2012 Annual Meeting Minutes

Annual Meeting Minutes for the Mountaineering Section

January 11, 2012

Court Zabel Presiding with 35 attendees.

Executive Committee for 2012

Chair: Court Zabel (3^rd term)

Vice Chair: Dave Giacom

Treasurer: Mark Fletcher

Secretary: Vincent Penoso ( 3^rd term )

2 Proposals to be voted on at this meeting:

$500. allocation towards ice climbing gear proposal: PASSED

$1000 allocation towards the avalanche training proposal: PASSED

Financial Report: not available in its entirety to the LIST.

• real rock movie fund raiser was a success and was sold out.
• MS needs to settle up with the AAC for the holiday party
• The club is in the black.
• 3274 Great Falls Guide books
• 1786 Carderock Guide books

Merchandise: 100 high tech t-shirts were purchased and we have sold 60 with about 35 remaining mostly mens XL. ( they make great night time shirts for sleepwear) please buy one.

Membership Update: as of this month we have a record 275 paid members which is the most in the history of the club.

2012 marks the 75^th year the Mountaineering Section has been a club.

The UPROPE newsletter has been around for as long as there has been a Mountaineering Section. In 2008 a project began to digitize every issue of the UPROPE newsletter as a searchable PDF resource detailing climbing and mountaineering in this area since 1937.  Read the full story in the upcoming newsletter soon.

The Court Zabel, chair, gave the state of the section report which are the highlights and accomplishments of the Mountaineering Section for 2011.

The full state of the Section report will come out shortly in the 2012 Newsletter.

The UPROPE newsletter will be coming out shortly this month with Vincent Penoso returning as it’s editor.

Up coming trips for the Mountaineering Section:

Ice climbing in Ouray Colorado

Mount Washington Alpine Skills

Adirondacks Haus Ice Climbing

• More information can be found on the website.

The Mountaineering Section’s very first club trip was to Bull Run Mountain in 1937 on Halloween which will mark 75 years we have been in existence as a club.

WINNERS OF THE ANNUAL PHOTOGRAPHY CONTEST IN THE FOLLOWING CATEGORIES:

1. ICE: Bill Dudley
2. JOURNEYS: Bill Dudley
3. COLORS: John Watson Jones
4. ROCK: Kan-Kan
5. ALPINE: Matt Powell

Images will be posted on the website and the Newsletter soon.

New Business:

• 2012 Executive Committee
• Jenny O’Brien brought to the club’s attention of the re-establishment of a climbing area that has been closed for 15 years: SAFE HARBOUR. This was once a popular sport climbing area with 130 routes. It is about 2.5 hours from our locale on the Susquehanna. More information can be found here: http://safeharborclimbing.com/

Disclaimer: There is no way for 275 club members to attend a monthly meeting; I don’t think having 65 people in that room is even allowed by the fire marshal. With that said, for those of you camping out by their computers waiting for the monthly meeting minutes to come out, I try to have the MMM out the same night as the meeting. This is because I am OC. I know if you could attend the meeting(s), you would.  If the minutes aren't completely accurate then this will stimulate some discussion on the list. My aim in this task as Secretary is to post the most current information to the membership in the MMM as well as in the NEWSLETTER as the Editor.

We’re gonna have a great year!

                                                      ®

May Monthly Meeting Minutes

Welcome
Previous Minutes
No major PATC mtg

Financial Report 9900
10 New Members

Outreach:
Still looking for help hosting reel rock festval
Artisphere - Jason
Arlington Brewhouse - Joe Martinet
E Street Cinema

Seneca Rocks
Training on how to use the static rescue ropes.

Access:
             Edwin:
                 Two great cleanups completed
                  Rockfest (42 people showed, despite rain and tornadoes)
                    Old Stony Man

Smaller cleanup Patakskill park
                  25 people gathered a lot of trash, a car door and a matress

Crag Stewards
            Crag stewards program is still looking for volunteers
               It is also looking for priorities in terms of abused areas.

Looking at building relationships
            With a planned Sugarloaf cleanup (end of June, early July)
             And a great falls cleanup

Next week is the Great Falls Commerical Use Authorization Mtg (May 25th @ 10am)
            There is little new information about the C&O Canal
            Access to Bull Run may be a noise issue. Further followup is going to be done.
            Nielson Rocks has been bought, and reopened to climbers, with some limitations
            There are some requirements and some regulations
             More infomation will be coming on the listserve

History:
             Attempting to scan the old upropes, to produce a Searchable, indexed PDF.
               We have found a company to scan them, ~$1200

Still need help with Uprope:
           Really need a coordinator, stories are all posted, just need to coallate them. If you      want to hear about all the cool trips, this is a good way. Would there be interest in a Best of Yearly Review?
We would like to try for a quarterly, distribution

Training:
      New Leader Day (May 14th):
      Will take place at Boy scout park @ Sugarloaf
      Will do Mock Leading
      There will be 4 people to one leader
       We can help with cleanup, collect trash as we go?
       So much interest, mayhap Sunday as well near 11ish
       Beta available on website
       The event is on calendar

Ben Koser:
        New Follower Day in June

How has the training gone?
           Marty did a great job with leader skills day
           Wilderness First Aid Class was suggested
                       PATC itself puts one one
                      Chris volunteered to look into it

Womens Events:

           Seneca Summit:
               It Rained, not entirely bad, got people mixing together
               THere were three clinics:
                          Training, anchors, Physics of Falling.
           25 women or so.
                 Plans are being put forward for next year, mayhap later in the year

Upcoming activities:

        New River Rondevu
May 20th to 22nd

Renier Mtg
             Brian Haulgi?
              Saturday through Next Sunday (14th -22nd)
             southern Route

            Dave, John, Watson
            Fair Weather
            Chill cout Trail

     Joe:
              4 people trip to the cascades end of june.
              permit for 6

      John Colini: Bolivia

       Brian Haulgi:
              Back to the Teatons
              September Time frame

     The club
            Slide Show May Wednesday 25th @ 7pm-8:30pm adjourn to pub afterwards
            West End branch library @ Penn and 24th near foggy bottom
             Natille snorkin
              Trad and free climbing yosemite, Proboscus in logan mountains, she is up and coming aid and free
climbing female.

