Treasurer transition. Thanks to outgoing treasurer Jim Landfield for his decade-or-so of stellar work balancing our books and keeping us financially healthy. Big thanks to Marilyn Jones for taking over this critically important task.
Conservation Committee – Dianne Whitaker, Kathleen Sengstock
CCA hosted a very successful clean up on April 6 at Algonquin Regional Park in Virginia. The river was too high to safely get out to the islands for clean up there. Another cleanup is coming up April 20 at Riley's Lock, with the goal of getting into Seneca Creek.
Access Committee – Gordy Lange
Upper Yough bill. Tom Hackman reported that Maryland Senate Bill 837 (House Bill 910) referring to Deep Creek water levels and dam releases technically passed, but thankfully the legislation as amended will not have an impact on the Upper Yough summer releases. CCA sent a letter and rallied area clubs to help combat the bill.
Safety – Rolando Arrieta
Rolo wrote an article about upcoming safety classes for the last Cruiser newsletter, and plans to write one for each newsletter; he also is starting a guest speaker series. He will work with Susan Sherrod to send an email blast to members that mentions the $75 stipend available to any CCA member who wants to take a safety class, upon their agreement to coordinate two trips in the next year.
CCA has contracted with Mike Aronoff to offer a Swift Water Rescue class for CCA members for $2,200 total. (See related article.) He can have 12 people, for a discounted rate of $185/person over the July 13-14 weekend. We will pay him the full amount, even if the class is not full. CCA will send Mike a $1,000 deposit by June 1. CCA will let Mike know several weeks ahead if the class isn't full so he can advertise it to his network and fill the class.
Treasurer's report – Marilyn Jones
Marilyn thanked outgoing Treasurer, Jim Landfield, for all his generous work to help transition her into the job. Marilyn's first report was all good news. Our year-to-date net income for the club is $3,592. This is due in large part to $2,391 income from the Wells Fargo investment account. Within our operating account, the club has a positive income of $1,451. To date, most of our operating income is a result of $3,630 membership; $460 advertising; $1,850 downriver race sponsorship; $2,500 pool rolling. In the next month, we should expect both expenses and revenue related to the Downriver Race. Also, since pool rolling is ending, final numbers will be available for that soon.
Membership – Ginny DeSeau
We continue to get roughly one new member per week, even over the winter.
Trips Committee – Gary Quam
The trips are starting up, with Thursday trips and weekend trips off and paddling. Alf is looking for weekend trip coordinators. The ever-popular Wednesday evening trip from Anglers to Lock 10 is coordinator-less right now, so please step up if that appeals to you. Ginny Quam's email blast with the 10-day upcoming trips is very helpful at encouraging participants.
We had a healthy DC-based contingent that went to the 56th Red Moshannon (RedMo) Downriver race (PA), and had a great time, as well as proudly representing us by being very fast. Thanks to Anna Normand for coordinating that trip.
Facebook and web issues – Jen Sass, Lynn Miller
We are getting some questions through Facebook members about how to start kayaking. How do we respond to novices and aspirational novices? At this time, we don't have beginner courses or gear for people. As a solution, we've pinned a note to the top of the Facebook page encouraging newbies to take courses with local professional schools and instructors.
Next meeting: Wednesday, June 5