2009

PRESIDENT

name  Neill Andritz

OCCUPATION  Owner, The River’s Edge Canoe & Kayak, LLC

SPORTS & HOBBIES   Kayaking, Fishing, Hiking, Biking

WHY RRWA I have personally benefited from, and enjoyed the comeback of the Kiskiminetas and Roaring run.  Anyone who visits Roaring Run will realize how special it is.  It is an honor to serve this great organization.  If you haven't already, please consider joining RRWA to protect, conserve and enjoy this great resource.

VICE PRESIDENT

name  Rich Dixon

OCCUPATION  Apollo Trust Company, Information Technology Department, Mayor of Apollo

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Hunting, fishing, biking, hiking, Steelers, Pirates, & Penguins fan

WHY RRWA  I've lived in Apollo my entire life. I recognized the potential impact to the quality of life and economic revitalization of Apollo that Roaring Run could offer about 15 years ago. I came out to help with a litter clean-up in 1992 and have been involved with the RRWA ever since. It is a beautiful place and I get much enjoyment and satisfaction from seeing the huge success it is today. I enjoy writing and administering the grants we have received over the last eight years. I've met and worked with a lot of good people at Roaring Run over these last 15 years.  Hiking at Roaring Run is awesome! One mile from my home and it feels like I'm a thousand miles away!

DIRECTOR / MOUNTAIN BIKING AMBASSADOR

name  Jay Martin

OCCUPATION  Plumbing, Heating & Hardware Sales & Service

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Motorcycling, Hiking

WHY RRWA The area is beautiful and challenging.  I was pleased when the association gave us permission to create trails.  My mountain biking friends encouraged me to join the board to represent the hundreds of us that enjoy them.  It’s been a humbling experience.  Final words:  Knotweed is evil.

DIRECTOR / FISH & GAME

name  Dan Cappo

OCCUPATION  Software Engineer

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Hunting, Fishing, Jazz Music

WHY RRWA  I grew up in Allegheny Township but left this area in 1986 when I joined the Army.  I eventually got stationed in Washington state and really got into backpacking the Olympics and Cascades.  I wanted to get involved with a stream restoration group while I was out there but it never seemed to come together.  When my wife Wendi and I moved back to this area in 2004 it just so happened that our new home was across the street from Rich Dixon who told me about Roaring Run.  He took me on a site visit and I was hooked!  All those years living so nearby and I had never even heard about Roaring Run.  The huge boulders and Mountain Laurel reminded me more of the Allegheny National Forest where we had our camp than this part of Southwestern PA.  What a treasure to have in our own backyards.   I think it was just meant to be. 

VOLUNTEER / WEBMASTER

name  Gene Nacey

OCCUPATION  Cycling Instructor/Owner - Global Ride

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Mountain Biking, Road Cycling, Tennis, Snowboarding, Photography & Film Editing

WHY RRWA  I have been blessed to live in PA all my life, to enjoy the great outdoors for as long as I can remember.  When I was a kid, we used the woods as our playground.  Then hunting and fishing helped me realize it was the environment more than the sport that kept me coming back.  Now, after two hip replacements and new enthusiasm, I enjoy it on two wheels & through the lens of a camera.  It only seems natural to do whatever I can to help preserve and promote this absolute jewel we have in Roaring Run.

DIRECTOR / BUILDING & GROUNDS

name  Ron Hubbard

OCCUPATION  Iron Worker, Allegheny Ludlum Steel Corp., Brackenridge,

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Fishing & Gardening

WHY RRWA  When walking on the trail several times, I saw Bob Knepshield weedeating, mowing, etc. One day I stopped and told him I had a walk-behind brushhog that he would be welcome to use on the trail. We started working together on the upkeep of the trail and when there was an opening for a Director, he asked if I would like to apply.  I said "yes" and have been there ever since.

DIRECTOR

name  Jennifer Simon

OCCUPATION  Stenographer

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Bike riding, Hiking, Kayaking, Camping

WHY RRWA I guess it’s just in my blood.  My parents and my mother’s family have been enjoying this “treasure” for decades.  My great grandfather carved his name in the top of Camel Rock in the early 1900’s and they’re still visible today…if you have enough guts to go to the edge to see them…not sure I do!  I’ve always enjoyed visiting the falls, the old iron furnace below Camel Back and the quiet solitude of Blue Hole knowing that Roaring Run harbors the greatest variety of flora and fauna in the Eastern United States.  Recently with the loss of my grandfather and my great uncle, I have become strongly motivated to carry on the tradition and teach my children all of the wonders and rich history of this gem we have right in our back yard.

DIRECTOR

name  Max Sapinsky

OCCUPATION  Retired from the Westinghouse Electric Corporations Research Center

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Completive shooting, hunting, horseback riding and biking/hiking

WHY RRWA  I became involved with the RRWA when I began hiking in the watershed and using the trail. I was impressed with the area and thought what a treasure this was for the community and for Western Pennsylvania. I joined the organization and asked if there was a way to become more involved.  I was given the opportunity to work on many projects, from helping with cleanups, publishing newsletters, to the Rock Furnace suspension bridge project. I worked with many wonderful people on the various projects Roaring Run has sponsored. I have been amazed with the RRWA’s ability to attract volunteers to help with the various projects no matter how difficult. I know now it is because they also recognize the worth of Roaring Run and its goals

DIRECTOR

name  John Kocon

OCCUPATION  Retired Steelworker

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Wildlife Photography, Nature Study, Local History, Hunting, Fishing

WHY RRWA  I wanted to help RRWA provide undeveloped river frontage for outdoor recreation.  I also wanted to help raise public awareness of the Kiski River’s dramatic improvement in water quality.  I am proud of the organization’s efforts and glad to be a part of it.

DIRECTOR / ENVIRONMENTAL

name  John Linkes

OCCUPATION  Steelworker, ALSC, Vandergrift Works   

SPORTS & HOBBIES  Traveling, hiking and camping in Pennsylvania's State Parks and State Forests, Nature Studies, Baseball, Football, PA History and Archaeology, Being the PA Resource Council’s mascot “PA Litterbug”.

WHY RRWA  One day, I had asked myself, “You say that you’re an environmentalist.  What are you doing for it?”  So I decided to volunteer for the RRWA.  10 Years ago, there was a campaign called, “Think Globally, Act Locally”.  Plus, I had always loved working in the outdoors. 

THIS COULD BE YOU!

If you love Roaring Run and want to get involved as either a director or a volunteer, please let us know.  Our organization is open to all community members who want to be involved, as it takes lots of team effort to conserve and protect our local treasures.

You can send inquiries to: rrwa@me.com