AMC – Narragansett Chapter
Annual Meeting
November 13, 2010
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.
2010 Annual Report
Narragansett Chapter
Appalachian Mountain Club
AMC-Annual Meeting-Annual Report-2010.DOC
Annual Report contents:
1. Meeting Agenda
8:10pm – 9:00pm Guest Speaker
2. Minutes of the Annual Meeting, November 21, 2009
The Chapter Chair, Tom Eagan, called the meeting to order at Save the Bay Headquarters in Providence, RI at 6:30 PM.
Attending: Tom Eagan, Chapter Chair; Larry Rollins, Past-Chair; Jeannine Peterson, Secretary; Chris Shafer, Activities Chair; Linda Pease, Conservation Co-Chair; Susan Jones, Mary Bonaventure, Membership Committee; Mark Dennen, Communications Chair; Mike Krabach, Webmaster; Jack Schempp, Conservation Co-Chair; Debbie Mitchell, Treasurer; Herrick Spencer, Local Hikes; Shannon Kelley, Photographer/Journalist; Peter Barlow and Brian Phillips, Technical Climbing; Ed Poyer, Northern Hikes; Ilse Hill Gazette Editor and Sandra Savella, Archivist.
An estimated 100 chapter members, friends and family were present in addition to the leadership and executive board members listed.
Tom opened the meeting with a moment of silence recognizing chapter members who passed away during the past year.
Jonathan Stone, Executive Director of Save the Bay welcomed our group to their new facility and said a few words about Save the Bay’s mission and discussed a number of major projects the organization had been working on over the last year.
2008 Annual Meeting Minutes:
The minutes to the prior annual report were included in the Annual Meeting package. Tom asked for a motion to accept the 2008 Annual Meeting Minutes. The motion was raised and accepted.
2009 Executive Board and Sub-Committee Chairs:
Tom identified the 2009 Executive Committee and Sub-Committee Chairs and thanked them for their many contributions to the Chapter.
2009 Executive BoardThe
audience then gave these chapter leaders a nice round of applause.
Introduction
of Chapter Leaders for 2010. Tom then introduced the 2010 Executive Board and Sub-Committee Leaders
Tom
highlighted that we had a new Archivist and new Young Members
Sub-Chair. A motion was then made to accept the proposed Executive
Board for 2010. The motion was seconded and approved by the members
in attendance. The audience then gave a nice round of applause for
the 2010 chapter leaders. Chair’s
Report Tom
highlighted the Executive Board’s goals for 2010 which
included: better recognition of leaders, increased trip offerings for
families and increased membership with better engagement of members.
He noted that during 2009, the Chapter profiled a number of leaders
in the Gazette, published several articles highlighting the
challenges leaders face and the board created the Golden Appie Award
(a lifetime achievement award). As a consequence of re-establishing
the Family Outings Committee, there were a number of family
activities and events and even a story published in the Gazette, and
during 2009 member was actually slighted up. Overall, Tom noted that
even though we are the 3rd
smallest Chapter in the AMC, we are very active with 270 events in
2009 and there are 40 activities alone scheduled for December. In
closing, Tom challenged attendees to try new activities and volunteer
as a leader or co-leader.
2010 Executive Board
Past Chair: Gene Mihaly and Larry Rollins
2010 Sub-Committee Leaders
Treasurers Report:
Debbie Mitchell, the Chapter Treasurer presented the Treasurers Report. Debbie pointed out that the Chapter is solid financially and will break-even on its 2009 budget by the end of the year.
Awards:
Tom presented the 25 and 50 year membership awards:
25 Year Member AwardsChris Shafer, the Chapter’s Activities Chair presented the New Leader Awards:
Chris then presented the Prolific Leader Award (see Annual Meeting package)
Linda Peace the Chapter’s Conservation Co-Chair then presented the Stewardship Awards (see full listing in the Annual Meeting package)
John Clark Award
Chris Shafer presented the 2009 John Clark Award to Roy Benoit. Roy was recognized for his service to the Chapter as its former chair and his extensive work on the trails committee.
Golden Appie Award
Tom explained this new award will be presented to long-time Chapter leaders for their extensive contributions to the Narragansett Chapter over their AMC career. Three people were recognized. Herrick Spenser presented the first award to Bob Cilette. Maria Early presented the second award to Marjorie Gaunt, and Linda Pease presented the final award to Betty Allen. Each presenter explained the award winner’s long-time contributions to the Chapter and the membership thanks each for their many years service to the AMC.
