Hello to members and supporters of the Montour Trail Council (MTC). I have the privilege of serving as your new president in the year 2004. In addition, due to some unique circumstances all of the other officers are also new in 2004. Mark Imgrund of Peters Township is the new vice president, Astrid Cook of Bethel Park is the new secretary, and Judy Thompson of Thornburg is the new treasurer. Mark, Astrid, and Judy all have been excellent volunteers with the MTC previously. We are very fortunate to have these three very talented individuals as officers. This year should be a very exciting and busy one for the MTC. Speaking for the new officers, I know I can say that we are all looking forward to continuing the excellent work of the previous officers.

The previous officers were very special individuals and are to be commended for a job well done. Peter Kohnke has been excellent in leading us these past three years as president. There has been much progress with adding completed trail during Peter's tenure (the McDonald Trestle opening in September being the most spectacular of these additions). As Peter explained in our previous newsletter, among other efforts he will continue to be an active leader of the Bethel Park Friends Group and the Clifton Road bridge project.

Bruce Barron set the all-time record by handling the secretary position for seven years. Bruce was superb in detailing the events in the MTC board meetings. Bruce also will continue his volunteer efforts by leading our foundation requests activities, heading our public relations efforts, and heading our efforts in billing for property easements.

Mike Pucci served as treasurer for two years. Mike was able to relate the monthly transactions from the engineering & construction process with the appropriate income and expense source. His excellent detailed monthly spreadsheets enabled the MTC to keep an accurate window of MTC's expenses and income. He also was able to acquire a DCNR grant & DCED award for the Peters Township trail connection to Bethel Park. Fortunately for Mike and his family he has received a significant promotion in his day job. Unfortunately for the MTC, this position came with a transfer out of state. We wish Mike and his family great luck in their new beginnings.

The final thank you is to Judy Thomson. Judy is both new and old to the treasurer position. Judy had been the official treasurer for five years before Mike's tenure. She was the assistant treasurer for the last two years. Judy has however expertly maintained the detailed records, managed the bill payment process, and helped our external auditors produce the yearly financial report during the entire seven years and counting.

Thanks again to the special individuals mentioned and to you our members and supporters. As mentioned previously we are looking forward to an exciting and busy 2004 for the MTC. Have a great Montour Trail day!

- Dennis Pfeiffer

Editor's Note: What the very modest Mr. Pfeiffer fails to mention is that he has served admirably as our Vice President. We thank Dennis for his past, present and future service and leadership with the MTC.