NARRAGANSETT CHAPTER
ANNUAL MEETING
and
REPORT
NOVEMBER 8, 2014
SAVE THE BAY, PROVIDENCE RI
AMC's Mission Statement
The Appalachian Mountain Club promotes the protection, enjoyment and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters, and trails of the Appalachian region. We believe that mountains, forests, and waters have intrinsic worth and also provide recreational opportunities, spiritual renewal, and ecological and economic health for the region. Because successful conservation depends on active engagement with the outdoors, we encourage people to experience, learn about, appreciate, and understand the natural world.
2014 Annual Report
Narragansett Chapter - Appalachian Mountain Club
Annual Report contents:
Minutes of the 2013 Annual Meeting
Annual Report December 2013 – November 2014
Chapter Leadership Slate (2014 and 2015)
Chapter Chair Report
Chapter Leadership and Member Accomplishments for 2014
Treasurer Report
Committee Reports
Leader Recognition
Minutes of the November 9, 2013 Annual Meeting
Narragansett Chapter Annual Meeting
November 9, 2013
Save the Bay, Providence, RI
The meeting was called to order by Debbie Mitchell, Chapter Chair, at 6:35pm
Debbie began the meeting with welcoming comments to all attendees and the introduction of Mike Barry, Regional Director, and Faith Salter, Volunteer Director from AMC Staff who were in attendance.
Following introductions, the names of members who passed away during 2013 were read and their memory was honored with a moment of silence.
Joe Goudreau, active member of climbing group
Barbara Kilcup, trails committee member
Dick Yeaw, longtime member- 1998 Appie of the Year
Debbie then announced that copies of the 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes could be found in the Annual Reports distributed throughout the room. After encouraging the members to review the Minutes Debbie asked for a Motion to approve the 2012 Annual Meeting Minutes.
A Motion to approve was made by Tom Eagan
The Motion was seconded: Robin Kuznitz
All voting members in favor – motion passed
With the Minutes approved Debbie read the names of the current Chapter Executive Committee and Chapter Chairs and asked the group to stand for a collective round of applause.
Larry Rollins, Chair of the Nominating Committee, was then called up to introduce the 2013 Executive Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs.
2013 Current Chapter Leadership
2013 Executive Committee:
Chair Debbie Mitchell
Past Chair Bonnie England
Vice Chair Bob Tessitore
Minutes of the November 9, 2013 Annual Meeting (continued)
Treasurer Tom Eagan
Secretary Matt Putnam
Membership Chair Robin Kuznitz
Activities Chair Chris Shafer
Conservation Chair Linda Pease
Communications Chair Mike Krabach
Leadership Chair Ed Poyer
Trails Chair Dav Cranmer
Nominating Committee Chair Larry Rollins
2013 Committee Leaders / Sub chairs:
Local Hikes Mary Ann Topp/Christine Galvin
Biking Marcie Madsen
Skiing Susan Rollins
Backpacking and Northern Hikes Ed Poyer
Technical Climbing Brian Phillips, Peter Barlow
Sea Kayaking Mike Krabach
Flatwater Paddling Linda Pease
Family Outings Debbie Mitchell
Young Members Scott Disnard
Webmaster Mike Krabach
Public Relations Liaison Shannon Kelly
Archivist Open
2014 Incoming Chapter Leadership
Incoming 2014 Executive Board:
Chair: Debbie Mitchell
Past Chair: Bonnie England
Vice Chair: Bob Tessitore
Secretary: Open
Treasurer: Tom Eagan
Membership Chair: Robin Kuznitz
Communications Co-Chair: Mike Krabach
Activities Chair: Chris Shafer
Leadership Chair: Ed Poyer
Conservation Chair: Linda Pease
Trails Chair: Dav Cranmer
Nominating Committee Chair: Larry Rollins
A Motion to approve the Nominations was made by Sue Rollins
The Motion was seconded by Charlie Mitchell
All voting members in favor – motion passed
Larry then announced the 2014 Committee Leaders:
Incoming 2014 Chapter Committee Leaders:
Biking Marcie Madsen
Minutes of the November 9, 2013 Annual Meeting (continued)
Skiing Steve Harrington/Ann Piascik
Backpacking / Northern Hikes Ed Poyer
Technical Climbing Brian Phillips (until 12/31/13) Peter Barlow
Sea Kayaking Mike Krabach
Flatwater Paddling Linda Pease
Family Outings Open
Young Members Scott Disnard
Local Hikes Mary Ann Topp/Christine Galvin
Webmaster Mike Krabach
Public Relations Liaison Shannon Kelly
Archivist Open
Debbie provided a synopsis of the 2013 Chapter Accomplishments preceded by her sincere appreciation for the contributions of the current Executive Board and Committee Chairs.
