The sun was shining on the Pennsy Trails today. Even though it was below 20 this morning, there were still people on the trail. The world continued on US 40, just like a normal day, while people safely walked on the Pennsy Trail, just a tenth of a mile south of US 40.
The mission of Pennsy Trails of Hancock County Inc. is to encourage the development of a walk/bike trail in Hancock County along the National Road Heritage Trail. There are currently 5 board members working towards this mission.
The Pennsy Trails Board of Directors is planning a Pennsy Trails update on Tuesday, January 24th. At 7pm the board will meet at the fire station on 600 West just north of US 52. There is a lot of information to share.
The Pennsy Trails had been under the Hancock County Community Foundations’ non-profit status since the group formed some 5 years ago. The group recently obtained an independent 501c3 non-profit status. This will open the door for many opportunities not offered by the foundation.
The board members have been busy during the holiday season. They met several times to work on a 1 year, 3 year, 5 year, and 10 year plan. A lot of thought went into how to manage this business of building trails. Transparency was a key concept to ensure successful management.
The group has identified specific goals and will share these at the meeting. Volunteers and others interested in the trail are invited to attend. There are large and small projects for different people and businesses to support.
One of the most exciting news is that donations can now be made though the United Way. These regular pay check deductions can be made through your employer. Now, how easy is that? With regular payments into the trails fund, the trail fund will grow. When completing your United Way form, select or write in Pennsy Trails of Hancock County and the funds will be sent to our account.
The group plans to have regular meetings to keep the community updated. Key leaders of the community have been invited to attend this meeting, on Tuesday January 24th. Moving forward is looking bright and we wish to share the good news with the community.
Follow us on Facebook at Pennsy Trails of Hancock County and check the web at www.PennsyTrails.org for information, fundraisers, and contacts.
Wietbrock is a resident of New Palestine, Master Naturalist, Master Gardener, President of Pennsy Trails Group, Community Wildlife Habitat organizer, and Jacob Schramm Nature Preserve Land Steward. She can be reached at MAWietbrock@yahoo.com.
