Every year at the annual dinner the Montour Trail Council (MTC) honors individuals for special contributions with Trail Blazer Spike Awards. These awards consist of an actual refurbished gold painted Montour Railroad spike mounted on a striking wood plaque. This year the majority of the awards were presented for ten years of outstanding support for a completed trail section.

2003 was the tenth-year anniversary of the trail being completed in the Moon Township, Robinson Township, Findlay Township and North Fayette Township sections. These sections, which include the first 11½ miles of trail, have been a huge success in the communities and the entire area.

In 1992, a rather interesting win / win agreement occurred with the four townships. The townships agreed to have their respective "road departments" build the trail. During non-peak "road work" times, the townships built the trail using engineering plans from the MTC and a significant donation from Allegheny County for all of the crushed limestone surface material. The respective friends groups and other MTC volunteers refurbished bridges and installed fencing and signage.

During the last ten years, the Townships have continued to help with major repairs on occasions. Also, the friends groups have donated many, many hours of volunteer service to maintain this aggregate section. Thus, the MTC presented 2003 Trail Blazer Spike Awards in recognition of this achievement.

10th Year Township Awards: Moon Township, Robinson Township, Findlay Township and North Fayette Township.

10th Year Friends Group Awards: Richard Quasey, Dean & Barb Arlett, Jerald Bates, Don Behnke, Bob & Karen Boyce, Jesse & Diane Forquer, Frank Keppel, Tim Killmeyer, Harry Kish, Bill Morphy, Dave Murphy, Dennis Pfeiffer, Donna Rosser & Ted Weidner

In addition, Trail Blazer Spike Awards were presented by the MTC to two very special individuals. Tom Fix was presented an award for his outstanding service in handling all telephone calls to the MTC for its first ten years. Jerry Agin was presented an award for his many years of friendly verbal and written communications with the MTC membership. In addition Jerry maintained the MTC web site for a few years, including performing an excellent upgrade in the year 2000.

Thanks again to all of the recipients of the MTC Trail Blazer Spike Awards. The Montour Trail has become a much better place for all of us to enjoy due to your outstanding efforts.

- Dennis Pfeiffer