       Could use help with publicity.
       Motions:
       Jeanette Helftich:
             I move that the club authorize expenditure of up to $1,500 for scanning and             indexing the upropes

1944 to present.

Brian Haulgi:
It is the club best interest to purchase a power drill for the placing of an safety anchors

Reminder: April Meeting and Voting on March Motions

Just a reminder that our April meeting will be held this Wednesday, April 13th at the PATC Headquarters located at 118 Park St, Vienna, VA) at 7:30pm. Sarah Goldman and Naz Ahmed will present their slide show on their adventures to Horseshoe Canyon, Red Rocks, and Joshua Tree.

During the meeting, we will vote on the one motion presented at the March Meeting. If you cannot attend and still want your voice to be heard about the motion - please reply to this email with 'Yes' that you're in favor of the motion or 'No' you are not in favor of the motion. Votes must be received by Wednesday, April 13th at 3:00pm EST. The motion is:

Colleen requested a monetary contribution to the first of the women-focused events that we have planned for 2011.  PATC is collaborating with the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh and the Gendarme to do a season opening weekend at Seneca focused on dusting off winter mothballs for female trad climbers. This will be the weekend of April 16 – 17 (all details are on the PATC calendar)

The primary outlay in terms of costs are:
-A group campsite at Seneca shadows for 2 nights  ($120)
-Potentially having Jessa Goebel out with us, a female climber who, as Diane from the Gendarme says, puts together wicked training regimens. Her cost for the weekend is likely to be $250

We are avoiding anything at this event that could inflate cost including paid clinics although these will be available to individuals at their own cost because we’ll have people available to offer them. All participants will be requested to pay $25 for the weekend, which will go some way to covering costs, the EPC will be contributing to this effort as a club as well. The request to PATC is for a $100 contribution.

We look forward to seeing you at the meeting.

Cheers!
Lora P.
Vice-Chair, PATC-Mountaineering Section

March Meeting Minutes

 35 people were in attendance.    Court Zabel was presiding.                                                                                                                                                                              
Introduction

Recap of the Previous Minutes

PATC Parent Club:
    Members, we can Nominate individuals for PATC parent club awards, so be sure to consider it if anyone has impressed you.
    The parent club is also in discussions about selling their guidebooks online (We should begin considering this as well).  If you have any input or interest in this topic let the EXCOM know.

  
Be-Fit McLean went well, we had lots of volunteers.  Thanks to Christina for notifying the club of the opportunity.

We have several outreach opportunities in the works.
    1: Climbing happy hour (We looking for volunteers to help coordinate)
    2: Hosting the Reel Rock festival
        Reel Rock requests it be held in October
        At the moment, we're looking for venues and other participants.  If you have suggestions, let the excom know.
    The Seneca Rescue ropes we contributed to have arrived
        The excom is looking into opportunities to organize a rescue class with them.

We also have several access updates:
    We're starting the Crag stewardship program, our primary focus is
        a) Getting people to to keep an eye on specific crags.
        b) Maintaining relationships with owner/facilitators
        To help out, please reaide you hand, contact the excom, and volunteer to keep an eye on a specific area, or ask where we need people to look.
    Looking into smaller adopt-a-crags for less used areas.
    Lost crags:
        Looking for people to begin looking into access for area's that have fallen out of use.
    The Climbing Management plan is imminent.
        Ranger: Joseph Burns
        Covers: Great falls, Carderock, the Parkway
        For Carderock there are changes happening to commercial use permits.  Shouldn't affect us, but watch for updates on this subject.
            During this time, try to be extra courteous to our fellow climbers.  Please don't hang ropes unused ropes, and be especially careful on the weekends
    Rockfest:
        Midalantic climbers is organizing
        The event is half cleanup, half festivities.
        It is taking place on 4/15-4/17
        We will be cleaning Shenandoah, Overlooks, Old Rag, and Old Stony Man
        There will be Leave no trace workshops, yoga, food
        Fun times!

History of the club:
    The historical team keeps plugging away. They have been Scanning old upropes and doing some audio interviews.  Joe is working on updating the "Chain of Chairs" section.
    Contact Jeannette for information or to help
    There is a new history section on the webpage in the works.  It will contain a History of great falls, Carderock, the upropes, and the Audio interviews.

Publications:
    Annette and Vincent are coordinating the Uprope publication. They're looking for people to summarize and format trip reports.  The traditional Uprope Format contains a One page description of large trips, the Chairman's corner, and a list of all different trip reports.
  
Training Events:
    A couple upcoming training events (Workshops):
        Top rope Anchor workshop 3/12
            Response has been very popular
            Put on by Marty and Bob
        Leader skills day - 4/3
            Thanks to Marty and Jeanette
        Looking for volunteers for new climbers day. 4/2
            Spread the word, bring your friends
        New Leader day - 5/7
        New Follower day - Later in the summer
        Sport climbing workshop.
            Give people practice on sport anchors.
    If you have any ideas or needs, let Ben Koser know.
        One idea suggested was Clean Aid climbing.
  
