Get to know Lynn Schoof, the force behind KSAT’s Artful Dash 5K Run/Walk — and much more
Known by many as the organizer of the Karl Stirner Arts Trail’s (KSAT) Artful Dash 5K Run/Walk, Lynn Schoof lives in downtown Easton with husband Dustin and their three-legged black “wondercat,” Streaky, and Seamus, their orange “little monster” kitty. Take a few minutes and get to know this KSAT super volunteer and board member better.
How did you end up in Easton?
In 2013, I moved here for a job: reporter at the Express-Times covering the Slate Belt area … It was a “came for a job, stayed for love” type deal. Love for my husband, obviously, but I also really like the area. I’m from Lebanon, Pennsylvania. I constantly had to drive to Hershey, Lancaster, Reading, or York to find things to do. There’s always a lot of things to do here.
When you’re not working as Via of the Lehigh Valley’s communications manager or volunteering for KSAT, how do you like to spend your time?
I’m running, I’m cooking, I’m baking, I’m hanging out with my cats and my husband. I also work part time bartending at Weyerbacher. I volunteer for the Rotary Club and am the president-elect. I also like to see my friends.
What’s the most fun part of organizing the Artful Dash 5K Run/Walk?
Just seeing everyone go across the start line. Once we get all the runners set up, I always go a little ahead of the start line so I can get a cool video of everyone coming across. I’m always so happy to see everybody there enjoying the trail. They’re not there for me or the planning committee; they’re there to support the trail. That’s what it’s all about. I always get a little teary eyed.
What’s been the highlight?
We dedicated the 2022 race to Mac [the late Richard McAteer]. He was very special, and I’ll always have a soft spot in my heart for him…I was talking to Nancy Handzo and asked whether we should have a moment of silence or something else for Mac. Nancy said, “No, we should have a moment of ruckus — he would have hated a moment of silence.” So, at the race, I was on the mic telling the story of Mac, his vision, and how he meant a lot of us. I said, “On the count of three, we’re going to yell for Mac.” Everyone did, whether they knew him or not.
Can you share a special memory of Mac?
Mac would write a really nice email to me after each race. After the 2021 race, he mailed me a letter singing my praises and copied the board of directors on it. At that moment in my life, I needed that reassurance…I’ll always keep that letter. I’m going to put it in my office next to a drawing of the arts trail. I’ll have an arts trail corner in my office.
Who’s the unsung hero of KSAT?
Nancy Handzo has been a force in terms of getting sponsorships and donors. She is amazing at development and fundraising; I don’t think we sing her praises enough. I have the utmost respect for Nancy.
If you could have your way, what would be different about the arts trail in five years?
We’d have an actual building somewhere. It doesn’t have to be big — just some storage and maybe office space. The trail itself is so great as it is. I don’t know that I’d change anything about it.
What’s a fun fact that not many people know about you?
I grew up in Central Pennsylvania and therefore have “Amish Paradise” [Weird Al Yankovic’s parody of Coolio’s “Gangsta’s Paradise”] memorized word for word.
Any last words?
The trail is what it is today because of the people who have been involved with it. We have many committees and events, and they all need people to serve. Reach out and get involved. Get on the board [of directors] because the more people in our community get involved and have a say in what goes on, the better it will be and the more the trail will reflect our community.
