Photo submitted
The Corporate Foundation of ARC Metals and Anchor Specialties recently donated $600 to the Tri-County Rails-to-Trails. Controller Mark Vosacek, left, presented Tri-County Rails-to-Trails vice president Ben Zappa with the check, along with secretary/treasurer George Joiner.

By Joseph Bell

Record Staff Writer

Members of the Tri-County Rails-to-Trails Association recently accepted a $600 donation from controller Mark Vosacek on behalf of the Corporate Foundation of ARC Metals and Anchor Specialties to benefit the Clarion/Little Toby Trail, an 18-mile trail that runs from Ridgway to Brockway.
According to a letter from ARC Metals Corporation, the company said it was 'honored to assist in achieving its goals.'
And with the economy still in the midst of a downturn, George Joiner, secretary/treasurer for the Tri-County Rails-to-Trails, the donation is greatly appreciated.
"Money is kind of thin with everybody but he's also given money to us in the past," Joiner said. "All donations go towards maintenance and insurance bills."
With the winter months approaching, Joiner said that the most important part of the upkeep to the 18-mile trail is clearing drains.
"At this point, the leaves come down and we have to clean out the ditches so drain pipes don't get clogged up," Joiner said. "We're done with spraying and side-cutting on sides of the trail.
"Right now, it's just a matter of making sure that the ditches are open and piping is clear so water can go through."
According to the association's Web site, the Ridgway-Clearfield branch of the Pennsylvania Railroad was built in 1885 and the last train ran on Nov. 2, 1968. The tracks were removed in 1972 and 20 years later, the abandoned railway was turned into the Clarion/Little Toby Trail.
Joiner said the association's member also use membership fees and donations to offset maintenance and insurance costs as well.
Donations and membership inquires can be sent to Tri-County Rails-to-Trails Association, P.O. Box 115, Ridgway, Pa. 15853. The association's Web site is www.pavisnet.com/tcrtt.