Womens Events:
    Spring trad event in Seneca - 4/15-4/17?
        In coordination with the Pittsburg explorers club
    Summer events in planning
    The fall event will be Chicks with picks
      
Upcoming Climbing Events:
    Long Mountain trip on April 9-10
        Located at the WV/VA border, there are lots of first ascent opportunities around there.
    North Carolina Trip
        Going to "Table Rock"
        There is free camping if you bring your own water
        Event suggested as a possible a Memorial Day opportunity?
    Rockfest
    Mt. Hood
        Looking at the Week before or week after Memorial Day
        At the moment we need more leaders to volunteer; we have several followers who would like to attend.
        We are looking to take the south side route, further details to follow

Catskill guide books have been donated to the club.
  
Motions to be posted to listserve:
    Requesting a monetary contribution to the first of the women-focused events that we have planned for 2011.  PATC is collaborating with the Explorers Club of Pittsburgh and the Gendarme to do a season opening weekend at Seneca focused on dusting off winter mothballs for female trad climbers. This will be the weekend of April 16 – 17 (all details are on the PATC calendar)

    The primary outlay in terms of costs are:
    -       A group campsite at Seneca shadows for 2 nights  ($120)
    -       Potentially having Jessa Goebel out with us, a female climber who, as Diane from the Gendarme says, puts together wicked training regimens. Her cost for the weekend is likely to be $250

    We are avoiding anything at this event that could inflate cost including paid clinics although these will be available to individuals at their own cost because we’ll have people available to offer them. All participants will be requested to pay $25 for the weekend, which will go some way to covering costs, the EPC will be contributing to this effort as a club as well. The request to PATC is for a $100 contribution.

Save the DATE

We've got an exciting 2011 rock season beginning to shape up! 

March 7: PATC-MS at Sportrock Sterling. Rock the Gym Red!  (day passes available for non-SR members)

March 9: Club Meeting

March 12: Top-Rope Anchors Review

March 16: Carderock Wednesdays start after Daylight Savings

April 2: New Climber Day 

April 3: Leader Skills Day 

April 5: Climbing Community Happy Hour (location to be determined) 

April 9-10: Camping and Exploratory Climbing at Long Mountain

April 16-17: Women's Seneca Summit

April 16-17: Shenandoah Rockfest

June 4: Family and Friends Day

If you have something planned, share it with us on the club calendar and facebook page! If you can help out with any of the above events, let us know! We'd love to see you all out there.

Keep an eye out on the club calender for further details as plans firm up. Some of these dates may be tentative and will change (we'll keep you updated!) There will also be more events that will be posted soon! 

Club Calendar

If you would like to post an event, article, trip report, or beta to our website, it's easy! Directions on how to do so can be found here: 

Posting an event or beta

And since you have member climbing days on your mind right now, don't forget to renew your 2011 membership if you haven't done so already. It's fast and easy to do on our website: 

Join or Renew

See you on the rocks!

Christina Cox

Treasurer, PATC-MS

February Meeting at Liberty Tavern in Clarendon

Hello PATC-MS Climbers,

I hope to see many of you tonight at the Liberty Tavern in Clarendon for our informal meeting.  Part of the reason we chose this destination for the first real meeting of 2011 was to shake things up a bit, but also to take an opportunity to chat about how we can make the club serve the membership better this year (and have more fun doing it).  As is always true: This is your club.  You can get out of it what you put in.  The excom just here to help you make this club what you want it to be.

Goals/Priorities for the Year

In our first meeting the Excom agreed upon the following three priorities/goals for this year.  We hope they're in line with what you, the membership, want from the club.  We've noted a few things under each goal that we're hoping to make happen this year.  Hopefully these will provide a spark of inspiration for you to participate and to create your own events.

1. Create more opportunities for open and social "group enjoyment of mountaineering and related activities"
• Put more scheduled climbing events on the calendar
• Pre-arrange post-climbing drinking/dinner destinations
• Rally near metros before driving to distant crags
2. Include more members in the running of this club
• Provide more support to volunteer coordinators
3. Take unifying role in the local climbing community
• Joint happy hour with the AAC, Mid-Atlantic Climbers, and other local climbing groups
• Greater work with the Access Fund
• Work to Co-Host the Reel Rock Film Festival

A Request for Help

By far the best way to shape the future of this club is by volunteering to be one of the clubs coordinators or to assist with one aspect of coordination.  As I'm sure past coordinators will attest, this not only a great way to "give back", but it's a great way to meet other climbers and to expand your knowledge of some area of our sport.  If you're interested in helping or just curious about  any of the positions below, please don't hesitate to talk to any member of your excom.

• Outreach Coordinator
• Seeks partnerships, endorsements, and sponsorships (or other  funding) with and from the local community and businesses.  Proposes all opportunities to the EXCOM for approval.
• Crag Stewards 
• Act as the point person to watch over a particular Crag, and inform the access coordinator of any issues.
• Expedition Coordinator
• Solicits, evaluates, and make recommendation to the EXCOM to about which proposals should be sponsored bi-annually.  Provides assistance, beta, and recommendations to club members planning climbing expeditions.
• Training Coordinator & Team
• Solicits, coordinates, and organizes training events for the membership throughout the year and posts the details to the club calendar.
• Membership Coordinator & Team
• Solicits new membership at local climbing events, particularly Carderock and Great Falls climbing.  Assists with and collects new membership paperwork (applications & waivers) and forwards those to the Secretary.
• Communications Editor & Team
• Coordinates, organizes, publishes, and distributes the club newsletter.  Ensures that events and trip reports are published to the club web site.  Works to keep members engaged on the club Facebook page.

My thanks to those of you who actually made it this far down in this (overlong) e-mail; and my special thanks to those of you who consider volunteering.  Again, if you have any questions or comments about anything please don't hesitate to contact myself or any member of the excom.

Thanks,

 - Court

Chair, PATC-MS

2011January YEARLY Meeting Minutes

2011January YEARLY Meeting Minutes

Welcome/Opening:

The chairman opened the meeting with a reminder about shirts; $25 for one, or $20 each for two. The club has sold approximately 25% of the way through.

