I spent a little time on the road this week, traveling to the midstate for our annual staff retreat at Pine Grove Furnace State Park and then staying around for our board meeting in Harrisburg. A person could get whiplash - not from any untoward incidents on the road (thank goodness) but from the weather over those few short days! Let's see. We had bright sun and warm temperatures on Saturday, a little less warm but still beautiful on Sunday, rain on Monday, snow on Tuesday. I'm just as glad to be safely back home in tropical Confluence!

A heartfelt and happy Veterans Day to all our active and retired military friends out there. The Friends of Prince Gallitzin provide the masthead this week - from their annual Memorial Day ceremony. Thanks, vets!

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of note

As we mentioned last week, on November 17 we will be participating for the third year in the Lancaster County Community Foundation's ExtraGive. In conjunction with the event (and Take a Hike Day which happens to fall on that same frosty Friday), join PPFF's own Amanda and Marci at 10:00 AM for a hike (or perhaps two) at Susquehannock State Park. Email Amanda for additional details.

Just in time for this Veterans Day holiday, we have placed a new product in the PPFF online store. From the Forest to the Battlefield is a fascinating tribute to the bravest of the brave. It is impossible to overstate the importance of the Civilian Conservation Corps to Pennsylvania's state parks and forests. Many of them would not exist without the tireless work of the CCC Boys. The devastation of the Great Depression taught the Boys the value of hard work, instilling in them the quality of character they would need as many of them then went on to fight in World War II.

This exhaustive study by historian and retired professor Michael Schultz profiles the 40 CCC members from across the United States who went on to become winners of the Congressional Medal of Honor. (Books on order from Dr. Schultz; there may be a short delay in filling your order!)

The book, and the other products you'll find when you shop in our store, would make a lovely holiday gift. And as in years past, we have also set up a small retail outlet in our office at 1845 Market Street in Camp Hill (above The Little Black Dress boutique) where you can pick up a Pennsylvania State Parks and State Forests Passport or two, a bandana, a logo hat, a 2018 State Parks calendar, and several other goodies sure to please any outdoors enthusiast on your holiday list. Give the office a call at 717.236.7644 just to make sure that someone will be there (Fridays can be tricky).

At work and play in the parks and forests

North

Presque Isle is the site for the third annual Veterans Appreciation Day with a free breakfast and tours and activities at the Tom Ridge Center (including showings of the Aircraft Carrier film on the Big Green Screen).

South

All are invited for a special Veterans Hike (and hot chocolate) at Cowans Gap tomorrow. Bring the family!

East

The last guided, pet friendly hike of the season kicks off at French Creek tomorrow afternoon. Bring the pup (and her leash)!

West

Point State Park is the place for Steel City Salutes the Troops tomorrow, with Pittsburgh's Veterans Day parade kicking off there are 10:30 AM.

No matter what region of the commonwealth you want to visit, our website Events and the DCNR Calendar of Events are great sources for things to see and do. Bookmark them!

Picture of the week

Marci was out scouting the perfect trail for our ExtraGive hikes and shot this picture of the Susquehanna (River) from Susquehannock (State Park). Great view up there!

Take five for trivia

Our question last week may have been slightly misleading as I asked when daylight saving time was first "enacted" but I think Marci was actually trying to get to Ben Franklin with her original question on the idea's creation. So those who mentioned good ol' Ben receive credit as do those who correctly stated that DST was first enacted by Germany and Austria in 1916, AND here in the US in 1918. Yes, all of these fine folks were suggesting it as a way to conserve energy.

Because there is nothing "trivial" about Veterans Day, this week our question is a quiz and not "trivia." What flower is traditionally representative of Veterans Day?

Submit your answer for entry into our random monthly prize drawing. Each correct response per week goes into the hat and at the end of the month one lucky winner receives a PPFF goodie. The more weeks you enter, the better your chances!

From "A Bit of Whimsy" category, 2017 Parks & Forests Through the Seasons Photo Contest
Mirjam Spaar, Pine Grove Furnace State Park

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of PPFF may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll-free within Pennsylvania, to 800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation is a proud member of EarthShare and is a Gold GuideStar Participant.