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P.O. Box 242, West Newton, Pennsylvania, 15089 United States
2020-present, Over The Hill Gang
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meet our over the hill (maintenance) gang (part 1)
Bob Hand
Jim Lockschmidt
Tim Aaron
Bob started helping with the OTHG in 2008, shortly after retiring and helped only on special work parties until sometime in 2009. Because of his extensive riding on the GAP since 2001, he learned that it was a volunteer organization that maintained the Trail and felt he wanted to help. Bob states, “Being part of a dedicated group that takes pride in the work we do to maintain the Westmoreland County Section of the GAP has been very satisfying.”
In addition to showing up for the weekly work parties and contributing physical efforts, he helps to plan equipment purchases and projects, and writes grant applications to pay for the equipment and supplies needed to maintain and improve the Trail. “It is very rewarding when a grant is awarded to the Trail and I feel a sense of pride and accomplishment knowing that monies will be spent improving the Trail and purchasing items for future maintenance.”
Bob wants future volunteers to know that they can participate in a group (OTHG) that is making meaningful contributions to one of America's greatest recreational resources as well as helping to rebuild the economic base of the Yough River valley communities.
Tim Aaron
Jim Lockschmidt
Tim Aaron
Tim has been a member since 2005 and lives locally, in West Newton, along the GAP Tail. He joined because he knew Paul Hamilton, one of the Original Over The Hill Gang (OOTHG) members. Tim’s specialty is maintaining the equipment. He brings technical and mechanical skills to the OTHG.
According to Tim, “the inventory of equipment has grown tremendously through the years and included dump trucks, mowing tractors, excavators, trailers to haul excavators, chain saws and more.” Tim states, “my most challenging work is learning the new equipment, like the front loader for the tractor. You Tube is a tremendous help.
Recently, the OTHG received equipment from a generous donor, a WYTC member, which included hand and battery-operated tools, such as saws, drills, and grinders. We are thankful for those."
“Most of the equipment is on hand, which makes it easier for the Gang to use when needed. The pipes along the trail need cleaned occasionally and we will contract with professionals if need be. Drainage is important!”
Jim Lockschmidt
Jim Lockschmidt
Jim Lockschmidt
Jim has been working on the Trail with the OTHG for about 9 years. After retirement, he was looking for something to do and Trail work was just what he needed. Jim states “I'm working with a great group of people, I love the outdoor work, and getting to meet people from all over the country is really interesting. You get to learn what other bike trails and people throughout the country are like.” Jim enjoys the camaraderie among the crew and after a hard day’s work, stopping at the Trailside Pub for a cold drink before going home. “It is always light-hearted fun and talk.” Jim states, "some of the maintenance includes cutting trees to clear the trail, repairing washouts, cutting the grass and maintaining the benches. Also, in some cases they repair gates and do whatever is necessary to maintain the Trail to keep the bikers and walkers happy."
Jim Logan
Franklin Reese
Jim Lockschmidt
Jim believes that he has been volunteering for more than 5 years. He really enjoys working with all the members of the group. Jim states, “All the members of the group are great people. We have a lot of fun, but we work hard to keep the Trail in great shape.”
“Just like all members of the group, we do any maintenance that is necessary to keep the Trail in great shape.” Jim wants future volunteers to know that any help and time is always appreciated. “It’s hard to get new volunteers, but if you like to ride a very nice trail, volunteering is a great way to have fun and to help maintain the Trail.”
Franklin Reese
Franklin Reese
Franklin Reese
Franklin has volunteered with the OTHG since the early 1990’s and was one of the original members to begin working on the Trail. Read the story about the Original Over The Hill Gang (OOTHG) Members. Franklin’s name is etched on the OOTHG plaque on a boulder, across from the Trailside Restaurant, on the river side. Franklin lives 18 miles from the Trail, in New Eagle. Franklin states “There is a lot of similarity over the years in the type of work that we do such as keeping the trail in shape in any way possible. In the early 1990’s there were few tools and equipment. Things have changed a lot since then and we have a work barn.”
One of the original volunteers, David Hamilton, asked him to get involved with the OOTHG (Original Over The Hill Gang). While Franklin’s wife enjoyed Cedar Creek Park, Franklin and Dave worked on the Trail. Dave asked Franklin to volunteer because he saw him riding his bike one day on the trail.
