www.schuylkillcanal.com Tel. 610-917-0021 Fax.

610-917-8030

Schuylkill Canal News

Spring 2006 400 Towpath Road PO Box 966 Oaks, PA 19456

Hikers of all ages enjoyed a sun-filled autumn afternoon walking along the upper towpath leading to Black Rock Dam and the trail to Upper Schuylkill Valley Park.

Chris Zeliznak, SCAs newly elected president, volunteering his time as a locktender on Canal Day 2005

The Out-going Presidents Report

Tony Geyelin Maybe its the shift in seasons, or the birthday Ive recently celebrated, but change is on my mind. One reality that still surprises me is how much change is a part of the routine of our lives. The phenomenon of consistent change is certainly applicable to the Schuylkill Canal Association. Pam Snow is assisting Executive Director Betsy Daley on a part-time basis discharging the myriad tasks that accompany the Associations responsibilities in the areas of maintenance, fundraising, capital improvements, community outreach, etc. Those of you who have driven along Egypt Road between Mont Clare and Oaks at any point in the last several months (to cite just one of many examples on both sides of the Schuylkill River) cannot help but have noticed how the population and character of the community around the canal is changing. As our changing surroundings become more urban the use of the canal recreational area and the demands upon the Schuylkill Canal Association will increase markedly. While change as a concept is a certainty, the forms it takes can be unpredictable. The best way I know to handle the changes we cant foresee is to prepare as well as we can for those we know are coming. In the case of the Schuylkill Canal Association, we know the next few years will see a significant increase in the number of visitors to the canal area. Here are three changes I would like to see the Association undertake to prepare for this reality: .The Board needs to expand in number and expertise. We have wonderful, committed volunteers. We need more, especially those with financial and fundraising skills. 2. Canal Day, our biggest fundraiser, needs to be fine-tuned. While it remains a financial success, largely due to the generosity of our business sponsors, attendance was down in 2005. It could have been the oppressive heat of the day, but some of the energy of prior events seemed lacking, at least to me. This year lets consolidate all the events in the field between the canal and the river right below Lock 60. 3. Those of you who have yet to respond to the Associations annual giving request need to do so now, with as much of an additional contribution as circumstances permit. While the Association accomplishes tremendous things with volunteer effort, its programmatic, promotional and necessary administrative responsibilities deserve adequate and expanded funding. On a personal note, this is my last column. 2006 has brought a change
continued page 7

The Incoming Presidents Report

Chris Zeliznak When I moved to this area I was exposed to a different way of thinking. Coming from Philadelphia, where there are so many people and so much development, I felt like I had traveled back to a different time. I immediately found myself gravitating to the Schuylkill Canal Park. Every time I came to the park, I encountered friendly, relaxed people who enjoyed the area. When I realized that most of these people belonged to the Schuylkill Canal Association, I felt compelled to join because they understood the relationship between the quality of their life in the area and the Schuylkill Canal Park. As I became more involved with the Association, the same people who welcomed me to the park the first time have become close friends who share a common goal: to preserve and enhance the Schuylkill Canal Park and Lock 60. Since then, my level of effort and willingness to volunteer time to this excellent organization have increased for the same reason. I want to help enhance what is a vibrant part of the community. However, as Tony stated in his address, change is the only constant. The Schuylkill Canal Association has accomplished a significant amount in the restoration and enhancement of the Schuylkill Canal Park and Lock 60 in 24 years. But it appears that right now may be the most challenging time that the SCA has ever experienced. With the significant development in the area and the bicyclists, runners, and boaters who will be using the Schuylkill River Trail when it is completed, demands on
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Schuylkill Canal Association

The Schuylkill Canal Associations mission is to preserve, maintain and appropriately restore the Schuylkill Canal and its surrounding lands and manmade structures; to encourage wide public use of the area and an appreciation of its natural environment; to seek ways to further general education in the areas history; to provide facilities and enhanced settings for various kinds of passive recreation; to seek support of individuals and private organizations, and of local, regional, state and federal governments, to achieve these goals; and to solicit, receive and expend funds for such purposes. Executive Director
Betsy Daley

SCA has a New Brochure

SCAs bright new four-color brochure highlights the many recreational and community activities our canal area offers. It includes a vivid regional map which not only tells would-be visitors how to get there, but all the things there are to do once there. Copies are available in the kiosk at Lock 60.