John Podraza and Joe Martinet picked up PMC flags to take to Ouray and Mt. Washington, respectively. Joe will have his for alpine skills weekend.

State of the Section:

The chairman opened by saying this has been a good year for the club, with lots of participation and hard work from the membership. He thanked the Excom for a good year.

He went on to highlight the club's many training activities it puts on, including Alpine Skills weekend, New Climbers Day, New Seconds Day, and New Lead Day. In addition, the club began having workshops after meetings in place of slide shows, offering a further chance to improve skills.

The club put on several Trips this past year, including the many ad hoc trips on the mailing list, Daks Big house, the first ever Ladies' Day, Family day, and the 4^th of July Seneca weekend, which was such a hit, we got fined for having to many people at the group campsite.

The chairman went on to speak about the various service events the club contributed to. As a club the PATC-MS donated $500 to the Seneca Rescue Cache. Many members showed up to the Great Falls Adopt-a-Crag clean-up as well as the Northwest Branch Adopt-a-Crag.

The chairman highlighted the many location that club members traveled to this past year; destinations like Ranier, Mt. Adams, Mt. Olympus, Yosemite, the Matterhorn, Mt. Blanc, and Aconcagua.

Old business

• PATC-MS Website: Mike Dannhardt and the website team have done a great job getting the the club's facebook page integrated with our website. Talk to him if you would like to help with the IT section of our club. With the parent club moving to a new hosting company, we are moving as well.
• Club Facebook Page: The club facebook page is up and running, trip reports from it and the website cross post to each other
• PATC-MS shirts are in: As stated, the shirts cost $25 for one, $20 each for 2. Stickers are available as well.
• Bull run: The club is looking for someone to step up and reach out to the parent club about getting access to the climbs at Bull run. Since PATC took over maintaining the trails there, it may be possible for PATC-MS to take over maintaining the vertical trails. Brain Haugli looked into this last year, anyone interested should get in touch with him.
• Alpine Skills: At the time of the meeting 4 leaders, and 12 participants are signed up.
• DAKS Big House: The Daks Big house trip is coming up February 10-13^th. Members only pay $72.50 to spend the three nights lodging in the house. Activities offered at the house include Lead, Top Rope, and guided ice climbing, Skiing both downhill and cross-country, and alpine like crampon slogging. Mt. Marcy is close by.
• Annual Photo Contest Winners: Rock: Shane Shin, Ice: Ian Francis, Alpine: Dave Giacomin, Club Color: John Oster, Journeys: Dave Green

Ongoing Projects:

• McLean Community Center Expo: McLean Community Center is putting on a fitness and adventure expo Saturday February 26^th 10-4. They've asked for all sections of PATC to be represented. If you would like to volunteer, contact Christina.
• Uprope: Annette Otis mentioned that he' willing to help with the Uprope publication, but needs someone to compile the articles for her. This can be as simple as pulling a topic of the list serve. Some discussion was raised with regards to whether a change in mediums or format is appropriate given the speed at which events are announced.
• Membership Survey: Fill out the Membership survey so the next Excom knows what interests you.

New Business:

• Forgotten climbing areas: a member involved in the Uprope archiving project highlighted the references and beta they've been finding with regards to areas we aren't using anymore. This may become something that needs to be added to the club beta page. Access issues would need to be considered before posting this information publicly.
• Mt. Ranier via the Wilson Headwall Expedition Proposal: Brian Haugli presented his teams expedition proposal to the meeting attendees. Look for details of his Expedition proposal to appear on the listserve.

Motions:

• Trip leader reimbursement (Ver. 2): Motion Carries

Trip leaders have the ability to go free, reimbursed by the trip members, money through the club to make it an official club trip.

• Trip Leader Directory: Motion Carries

Folks who wanted to list themselves as an option for leading trips, Listed on the website, their criteria, and what types of trips.

• Non profit benefits program: Motion Carries

Signing up Excom to assist in taking advantage of non-profit benefits. Trips must be open to anyone in the club.

Elections:

The only position on the Executive Committee to be contested this year was Chairperson. Colleen Louw and Court Zabel accepted nominations. Both candidates were given an opportunity to address the meeting attendees.

Your 2011 Executive Committee will be:

Chairman: Court Zabel

Vice Chair: Lora Poluwzuk

Treasurer: Christina Cox

Secretary: Matt Lauber

Slide show and Trip Report

Thanks to Brian Haugli for presented his slides from his trip to the Tetons. Anybody interested in this classic range should definitely email Brian with questions. Lots of insight into weather and conditions in late season attempts.

February Monthly Meeting Minutes 2010

PATC – Mountaineering Section Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2010
Approximately 14 in attendance
Court Zabel, Chairman
Current Members: 69
New Members: 4
Members Missing Liability Waivers: 16

The Chair opened the meeting by outlining his goals for the club in
the upcoming year. He presented the following goals to the membership
for 2010:
Expanding upon the Objectives outlined in the club’s constitution, the
2010 Excom has the following goals for this year:
1. To foster camaraderie among members & encourage climbers to expand
their circle of partners throughout PATC-MS
2. To reach out to the local climbing community & improve the
recognition of PATC-MS
3. To serve the climbing community through community service
4. To encourage the sharing of knowledge and techniques

Coordinators
Family Events: Solicits, coordinates, and organizes events geared
towards helping families enjoy climbing together.
Community Service: Solicits, coordinates, and organizes events geared
towards giving back to the climbing community. Maintains contact with
other volunteer organizations and encourages member participation in
volunteer activities.
Oral History: Works to document the history of the PATC-MS.