Franklin enjoys working with all the volunteers who mainly cut trees, weed whack, and build picnic shelters with roofs. They also place benches along the Trail to honor someone.
He believes that “the work is the same as in the 90’s, but there is more variety.” Franklin encourages new volunteers to join. “You don’t have to be over the hill to volunteer. Any age is good. The camaraderie makes it worth it. It is fun and someone is always telling jokes.”
Rest in Peace Franklin (Feb.10, 2022)
Bert Conde
Franklin Reese
Franklin Reese
BERT LIVES IN SOUTH PARK. HE IS RETIRED FROM PEOPLES GAS AS A GAS MEASUREMENT REGULATOR SPECIALIST. HE HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING SINCE 2021. HE HAS ALWAYS BEEN INVOLVED IN HELPING TO CONTROL OVERHEAD VEGETATION ALONG THE TRAIL AND THE REMOVAL OF TREES BLOCKING THE TRAIL AS WELL AS OTHER ROUTINE AND EMERGENCY JOBS.
RICK HORNICK
RICK HORNICK
RICK HORNICK
RICK IS FROM NORTH HUNTINGDON AND HAS BEEN A MEMBER OF THE “GANG” SINCE 2021. HE IS A RETIRED COMPUTER NETWORK ENGINEER AND A US NAVY VETERAN. RICK HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING SINCE 2021. HE IS ONE OF THE THREE PRIMARY GRASS MOWERS WHO KEEP THE SIDES OF THE TRIAL IN PRISTINE CONDITION. RICK IS ALSO INVOLVED IN THE COLLECTION OF WATER BOTTLE CAPS THAT ARE RECYCLED INTO OTHER USABLE PRODUCTS. ALL OF THE HUNDREDS OF BOTTLES OF WATER THE GANG USE OF THE COURSE OF A YEAR ARE PUT TO GOOD USE THROUGH HIS EFFORTS.
OLLIE HILL
RICK HORNICK
RICK HORNICK
OLLIE IS A WEST NEWTON NATIVE WHO RETIRED AND RETURNED TO THE AREA AFTER 46 YEARS AWAY WORKING IN VARIOUS POSITIONS IN THE WASHINGTON DC AREA. HE IS A VIETNAM ERA ARMY VETERAN. HE HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING SINCE 2021. OLLIE BRINGS A LOT OF EXPERIENCE IN BUILDING AND REPAIRING THINGS AND HELPS IN WHATEVER NEEDS TO BE DONE ON THE TRAIL. SINCE HE LIVES SO CLOSE OT THE TRAIL, HE IS OFTEN THE ONE WHO RESPONDS TO DOWNED TREES AND OTHER URGENT ISSUES.
JOHN BRUNORY
RICK HORNICK
JOHN BRUNORY
JOHN LIVES IN COLLINSBURG AND HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING SINCE 2021. HE RETIRED FROM THE WEST MIFFLIN GENERAL MOTORS PLANT AFTER 35 YEARS OF SERVICE. HE IS A NAVY VETERAN. JOHN HAS BECOME ONE OF OUR STEADY WEED CONTROL SPECIALISTS, KEEPING WEEDS FROM THE TRAIL BOLLARDS, BENCHES, PICNIC TABLES AND OTHER OBJECTS.
meet our over the hill (Maintenance)gang Part 2
Sam Cover
John Warhold
John Warhold
Around 2007, Sam states that he was introduced to the OTHG after listening to glowing comments from member Dave Hamilton, a member of the Original Over The Hill Gang, a group that formed in the early 1990’s. Sam began working on maintenance projects such as tree removal, spreading gravel, trail grooming, drainage, etc. Sam acknowledges that “It was, however through the Belle Vernon Rotary along with the OTHG that I worked on the pavilion at Smithton and the building, painting and installing new permanent signs that mark features of the Trail.” “Due to open-heart surgery my physical work has been limited the last two years, so I have instead worked on the rail car at the West Newton Station securing the outside with welding, paint and repairs and the inside with paint and exhibits of historical and geographical highlights on the Trail in our section.” His wife Sandy worked with him repairing the interior of the rail car.
