The Western MA Exchange

In honor of AMC's 150th anniversary, we're adding something special: A one-time AMC 150^th Anniversary Award to recognize volunteers whose imagination, dedication, and leadership have helped shape AMC's first 150 years and will guide us into the next. This year's award celebrations will take place along the AMC 150 Route, with recipients honored at a location closest to where they live or volunteer. We're bringing the celebration to local communities so that family, friends, and fellow volunteers can join in. Award categories include:

• Distinguished Service Award (AMC's highest honor)
• Volunteer Leadership Award
• Joe Dodge Award
• AMC 150th Anniversary Award (one-time for 2025!)

Click here to submit a nomination.

ATC is the organization that oversees the protection and maintenance of the Appalachian Trail, in partnership with local trail groups, like AMC. Open the 2025 Volunteer Impact Report and scroll to page 4 for mention of the Chapter's work. Many thanks to our AMC Western MA volunteers!

AMC CAREERS »

On November 1, a group of the Chapter's volunteers set out to do trail boundary markings on the Appalachian Trail (A.T.). Our A.T. Committee follows a six-year rotation for MA - each year, thirteen of the state's 90 miles of trail owned by the National Park Service, are marked. This particular boundary survey was along the section from Jug End Road to the Mt Everett State Reservation boundary - an outing with steep and rocky terrain! The boundary marker is a metal post, usually set in cement and attached flush to a rock. It's located using three reference trees that form a triangle around the marker. The distances and directions from each tree make it possible to relocate the marker accurately. Our work involved finding and refreshing the paint on the trees, as well as clearing and scrubbing the metal marker so it's easy to see and identify. We thank the volunteers, Deb, Kathy, Mike, and Peter for their hard work to maintain the A.T. boundaries - a less glamorous but very important task! More Photos

We all know that spending time outdoors is good for us, which is why we do it. But maybe we're not totally aware of why we love it. Danielle Rich, Co-Chair of the Mountaineering Committee and a licensed Social Worker, spoke at the Annual Business Meeting and Celebration about the mental health benefits of spending time outdoors. This is an excerpt from her talk. In recent years, mental health disorders have become the third leading cause of disability, with a global prevalence of over 10%. The lifetime prevalence of major depressive disorder in the United States has risen over the past 25 years and an estimated 20% of the population is reported to experience a major depressive episode (National Institute of Health, 2021). Mental health disorders are associated with lower quality of life, increased hospital utilization, high economic and social cost, and increased mortality. Overcoming a mental health disorder involves more than just a medical intervention. It involves a shift in perspective, a sense of community and belonging and sustainable self-care strategies to help us cope with everyday stressors. There are many studies that prove how spending time in nature can improve mood, lower anxiety, and improve memory and cognition. In addition, prolonged immersion in nature has been shown to effectively manage symptoms of PTSD. Exposure to sunlight and green space helps release serotonin, a neurotransmitter associated with boosting mood, focus and reducing stress. Lastly, one of the greatest benefits we find in nature is a sense of connection, including a better sense of connection to self, community and purpose. Time in nature benefits personal growth, self-esteem, emotional regulation and socialization. Being present in nature allows us to free up our mind, disconnect from the burdens of everyday life and think more deeply and clearly. We hope you find time to get outdoors, and if you're looking for some company, we encourage you check out the upcoming activities in the Western MA Chapter. Come join the fun!

ATC FACEBOOK »

ATC FACEBOOK »

Congratulations to Janine Papesh, the recipient of the Appie of the Year Award for the Western MA Chapter! This award is given each year at the Annual Celebration and Business Meeting to recognize a volunteer who has demonstrated a long-term commitment and dedication to the WM Chapter. Born and raised in Baltimore, Janine inherited from her parents a tireless work ethic, a love of the outdoors, and a deep devotion to Maryland crab in all its delicious forms. Even now, she maintains that crabmeat is a welcome addition to any meal, even breakfast. After college, Janine worked in the Baltimore area before relocating to Boston in the early 1990s with "Mr. Wrong," a man who, regrettably, shared neither her fondness for the outdoors nor for crab. That relationship soon ended, and Janine found herself looking for new friends and new adventures. In December 1993, she joined the Appalachian Mountain Club's Boston Chapter. By participating in AMC activities, Janine discovered the joys of cycling in the summer and cross-country skiing in the winter and found herself a community of like-minded people. Janine's warmth, enthusiasm, and organizational talent quickly made her indispensable. She was recruited to become a chapter trip leader, and also became co-chair of the chapter's membership committee, where she helped welcome countless newcomers. At a chapter orientation event, she met a fellow AMC member who would later prove to be "Mr. Right." But this wasn't obvious at first – he seemed a bit too nerdy for her. They reconnected a few months later under different circumstances, and she decided that nerdiness might be a trait she could work with – so she invited him on a bike ride. They've been riding in tandem ever since. After they married in 1997, Janine continued to pour her energy into AMC volunteer leadership, leading bike and ski trips for more than two decades and transforming her husband into a passable cyclist and skier along the way. When the couple moved to western Massachusetts in 2016, they joined what was then the AMC Berkshire Chapter. At their first chapter annual meeting, they learned there was no active bicycling committee – so Janine promptly joined the Executive Committee and founded one. Over the past nine years, Janine has led more than fifty trips for what is now the AMC Western MA Chapter and has chaired or co-chaired the bicycling committee since its creation. This year, she passes that torch to her close friend and frequent cycling companion, Robyn Maislin, knowing the program is thriving. For more than thirty years, Janine has exemplified the spirit of the Appalachian Mountain Club by being someone who inspires joyous, meaningful outdoor experiences. Her leadership has built community, encouraged countless people to get outside on bikes and skis, and proven that life, like steamed Maryland crab, is best shared with good company. The Western MA Chapter is proud to honor Janine Papesh as its 2025 Appie of the Year! We are so grateful for all that you have done for the AMC and the Western MA Chapter Janine!