Appie of the Year.
Tom first asked all former Appie winners to join him in the front of the room for the 2009 awards. Past winners included: Peter Barlow, Jack Schempp, Maria Early, Linda Pease, Ann and Earl Perkins, Ed Poyer, Chris Shafer, Jeannie Crooks, Sandra Dunne, Martha and Henry Cruciani. The audience gave these people a rousing round of applause.
Tom then introduced Ed Poyer to present the first the Appie of the Year award.
Ed Poyer presented first Appie award, to Charlie Killam, recognizing Charlie for his long dedication to the Northern Hikes committee and for leading more than 70 trips, most of which were overnight and weekend excursions.
Peter Barlow then presented the second Appie award to Brian Phillips, recognizing him for his many years of leadership and mentoring climbers in the technical climbing group.
Business meeting was then adjourned and dinner was served.
AMC Club Comments
After dinner, Tom introduced Andy Falendar, AMC’s President who gave a brief update on the activities and projects being undertaken by the Club’s staff members and many volunteers.
Guest Speaker
Tom then introduced our after dinner speaker, Dr. Tim Warren who gave a wonderful and inspiring slide show presentation about his successful second attempt at reaching the summit at Mt Everest.
Meeting was then adjourned.
Respectfully
submitted,
Jeannine Peterson, Secretary
November, 2009
3. Report of the Chapter Chair
When one thinks about the AMC the first thought that comes to mind is typically the White Mountains and the work the Club has done to preserve and protect our natural resources. Another thing that comes to mind is the Club’s wonderful backcountry high huts and front country lodges. But the AMC is so much more. It is an organization that brings together people with common interests, experiences and passions. In many ways it is a social club built around protecting and enjoying the outdoors. There are 12 Chapters within the AMC and of course we are one of the smallest chapters – nothing new to Rhode Islanders, but I can tell from having attended a number of Club-wide meetings, that we are one of the more vibrant and active Chapters in the Club.
As I conclude my two-year term as Chapter Chair I want to report on health of the Narragansett Chapter of the AMC. In a word… it is “outstanding”. It is “outstanding” in terms of the activities and trips we offer. It is “outstanding” in terms of the number of dedicated volunteers and leaders we have and it is “outstanding” in terms of Chapter finances.
Let’s first consider activities - in 2010 we offered over 280 trips and events. These activities range from Bike Rides to Local Hikes. From Flat Water Paddling to Rock Climbing or if you prefer, Sea Kayaking to Ice Climbing. We offer Cross Country Skiing trips and four seasons of Hiking in the high peaks in New England. For those who are more conservation minded, we offer many opportunities to work on trails and learn how best to conserve the limited natural resources we have. In my mind – that is “outstanding”.
Let’s next consider our leaders - although we are one of the smaller Chapters in the AMC, we are also very fortunate to have a large number of people who have volunteered their time and their outdoor skills to leading these many trips and activities. Our small chapter has over 100 leaders. 40 of which will be receiving prolific leader awards tonight, and another 20 will be receiving stewardship awards for their work on trails and conservation projects. About 1,200 hours of volunteer time was logged on trails work this year. That’s – “outstanding”.
And finally chapter finances – while most non-profit organizations and civic groups are being hammered by the recession, our chapter has reserves totaling about 1 year’s worth of operating expenses. Again - “outstanding”.
But that is not to say the Chapter is not without challenges. When I became Chapter Chair two years ago, we identified three goals.
1. Better recognize leaders. 2. Offer more activities to families. 3. Increase membership.
Although we have made improvements in each area, we need to do even more.
First, we need to better recognize our leaders and we need to continually thank them for the vast hours they volunteer to the Chapter. They are our greatest asset and we cannot ever take them for granted. Second, our Family Outing Committee working in conjunction with other activities leaders continued to offer more activities to children and families in 2010, however we have to remember this program is just two years old and has much room for growth. And third, membership…although our membership numbers have generally remained flat over the last two years, this is largely due to the economy and through the efforts of our Membership Committee, I’m confident our numbers will continue to grow as we come out of this recession.
