|
The Gansett Gazette
February-March Issue
2008
Trails Committee Chair Needed
The Trails Committee provides leadership for doing local trail work projects and is open to all AMC members interested in trail stewardship. A Committee Chair is needed to work with and support Trails leaders. Duties include monthly Trails meetings, simple record keeping, maintaining contact with the national office at Joy Street, and providing information to the web site and Gazette. For more information please contact Anne at 615-7106.
Energy Tip
Myth: Leaving lights, computers, and other appliances on uses less energy than turning them off and on repeatedly, and makes them last longer.
Fact: The small surge of power created when some devices are turned on is vastly smaller than the energy used by running the device when it's not needed. While it used to be the case that cycling appliances and lighting on and off significantly reduced their useful lifetimes, these problems have been largely overcome through better design.
Tip: Turn off the lights when you leave a room, and use the power-management software that comes with your computer and monitor. Turn them off if you will not be using them for a while or put them into hibernation mode, rather than leaving the screen saver up. (Click for a handy device to monitor power.)
Change in Web Site Password
Web Site Password Change Effective Feb 1, 2008. The password to the Members Section of the chapter web site will be changed on February 1 as indicated on page 2. Please note that the user name is still the same and is not your AOL or other ISP logon- account name. Also note that the old password is still effective through January 31, 2008.
Appie of the Year and John Clark Service Awards
Congratulations are extended to the recipients of the chapter's two highest awards, which were presented at the Annual Meeting in November. The chapter's 2nd highest award, the John Clark Service Award, is presented to the "unsung hero" of our chapter - someone who quietly goes about the business of contributing to the chapter. The recipient for 2007 was Chris Shafer.
Chris has been the Activities Chair for many years and has previously won the Appie of the Year Award in 2000 (he now joins Linda Pease and Peter Barlow in the exclusive club of winners of both awards). Chris has asked to convey the following message to the members:
"I greatly appreciate being nominated for and selected to receive this year's John Clark award. I have experienced much satisfaction, assisting our chapter committee chairs and serving on the executive board for several years. There are many opportunities for you as part of our membership at large to step forward and help serve our chapter, whether it is on a committee or as trip leader. Please contact me if you might be interested and I will be glad to assist you in finding the right opportunity that matches your interests."
The chapter's highest award, the Appie of the Year, is presented to that person who, in an outstanding manner, exemplifies the mission of the Appalachian Mountain Club. Under a cloud of secrecy that would be the envy of any covert operation, the Appie of the Year was not presented at the annual meeting but at the subsequent 2007 Trails Volunteers Dinner. The recipient for 2007 was Jim Dowling. Jim has been a very active member for over a quarter century serving as chapter chair and trails chair. Jim is still a prolific leader and skilled builder on many trails events. Jim asked to convey the following message to the members:
"I was not able to be at the Annual Meeting due to a family commitment. Two weeks later when I was presented with the Appie of the Year Award at the Trails Appreciation Dinner, I was totally surprised.
I was a member of the Chapter Executive Committee when the award was established in 1979 and participated in the selection of the first several recipients. Over the years, as the list of awardees grew, I always felt that this was such a great way for the Chapter to recognize the contributions of these dedicated AMCers. After reading the names of the previous twenty eight recipients, and realizing that I knew most of them, I truly felt honored to be included on the list of such distinguished people."
Thank you so much for this honor.
Jim Dowling
[To see all previous winners of both awards, visit the chapter web site and under "Our Chapter" select "Major Chapter Awards"]
Annual Reports and Leader Awards
The minutes from the November Annual Meeting have been posted on the chapter website, along with the Annual Report of each activity group and the list of Leader Recognition Awards. All of this information is on our chapter web site (http://www.amcnarragansett.org) by selecting "Our Chapter" and pulling down the menu for annual meetings. Then click on the heading, "Nov 2007 Annual Meeting". There you will find the meeting minutes, followed by the annual reports. At the end is the Leader Summaries with the Leader Recognition lists. Everyone is encourage to take a few minutes to review this information to have a better understanding of the accomplishments in 2007 for each activity group and to appreciate the efforts of the leaders that were recognized.