Old Business
• LSM anchor project—no news status is ongoing.
• Chris Warner has agreed to a presentation for the Section at the
National Cathedral School for March 18th. The show will be on climbing
8000m peaks. There is no direct cost for the Section other than
advertising. The club is looking for assistance in getting flyers
distributed. Check the website for PDF versions of the flyers that
members can print up and post. The club is also looking for help
posting a limited number of color and black and white posters in
climbing gyms and outdoor stores.
• Glen Denny show is March 24th at Georgetown University. Membership
is asked to continue to spread the word.
• Luciano Lima reported that the DAKS Big House Trip was a success. He
shared that there was fun and camaraderie to spare. He went on to say
how grateful he was for the membership’s generosity and patience.
Before the trip Luciano put out a request to borrow ice tools and
promptly received four offers. Members were also very patient as they
demonstrated rappelling from a V-Thread for Luciano since it was his
first time to rappel and only his second time climbing outdoors.
• Update on Great Falls and the NPS Workshop on Cliff Research:
Several club members attended the presentation given by scientists
about the existence of rare plant species and the impact of visitors
on them in the Gorge. Lora Polowczuk and Jeanette Helfrich gave an
overview of the results that were presented. Jeanette has posted a
link on the list serve for members interested in reading more about
the results of the research being done by Jeff Marion and his group.
Key points that were presented were: Most of the damage being done to
the plants is because of informal trails created by visitors not
staying on the formal trails. How often do we as climbers leave the
trails to set-up top ropes or to find the walk-downs to some of the
climbs? In general the scientists found little evidence that the top
rope set-ups themselves are damaging trees and other plants.
Membership felt good about the scientists and their outlook on
climbers using the park but felt that the NPS may not be so
understanding of our park use. Some members felt that while the report
states that climbers are not doing the majority of the damage
nonetheless because we are the least understood by the NPS we may
eventually end up being scapegoated. We as climbers will need to make
sure we are represented when it comes time to develop the Climbing
Management Plan.
• Mike Dannhardt reported that the New Trad Climbing Guidebook is
progressing. The section on Buzzard is finished and a Long Mountain
PDF file may be coming out on the website in the next couple months. A
link to an excellent blog guide to Old Rag was also recently added to
the website.
• Two pairs of BD stainless steel Saber tooth crampons were bought
last month.
• Jeanette Helfrich updated the club on the Oral History Project. She
shared that she and John Christian have collected 90% of the UpRopes
and are now having them scanned. Jenny O’Brien is working on the
details of scanning these volumes. Eventually the volumes would be
indexed and made publicly available. The next step is to begin
interviewing people and collecting stories.

Motions Voted On (Yes – No – Abstain)
• There were no motions to be voted on.


New Business
• There are a lot of trees down in Great Falls Park. It was proposed
that the club look into working with PATC to put together some work
crews to help clean the park up.
• A member suggested that the club look into adding information or a
sign to the climber’s sign-ins in Great Falls about staying on the
established trails to help address the informal trail networks.
• John Christian is trying to get Carderock declared a historical
site.

Motions
• Christina Cox proposed a motion to renew the SPI reimbursement
program for the first six climbers that complete the course annually
to help pay for the assessment fee. The motion was seconded and moved.
• Jenny O’Brien proposed a motion that the club purchase some ice
tools. The motion was seconded and moved.

Slide show and Trip Report
In place of the slide show or trip report there was a brief “show and
tell” by some of the ice climbers that were present at the meeting
about their equipment. Thanks to all the ice climbers that were
willing to take the chance and show us whether or not they were going
leashed or leashless.

Monthly Meeting Minutes January 2010

PATC – Mountaineering Section Meeting Minutes
January 13, 2010
Approximately 26 in attendance
Bob Graver, Chairman 2009 followed by Court Zabel, Chairman 2010.
Current Members: 214
New Members: 2
Members Missing Liability Waivers: 16

Welcome and farewell remarks were read by the out going Chairman.

Old Business
• Dave R reported telephonically that the LSM Anchor project continued
to be on hold pending the NSP final approval of the ROMP. The Chair
followed up and confirmed that status w Steve Bair at Shenandoah NP
the following day.
• Jim Pasterczyk reported that Chris Warner has agreed to a
presentation for the Section at the National Cathedral School for
March 18th. The show will be on climbing 8000m peaks. There is no
direct cost for the Section other than advertising. Jim is looking for
assistance in getting fliers designed, printed and distributed.
• Glen Denny show is firm for March 24th at Georgetown University.
Membership asked to continue to spread the word. Mike Dannhardt hopes
to have simple flyers available for the distribution by the next
general meeting and would appreciate help from the membership with its
creation.
• Christmas holiday party was a success despite the snow storm. About
30 members traveled through the weather to Bob Gravers home for drinks
and barbeque.
• At the holiday party the Photo Contest entries were review and final
votes were tallied The winners are:
o Overall: Bill Dudley: $250 Travel Voucher on Southwest
o Alpine/ Mountaineering: Bill Dudley: BD (Raven??) Mountaineering
Axe
o Ice: Bryan Garmin: BD Turbo Ice Screw
o Rock: Christina Cox: Complete Set, BD Nuts
o Journeys : Matt Zeigler: BD Travel Duffle


• DAKs Big House update given by Vo. We have eight folks paid up. Two
more committed but not yet paid. Dates are Feb 18 through Feb 21. Cost
is Skyward Lodging for 3 nights; Cost: $72.25/person. See Section
calendar for complete details.

Motions Voted On (Yes – No – Abstain)
• Annette R. and Vince P. nominated to be honorary members for their
contributions to the Carderock Guidebook [PASSED unanimously]
• Donate $500 for spools of rope for the Seneca Rescue Cache [PASSED
unanimously]

Elections

A motion was made and seconded to vote for uncontested EXCOM positions
by acclamation. Motion was passed. The positions of Chair, Vice Chair
and Secretary were uncontested.