On Saturday, October 25, over 65 attendees celebrated a fantastic year with AMC Western MA. Members enjoyed a light buffet, social time, and informative presentations at the Polish American Citizens Club in South Deerfield, MA. Kathy Martin, Chapter Chair, provided the Chapter Year in Review. She thanked our exceptional leaders for planning and executing memorable activities and programs to connect members with the outdoors. Kathy Kindness, Chapter Membership Chair, recognized three 50-year members and 23 25-year members for their long-term commitment to AMC. After receiving their 25-year pins, Lorraine Mangione and Jim Schumacher shared photos of family trips to the AMC huts over 30 years! This was truly a testament to how AMC facilitates lifelong bonds and creates memories. Jon Cocina, Director of Membership for AMC, lauded the chapter for planning 237 activities for 1,492 participants so far in 2025. He noted AMC staff were particularly impressed with the 20s/30s group, stating "this emerging group is known as being passionate, collaborative, community-centric, and has created impressive goals and action plans for 2026." Jon praised the NET committee for their year-round commitment to making trails safe and accessible, and applauded Western MA activities such as Women's Weekend. He noted that the Executive Committee created achievable goals for 2026, with good plans to reach them. His presentation continued with AMC's club-wide initiatives to grow membership and engage people with the outdoors, including the AMC 150 anniversary relay from Virginia to Maine. He noted that AMC Western MA took the lead in adopting relay sections and activities in honor of AMC's big bash. Our first local speaker was Jim Pelletier, Western MA's A.T. Committee Naturalist. In "Wildlife of Berkshire County", Jim noted that wildlife transect data show bears, rattlesnakes, beavers, moose, and even fishers spotted on or near western MA trails. He also reported evidence of invasive species, including the Emerald Ash Borer. His informative (and sometimes humorous) videos captured bears, deer, and other animals enjoying the trails — or the trees for a good back scratch. On a more serious note, Jim highlighted the ongoing study of A.T. foot traffic (over) and wildlife crossings (over and sometimes on) the Mass Pike near Becket, MA. Danielle Rich, Mountaineering Co-Chair and licensed clinical social worker, provided an exceptional overview of prevalent mental health concerns in western MA. She also discussed scientific research confirming the beneficial effects of outdoor activity on mental health and on making social connections. In addition, Danielle spearheaded the collection of coats and other winter gear to be donated to the unhoused in western MA. Hopefully, the coat drive initiative can become a regular part of the annual meeting. The meeting concluded with several items of business: recognition of the 2025 Executive Committee, welcoming new leaders, celebrating the Most Valuable Committee Members, thanking NET adopters, and honoring the Appie of the Year. The Appie of the Year award was presented to Janine Papesh, the outgoing Bicycling Chair. More on this well-deserved award in a separate post. Kayla Crowe, Training and Education Chair, and Hew Hart, 20s/30s Chair, handed out the Most Valuable Committee Member Awards to the following committee members:

• 20s/30s: Kevin Morgan-Rothschild
  
• A.T. Management: Gary Adamson
• Bicycling: Robyn Maislin
• Communications: Lisa Taylor
• Family Programs: Dawne Piers-Gamble
• Hiking: Margot Lacey
• Mountaineering: Danielle Rich
• NET Management: Patrick Henry
• Paddling: Ann Gillard
• Training and Education: Hew Hart

Those assembled approved the 2026 Executive Committee Members. Officers

• Chair: Kathy Martin
• Vice Chair: Vacant
• Treasurers: Deb Weisenstein/Warren Buhl
• Secretary: Mary Hogan