Sam states “Working with this group has been a joy as I listen to the stories and enjoy the fellowship. I've learned a tremendous amount about the history of my area and about skills I had never tried. Most of all, it is FUN. Every person has a great sense of humor and makes everyone feel needed and welcome. One realizes immediately that his/her volunteer time is necessary to the continued success of an important resource of our area.”
John Warhold
John Warhold
John Warhold
John has been a volunteer for about a year and a half. Having a sense of humor John states “I tried to join the OTHG 20 years ago, but they told me I was too young. I am now 70.” Confirming what others have said about volunteering, John states “It is good to work with people who are really proud of the trail. The team spirit and the ‘Atta Boys’ from the guys and especially the Trail users makes this work so rewarding.”
John is happy because in 2018, his big project was to get all the benches painted, and he started to work on the old P&LE mileage markers and the bench in front of the station. Unfortunately, he has been unable to work for a while due to an injury in October 2018 and hopes to be back by April or May.
His wants new volunteers to know that they will be working with great people. He was personally welcomed by this group and he looks forward to working this summer.
John is the 2022-23 VP of the WYTC.
Jack Zewan
John Warhold
Jack Zewan
Jack has been a member of the OTHG for 6 years. He was riding his bike on the GAP and saw Tim Aaron who mentioned the work crew – The OTHG and what they contribute to the Trail. Jack said “this sounded interesting because I’m a retired shop teacher. This work would be right up my alley.”
"Whatever needs done, we do it. With the recent rain, cleaning the trail, especially landslides have kept us very busy. There were so many washouts. Also, the OTHG hires contractors sometimes to handle the excavation, the big work. It’s fun watching them and especially, the result."
When the crew is working, and travelers/campers slow down and thank them, it is immensely rewarding. Jack’s advice to new volunteers “Give it a try!" Jack states, "It’s not mandatory. Some volunteers come and go." However, one of the new guys is about 30-Chris who lives in the area. Chris cuts grass in his free time. Jack states “The OTHG has lots of fun working on the Trail. They go to the Trailside for sandwiches and refreshments/drinks afterwards. They spend 3-4 hours working, and 2 hours afterwards at the Trailside restaurant.” Jack enjoys spending time with the Gang and making contributions which benefit anyone who travels on the GAP.
Meet our over the hill (maintenance) gang Part 3
Charlie Carey
Charlie Carey
Charlie Carey
Charlie has been volunteering for 4-5 years. He lives near Van Meter, along the Trail, and as such, he saw that things needed to be done to maintain the Trail. Tim Aaron saw him one day when riding his bike and encouraged him to join The Over The Hill Gang.
“One day a tree fell on the Trail and I helped the Gang to remove it. I enjoy being outside, cutting grass and weed-whacking.The OTHG works once a week, on Wednesday. A lot of the time we are involved with weed-whacking, tree trimming, cleanup of fallen trees, and generally trail cleanup, especially after all the heavy rains.”
Charley states, “This year we’ve had a lot of rain, and most challenging tasks are clearing ditches, and repairing the Trail when it is washed out due to rain. There is a lot of manpower needed to remove trees from the Trail, especially when it is blocked. When the boulders fall, the Trail has the needed equipment such as a tractor, to move them. If you see a problem on the Trail, contact the Trail Manager, Leslie Pierce and she will call Bob Hand.”
For future volunteers Charlie states “You will have fun and it is very busy work with trimming and resurfacing, replacing poles, bollards, and gates.”
He says, “some bikers ride bikes like they drive a car.” My advice to bikers is to slow down on the trail to allow us to work for your benefit. The OTHG will begin working again in March with nicer weather. Charlie says, “I’m looking forward to it.” “You meet people from all over the world. Some don’t speak English. But many comment on how well maintained the Trail is compared to others. It makes for an interesting day.”
Jerry Andre
Charlie Carey
Charlie Carey
JERRY RESIDES IN HEMPFIELD TOWNSHIP NEAR IRWIN AND HAS BEEN VOLUNTEERING SINCE 2017. HE IS A RETIRED ENGINEER WITH WESTINGHOUSE CORP. IN WALTZ MILL, PA. HE HAS BEEN INVOLVED IN MANY ASPECTS OF TRAIL MAINTENANCE AND IS GAINING EXPERIENCE IN OPERATING THE EXCAVATOR AND IT MANY ATTACHMENTS. HE IS ALSO EXPERIENCED IN OPERATING THE JOHN DEERE TRACTORS.
