Narragansett Chapter, Appalachian Mountain Club,

Minutes of the Executive Committee Meeting on December 8, 2015

Present: Chris Shafer, Mike Krabach, Ed Poyer, Bob Tessitore (arrived mid-meeting due to family funeral), Linda Pease, Bill Rafferty and Russ Miller

In the absence of the Secretary, who was ill, Russ Miller volunteered to take notes. In the temporary absence of Bob Tessitore, he also convened the meeting.

Treasurer’s Report: It was recommended to hold onto the cash that we have and not return it immediately to the investment account. Joy Street is slow on updating investments. At present our investment account has approximately $38,000. The cash surplus is temporarily gone. Bill Rafferty urged filling out the budgeting templates so nothing falls through the cracks.

Annual Meeting: The first topic discussed was the fact that the caterer, Cozy Caterer, ran out of food and some attendees did not get a full meal. The reason was that there were more door reservations than were customary; there were 95 reservations and 106 people showed. Several options were raised: First, would be a policy of not allowing door reservations; second, allow door reservations but those registering at the door could not have food; third, not allowing door reservations to eat until those who registered in advance had been served; and fourth, not allowing people to serve themselves.. It was agreed to discuss the matter further.

Second, we need to make the Joy Street presentation brief; Susan Arnold spoke for roughly 35 minutes, forcing other items to be omitted to get to the main speaker. It was decided to set an agenda, with time limits and give them to the speakers, not just to Susan Hatch.

Annual Summit: The AMC Annual Summit is January 30, 2016. All members are invited. Materials will be posted on the website.

Fall Gathering: Only a few attended the gathering at Lake George, we should have sent more. Plans for the Chapter’s Fall Gathering in October 2016 are proceeding on track with the recommendations from Joy Street. The Alton Jones facility is a suitable site.

Wilderness First Aid: Ed Poyer said that the Northern Hikes committee was planning to run the wilderness first aid course; he noted that because of the need to renew certifications every other year, we were expecting a large number in 2016. A leadership-training program is in the planning stages.

The various committees reported, of note was the request from Mike Krabach (Communications) that we need to enhance the trip descriptions and we are working on a trip activity database. Mike also lead a discussion of the Chapter website and plans for tying in with the AMC’s Outdoors.Com site. The trails Committed reported on the potluck on November 13, saying it was a success and seemed to be getting out some of the younger members. It was agreed that we needed opportunities to discuss the issues facing the chapter and its policies.

The meeting was adjourned at 8:50; the next meeting is January 12, 2016.

Respectfully submitted

Russ Miller