trips. However that is so personal it would take too long to put it on paper.

Trail Work, Leave No Trace , Stewardship, proper equipment and safety precautions – all learned here.

Yes, there were a few outings I wish I had not attended. Yes, there were times when the arrangements for car spotting were tedious and time consuming. Yes, there were times when an outing/program could have been better or a leader better prepared. However there were many more times that were wonderful, thrilling, enjoyable and perfect! So if you are sitting on the fence with your involvement in our chapter let me encourage you to jump in and participate. It is worth the effort! Call me if you want some help finding a ‘starting spot'!

The economy is affecting a lot of areas of our lives and that is true in our club too. Our chapter expenses were going to exceed our income going forward. We decided we could save some money by setting up and taking down the tables and chairs for our monthly meeting ourselves. If ANYONE could be at our meetings early and/or stay later to help with this monthly task we would greatly appreciate it. Many hands make lighter work! You don’t even have to call. Just show up around 7pm!