Key topics for the 2013 Executive Committee were:
Leader recognition – Debbie noted that this is always a focus for the Chapter and this year Leaders will receive a blaze orange technical shirt with “Volunteer Leader” emblazoned on it
‘Gansett Gazette – as of Feb 1st, the paper copy of the Gazette will be discontinued. Debbie noted that the paper Gazette is not as up to date as the electronic copy and that eliminating the paper copy will save the Chapter a substantial amount of money.
Membership health and diversity – the Young Member group has flourished under the leadership of Scott Disnard and is helping to guarantee the long term health of the Chapter. Debbie made note of several recent events that each received healthy turnouts.
Debbie then noted that there are several openings of key chapter positions and made an appeal to the membership to consider volunteering for one of the positions.
Retiring Committee Chairs were recognized. Sue Rollins, Skiiing and Brian Phillips, Technical Climbing will both be stepping down from their posts in 2014. Each was thanked for their effort and extensive contributions over the length of their terms.
Debbie then listed key chapter accomplishments as detailed in her Chapter Chair Report.
Tom Eagan was called to give the Treasurer’s Report. He referenced his comments from the prior year where he assured the attendees that although the US Government may have been facing a fiscal cliff it was not the case for the Chapter. Tom stated that the Chapter’s finances remain healthy and noted that the Chapter did not go over the Fiscal Cliff, faced no Sequestration, and had no need to shut down its operations for any period of time due to a lack of funding. Tom stated that that the Chapter is likely to run a small surplus for the year and attributed its financial health to the work and diligence of the individual members.
Awards:
George Slinn, a 50 year member, was present and was called to the front of the room to receive a commemorative pin from Chapter Vice-Chair Bob Tessitore. George posed for photos and received an enthusiastic round of applause.
No 25 year members were in attendance.
Chris Shafer was called to announce the names of the New Leaders for 2013:
Kerri
Green (local hiking)
Lesli Kelleter (dog hikes)
Russ Miller
(dog hikes)
Kathy Raposa (family hikes)
Rebecca Swagger
(local hiking)
Minutes of the November 9, 2013 Annual Meeting(continued)
Chris
Tate (technical climbing)
Cherine Whitney (conservation and
paddling)
Debbie then thanked our Prolific Leaders and recognized those for receiving Trails and Stewardship Awards. Debbie also noted that the names of all recipients were listed on multiple poster boards placed throughout the facility.
The John Clarke Award was then announced. Ed Poyer, the recipient, was unable to attend the meeting. Scott Disnard accepted the award on his behalf.
Next was the awarding of the Golden Appie Award for lifetime achievement with the Chapter. Chris Shafer was called to present the award and gave a brief biography of the recipient as well as citing some of their key accomplishments. This year’s nominee was a 40 year member known for leading long and challenging hikes, being instrumental in training the current Technical Climbing Sub-Committee Chair, contributing immeasurably to trail building and maintenance, and serving as a former Chapter Chair. Chris then revealed that Roy Benoit was the 2013 Award winner and called him to the front to receive his plaque and a warm round of applause.
Maria Earley, was called to the front to present the Appie of the Year award. Previous recipients were asked to stand and be recognized by a round of applause. This year’s recipient was a long-time member who has made significant and varied contributions to the chapter through grant writing, trail blazing, and serving as a past Chapter Vice-Chair, and Chair. She was also credited with starting the popular Hikes with Dogs events. Maria then revealed that Bonnie England was the 2013 recipient and called to the front to receive her plaque and a round of applause.
With the business portion of the meeting concluded Debbie asked if there was a Motion to adjourn the meeting.
