At the Venture Group's meeting Wednesday, Les Glanz, of Northern Lehigh Future Focus, said that the Delaware and Lehigh National Heritage Corridor is just waiting for a conservation permit, which is required due to the fact that the drainage of the lot would be affected by the improvements, before they start their landscaping project at the Slatington Trailhead. While no firm dates are set for the D And L, due to the nature of the permitting process, the Venture Group expects work to begin this summer.

The carpenters union was contacted prior to the meeting and has reported that they will be performing the work on the trailhead building. Work will begin as soon as they've completed a job in Jim Thorpe and can bring their tools to the site.Jason Breidinger, who is chairman of the Venture Group, said that the Slatington Trailhead building project needs another $20,000 to $25,000 put into it to finish it off. At the meeting the group worked on the fundraising letter that they'll be sending out to local businesses. With the fundraising events that the various member groups of the Venture Group have coming up, Breidinger estimated that the group only needs to collect about $10,000 to $15,000.The Slatington Lions Club is holding a steak fry at the Slatington Skeet Club, 8112 Skeet Club Road, June 26 to benefit the building project. Tickets, which include the meal, drinks and karaoke, are $20. The Venture Group wants to hold a coin toss at some point, and this year the Greater Northern Lehigh Chamber of Commerce's Christmas ornament will feature the Slatington Trailhead.The Venture Group also discussed teaming up with Allen Boyer, of A F Boyer Hardware, 130 Main St., Slatington, to hold an outdoor sports related banquet. This would be a larger project. Charlie Sule, of the Slatington Lions Club, estimated that it would take six months to plan such an event. Breidinger said that he'll work with Boyer to have a presentation ready for the group at next month's meeting.At the meeting Greg Rentschler, of Rentschler Chrysler Jeep Dodge, Route 873, Slatington, presented the Venture Group with a $1,000 donation."Thank you to your whole family," Breidinger said. "Rentschler hasn't just stepped up. They've been a leader."Glanz updated the Venture Group on the old high school site (at Second and Main streets, Slatington) project. He said that the borough received bids for the park project yesterday and that the estimated start date is Aug. 1. The 90 day project will at least include infrastructure, landscaping, a gazebo and a performance area. Glanz said that, depending on the bid prices, this first phase of the project may also include adding more parking to the area around the future park.The next meeting of the Venture Group is scheduled for July 21 at 8:30 a.m. in Slatington Borough Hall.