The cabin on Upper Goose Pond will open for the season on May 22nd. Hikers are welcome to come and enjoy the cabin on a first come first served basis. Caretakers will be on duty to oversee and manage use of the cabin. The cabin may not be available should the caretaker be absent for unforseen reasons, but hikers may use the tent platforms or camp out on the porch at any time.

During the AMC Annual Meeting there was the presentation of awards in recognition of the outstanding contributions of volunteer time by AMC members to stewardship and public service activities in Trails, Conservation, Education, and Research Programs. The Berkshire Chapter AT Committee had ten members awarded in two categories: The Warren Hart Award which is given in recognition of more than 224 hours of service and The Marian Pychowska Award for 96-223 hours contributed.

Ken and Bonnie Hargreaves — Members of AMC since 1992, Ken and Bonnie met on a Berkshire Chapter hike. Together, they are active in the Berkshire Chapter, President’s Society and on the Board of Advisors since 2001.

For 2009, the Chapter’s “Berkshire Bash” Annual Meeting was a potluck held at the American Legion Hall, 162 Russell St. (Route 9) in Hadley. There was a good turnout of about 50 people, with plenty of food for all—appetizers, main dishes, and desserts.

The Berkshire Chapter hosted the AMC Fall Gathering on the weekend of Oct. 16-18 at Chimney Corners YMCA Camp in Becket and attendees enjoyed hiking, biking, dancing, socializing, climbing on the high ropes, admiring the camp fire and more.

Log into the Member Center at http://www.outdoors.org/membercenter and scroll down to “AMC Discounts” on the lower right of the page to click on the live link. Coleman sells top quality outdoor equipment and at 40% off you can easily get tremendous value for your dollar.

The AMC is offering give-aways month-by-month for a lucky individual who signs into the member center.

The Appalachian Mountain Club praised the recent Congressional passage of the Omnibus Public Lands Management Act of 2009, which includes designation of the New England National Scenic Trail (NENST).

In an effort to reduce expenses and AMC’s carbon footprint, AMC Outdoors will be published six times per year, beginning with the September issue. The magazine will also begin running abbreviated activity listings beginning with the May issue. At the same time, AMC is stepping up its efforts in member e-communications and social networking.