Our Mission

The Executive Directors Report

Betsy Daley Change is a common thread that is weaving through all that SCA is involved with these days. Tony Geyelin, SCAs outgoing president, has coined it very well by saying, change is a part of the routine of our lives. The change created by the completion of the Lock 60 restoration has been phenomenal. Many more people are coming to get a glimpse of the only restored lock within the Schuylkill River Valley. They stop in to the Locktenders House to say hello and congratulate us on what a great job has been done and give us encouragement to keep it up. Usually during the colder months the park is quiet. This winter people are still coming to use the park for all its recreational amenities: canoeists and kayakers are out paddling the 5-mile water trail loop and our frequent walkers are taking advantage of the nicer winter weather to get their 2 to 3 miles in daily. It is unusual if I dont see Joe and Andy walking along Towpath Road every day. I have seen an increase in dog walkers and more and more I see a greater number of bicyclists, who enjoy pedaling to the lock area, get off their bikes for a rest and then get on their way again. Change was a constant last year and it continues into this New Year. Tony has stepped down after four years at the helm; Chris Zeliznak, or Cochise as he likes to be called, has taken over the reins. Graciously Tony has agreed to stay on as the Secretary of the Board and to help guide Chris in his new position. SCA hired an additional staff person, Pamela Snow, who helps out in the office for 10 hours a week. She started in October and immediately brought the membership data base up-to-date. She did a great job and kept on top of getting the thank you out to those of you who generously responded to our recent annual giving campaign. Pam works on Monday and Thursday mornings and just having her here to keep me company has been a wonderful change. But change is about to happen again, Pam will be leaving the first of March for another position. Even though SCA will be filling her position with another part-time assistant as soon as we can I will miss her. Another change that has been a long-time coming is the new and improved SCA brochure. It has been totally revamped, with current-day pictures, information and mapping included, and provides a good sense of what is available to see and do along the canal. It is bright and colorful and was included with each members renewal request back in November. But if you havent seen it yet just give me a call and I will send one right out to you. Also recently changed is our website, www.schuylkillcanal.com. You can now take a virtual tour starting at Black Rock Dam at the head of the canal to its end in Port Providence. It includes known areas along the canal and even points out where the portage is both on the river and the canal. Another added feature is an animated display on how a lock works. Just by the click of your mouse you can see a demonstration on how a canal boat navigates through a lock. Change can be hard to deal with at times but it is necessary if the Association is going to continue to grow. Tony already went into what is needed from the Associations standpoint. But one change is on the horizon that will shape the future of the Schuylkill Canal Park as well as the entire Upper Providence Township river front. SCA is currently forming a partnership with the Township and Montgomery County to permanently preserve areas along the Townships Schuylkill River frontage as dedicated public open space in perpetuity. A large portion of this area is the Schuylkill Canal Park. In the months ahead you will hear more about this and will be invited to attend a public forum that will be held in the spring. Look for a press release sometime in March or early April and plan to attend.
continued page 7

Staff

Part-time Office Assistant Open Position

Board of Directors
Executive Board President Chris Zeliznak Vice President Wayne D. Martin Treasurer Neal Thorpe Secretary Anthony A. Geyelin Grounds & Waterways Dan Daley Newsletter & Marketing Strickland Kneass Directors Bonnie Brzoska Don Frisco Stacy Martellucci Kevin McDonnell John F. Pearson Mark Strzelecki Email info@schuylkillcanal.com Web Site www.schuylkillcanal.com 2

