Well, I am sorry to have missed you last week. Of all things, I managed to find myself in the hospital for a few days. Not to worry! I am fine BUT as the doctor so nicely mentioned "older people" (sigh) tend to get dehydrated much easier than they realize. So. Please. Take my advice and ... Drink. More. Water.

And spend a little time just enjoying the scenery like the subject of Barb Fogal's Second Place winner in the Parks and Forests Adventures category of this year's photo contest. Lehigh Gorge State Park is the place for our masthead.

Pam Metzger
Membership Coordinator

News of Note

I have been in the Camp Hill office this week and on Wednesday we got together for our annual staff retreat, planning for what's ahead in 2020. The 50th anniversary of Earth Day, the next round of legislative tours, and the possibility of a renewed Great Pennsylvania Outdoor Challenge are all among the topics we discussed - and we'd love to hear your ideas for where PPFF goes from here as we enter our next decade. You will have received the invitation in the Fall issue of Penn's Stewards but in case you missed it your input can be passed along at https://www.surveymonkey.com/r/FutureinOurHands.

Halloween and festivals of all kinds are the theme here. And, as they say, a picture is worth a thousand words!

The fun's not over yet - kidlets are invited to Lyman Run State Park on Friday, October 25 (note date change from October 18) for a Spooktacular (fun, not scary) and the Friends invite YOU to volunteer for the event as well.

Volunteers should be there at 3:00 PM to set up the decorations. A volunteer picnic follows with plenty of time for everyone to change into costume. Spooktacular runs from 7:00 PM to 8:30 PM. Contact Chair Maxine Harrison if you can help.

Speaking of volunteers, if you don't plan to attend a "fest" of some kind on Saturday, why not join the Friends of Colonel Denning for a tree planting project? Shovels and dirt will be available from 9:00 AM until noon.

We are not the only ones who find your opinions valuable! Have you weighed in on the future of Pennsylvania's state parks? You have two opportunities to comment on long-range planning for both the Bureau of State Parks specifically with a look at the preliminary draft of the Penn's Parks for All strategic planning document and government-wide with the Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan. Your voice should be heard in both instances - and soon! The deadlines for comments on each are pretty similar. Take a few minutes and check them out.

At Work and Play in the State Parks and Forests

Did somebody say Fall Fest? You betcha!

NORTH	SOUTH
The Friends of Parker Dam's entry into the festival sweepstakes takes place on Saturday with the 14th Annual Fall Festival and Pumpkin Float.	The Southern Region Friends are rockin' this weekend! Cowans Gap Harvest Day and Pine Grove Furnace's Fall Furnace Fest are big draws.
EAST	WEST
This evening join the Friends of Washington Crossing for a lantern tour of the historic village. Bundle up and go! (Then return on Saturday for the Autumn Encampment and Market.)	Another historic lantern tour takes place on the other side of the state at Point State Park this evening. But you must register. Click the button on the event listing!

UPCOMING VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITY

The Friends of Mont Alto are a small group tending to a small park but it's no small job! They have great ideas for tapping into some of Pennsylvania's most historic forestry sites and accomplishments but need your help to make these dreams a reality. Contact Acting Chair Cindy Fair if you have energy and ideas to lend.

These and other fun events and fulfilling volunteer opportunities can be found on the PPFF events calendar and DCNR Calendar of Events. Bookmark them and you'll never miss the boat (or hike or festival).

Picture of the Week

Here's a stunner of a shot by Syed Karimushan at Black Moshannon State Park, aptly captioned on the State Parks' Facebook page as "Which way is up?" Click to the original.

Take Five for Trivia

The question I left with you a couple of weeks ago was a stumper! The darling little outhouse pictured is at the Muskrat Cove Group Tenting Area at Moraine State Park. Richard said I should be sure and include a photo of the INSIDE of the outhouse when I reveal the answer as he figured few people would expect a functioning toilet! Indeed.

This week, in that preliminary report on the future of Pennsylvania's state parks, what is one draft recommendation on the kind of recreational opportunities Pennsylvanians want to see in the future. (And while you're there to find the answer, don't forget to leave your comments!)

Send in your answer and we'll enter your correct response into our monthly prize drawing. All correct answers each week will go into the hat and at the end of the month we'll draw one lucky winner. The more correct answers you submit in a month (up to four or the occasional five depending on the month), the more chances you'll have to win.

In Closing

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit organization - contributions to which are tax deductible to the fullest extent permitted by law. The official registration and financial information of PPFF may be obtained from the Pennsylvania Department of State by calling, toll-free within Pennsylvania, to 800.732.0999. Registration does not imply endorsement.

Pennsylvania Parks & Forests Foundation (PPFF) is a proud member of Earth Share and 1% for the Planet and is a Gold GuideStar participant.