The contested position for Treasurer was voted upon after rousing
stump speeches by both candidates.

The following are the new officers for the Mountaineering Section of
PATC for 2010:
• CHAIR: Court Zabel - zabelc@gmail.com
• VICE CHAIR: Lora Polowczuk - lola8732@gmail.com
• SECRETARY: Benjamin Koser - ben_koser@yahoo.com
• TREASURER: Brian Haugli - brian.haugli@gmail.com

The new EXCOM immediately took over the meeting.

New Business
• There was no PATC meeting this past month to be updated about.
• Brian Haugli to talk to Mark Mangrich about getting more business
cards printed up. These cards can be used to hand out to potential new
members while we are out climbing or at events.
• Members are reminded that they must be members of the parent club
PATC in order to participate in the Alpine Skills Seminar at Mt.
Washington or to stay in the DAKs Big House.

Motions
• No new motions.


Slide show and Trip Report

Daniel Langdon gave a slide show and trip report from his recent
climbing in Mexico at Potrero Chico located outside the town of
Hildalgo and at Reimer’s Ranch near Austin, Texas. Thank you Daniel!

28 attendees

Bob Graver, chair

12/10/2008

November Meeting Highlights

Hello all; Had a great business meeting last night and a wonderful slideshow. Thanks to everyone that toughed it out thru the business portion. Lots of stuff going on as we begin to close out this years' administation and try and make sure the house is in order for the next group of leaders. We'll get the full minutes posted to the homepage in a week or two as the pace of thins allow but just wanted to share the high points with everyone: The following two motions from the OCT meeting were voted on and passed: VA Trad Climbing Guide: The group approved the start of a project to develop and publish a guidebook on the (unpublished) Trad climbing areas of VA that the group has developed and/or frequents. Dave Raboy has lead on the project and will inform the membership of the scope and schedule for the project when defined. AMGA Single Pitch Instructor Certification: The group approved funding the assessment costs for an AMGA, SPI course in MAR 09 at Looking Glass Mtn in NC. We need six volunteers (first come first served). The course details can be found at http://www.foxmountainguides.com/AMGA_Single_Pitch_Instructor_Course.htm. The cost to participants will be $435 and the Mountaineering Section will pay the $230 assessment fee per applicant. Specific dates will be set once we have six volunteers. Contact me directly if interested. Elections: Colleen briefed the membership on the details for this years' election. The nomination period is open now until 10 DEC. GET YOUR NOMINATIONS TO COLLEEN ASAP - and don't be afraid to nominate yourself (I can think of no stronger endorsement than to simply say "I'd like to serve") - we need new faces and the new ideas that come with them to keep the club growing and thriving. Colleen will propose the slate for approval at the DEC meeting and then voting will be done at the JAN meeting. Everyone please join me in thanking Colleen for taking on this hugely important task and, most importantly, SUPPORT HER WITH YOUR PARTICIPATION! Christmas Party: Court and Lora P have graciously agreed to host and coordinate the event this year - THANKS you two. The date will be SAT, 13 DEC at Court's place in Rosslyn - MARK YOUR CALENDARS for what is always a highlight of the year. Proposed Bylaws Changes: There were two bylaws changes proposed and appropriately seconded. The first will establish term limits for the elected officers of the section and the second removes the specific coordinators currently reflected in the Bylaws thus more correctly aligning the Bylaws and Constitution on the matter. YOu can find the detailed proposals in the minutes when published. Change to Honorary Members: We inappropriately designated Annette and Vince as honorary members earlier in the year (our Constitution and Bylaws only permit this at the JAN Annual Meeting) and thus those designations are recinded until JAN when they will, hopefully, be resubmitted. This oversight is completely my fault and I have made personal apologies to the two members and ask the rest of the membership's forgiveness as well. Polar Express: The section leadership offered to rent a large capacity van for travels to the Nort Country for winter climbing adventures. The ideas is that if a group of members are interested, the Section will front the van rental and then the traveling members would split the cost of the van (to be reinbursed to the Section), all gas, and driving. Initial investigation shows that we can get a 12 pax van for ~$300 per weekend. That probably works out to less than $100 per person round trip per person. Sounds like a good deal to me but it's up to you all. Who's gonna test the water!?! Slideshow: And finally, we closed the evening with an outstanding slide show on the Cordillera HUAYHUASH in Peru given by the Section's newest international member Richardo Malca. Great jos and thanks! Like I said, a busy meeting, thanks to everyone that participated. Graver

Mountaineering Section 2009 Club Officer Elections

It's that time of year again (already) - where'd this year go?!? Please join me in thanking Colleen for accepting the election coordinator position for our pending elections! She'll post details sometime in the ensuing weeks but please start thinking about your nominations. Graver

Alpine Skills Weekend (23-25 JAN)

Just a quick update of things I've thought of in talking with those who've expressed interest thus far: First, there is another prerequisite that I neglected to mention - all partcipants must be members of BOTH the mountaineering section and the PATC since this is an excursion beyond the PATC local area (the 4 states)

Also, I believe we'll need to have an off mountain day to let newer folks have a show & tell day for winter gear. I thought maybe early DEC so that if folks want or need to buy stuff they can get it on their list for Santa. Thoughts? **BTW, I'll bring all thre stuff I have but will also need some of you veterans to volunteer some of your gear and advice on this day. Thoughts? Graver


