Winter Happenings in Western Massachusetts

As the holiday season fills the air with warmth and joy, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to our new Executive Committee members for their leadership and vision. Get to know them in the details below! We're also eagerly looking forward to the Annual Meeting Summit on January 25, 2025 – a special opportunity to gather, learn, and connect in meaningful ways. We hope you'll join us. Looking ahead, the creativity and possibilities offered by our NET Artist-in-Residence program inspire us. Could you see yourself in this role? Wishing you peace, joy, and time to celebrate the bonds that bring us together. See you outdoors! Kathy Martin, Western MA Chapter Chair

The Western MA Chapter Welcomes New Members

We are delighted to introduce three new members to the Executive Committee. Kathy Kindness was voted in as our new Membership Chair. Kathy has been an active and enthusiastic AMC member for 14 years. While living in Pennsylvania, she served as Chapter Secretary for four years and Membership Chair for two years in AMC's Delaware Valley Chapter, and is an AMC-trained hiking leader. We would also like to welcome John Adams as a new Member-at-Large. John enjoys hiking, snowshoeing, skiing, kayaking, bicycling and trail work. When asked why he wanted to volunteer with the Chapter he stated, "I am an advocate for the natural world in all its varied and marvelous permutations, and would like to add my voice to those who value and enjoy the natural world." We are also happy to have Kim Carlino join the Executive Committee as a Member-at-large. When asked about why she wanted to join the Executive Committee, Kim writes, "I am interested in the Member-at-Large role because I am passionate about the outdoors and spend as much time both learning about and hiking, paddling and camping as I can. Mt. Tom Reservation right here in the Valley has captured me and become my daily companion, one in which I find to be incredibly special." We are beyond grateful that Kathy, John and Kim have chosen to share their skills and passion for the outdoors with us! Learn more about our volunteers and volunteering opportunities on our Volunteer Opportunities page.

Upcoming AMC Annual Summit

This year's Annual Summit will be held at the Four Points by Sheraton in Norwood on January 25, 2025. This one-day event will include a full schedule of learning opportunities, a delicious lunch in the Four Points Ballroom with a presentation of AMC awards, the Annual Business Meeting for AMC members, and a fun social hour. Our 2025 Annual Summit will celebrate the joy of outdoor leadership, what it means to be part of the AMC community, and how collaboration will help us accelerate AMC's exciting new strategic plan. Come join us for a fun and informative day, and make new connections with your fellow outdoor enthusiasts!

New England National Scenic Trail Artist-in-Residence 2025

The New England National Scenic Trail (NET) seeks an Artist-in-Residence for the summer of 2025. Over the course of their term in residence, the NET artist is encouraged to find inspiration and create art based on their exploration of the trail and the communities through which it travels. Through a series of events and projects, they share their work and invite community members to engage with the trail in a new and unique way! The goal of the program is to encourage and inspire artistic connection with the Trail. Artists of all mediums are encouraged to apply. The artist will receive a stipend distributed throughout the course of their residency, and is responsible for securing their own housing. The application deadline is February 28, 2025, but applications will be reviewed on a rolling basis throughout the application period.