The Treasurers Report

Neal Thorpe Im pleased to report that The Schuylkill Canal Association is in sound financial condition. Preliminary figures for the year 2005 show cash-flow receipts of $102, 292.10 and expenses of $103,811.42. This represents a relatively small deficit of $1,519.32, but SCA advanced some operating funds to several grant-supported capital projects, and will soon be reimbursed for this expense by the grantors. Thanks to our generous supporters and to the prudent management of the Board of Directors and Executive Director Betsy Daley, SCA has dealt with several years of tremendous growth. We acquired a one-person staff, have taken excellent care of extensive grounds, maintained an impressive schedule of community events, and met all new expenses. A yearly financial statement is required by law to be filed with the states Bureau of Charitable Organizations. Our preliminary figures are reviewed and a tax return with final figures are prepared and sent to BOC by our auditors, Maillie, Falconiero & Company, LLP. Any SCA member is free to look at our books by making arrangements with Betsy Daley.

This brief article and picture is courtesy of Rodney Rhoads, a direct descendent of Charles and Katherine Schaeffer. The Schaeffers family held a reunion at Lock 60 the day it re-opened to navigation. Rod lives in Ohio and has stayed in touch. We thank Rod for sharing a little bit of the family history The picture above reflects two generations of the Schaeffer family who resided at Lock 60 from 1907 when they arrived from Reading with two canal boats of home furnishings towed by the Schuylkill Navigation Tug Miriam. Charles S. Schaeffer and his wife Katherine A. (nee Staller) are shown in foreground in this 1919 Fourth of July photograph. Their adult children standing in the back row are as follows: From left- David C., Emanuel M., Amanda I. (Mrs. Harry H. Rhoads); Sally A. (Mrs. Elmer E. Freese); Ethel M. (Mrs. Frederick F. Croll); Elmer E., and Thomas F. Schaeffer. Charles S. Schaffer (the Schaeffer spelling was only used by later descendents) was employed for 54 years by the Schuylkill Navigation from 1865 until just a year prior to this photograph. The canal itself had commercially died by that time and, while the dredges and lock tenders continued to maintain the lower reaches, the end was near for the canal itself. Charles started as a waterboy at age  on the canal and also assisted his father David with his canal boats. He progressed through mule

Meet the Schaeffers, Residents of the Locktenders House, 1907-1972

driver and dredge worker to dredge foreman. He was General Foreman of Dredging on the Lower Reaches of the Schuylkill Navigation at the time of his retirement. His sons followed him to positions on the canal initially, while it was still a viable operation. Dave became dredge foreman after his fathers retirement; Emanuel (Manny) became Lock tender at Lock 60; Elmer (Ed) worked on his fathers dredges and later became electrician at the powerhouse across the canal at Lock 60. Tom chose the railroad and became a machinist in the P&R shops in Reading. The photograph shows a very large flag and bunting hanging from the locktenders house. This was made at the Dettra Flag Factory in Oaks where the Freeses had an interest. Ed appears in uniform as he had recently returned from France where he had fought in three campaigns including the Meuse-Argonne , with the Rainbow Division. Note the wound stripe on his sleeve. Manny was the last resident of the Locktenders House. His sister Ethel (widowed), lived there with him through the early 70s. Ethel passed away in 1975 and Manny in 1976 thus ending the two generations pictured in the photo. They contributed much to the history of the canal and to Lock 60 in particular. You can read more about the Schaeffer family and what it was like to live and work along the canal and at Lock 60 while it was in operation by visiting the Tri-County Heritage Societys Library at www.tchslibrary.com.
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Joe Manganello & Andy Yanoviak on thier daily walk along the canal

Meet Some Good People Volunteer.

