GLACE BAY, SUNDAY 22 MAY 2005

The rain that was forecast for todays walk held off and the 31 walkers from The Island Hoppers didn't seem to mind the slightly cold breeze coming off the North Atlantic as we made our way along the Glace Bay coastline.
The weather conditions improved as we continued on into the harbour area and through Renwick Brook and Queen Elizabeth Parks.
We made several stops to view some of the highlights of the walk such as the bird sanctuary at the end of South Street, a group photo in the Renwick Brook area and a quick view of the McLauchlin Memorial at the corner of Brookside and Commercial Streets.
After the walk event we enjoyed a dinner with light and fun conversation at the Glace Bay Miner's Restaurant.
Everyone seemed to enjoy their meals and the staff at the restaurant should be commended for their patience and professionalism in the manner in which we were served.
Several members of the club commented that we should be doing this more often after our walk events and I certainly will agree to this as well.

During the Dinner

I asked the Members if they would support my efforts to bring the CVF Convention to Cape Breton and/or should I persue the matter while in Quebec City during this years convention!

There is still some reluctance or hesitation from the membership to commit to bringing the 2008 Canadian Volkssport Federation's Annual General Meeting/ Convention to the Island; with this in mind I will be going to Quebec City for the 2005 convention and will try to bring back as much information as I possibly can and in the meantime I will start developing a presentation to present to you the members explaining the requirements of a convention. I will not committ the club to this event unless we have an official vote on the matter at our own General Meeting later this year; The conventions for 06 and 07 are already committed, Vancouver and St Alberts so I believe their is plenty of time for further planning.

It was also a great day to welcome back Bill and Shirley Boutilier also in attendance were Kathi and Phil Rice our clubs only international members. What a day to start walking again!!

Hope to see you all on the trail again on SATURDAY, JUNE 04 at 10 AM, Old Branch Road/Trail North Sydney.

Glace Bay Walk, RAIN or SUNSHINE:

The restaurant is booked, the staff are waiting, the trail has been selected, the trail/walk leader is anxious to get going and all is ready for your arrival on Sunday 22 May,2005


Just a friendlly reminder that the Walk in Glace Bay Starts and Ends at The Glace Bay Miners Museum off South Street, Birkely to Museum Street.

Please Use The parking lot on the Right off Birkely Street

Registration begins at 1:30pm, walk starts at 2:00pm

This is a new IVV stamp for this occassion and is a 10K event, we will be using portions of our Glace Bay YRE.

After the walk event I would like a few minutes to talk about the AGM/convention in Quebec City and a possible future plan to bring the convention to CBRM in 2008.

The Dinner begins at 5:00pm, the Miners Restaurant is located in the Miners Village next door to the museum.

If you have not registered and would like to do so, please contact me by email or leave a message with my answering service. There is limited space availability and as of this message there are 34 registered for the dinner and walk.

If you have any suggestions, questions or concerns about the club please talk to me on the trail or anytime.

Walking for the health of it!

Sunday April 24th 2005

Our Walk Leader Phil Irons introduced us to his new route for our Year Round Event in Sydney. Phil, has combined parts of the old route, taken some suggestions from the members, tossed them all into the mix and came up with an almost entirely new walk event.

The highlight of this walk is the use of the entire outer perimeter of the Baille Ard Nature Trail. Phil kept the boardwalk as part of the trail and of course we ended up with a group photo at the "big fiddle" at the Sydney Marina.

There were 28 participants at this event, 6 new members, plus 2 former members who intend to get back to walking on a regular basis and to continue to participate on future walks with the club.

After the Kings Road and pedway at Wentworth Park are completed there will be more improvements to our Sydney (YRE) Year Round Event.

The YRE walk in Glace Bay has had substantial changes over the last two seasons, the new Start Point is The Co Op Gas Bar, 99 Reserve Street, and Robin and Isabel Grant have been exploring the possibilities of changing or improving the YRE in North Sydney as well. The Start Point for North Sydney continues to be The Clansman Motel off Peppett and Baird Streets.


Port Hawkesbury, Glace Bay Walk Events and Club Dinner

our next walk is SATURDAY May, 7th 2005 in Port Hawkesbury, please check the schedule for details.

Why Not Check with other members and car pool, save gas & money; "travelling with friends can be fun".

Then were off to Glace Bay:

Glace Bay Miners Museum Walk Event and Club Dinner

SUNDAY, MAY 22nd at 2:00pm (1400Hrs) REG:1:30pm (1330Hrs)

This will be a new event stamp and not the YRE stamp!

We would like to have as many club members and friends attend a dinner at the Miners Restaurant as possible, this would take place at approx. 5:00pm.

I would like to book the room or tables asap; if you have not done so already, please email or phone me if you will or will not be attending the dinner. at this time I have 20 members signed up, why not join us for a day of Fun and friendship, good conversation etc. and a little exercise.

We will order off the menu, though it has been suggested that the restaurant has at least 2-4 specials on each day at $9.95 each.

This wiil be an informal dinner/MEETING prior to my departure for the CVF convention in Quebec City.

As the club president I need to know if you the members would support bringing the Canadian Volkssport Convention and General Meeting to CBRM (Sydney) in 2008.