2008 Leadership Roster
The list of chapter officers, chairs, sub-chairs and contacts for 2008 has been posted on the chapter website. It is located under "Our Chapter" on the website, then click on the heading, "Chapter Directory". The updated list also appears in each issue of the Gansett Gazette on page 2.
ACTIVITIES
Fri-Sun Feb 1-3 X-C Ski Beginner and Intermediate Instructional Weekend Ski at Boston Univ. Sargent Center in nearby Peterborough, N.H. $140 fee includes Fri & Sat bunk room lodging, Sat & Sun meals, happy hour, skiing at Sargent Center & instruction in small groups, divided according to ability. Ski rentals available. Leader has option to move event to Feb 15-17, by Jan. 28 postponement deadline, if adequate snow is in question. Reg. with L Chris Shafer (789-8331 6-9 PM).
Fri-Sun Feb 1-3 Mt. Adams Weekend Hike to the summit of Mt Adams, with a possible side trip to Madison. 9+ miles with 4,500 ft of elevation gain (more with Madison). Above treeline exposure for well-conditioned winter hikers. Sun, leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Fri and Sat nights. Approximate cost $105.00, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Reg. req'd. L Charlie Killam ((508) 252-4349) CL Ed Poyer.
Sat-Sun Feb 2-3 Ice Climbing White Mountains, NH Designed for experienced rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Must register with leader. L Peter Barlow freeeclimb@aol.com (860-675-3772).
|
Sat Feb 2 Arcadia Management Area hike 8-10 miles int. hike at a moderate pace. J.B Hudson, Breakheart to Penny Hill and Shelter Trails. (loop hike) Boots and legal orange required. Rain will cancel. Reg. req'd. L Maria Earley (789-8331).
Sun Feb 3 Conservation-Visit the Museum of Work & Culture in Woonsocket, then an easy paced hike at nearby Birchwold & Joe’s Rock. History buffs and kids, who like hiking are welcome. Legal Orange and hiking boots req’d. L’s Linda Pease (351-2234), Rosanne Evans.
Wed Feb 6 Hike and Social at Garden City Time 6 PM, Please Bring flashlights. Reg. req'd. L Bob Cilette (529-1611).
Fri-Sun Feb 8-10 Ski Best X-C in the Whites (40plus) enjoy AMC Highland Center, 2 nights, fine dining, ski best snow, Bretton Woods, Jackson, Bear Notch, others, possible Après Ski at Mt Washington Hotel, incl. 2 major breakfasts and 2 sumptuous dinners. For active intermediate skiers, $155. Contact Jack Schempp. Reg. req'd. L Jack Schempp (331-4553).
Tues Feb 12 Conservation Meeting - New Members Welcomed at 7:30pm. Help us plan and lead about 20 events/year, in RI and out of state, hands on or with naturalist, foresters, experts in energy, water, landscape, gardening, marine life and more. We work at communicating new, interesting and useful information about RI and world issues. In 2007 we also traveled to MA, NH and the Cape in search of stimulating activities. Join us and help develop new programs. Contact Jack Schempp 331-4553 or Linda Pease (351-2234) for details.
Wed Feb 13 Hike and Social Leaders choice. Reg. req'd. L Bob Cilette (529-1611).
Fri-Sun Feb 15-17 Mt. Washington Weekend Hike To the summit of Mt Washington by the Ammonoosuc Ravine Trail, with a possible side trip to Monroe. 8.4 miles with 4,100 ft of elevation gain (more with Monroe). Significant above treeline exposure for well-conditioned winter hikers. Sunday, leaders' choice. Stay at local motel Friday and Saturday nights. Approximate cost $105, includes 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Reg. with CL Joe Piotti (423-0091). L Charlie Killam.