In closing, I want to thank the members of the Executive Board and our Sub-Committee Chairs for volunteering their time and talent. We have a wonderful Chapter and we should all take great pride in what we have collectively accomplished. And finally, I would encourage you once again to get outside and take advantage of the many activities the Chapter offers. Thank you.
Tom Eagan, Chapter Chair
4. Actions of the Executive Board for 2010
In addition to routine matters, the Board is happy to report the following:
5.
Narragansett Chapter Appalachian Mountain Club Committee
Reports – 2010
Conservation
Committee - Summary of 2010 Events
Many thanks to members of the Conservation Committee for devoting significant time and energy to finding, organizing and leading interesting events that improve members understanding of the extraordinary RI natural resources. Kris Caproni, Patty D’Ambra, Yvonne Federowicz, Barbara Flagg, Dennis McCarthy, Margie Parsons, John Stevens.
AMC Narragansett Conservation Committee Co-Chairs Linda Pease and Jack Schempp
LOCAL HIKES REPORT FROM NOVEMBER 2009 TO NOVEMBER 2010
Local hikes had a charmed year provided by a mild winter, early spring and a dry warm summer. The most outstanding characterization was the great number of new and established local hike leaders offering their time to lead hikes. This year and last has seen many new chapter members stepping forward to become leaders to lead hikes This has made possible areas of the state not seen before to be hiked.
On the behalf of the chapter I want to thank those new and established hike leaders for their contribution in leading hikes for us this year and assisting new co-leaders. There will always be a need for new leaders to help lead every year. I also want to mention the help given by Gregg O’Brian in getting the Wed .hikes in.
Respectably
yours
Herrick Spencer
Local Hikes Sub chair
Technical Climbing Sub-Committee
Summary of Events October 2009-October 2010
The Climbing Sub-Committee had another very active and successful year. We have increased our core size from about 30 to 40 active members which spans long time group members to new members. The climbing courses, which had been dwindling in numbers in recent years, had a great enrollment this year with 27 students in the Beginner course and 14 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 and the local colleges. The problem with such large participation is that the trips were full to capacity or beyond. Two trips exceed 30 registrants. We had to turn seconds away from the trips due to not having enough climb leaders to accommodate them. 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.
We hosted the Reel Rock Film Tour for the second year on October 20th at the Cable Car Cinema in Providence with REI. REI sponsored the cost of the film and provided gear for a raffle. It was very well attended selling out the 98 seats in the Cable Car Cinema.
Submitted by: Brian Phillips and Peter Barlow
Climbing Sub-Committee - October 2009-October 2010 Trips/Events
Biking Committee Report - 2010
This year we scheduled close to 50 weekend and mid week rides.
The Tuesday evening rides were well attended and it has become apparent these rides are well liked and we hope these rides will remain as popular in the coming years. The traditional rides, Clam Cake, Pasta Challenge rides, the Watch Hill ride, and the Bike Path rides, remain very popular and many participants comment they look forward to them.
The leaders Dick Schaffner, Sid Wax and Nancy Baker led over 17 rides combined. Their love of cycling and their enthusiasm is to be applauded. Carol Richards continues to lead mid week rides and hopefully will continue in the years to come as they are a welcome respite from the long work day. A new mid week series “Tuesdays at Ten” by the Rollins’s got a few people out midweek. I am happy to say this summer also brought forward a few new ride co-leaders, Dave Natale, Tom Galib and Ted Bell. While they only got their feet wet with a co-lead or two, they are none the less getting involved….which is what it’s all about! 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 2011 riding season.
Respectfully,
Marcie Madsen
Biking Chair, Narragansett Chapter
Membership Committee Report – 2010
This year, the Membership Committee participated in and organized membership tables at the Land and Water Summit, the RI Great Outdoors Pursuit and the Fort Adams Family Day event, which attracted hundreds of people and provided an awesome opportunity for families to learn about our chapter. Our annual Potluck Supper was fun and well attended. We were very pleased that it attracted several new and prospective members. Many of our chapter leaders were present and gave terrific presentations. The chapter’s annual Spring Fling, which took place at the scenic South Kingstown Land Trust Barn, also attracted a great group of people and included events such as hiking, paddling, bicycling and other family activities. Everyone enjoyed the lecture and slide show presentation given by Communications Co-Chair Mark Dennen who spoke about his family’s travels throughout China. His lecture was fascinating and his photographs were beautiful.
