Redbank Valley Trails Association
Article appeared on December 21, 2011 in The Leader-Vindicator
The Redbank Valley Trails Association announced at its Board meeting on December 19th at the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church that as of Monday, December 19th, 639 tons of the 1000 tons of crushed limestone donated by Dave Osikowicz of Grange Lime and Stone has been used to surface the area from Liberty Street in New Bethlehem all the way to the Climax tunnel, including the approach to the Bostonia Branch bridge. The remaining 361 tons of the donated crushed limestone will be used to surface an area in Jefferson County to be determined by the group’s construction committee after preparatory work is completed.
The Bostonia Branch bridge which connects the trail in Porter Township to South Bethlehem is being named the Trail Volunteers Bridge to acknowledge contributions made for bridge materials by the Trail Volunteer Fund of The Pittsburgh Foundation. RVTA has a program by which bridges and other structures may be named in memory or honor of a person or group for a donation to the group’s efforts.
Also at the Redbank Valley Trails Association Board meeting on December 19th, it was announced that a $500 
check was presented to RVTA by Craig Coon of First Commonwealth Bank. The check was recently presented to RVTA Board Members at First Commonwealth Bank in Brookville. Pictured in the photo (l to r): RBVT Board members Mike Patton and David Henderson; Board President Darla Kirkpatrick; and Craig Coon, Business Banker with First Commonwealth and recipient of the company’s ‘Spirit of Community Service Award.’ Craig donated his $500 award prize to support RVTA’s efforts.
Projects for 2012 were discussed at the meeting and a list will soon be distributed to the membership. Rules for trail use were officially adopted and a prototype mile marker which follows PAWilds guidelines was also approved for installation along the trail.
The next meeting will be held in Brookville at the Presbyterian Church at 7 PM on January 16th and on the third Monday of odd numbered months through 2012. RVTA will meet in even numbered months at the New Bethlehem Presbyterian Church at 7 PM. Members and visitors are welcomed to attend. For information, please call 814-275-3421 or 814-275-1718.