This Fall, the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail Board elected Heidi Bolger as the group’s new Chair. Bolger’s predecessor, Jed Maker, stepped down in September upon reaching the limit of his six-year term at the helm.
“My experience with the Friends has been both gratifying and educational,” reflected Maker. “As stewards of the Trail, some of our functions are obvious and straight-forward, while others were new to me. I was fortunate to be supported, and often educated, by more experienced Board members, DNR personnel, and professional consultants.”
Jed Maker received an original piece of fiber art as a small thank you for his 6 years of volunteer service to the Trail as Board Chair.
“One of our most satisfying accomplishments was collaborating to build this hardworking and effective team,” beamed Maker. “Other highlights include continuing expansion of our fundraising, public relations and marketing, especially through the efforts of Jim Gribble; the reassessment of our Bylaws and Articles of Incorporation by Heather Hudson and Heidi Bolger; the creation of a grants committee headed by Lara Treemore Spears to pursue major funding opportunities such as the recent successful Spark Grant; the enlisting of Charlie Gregory as Trail Care Coordinator to take over from the highly capable John Rothhaar; and the purchase and installation of a storage building headed up by Fred Stransky. There are many other successes and people who helped accomplish them – too many to list!”
“Though I’m officially off the Friends Board, I will continue to maintain an interest in BVT affairs and help out in fulfilling Trail goals in any way I’m able,” Maker added reassuringly. “As a resident and avid bicyclist, I have a personal interest in protecting and developing this precious resource so valuable to all of us. I’m also thrilled to pass the torch to the eminently qualified Heidi Bolger.”
Heidi Brings a Wealth of Trail Experience and Business Acumen to the Friends
Heidi Bolder is the new Chair of the Friends of the Betsie Valley Trail.
“Working with the Board this past year has been a very welcoming experience,” commented Bolger. “There is a shared passion for the BVT and the vision for further development has me really excited about taking on the leadership role.”
Bolger previously served for over a decade as Chair of the Great Lakes Bay Regional Trail (connecting Saginaw, Bay, and Midland Counties). During her tenure, the group successfully connected the trails in their region and established links to other regional trail systems. From 1998 to 2008, Bolger served as President of the Friends of the Saginaw Valley Rail Trail.
Bolger’s professional background includes 40+ years in business consulting with Rehmann, a regional financial services firm that’s very community minded. She is also one of four family members who founded Iron Fish Distillery. Her role there is overseeing retail operations, finance (using her CPA skills), and human resources.
Heidi’s outlook for the BVT is bright. “Our recent success with obtaining funding for a core section of trail and pursuing further development of high-quality trail surfaces for the Thompsonville to Beulah trail segment are essential,” she explained. “Keeping our existing trail in great condition is our top priority and no small matter as we decide how to allocate resources. Enhancing the awareness of the BVT, expanding its use and accessibility, and collaborating with connecting trails are also key initiatives to weave into our successful future as an organization. It’s an honor for me to serve as the Chair of the Friends,” she concluded, “And I’d like to encourage members of our community to get involved.”
The Friends were also fortunate to add another professional to their Board this past summer. Heather Hudson has been a part-time Beulah resident for her entire life and enjoys biking, running, and walking on the Trail. Over the past year, her skills as a lawyer have greatly benefited various efforts by the Friends. “I hope to make meaningful contributions to the long-term growth of the Trail,” commented Hudson, “Which, I believe is one of the area’s finest assets.”