Volume 5, No. 7 Spring/Summer 2021
continued on page 4
T
he Five Star Trail, beginning just south of the tunnelleading to Lynch Field and continuing south to East Hillis Street in Youngwood, is located along side the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad (SWP), in a corridor owned by the Westmoreland County Industrial Development Cor-poration (WCIDC). The Regional Trail CorCor-poration (RTC) and its Five Star Trail Chapter manage and operate the trail. On December 5, 1996, the Regional Trail Corporation entered into the original 25-year lease agreement with the WCIDC and the SWP. That lease was set to expire in December of this year, so the RTC initiated discussions with the WCIDC and the SWP in the spring of 2020. The good news is that those discussions led to a new 25-yearTrail Lease Agreement that was signed on December 17, 2020. This new lease agree-ment took affect on January 1, 2021 and shall remain in effect until December 31, 2045, provided the RTC and its trail users adhere to the conditions established in the Trail Lease.
We should all be very thankful and grateful for this op-portunity to continue the Five Star Trail within this corridor. Rails with Trails are very few and far between and only a cou-ple exist in Pennsylvania. Trail users - always remember that we are guests on this property! The WCIDC purchased this railroad corridor to continue the availability of rail service to the businesses and industrial sites that exist in our local com-munities. The WCIDC leases the Rail Lines to SWP, which as the operator of the Rail Lines, operates trains and performs related railroad operations and track maintenance activities throughout the corridor. We must never do anything that would interfere with Railroad operations.
Trail users must always remember that:
• This trail is immediately adjacent to an Active Railroad Line and Trains can appear at any time, in any direction, by Malcolm Sias
Five Star Trail
c/o Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation
194 Donohoe Road Greensburg, PA 15601
Phone: 724-830-3950
A Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation
The Five Star Trail is operated and managed by the Five Star Trail Chapter of the Regional Trail Corporation.
Six municipal partners: The City of Greensburg, Southwest Greensburg, South Greensburg, Hempfield Township, Youngwood, and Westmoreland County combine their resources with those of the 200 chapter members to operate the trail.
Other key organizations that assist include:
Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks & Recreation and Westmoreland Conservation District
Subchapter affiliates - The Little Crabtree Creek Trail and The Saint Vincent to Latrobe Trail
Vaughn Neill, President Westmoreland County Parks Jeff Richards, Vice President
Westmoreland County Parks Mark Jackson, Treasurer Westmoreland Conservation District
Currently vacant Secretary Mike Caffrey South Greensburg Mary Clark Southwest Greensburg Austin B. Erhard Hempfield Township Joe Emerick Andy Falkosky Mike Lambert Valerie Lambert Kris Long Youngwood, Mayor Dr. David Mains Little Crabtree Creek Trail
Megan Mains Little Crabtree Creek Trail
Glenn Moyer The City of Greensburg
Gordon Shaler Westmoreland County Parks
Malcolm Sias Jackie Timko Lois Weaver Doug Weimer alternate Susan Baur Scherff
Hempfield Township
3
President Vaughn Neill
W
elcome to the 2021 Five Star Trail newsletter. A lot has been happening on our “corridor” and there are many good articles here outlining the notables.We resumed in-person board meetings after several months of online versions, and now with the good weather, we expect to meet outdoors as the weather permits.
Last year’s construction is completed on several projects near the trail: Hillis Street Bridge in Youngwood, and track improvements on the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad. A second container was set up at Huff Avenue for the Joy Riders group to operate on the trail.
The trail has reached agreement with the Southwest Penn-sylvania Railroad for continued operation. With that agree-ment, we have started the design process for a construction project to create more of a buffer zone between the trail and the active railroad.
Most importantly, our main fundraiser, the Five Star Trail Poker Run, will be held July 17 and will operate similar to last year’s “do it yourself” event. During the planning process, many pandemic-related restrictions were still in place, so we remain hesitant to have a full gathering just yet.
More detailed articles about the Joy Riders, the Railroad, and the Poker Run are in this issue.
Keep exercising and we hope to see you on the trail!
Five Star News is the official newsletter of the Five Star Trail published twice per
year. Photos and story submissions are accepted and should be sent to: Five Star News, Mark Jackson, Editor, c/o Westmoreland Conservation District, J. Roy Houston Conservation Center, 218 Donohoe Road, Greensburg, PA 15601, email: [email protected], 724-837-5271. All articles are edited for length, grammar, accuracy and composition. They will be used at the discretion of the editor and directors. Photos should be high quality.