MEET OUR OVER THE HILL (MAINTENANCE) GANG PART 4
Rowan Reid
Connie Petras
Connie Petras
Rowan has been volunteering with the OTHG for over 25 years and is a member of The Original Over The Hill Gang (OOTHG). His contributions are the same as others for maintenance, clearing, building, etc. but further, Rowan served as President of the WYTC in its formative years. You will find Rowan’s name etched on a plaque, on a boulder, across from the Trailside Restaurant. Rowan states “I live in Rostraver, close to the Trail. When the WYTC sponsors an event, I can easily arrive early to help with setting up and tearing down the canopies. I enjoy helping with each event sponsored by the WYTC. “
“How the Trail has changed! Over the past 25 years, there has been much construction, improving the infrastructure, collaborating with many agencies and Trail supporters to make it what it is today.”
Rowan’s advice to future volunteers is to “give back to your communities so that future generations can benefit and then, pay it forward.”
Connie Petras
Connie Petras
Connie Petras
I have biked the GAP trail for quite a few years. A number of years ago a lawyer from McKeesport said to me on the trail: "The trail is something you really should support. It is free and you have exercise, beautiful scenery, and stress relief".
That started it all with WYTC. First a member, then a participant in events, volunteered at events, and then became a trail monitor and the Membership Chair.
After retiring as an RN, I now work at the West Newton Station a couple days/week. It is so enjoyable to talk to folks day biking or going the whole length to Washington D.C. This year, I started working with the "Over the Hill Gang" taking care of the landscaping flowers around the station and King lot, pulling weeds and weed whacking. I love the outdoors and this gives me a chance to help WYTC (a great group) while enjoying the outside time.
Connie is the 2022-23 President of the WYTC.
Over the hill gang in action
2023-07-05 Over the Hill Gang member Ollie Hill putting a coat of John Deere green paint on a debris shield on the WYTC tractorflail mower built by Tim Aaron. Now ready to roll controlling trailside vegetation
2023-05-11 OTHG were busy rehabbing the parking lot at Smithton. These guys are the best
2022 Over The Hill GAng Maintenance report by Bob Hand
Maintenance on the Westmoreland County Section of the Great Allegheny Passage (GAP) is a yearlong job. Winter projects by the OTHG included snow removal at the West Newton Station, assisted a private contractor to remove several dead trees at the King Trailhead, Smithton Trailhead, and built memorial benches in the maintenance building. In the spring, installation of the memorial benches, blowing leaves, removing debris from the trail, grooming, cleaning, and grading the trailhead parking lots, landscaping at the West Newton Station, and moving all of the WYTC administrative files and office equipment from the Station to the WYTC maintenance building.
The summer months included grass cutting, weed whacking, tree trimming and drainage ditch cleaning. A major project for 2022 was the installation of a shipping container along the trail in the village of Van Meter. With funding through membership dues and donations a 20-foot storage container was purchased and installed along with a portable generator, lighting, a diesel pump, and miscellaneous tools. One of our tractors will be in the container, making maintenance of the southern end of our trail section more efficient. The OTHG members will be able to more quickly get to work on that section of the trial by eliminating the long tractor drives to and from West Newton.
A private contractor installed two pavilions at the station. The OTHG assembled and installed 4 memorial benches and replaced many of the bricks installed as a floor of the memorial with memorial bricks purchased by members of the WYTC and the public. This memorial brick pavilion replaces the installation of memorial benches along the trail. One WYTC member built new doors and installed new cork surfaces for the info kiosks along the trail. The 1940’s forklift was replaced by another used forklift for safety concerns.
2 other important purchases were made near year’s end. One is a woodchipper which will allow for quick disposal of tree limbs and small trees and the second was a flail mower which will replace a quite old side arm cutter. Both purchases were made through the funds raised through membership dues, donations, and the Labor Day Poker Run. The OTHG greatly appreciates the support of our members, donors, and the local charitable foundations such as the Mabis McKenna Foundation, the Tucker Foundation, and the Trail Volunteer Fund that allow us to keep the Westmoreland County Section of the GAP the best of all!