Motion to adjourn made by Tom Eagan at 7:02
Seconded by Teresa Eagan
All voting members in favor – motion passed
While members enjoyed a delicious catered dinner, Faith Salter, Volunteer Coordinator from AMC HQ Staff spoke for a few minutes and congratulated the members present on the Chapter’s wide range of accomplishments. She commented that although the Chapter is fond of saying that is achieves much in spite of its size it was important to realize that the Chapter is a high achieving Chapter regardless of its size. Even when compared to larger Chapters the Narragansett Chapter’s accomplishments still exceed that of many of them. Faith followed her words of encouragement with an overview of recent club activities such as updates to the Maine cabins, the 125th anniversary of the NH huts, conservation efforts in opposition to the Northern Pass power line proposal, the opening of an AMC office in NY City, and continued progress expanding Youth Opportunities Programs.
Following Faith’s comments, Bob Tessitore came forward to introduce the evening’s featured speaker, Bill Betty, who provided an hour long multimedia presentation on the proliferation of Mountain Lions in the RI and greater New England area. Everyone learned a great deal about these big cats and will certainly be on the lookout for them on future outdoor adventures. The presentation was enjoyed in between trips to the dessert table for apple crisp with whipped cream.The evening’s program was concluded by a raffle hosted by Flatwater Paddling Chair, Linda Pease and a hearty round of applause in recognition for Chapter Chair Debbie Mitchell’s effort to pull the Annual Meeting together.
Annual Report December 2013 – November 2014
2014 Current Chapter Leadership
2014 Executive Committee:
` Chair Debbie Mitchell
Past Chair Bonnie England
Vice Chair Bob Tessitore
Treasurer Tom Eagan
Secretary Debra Huntington
Membership Chair Robin Kuznitz
Activities Chair Chris Shafer
Conservation Chair Linda Pease
Communications Chair Mike Krabach Leadership Chair Ed Poyer
Trails Chair Dav Cranmer
Nominating Committee Chair Larry Rollins
2014 Committee Leaders / Sub chairs:
Local Hikes Mary Ann Topp
Biking Marcie Madsen
Skiing Ann Piascik, Steve Harrington
Backpacking and Northern Hikes Ed Poyer
Technical Climbing Peter Barlow
Sea Kayaking Mike Krabach
Flatwater Paddling Linda Pease
Family Outings Open
Young Members Scott Disnard
Webmaster Mike Krabach
Public Relations Liaison Shannon Kelly
Archivist Open
2014-2015 Incoming Chapter Leadership
Incoming 2014-2015 Executive Board:
Chair: Bob Tessitore
Past Chair: Debbie Mitchell
Vice Chair: Open
Secretary: Debra Huntington
Treasurer: Bill Rafferty
Membership Chair: Gregg O’Brien
Communications Co-Chair: Mike Krabach
Activities Chair: Chris Shafer
Leadership Chair: Ed Poyer
Conservation Chair: Linda Pease
Trails Chair: Dav Cranmer
Nominating Committee Chair: Larry Rollins
Incoming 2014-2015 Chapter Committee Leaders:
Biking Marcie Madsen
Skiing Steve Harrington/Ann Piascik
Backpacking / Northern Hikes Ed Poyer
Technical Climbing Peter Barlow
Sea Kayaking Mike Krabach
Flatwater Paddline Linda Pease
Family Outings Open
Young Members Scott Disnard
Local Hikes Mary Ann Topp
Webmaster Mike Krabach
Public Relations Liaison Shannon Kelly
Archivist Open
2014 Chapter Chair Report
It has been an honor to serve as Chair of the Narragansett Chapter of the AMC for the past two years. I have to say that when I responded to the request in the gazette for the Treasurer position back in 2007, I had no idea that I would be continuing on as Vice Chair and then Chair, but have to say that it has been a rewarding experience. There is a tremendous amount of support from both within our Chapter and club-wide, and an opportunity to meet and work with so many volunteers, and employees of the Club. I would encourage anyone who has an interest in being involved with the Chapter as a member of either the Executive Committee or as sub chair of a committee to give it a try. We currently have a few open positions. The vice-chair position is open, as well as family outings sub-chair and archivist. In addition, our current local hikes co-chair will be stepping down shortly and is looking for someone to fill her position. One thing to keep in mind, is that for any of these positions, there is a lot of support from other volunteers so you will not be working alone.
One thing that distinguishes the AMC from other organizations is the number of dedicated volunteers and volunteer hours. This is very true of our Chapter, and is evident by the lists of new leaders, prolific leaders and volunteers that put in so many hours throughout the year, helping to promote the AMC mission of protection, enjoyment and stewardship of the mountains, forests, waters and trails of the Appalachian region.