Members may choose to receive this newsletter via email rather than a mailed hard copy. Just contact the editor. Please advise the editor of any and all needed corrections.
Volunteer Barry Attenberger helps replace the old Five Star Trail rule signs with new updated ones. The new rules emphasize trail use safety practices and procedures as per the extended lease with the Southwestern Pennsylvania Railroad. Our thanks to Barry and Malcolm Sias for replacing the 14 rule signs along the trail. Be sure to stop and read the rules to understand more about our unique and beautiful trail.
and at any speed. When a train approaches trail users should move as far away from the tracks as possible. • No one is permitted to enter on to, walk on, or cross over the railroad tracks at any time. Trail users must remain on the trail at all times!
• STAY ALERT!! Always be on the lookout for other trail users and approaching trains. Limit your use of head- phones or earbuds and only listen to music at a level that maintains personal awareness and that does not interfere with other trail users or your own safety.
Sale pending…
In March of this year the WCIDC announced that they are selling their railroad corridor, including the section where the Five Star Trail operates, to the Southwest Pennsylvania Rail-road Company. That sale is expected to be finalized in early
Organizations, businesses, and municipalities host a variety of special events annually on the Five Star Trail. Multiple 5K Run/Walks, Poker Runs, walk-a-thons and other miscellaneous fundraising events are held on the trail throughout the year.
With the advent of our new Trail Lease Agreement, there are some small changes to the process and the event application rules that we want you to know about. • First, we ask that applications are completed and filed a minimum of three months prior to the event so there is plenty of time for reviews and approvals. The earlier the better!
• Special event hosts will now have to furnish a Certificate of Insurance for the event that covers all of the following entities: Regional Trail Corporation, Westmoreland County Industrial Development Corporation, Carload Express, Inc. and the Southwest Pennsylvania Railroad Company.
• To obtain a new application form and instructions please contact the Regional Trail Corporation
summer. At that time the SWP will become both the owner and the operator or the rail lines.
The WCIDC has been a great partner with, and supporter of, the Five Star Trail ever since its inception. We are very grate-ful to them for their strong and continued support over these past years. The WCIDC has pledged to continue its support of the trail and is helping to both plan and fund the renovation of the trail moving forward. We extend our thanks and appre-ciation to the Westmoreland County Board of Commissioners, which also serves as the Board of the WCIDC, for their fantastic support over the years. Also deserving recognition are WCIDC Director Jason Rigone and Development Super-visor Jay Bandieramonte for the great working relationship they established and the support they have provided the Five Star Trail Chapter these past 25 years.
We look forward to continuing our work with the SWP as we plan trail improvements and renovations to improve both trail safety and user enjoyment in the months ahead.
by either email or phone: [email protected] or 724-872-5586.
• The permittee is bound by all the trail rules and regulations and must accept responsibility for the behavior and actions of every person in the group at all times.
• The Permittee must remain on the trail and must ensure that all the event participants do not enter onto or cross over the railroad tracks at any time. • The permittee is responsible to see that nothing is placed within twelve (12) feet from the centerline of the nearest railroad tracks.
• Permittee may place temporary Special Event Signs on the trail. These signs shall not be displayed for more than seven (7) days prior to the event and must be removed immediately once the event is completed. Thank you for your understanding and consideration.
We want to be sure that every event participant as well as every trail user is safe at all times. All Permittees must understand and acknowledge that portions of the trail are located on active railroad lines used for railroad op-erations and that trains may operate at any time, in any direction, and at any speed. Railroad operations entail or cause loud noises, smoke, emissions, dust, steam, odors, vibrations, bright lights and other conditions. Please encourage all event participants to be aware at all times and to pay attention to their surroundings.
Special Events on the Five Star
Five Star Lease Extended continuted from page 15
by Gordon Shaler
T
he early summer sun peaks through the trees on the midmorning trail. Among the ambient noise of the 5-Star Trail a clear sound is heard. “I’m going to take my bike for a ride down the trail.” That simple sentence rep-resents a tremendous joy that many of us are lucky enough to experience. Whether it’s the wind in your face or the brief moment where, just for a second, you feel like you’re flying, riding a bike encompasses a vast number of emotions. Ev-eryone’s ride is a unique experience. Some ride for exercise, transportation, or the pure fun of riding a bike, but the uni-versal feeling every rider has felt is joy. The “Joy Riders” is a program aimed at bringing that feeling to people who need assistance to ride a bike.The Joy Riders program was born from an inspiration-al spark. According to their website, “A great idea can come from anywhere- a casual conversation, a snippet of a song- or, in the case of Joy Riders, from the other side of the globe. One of our volunteers read an article about an Australian man who welded a wheelchair to a bike so his ailing wife could ride with him.” It may have started from reading an article, but over the years the program has expanded quickly to have bikes on the Great Allegheny Passage, The Pittsburgh Heritage Trail, and now the 5-Star Trail.