During the convention in Quebec City I will be meeting with this years convention organizers and the CVF President Graham Fawcett and our area director Lynda Kanne to discuss the feasability of bringing the General Meeting to Cape Breton in 2008.

There are 300 volkssporters registered for Quebec City as of this past weekend, they will be spending a fair amount of money in Quebec, Why not bring that money and fun to our Island.

Over the next few weeks I want to hear from you the members about this proposal, the executive cannot hold such a meeting or bring it to CAPE BRETON ISLAND without your sole cooperation and approval. There will be a formal vote during our clubs General Meeting in November, however I need to get a general idea now on how the members feel about bringing a General Convention to Cape Breton.

Your approval yes or no will not deter me nor the executive in continuing to promote volkssporting as a healthy experience on our island and we will continue to do our best to provide an island wide walking schedule,(albeit a limited island wide schedule for for 2006 if the price of gas continues to soar) for the foreseeable future.

Walk Events! Dinner! General Meeting! Convention 2008? Benefite of Volkssports!


Come Join us for our Year Round Event Group Walk in Sydney

Sunday, April 24th
Start Time 2:00pm (1400Hrs)
Registration: 1:30pm (1330Hrs)
The Cambridge Suites on the Esplanade
Walk Leader is Phil Irons, 539-2823




From Rilla McLean, Port Hawkesbury, NS

This is to confirm that The Creamery will be opened at 1:15 on Saturday May 7th for registration for the walk.
At 1:45 one of the staff or a member of the Causeway Anniversary Society will give a 10 minute presentation before we start the walk at 2:00 pm.

Jessica Evans MacDonald is our Event Director for the Causeway 50th Anniversary Society. Any questions about the week of August 7-14 should be directed to her.
(please check CBIH annual schedule for walks and BBQ's)

Sorry that I couldn't join you for the walk yesterday (Sunday, April 10th) in St. Peter's - too much snow and mud on the trail.

Rilla

On behalf of the Island Hoppers, I would like to Thank Rilla and Jim for their efforts in organizing this upcoming event in Port Hawkesbury.
There will be a short 10 Minute briefing about the Events happening at the Causeway this year, before we start the walk; plus tea, coffee and some sweets will be available upon completion of the walk event.


Glace Bay Miners Museum Walk Event and Club Dinner

SUNDAY, MAY 22nd at 2:00pm (1400Hrs) REG:1:30pm (1330Hrs)

This will be a new event stamp and not the YRE stamp!

We would like to have as many club members and friends attend a dinner at the Miners Restaurant as possible, this would take place at approx. 5:00pm.

I would like to book the room or tables asap; please email or phone me if you will or will not be attending the dinner.

We will order off the menu, though it has been suggested that the restaurant has at least 2-4 specials on each day at $9.95 each.

This wiil be an informal dinner/MEETING prior to my departure for the CVF convention in Quebec City.

As the club president I need to know if you the members would support bringing the Canadian Volkssport Convention and General Meeting to CBRM (Sydney) in 2008.

During the convention in Quebec City I will be meeting with this years convention organizers and the CVF President Graham Fawcett and Lynda Kanne our area director to discuss the feasability of bringing the General Meeting to Cape Breton in 2008.

There are 300 volkssporters registered for Quebec City as of this past weekend, they will be spending a fair amount of money in Quebec, Why not bring that money and fun to our Island.

Over the next few weeks I want to hear from you the members about this proposal, the executive cannot hold such a meeting or bring it to CAPE BRETON ISLAND without your sole cooperation and approval.

Your approval yes or no will not deter me nor the executive in continuing to promote volkssporting as a healthy experience on our island and we will continue to do our best to provide an island wide walking schedule for the foreseeable future.

Rollie Coombes, president

902-849-0747

Walking for Fun, Fitness and Friendship

GENERAL INFORMATION ON THE BENEFIT OF VOLKSSPORTS:


The Individual-

· Through an increased level of non-competitive physical activity,
ideal for all ages

· Through a greater awareness of the community

· By meeting new friends and sharing a common, enjoyable activity.


The Family-

· By providing an activity in which family members can participate together.


The Community-

· By attracting visitors to the community to participate in volkssport events

· By showcasing their community to volksmarchers from other communities and countries

· By providing a simple,inexpensive and healthy activity for their citizens.

The Canadian Volkssport Federation Has Confirmed....

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport Club will be ten (10) years old in 2007.

The application for membership in the CVF is dated April 10, 1997. The membership application was signed by Wayne Howie, president. The the two signing directors were Philip Irons and Roland Coombes.

At our last general meeting Phil Irons volunteered as the 10th Anniversary Chairperson.
If you have any suggestions for this celebration I am sure Phil will be glad to take them into consideration.

Heel and Toe Newsletter correction

Barb Thistle is the chairperson for our Ways & Means Committee, my sincere apologies to Barb for omitting her name in the column of contacts for CLUB EXECUTIVES.
Barb has been a hard working and concientious member of this club since its conception in 1997. This is Barbs second time to take on this portfolio throughout the lifetime of this club and when not on this committee Barb has organized and helped on many of our picnics/BBQ's and has been a walk leader or sweep at many of our walks.
My sincere Thank You to Barb and again my apology to her for my short sightness.

Rollie Coombes


St. Peters, Battery Park and Rail Trail Walk Event

There were 26 walkers at this Event, 20 regular members and 6 new walkers.

