The Gansett Gazette
October - November Issue
2006

FALL GATHERING OCTOBER 13-15

This event will be filled with fun activities, various meetings and educational workshops, entertainment and great food. All members are encouraged to attend. See the chapter website for more information.

Volunteers are needed for registration, directing traffic and behind the scenes. If you’re looking for an opportunity to give back and help our chapter, please call Linda Pease at 351-2234. As an added bonus, volunteers receive free registration for the Fall Gathering. This is a $25 value. Sign up now before all the volunteer positions are filled.

Proposed Chapter By-Law Change for Annual Meeting Vote:

The current by-laws impose a two-year term limit on our Chapter Chair and Vice-Chair and therefore Jerry Bernardini’s and Gene Mihaly’s terms are expiring November 18 at our annual meeting. Our search committee has been unsuccessful, to date, finding replacement candidates for these positions. Jerry and Gene are offering to stay on until successors are found, but not beyond April 15, 2007, at which time these positions would be filled on a rotating basis by current chapter board members (a difficult means of operating an executive board, but required on an interim basis until successors step forward). A by-law change is required to enable Jerry and Gene to continue and, after examining our options, the chapter executive board and AMC headquarters jointly decided that a suspension of the two year term limit is the best choice. Suspension of a bylaw is not currently available in the current Chapter bylaws; therefore the following by-law change is proposed to be voted on by chapter members present at the business portion of our annual meeting:

Section 1 and section 2 of Article VI "Amendments" of our chapter bylaws are changed to read (the changes are shown in bold):
"Section 1.  These Bylaws may be amended, or any article or any section of an article or any portion of any section of an article of these Bylaws may be suspended, at any Annual or special meeting of the Chapter by a two-thirds vote of those members present and voting, provided notice of such amendment or suspension shall have been sent to all members of the Chapter at least three weeks previously.

Section 2. By-Laws, and all amendments and suspensions thereto, must receive the approval of the Council of the Appalachian Mountain Club Chapter's Executive Board before taking effect.  Relative to any proposed amendments or suspensions of the Chapter Bylaws, the Chapter's Executive Board should vote on and approve such amendments or suspensions and also consult with the Club's Department of Chapter and Volunteer Relations for their advice on such proposals, prior to the vote of the Chapter's members on such proposals."

YOUR MEMBERSHIP WILL SOON EXPIRE - IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED

Well, no, your actual AMC membership isn't due to expire but your Membership Chair's term of office is. After many years of dedicated service, your chapter's Membership Chair, Maria Earley has decided to step down from that position effective on November 18th. This is actually two years beyond Maria's initially planned date.

The Membership Chair is one of the five elected positions on your chapter's Executive Board and is vital to the continuing proper functioning of your chapter. The Membership Chair is the chapter's contact person for people interested in joining and wanting information, is the chapter's liason to the club's headquarters regarding membership issues, oversees a potential membership committee and coordinates other membership related activities. This important position needs a dynamic, well organized and marketing oriented individual. This is an opportunity to give back to your chapter for all that you have enjoyed.

IMMEDIATE ACTION IS NEEDED. We need to line up a person or persons as soon as possible to assume these duties, so your chapter, particularly the membership activities, can continue in a high quality manner. Full training and guidance will be provided by our current Membership Chair.

Anyone interested in volunteering or at least finding out more about the position, please contact Chapter Chair Jerry Bernadini at 886-4735 or jbern9@cox.net

PLEASE ACT NOW BEFORE IT IS TOO LATE, as we need your help. Thank you.

Slate of Proposed Nominees for 2007 Executive Board’s Elected Positions

The Chapter’s Nominating Committee proposes the following persons to be voted on by Chapter members at the Nov. 18 Annual Meeting:

Chair- Jerry Bernardini *
Vice –Chair- Eugene Mihaly*
Secretary- John Fontaine
Treasurer- Tom Eagan
Membership Chair- Vacant **

* interim until no later than 4/15/07 per details in this Gazette’s Proposed By-Law Change Notice
** see membership vacancy notice in this Gazette. “

REQUEST FOR THE APPIE OF THE YEAR NOMINATION

Every year at the Annual Meeting and Dinner an individual is awarded with the Chapter’s highest honor, Appie of the Year. This award is presented annually to that person who, in an outstanding manner, exemplifies the mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club. The recipient of this award receives an engraved plaque as a permanent memento. The Appie of the Year is also presented with a plaque with his name engraved along with the names of the previous Appies. The plaque is retained for one year before it is passed on to the next Appie of the Year. The recipient of this award is chosen by the Narragansett Chapter membership and the Chapter Executive Board. Please send your Appie of the Year nominations to Jerry Bernardini, 1896 Middle Rd, East Greenwich, RI 02818 or e-mail, jbern9@cox.net , by October 15, 2006.