The inaugural ride was Tuesday, May 25th and showcased the months of work that went into bringing the Joy Riders program to the 5-Star Trail. The Joy Riders hub is located at Huff Avenue. From there volunteers are able to take riders all along the trail on their electric bike that has been outfitted with a special seat. The bike is called a Duet, and it features a detachable wheelchair seat so the ride can become an outing
with a flick of the coupling unit. Riders can stop to explore the trail, take a drink, or eat a snack while experiencing the freedom of a bike ride on the 5-Star Trail. The rides are about 1 hour and allow people to experience the freedom of a bike ride. Volunteers are so excited about the chance to meet new friends, as the ride turns into laughing and smiles. The whole family is welcome to join to make it a group ride.
I spoke with Karen Primm of the Joy Riders program to learn a little more about their organization. One of the main inspirations of the Joy Riders program is Veterans. Karen recounted the story of how the Joy Riders were formed, “Our volunteer showed the bike to the coach of her triathlon team who said, “We need to do this!” A little research found that similar chairs are available for purchase. These ladies contacted the Veterans Leadership Program of Southwestern Pennsyl-vania (VLP) who knew the program could benefit some of their participants, and Joy Riders was born.” The Veterans Leadership Program provided much of the infrastructure that has allowed the Joy Riders to flourish into a budding organization. One of the Joy Riders first rides was 97-year-old Grandma Rose who was one of the original Rosie the Riveters. Another was a woman in her 30’s who was a veteran who developed ALS and got to experience the joy of a bike ride with her family. The Joy Rider program may have started with a partnership with the Veterans Leadership Program, but it is expanding to include anyone who wants to ride. The Duet Bike has an in-sert affectionally named “the Tomato” that allows small chil-dren to ride. During the pandemic where rides were limited to people within a shared bubble, a Father would take his little
continued on page 6
The Joy Riders electric “Duet” bike with wheelchair attached charges up at the Five Star Trail storage unit
Abbey and her mom Sandy prepare for the Joy Riders Five Star Trail Inaugural Ride Star Trail on May 25, 2021.
girl for Sunday afternoon bike rides.
Volunteers are the heart and soul of any charitable organi-zation, and the Joy Riders are no exception. The 5-Star Trail has around eight volunteers who are excited about the new beginning. With the bike and volunteers in place, the final component needed is riders. Anyone can schedule a ride, and when I spoke with Karen she said, “We let the rider’s deter-mine mobility.” Meaning there is no threshold or cut off line when it comes to accessibility. They want as many riders to be using the program as possible. If you want to schedule a ride visit the Joy Riders website at: joyriderspa.wixsite.com/jriders and click the “schedule a ride” tab.
The Joy Riders Volunteers have 2-3 hours of training plus an additional 6 hours of riding with a person in the front. Friends and family are encouraged to make it a group ride, and everyone will be wearing a helmet. The ride is totally free of charge as the Joy Riders operate because of donations. If you would like to donate, visit their website or attend one of
their charitable functions as the organization grows.
The 5-Star Trail is a beautiful slice of nature that rolls through the city using the urban setting as a backdrop. The trail becomes a retreat to a slow, quiet world of friendly trail users who walk, run and bike along the path. With plenty of parking and miles of well-maintained trail, the area is a great experience for everyone. This year the 5-Star Trail is evolv-ing to become even more inclusive through the connection to The Joy Riders. They started as an idea to help more people to experience the happiness we feel while using the trail. The sto-ries are amazing. From Rosie the Riveter to a father-daughter outing the Duet bike is forging bonds and crafting stories. It’s much more than a bike with a couple volunteers, it a whole community of people who are working to bring the Joy Riders to the 5-Star Trail. The next time you’re on the trail and see this unique bike and the smiling faces know that the trail is filled with a little more joy.
Poker Run Sensations – A Runner’s Point of View
by Gordon Shaler
The Joy Riders are Here! continued from page 5
bustling street. Seeing all the activity below motivates me to quicken my stride as I race the clock in my mind. The second station gives me a cold drink and a Three-of-Clubs. I was happy to get the drink.