The Association is always looking for volunteers to help with various programs. If you would like to meet some good people and lend a hand check out the list below for the meeting dates and events that might interest you. Canal Day, SCAs annual community fundraiser, is a few short months away. It will be held on June 25th this year and is being held entirely on the grounds at Lock 60 with St. Michaels Park used only for parking. Every available space at Lock 60 will be utilized for all the days activities. This is a major change that will require more tents, tables and chairs and other amenities to make the day more comfortable for our visitors. John Pearson is the co-chair of Canal Day and he is looking for as many volunteers as possible to help. New ideas such as a Night in Venice boat parade on the Saturday evening before Canal Day will need greater sponsorship and more volunteers to pull it off. The Schuylkill River Sojourners are coming through town again the beginning of June; June 7th into June 8th is when they will be joining us. Organizational meetings for Canal Day and the SR Sojourn have already begun and will be held regularly starting in March. The meetings are held on Tuesday evenings at 7:30 PM in the Loft at the Fitzwater Station, Port Providence. The following meeting dates are already scheduled so please plan to attend to help out: March 7th, March 21st and April 4th. Email John your address and he will send reminders and provide future meeting dates to keep you informed. John can be emailed at jpearson@fitzwaterstation.com or call him at 610-935-2750 for more information. Earth Day Clean Up, 4/22/06 0 AM to 3 PM, gather at Lock 60 to help with SCAs spring cleaning. Bring along work gloves, small hand tools; both shovels and clippers, as the Association prepares the grounds for our annual June events and the summer recreational season ahead. Refreshments and lunch will be provided. The Schuylkill Canal Association is also looking for talented, qualified volunteers to serve as a Director on SCAs Board and/ or provide your expertise for one of SCAs working committees. While all qualified candidates will be considered, the Association is particularly interested in individuals with the following skill sets: Development Marketing Engineering Property management/facilities Records management/archives Education Program Development Volunteer Coordination
Betsy Daleys dog, enjoying his daily rump along the canal most likely trying to decide whether to go for a swim or not.

Peter, Neal Thorpes dog, enjoying his daily run along the towpath at Lock 60

Dogs are Welcome

Neal Thorpe As many dog-owners have discovered, the entire canal area is an ideal place for you and your dog to share a good outing. It is safely bounded by two bodies of water, the canal and the river, so that Rover cant rove very far. But within the sites limits, Rovers plate is full. There are bushes galore, miles of towpath and trails, open spaces for stick throwing games, and water for water dogs. The grounds are filled with the fascinating scents of wildlife: groundhogs, rabbits, mice, ducks, geese, other dogs and lots more. If hes in luck there are the remains of stale white bread and chicken livers on the canal bank. In the big parking lot above Lock 60 you can find the posted rules covering Upper Providence Township parks. They do NOT say pets must be leashed. They say, Pets must be attended to at all times, cleaned up after and kept under control. Well, of course they must! As far as the cleaning up goes, my dog Peter and I visit the upper towpath almost daily, and I have yet to step in a dogs leavings. Either our dog population is very polite (given the large area, I suspect this is the case) or their owners do pick up. As for the matter of control, yes, I keep my dog in control, but seeing him run free gives both him and me so much pleasure that I am grateful every day that its not illegal. Whether you decide to leash your dog or not while visiting boils down to a very simple rule: Know your dog. My unofficial observation is that those who keep their dogs on a leash are in a slight majority. I presume they prefer this kind of control for a wide variety of reasons, including a wariness of encounters with other dogs and people. On the other hand, some dogs, like Riley, Betsy Daleys big red golden retriever, greets every person and other dog with bubbling goodwill. To one and all he says, So happy to see you! May I join you in your walk? Unleashed, hes free to spread around his joy. My own dog, Peter, barks furiously at every dog he sees as long as hes in the car. But once out of the car and walking around, he loses his boldness fast. Hell run up to another dog for a few obligatory sniffs, but sometimes the other dog doesnt like it, or his or her owner looks nervous. When I command him to come away he actually seems relieved. Most of the time he trots around, nose to ground, smelling all the wonderful smells. He climbs into the canal to get a drink, or occasionally to scare up the ducks. If I let him run alongside my car he can get up to 20 mphtongue out and floppy spaniel ears flying. In short, he has a great time. And so do hundreds of other dogs from around the area. Is there a down side to any of this? I have yet to see a single dog fight along the towpath. If my experience with Peter is typical, well, yesif its raining he gets muddy. And if he finds a dead fish on the canal bank, he rolls in it. But its worth it.

