.jpg)
A record fundraising race and more visibility were noted among the reports given at the annual membership meeting of the Friends of the Chessie Trail (FOCT) at the Hillel House on Feb. 12.
Eric Sheffield, departing chair, was presented a framed Chessie photo by local artist Lad Sessions, one of the first Friends members. All the committees gave brief reports.
In 2023, the Chessie was voted the top third recreational trail in the nation by USA Today. This is remarkable considering the fame and length of some of the other nominees and is a testament to the hard work of the Friends to keep the trail clean and safe, said a spokesperson. In 2023, there were 77,000 visitors to the Chessie trail, according to trail counter data. The FB page and website get visitors not just from the U.S. but also from diverse places like Germany and Nigeria.
The outreach committee participated in over 15 community events in 2023, introducing people to the trail and all that is available on it. The 2023 Run the Chessie had 663 runners, a record number of participants. The race is the Friend’s primary fundraiser and continues to grow each year. Another record is the number of FOCT registered members this early in the year.
The maintenance committee is developing an “Adopt a Section” program for adjacent property owners and interested local groups.
The meeting concluded with a slide presentation by guest speakers Jan Smith and Peggy Dyson-Cobb from the Virginia Native Plant Society.
The FOCT serves as a communications network between groups and individuals who are supporters, neighbors, and users of the trail. It also organizes events and activities that educate, entertain, maintain, and celebrate the trail.
The elected officers for 2024 are Chair Dirk Van Assendelft, Vice Chair Deb Weddle, Secretary Jane Millot-Rouse, and Treasurer Dave Walsh. Board members include Robbie Faulkner, Tom Hackman, Emma Patrick, Chris Wise, Colleen Arnold, Becky McKenzie, Eric Sheffield, Dann Stupp, Fran Elrod, and Mike Friski.
“You don’t have to be a member to participate in any events,” said the spokesperson. All are welcome to join the Friends of the Chessie Trail, and the signup page is available on the website www.friendsofthechessietrail. org.
