Exciting News From Your Chapter

While looking at the topics for this month's note to you, our members, I found myself feeling grateful for the reminder of who keeps this Chapter going now, and who kept it going throughout the years, and how. Please take a moment to read about this year's Most Valuable Leaders, recognizing those who especially stood out this year for their contributions to the Chapter's Purpose and the AMC Mission. Then, take a spin through time to see whose shoulders we're standing on, and the reminder of the decades of dedication and passion for the outdoors and our Chapter that came before us and shaped where we are now. It certainly provided perspective for me, and a dose of humility. Finally, mark your calendar for the fun – and free – Natural Holiday Decorations event on Saturday 12/2 at AMC Noble View Outdoor Center. Come out to smell the pine and see what you can create – I surprised myself last year! Read on for more details, and enjoy! See you outside! Diane Jones, Western MA Chapter Chair

Natural Holiday Decorations Workshop

Get in the holiday spirit by joining us for the annual Holiday Decoration Workshop on December 2, 2023 at the Noble View Outdoor Center in Russell at 11:00 am. This hands-on workshop will start with a meandering walk in the woods to find natural materials to make wreaths and swags to decorate your home. With your guides Nan and Laura, we'll listen to music and sip warm cider or hot chocolate while working on our green winter creations. All are welcome! Register for the workshop here.

Most Valuable Leaders of 2023

We would like to congratulate all of the Most Valuable Leaders (MVLs) of 2023 who were recognized at the Annual Business Meeting on November 2nd. We appreciate each and every volunteer who makes a contribution to our Chapter, whether they are leading outings, joining one of our conservation projects, maintaining trails, or serving on our Executive Committee. Our Chapter could literally not exist without them. The MVL's were chosen by their respective committee as a volunteer who especially stood out this year in their volunteer efforts. This year's MVL award recipients are: Warren Buhl - Appalachian Trail, Robin Maislin - Bicycling, Nancy Condon - Family Programs, Kayla Crowe - Mountaineering, Deb Weisenstein - JDEI, Lou Graham - NET, Roger Beer - Hiking, Mary Therese Durr - Paddling, Adam Jasionowski - Training and Education; Special Mention: Lisa Taylor - Webmaster, Robert Cherdack - outgoing Conservation Chair, Jeannette Pierce - Communications Chair. We are so grateful these valuable volunteers have chosen to share their skills, passion, and time with us!

AMC Western Massachusetts Chapter Timeline

As the year draws to a close, it's always nice to look back to see how far we have come. A new timeline was recently added to our website to give viewers a historical outline of our Chapter. Check it out to see a photo of Chapter members relaxing at the peak of Mt. Monadnock in 1940, or read about a hilarious story from the old Chapter newsletter about how the US Army moved into Noble View Outdoor Center. Or, see how the Chapter has developed over the years from its inception in 1929. If you have any old photos of Chapter activities that we could add, please send them to us at info@amc-wma.org.

See the Dark Festival

Join AMC for a weekend of stargazing as we celebrate dark skies! This is the first time that our renowned See the Dark Fesival will take place in NH. Scheduled around the new moon for optimal stargazing. All are welcome including families and children. Visitors who book a stay at the Highland Center will enjoy star themed dinners and desserts and evening presentations – all included. Reserve soon – AMC members get a discount!