One of the topics that have been discussed at executive committee meetings over the past few years is leader and volunteer appreciation. Volunteers put in so much for the Chapter and are so important, that the Chapter is looking for ways of thanking these volunteers. During this past year, the Chapter held a leader appreciation dinner as a way of showing appreciation for these volunteer efforts and provided AMC leader hats as a token of appreciation. Please keep in mind that the executive committee is open to ideas, so please feel free to give some input in this area.
In closing, I would like to thank members of the Executive Committee, Committee leaders, volunteers and members for all you do for the AMC.
2014 Chapter Leadership and Member Accomplishments
Chris Shafer, our Activities Committee Chair, is Club Wide Trails Committee Chair
Denise Poyer was awarded the clubwide volunteer leadership award for 2014
Jim Dowling and Chris Shafer were awarded the 2014 Warren Hart Award for 224+ hours of service
Martha Cruciani was appointed in April to the Warwick Municipal Land Trust
Our Chapter received TAC grants for trail and shelter improvements
Volunteer Leaders provided 250 + recreational and educational activities/trip for our 2600 members
Members of our Executive Board participated in regional and club-wide meetings
Key Chapter Leadership positions being vacated by retiring leaders were filled with skilled dynamic volunteers
Held Chapter-wide social events: Spring Fling, Fall Festival at Cardigan, the Winaukee Weekend and our Annual Meeting
Held a Leader appreciation dinner
Chapter volunteers participated in multiple community events including Arbor Day Tree Plantings, National Trails Day Project, Burlingame Trail Projects, RI Families in Nature events, Neutoconkanut Hill conservancy, and several Boy and Girl Scout/ AMC collaborative events
Continued providing Wilderness First Aid, CPR, step by step and Map and Compass
Held a springtime leader training
Narragansett AMC trail crews worked on numerous projects and are well known throughout the State for their expertise in this area
2014 Treasurer’s Report
Narragansett Chapter – AMC
Treasurers’ Report
October, 2014
As of September 30th, the Chapter has about $54,000 in cash and investments. This figure is up from the start of the year when we had $51,000. Although these figures do not include the costs and receipts associated with the annual meeting, which is typically a net cost to the chapter, we will still end year with more cash/investments then we started. A major reason for the increase in our cash/investments related to the difficult decision made by the board last year to eliminate the printed Gazette, which historically cost the chapter about $6k-$7k per year. The money we have saved, has permitted us to spend more on volunteer recognition and appreciation, training and new programs. We have an incredible number of dedicated leaders, and we now that we have the funds to better support their efforts and to say thank you more often, the board’s intention is to do just that.
This will be my last Treasurer’s report, and starting next month Bill Rafferty, who was previously the Chapter Treasurer many years ago, will take over my responsibilities. I have enjoyed working with everyone in this capacity and I’m sure Bill we do a great job.
.
2014 committee reports
Membership Committee Report 2014
This past spring, a wonderful group of people attended our annual Spring Fling and Social, which is open to all current and prospective new members.
50 Year Member
Dav Cramer
25 Year Members
Tom Arrison
Elaine Caldarone
Donald Harris
Cynthia Hiatt
William Keith
Charles Kemp
Hal Litoff
Joan Markert
Kenneth Peloquin
Kim Svehlik
Matthew Vollucci
Members Passing Away in 2014
George Ernst
Violet Ernst
We are proud to note that we currently have 2,646 members of our chapter. We are looking forward to providing more opportunities in 2014-2015 that attract new members and we are committed to exploring new and creative ways to increase our membership.
Robin Kuznitz
Membership Committee Chair
CONSERVATION COMMITTEE REPORT 2014
AMC years start right after the Annual Meeting in November. Our first hike was the Walk Off The Turkey hike at the Caratunk Audubon property in Seekonk where we looked for and found signs of wildlife. This year’s trips added some new venues. We’ve done the Foxwoods Indian Museum several times in the past and this year we added some wonderful hikes with a museum visit to Brown University’s Museum of Anthropology paired with dinner, and another outing to Herreshoff Museum with a historical walking tour, lunch and a concert. We were introduced to Roger Williams Park’s Community Gardens and Edible Forest with a talk by Jaime Nash, URI Master Gardener and a stroll around the park ending at the ice cream stand. Our Multi Activity Camp Winaukee Weekend included a nature story teller who educated and entertained the participants. We also promote the participation of AMC members in NON AMC events such as activities at Neutaconcanut Park which includes hikes on scenic woodland trails that the AMC trails committee worked on, right in the heart of Providence. Neutaconkanut events include stories on history by John McNiff, a well known National Park Service Ranger and many activities for Families. We even do a conservation paddle to educate the participants on the flora and birds, but most of all on the fact that the Big River area in Coventry faced being flooded for a new reservoir years ago.
