Over a year ago, Hostelling International-U.S.A./A.Y.H. began taking steps to streamline itself by absorbing its 23 local councils. One of these, The Gateway Council of A.Y.H., had been active for over 60 years in youth travel and recreational activities of hiking, biking, and canoeing.

Last night, at its annual meeting the Board of Directors of Gateway Council presented dissolution steps to its membership. The members voted to dissolve the local council.The effects of this are far-reaching. St Louis will now no longer have a structured entity to promote hosteling and travel. Instead, volunteers or "Friends of" may be started locally.

What happened to Gateway Council's signature event, The Moonlight Ramble(R)? Joe Rusch, Director of Emmis Marketing Group, was at the meeting to announce that The Ramble would be continued by them as a charitable event. In return for an undisclosed sum of money and a legal agreement to plough 10 percent of proceeds back to local charities, The Ramble will continue. 

The wildly popular local bicycling event held under the light of the full moon will see its 49th year in August; route is kept secret until the night of the event and is still being planned with various police and public officials. Stay tuned to the Emmis website for KSHE, www.kshe95.com, for further upcoming announcements.