Narragansett Chapter Board Meeting

September 9, 2014

155 South Main St. Providence, RI

Call to Order – 6:03

Attendance: Debbie Mitchell, Bob Tessitore, Tom Eagan, Mike Krabach, Robin Kuznitz, Chris Shafer, Dav Cranmer 

Business Meeting

Minutes - The Minutes for August was approved as written. Mike suggested we put the minutes on the website and it was discussed and approved. The objective is increase openness of the board.

Treasurer’s Report –The treasurers report was given and there was a Motion to approve, seconded and the report was approved.

Chapter Chair Report – Debbie reported for Scott that there is a new store in Wakefield RI (in the Wakefield Mall) that carries outdoor gear, it is called “Denali”. He thought people would be interested in learning about it.

Debbie also reported that Maria, (local hikes), commented that there have been few local hikes on the calendar. Mary Ann said she would bring it up with the local leaders.

Bonnie (dog hike leader) said she is having problems adding trips to the website. Mike commented that there have been a number of people who have said they are having problems. He offered to help anyone who is having problems.

Chapter Vice-Chair – Bob reported that he is still looking for a vice-chair, he spoke to one candidate , Bill Rafferty, who said he is not interested but is interested in the treasurer position. Tom said he would be happy to speak to him.

Old Business

Annual Meeting Speaker - Chuck Horbert is the potential speaker. Chuck will be speaking tomorrow at the RI Rivers Council meeting tomorrow, Chris plans on attending the meeting. Chris will send feedback on his speaking style. The board will vote on him as the speaker. If Chuck does speak at the annual meeting he will speak on his epic journey from north to south, paddling on RI rivers.

New Business

Joy St. Sponsored Event for Leaders – Debbie explained that Joy St. is offering to organize leader events. There was a question about who would pay for the events. Debbie will contact them to clarify the details. The chapter may be interested in an event closer to the holidays.

Status of New Members - Robin spoke about a candidate, Gregg O’Brien, who is interested in becoming the membership chair. The candidate has a long list of volunteer activities. The candidate will attend the next meeting; a number of board members know her.

Treasurer - Bill Rafferty is interested in the position. He has a background in finance and has been involved in the chapter for a number of years and was previously our treasurer, during Joe Kuzneski ‘s era as chair person. He will attend the meeting next month.

Vice Chairperson – The vice chairperson position is still open and there currently are no candidates for it. There was a discussion about who has been approached and who else may be interested. The vice chair helps organize the spring fling and the annual meeting. It is considered a learning position, which leads to the chairperson. The vice chairperson also attends events at Joy St.

Family Outings – This position is still open.

Annual Report – The report needs to be prepared for the annual meeting. Debbie will solicit the committee chairs for their annual reports and Debra H. will prepare the report. Debbie explained the format of the report. Robin will get the information on membership and deceased members. Personal invitations will be sent to the membership 25 and 50 year memberships.

Freshwater Paddling – Mike explained about the new regulations on freshwater paddling permitting. Mike asked whether we would want to write a letter of objection. The flat-water committee will discuss it.

Committee Reports

Communication – Mike commented that he submitted pictures to the Outdoor magazine but they were not included in the recent publication. Debbie will inquire about submissions procedures.

Membership – Robin has arranged for a caterer for the annual meeting. The caterer will be Cozy Caterer. Debbie asked if the dessert could be put out while the speaker is speaking. There were 32 new and renewing members in August. There are currently 2,655 current members in the chapter.

Trails – They had a successful event on Saturday. There were over 40 people who participated in the weekend from various groups. They built a number of boardwalks in Burlingame. Dav mentioned that they have received a $4,000 grant to work on rehabbing the shelter building near Step Stone Falls

Other Business

Awards - Debbie requested nominations for the Appie, John Clarke and Golden Appie award. There was a discussion about sending an email to the members to get nominations for the awards.

Cardigan Weekend – Bob reported the lodge opened up beds by moving another group to the campground. There are currently 10 openings. The lodge contacted people on the waiting list. Mike will put the information on the webpage.

Meeting adjourned 7:21. The next meeting will be Tuesday, October 14.