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Wednesday, October 09, 2002

By Virginia Peden

When rails went to trails, they lured people of all ages and conditions to enjoy healthful activities and gorgeous vistas.

They also spawned a new field of volunteerism that appeals to the hale and hearty and, it seems, the older set.

Alone and in small groups, volunteers keep Allegheny Trail Alliance's seven trails that compose the Great Allegheny Passage cleared and safe. And many of those volunteers are senior citizens.

Nancy Oakes, 63, of North Versailles, was making T-shirts for some of the older volunteers when her husband, Jim, 64, a trail biker, suggested printing "Over the Hills Gang" on them, thereby naming the group.

"About eight or nine of us are in the 'gang'," said Chuck Durkas, 68, of Versailles.

"If we see litter or trees down on the Youghiogheny River Trail, we take care of it. Also, about 50 or 60 of us help with the Youghtoberfest, put up tents for the weekend and tear them down."

The Mon/Yough Trail Council held its 11th festival last weekend at the trailhead at Boston Riverfront Park.

It benefits the trail, and when weather permits, families and friends come for entertainment, food and crafts, children's activities, trail information and a Halloween hay ride.

"The council has about 400 members of all ages and has monthly meetings," said its president, Tim Banfield, 36, of Elizabeth Township.

Another seniors group, led by Charles G. Smith, 69, of Greenock, has about two dozen members who work on the trail and at the festival.

"They do whatever I ask them to," said Smith.

"When they roasted me at the regional trail retreat eight or nine years ago, they called us 'Charlie's Chain Gang' and the name stuck.

"We trim trees, repair the trail surface if it gets washed out, maintain the campground and the landmark Dravo Cemetery, and we installed benches. The council takes care of 17 miles from Liberty Borough to the Westmoreland County line."

There are a few women who help occasionally, and Chris McGuire of the Boston area designs the graphics for the "Chain Gang" T-shirts.

"I belong to both 'gangs,' and I've also done 12,200 miles on my bike in the last four years," said Charles Seilhamer, 66, of Lowber, Westmoreland County, whose wife, Doris, 64, sometimes rides with him.

"About six of us do whatever needs to be done. We buy supplies for the port-a-potties by the case, with trail funds, and keep them stocked. We cut trees, clean litter, and we put four benches in."

In August, more than 120 miles of the Passage were completed from McKeesport to Meyersdale.

Over the entire length, volunteer crews sprinkled with senior citizens cut grass, install fences, deck bridges, put up signs and perform myriad other chores to keep the trails and their amenities in good shape.

For trail information, phone 724-853-2453, or visit the Web site, http://www.atatrail.org.