Mountain Watch Fall Foliage Newsletter Notice:gather information for AMC Foliage Study

When is the best time to catch fall colors in the White Mountains? Take a mountain plant monitoring hike this fall and help answer this question. AMC's Mountain Watch "citizen-scientist" program gives hikers an easy, hands-on way of volunteering to help track the timing of fall color change and leaf drop. Visitors to AMC’s Highland Lodge at Crawford Notch, Joe Dodge Lodge at Pinkham Notch, and Zealand Falls or Lonesome Lake huts can take easy to moderate hikes out to tagged trees to record their observations as part of long-term research examining indicators of climate change. A more general observation on canopy fall foliage can be made on any trail. Go to Outdoors.org to download materials or email AMCmtnwatch@outdoors.org and we will mail you a kit. Be sure to include your address and location you will visit.

ACTIVITIES

Fri–Sun Sep 29-Oct 1 White Mountain Autumn Splendor–Inter-Chapter Weekend at Cardigan Lodge. Join us at Day hikes on Mt. Cardigan Reservation during this beautiful hiking season. For fit hikers who enjoy a moderately paced, 10 mile hike with 2000’ elevation gain. $106 fee includes 2 nights full service hut lodging, 2 breakfasts, 1 dinner & social hours. L Ed Poyer, CL Joe Piotti (423-0091)

Sat Sep 30 Burlingame and River Trail: 4-5 mile hike in a less traveled part of Burlingame. Stop at overlook for Pawcatuck River. Rain cancels. L Katherine Mears (348-9413)

Sat Sep 30 Conservation & Trail Work - Blackstone Park on Providence's East Side invites us back to continue the work we've done over the past few years. Learn trail work techniques or bring your expertise and help bring this Olmstead designed park back to glory and burn a few calories. L Chris Shafer (222-2797 ext. 7511), CL Linda Pease (351-2234). Raindate: October 1, if heavy rain forecasted for Sept. 30.

Sun Oct 1 Walk Boston's Freedom Trail. Visit the USS Constitution, find out if Mother Goose is buried in Boston and explore the trail and its hidden treasures from Bunker Hill to the Boston Common. Comfy shoes for this 3 mile walk and $$ req'd for Quincy Mkt. Possible dinner in North End. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Mike Martin (437-0957).

Wed Oct 4 Hike and Social at Bristol Bike Path: 6pm and bring flashlight. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sat Oct 7 Easy Rider Biking in Warwick: 19 mile, gentle paced, mostly flat ride, with water views, through Buttonwoods Park, Warwick Neck (including lighthouse) and Rocky Point areas. Lunch break at Oakland Beach. Helmets req'd. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Steve Morra (231-5365).

Sat Oct 7 Hike Mount Misery at Pauchaug State Forest: 5 mile hike through a cedar forrest with nice views from the top. Wear proper attire and hiking boots req’d., possibly wet trails. Bring water and snacks. L John Ross ( 884-8458).

Sat Oct 7 Conservation Foliage Walk, Gloucester Land Trust: at 10am. Join DEM Forester Bruce Payton, as we walk the former Steere Hill Farm, now part of the 1200 plus acres spliced together by the Land Trust. He will review the history of property, trees & wildlife, and explain a new reforestation demonstration project. Approx. 2 mi. Res/w L Bob Sumner Mack (723-3625) or CL Jack Schempp (331-4553).

Sat Oct 7 North-South Trail Boardwalk Construction: Join with AMC and North-South trail committees in building boardwalks on the North-South trail at Burlingame State Park. Meet 8:45 AM and continue through mid-afternoon or whatever time you can contribute. Raindate and possible continuation date is Oct. 21. For additional details contact Chris Shafer (789-8331).