Many members took our suggestion and car pooled to this event, if you want to volunteer to take passengers please contact me before the next walk outside of the CBRM area.

We will be in Sydney on SUNDAY, 24 APRIL, 2005, Walk begins at 2:00pm, registration begins 30 minutes before at 1:30

This will be a Guided Walk of our Year Round Event, beginning at the Cambridge Suites on the Esplanade.

Phil has been working on extensive changes to this event and deserves our thanks for his work in this regard.

Parking should not be much of a problem along the Esplanade on Sunday, however there is a dirt road between the Cambridge Suites parking lot and the Gas Station in that area that is usually capable of holding our vehicles.

Come out and enjoy a walk around Sydney and bring a new walking partner/friend!

tops news

The April May Addition of tops news features a great article on Volksmarching its great
This is a two page article about the walk to "Crazy Horse Memorial near Rapid City in South Dakota and a description of our non-competitive sport.
A worthwhile read especially for the novice walker or those who would like a challenging walk experience.

WALK EVENTS/GAS PRICES?/CAR POOLS


To All CBIH Walk Members,

I continue to send messages out Bcc, however some email groups consider this or recognize it as spam or junk mail, doing my best to get the info out and maintain your privacy at the same time.

The walk at St. Peters Start Time: 2pm, registration begins at 1:30

Sunday, APRIL 10th, 2005

Battery Provincial Park - just before the St Peter's Canal swing bridge; when coming from the CBRM area and of course if coming from the opposite direction you must cross the 'canal bridge' and immediate right to the park!!

Need more details contact Elsie Buck 562-3117.




Walk for fun, fitness and friendship with the Island Hoppers, Cape Breton's only Island wide walking club!


Due to the high cost of gas, it has been suggested that we should be car pooling, this has always been the case, with a lot of our club members; However I feel that it would be prudent of me to suggest this once again.

example: when departing from Glace Bay there will be five club members in my car.

Do you have room for passengers or are you willing to travel with others to help save energy?

If you need the name of a club member in your area please contact me for information and/or are you ready willing and able to take passengers or be a passenger.

A good (suggested only) meeting place to pick up a pax is the Sydney River Mall near Tim Horton's or the Car Pool Lot on George Street near the 125 bypass.

North Sydney/Mines area club members can make arrangements as they see fit or if I may suggest meet at the North Sydney Mall again near the Tim Horton's.

Lets do our part to save energy, make it a habit to car pool, walk or bicycle to work.
Lets make it a habit to car pool to our Island Wide Walking Events as much as possible; take turns sharing the driving as well.
Check with our friends at Velo Cape Breton about bikes and Info:


BIKE CLINIC, SWAP AND SALE

Sunday April 17, 2005 from 10:00 to Noon.
Atlantic Super Store, Parking Lot, Sydney River

Walk for fun, fitness and friendship with the Island Hoppers, Cape Breton's only Island wide walking club!



SYDNEY WALKABOUT WITH PHIL IRONS

A group walk (GW)using our year round event (YRE)

SUNDAY, APRIL 24th, REGISTRATION BEGINS AT: 1:30PM and we step off at 2:00PM

380 Esplanade, Sydney, Cambridge Suites

Phil is working on making some changes to our YRE in Sydney and by all indications this should prove to make this a very interesting walk for our club members and visitors to the Sydney area.

Come out and get your YRE stamp for this walk, this is a good opportunity to walk this event before 30th of June.
On July 01 or thereafter you can walk again on your own or with a friend to get another EVENT STAMP in your EVENT BOOK.

You can do any of our YRE's as many times as you want and stamp your Distance Books accordingly each time you walk the event.

The Event Book can only be stamped twiced each year once with the (+)sign and once without, you can do this for each of our (5)five Year Rounds.

Come! Walk For The Health Of It!

CAPE BRETON A GREAT PLACE TO VISIT

The following is an excerpt from a message sent out by Walking Adventures International, this is the bus tour group that we have guided through the Uisge Ban Falls Trail in Forks Baddeck throughout the past several years. Walking Adventures International are located in Seattle, WA, USA.
WAI are planning a tour to Quebec City in May of this year for the Canadian Volkssport Federations convention and now they are planning a spontaneous mini-tour to Cape Breton during our Celtic Colours Walks in October of this year as well.
Our Celtic Colours walks were not on their schedule for this year however upon getting the information about our fall walk program and the Celtic Colours International Music Festival their interest has been peaked and they are now in the process of trying to fill at least 20 seats for this occassion.