The trees pull back as the late morning sun shines down on the 5-Star Trail. The surrounding city of Greensburg wel-comes the trail like two old friends who both root for differ-ent football teams. The synergy between the city and trail is as beautiful as it is a contrast of natural energy in an urban setting. I’m lost in thought as I grab the Three-of-Hearts and keep on running.
I speed up. Breaking through the wall of heavy breath-ing I inhale slow steady breaths releasbreath-ing endorphins that block my brain from any discomfort. Trees open up along the tracks in a way that creates a forest corridor with the 5-Star trail centered in between the wall of foliage. My fourth card, the Eight-of-Hearts, doesn’t help my hand, but it jolts me into a full sprint as I know the end is near.
Open roads and the background noise of traffic mean I’m crossing into Youngwood and the final leg of my run. I smile to the volunteers who I jog pass acknowledging their hard work and effort. However, the moment is fleeting as my focus is on my sprint finish and the last card. I grin when I flip the Queen-of-Hearts. Two pair is a solid hand. The Five Star Trail Poker Run is a unique experience. Even as veteran of many runs I feel an excitement, a rush, as I grab my cards and wait for the prizes to be announced. Back with the group we talk and smile about our shared emotions. I inhale deep breaths along with a full drink of water. My reward for a hand well played and an invigorating run. Editor’s Note: Enjoy Gordon’s picturesque depiction of
the Five Star Trail Poker Run framed as normal, interactive, non-pandemic experience that we hope to return to next year, 2022.
T
he morning dew leaves lines in the grass where Idrag my feet. I sweep a wide path with my left foot then proceed to take an exaggerated step over my imaginary line. There is a noticeable electricity in the air as I stretch prepping myself for another run. However, this isn’t just another 5K race. It’s got the feel of a race, but the raffle baskets, prizes and variety of participants make the Five Star Trail Poker Run much more of an event.
First I check in with the registration volunteers. Then I start running and as the asphalt transitions into lime-stone dust I hear the crunch of the path over the faint mummers of other runners, walkers and bike riders. I race ahead distancing myself from the small group I left behind. My thoughts crystalize taking formation with the rhythmic sound of my pace. The sight of the first station pulls me back from my daydream as I jog up and grab a cup of water. I smile at my first card, the Queen-of-Dia-monds, which I gladly take.
Please sign the release on reverse side. Please make your checks payable to
Five Star Trail Chapter
and mail to:Five Star Trail 2021 Poker Run
194 Donohoe Road Greensburg, PA 15601 For more information visit www.co.westmoreland.pa.us/parks Name
Address
City State Zip Email Phone:
T-Shirt Size (list quantity)
Poker Run Registration
$20 per person x people = $
Poker Run 2021 New Member Special:
Add $10 for a new Five Star Trail Annual Individual or Family
Membership (regularly $20 and $30 ) $
I can’t participate this year,
but here is my donation of $ Total enclosed $
I would like my money to go to the following trail chapter (check one)
XXL (add $2.00) qty. S qty. M qty. L qty. XL qty.
Westmoreland Heritage Trail Five Star Trail
Release and Assumption of Risk
(All participants MUST sign)
In the signing of this release, I acknowledge that I understand its intent, and for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and representatives do hereby agree and will absolve and hold harmless the Regional Trail Corporation, the City of Greensburg, Westmoreland County, corporate sponsors, cooper-ating organizations and other parties connected with the event in any way, together with their respective successors and assignees (the sponsors), singly and collectively from and against blame and liability from any injury, harm, loss, inconvenience, or any damage of any kind, which may result from, or be connected in any way to my participation in the RTC-FSTC Poker Run.In addition to release from all liability, I hereby represent that I agree to wear a bicycle helmet ANSI or SNELL certified if I enter the bicycle event, that I am physically capable of participating in the event, that my bicycle and any other equipment I may use to participate in the event is in working condition, that I will observe all traffic and event rules and will conduct myself in a safe and prudent manner while participating in the event. I hereby absolve and hold harmless the sponsors from any damage I may sus-tain because of breach of these representations. I hereby consent to and permit emergency treatment in the event of injury or illness while participating in the event. I also give permission to RTC-FSTC to use my name and any photographs taken of me during the event in any promotional material or publications.
I certify that I have read this waiver and understand its significance. Signature Date
Signature of parent or legal guardian required below if participant is under 18. Signature Date
One day only this year
-
Saturday, July 17
Use the form below to pre-register or register the day of the event 8:30 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. at the Poker Run registration
booth along the trail near the Huff Avenue Access Area.
Five Star Trail
c/o Westmoreland County Bureau of Parks and Recreation
194 Donohoe Road Greensburg, PA 15601