If you would like to get more involved please contact SCA by email at info@schuylkillcanal.com. And please do plan to attend one of the board meetings coming up over the next few months; the dates, time and meeting location are listed on SCAs calendar of events enclosed or on our website at www. schuylkillcanal.com.

Just a Kindly Reminder We Need Your Continued Support!

This year the SCA Board of Directors decided to coordinate the membership renewal with the calendar year, which is also the Associations fiscal year period. Annual renewal requests went out the first week of November and members who have sent in their donation are in good standing now for all of 2006. From this point forward, SCAs membership year will follow the calendar year. SCA is aware that this renewal request might not have been made at the most opportune time for some of our members; the holidays do put a financial strain on most of us. And this year everyone is being bombarded with requests to help with recovery efforts due to natural disasters all over the world in the latter half of 2005. About a 50% return has been received so far but SCA would like to bring that 2006 number up considerably. A 00% return would be ideal! If you have not yet sent in your renewal contribution, please do so when you can. SCA accepts donations at any time through the year and all contributions are tax-deductible. You, our members, play an important role, your support is still very much needed right here, close to home. Its really your dues that preserve our historic canal as a unique recreational and community resource.

The large group of scouts and parents who participated in the painting of the railing surrounding the newly restored Lock 60.

Eagle Scout Projects

Two Eagle Scout projects were completed last summer. Doug Zeigler and Drew Ward, Eagle Scout Award candidates both from Boy Scout Troop 23, Royersford; completed joint painting projects at Lock 60 during July and August. They were responsible for coordinating the project that involved researching the paint for color and appropriate use for outdoor structures and anti-graffiti purposes. They also scheduled the work and directed the volunteers who provided over 200 hours combined of community service to further enhance the Schuylkill Canal Park and Lock 60 for the entire community. SCA is grateful for the great job they did. Thank you to Doug and Drew and Troop 23 for all your help!

Doug Zeigler and his family standing on the spillway crosswalk after completing the project. Doug applied white anti- graffiti paint onto the spillway walls eliminating the offensive graffiti creating a much more pleasing appearance.

Volunteers preparing the gray steel railing for a fresh coat of paint matching the Federal Brown color used on the restored lock.

The new brochure rack was purchased along with the new bookshelf with a $500 grant provided to participants in the Leadership Academy through PANO - PA Association of Non-Profit Organizations. That is where you will find SCAs new brochure as well as other SCA related materials.

