1-t-shirt and 1- Great Falls Guide were sold.
MONEY COLLECTED FOR PIZZA AND REFRESHMENTS BROKE EVEN FOR THE 3RD TIME IN RECENT HISTORY.
18 Club Members were in attendance.
Dave Raboy, chair presided. 7.11.2007
PATC Mandatory membership for club sections a non-issue. Thanks to Vincent Penoso for representing the Mountaineering Section and presenting the case against such a move to make all members of each section, members of the parent organization. However, the PATC council meeting produced a recommendation, that in lieu of full membership of the sections, status quo be maintained for required PATC memberships as follows: section chairs, expedition members and trip leaders, with specific language addressed in respective section by-laws and or constitutions.
· GEAR PURCHASES: In following the Mountaineering Section's Mission Statement to promote rock , ice and mountaineering, it is important to buy essential gear to eliminate barriers to newbys from climbing ice, rock or mountaineering.
o New gear will not include leader racks, lead ropes or lead gear.
o We have loads of rock climbing gear that includes TR setups, harnesses, shoes, chalk, helmets and are pretty much equipped to handle TR at Carderock and Newby days.
o With the explosion of interest in the ICE climbing, we hope to have requisite ice climbing inventory at a future time and room to cram all this stuff. The barriers to ICE climbing are high. The price of tools, crampons, winter apparel and suitable ice climbing boots is considerable. The downside locally is that there are no places to rent ice climbing boots for greenhorns.
o The Club will ask for a POOL of ICE CLIMBING BOOTS, TOOLS and CRAMPONS, (but especially BOOTS) for people to lend during the ice climbing season, which cannot start soon enough.
o When this potential inventory has been realized , we will then Spend $500 on buying used ice boots from the climbing school in North Conway. (we had better move on this during the off season); motion to spend $500 on 4 prs of used boots will be voted and passed in September.
· ICE CLIMBING: There are many ice climbing areas where we can climb and there are many unexplored ice trips available to us. White Oak Canyon, Blue ridge, The Narrows, Pennsylvania, Daks, NH, Greenland.
· EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE: What does it do? When does it meet? Why does it meet? Why doesn't it meet? Who is on the EXCOM? Many answers can be found by reading the by-laws. The EXCOM is the small governing body that makes administrative decisions that serve to maintain the operation and forward momentum of the Mountaineering Section to realize the club's mission statement.
o the business issues and concerns of activities that we don't have time to talk about at the seemingly brief monthly meetings, can be addressed and resolved at these mythical EXCOM meetings; which include but not limited to changes to the bylaws, club business, administrative issues, most of which do not involve the consensus of the membership but are reportable to the membership.
o If there are any EXCOM matters you feel you'd like to address, please write info@potomacmountainclub.org or discuss them on the LIST.
· EXPEDITION POLICY: The club has had teams that have gone to PERU,Alaska, The Sierras, Katahdin and The Alps. We want to introduce an ad hoc approach to expeditions without deadlines for submission and such a formal process for doing so.
· FUNDING: the club sponsors a few trips a year.
o Annual trips are Little Stoneyman, Seneca Rocks 4th of July, ADK, Gunks. We are proposing to increase the number of trips like this and then justify an increase in dues only if we cannot meet a budget expectation. The dues have been $15 a year ($1.25/month).
o Proposing a week long trip for ice climbing in the DAKS this WINTER.
· DUES: we would not raise the yearly dues without justification. this is a typical topic one would see at an EXCOM meeting.
· LITTLE STONEYMAN online guide
o online guide book in PDF format
o team has been climbing there for the last 8 weeks and have lead, named and rated many climbs
· Jeff Karrels will be joining the Information Technology Division of the Mountaineering Section to help maintain the club's website.
· GREAT FALLS CLEANUP: Access Fund not sponsoring this event this year. Friends of Great Falls and Mountaineering Section, American Alpine Club and other climbing groups will coordinate interest in this annual event.