Linda Pease
Conservation Committee Chair
On behalf of the AMC Trails Committee, thank you to the 116 volunteers who contributed a total of 1,546.5 hours of trail work and administrative duties, from October 2013 through September 2014. There were 2 volunteers who contributed more than 100 hours each:
Jim Dowling 190.5 hours
Chris Shafer 139.5 hours
The Stewardship Award is given to the following members for 12 or more hours of Trail work:
Roy Benoit, Tony Chernasky, Dav Cranmer, Henry Cruciani, Martha Cruciani, Jennie Crooks, Jim Dowling, Maria Earley, Kerri Green, Buzz Greenhalgh, Steve Higgins, John Keavy, Pete LaFreniere, Charles Mitchell, Mike Parker, Al Pointe, Kerry Robinson, Neil Rodin, Lennon Schroeder, Chris Shafer, Hsin-Chien Tai, Bob Tessitore, Gerald Wolniewicz, and Dominic Zachorne.
Land Trust Appointment:
● Martha Cruciani was appointed in April to the Warwick Municipal Land Trust
Grants:
The Trails Committee received a TAC grant of $4,000 for renovating the shelter at Step Stone Falls. The shelter was originally built by the CCC in the 1930s.
Training:
On June 7, National Trails Day, there was training as part of a two-day event at the George Washington Management Area. Twenty to 30 volunteers each day from the RI Hiking Club and the AMC built 8-10 lumber bridges on sections of the Walkabout Trail that are extremely muddy at certain times of the year
On September 6, as part of the AMC weekend at Burlingame Campground there was training in building boardwalks on the Vin Gormley Trail.
Trail events:
The covered bridge on the Vin Gormley Trail was raised so that longer sleepers could be installed; the bridge itself is too short for the width of the stream.
The Wood River Bridge project has proceeded at a pace somewhat slower than we had anticipated. As of the writing of this report (Oct 3) AMC has received the permits needed for construction to proceed. Currently, we are awaiting a decision about the type of bridge: fiberglass or wood. There is an AMC 20% co-share which we must provide. The DEM has raised the possibility that we could receive payment for assisting in improving a dam and this could be applied to the co-share. We are also anticipating using volunteer hours on the Mt Tom Trail as part of the co-share, connecting the trail with the Wood River Bridge.
The Burlingame weekend, as well as a followup event on Sept. 28, also included trail hardening on the Vin Gormley Trail where we did not build boardwalks.
We are planning a reroute of the Tippicansett Trail. About 6 years ago the trail was rerouted away from a piece of private property. This reroute has not been well received. Currently we are in negotiation with a local Gun Club about routing the trail across part of their property, thus bringing it closer to the trail before the reroute 6 years ago.
In August a section of the Walkabout Trail in the George Washington Management area was rerouted to bring it back to the original route by building lumber bridging and a log bridge. A log bridge was also built across a stream in the center of the North/South Trail.
Trails Committee members also provided trail work at the Nature Conservancy Carter Preserve, the Black Farm Management Area, the Browning Mill Pond area, and the Canonchet Preserves in Hopkinton.
Brushing, blazing, and addition of preservatives to existing bridges were performed on miscellaneous trails.
At a suggestion from one Committee member we have added to the chapter web site a form for reporting trail problems.
Dav Cranmer
Trails Committee Chair
Ski Committee Report 2014
Four weekend trips were run last season- Three in the White Mountains of NH, and one in Southern NH. Also, an instructional day trip was offered in Northeastern MA. The leaders who organized and ran these trips were Jack Schempp, Marcie Madsen, Chris Shafer, Chris Turgeon and Karen Rudio.
Ann Piascik, Steve Harrington
Ski Committee Co-Chairs
Biking Committee Report 2014
This year we scheduled just over 30 weekend and mid week rides. Unfortunately due to wet weather several had to be cancelled.
The traditional rides, Clam Cake, Pasta Challenge rides, the Watch Hill ride, the Block Island ride, remain very popular and many participants comment they look forward to them each year.