P/T Office Assistant Open Position

SCA is seeking a person interested in the part-time office assistant position available immediately. The position involves working 0 hours a week in the office, located in the Locktenders House. Duties include typical office tasks such as maintaining the membership database, filing, internet research and on occasion, staffing programs. The ideal candidate is someone interested in history and enjoys the outdoors. He or she will need to have a working knowledge of Microsoft office software and be able to work independently when needed. Those interested can send SCA their information via email to info@schuylkillcanal.com with Open Position in the subject line. College students with their own transportation are encouraged to apply. The salary will be discussed upon request.
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Many thanks to our members and sponsors, your support makes it all possible.
It makes possible our many community programs such as Canal Day, the Music Fest, the Luminaria, the monthly Open House, and our displays and presentations throughout the region. It heats the Locktenders House and the garage, supplies the Grounds and Waterways Committee with equipment and gas. It equips the office, and is, of course, what makes possible the full and part-time staff that is in the office daily to serve you. We thank you! A hearty welcome also goes out to our new members indicated by an asterisk by their name. Thank you!
Corporate and Business Amerine Env. & Design Assoc. *Arnolds Go Karts Athletes Closet Audubon Land Development Corp. Auntra Bicycle Repair & Sales *B&D Machine & Fab, Inc. *Brian Walters Factotum, Inc. *Carolyn McDonnell, Massage Therapist Cascor, Inc. Warranty Specialists Colonial Theatre *E. Murphy Electric, Inc. Eastern Mountain Sports EDM Consultants, Inc. Fenton Algard Corp. Fieo Air Cond. & Refrig. Services Fitzwater Station French Creek Outfitters Gateway Pharmacy Glocker & Co., Inc. *Golds Gym, Oaks Hamburg, Rubin, Mullin, Maxwell & Lupin Home Depot Joseph A. Puleo & Sons *K-Mart Corporation, Phoenixville Law Offices of Edward A. Skypala Lockheed Martin Company *Mayerson Law Offices, P.C. Murray Insurance Agency, Inc. New Century Bank Oaks Italian Deli & Pizzeria P.J. Reilly Contracting Co., Inc. PA School of Muscle Therapy PECO Exelon Co. Philadelphia Park Turf Club, Oaks Philadelphia Rock Gym Phoenixville Federal Bank & Trust Phoenixville Tire & Service, Inc. Print Shop and Copy Stop Ridge Roofing Rivercrest Golf Club & Preserve Robert L. Brant & Associates, LLC Scott A. Martin Services, Inc. Seacrists News Agency Services Environmental, Inc. Shelly Lumber Sly Fox Brewhouse & Eatery Smurfit Stone Container Corp. State Farm Insurance Agency Steel City Coffee House Sunset Grille & Pizzeria, Inc. The Phoenix Toll Brothers, Inc. *Triple Crown Baseball Academy, Oaks Wachovia Corporation Wild Bird Center of Exton *Yellow Springs Farm Community Organizations: Agnes C. & Robert L. Bard Foundation The Claneil Foundation Cromby Generating Station, PECO Exelon Delaware Riverkeepers Network Schuylkill Office Historical Society of the Phoenixville Area Kiwanis Club of Phoenixville Mont Clare Fire Co. Montgomery County Montgomery County Lands Trust Otterbein United Methodist Church Partners for Land Preservation Phoenixville Area Chamber of Commerce Phoenix Iron Canal & Trails Association Phoenix Village Art Center Phoenixville Community Health Foundation St. Michael of the Archangel Schuylkill River Heritage Area Schuylkill River Heritage Center at Phoenixville Upper Providence Township Barge Owner Don & Sue Deininger gave a gift in memory of Leonard L. and Donald L. Deininger, Dons grandfather and father who both spent time on the family farm located years ago in Mont Clare along the canal. Anonymous Michael S. DAries *Rudy, Joan & Matt Harris Art & Jean Munson *Larry & Barb ONeill Danon & Heather Robinson *Karlton & Peg Smith Neal G. Thorpe Bob & Arlene Verish Boat Captain Steve Brzoska Dan & Betsy Daley Vince & Tracey DiPaul *H. Richard Dietrich, Jr. John & Patricia Gerhart Anthony A. Geyelin Paul & Charlotte Griggs Ed & Jody Hendricks *Robert & Diane Klein Luciana Marulli & Mike Koenig Richard A. Kunsch, Sr. Mrs. W. Mifflin Large *John & Nancy Leneweaver *Joan Lunney & William Idler Wayne D. Martin Kevin & Carolyn McDonnell Jacob Merriwether Kathy OBrien Denny & Bobbi Porrini Paul & Dorothy Pulcher James Stuart & Jan Goplerud Walter & Esther Underhill *Shawn & Lisa Ward Dennis & Gwen White