Standing Committees

• 20s/30s: Hew Hart
• A.T. Management: Russ Skelton
• Bicycling: Robyn Maislin
• Communications: Jeannette Pierce
• Community Engagement: Dawne Piers-Gamble
• Conservation: Vacant
• Family Programs: Laura Stinnette
• Hiking: Mike April
• Membership: Kathy Kindness
• Mountaineering: Chris Neil/Danielle Rich
• NET Management: Vacant
• Paddling: Deb Weisenstein/Bonna Wieler
• Training and Education: Kayla Crowe
• Member at Large: John Adams
• Member at Large: Kim Carlino
• Webmaster: Lisa Taylor
• Past Chair: Diane Jones

We are supremely grateful for all the volunteers - activity leaders, trail maintainers, and Executive Committee Members - who make the Chapter what it is! And much gratitude goes out to Kathy Kindness, Membership Chair, for the many of hours of time spent planning this wonderful event! View more photos on our Facebook page.

AMC RESOURCES »

This month's Committee Highlight focuses on the Membership Committee. Under the leadership of Membership Chair, Kathy Kindness, the Chapter has gained 68 new members this year. As of September 2025, our chapter has 2,869 members. The Membership Committee planned several events this year. Our AMC Day at Prospect Mountain, VT, was a "greet and ski" event. Our National Trails Day event, scheduled for June 6 in Cheshire, MA, was to include trail maintenance, a bike ride, a paddling trip, a hike, and a tabling event. Unfortunately, torrential rains put a damper on things for both events! We are planning the greet and ski as well as another National Trails Day events for 2026. Kathy also held multiple tabling events at various locations around western MA. This year, we celebrate twenty-three 25-year members and three 50-year members! We are so thankful for their long-term commitment to the Appalachian Mountain Club! Our 25-year members are: Byron Call, Elizabeth Dillman, Kim Gangwisch-Marsh, Larry Hunter, Kaye Lynn Johnson, Kenn Kaminski, Christine Keenan, Grant Kendrick, Naomi Klayman, Emma Kolchin-Miller, Linda Lopatka, Lorraine Mangione, Sheila Marks, Sheila Marks, Douglas Marshall, Sarah Marshall, Steven Miller, Cathy Schoen, James Schumacher, Patricia Stevenson, George Turkington, Roy Van Driesche, Alice Weis, and Jonathan Weis. Our 50-year members are: Harold Grinspoon, Thomas Rossi, and Marcia Rossi.

AMC RESOURCES »

REGISTER »

Officers

• Chair: Kathy Martin
• Vice Chair: Vacant
• Treasurers: Deb Weisenstein & Warren Buhl
• Secretary: Mary Hogan

Committee Chairs and Coordinators

• 20s/30s: Hew Hart
• AT Management: Russ Skelton
• Bicycling: Robyn Maislin
• Communications: Jeannette Pierce
• Community Engagement: Dawne Piers-Gamble
• Conservation: Vacant
• Family Programs: Laura Stinnette
• Hiking: Mike April
• Membership: Kathy Kindness
• Mountaineering: Chris Neil and Danielle Rich
• New England Trail Management: Vacant
• Paddling: Deb Weisenstein and Bonna Wieler
• Training and Education: Kayla Crowe
• Member at Large: Kim Carlino
• Member at Large: John Adams
• Webmaster: Lisa Taylor
• Past Chair: Diane Jones

In honor of the native tribes that roamed this area, we should always be mindful of protecting the trails and wild places for generations to come. Remember to follow the Leave No Trace principles. Other ways to become stewards of the trails is to bring a bag to pick up trash on your hike, clear branches along the trail, or come volunteer with us on trail maintenance outings. You can browse all upcoming activities here.

The 2025 AMC Photo Contest welcomes images of nature and recreation taken in the Northeast and the Mid-Atlantic. This year's categories are:

• Joyful Experiences: Share your candid shots from an outdoor adventure.
• Welcoming Community: Share your images of human connection in the outdoors.
• Critical Landscapes: Share your images that capture the natural beauty of the Northeast and Mid-Atlantic.
• Outdoor Access: Share photos that celebrate the tools, gear, guides, and open gates that break down barriers to the outdoors!

The entry period runs from October 3 to November 2, 2025. Winners will receive AMC prize packs and outdoor gear, plus be featured on AMC's website, social media, and in our member magazine. LEARN MORE »

MORE PHOTOS »

Member Jim Pelletier will present on wildlife in western MA, and will update us on the Mass Pike wildlife bridges study. Member Dani Rich will share how being outdoors can be beneficial to our mental health and social well-being. As part of our commitment to giving back to the communities where we live, work, and recreate, our chapter is collecting lightly used winter gear for unhoused individuals across western MA. Please consider bringing gently used winter coats (insulated, softshell, Gore-Tex, hardshell, or fleece), winter boots, hats, gloves, or scarves. Your donations will help keep someone warm this winter. Thank you for your support! Our gathering will include light refreshments and a cash-only bar. Space is limited so sign up today! REGISTER »