[at-l] Message from ALDHA Coordinator

[johno at monmouth.com (John O)]

>Two weeks has passed since the ALDHA Gathering.  I would like to take a 
>moment to express my appreciation to our members for their devotion to an 
>organization that seeks to provide a positive opportunity for interaction 
>and camaraderie within the Appalachian long distance hiking 
>community.  Our organization only continues because of the volunteer 
>efforts of so many.  But, while a limited few work on the day to day 
>activities of ALDHA it is our members that drive us.
>
>During the Gathering I had an opportunity to speak with countless members; 
>some happy with the direction ALDHA is going and some not so much so.  I'm 
>appreciative of each individual effort to provide a view or idea and the 
>construction to resolve differences.  And, as I have voiced on several 
>occasions, please do not hesitate to contact me via email or home.
>
>I am aware that several of our board members are associated with the 
>interactive tools of various websites; I myself am not.  These mediums are 
>a preferred tool for many but I feel it important to remind everyone that 
>though ALDHA has board members which use these communicative sources, they 
>are NOT speaking for the organization of ALDHA.  It is essential for 
>individuals to have an opportunity to speak (type) to the threads of the 
>moment but unless information regarding a stance ALDHA takes is provided 
>by the Coordinator or Assistant Coordinator speaking on behalf of the 
>organization my hopes are that the general talk not be construed as from ALDHA.
>
>Again, I appreciate the efforts made by so many to resolve differences and 
>to make concerted efforts to continue with the positive attributes of an 
>organization as proud as ALDHA.
>
>Happy Trails!
>Stacy L. Mikkalsen-Boone
>ALDHA Coordinator