A group of young visitors watching and listening as SCAs resident lock tender, Dan Daley, explains how the lock operates. The picture was taken on a warm fall afternoon in Nov. 2005. Lock Tender Martha G. Agnew Louis J. Beccaria Jeff & Sue Brouse John T. Carpenter, Jr. Mike Celaya & Karen Brzoska Gerrie Cirigliano & Glen Murphy Jed Clear Allan & Barbara Cohen Nancy Curtis Amy P. DeShong Pat Dillon Rich & Ann Downs *Gary Drennen Lee & Phoebe Driscoll *Robert Fedick, Sr. & Jr. Paul & Anna Felton David & Dulcie Flaharty Mary Foote Kurt & Pamala Ford Al & Rita Gerhards Frank & Chris Giesa Rev. Linda S. Gruber Garrett Hayner Ken & Eileen Hughes Strickland Kneass Walt Larkin Tom & Nancy Loane Bernie & Nancy Markstein Alice Marquart Steve & Stacy Martellucci Arlene Martin *Alexis Meyers Frank Michener, Jr. Tony & Rita Nastri Jean & Lew Osterhoudt Sam & Connie Piccione Ronald D. Rhode Eric & Priscilla Sharpless Bob & Carol Smith *Patricia A. Tomko Debbie Wolczyk

Canal Day 2005: Canal Day 2005 Schuylkill River Trail Run starts as Denny Porrini, the volunteer director of the run, watches the runners pass by.

Mule Tender *Baganski Family Janet M. Baldwin Paul & Elaine Bochnak Marian Carns David & Cheryl Converse *Craig & Robin Emery Alicia Fox Donald & Ruth Frisco Tom Getzey & Lisa George John & Gwynne Hagee Patrick & Jacqueline Hahn Doris E. Heinly Daniel & Jean Jerman Judy & Bill Katein Holly & Andrew Kreider William & Kay Kunsch Dave & JoAnn Lawrence Doug & Tamie Logan *Joanne Meyers *John & Pat Meyers Norris Murphy Ronald Nettles Bill & Evey Nissle The Pasquarello Family John & Debbie Seidel Vanessa M. Shivak *Rick & Pam Snow Dave Strunk Edwin & Margery Tait Roseanne Taylor Susan Taylor Priscilla A. Waggoner Jim & Lynn Watters Patrick & Marcia Welch & Family Larry Whyte Dave & Jill Williams Friends Michael & Susan Angelo Barbara Archer *Michael Bartlett *Stephen Bayus David Beebe *Patricia Benes *Lynne Betley Adam & Ashley Blackburn *Pat Bogan Harvey Bomberger *Bernard Boraten *Peter Bostock Carol Ann Brady *Mr. & Mrs. J. Reeve Bright Peter Brown Warren Brown

Bernie & Betty Brzoska *Mr. & Mrs. Peter Callaghan Buck Chambers Walt Choma *Mr. & Mrs. Charles F. Clement III Mary Crabtree *Bill & Eva Devlin Edward Dul Erle Ehly William Epprecht III Jim & Rebecca Feeney Rob Fetterman Chuck Frankenfield\ Al & Kitty Funk Walt & Debbie Gadzicki Bill & Wendy Gaunt *Valerie Gaydos *Susan Geyelin *Edward Glausman JoAnne Grafe * Mr. & Mrs. Temple Grassi *Susan Greth *Pat Hagarman Mark & Leisa Hamill *Alex Handy Frank & Dot Hanson Frances Hawkins Grace & Philip Herstine Allen Huber George Irwin Peggy Jo Irwin *Liz Jackson Hillard Jaffe *Myles Jaffe *Erik & Karen Jensen John Jogan *Michael & Nancy Johnson *Gordon & Lynn Keen, Jr. *Amy Kimball John Kimball Eric & Christine Klag Peter Kleponis David Scott Knauer Allen Koehler *Jamey Koury Louis Kozma Dorothy Kulp *James Lafferty Johanna Lamson Signe Larsen Gail Latch Heidi Lehman *Mr. & Mrs. Richard H. Lusch Eugene Majerowicz Joe & Sandy Manganello