Sat-Sun Oct 7-8 Rock Climbing, Shawangunks, NY: general and advanced climbers comfortable on 5.4 routes or better, stay at climbers campground or hostel. Dinner at an après climb restaurant. Reg/w L Dave Curry (dmcurry13@yahoo.com), CL Angie Bollich.

Wed Oct 11 Hike and Social in Wickford Village: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri-Sun Oct 13-15 FALL GATHERING: Details and registration online.

Sun Oct 15 Welch-Dickey Day Hike: spectacular views from open ledges. Great fun, carpool from RI with early start. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Mike Martin.

Wed Oct 18 Trails Committee Meeting 6:30pm. Call Anne (823-1397) or Marge (295-7101).

Wed Oct 18 Hike and Social in East Greenwich: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sat Oct 21 E. Greenwich/Slocum/Wickford Bike Ride: 35 mi., moderate pace, lunch on Wickford beach, some hills early in the ride. Helmets req'd. L Nancy Baker (737-3052)

Sat Oct 21 Fall Foliage Paddle: Escape civilization for a while close to home on the Pawtuxet River from Pontiac Mill to Rhodes on the Pawtuxet. Ice cream after. L Bill Rush (941-4983 weekdays 8-10pm), CL Linda Pease (351-2234).

Sat Oct 21 Conservation House and Garden Tour of Blithewold Mansion in Bristol at 10 am. Learn about the trees including redwoods and other plants on this beautiful property. Admission fee. Walk along the water and bring a picnic lunch. Additional walking after lunch possible. Call L Roseann Evans (273-8255 or roseannb4@cox.net).

Sat Oct 21 Hike Buffumville Lake and Dam in Oxford, MA: a 7 mile moderate hike crossing a few streams and possibly wet trails. Bring water, snacks and hiking boots req’d. Might make this PICNIC POTLUCK after hike. L Louis Jacobs (315 0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Sun Oct 22 New Members Walk in the Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge, Exeter: 4 miles. Great opportunity to learn about your club. Possible Social to follow. Heavy rain cancels. L. Maria Earley (789-8331 call 7-9pm).

Sun Oct 22 Mt. Holyoke and the Seven Sisters Day Hike: at peak foliage along the CT River, 7 miles of up and down, but worth the effort. Carpool from RI, eat out after. Register by Oct. 17. L Steve Harrison (270-3363), CL Mike Martin

Wed Oct 25 Hike and Social in Garden City, Cranston: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Fri-Sat Oct 27-28 Intermediate White Mountain Hike: join us for a day hike during ‘shoulder season’ in the Whites. Conditions will determine destination. For fit hikers who enjoy a moderately pace, 10-12 mile hike with 3000’ elevation gain. $39 fee includes 1 night lodging and breakfast at Shapleigh Hostel. L’s Ed & Denise Poyer (783-6623, Mon.-Thurs. 8-9:30pm)

Sat Oct 28 Foliage Hike at Connors Farm in Smithfield: bring snacks, water, camera and hiking boots are req’d. Additional loop at nearby Audubon Society if time allows. Meet at Apple Valley Mall. L John Feather (764-0438) or jfeather67@cox.net, CL Linda Pease.

Sunday Oct 29 Hike and Social Sachuest Point, Newport: meet 11am. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Wed Nov 1 Hike and Social in Providence: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sat Nov 4 Rock Climbing Lead Workshop, Hammond Pond, MA : contact the leader to register and get specific trip information. L Peter Barlow (860 675-3772) or CL Brian Phillips (bphillips38@cox.net or 783-0133).

Sat Nov 4 Great Swamp Hike, S. Kingstown: easy 7 mile hike, adding more mileage than usual. Legal Orange and hiking boots req’d. L Gene Chicoine (398-2525), CL Joyce Chang (398-0389).

