OUR STORY
Adventures For Women (AFW) is dedicated to teaching women that being outdoors is not only fun, it is a great place to learn new skills, develop confidence and gain new insights. We teach women to be comfortable in the woods, to protect the environment, and to push themselves to new levels. Along the way, our members make friends and find others to support and encourage them as they flourish. We are women who love having fun outdoors.
Dear Adventurous Women:
Twenty years ago, I was in the throes of a divorce and wondering what to make of my life. I had been a stay-at-home mom and chose not to return to full-time teaching. Freelance writing, substitute teaching, and odd jobs kept me solvent so that I could develop my idea that the outdoors is the best classroom.
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In the Spring of 1981, I held the first Adventures for Women event—a hike up Popolopen Torne in Harriman Park, preceded by a map workshop at the Montvale Library. That event propelled me forward, growing Adventures for Women based on participants asking, “What’s next, Betsy?”
In 1984, I met Ann Mavromatis, an occupational therapist who taught us adventurous women effective breathing. In 1987, when Ann was dying of breast cancer, she asked me to continue this work. Subsequently I became a respiratory therapist and a more effective breathing trainer. In the year 2001, I want to focus on breathing training. So, I am passing Adventures for Women on to a dedicated team of women with bright ideas.
My administrative responsibilities are ending, but I will continue to guide. Change is energizing. So many new opportunities are on the horizon. Come along with us for the hike!
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Happy Trails,
Betsy
November, 2000
Dear Adventurous Women:
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AFW is starting a new adventure as an organization, and we are excited! We are adding new guides, new hikes, new trips, new places to explore, in addition to keeping our old favorites. We are also offering members two free Joy Hikes each year.
Of course, we will continue to offer you the friendship and nurturing environment you have come to enjoy. Now AFW will be run by a group of longtime members who understand and value its purpose. With Betsy graciously sharing her wisdom and guidance, our merry band of outdoor women will continue in her footsteps. (Remarkable that it takes five people to fill in for one Betsy!)
In our next issue of Expanding Horizons we will introduce you to the team and provide you with a great calendar of local events for 2001. We would love to hear from you, so please use the new address, phone, fax or e-mail to contact us and let us know how the adventure is shaping up.
Mind the path....
Betty
November, 2000
About Our Volunteer Guides...
Amy
Amy has been leading AFW hikes since 2020, and is our newest volunteer hike coordinator. She leads a variety of hikes from easy to strenuous, and often builds in unique features on the hikes she offers. A big fan of big rock scrambles, Amy is constantly trying to find more outdoor time, whether hiking, backpacking, camping, or paddleboarding.
Christine
Christine enjoys a variety of outdoor activities in every season. Her favorite is to capture nature with her camera. She has been with AFW since 2009.
Dagi
Dagi enjoys hikes that include hills, rock scrambles and views. Winter hikes have become particularly appealing because of added challenges, even more good views and no bugs. Focusing on living in balance with nature is very relaxing and exhilarating at the same time.
Dolores
In respectful memory: Dolores loved the solace of the woods and views from the peaks. An active member of AFW since 1990, she enjoyed hiking locally as well as in the Adirondacks and national parks. Her warmth, kind heart and sense of humor will be missed.
Georgette
Georgette is an avid hiker and trail maintainer. She has been hiking and playing in the woods since she was 8 years old when she brought home all the snakes, turtles and frogs she could find. She knows all the trails in Harriman like the back of her hand.
Jackie
Jackie went on her first hike with AFW in 2002 and was immediately hooked. She has also become an avid backpacker and tries to get out as much as possible. Her goal is to finish the AT before her knees give out.
Always looking for an adventure, AFW members will find Jackie leading hikes, backpacks, workshops, City Paths and AFW weekend trips.
Kay
Kay has many goals and two of them are to complete section hiking the Appalachian Trail and bike all of the Hall of Fame Rail Trails! Kay is a lifelong learner and she is eager to share those experiences as an AFW event coordinator. In addition to leading beginner and moderate hikes, Kay has recently added easy/moderate bike rides. An AFW member since 2009, Kay always has a smile and positive attitude.
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Mary
Mary has been an active member in AFW since 1998. In 2000, she initiated AFW bike rides. She has taught a variety of workshops, guided many hikes and still leads wonderful bike rides. In addition, Mary also manages our AFW phone line. If you call our phone number, Mary is the knowledgeable voice on the other end of the phone.
Nancy
Nancy loves the outdoors. Two of her favorite activities are hiking and biking. Whether it be rolling along the countryside or enjoying the wonder of the woods, she loves the challenge and adventure. These jaunts and journeys offer her invigorating exercise and a renewed spirit. Always an outdoor enthusiast, she joined AFW in 1996. She has come away with new insights, positive experiences and many new friends.
Priscilla
Priscilla is a retired teacher and has been guiding our weekday hikes for the past few years. Last year she started a series of Beginner Hikes hoping to attract those women who, although they walk in their neighborhoods, are not comfortable going out into the woods. Priscilla has been a member of AFW since the early ’90 and is currently the President of the Board of Trustees.