Karl & Dolly Mann John & Helen Manney Joan Matheson Owen & Patricia May Joe & Vianna McGeeney Gordon & Lynn McLean Debbie McLeod Bob & Faye Michener Tom & Nanue Miles Jack Mitchell Erin Murphy Joe & Angie Myshko Joe, Sharon & Jamie Parone Larry Pavlik Dennis & Nancy Perna Mike Pilotti Mark Podvia Vincent Rachfalski Shethra Rigg Bonnie Robinson George & Phyllis Rumpp John & Charlotte Ryan Bob & Peg Salinger Ron Schmidt *Bunny Schnell Mary Seacrist Susan Shuman Eric & Mary Stewart *Randy Stopher Sandra Sudofsky Lori Theis Peter Thorwarth Rosanne Thorwarth Jane Vegso *Lynne Whelan Agnes Wiedmann Richard & Eleanor Wolf Bob Wright Mark & Judy Yanchek Victor & Nancy Yarnell Robert Young Donald & Marguerite Zern

The Out-going Presidents Report from page 1

in leadership of the Board, with Christopher Zeliznak assuming the presidency of the Schuylkill Canal Association. Ive been honored by the chance to serve the Association in this capacity for the last four years. Chris is a great fellow, full of ideas, energy and enthusiasm, and I look forward to working with him, the other Board members, and Betsy in the challenging days ahead.

The Presidents Report

from page 1

the Associations management and volunteers will be high. Now is the time for everyone who has considered joining the Association to take on a personal challenge to help the Schuylkill Canal Association handle our upcoming challenge and to further our efforts to preserve and restore our rich heritage of local historyfor the benefit of our community and for people from across the region. It is a great feeling to be welcomed into an area as if you have lived there all of your life as I experienced. The Schuylkill Canal Association wants to extend that welcome to new people and we would love to have your help.

The Executive Directors Report

from page 2

Things change but forever stay the same. Isnt that how the saying goes? It is true, SCA is always evolving and changing, and we need to, to keep up with an ever-changing environment. But we remain steadfast in our mission to preserve and maintain the Schuylkill Canal as a regional heritage resource for all to enjoy.
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Help Support the Schuylkill Canal Association.

I wish to become a member of the Schuylkill Canal Association. My dues will go directly to support the outstanding work of the Association in maintaining the canal area as a historic and recreational community resource. I enclose a check in the amount indicated below. Basic annual dues begin at the Friend level of $25.00, although any contribution is welcome. All members receive the Associations news, calendar of events and email notices, if address is provided. Other membership premiums are given at the higher donation levels as noted. Barge Owner: $200: Free hat and t-shirt Boat Captain: $100 Free hat _________ _________ Name: ____________________________________________________________ Organization: ______________________________________________________ Address: __________________________________________________________ Town, State, Zip Code: _______________________________________________ Phone:___________________________ Fax #___________________________ Email: ____________________________________________________________ Website: __________________________________________________________
All contributions are tax-deductible. Check may be made out to SCA, Inc. Mail to P.O. Box 966, Oaks, PA 19456
A copy of SCAs official registration and financial information may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling toll-free within Pennsylvania,1-800-732-0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Locktender: $50 _________ Free Lock 60 postcard Mule Tender: $30 Friend: $25 _________ _________

SCA would be glad to have support from the local corporate community. Please become a corporate member by making a contribution in an amount listed below: Benefactor: $1,000 + Patron: $500 + Sponsor: $300 + Sustaining: $200 + _________ _________ _________ _________

Schuylkill Canal Association 400 Towpath Road PO Box 966 Oaks, PA 19456

Non-Profit Org. US Postage Paid Permit No. 33 Phoenixville, PA

The Schuylkill Canal Association kicks off the 2006 season with its annual St. Patricks Day Hike and Treasure Hunt on Sunday, March 19, from 1-4 at Lock 60, Mont Clare. Be sure to check out all the exciting programs scheduled through the year. The 2006 Calendar of Events is enclosed inside.