Wed Nov 8 Hike and Social in Jamestown: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sunday Nov 12 Hike and Social in Goddard Park: meet 11am. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Tuesday Nov 14 Local Hike Meeting at North Kingstown Stop & Shop meeting room at 6:30pm, all are welcome. L Lou Jacobs (315-0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Wed Nov 15 Hike and Social at West Kingston Bike Path: 6pm and bring flashlights. For informaation phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Wed Nov 15 Trails Committee Meeting 6:30pm. Call Anne (823-1397) or Marge (295-7101).

Sat Nov 18 AMC 2006 ANNUAL MEETING AND DINNER: Register by November 4^th

Sat Nov 18 Fisherville Brook Wildlife Refuge Hike: easy 3.5 mile walk through this very attractive Audubon Refuge. L Joyce Chang (398-0389), CL Gene Chicoine (398-2525).

Sat Nov 18 Conservation Trip to Bill's Auto Recycling in Cumberland, the Chafee Conservation Award winning facility, at 10am. Let Bill show us why! Find out what can and should happen to your old car after death. See how cars are drained and broken down for clean disposal and recycling. And watch an air bag explode. L Bob Sumner-Mack (723 3625)

Sat Nov 18– Leadership Development Workshop: this one-day workshop for new or aspiring chapter leaders will include sessions on Activity Design and Planning, Leadership Styles, Decision Making, Managing Your Group, and Accident Scene Management, as well as Screening Participants, Trip Logistics and Trailhead Procedures. The skills presented will apply to all chapter activities, and will be a benefit to anyone planning to lead a one day activity, a weekend trip, or something more ambitious. Cost is $25 for chapter members and includes lunch, snacks and materials. For further information or to sign up for this workshop, contact Charlie Killam (508) 252-4349 or email charliek@bufftree.com.

Wed Nov 22 Hike and Social, Location Leaders Choice: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

Sun Nov 26 Easy Walk-off-the-Turkey Hike: a stroll in Westerly’s Napatree Point and a bit of Watch Hill, 3–5 miles, with a POT LUCK to follow after the hike. L Linda Pease (351-2234) CL Roberta Jacobs.

Wed Nov 29 Hike and Social, Location Leaders Choice: 6pm and bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611).

ADVANCE NOTICES
(some not finalized)

Sat Dec 2 Hike Mt. Tom Ledges: 5 mile hike with some hills and a ledge overlook in Arcadia. Hiking boots req’d, bring water and snacks. Rain cancels. L Katherine Mears (348 9413).

Sat Dec 9 Parker Woodlands Hike: 7 miles. Bring lunch, snacks and plenty of water, wear proper clothing in layers depending on the weather, possible very wet areas. Hiking boots req’d. If inclement weather, hike will be cancelled. L Lou Jacobs (315-0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Dec 14, 6:00-9:00pm Winter Hiking Introductory Workshop, Cold Spring Conference Center, N. Kingstown: Come learn the basics of winter mountain hiking. Designed for experienced three season hikers who want to advance into the winter season. We'll teach the basics of safe winter travel & discuss clothing and gear options. Topics include: heat management and clothing, footwear (boots, showshoes and crampons),energy management, physical conditioning, winter satety. Call Tom Grasso (860) 928-7017, 8-9:30 pm or leave a message at 781-9007

Sat Dec 16 Fort Nature Refuge Hike: nice and easy, in the northern part of Rhode Island. We will be visiting 3 ponds, bring water and snacks, hiking boots req’d. L John Ross (884-8458).

Sat-Dec-30 Walk off Xmas Dinner: L Linda Pease (351 2234)

Sun Jan 7 Walk off New Year's in Uxbridge, MA: 10-mile hike on both sides of the Blackstone from the Visitor's Center to Plummer's Landing, then to Lookout Rock.  Proper winter prep and footwear req'd.  L Linda Pease (351-2234).

Sat-Jan-13 Trustum Pond: Adele Holcombe

Sat Jan 20 Goddard Park, East Greenwich: a nice walk on the bridle path trails through the park. Wear proper clothing, bring water and snacks. L John Ross (884-8458)

Sun Jan 21 Great Swamp, S. Kingstown: 5 mile, easy hike around the swamp. Legal Orange and hiking boots req’d, possible snowshoe. L Lou Jacobs (315-0165 or lou_jacobs@yahoo.com).

Sun Jan 28 Walk about in George Washington Management Area: L Steve Harrison