Fri-Sun Feb 15-17 Mt. Waumbek Winter Day Hiking Weekend Mt. Waumbek is an excellent moderate day hike for those new to winter hiking or those interested in a lower peak. Ideal weekend for recent Winter Workshop attendees or other winter hikers looking for a moderate hikes. Approx. 6-8 miles at a moderate pace, with time to practice winter skills and enjoy the winter woods. Snowshoes and crampons available for rent (extra charge). Approximate cost $105.00, includes 2 nights lodging and 2 breakfasts and 1 dinner. Reg. req'd. L Ed Poyer. CL Denise Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com)
Sat Feb 16 Winter Wapack Hike 2 Beautiful views and moderate winter hiking along the ridge from Mount Watatic to the Pack Monadnocks. We will do the whole trail in 3 hikes. Beginners welcome. Snowshoes or stabilicers/crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Carpool from RI with early start. L Gwen Jones hiker.gwen@gmail.com. CL Steve Harrison (270-3363 Before 9).
Sat Feb 16 Newport Cliff Walk/Ocean Drive Hike Enjoy a 6-8 mi hike along the Newport shoreline and back roads. Proper footwear required for rocky terrain and possible winter conditions.
Reg. req'd. L Sid Wax sid_w@yahoo.com (849-2595).
Sun Feb 17 Wolf Hill & Mercer Lookout Hike Come to hike Wolf Hill and see MercerLookout. Over 6 miles. Last Year's Participants were amazed to see Narragansett Bay from Smithfield. Legal orange and hiking boots red'd. Reg. req'd. L Linda Pease (351-2234), John Feather jfeather67@cox.net (764-0438).
Wed Feb 20 Hike and Social Leaders choice Reg. req'd. L Bob Cilette (529-1611).
Wed Feb 20 Bike Planning Meeting: (new) at 6:30, location to be determined. Please call if you're planning on attending, Marcie Madsen 364-6538, marcie18@att.net
Sat Feb 23 See the New Kettle Pond Walk US Fish & Wildlife Visitor Center, Walk Mid morning, tour the fascinating wildlife exhibits, then join a morning walk in the Wildlife Refuge with a Naturalist and learn more about tracking deer, rabbits, squirrels and fox also ducks and migrating birds. Coffee& refreshments. Family & friends welcomed. Optional lunch at local restaurant. Contact CL Bob Sumner -Mack (723- 3625)or leader Jack Schempp (331-4553) for time & directions.
Sat Feb 23 Buffumville Hike Start at 10 AM. Hike 5-7 miles on Corps of Engineer Land around lake created by Buffenville Dam in Oxford Mass. Car pooling arranged. Call for details before Feb. 21. Reg. req'd. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374) before Feb 21.
Sat-Sun Feb 23-24 Ice Climbing Smuggler's Notch, VT Designed for experienced rock climbers who have attended the rock courses or have equivalent experience. Must have, or rent, own gear. Cost share lodging. Must register with leader. L Peter Barlow freeeclimb@aol.com 860-675-3772.
Wed Feb 27 Hike and Social in Newport New Location 6 PM Please bring flashlights. For info. please Phone Bob Cilette (529-1611) Reg. req'd.
Thur Feb 28 Flatwater and Sea Kayking Planning Meeting (new) The paddle planning meeting will be at 7:00pm. Food starts at 6:00. Call Mike Krabach (333-5350), mkrabach@efortress.com or Linda Pease (351-2234) for info and directions.
Sat Mar 1 Burlingame State Park Hike 8-10 miles Intermediate hike at a moderate pace. We will do Vin Gormley trail and possible a section of North/South Trail. Boots required. Rain cancels the hike. Call 7-9 PM. Reg. req'd. L Maria Earley (789-8331).
Sat Mar 1st New/Prospective Member Walk (canceled due to weather) At 10:30AM - approximately 3 mile walk on flat terrain. Enjoy this gorgeous waterfront park before the summer crowds come back. Bring a friend or family member. Hope to see some of my "not so new member" friends. Colt State Park, Bristol. L Susan Jones, contact shilojones@fctvplus.net to register.
Wed Mar 5 Hike and Social in E. Greenwich Time 6 PM Please bring flashlights. Reg. req'd. L Bob Cilette (529-1611).