Conservation Co-Chair Jack Schempp did an outstanding job organizing the Fall Harvest Festival weekend at AMC’s Cardigan Lodge, located in Alexandria, NH. Over 30 new and current members thoroughly enjoyed themselves. The weekend began with an encouraging talk by special guest Roger Scholl, the Director of Volunteer Relations for the AMC. Events included a lecture on how to stay warm in the winter given by hikes leader Tom Grasso; a pumpkin carving contest; walks, paddling and hikes led by leaders Denise Poyer, Tom Grasso, Chris Shafer, Linda Pease and Mike Krabach. The highlight of the weekend was the Saturday evening contra dance, which a is traditional American dance derived from English country dancing. The contra dance band was fun and lively and everyone who participated had a great time. Most importantly, we were very excited to meet and get to know our newest chapter members. The weekend was a wonderful success and we were very pleased that everyone seemed to have a terrific time.
I’d like to recognize and thank Mary Bonaventure for her help as the Membership Committee Sub-Chair. Although Mary has decided to step down from her role, she will continue to help organize our annual potluck suppers. Mary has always been very helpful to the Membership Committee and her contributions are greatly appreciated. Thanks, Mary!
Our goal for next year is to provide more opportunities and attend events that attract new members and we are committed to exploring new and creative ways to increase membership.
Respectfully
submitted,
Robin Kuznitz
Membership Chair
Backpacking & Northern Hikes - 2010 Annual Report
We’ve enjoyed another excellent year of hiking and backpacking. During the last year our group sponsored 36 activities run by 14 leaders and co-leaders. Our leaders provided activities ranging from the popular day hikes in the Pack-Monadnock and the Holyoke range to winter backpack trips in the White Mountains. Hikes were offered in Massachusetts, New Hampshire, Vermont and New York.
In addition to day hikes, we offered backpack trips run in New Hampshire which included beginner summer trips and winter backpacks. Although attendance has decreased for many overnight trips, we continued to visit Galehead Hut and Shapleigh Hostel, as well as trips to private facilities. Some of our leaders offer club-wide events, and one of our leaders led and co-led at “August Camp” again this year.
All of our leaders have Wilderness First Aid certification; some have Wilderness First Responder certification. Four of our leaders remain active as instructors at AMC’s Mountain Leadership School. Our leaders also serve as resources to the Leadership Development Committee for workshops and trips
In terms of skills advancement, we 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 gradually exposes local hikers to mountain hiking skills and conditions, continued to attract much interest, thanks to the commitment of our leaders.
Thank you to our northern hikes leaders and co-leaders, who offered us so many fine activities this year.
Ed
Poyer
Sub Chair
Hiking Sub Committee
TRAILS COMMITTEE- 2010
On behalf of the AMC trails committee, thank you to the many volunteers who contributed a total of over 1100 hours of trail work and on administrative duties. There were 19 volunteers who contributed in excess of 12 hours each. This year was a challenging one because of the spring floods – for instance a few bridges were swept off their foundation. A signs subcommittee was formed this year to keep hikers on the correct path.
Trail events are noted below -
List of maintenance performed includes
We maintain about 50 miles of trails and we are always looking for volunteers or info on trails.
Best
regards,
Elise Del Barone
Trails Committee, Sub-Chair
Leadership Development Committee 2010
During 2010, the Leadership Development Committee continued to support the activities committees’ leader development. A Wilderness First Aid Workshop was held in April 2010. It was held at Camp Hoffman and was attending by 19 participants – 6 chapter leaders and 13 chapter members. This course was taught by SOLO and was coordinated by committee member Charlie Killam, with help from registrar Linda Pease.
In May 2010, the committee conducted a Map & Compass Workshop. The workshop, which was taught by Ed Poyer and others, was attended by 9 participants. It followed the format of prior years, with one night of classroom instruction and one day of field practice at Arcadia.
In April 2011, the committee will again be producing a SOLO Wilderness First Aid Workshop, to be held at Camp Hoffman in So. Kingston. We plan to offer basic WFA every year, with advanced courses subject to funding and interest level.
In May 2011, the committee will be conducting a Map & Compass Workshop. The workshop will follow the format of prior years, with one night of classroom and one day of field practice at Arcadia.
