After 6 years as FETA President, it is time to pass the reins to someone else.  Before I do, I would like to thank Natalie Wassong and Ned Frybarger who preceeded me.  Thanks also to the countless board members who worked so hard to bring FETA from its inception to where it is today.  And my deepest gratitude to our landowners, particularly our very large landowners, whose generosity, patience and commitment have made this system possible.
 
17  years later, we take a lot for granted.  When FETA was started, an open trail system on private property was unique. It still is. This concept took great patience, diplomacy, and sheer determination to establish and grow.  Some thought there was no need for an organization.  Some wanted a landowner-only system.  Many did not want anyone on their land at all.  Others objected to paying anything for "what they got for free".  And more than a few thought all those silly new rules should not apply to them, which required a lot of time and diplomacy to placate outraged landowners (hint:  It still does.)  These challenges were almost insurmountable.  FETA would not have survived without the tremendous work, patience and persistence of its early pioneers.  Think how different our area would be, and how different your life would be, without it.  What a legacy they left us!
 
A highlight of my term was hearing David Maxwell stand up during a meeting on the proposed  helmet rule and say "If the landowners want me to wear a pink tutu, by God I will do it with a smile!"  Dave understood that we are guests and must be good ones and any reasonable request (and they don't ask for much) is the least we can do. The vast majority of our members are grateful to our landowners.  They appreciate this treasured asset to our community and seek to preserve it. 
 
It has been a great privilege to serve FETA and to see it grow and prosper. I want to recognize and thank all the hardworking FETA volunteers over the years. Our dedicated current Board has my deepest appreciation.  Nancy Mahler, a founder who has served on FETA's Board since its inception, has been instrumental in creating what we have today;  Maude Carr, Bill Ennis and Don Lyons, whose patience and leadership "connected" the three FETA trail areas into a unified whole;  Anne Swift who got us back "in the black" and keeps us financially healthy so we can maintain the trails to the standard we so enjoy;  Trailmaster/Webmaster/Mapmaker Dave Smith, whose countless hours of work has let us figure out where we are and what we have, overseen tremendous trail construction and erosion control projects and keeps us informed to stay safe;  Faith Jorgenson who has dramatically improved our member communications and brought us into the internet age; Roberta Axelrod who does yeoman's work as Membership Chair; Lillie Brown, another founder, who has tirelessly worked to protect the system with trail easements; Judith Kerns who keeps us organized and sane; Rhonda King for the difficult job of keeping members "in line"; Bill Beardslee for the vital work he does persuading our insurer to keep insuring us; and Tina Walker for her community outreach and work with emergency services.  And I especially appreciate Dan Hecht, a truly wonderful guy and trail Co-Chair, who has graciously agreed to "take the reins" as our new President.
 
We have come a long way in 17 years. I am blessed and grateful to have been a part of that. Thanks. And as Natalie loved to say "Just Ride Friendly".  (And be Safe!)
                                                                                                                       Dot Moyer

at The Main House at FENCE 

It is my pleasure to report on the generous spirit of our members.  From the beginning of our year in May, FETA has received over $3,000 in donations!  This money is earmarked for trail expansion and repairs.  We also have 20 supporting members who don't ride but want to take part in sustaining the trails.  Evidence that FETA is a valuable asset to our community.  THANK YOU ALL!
 
The rush of renewals is over and my job has quieted down.  Thanks for the amazing response from all of you in filling out the forms correctly.  I only had a couple who forgot their signatures or their Coggins.  You guys are amazing!
 
Please let me know if your email address changes.  With 550 active members, there is no better way for us to keep in touch about all the meetings, trail clearings, the BBQ and Pot Luck or other fellowship opportunities.  For those of you without e mail and want a printed version of the newsletter, call Faith Jorgenson at 828-817-5412. 
 
As FETA grows, new members join and are excited but apprehensive about learning the trails.  I remember getting terribly lost and it is no fun! Be sure to check out the Guided Trail Rides section for the list of trail guides to help you become familiar with our beautiful trails.
                                                                                                             Roberta Axelrod
                                                                                                          Membership Chair

 

If you would like to host a ride, please contact Faith Jorgenson at fetanews@aol.com.  Send your name, contact information, and the area you ride.