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Where Did I Leave My Pants? Part 2
A Travel Series for Virginia State Parks
Episode 2: A Great Day in Northern VA!
Tom Cervenak Marketing Manager
Well I had a wonderful visit to Northern Virginia and the unusually warm weather reminded me of Spring, which makes you start thinking about making those reservations for camping. I was surprised at how many people tracked me down at the show to tell me they read my story on my vanishing pants. Thanks to all who took time to read the story, your kind words, and stopping to say hi at the show.
The Washington Camping and RV Expo in Chantilly is a great show. We meet so many nice people at these shows and it gives us a chance to spread the work about wonderful programs such as Camp Hosts for Virginia State Parks. This is a very popular program in which volunteers sign up to camp with us for a minimum of 30 days and perform a minimum of 30 hours of work a week at the campground. In return for your services, hosts enjoy free camping while participating and meet new friends, as well as receiving additional benefits such as future camping and cabin stays.
Christa Kermode of Sky Meadows State Park working with us at this show
Within an hour of Chantilly, there are four great Virginia State Parks; Mason Neck in Lorton, Leesylvania in Dumfries, Sky Meadows in Paris and Shenandoah River in Front Royal. In my long career I have personal connections to all four of these parks. From 1989-91, I worked at Mason Neck State Park just 17 miles South of D.C. It’s a beautiful day use park offering great trails, picnic area, playground equipment, a car top boat launch area, and great canoe trips down Kane’s Creek. While at the park keep a sharp eye open and you’ll probably spot numerous Bald Eagles.
Karen Lambey is the Park Manager at Leesylvania State Park, a beautiful location with a mix of history and nature. I hired Karen as a seasonal employee when I was a Manager at York River State Park. I guess I either did something right, or she excelled on her own, which may be the more plausible explanation.
Tim Skinner is the Park Manager at beautiful Sky Meadows State Park. The park is a hiker’s paradise as the park trails connect with the Appalachian Trail. Without Tim as Park Manager, I wouldn’t be the Marketing Manager, as he held this position before I took over in 2005. So THANK YOU Tim!
At Shenandoah River State Park is one of my very best friends managing the park, Tony Widmer. Tony and I were roommates at Hocking College in Southern Ohio from 1979-81. It is always great to catch up with him and the park itself is just eye candy to the nature lover. Their campground is one of the few that we keep open year round. They also have new cabins that opened in 2010 and there isn’t a bad view in the whole park.
Park Manager Tony Widmer, taken at Hocking Hills State Park in Ohio
Well this coming weekend I am suppose to be at two different shows at the same time; the Roanoke Bridal Show and the Tidewater Recreation Vehicle Show in Virginia Beach Not sure if they have figured out how to clone me yet, but I will be at one of the shows. If you find me and mention this story, I will have a gift for you.
Until our paths cross at a Virginia State Park, hang onto your pants!
If you have read the article and have a question, please email nancy.heltman@dcr.virginia.gov.