Two of our favorite leaders Sid Wax and Nancy Baker led or co-led over 10 rides combined. Their love of cycling and their enthusiasm is to be applauded. Nancy Baker leads her rides through new and scenic areas most people haven’t seen before. She’s an experienced well liked consistent leader. Carol Richards led a couple of mid week rides. Ted Bell got his feet wet in leading and also went to new areas for his rides. Regulars, Herrick Spencer, Mike Krabach and myself also led a ride or two. Linda Pease and Bill Rush’s Pasta Challenges offer a break midweek for exercise and dinner! And Dennis McCarthy stepped forward and led a very popular Block Island ride/hike in September.
I commend EVERY bike leader and co-leader for their commitment to our chapter.
I look forward to working with our many bike leaders again and hopefully inspire new leaders for the 2015 riding season.
Marcie Madsen
Biking Committee Chair
Climbing Sub-Committee Report 2014
The Climbing Sub-Committee had another very active and successful year. The climbing courses had a good enrollment this year with 19 students in the Beginner course and 12 in the Intermediate course. Many of the Intermediate students went on to climb with the group during the trips and we picked up a number of new members from local climbers. Two of our trips exceeded 25 registrants. On a space available basis we had trip participants from other chapters including the Connecticut, Boston, and New York Chapters. We held social events, classes, or trips in every month except December and March. Thanks to the ongoing support and efforts of this year’s trip leaders and co-leaders.
Peter Barlow
Technical Climbing Chair
YOUNG MEMBERS REPORT 2014
2014
was another good growth year for the YM committee. We hosted and
participated in several events:
9/12/14
-9/14/14
YM Weekend Flags
on the 48: North and South Hancock L Scott Disnard/CL Tammy
Daugherty
6/20/14
-6/22/14
YM Sponsored Semi
Presidential Traverse Weekend L Scott Disnard
5/09/14
-5/11/14
Chapter Trip:
5th
Annual Young Members Spring Camping Weekend L Scott Disnard
2/21/14
-2/23/14
Owl's Head Weekend
L Scott Disnard/CL Tammy Daugherty
1/18/14
Step
By Step: Mount Monadnock hike L Scott Disnard/CL Tammy
Daugherty
1/15/14
Full
Moon Hike at Steere Hill L Scott Disnard
12/08/13
Step
by Step: Hike the Midstate Trail L Scott Disnard/CL Tammy
Daugherty
11/23/13
Tripyramids
and E. Sleeper hike L Scott Disnard/CL Tammy Daugherty
We had
several members attend WFA training, and Mountain Leadership school.
We continue to partner with other chapters YM committees to bring
people together in the outdoors.
We have some 280+ followers
on our Facebook group.
Scott Disnard
Young Members Committee Chair
Backpacking & Northern Hikes Report 2014
We’ve enjoyed another excellent and safe year of hiking and backpacking. This year our group sponsored 31 activities run by 22 leaders and co-leaders. Our leaders provided activities ranging from the popular day hikes in the Holyoke range to winter trips above tree line in the White Mountains. Hikes were offered in Massachusetts Vermont and New Hampshire.
In addition to day hikes, we offered backpack trips in New Hampshire. We once again enjoyed an overnighter to the Lakes of the Clouds Hut, where we enjoyed the Alpine Flowers and the hearty food.
All of our leaders continue with their Wilderness First Aid / CPR training and some have maintained their Wilderness First Responder certification. Four of our leaders are instructors at AMC’s Mountain Leadership School; one continues for the fourth year as the School Director. Two more leaders completed Mountain Leadership School:
Some of our leaders offer club-wide events, and one of our leaders led hikes at “August Camp” again this year. Our leaders also serve as resources to the Leadership Development Committee for workshops and trips.
The committee again offered workshops in map & compass and winter mountain safety, which were well attended and very well received.
Our Step by Step hiking series, which trains new hikers to mountain hiking skills and conditions, continued to attract much interest, thanks to the commitment of our leaders.
Many thanks to our northern hikes leaders and co-leaders who offered us so many fun, challenging, well run and reasonably priced activities this year.
