Trails Day 2012 - Village Improvement Association of Rehoboth Beach

VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION CELEBRATES

NATIONAL TRAILS DAY

The Village Improvement Association (VIA) recently celebrated its 17th year of service to the Cape Henlopen State Park National Trails Day.  The 30 volunteers from VIA provided a picnic lunch for those participating in National Trails Day on Saturday, June 2nd.  The VIA volunteers grilled hot dogs and provided homemade accompaniments and desserts for approximately 100 volunteers.

Rob Schroeder, representing the Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, led the Trails Day activities and welcomed everyone and thanked them for their efforts. 

Paul Faircloth, Cape Henlopen Park Superintendent, spoke of the importance of volunteerism.  He commented that in his 17 years at the park over 100,000 volunteer hours have been logged with a conservative estimate of $2 million worth of service to the park.

Rose Marie Patin, VIA Conservation Committee Chairman, also emphasized the importance of volunteerism.  She stated that “the VIA, as a benefactor, has contributed to the state park through contributions and hours served. Other VIA projects in the community, over its 103 year history, included the children's fishing pier, benches on the Boardwalk, founding of the Rehoboth Art League and the Rehoboth Public Library to name a few.”  Patin added that with the planned expansion of the clubhouse, the VIA can increase its membership and its volunteer efforts and charitable contributions within the community.

Other volunteers for National Trails Day concentrated on maintenance of trails and removal of overgrowth, debris and trash.  The groups were: Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park, students from Potomac Mills (VA) High School, Girl Scout Troop 1508 from Laurel, MD, students from Stanton Middle School in Wilmington and supporters of the Global Delaware Fund. 

 

VILLAGE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION
The Village Improvement Association or “VIA” as it is commonly known is a unique women’s civic and charitable organization located in Rehoboth Beach, Delaware.  Since its founding in 1909, members have been harnessing their collective powers to make enduring contributions to the town of Rehoboth Beach, as well as the surrounding Cape Henlopen District communities.  The VIA is a member of the Delaware State Federation of Women’s Clubs (DSFWC) and the General Federation of Women’s Clubs (GFWC). 

 

 

Left to Right:

Rob Schroeder, Friends of Cape Henlopen State Park; Rose Marie Patin, VIA Conservation Chairman; and Paul Faircloth, Superintendent Cape Henlopen State Park.  All spoke briefly about the importance of volunteerism at National Trails Day.