· SLIDE SHOW: Kerin Arkin and James Hilger gave separate and mostly successful slide show presentations despite minor technical difficulties. i should probably have the instruction manual for the projector posted on the site for review prior to the meetings, to lessen the chance of a SNAFU. We have to pride ourselves with the smuggy realization that we have a great club and remarkable individuals that travel to, climb, paddle, pick, drink and live for the mountains of this planet. We have a great bunch of peoples.
· Oh and a warm return welcome to hard woman rough-neck, our wonder woman of the year: Kathleen Steinle, who just returned from back to back adventures to ALASKA and PERU.... Welcome Baaaaaack!!!!!!!
Thursday, July 12, 2007
Wednesday, June 13, 2007
June 2007 Monthly meeting Minutes
June 2007 Monthly Meeting Minutes
18 attendees
Visitors: Shyka, John and John : welcome
The meeting opened to a thunderclap.
The first order of business was a unanimous vote to not fund the Sierra trip due to not meeting the required number of participants. Bob Graver, expedition coordinator, was on hand.
Trip proposals are submitted to the coordinator by December and the new executive committee’s first order of business decides in January.
PATC DUES Update:
Vincent Penoso represented the mountaineering section at the June 6th PATC council meeting, along with the chairman of the ski touring section, Peggy so-n-so. After his presentation to the council, the response was that the council had addressed this issue in depth last September. The council will change the language in the PATC constitution to clarify the position on this matter. There will be NO MANDATORY obligation for section members to also be members of the PATC, except under the following circumstances or status quo:
Section Chairs are required to be PATC members
Expedition members are required to be PATC members
Trip Leaders are required to be PATC members
The council recommended that each section make amendments to their by-laws to reflect the above requirements.
The Mountaineering Section has about 46% of the membership PATC members.
MS encourages membership.
4th of July Seneca Rocks Trip
Arrive Friday June 29th-Leave Sunday June1
group site-D at Seneca Shadows campground
If there is interest in adding Sunday night we could add it no problem.
Trip Details:
1. Trad climbing at Seneca Rocks- bring your own leader (BYOL). pair up with someone who leads, bribe them with beer, rolaids or Pizza. This aspect of the trip is beyond the control of the trippin leader: so chat it up, pair off, have fun!
2. Sport Climbing: Franklin 30 minutes away!- bring a stick clip.
3. Camping: Great Campground with warm showers and crappers nestled smack dab in the middle of West By-god Viginny! Our warm friendly host, Billy Pistein!
4. Mountain Biking
5. Hiking: all over the place.
6. Swimming: with or without, water wings.
7. Temperatures: can be chilly to blazing saddles to monsoons...dress accordingly.
8. Vittles: PMC springs for burgers and pups Saturday night; local pizza joint is awesome; local grocery stores; elkins 30 minutes away or so.
9. Gendarme: Climbing Shop has competitive prices for all climbing gear 2 minutes from the campground, with a climbing school, guides and rentals.
DOGS WELCOME:
Little Stoneyman: nothing new to report except members have been climbing more and more at this crag and we are becoming more and more familiar with the ratings of the routes.
ROMP: Nothing new to report
Gear proposal:
· Briefly discussed the idea of purchasing used ice climbing boots for newbies to use this ice climbing season .
· James Pasterchek suggested buying general purpose crampons, like the Black Diamond Sabretooth clip that can be used for alpine travel as well as vertical ice.
· Ask the membership in order to POOL used ice climbing gear to lend for newbies .
· Another point brought up was the issue of storage space for more and more gear…I just had a major donation of gear and I already see I need to build shelves or do something to manage this gear.
Slide Show By Mike Danhardt on multiple trips through the Grand Canyon.
18 attendees
Visitors: Shyka, John and John : welcome
The meeting opened to a thunderclap.
The first order of business was a unanimous vote to not fund the Sierra trip due to not meeting the required number of participants. Bob Graver, expedition coordinator, was on hand.
Trip proposals are submitted to the coordinator by December and the new executive committee’s first order of business decides in January.