--- Original Message -----
From: "Walking Adventures"

Sent: Monday, February 28, 2005 10:15 PM
Subject: Walking Adventures Update


> Greetings from the Northwest!
>
> The March 2004 issue of National Geographic Travelers magazine ran a
feature article with a Destination Scorecard - a rating of great locations
around the world in terms of management and preservation of the setting. The
Scorecard attempted to answer the question, "How have top destinations
around the world managed environmental problems, cultural erosion, mass
tourism, and other factors that can destroy the 'unspoiled' appeal of a
place?"
>
> Scanning down the Scorecard, the top 10 award were given to:
>
> * Norwegian fjords
> * Cape Breton Island, Canada
> * South Island, New Zealand
> * Torres del Paine, Chile
> * Tasmania, Australia
> * Rocky Mountain Parks, Canada
> * Scottish Highlands, United Kingdom
> * Kruger National Park, South Africa
> * Kyoto historic district, Japan
> * Quebec City historic center, Canada
>
> Speaking from personal experience, we would agree with the survey. WAI
currently offers tours to 9 of these 10 destinations. The only place we have
not yet visited is Kruger National Park, and we intend to remedy that with a
2006 Adventure to South Africa. In fact, of the 32 destinations listed in
the category of Top Scores, 23 of these spectacular settings are featured
for travelers on WAI Adventures.
>
> Sometimes, in the midst of haggling with airlines over disruptive schedule
changes, handling crises caused by hotels double-booking our rooms, or
managing deadlines that seem unrealistic, we unfortunately get distracted
from our mission and our blessings. Seeing an article like this reminds us
of the abiding privilege we have of introducing travelers to the
breathtaking natural wonders of our world, to history-changing stories in
every corner of the planet, and to the myriad mysteries of other cultures.
Excerpt of Message Ends.

With this kind of enthusiasm and promotion, hopefully we can attract more walking groups and individuals to the island, not only in the fall and summer but all year round.
I am looking forward to seeing all our members on the next walk at Baille Ard Trail this Sunday March 20th. Times and Start Point are posted in your schedule and this website.
Hopefully, the next issue of Volkssport Canada should be featuring another article about the Cape Breton Hoppers and our Celtic Colours Walks.
Registration for the dinner(a MUST)can be found in the brochure, please contact me for details or a brochure. Rollie

BAILLE ARD Walking TRAIL:

Make a Move:
Get Back to Nature

PLEASE NOTE: Due to weather conditions, a late snow storm, we were forced to CANCEL this WALK EVENT

NEW DATE: Sunday, March 20th, Registration begins at 12:30 and the walk begins at 1:00PM as originally planned.

I apologize for any problems this may have caused to you, I am ordering better weather conditions for the next event! Rollie


This is the motto of the Baille Ard Walking Trail and on Sunday March 13th 2005 at 1300hrs (1:00pm) that's what we will be doing, getting back to nature and having Fun, meeting new and old Friends and continuing our Fitness program of walking.

REGISTRATION begins at 12:30hrs (12:30 noon).

The Start Point will be as per the schedule of Events:

Rear of Sherwood School, 500 Terrace Street, Sydney

This will be a 10KM event rated at 2B

Our new Trails Coordinator has provided us with a trails report and you will note that we will only be doing a portion of the trail due to the conditions.

At this time snow shoes are not required?
However this is an SK+ Event, you may walk, snowshoe or XC-Ski but we recommend walking as we will be leaving the trail that we had done in the fall, it is not suitable at this time for other activities.

From Stan:

Rollie:

Sunday's pre-walk in Sydney's Baille Ard Trail went well. The weather was excellent; with (8) people participating. The trail in the park was narrow (appox. 16") and firm and lasting 30 min. We walked up to Hardwood Hill and down to Oxford St., back to Terrarence St. to Sherwood School. Then entering the trail for another 30 min. doing it in reverse, ending at the parking lot, at the end of Terrace St. Over all walk: close to 2 hours. Participatants were: Carmel Coffin, Lucy Nadine, Diana MacDonald, Joe MacKinnon, Elsie Buck, Shirley Pettigrew, Charlene Wadden, Stan wadden. Double stamps at next week's walk.

All reported to Tim's at George St. for a pit stop and fuel up lasting another 45mins.
STAN



DO YOU HAVE A TRAIL OR AREA YOU THINK WOULD BE SUITABLE FOR OUR WALKING PROGRAM!!

Please contact the trails coordinator at the next walk so we can consider it for next years schedule of walking events.
Hope to see you all at the next event and if you need a schedule for a friend or for yourself please contact me at 849 0747

CLUB PHOTOS CAN NOW BE FOUND AT:

Trail Photos

The second walking, snowshoe and cross country ski event known as an SK+ takes place at Kennington Cove, near the security hut on the Kennington Cove Rd., located in the National Historic Site Louisbourg, this is a 10Km event rated at 2C.

The Event starts at(1:00PM), registration begins at (12:30), Sunday, February 20th, 2005

During our last SK+ at Mira PP there were 24 participants, bring along a friend and lets try and get our participation numbers up. There is openings for new member candidates for the club!!




The New Executive get together:

Saturday Feb 12th your new club executive met for the first time since our Annual General Meeting in Nov. of 2004. The meeting was held at Rollie's place in Glace Bay.

The newest members of the Executive Stan Wadden (new trails coordinator) and his assistants Shirley Pettigrew and Charlene Wadden are excited to get started on this seasons walking program and preliminary plans are already in the works for the 2006 walking program.

Stan was not deterred by the list of duties presented to him by the president Rollie Coombes and in fact he was quite willing to take on the challenge of the Trails Master. Draft copies of all committee's and their annual reports are being developed.

No stranger to the Ways and Means Committee, Cal Thistle and Barb are beginning to plan for picnics/BBQ's, possible fund raisers; Cal will be looking into writing out the duties of the Ways and Means Committee Chairperson, these should be of assistance to future committees.
Cal will continue to coordinate the call out/phone tree to remind members of our up coming walks.

The presidents, Secretary and treasurers duties will be outlined in a draft in the near future, again this is to help future (new) committees to assist them in their respective voluntary jobs or positions.

The president and trails coordinator will be going to Halifax for the 2nd Annual Presidents Meeting, Saturday, April 16th 2005 with the Atlantic Area Director Lynda Kanne, this meeting will be hosted by the Chebucto Hiking Club. After taking over as the Atlantic Area Director, Lynda wanted to ensure that all clubs in the area were aware of each others programs and to try and ensure that some cooperation was and is taking place, we agreed at the last meeting to try and not hold major events at the same time with the understanding that volkssporters would like to participate throughout the region in all of the bigger events. Example: the Dartmouth Club holds an annual Marathon and we here on the Island now have our Celtic Colours Walks, hopefully we will not hold these events in the same week or at least not the same weekend.

Prior to the meeting the Chebucto Club will have a Guided Walk "Halifax Explosion", anyone may attend the walk and in fact a lunch or dinner is also being planned. Further details will be made available as the meeting draws near and anyone interested in the walk can contact me for more information.

I would like to invite the Area Director and the presidents to Cape Breton next year, as a member of the club I would like your opinion on this please!

During the Annual Club Meeting it was mentioned that a new volkssport group would be forming in the Ingonish area, sponsored by the Northeast Highlands Chamber of Commerce, originally they had considered becoming affiliated with our club or become a separate identity as an affiliate with the CVF; they have decided to become affiliated with the CVF and I have become their unofficial mentor in the ways of Volkssporting.

This new group will be known as "The Northeast Highlands Hiking Adventures".

They will be focusing on the Northeast Highlands Area (Ingonish,Cape Smokey, North River, Highlands National Park etc) and most of their activities will take place in the fall when the tourist go home, this is who they are trying to attract back to the highlands during that interm period before the ski hill opens.

There will be an annual hiking festival and at this time we will be sharing some walks in the area during the festival and further talks are being planned and in fact they have agreed to promote our "Money Point Walk/Hike Challenge Event".

From Mary-Sue MacKinnon, assistant director:

"This festival will be held in the Northeast Highlands September 16th - 25th, 2005. Our full itinerary is not laid out yet, but generally there will be interpretive hikes (long and short) an overnight hike, community dinners, a ceilidh, bonfire, storytelling, etc. These regular activities will be combined with other activities such as kayaking and whale watching. There will be camping opportunities and all of this will take place in the Highlands with perhaps a few short hikes in the St. Ann's area.

We also hold interpretive snowshoe walks during our Winterfest which is held in St. Ann's and in the Cape Breton Highlands National Park. Our Winterfest is scheduled for March 11th - 20th, 2005."

Other notes from the Executive Meeting:

During our executive meeting we were unable to come up with a Vice President, therefore if for any reason I am unable to complete my term of office the Club Secretary would call upon the executive to appoint an interm president pending a General Meeting of the members.

During the next few weeks I and the executive will be talking with you the members about a Club Vice President and the possibility of bringing the Canadian Volkssport Federation's Annual General Meeting and Conevntion to Cape Breton in 2008, plus a bus trip around NS in 2006 also plans for our 2007, 10th Aniversary. There will be a club meeting at the end of May for this purpose, a time and date will be published in the near future.

Snow Shoe, X-C Ski, Walk And Pot-Luck, Fun, Fitness, Friends

Our first event for 2005 will have it all!

Come join us on Feb. 6th, 2005 @1:00pm

The Start Point is Mira Provincial Park, Brickyard Road.
From the 125 (Sydney bypass), Ex. 8 to Rte. 22 (Louisbourg Hwy.)

For those of us who are collecting Event and Distance Stamps your books will be annoted with the SK+, meaning that you can walk or X-C ski and/or snow shoe the event.
This is a 10Km, 2C Event and Carol reports excellent ski and snow shoe conditions.

AFTER THE EVENT: You are all invited to Carol Butts home at 371 Trout Brook Road for a Pot Luck buffet.

Please contact Carol Butts if you have any questions about the Event or the Pot Luck.

On behalf of the club members I want to thank Carol Butts for volunteering her time and home to us, for this first years event.

This would be a good time for club members to voice any concerns they have about this years upcoming events or anything that you feel would be helpful to promote our clubs activities for this year.

Sunday, Feb. 20th we are off to Kennington Cove for an SK+, 10Km Event and again this will be led by Carol


EXECUTIVE/COMMITTEE MEETING:

The new Club executive/committee members and last years executive (if available) are asked to meet at Rollie's home, 364 York Street Glace Bay 2pm,Saturday,February 12th.
There will be discussions about 2005 activities, select a new VP, 10th Anniversary in 2007!!, bringing the CVF's AGM to Cape Breton. If you are a member of the executive or volunteered for a committe,Please contact
bretonhoppers@hotmail.ca if you can or canot make this meeting.

VOLKSSPORT CANADA Jan. Feb & Mar. 2005

A study was published in the Journal of the American Medical Association, led by Jennifer Weuve and the bottom line is "walking gives your brain a workout", there is evidence that better cardiovascular health is related to better cognitive function. Physical activity also appears to have a direct effect on the brain itself. "It appears to promote the production of chemicals in the brain, called nerve growth factors, that improve the brain cells' survival and growth."

If you want to sharpen your memory, attention span, and learning ability, put on your walking shoes and get going.


EVENT ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

Fran Campbell, Coxheath 10 Events

Frank Campbell, Coxheath 10 Events

Janice Wilson, River Ryan 10 Events

Dianna MacDonald, Sydney 30 Events

Carl MacRae, North Sydney 30 Events

Bill Hopkins, Sydney River 50 Events

Ann Coombes, Glace Bay 75 Events

Roland Coombes, Glace Bay 150 Events


DISTANCE ACHIEVEMENT AWARDS:

Bill Hopkins, Sydney River 500 Km

Roland Coombes, Glace Bay 1500 & 2000 Km

Isabel Grant, North Sydney 3000 Km

Robin Grant, North Sydney 3000 Km



Convention 2005 Quebec City

The next Convention and Annual General Meeting of the Canadian Volkssport Federation will take place in Quebec City, May 27 through 29,2005.

For further information on the convention please go to the CVF website and follow the links or phone 418.845.2746 or 418.529.1570.

Bookings for rooms must be done soonest,I'm booked at the Clarendon the convention hotel and was informed that we were fortunate to get a room as they were now booked for that weekend.

Please let me know if you are planning to attend the convention, if for some reason that I cannot attend I will have someone else from our club appointed as a voting member at the general meeting.

Normally the CVF does not plan for conventions anymore then 2 years in advance, however they are now committed to having the convention booked until 2007, therefore we could start planning for a convention here on the island for 2008 if you the members are willing to participate. What a great way to promote our Island and our walking activity to the remainder of the Cape Breton Community(s).

1st Annual Celtic Colours Walks, 10 Oct 2004, This is the group at the turn around point at Gull Cove. We could not have asked for better weather and what a great view! 

2005 YEAR ROUND EVENT STAMPS

Are you getting anxious to get out walking with the group, check the 2005 schedule, we won't be getting back together until Sunday 06 February 2005.

Why not get a few friends and do one of our 5 YRE's either in North Sydney, Glace Bay, Louisbourg, Baddeck or in Sydney.

The +2005 slug will be put on each event stamp shortly after 01 January. Weather conditions permitting I will do my best to change the stamps as quickly as possible.

I am reviewing the rules for the Frequent Walker Progam for these events and hopefully we will come up with a variation of the original concept; example walk 2 or more of the YRE's and walk the remainder for only $1.00 until the first part of the year when the + sign is removed. It is your club and suggestions would be appreciated.


From Our Area Director:

Season's greetings everyone:

I am forwarding an email that was sent to me from the Convention 2005
committee. If you have not done so already and are planning on attending
the convention and taking part in the post convention trips please do so
soon as space and availability are getting scarce.

Please pass on to all your club members.

Lynda Kanne
Atlantic Region Director
Canadian Volkssport Federation
(902)847-1772


Quebec City awaits you May 27, 28, 29 May 2005

Subject: Convention CVF-Quebec2005
Importance: High




Bonjour,

Voici quelques nouvelles du Congrès FCV-Québec 2005. Il reste encore des
chambres disponibles à l'hôtel Clarendon, au Château Laurier et au Château
Bellevue. Toutefois, les inscriptions étant nombreuses, vous trouverez, dans
le document ci-joint, les coordonnées de trois nouveaux hôtels.

Plusieurs marcheurs se sont déjà inscrits pour le voyage volkssport dans
Charlevoix qui aura lieu après le congrès. Si vous désirez y participer,
vous trouverez en pièce jointe les informations pertinentes.



Hi !
Here are few news about the Convention CVF-Québec 2005. Rooms are still
avaible at hôtel Le Clarendon, at Château Laurier hotel and Château Bellevue
hotel. However, due to the high number of registrations, we have added three
hotels. Pleas check the enclosed document.

Several walkers are already registered to Volkssport Bus Trip in Charlevoix
who will take place after the convention. If you are interested by this
trip, see the informations in the annexed document.

CBIH MEMBERS, I WILL FORWARD THIS INFO ON TO YOU INDIVIDUALLY, IF YOU REQUIRE OR ARE INTERSTED!



Yours truly,

Michelle Boivin Nicole Lavoie
Communication Hébergement




AVAILABLE CLUB ITEMS:

The following items are available at this time by contacting the president Rollie Coombes, they will also be available at all of our GW Events:

The Cape Breton Island Hoppers Volkssport 2005 Annual Schedule of Walk Events,

The 2nd Annual Celtic Colours Walks 2005 brochure that was made available during our Annual Club Meeting. Registrationn for a very special lunch and dinner is also available with this brochure.

The "Blue Book", Discover Atlantic Canada Through Volkssporting 2005 has arived and is available for a modest price of $2.00.
The Blue Book outlines all of the YRE's in Atlantic Canada plus the Schedule of GW for all clubs in the atlantic region. The inside cover now list all the YRE's and you can check them off as you complete each event.

There are two copies of FOOTPATHS-SENTIERS 2005 and can be borrowed from the club president as well, one copy was purchased for the club and the other is my own personal copy which I will make available as well upon request.

Members and non-members may purchase FOOTPATHS-SENTIERS 2005 from the CVF at a cost of $8.00 by sending a cheque or money order to:

The Canadian Volkssport Federation/
La Federation canadienne volkssport
PO Box2668, Station 'D'/C.P.2668 Succursale "D",
Ottawa, ON K1P 5W7

This book list all the YRE's and GW Events across Canada, there is a listing of all clubs in each province and territories, The Board Of Directors, trail rating and volkssport acronyms.
This is a very worthwhile book for the traveler or anyone who is interested in volkssporting as a hobby.

The Ways And Means Committee have T-shirts and CVF license plates available as well.

CLUB PRESIDENTS MESSAGE!

Thank You all for coming to the clubs annual meeting and a special Thank You to the new Executive. A special thank you to those who have served on the executive.

We have had a good year and I expect next year to be just as good if not better.
The Island Hoppers schedule of events for next year 2005 have been the result of a lot of work from our outgoing Trails Director Bill Boutilier, I had asked Bill to consider "lighthouses" as a theme for 2005 and as usual Bill has come up with some great walk events. Thank You Bill for all your work.

My Thanks to Shirley Boutilier our former Vice President, Shirley has kept the president on a straight trail and always ready to volunteer for any task that the club required. We hope to see Shirley back on the trail next summer.

The Annual Schedule of Events for 2005 and our Brochure for our 2nd Annual Celtic Colours Walks is available by contacting Rollie:
bretonhoppers@hotmail.ca

Several new members have joined us this year and I want to welcome them to our club, I especially want to welcome Phil Rice and Kathi Rice our first international members from the USA and all indications are that they have introduced our club to another US couple who wish to take out a membership with us as well.

All Executive Members and those who volunteered for different committees will meet in the new year, hopefully before the end of January, I am looking into finding a new venue for our meetings. Please get ready to bring new ideas to the table and listen to what the membership want us to do!!

The following are highlights of our Clubs Annual General Meeting; I have been in contact with the area director since this meeting and we have been considering 2008 as a tenative time for the CBIH to hold the CVF's Annual General Meeting.In 2005 the AGM will be held in Quebec City, 2006 St. Alberts, Alberta and in 2007 it will be held in Victoria BC, originally Victoria wanted to be the host for 2006 but deferred to St. Alberts.

This is a very important decesion for our club to make and it cannot be made without you the club members, I will be attending the AGM in Quebec City, this will be my second CVF meeting and I will be observing as much of the convention as I can, so that I can report back to you and the executive if I believe it is viable for us to hold this event in 2008. This could be a great opportunity for our club and the tourist industry of Cape Breton, The AGM is held in May just before the tourist season here on the island; I am asking for your input on this matter, there are many reasons why we should not but there are many positive reasons why we should, especially for the good of the CBRM and the rest of the ISLAND, if you the membership are ready to work on this project please contact me or keep notes for a special meeting to be held sometime in the New Year after the new Executive have had time to hold their meeting.

Please have a Safe and Happy Holiday Season!


HIGHLIGHTS OF THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING!

The Annual General Meeting of the CBIH was held on Saturday, at 1:00 pm, at the Sydney River Fire Hall. There were 19 members in attendance. President Roland Coombes welcomed the members and called the meeting to order. The Agenda was accepted as presented.

Minutes of the Annual Meeting of January 25, 2004, were approved as read, on motion of Cal Thistle/Ann Coombes. Motion carried.

Correspondence: A card from Shirley Boutilier was read, thanking members for their phone calls, cards, and messages. Our best wishes go to her.

Treasurer's Report: Elsie Buck reported all Bills are paid and no debts. NOTE:Members only may request a finincial report.

Committee Reports:
- Trails Report was given by Rollie - the YRE walk numbers will not be completed until end of December. The total number of walkers on all walks this year was 641. This is up from last year.

- Ways and Means: Jean MacPherson reported that 15 T-shirts were ordered for the Fundy Trip, there are three left; 10 license plates were purchased, three are left. Book covers at $4.00 each are on hand, and pins at $4.00.

Director of the Atlantic Region, Lynda Kanne: She was unable to attend but sent her thanks to everyone for their support during the past year, and welcomed new executive members. The Blue Book, "Discover Atlantic Canada through Volkssporting" will be available in December. Effective Jan., 2005, the seasonal walks will count for two events if they go over the mid-year point, Jun 30-July 1. You will be able to get an event stamp for January through June and another one for July through December, just as is now for the Year Rounds. A brochure of the Annapolis Valley walks was passed to the Ways & Means Committee. The President has a copy of the book, "Footpaths 2005". Members may order this book from the CVF and/or you may borrow a copy from the president.


Old Business:- Walk Box Holders, Recognition: Bill Boutilier built a stand for our walk-box at the Telegraph House in Baddeck (The Telegraph House use the stand for their printer and our Walk Box) - our thanks are extended to Bill. The sites of the Walk Box/Holders has been put on the Web. A letter will be sent to these sites for working with us since 1997; Phil Irons suggested that a plaque with our logo, or something similar, be presented with thanks to them. Ideas will be welcomed.

- Annual Celtic Colours: 250 copies of our scheduled walks for 2005 (Oct. 7-15), in association with the Celtic Colours, have been sent out. The Liaison person Des Davidge,(Canadian & American) requested a press release, featuring CBIH and Celtic Colours, which was provided by the President.

- Annual Challenge Walks: These were introduced by Bill and Shirley Boutilier last year, and the walk was North River. Next year's challenge is "Money Point" (Cape North Village), on Sept. 11. This walk is not for the novice walker.

New Business:

- Canadian Volkssport Federation (CVF) Annual General Meeting (AGM) will be held in Quebec City May 27, 28, 29, 2005. The new website for the CVF is:

Canadian Volkssport Federation

- The Annual Area Directors & Presidents meeting 2005 (Halifax) Saturday, 16 April, to be hosted by The Chebucto Club.

- Event & Distance Books: The President emphasized that it is imperative not to have double stamps in your EVENT BOOK. From Jan. to Jul 01, stamp with the + sign; after July, use the same stamp without the + sign. In Distance Book, you can stamp distance when you do a walk; for frequent walks, stamp in book plus $2; second time is $1.00 (only stamp the distance book).

- Membership: cards & annual fees: Along with collecting annual fees, Elsie will also look after issuing the new membership cards.

Annual Schedule/Program 2005:

- The Causeway Walk Weekend, celebrating the Strait of Canso Causeway's 50th Anniversary, on August 13: The Causeway
It had been hoped to walk the causeway but the officials cannot (were unable to make a decision at the time of our scheduling with the causeway committee) to close the causeway for l to l 1/2 hours.
It is planned, therefore, for the CBIH to start the walk in a nearby designated area in the morning, be back for lunch and the ceremonies.
On Aug. 14, the Creignish Walk, Clare MacNeil is in charge of hosting the annual BBQ & Pot Luck after the supper. The Ways & Means Committee will work with the MacNeils. The Central Nova walk, starting the same day at 9 am, will be at Pomquet Beach, Antigonish.

Celtic Colours Walk, Luncheon & Dinner: Information brochures were handed out which indicates the walk schedules, and the Lunch & Dinner on Oct. 9, with a registration form, and a deadline date for return - Sept. 19.

Cooperation with DVC, CCIMF: Dartmouth had asked to join us for the Celtic Colours in 2005, for this one time only, as their out-of-town trip; they will do three walks and collect fees for those. It is our policy to welcome other clubs who wish to join us.

Hike The Highlands Program (mid-Sept): the Northeast Chamber of Commerce wants hikers/walkers in the highlands in that time period. Rollie has advised them CIBH could sanction walks there. There is a possibility they may become members of IVV or join our national club. He will negotiate.

- 10th Anniversary celebrations for 2006:

Our 10th Anniversary will take place in 2007 as Our first walk as a club took place 21 April 1997 and as far as I can tell our official DATE OF FOUNDING was on:

17 March 97 CVF/FCV # 087

- Bus Tour Committee (trip to Annapolis Valley/Anniversary): Members who volunteered for this committee are: Phil and Ann Irons, Elsie Buck, Judy Lorway, Carol Butts. They will select their own chairman. Their duties also include plannng walk events and dinner party.

- Committees for Walk, Ways & Means (2005/06):
Volunteers for the Trails Co-ordinator: Stan Wadden

Barb and Cal Thistle for the Ways and Means were acknowledged, with thanks.

Election of Officers: President: Roland Coombes

Vice President: Vacant

Secretary: Barbara MacDonald

Treasurer: Elsie Buck

Trail Co-ordinator: Stan Wadden

Shirley Pettigrew as the Assistant Trails Director

Ways & Means Committee: Barb & Cal Thistle

The vacancy of the Vice President will be left with the Executive. It was moved by Phil Irons/Judy Lorway that the Executive be given the power to appoint a member/volunteer to fill this position. Motion carried.

Annual Meeting 27 Nov. @1:00pm
Sydney River Fire Hall
36 Lewis Drive, Sydney River

The following is an excerpt from CBN NEWS:

HEALTH STUDY SHOWS:

Walking, Good Diet May Prevent Dementia

Article written by:
By Sarah Pollak
CBN News Reporter

September 22, 2004


New studies show it is never too late to be healthy. Moderate exercise and a good diet can ward off a slew of age-related problems.
One of the best ways to ward off Alzheimer's Disease may be walking regularly.

Dr. Jennifer Weuve, from the Harvard School of Public Health, said, "Better memory, learning and attention may be achieved by walking as little as two to three hours per week."

New studies show that does not necessarily mean you have to power walk to feel the benefits. But taking a stroll at age 70 and beyond can help keep the mind sharp.

Another new study published in the Journal of the American Medical Association says that walking can even help stave off dementia, especially for older women.

Dr. Weuve said, "This is good news, because walking is a relatively easy way for people to preserve their learning, memory and attention."

Another study says the benefits of a Mediterranean diet, rich in fish, olive oil, fruits and vegetables, extend well into old age, increasing longevity even in men and women in their 70s, 80s and 90s.

The Dutch study found that people in that age range who combined a Mediterranean diet with exercise, no smoking and only moderate alcohol use were 65 percent less likely to die over a 10-year period.

So Let's Keep Walking for a continued Healthier Lifestyle.

Volksmarchers Walk For the Health of it!

The Island Hoppers at Clyburn Valley with Friends from Dartmouth, Hlfx., Great Britain 

Anne & Carol Taking a well deserved break, posing with our then new green t-shirts, 

First Walk Lead by Rilla McLean in Port Hawkesbury 

Nip Hillier showing some of his Walking Sticks