For the Record – May 1, 2014
by Barb Mastriania
It’s really Grassflat …
Last week I wrote about a place I was curious about and had only recently heard about it. I called it Flatgrass. I’ve heard from several people this week, including local historian and author Wayne Short that the place is really Grassflat. I’m told it is located between Snowshoe and Kylertown close to Lance on Route 53. I learned about Grassflat from a visitor in this area for the opening of trout season who grew up in Grassflat.
Pastor Doug to run …
James Conway, aka Pastor Doug of the Methodist churches is running a 100 mile race next month. He is using it as a fund raiser for Western Clinton County Recreation Authority.
The race is the Massanutten Mountain Trail 100 in Virginia. If you’d like to make a donation, it can be sent directly to the center or you can call him at 570-923-1439 for information. Mail to: Donations c/o RAUMC, 11819 Renovo Rd., North Bend 17760.
The recreation authority board of directors is currently planning activities to raise money for an addition to the recreation center. The center wants to add a new weight room that will be more inviting for females who want to weight train. The center has already received $20,000 toward the expansion project.
Pastor Doug’s upcoming run is a predecessor to a bigger event later this year.
Toughest race ever …
Talking about bigger events, the Hyner Challenge certainly fits in that category. The challenge again this year proved to be popular with some 1,200 people. One of the runners, a woman from Paris, France who lives in Philadelphia and who runs frequent races, said the Challenge is the toughest race she’s ever done. She plans to return next year. Quite a few local people run the race each year including Ray Werts, president of the Western Clinton Sportsman’s Association and J.J. Morocko of West Renovo.
Rumor has it, not a clue if it’s true, but it’s said that Father Charles of St. Joseph’s considered briefly doing the Challenge, but had second thoughts because he needed to be fresh for the 5:30 p.m. mass Saturday. I’m not sure if Pastor Doug did the race but he is a frequent runner as noted in the item preceding this one.
It was noted up at Monday’s Community Trade Association that the group of local people doing the Challenge increases each year. County Commissioner Jeff Snyder noted that “you have to be a little loco to do the race.”
Race participants by the way, came in all sizes and ages. I’m told one gentleman was 84 years old.
Another good cleanup …
Lee Walker reports that last Saturday’s area wide cleanup was a success. And it was reported that the PRR group in Renovo and the Endless Mountains group combined with the Clean Sweep group for a very good river bank cleanup.
The first area wide cleanup last spring was organized by Walker of the CTA and Jack Bruno of South Renovo. The PRR and Endless Mountain groups and other volunteers joined the effort to improve the appearance and life in this area.