Fri-Sun Mar 7-9 Intermediate Winter Hike Mt. Cabot: via Bunnell Notch. For fit, experienced winter hikers with proper gear. Steady pace, 10.4 miles, 3200 ft elevation gain, 9 hours. Sunday's hike is leaders' choice. $95 fee includes 2 nights lodging. Reg. req'd. L Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com). CL Jim Dunn.
Fri-Sun March 7-9 X-C Skiing Classic, Craftsbury, VT Scenic Vermont village known for reliable snow and miles of New England charm. Weekend includes delicious, hot, homemade meals: 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and 2 dinners. 2 per room, shared bath. Skiing - NO CHARGE. BYO Social Hour. For active intermediate skiers. $195.pp. Phone to qualify. Reg. with L Jack Schempp (331 4553).
Sat Mar 8 Winter Wapack Hike 3 Beautiful views and moderate winter hiking along the ridge from Mount Watatic to the Pack Monadnocks. We will do the whole trail in 3 hikes. Beginners welcome. Snowshoes or stabilicers/crampons may be needed depending on conditions. Carpool from RI with early start. L Gwen Jones hiker.gwen@gmail.com. CL Steve Harrison (270-3363 Before 9).
|
Sat Mar 8 Photo Excursion at Roger William's Park Botanical Center A fun, low-key, picture-taking outing at the indoor, botanical center at11 AM. $3.00 entrance fee. Afterwards, and optional, we'll get a bite to eat and discuss the techniques we used to take our photos. Reg. req'd. L Susan VanLeaven (368-5720).
Sat Mar 8 Wind Power Enhanced + Tour Installation Latest update of our popular 2006 presentation. Learn more about the wonders of wind energy from noted Roger Williams U. expert. Then tour the Award winning Portsmouth Abbey Turbine installation with commentary by the Project Manager. Rare opportunity to access the most knowledgeable sources (nontechnical). Call or email Roseann Evans for time and location: (273-8255) or roseannb4@cox.net
Wed Mar 12 Hike and Social in Providence 6PM. bring flashlights. Hike Leader: Janet Harris For info Please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611) Reg. req'd.
Sat Mar 15 Goddard Memorial State Park Hike 5 mile hike along the parks bridle trails. Good views of both the cove and bay. Bring hiking boots, water and snacks Reg. req'd. L John Ross (884-8458).
Sat Mar 15 Trail Project: (new) Alternate date March 29th. Join us for a walk/hike through the Arcadia Management area and take inventory of work that needs to be done. Meet at 9:00 AM. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com), L Jennie Crooks (401-739-5497, jbcrooks@cox.net)
Wed Mar 19 Hike & Social in Wickford 6 PM Please bring flashlights. For info please phone Bob Cilette (529-1611) Reg. req'd.
Thur Mar 20 Trails Committtee Meeting. (new) 6:30 PM Join us to plan and discuss planned projects, upcoming projects an other issues related to the trails. We would like to see new faces. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331, momearley@netzero.com), L Marge Gaunt (401-295-7101)
Sat Mar 22 Trail Project (new) Rain date March 29th. Bridge construction on the Tri-Pond Trail. This heavily used trail located in the heart of Peace Dale has been adapted by AMC. Join us for a few hours and help get this gem in good shape. Meet 8:30 AM. L Maria Earley (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM, momearley@netzero.com), L Christopher Shafer (401-789-8331 7:00 PM - 9:00 PM)
Sat Mar 22 Lincoln Woods Hike Start at 10 AM. Hike 5-7 miles at moderate pace on very nice trails in state park. Call by march 20 for details. Reg. req'd. L Dick Sullivan (294-9374).
Wed Mar 26 Hike and Social in Narragansett 6 PM Hike leader Aram Deradorian, Please bring flashlights. For information phone Bob Cilette (529-1611) Reg. req'd.
