mental protection and the preservation of the Adirondack Mountains. This organization not only nurtures a sense of camaraderie among hikers but also empowers participants to actively contribute to the well-being of the Adirondack region through impactful environmental stewardship. Giving my time to an organization as passionate about the Adirondack Mountains as I am adds a profound sense of fulfillment in contributing to the special place that is the Adirondacks.” Matthew Kulas #5728V is serving as our new Herd Path Adopter Coordinator. Matt is taking over the position from Joe Bogardus who faithfully did all of the coordinating and paperwork for several years. Matt shares his own words about his decision to take on the role: “I've been volunteering with the Adirondack 46er Trail Crew since my first spring meeting in 2006, after becoming a 46er in August 2005, as a way to give back to the mountains and trails. Getting to know the regulars and new faces and working together as the Trail Crew, sharing the camaraderie and fun all while having a positive impact on the mountains we love, has been far and away the best part about being an Adirondack 46er. Unfortunately living near Boston and family commitments limits me to one or two work weekends a summer. Wanting to participate more, this past summer I asked Trail Master Mark Simpson if there was a way for me to contribute from a distance, in addition to my one or two Trail Crew weekends per summer. Being the Herd Path Adopter Coordinator fits perfectly.” Colby Burch #14655V has stepped into the role of Assistant Adopt a Highway Coordinator. Colby says this: “I have always loved being outdoors. I grew up hiking and camping in the Adirondacks. Some of my fondest memories will always be camping with my grandparents in the Adirondacks. As I grew older, the outdoors kept calling to me, and I became a 46er on Skylight in 2022. I continue to climb frequently and am currently working on my winter 46. I have completed the Cranberry 50 and am a Saranac 6er. I love to explore new places. Eventually, I hope to complete the NE 111, but the Adirondacks will always be “home.” I have been volunteering with roadside cleanup since the start of the program and view the adopt-a-highway program as a wonderful way to help ensure that the Adirondacks stay beautiful for future generations. I also lend a hand in herd path trail adoption with friends. I look forward to furthering my participation with the 46ers.” Felicia Neahr #9331 is now serving as Assistant Secretary. Felicia told us: “I applied for the assistant secretary role because I enjoy all of the things that the 46er organization does behind the scenes. I love hearing about the ways that we give back to the high peaks and the impact we're making through grants to other organizations. The organization is about so much more than just hiking 46 peaks. We have a lot of opportunities to volunteer and get involved and I'm excited to be able to help support our volunteer efforts in this new role.” Janet Thomas Matthew Kulas Colby Burch Felicia Neahr S U MS UMME RM E2R0 2 40 2| 34 | 63
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