John and Fran Schultz Bridge Dedicated; Part of Phase 3 of TREC Trail Network

The nicest weather day of the week, according to our forecast, was the perfect occasion for the dedication of the John and Fran Schultz Bridge, part of Phase 3 of the TREC Trail Network.

People arrived for the ceremony in a wooded area just east of Kingwood Estates by foot, by bicycle and some by golf cart courtesy of TREC Board member Frank Kabbes who operated a shuttle service to get attendees to the scene.

Bob Schultz told those gathered for the dedication of the bridge built in his parents' honor that the bridge is the right setting for his father, a mushroom hunter who experienced minimal success but enjoyed the adventure, and his mother, who would seek out the nook of a tree to read one book after another. Schultz said he also spoke on behalf of his siblings, including oldest brother Jack who with wife Bethina donated the use of the land for the trail and oldest sister Jane Herman who helped raise funds for the bridge project.

Other speakers included Effingham County Board Chairman Jim Niemann, who rode his bicycle to the ceremony, and Effingham Mayor Merv Gillenwater, who with wife Pat walks the trail network several days each week. Effingham County Chamber of Commerce President Norma Lansing spoke on behalf of the business community that has supported the trail network, and St. Rep. John Cavaletto also addressed the crowd. St. Anthony, Sacred Heart and St. Mary's of Shumway Pastor Chris Brey offered the invocation and blessed the bridge and those who use it.

(TREC BOARD PRESIDENT FRANK BRUMMER)

TREC Board President Frank Brummer served as Master of Ceremonies and reflected on the community effort that has brought TREC this far. Brummer noted, "TREC doesn't have an office, or a staff, or even a cell phone. All the work and services for TREC are donated; all the money goes to the trails."