Thur Mar 27 URI Master Gardeners offers AMC Backyard Make Over (revised from Mar 25) 7:00 PM. Simple steps for converting your yard into a beautiful, interesting, low maintenance, natural habitat. Hundreds of RI families have created backyard habitats that attracts birds & butterflies, adds natural beauty with native flowers and shrubs without fertilizer or pesticides requires less care, reduces watering, and eliminates mowing. Roseanne Sherry, Director, Master Gardeners will discuss the program and answer your questions. Bring a friend. Refreshments Phone Leaders Yvonne Federowicz 261-3368 or Patty d’Ambra 949-3374 for Cranston location.
Fri-Sun Mar 28-30 Overnighter to Mt. Adams Backpack to rustic, (i.e.unheated) Randolph Mountain Club cabin at treeline on Mt. Adams. Full winter gear and winter hiking experience required. $70 fee includes motel, breakfast, & cabin. Reg. req'd. L Ed Poyer (edpoyer@gmail.com). CL Joe Piotti.
Sat Mar 29 Water for RI - Future Availability? Conservation event - Water for RI - Future Availability? Water use is increasing while supply is constant. This situation could create serious problems in the not to distant future. Take a river walk with environmental scientist and RI water expert Meg Kerr and learn more about how and why our rivers are threatened by water withdrawals and wasteful water use. Find out what we can to insure an adequate future supply. Contact Bob Sumner-Mack for time and location. Reg. req'd. L Bob Sumner-Mack (723-3625).
Sun Mar 30 Walk off Easter Dinner (date correction) The Snake Den preservation area in Johnston is surprisingly nice. We keep finding new trails! Come explore this amazing place and burn a few calories. Reg. req'd. L Dorothy Hitt (323-7242), Linda Pease.
Advanced Notices
Tue Apr 1 Local Hikes Meeting No fooling! It's local hikes meeting time. Spring has arrived & with it daylight saving time. Everyone is welcome to come to offer hikes for the spring weather at Stop & Shop North Kingstown 6:30 PM. Call for directions L Herrick Spencer (723-1974).
Sat-Sun Apr 5-6 SOLO Basic Wilderness First Aid Training Red Cross first aid training is certainly helpful, but when you are in a backwoods situation, you need more. This course will provide the knowledge you will need to deal with medical emergencies when you are more than one hour from medical care. In addition to patient assessment, this course will teach you how to treat immediate life threats, disabling injuries, hypothermia and other environmental hazards, fractures, sprains and more. This is a two day course and will be taught at Camp Hoffman in West Kingston, RI. The course will once again be taught by the outstanding instructors from Stonehearth Outdoor Learning Opportunities (SOLO). Pre-registration for volunteer leaders will begin January 10. Narragansett Chapter leaders will receive a special rate of $60. Registration for all others will begin on February 1, and will cost $115 for Narragansett Chapter members and $165 for all others. The fee covers all instruction and materials and does not include lodging or meals. Register early, as this course has been a sellout for the past several years. Reg. with Linda Pease (351-2234). L Charlie Killam.
Sat Apr 19 Help Wanted for Earth Day Project Rain date April 20. Improve urban park trails. For several years we have been assisting a neighborhood group in restoring the charming but neglected Blackstone Park( Providence East Side). Our work has been effective. Many walkers of all ages are now using the repaired trails. But the work is not complete. On Saturday, we will be working on another worn section. The tasks are moderate: clear winter debris, place & rake wood chips and plant water bars. Renovating trails as a team is fun and satisfying. Start at 9 am, work 2 - 4 hours. Make new friends, Refreshments provide. Bring gloves, lunch & water. Register with Leader Chris Shafer 222-2797, x 7511(days) or 789-8331(eve). Contact Chris or CL Linda Pease 351-2234, for directions.
Sat Apr 26 All Chapter Clean Up: Beautiful Colt Park- Bristol Enjoy mild sun and sea breezes as we spruce up the park and bag an incredibly interesting array of "sea treasures "tossed upon the shores. Work as teams, make new friends, refreshments. Starts at 9:30 finish before 1 pm. Please bring gloves & water Contact Leaders: Jack Schempp (331-4553) or Barbara Flagg (487 -4376) for information & directions.
|