PATC DUES Update:
Vincent Penoso represented the mountaineering section at the June 6th PATC council meeting, along with the chairman of the ski touring section, Peggy so-n-so. After his presentation to the council, the response was that the council had addressed this issue in depth last September. The council will change the language in the PATC constitution to clarify the position on this matter. There will be NO MANDATORY obligation for section members to also be members of the PATC, except under the following circumstances or status quo:
Section Chairs are required to be PATC members
Expedition members are required to be PATC members
Trip Leaders are required to be PATC members
The council recommended that each section make amendments to their by-laws to reflect the above requirements.
The Mountaineering Section has about 46% of the membership PATC members.
MS encourages membership.
4th of July Seneca Rocks Trip
Arrive Friday June 29th-Leave Sunday June1
group site-D at Seneca Shadows campground
If there is interest in adding Sunday night we could add it no problem.
Trip Details:
1. Trad climbing at Seneca Rocks- bring your own leader (BYOL). pair up with someone who leads, bribe them with beer, rolaids or Pizza. This aspect of the trip is beyond the control of the trippin leader: so chat it up, pair off, have fun!
2. Sport Climbing: Franklin 30 minutes away!- bring a stick clip.
3. Camping: Great Campground with warm showers and crappers nestled smack dab in the middle of West By-god Viginny! Our warm friendly host, Billy Pistein!
4. Mountain Biking
5. Hiking: all over the place.
6. Swimming: with or without, water wings.
7. Temperatures: can be chilly to blazing saddles to monsoons...dress accordingly.
8. Vittles: PMC springs for burgers and pups Saturday night; local pizza joint is awesome; local grocery stores; elkins 30 minutes away or so.
9. Gendarme: Climbing Shop has competitive prices for all climbing gear 2 minutes from the campground, with a climbing school, guides and rentals.
DOGS WELCOME:
Little Stoneyman: nothing new to report except members have been climbing more and more at this crag and we are becoming more and more familiar with the ratings of the routes.
ROMP: Nothing new to report
Gear proposal:
· Briefly discussed the idea of purchasing used ice climbing boots for newbies to use this ice climbing season .
· James Pasterchek suggested buying general purpose crampons, like the Black Diamond Sabretooth clip that can be used for alpine travel as well as vertical ice.
· Ask the membership in order to POOL used ice climbing gear to lend for newbies .
· Another point brought up was the issue of storage space for more and more gear…I just had a major donation of gear and I already see I need to build shelves or do something to manage this gear.
Slide Show By Mike Danhardt on multiple trips through the Grand Canyon.
Thursday, May 17, 2007
May Monthly Meeting Minutes
May Monthly Meeting Minutes 2007
24 attendees
Judy Wu presiding in the absence of Dave Raboy
3 Mountaineering Section members. John Oster, Kathleen Steinle and Jason Sandridge are in Alaska for a summit attempt on Denali (Mt. McKinley). Their progress report was that they were at 10,000 feet acclimatizing. During the slide show, Josh Baker received word that Kathleen Steinle had fallen into a crevasse, but was able to “jug” her way up to safety. Reports will be relayed on their progress as they come in. They do have direct line of sight cell service at the top of peaks from time to time.
LITTLE STONEYMAN Annual climbing trip May 19 and 20th. Vincent Penoso is leading this trip again this year with an added twist that for those who are interested, backcountry camping will be arranged. SNP back country permit has been approved and is in the mail for us. The on going LSM project to map routes and make recommendations for fixed pro, will continue the work which began on that freezing ass cold fall day last year. LSM trip details can be found on the club’s calendar of events. Joe Martinet will bring GPS and a laptop for on the scene data collection for this project.
A light and Lively notice from the PATC about the KATRINA-LIKE condition of the meeting room after the historic April monthly meeting that saw 41 attendees for the Katahdin Slide show. Hey, We have fun when we get together!!!!! We left the room last night SPOTLESS…WHAT A GREAT TIME WE ALWAYS HAVE. Ted.
We Have Club T-shirts-long and short sleeves and Great Falls climbing guides for sale at every meeting for $10. We also have a limited amount of Club Climbing gear available for check out. And requires signing the new gear liability waiver and checkout slip. We have an ever growing video library that is also available to the membership for monthly check out.
