Write-up: Jerry Stewart
Leader: Jerry Stewart
Co-Leader: Bobbie Scarpino

Monumental hike Sunday with the tramps. With deer-hunting season underway, we try to work in a few urban events to keep us out of the woods. 38 came along as I led the group down the Utica parkway to learn about the statues most of us have driven past many times but never got to really check them out. Interesting people who made a difference in all of our lives. I read short informational clips in front of each of them. Most of the monuments are war-related, spanning from the revolutionary war to POW and MIA’s. Who knew some very high position officers called our area home?

Major General Friedrich Wilhelm Von Steuben, George Washington’s chief of staff retired in this area. He trained our troops. James Schoolcraft Sherman served as vice-president under William Taft. He was a local man and actually the great-great-grandfather to Bobbie’s son in-law. She shared some family stories of him, history hitting home and coming to life as told by family. We stopped after at a local watering hole, Tramp tradition. As always, a good time was had visiting with each other along the trail and we learned a few things along the way. We have some awesome outings coming up, hop out of that chair and come along, you’ll be glad you did!