Charlie Killam, Chair, Leadership Development Committee
Young Members Committee Report 2010
We have added three local hikes leaders this past year:
Kyle Scully had also co-lead on a trip to Parker woodlands.
The young members have also co-lead two Backpacking/Northern Hikes and Flat Water Paddling trips. The Young Member Group had a number of trips planned and most were well attended. This year’s trips included: the Great Swamp, Battleship Cove, a hike of the Blue Hills Skyline Loop, Parker Woodlands, a walk at Mt. Wachusetts, a paddle at Wordens Pond and in November, a Blue Hills Fall Cabin weekend is planned.
The goal the Young Members set this year was to reach 65 participants, which we have achieved as of mid-September. Next year our goal is to have 5 leaders in three different activities, a minimum of 5 participants per trip and have 80 participants in the Young Members group. We would also like to encourage more young members to complete the Narragansett Chapter’s leader training program, so in the future they can start co-leading on more AMC trips and sometime replace or add onto the our number of leaders.
Chris
Turgeon, Sub-chair
Young Members Committee
2010 Paddling Summary
Several paddles on ponds and rivers were held to please the "smell the roses" flat water kayakers. Several sea kayak excursions for those who enjoy open water and a bit more challenge were also held this year. We enjoyed participation from CT and Mass members on some of our paddles.
We would like to extend thanks to our sea kayak leaders who cross over and lead flat water paddles. Also, many of our participants are cross over paddlers who enjoy both sea and flat water kayaking.
There were Kayak Rescue Practice Series on Tuesday evenings. Rescues and a Multi-Event weekend at Lake Winnipesaukee were there was Hiking, Kayaking, and Biking.
Mike Krabach, Sea Kayak Sub Chair and Linda Pease, Flatwater subchair
FAMILY OUTTING COMMITTEE – SUMMARY 2010
During 2010 the Family Outing Committee, offered over 20 different events/activities including family strolls and hikes, paddling, bicycling, tree planting, conservation and trail work and rock climbing. Our thanks and appreciation goes out to the following leaders for offering activities with families during the past year:
We also would like to give special thanks to John Fontaine and Jeanine Peterson for organizing the two family rock climbing events this past summer. These events are always the most well attended and popular activities for kids and families.
Submitted
by:
Deb Mitchell and Tom Eagan, Family Outing Sub-Committee Chairs
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Narragansett Chapter - AMC |
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Treasurers Report |
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October 2010 |
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Beginning cash balance (1/1/10) |
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$37,489.81 |
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Revenues |
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Chapter allocation |
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5,982.75 |
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Returned advances |
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1,000.00 |
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Membership |
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980.00 |
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Grant - State of RI |
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656.34 |
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Donations |
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310.00 |
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Spring fling |
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645.00 |
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Annual meeting |
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440.00 |
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Workshops, activity fees |
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11,140.00 |
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Rental of equipment |
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26.00 |
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Investment earnings |
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705.28 |
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Misc |
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0.00 |
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21,885.37 |
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Expenses |
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Advances |
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1,550.00 |
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Canoe/Kayaking |
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50.00 |
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Trails |
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1,855.09 |
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Conservation |
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271.45 |
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Activities |
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8,507.44 |
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Local Hiking |
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0.00 |
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Northern Hiking |
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0.00 |
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Leadership |
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2,859.84 |
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Communications |
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5,148.73 |
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Membership/social |
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403.36 |
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Executive/Spring Fling |
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1,569.99 |
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Executive/Annual Meeting |
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20.00 |
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Executive |
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384.69 |
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Technical climbing |
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0.00 |
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22,620.59 |
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Ending cash balance |
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8,679.88 |
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Investments (6/30/10 valuation) |
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28,074.71 |
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Total cash and investments |
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$36,754.59 |
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7. NARRAGANSETT LEADER SUMMARIES
Year 2010 Qualifiers for Narragansett Chapter Leader Patch:
Prolific
Leaders- Lead/Co-Lead/Administered 2010 Activities
Thanks to Other Year 2010
Outdoor Leaders, Also! 8.
STEWARDSHIP AWARDS Trail
committee volunteers who have performed at least 12 hours of trail work and/or planning/administering trail activities in 2010. Conservation
committee volunteers who performed at least 12 hours of conservation work and/or planning/administering conservation activities in 2010: