June 29, 2011

Just as in life, people involved with the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails come and go. Though the trail is only a year old, three significant players have disappeared.

Larry Schardt was one of the primary forces that made PA Quilt (and Rug) Trails a reality. Larry was my Soils 422 professor at Penn State University Park campus. I was fortunate to earn an internship at Community Partnerships RC&D after graduation and was given the task to make the trail a reality. In January 2011, Larry officially retired his position as NRCS coordinator of Community Partnerships RC&D, moving on to work on his personal passions: motivational speaking, book writing, skiing and spreading the word of "Rock and Roll". Thank you Dr. Rock and Roll for bringing smiles to people and sharing your enthusiasm for community.

David E. Shenk III, an active board member as well as president of Community Partnerships RC&D, recently fell ill and will no longer be able to serve as a board member. Because of the support of CPRC&D, the PA quilt (and Rug) Trails was able to become a reality and thrive. Thank you Dave for all you have done for the PA Quilt (And Rug) Trails, Community Partnerships RC&D and our community.

Grace Donahey was one of the Tuscarora State Forest Trail Rug painters. Grace, as well as the other residents of Locust Grove Retirement and Rehabilitation Village, were faced with the challenge of translating a hooked rug pattern made of scraps of yarn into a 6' x 8' painted piece that well represented the original piece. Thank you Grace for leaving evidence of your talents behind to be shared now and with future generations.