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The Macomb Orchard Trail project has come a long way in a short time, even if progress seems to be slow at times. Now is the time to step up our efforts in sup-port of the trail. As aware-ness rises and support grows; so does opposition. The opposition is primarily rooted in fear and misinformation. Correct information can easily replace the misinformation and alleviate the fear. Then our opponents will, hopefully, become sup-porters or at least cease to oppose the trail. That is where we come in. We have a fresh supply of our promotional brochures to help spread the news. I would like to have each of you take at least 10 of them and place them in prominently in a local business or public place. Of course you will have to come to the July meeting to get them. We will have a referral sheet for each bundle that we'd like you to return so that, we know where the brochures have been placed. To answer the opponents, our media committee has created a list of FAQ's (frequently asked questions) that address the concerns of the opponents. A major objective in the purchase and development of the trail is the development of an interlocal agreement among the affected communities to own and manage the trail. All of the communities (except Richmond Township) plus the County Board and HCMA (Huron Clinton Metropark Authority) have voted to accept the concept of the trail and to participate in writing the agreement.

Local government representatives have met twice to start this process, which when complete will deter-mine the apportionment of cost to each community, trail features, law enforcement, and a host of other details. Every detail will require consensus, because any community may opt out of the agreement if they disapprove. This could leave a gap or gaps in the trail that diminish its value.  But it can be done by addressing the concerns and meeting the needs of each community. The more grass roots support the trail has, the easier it is for government. representatives to support. it themselves. Let's work together to make it happen. And the sooner, the better!

The Friends of the Macomb Orchard trail were recently granted exemption from federal income taxes by the IRS. This also means that Contributions to the organization are tax deductible and that "in kind" contributions including mileage for workers supporting trail activities is Also tax deductible. The ex-emption is retroactive to April 30, 1999.

At our April meeting, Christine Hamilton, Chuck Mabley, Bill Remer, and David Rumohr were elected to one year terms on the Board of Directors. Lee Sorensen, John Tarantino and Dennis Tipswood were elected to two year terms. The Board elected Lee Sorensen as Chairperson, John Tarantino as Vice-Chairperson, Christine Hamilton as Secretary and Chuck Mabley as Treasurer. After the election, Bill Remer announced his resignation be-cause he had been appointed to represent Armada Township in the intergovernmental meetings and would have a conflict of interest if he was also on the Macomb Orchard Trail Board. The Board elected Rich Platz to replace Bill for the remainder of his term.

Officers:
Chairperson: Lee Sorensen Phone: 586-781-3756 E-mail: swimbikerun@tir.com
Vice Chair: John Tarantino Phone: 586-677-0482
Secretary: Christine Hamilton Phone: 586-727-4347
Treasurer: Chuck Mabley Phone: 586-727-9874 E-mail: chuckmGklondyke. net,
Director: Rich Platz Phone: 586-749-9153 E-mail: rbplatzCa?klondyke.net
Director: Dennis Tipswood Phone: 586-79-9153 E-mail: tipswordCwwnet.net
Director: David Rumohr Phone: 586-468-8781 E-mail: lrumhorGbignet.net

An engineer by training, but a technical writer in practice. Lee Sorensen worked for the Chrysler Corporation for 26 years. In 1991 he left Chrysler (the paperwork says "retired") to pursue the writing business as a freelancer. About that time, he began running for recreation and to fulfill a long-dormant competitive spirit. He was led to this by his two children who both enjoyed successful athletic careers in high school and college. His wife, Marian, did not share his interest in running so they looked for something they could do to-together. They were attracted to bicycling by cycling friends and by Detroit Free Press articles about the Rails-to--Trails Michigander tour. They started training for this in the spring of 1996, and have pedaled over 1,000 miles in training and touring during each of the last four years. Reading that the rail line near his home was available for conversion to a rail trail (our beloved Macomb Orchard Trail), he decided he could help. Lee has been an active participant in the Friends group from the beginning. He currently serves as President of The Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail.

Meet Lee and many other interesting people-Attend the July 11th General Membership meeting
 

"It is not the critic who counts, not the man who points out how the strong man stumbled., or where the doer of deeds could have done better. The credit belongs to the man who is actually in the arena; whose face is marred by the dust and sweat and blood; who strives valiantly; who errs and comes short again and again; who knows the great enthusiasms, the great devotions and spends himself in a worthy course; who at the best, knows in the end the triumph of high achievement., and who, at worst, if he fails, at least fails while daring greatly; so that his place shall never be with those cold and timid souls who know neither victory or de-feat."
 

With the arrival of summer, there are numerous opportunities to help pro-mote our trail. Beginning immediately we need people to staff tables/booths at public events. We now have a TV/VCR, shirts to sell and brochures to give away in our efforts to gain support in the community. No training is required, just an interest in helping the trail. We will provide all the materials you need.  This message is to all members, but especially those who have not attended recent meetings and thus may be unaware of this need. Please check your calendars and see if you can work at any of these events, even if only for a few hours. Please call or e-mail Lee Sorensen with your availability. The more public support the trail has, the faster it can be developed. The following is the present schedule of events:

July 20 (Thursday), 4:00 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Lake Orion High School. The Rails-to-Trails Michigander bike tour will be stopping here overnight and as many as 1,000 cyclists will participate in this event.
September 1-3 Romeo Peach Festival.
September 7-10 Good O'1 Days in Richmond.

Don't let the summer slip by without helping the Friends of the Macomb Orchard Trail.
Plan to attend the monthly meetings at 7:00 p.m. on the second Tues., of each month.

The meeting dates for the rest of the year are as follows: July 11, August 8, September 12, October 10, November 14, and December 12. All meetings are held at Camp Rotary (Wolcott Mill) Activities Building, 2(_)505 29 Mile Road (between North Avenue and Romeo Plank) at 7:00 p.m. Please mark your calendar and plan to attend. The July and October meetings are designated as membership meetings, whereas the others are officially Board of Directors meetings. All meetings are open to all members.

Representatives from local governments, the County government,, the Friends Group and the Huron-Clinton Metropark Authority (HCMA) have begun meeting to write an agreement that will provide for the ownership, development and management of the proposed Macomb Orchard Trail. These meetings are held on the second Wednesday of each month at Camp Rotary.

Remember, it is an election year. Vote for candidates that support the Macomb Orchard Trail

Wednesday of each month at Camp Rotary. These 3:30 p.m. meetings include time for public comment.

As avid outdoor enthusiasts, it is some-times hard to understand why someone would oppose a project like the Macomb Orchard Trail. The fact remains, however, that there are people who are speaking out in opposition of the trail. Unfortunately, much of the anti-trail rhetoric is factually incorrect and seems to be intended just to raise fear amongst the voters. Often these messages are anonymous using the "Sound Off" columns in the local papers. As supporters of the Trail we must counter these attacks by educating the public as to the facts of the Macomb Orchard Trail and other Rails to Trails projects around the State. We know that trails don't bring crime and that this project can and will be cost effective. If you want this trail to become a reality take a few moments and call or write the local paper,, talk to your neighbors and write your politicians. The facts speak for themselves.