Ed Poyer,
Backpacking & Northern Hiking Committee Chair
Local Hikes Report 2014
The past local hiking season continued with popular Mid Week Hikes series. This group has reached group of enthusiastic Chapter members available to hit the trails offered in our beautiful state. The Mid Week Hike series has charted close to 50 hikes this year with an average of 6 participants per hike. Also hiking mid week are the Hike and Social activities group meeting in the evenings. This group charted over 30 gatherings this year with a regular contingent. Weekend local hikes started out strong in the beginning of the year then saw a decline in late July and August, this we can attribute to the new changes in submitting trips online and a busy schedule by many of our leaders. Many new leaders have emerged this year as we continue to expand our ranks to meet the needs of every hiker. The attendance of local hikes remains consistent. As we continue to train new leaders we will see an expansion of hikes listed throughout the state and surrounding areas.
Mary Ann Topp
Local Hikes Chair
Leadership Development Committee Report 2014
During 2014 our Committee continued to support the activities committees’ leader development. We worked with other committee chairs and sub-chairs, and are substantially helped by the general membership.
The annual Wilderness First Aid Workshop was held once again in April. This year, we moved to Camp Cookie in Smithfield. This training was attending by 31 students, of which 10 were chapter leaders. There was also an optional CPR class Saturday evening. This course was coordinated by Charlie Killam with steadfast help from registrar Linda Pease.
In May, the committee ran the annual Map and Compass Workshop and Field Practice, instructed by Ed Poyer, Bob Janus, Denise Poyer and Elise Hedglen.
In June, we provided a scholarship to one of our Young Member leaders to attend the backpacking version of the AMC’s Mountain Leadership School. He did an excellent job leading a backpacking group in the Northern Presidentials. Three of our chapter leaders instructed at the June school.
In August, we sponsored one leader to attend the day hiking version of Mountain Leadership School. One of our leaders attended, and truly ‘did the chapter proud’. Two of our chapter leaders instructed at the August school.
Ed Poyer
Leadership Development Committee Chair
SEA and Flatwater kayAKING Paddle Report 2014
The
Spring Fling paddles in Quonochontaug Pond combined the flatwater and
the sea kayaking groups. Flatwater paddles were held in the Big
River conservation area and the Great Swamp. Easy kayaking trips were
launched from Goddard Park and Wickford Harbor. New
was Thursday evening kayaking, held on three evenings from
Bold Point. There were five rescue practice sessions, of which
only one was attended. Two intermediate kayaking trips were
held going to Battleship Cove and to Prudence Island. An
easy paddle was held in the Slocum River. We had a successful full
moon paddle, but the new moon paddle failed to materialize. A
intermediate paddle to Beavertail Point was successful. At Lake
Winnipesaukee, on Labor
Day weekend, we had three sea
kayaking, three flatwater paddles, and two quiet sunrise paddles. The
Bold Point to the Dragon Festival was held again this year. The
annual Ninigret pond paddle had a good turnout for the easy kayakers.
We then had a advanced paddle in Boston Harbor,
attended
my mostly out of chapter members. The annual camping on Moon Island
on Squam lake was successful. A very well attended paddle was
from Barn Island to Napatree Pt. To end the season a fall
foliage paddle was held on the Pawtuxet River.
Flatwater Paddling Committee Chair
NARRAGANSETT CHAPTER LEADER SUMMARIES
A big THANK YOU to all our chapter leaders. Without you, we would not have the vibrant Chapter that we enjoy today! Huge Thank You!
