Here we go folks, another year rolls around and some how they seem to be coming quicker and quicker. We could say that last year was a rebuilding year, just like FSU. Locally, the Monkey Creek Bridge was rebuilt. I can’t thank enough Bob Woods and his SCA work crew, and all of the volunteers who put it together. We are planning a dedication of the bridge in February to kick off Florida Hiking Month. We had no big storms this year, so it was good to just work on keeping the trails clear.

On a personal note, the Chapter Chairs, which make up the Chapter Council, are now taking on more responsibility in the problem-solving for chapter-level issues and concerns. This is keeping us more on our toes since the Board used to do a lot of this work. More rebuilding. Also on the state level, the FTA web page has been rebuilt in the format of a blog so that local chapters can put in current news and events.

Looking to the new year, I hope everyone is planning to go to the State Conference. It will be at the Florida Elks Youth Camp again, which is a great place with lots of room for everyone. I hope ya’ll plan to do a bunch of hiking this year and come back to tell us all about it.

Happy Trails, Richard Graham

On February 14, 2006, members attending the Apalachee Chapter meeting elected three officers. Carol Armstrong was re-elected Treasurer. Carol had been serving as interim Treasurer for several months. She has been a FTA member for two years. Terry Tenold was elected Membership Coordinator and will replace Nita Kirkpatrick. Terry has been a FTA member for 18 years and is an exceptionally active, knowledgeable member. He has served several years as Chapter Chair and on the FTA Board of Directors. Currently, he also is serving as Trail Coordinator. Jerry Herting was re-elected Activities Coordinator. He has been a FTA member for six years and this will be his third term as Activities Coordinator.Chapter Officers are elected for two-year terms. Under Chapter Guidelines ratified October 12, 2005, officers will be limited to two full consecutive terms [excluding full terms completed prior to that date].

In addition, the Chapter Coordinating Committee, appointed Paull Kirkpatrick as Publicity Chair and Galen Moses as Newsletter Editor. Paul successfully completed two years as Programs Chair and will now direct his energy toward Chapter publicity efforts. Galen has experience as a reporter and comes well qualified to the position of newsletter editor. The Programs Chair is vacant. If you are interested in filling this position, please call Richard Graham at 878-3616.

– Jerry Herting