From: rgraver9106@hotmail.comTo: patc-ms@googlegroups.comSubject: [PATC-MS] Alpine Skills Weekend (23-25 JAN)Date: Thu, 30 Oct 2008 15:56:08 -0400
Hello all; Decided on dates for this. Here's the plan: THURS, 22 JAN: Fly to Manchester, drive to Pinkham Notch, and hike into the Harvard Cabin after work FRI, 23 JAN: Share & practice alpine skills in Huntington Ravine SAT, 24 JAN: Summit attempt via appropriate route(s) in either Huntington Ravine and/or Lion's Head SUN, 25 JAn: Review, rest, pack, head home Plan would be to , spend FRI & SAT tooling around Huntington Ravine and/or the Lion's Head Trail A list of things I thought we could practice are as follows (also open to other suggestions as well): 1- Winter gear (less is better but too little can be deadly) 2- Efficient Movement w crampons and ice axe (slow & steady wins the race BUT this is a lesson I never learned) - Fitting Crampons & Axe - French Technique - Front Point - Hybrid Technique - Self Arrest & Self Belay 3- Alpine Anchors & Belays 4- Moving as a Team 5- Avalanche Awareness WHAT I NEED: - Participants (must be members of BOTH the Mountaineering Section and the PATC to participate). - Some more experienced members to come along to also share their experience and techniques (same membership requirements as above) - Club ropes WHAT YOU NEED TO BRING: - A reasonable fitness level (we will be oprating in a very demanding environment - the approach alone has been known to crush mere mortals)- All your personal winter climbing gear, comfort gear, food, and money (cash) to pay the caretaker for your stay at the Harvard Cabin (first come-first served and $15 per night inside or $10 per night to camp outside)- And most importantly a sense of humor and flexible agenda. Ultimately, the condition of the mountain will dictate what we do. I'm probably fogetting stuff but we can iron out those details as we go along between now and then. Lemme know who's in when when you can. Graver

October Agenda

The following motions were made and appropriately seconded and will be voted on at the OCT meeting:

Lora P made the motion for the MS to buy a trad rack for aspiring leaders to check and use (ie. a set of nuts/hexes, cams, alon with some biners and slings.

Kip made the motion to shut down the listserve to force the club’s discussions to the MS discussion board at: http://www.localendar.com/forums/pmccalendar.
We can also start a New forum on the club's website.

Dave R made the motion and agreed to lead the production of the Mountaineering Section‘s next climbing guide project. The project will document unpublished traditional climbing areas in the DC-Metro area (ie. the newly re-discovered climbing areas: Long Mountain, Little Stonyman Cliffs, Buzzard Rocks, and the lower slabs area of Old Rag)
Katahdin - The folks at BSP will be opening up the reservation requests the first business day in Nov. which is only 5 weeks away. To get your first choice you definitely want your request to be there at that time. It would be ideal if a Katahdin veteran (John O.???) would step up to take on this task. http://www.baxterstateparkauthority.com/camping/wintercamping.htmlDaks Big House - Last year was fun to have 15 of us together but the house wasn't ideal. A bigger common area would be great, a week would have been not much more money, lots of things to think about. Last year just signed the lease after I got committments ($ in fist) from most of the folks. For someone to be comfortable doing this you have to haveearly committments from folks who want to go. If anyone wants to tackle this one that would be great as once again the earlier you get going the more likely you can get a time frame that works.
Please provide your thoughts on the motions via the listserve and then definitely come out and have your say at the OCT meeting where we'll decide.

Membership drive challenge

Hi all;
 
I've been remiss in not emphasizing another topic I threw out at the last meeting.  
 
If you're at all like me you climb w a variety of folks, both club members and not.  I challenge each of us to recruit one of our non-member friends to join the club by the end of the year.  
 
Why you ask?  
 
First of all - because it's our charter.

Article II.

OBJECT

1. To provide the opportunity for group enjoyment of mountaineering and related activities;

2. To train interested people in mountaineering techniques;

3. To provide public service through specialized mountaineering techniques;

4. To foster the conduct of these activities in a safe manner. 
 
2-  because you're a great group - I've never seen such a level of incedibly positive energy - definitely worth sharing.
 
3-  this is a great time to join.  Anyone joining after 30 SEP won't need to renew until JAN 2010 so essentially gets an extra three months in the deal
 
4-  there's power in numbers - we may be able to negotiate discounts for the group from vrious vendors of stuff (insert your ideas here if you care to)
 
So, lets hit the bricks and see what we can do.  Here's the URL:  http://www.potomacmountainclub.org/index.php?option=com_content&task=view&id=17&Itemid=28
 
Thanks everyone, you've made this a great year!
 
 
Graver
 
P.S.  it wouldn't kill all you list-lurkers (you know who you are) to sign up - and, it would really help the cause

2009 Katahdin

Hi all;
 
It's that time of year (to get our winter reservations in to Baxter State Park).  *Thanks Bill for the heads up.
 
The trip (or at least our first choice) will be 14-22 FEB to take advantage of the 16 FEB holiday for those of you that get that one)
 
If anyone's interested, here's what we need at the OCT club meeting:
 
1-  your completed resume  (copy the format from the attached and e-mail it to me)
 
2-  $225 per person.  This will fund 1 night at Roaring Brook and 5 nights at Chimney Pond bunkhouses w/ $16 per person extra for whatevers if needed (if my math is correct).  If not used, the extra money will, of course, be refunded.  Make checks payable to the Mountaineering Section, PATC.
 
3-  A qualified volunteer to be Asst Trip Leader
 
First 9 qualified (this will be determined by some combination of me and ultimately Baxter State Park) participants that turn in their resume and money.  You'll note we'll also accept 5 additional resumes as alternates.
 
 
Graver

October Monthly Meeting Agenda

Hi all;
 
Hope everyone had a great SEP!
 
Come on out WEDS to share the stories, food, and drink.
 
We've got a few proposals to finalize and/ or vote on so please come out and have your say.

VOTES: 
-  Proposal to buy a club rack
-  Proposal to shut down the listserve in favor of the clubs discussion board
-  Proposal to begin development of a VA trad climbing guidebook
 
OTHER DISCUSSIONS/ BUSINESS:
 
-  The EXCOM will distribute the recently updated and agreed upon Publications agreement  between the Mountaineering Section and the PATC.  The New Carderock guidebooks should be available NOW.
 