Year 2014 Qualifiers for Narragansett Chapter Leader Patch:
Tim Bannin (Young Adult Events and Northern Hiking)
Ted Bell (Bicycling)
Tammy Daugherty (Young Adult Events and Northern Hiking)
Bill Hahn (Flatwater Paddling)
Elise Hedglen (Northern Hiking)
Debra Huntington (Local Hiking and Northern Hiking)
Janet Huntley (Flatwater Paddling and Local Hiking)
Jean Josephson (Local Hiking and Flatwater Paddling)
Bill Luther (Sea Kayaking)
Karen Paley (Local Hiking)
Karen Rudio (Conservation and Local Hiking)
Prolific Leaders- Led/Co-Led/Administered Multiple Activities:
Bernardo
Aumond (Northern Hiking)
Nancy Baker (Bicycling)
Carol Baldwin
(Local Hiking)
Sandra Barber (Flatwater Paddling, Sea Kayaking,
Local Hiking & Conservation)
Peter Barlow (Technical
Climbing)
Susan Boland (Local Hiking)
Ray Bucacci (Sea
Kayaking)
Jennie Crooks (Trails)
Tammy Daugherty (Young
Adult Events, Northern Hiking)
Scott Disnard (Young Adult Events,
Northern Hiking & Local Hiking)
Maria Earley (Local Hiking &
Northern Hiking)
Bonnie England (Dog Hikes)
Barbara Flagg
(Flatwater Paddling , Sea Kayaking, &Bicycling)
Steve
Harrington (Flatwater Paddling, Local Hiking, &
Conservation)
Janet Harris (Local Hiking)
Elise Hedglen
(Northern Hiking)
Jean Marie Josephson (Local Hiking &
Flatwater Paddling)
Lesli Kelleter (Dog Hikes)
Charlie Killam
(Northern Hiking & Leadership Training Events)
Mike Krabach
(Sea Kayaking & Bicycling)
Bill Luther (Sea Kayaking)
Marcie
Madsen (Local Hiking, Skiing, & Bicycling)
Katherine Mears
(Local Hiking)
Russ Miller (Dog hikes)
Debra Mitchell (Family
Outings)
Prolific Leaders- Led/Co-Led/Administered Multiple Activities (continued)
Gregg
O’Brien (Conservation, Local Hiking & Flatwater Paddling)
Karen Paley (Local Hiking)
Margaret Parsons (Local Hiking,
Northern Hiking, & Conservation)
Linda Pease (Conservation,
Flatwater Paddling, Bicycling, Northern Hiking, & Local
Hiking)
Brian Phillips(TechnicalClimbing)
Denise Poyer
(Northern Hiking & Leadership Training Events)
Ed Poyer
(Northern Hiking & Leadership Training Events)
Carol
Richards (Bicycling)
Bill Rush (Sea Kayaking & Bicycling)
Jack
Schempp (Conservation & Skiing)
Chris Shafer (Trails, Skiing,
& Hiking)
Herrick Spencer (Local Hiking, Flatwater Paddling, &
Sea Kayaking)
John Stevens (Northern Hiking & Local
Hiking)
Dick Sullivan (Local Hiking)
Judy Van Wyk (Dog
Hikes)
Sue Warthman (Northern Hiking)
Sid Wax (Bicycling &
Local Hiking)
Gary Whitney (Sea Kayaking)
Paul Wynn (Dog
Hikes)
Thanks to Other Year 2014 Outdoor Leaders/Co-leaders-
Bicycling: Ted Bell, Gail Larkin, Dennis McCarthy, Larry Rollins, Sue Rollins, Linda Winters
Conservation: Antoinette Breed, Patty D'Ambra, Yvonne Federowicz, Karen Rudio
Dog Hikes: Mercedes Rivero
Family Outings: Kathy Raposa
Local Hiking: Tim Bannin, Ginny Calabrese, Tom Freeman, Kerri Green, Debra Huntington, Janet Huntley, Suzanne Lacombe, Mike Parker, Bob Passano, Mary Alice Smith, Rebecca Swagger, Chris Turgeon
Northern Hiking: Tim Bannin, Henry Donaldson, Mike Doyle, Kerri Green, Debra Huntington, Bob Janus, Mike McGuigan, Scott Sprague, Rebecca Swagger, Bob Tessitore
Paddling: Anne Fusco, Bill Hahn, Janet Huntley
Skiing: Mark Dennen, Chris Turgeon
Thanks to Other Year 2014 Outdoor Leaders/Co-leaders-(Continued)
Technical
Climbing: Bill
Baxter, Peter Berard, Dave Curry, Joe D’Agostino, Ken Hamel,
Jeannine Peterson, Steve Prouty, Sarah Rich, Mary Stevenson, Kevin
Sweeney,
Seth Yurdin
Trails: Roy Benoit, Tony Chernasky, Henry Cruciani, Martha Cruciani, Jim Dowling, Steve Higgins, Mike Parker, Neil Rodin
Young Member Events: Tim Bannin
A great big thank you to Retiring Executive Committee Members:
Tom Eagan - Treasurer
Robin Kuznitz – Membership Chair
A big THANK YOU to the Annual Meeting Planning Committee!
Debra Huntington
Mike Krabach
Robin Kuznitz
Marvin Kuznitz
Debbie Mitchell
Charlie Mitchell
Chris Shafer
Bob Tessitore
Photographer: Shannon Kelly