Ross Hess is leading the annual trip to the Palisades in the Eastern Sierras. So far he has 4 slots filled on a great opportunity to visit this area of the country. The trip is slated for late July early August.
Climbing trip to the Cumberland Narrows, Maryland with guide author “INDY”. 60 meters ropes, Trad and TR…Bring a helmet. Take 270, out 70 past Fredrick through to 68 and good luck contact trip leader. This strip is slated for June 3rd.
Writing is on the wall concerning the controversial issue for the PATC to require all club section members to also be members of the well known hiking organization. More as this heated topic settles out.
Celebrity Slide shows and presentations: Planning for climbing related presentations can be done at anytime during the year but most of the touring climbers plan their schedules early in the year-for the year. We saw January come and go. We have an opportunity to have 3 notables visit our fair city.
- James crump ( texasclimbers.com) was a famous first ascent climber in Jueco Tanks in the day and is slated for a slide show sometime this calendar year.
- Mark Wilford: A famous rock, Ice and mountain legend has been climbing and giving clinics for over 25 years. He is a regular at yearly ice festivals and I took his steeps clinic in New Hampshire last year… His latest presentation includes climbing in Tibet and another presentation on the Himalaya . We would be lucky to have him give his acclaimed presentations. More as this develops .
- Eric Hoerst: Lives in nearby Pennsylvania and is the author of numerous climbing publications and podcasts. His presentations will no doubt be of great interest to this climbing community.
- THE GRIZ: Rob Giniecski is the author of ICE CLIMBING PENNSYLVANNIA and other publications who can be convinced to make the drive and bless our group with images and dissertation on the promise of Pennsylvania Ice.
Dave Green (sherpa Dave) will be trekking in Nepal during the whole month of November and has opened slots for anyone interested in seeing this enchanted mountaineering Mecca first hand. Contact Dave, he is the club treasurer.
Norman Watts has volunteered to give slide shows to our club on Nepal and Denali. This is another must see presentation from our diverse group of member climbers.
Jeff Karrels rounded the evening with a spectacular look at travel into Russia and its highest peak, Mt. Elbrus Slide Show. His humorous and candid look at life in the former USSR revealed stark images of breath taking scenery and tough living. Jeff’s guide on this trip is missing climber Chris Boskoff, who is one of 2 climbers lost in Tibet . Images show this vibrant mountaineer leading Jeff’s group to the summits. Very nice look at Jeff’s quest to do all 7 summits, Mt. Elbrus being the first. Great work Jeff!!!!
Monday, April 23, 2007
15 Proposed Motions and By-law amendments for 2007
Pursuant to Article VII: Amendment of the BY-Laws and in preparation for Article V: Meetings, Section 7, I am posting the following points to the membership to examine at your leisure.
I propose that, at some time during the remaining 2007 calendar year, we re-examine the following points and those related to the Club's By-laws, with plenty of notice to the membership.
Potomac Mountain Club BYLAWS
1. Officially recognize JANUARY, as the renewal month for current members, instead of 4.5 month period described in the current by-laws; this coincides with the calendar year for the officers which also begins in January; 2007 is proof that this can be done effectively.
2. Clarify reinstatement period for non-payment which is now 60 days. I think we should have a current member renewal period (EVERY JANUARY) and a penalty for MISSING the renewal period. The amount of work to keep track of every form of payment or who paid when is daunting. If members maintain their records that helps. (article 1 section 2 TERMINATION) I propose we re-examine this section entirely.
3. Write into the By-laws, if a new member joins during the last quarter of the year, (ROCKTOBER), this membership is current through to the following year.
4. Eliminate the out of area membership fee, which is archaic, and reword the section on DUES (Article 1 section 3)
5. By-laws talk about the LISTSERVER as for members only. Re-visit this point.(article 6 section 5) Change eliminate or modify. (Article 1 section 4)
6. Officially add the newsletter editor, LISTSERVE coordinator and/or webmaster, to the EXCOM .
7. Establish a minimum number of EXCOM members necessary to CONVENE an EXCOM MEETING, with the minutes provided to members who can not attend.