-  I will be taking names, resumes, and deposits for a 14-22 FEB trip to Katahdin (reservations open the first work day in NOV)
 
VOLUTEERS NEEDED:
*  Time to step up - we've got a couple of key events hanging in the balance here for lack of volunteers
 
-  Christmas Party host/ coordinator(s)
 
-  Election Coordinator
 
-  Outreach Coordinator
 
*BIG THANKS to whomever added the agenda to the calendar for this month's meeting - I'm on my pockets as usual but I'll try and be better organized for this important meeting WEDS.
 
Lastly - remember Carder climbing is TUES this week
 
See you all WEDS.
 
 
Graver
 
ROBERT GRAVER
CHAIRMAN,
MOUNTAINEERING SECTION, PATC

New Hampshire Mt. Washington Ice Festival Feb 7-10: IMCS/MS-PATC DISCOUNT Details

Our friends at the International Mountain Climbing School have decided to renew their offer to the Mountaineering Section as follows:

IMCS / Mountaineering Section-Potomac Appalachian Trail Club group Discounts for Ice Fest 2008 as follows.Less than 5 people that sign up we will give a 5% discount per course, if we get 5+ people I will give 10% per person. You do not have to book the same course but if you could sort of sign up together around the same time that would help. We will need to have concrete numbers that are paid in advance (standard Ice Fest payment). No discounts on same day signups or last minute changes, only on advanced bookings that are on the list that the club will send. This prevents refunding money with people claiming to be club members at the last minute with no way for us to check. No refunds for cancellations within seven days of the event. $50 administration fee per person applies to any type of monetary refund before that. (Again this is standard IMCS procedure) We have room still on most courses but can work with all of you on what you would like to do. We look forward to climbing with you in February. The ice is looking good right now. Talk to you soon. Brad White

2008 Welcomes a EXCOM

With a new election, spearheaded by Bob Graver, a new vitalitiy has surged into our once again vibrant climbing & mountaineering club. The election an exciting display of politics, drama, mudslinging and club comraderiere, ushered new blood to the ranks of the Executive committee as follows:

Chairman

NAME: Robert Graver
BIRTH DATE: 3 Oct 1960
CLIMBING SINCE: Sometime in the 70's when some of the older dudes from the neighborhood took me camping somewhere in upstate, NY, tied a bowline on a bight around my waist, and dragged me shakily up what, I now believe, was Boston at the Gunks.
MOUNTAINEERING SECTION MEMBER SINCE: 1998
TURN-ONS: I consider all climbing, skiiing, and other wanderings in the woods as preparation for adventures in the mountains. I primarily climb trad rock and ice but also participate in all the other climbing styles while awaiting the next opportunity to get into the hills where I can best apply my mediocre technical skills and high tolerence for suffering.
TURN-OFFS: Hot weather (anything above 32f), off-widths, and negativity.
FAVORITE CLIMBING BOOK: The Ascent of Rum Doodle
WHAT'S PLAYING IN THE I-POD TODAY: Grateful Dead, Led Zeppelin, The Shins, The Cranberries, The Killers, Counting Crows

vice chair

NAME: John Oster
BIRTHDATE: June 2, 1967
CLIMBING SINCE: Trees since I was about 6, rock from1996 on, ice for 1 year.
PMC MEMEBER SINCE: Katahdin 06, but I was gettingarticles published in the Uprope before then ; )
TURN-ONS: Physically demanding crack climbs, That 'Inthe Present' feeling while pushing yourself, Tearingdown the Ego, Forging strong relationships throughclimbing
FAV CLIMB BOOK: The Rock Warrior's Way
FAV TUNES: Everything from Enigma to Hard Metal toBluegrass

Secretary

Name: Vincent john Penoso
Birthday Rocktober 6th, 1976
Climbing since 1992 Learned to climb at Homestake Pass near Butte, Montana;leading rock since 1992;Enjoy crack climbing, multipitch rock; Ice climbing in 2006; led first few ice pitches 2007; can follow WI3-4; lead WI 2+-3. Favorite climbing areas lumpy ridge, front range, Lake koocanusa, Spire rock, North table Mountain, Eldo canyon and Nelson rocks Preserve.
Mountaineering Section Member since 1999 Served as UPROPE editor for 8.5 years; Webmaster since 2002 to present, continue to develope current website using JOOMLA CMS;served as vice-chair 2005, 2006; Listserve and EXCOM list manager, current membership and database coordinator, website developer, all round busy body.
Other diversions: My 4.5 year old daughter and my wife, the coolest missus anyone could ever hope to have!, Whitewater kayaking, fly-fishing, canoeing, TENNIS, road biking, ice skating, studio photography, web development.
Turn offs: insufferable know-it-alls, religious whackos, whachos who are religious, religion, poison ivy, mosquitoes, hot weather, long approaches.
Turn Ons:Grateful Dead, Classical music, wood chimes. Cuban food. Ebay. martinis.

Treasurer

NAME: Mike Dannhardt
BIRTH DATE: Nov 29, 1961
CLIMBING SINCE: High School but w/out a clue as to what I was doing! Caught the clue and the full time bug in 2002 in JT.
MOUNTAINEERING SECTION MEMBER SINCE: 2005 I think
TURN-ONS: hiking, canyoneering, climbing rock and alpine, cold weather camping. The harder and more sketchy the better I say. Give me the near epics where you need to dig deep, keep your Sh!t together and get it done.
TURN-OFFS: grumpy people
FAVORITE CLIMBING BOOK: On the Ridge Between Life and Death
WHAT'S PLAYING IN THE I-POD TODAY: what's an ipod? B.O.C. on the turn table right now.