8. Amendments Article IV: 1b: consider revising this to include respondents to LISTSERVE and/or DATABASE EMAIL (includes every club member) notices instead of by U.S.P.S. mail.
9. Officially recognize the PMC database. Describe it's function to include security, membership data management, newsletter management, club directory management, club gear management, club video management.
10. CREATE an EXCOM YEARLY Calendar with a schedule of duties that the EXCOM (executive committee) must perform on a regularly scheduled basis. Items on this calendar could include such things as ordering the PIZZA for the monthly meeting, or bringing 1 bag of ice, scheduling EXCOM meetings, planning for the new election of club officers, membership renewal, budget meetings, preparing for the annual meeting, etc.... (Article 3 section 3).
11. Add to the description to the Club Secretary description that assigns a proxy secretary (attending officers) to take the minutes to record and maintain the reports of business conducted at EVERY regular, special, annual and EXCOM meetings. The minutes of these meetings are important for the membership to keep informed as to what business occurs at these meetings, most importantly the annual meeting . These minutes will be sent to the Membership via LISTSERVE, posted to the "meeting page" on the PMC website and finally, to reside on the Current events and Notices section for the benefit of the membership and visitors surfing the website.
12. Add to the description of the Treasurer: major club purchases should be made by the Treasurer, in order to disburse monies in which treasury, grant or gifts are utilized and accounted. This will ensure that Dividends and Credit purchases will always be returned to the club, over a pre-determined amount, to cover gas and expenses to make local purchases. The treasurer can assign a "buyer", to makes purchases with the above provisions understood beforehand.
13. Reinstate the August Monthly meeting, if only on a tentative basis. I see no real reason to NOT have this meeting. If the principals won't be there, then we don't have a meeting. It is still a good time and everyone was here LAST year.
14. Create a percentage yearly budget based on the January membership drive so we can plan for growth and activities.
15. During the 2005 administration, we enacted a policy that EXCOM members be exempt from club dues because of the service they provide by stepping forward to serve the Club. This exemption is a very modest incentive. Further, it was determined that besides the chairman, who is required to be a PATC member, the EXCOM would be granted a PATC membership, if they chose , that could not be transferred or converted , and must be used on a "use it or loose it" basis when offered, early in the calendar year. I would like to re-examine this and make it official, or not.
I propose that, at some time during the remaining 2007 calendar year, we re-examine the following points and those related to the Club's By-laws, with plenty of notice to the membership.
Potomac Mountain Club BYLAWS
1. Officially recognize JANUARY, as the renewal month for current members, instead of 4.5 month period described in the current by-laws; this coincides with the calendar year for the officers which also begins in January; 2007 is proof that this can be done effectively.
2. Clarify reinstatement period for non-payment which is now 60 days. I think we should have a current member renewal period (EVERY JANUARY) and a penalty for MISSING the renewal period. The amount of work to keep track of every form of payment or who paid when is daunting. If members maintain their records that helps. (article 1 section 2 TERMINATION) I propose we re-examine this section entirely.
3. Write into the By-laws, if a new member joins during the last quarter of the year, (ROCKTOBER), this membership is current through to the following year.
4. Eliminate the out of area membership fee, which is archaic, and reword the section on DUES (Article 1 section 3)
5. By-laws talk about the LISTSERVER as for members only. Re-visit this point.(article 6 section 5) Change eliminate or modify. (Article 1 section 4)
6. Officially add the newsletter editor, LISTSERVE coordinator and/or webmaster, to the EXCOM .
7. Establish a minimum number of EXCOM members necessary to CONVENE an EXCOM MEETING, with the minutes provided to members who can not attend.
8. Amendments Article IV: 1b: consider revising this to include respondents to LISTSERVE and/or DATABASE EMAIL (includes every club member) notices instead of by U.S.P.S. mail.
9. Officially recognize the PMC database. Describe it's function to include security, membership data management, newsletter management, club directory management, club gear management, club video management.
10. CREATE an EXCOM YEARLY Calendar with a schedule of duties that the EXCOM (executive committee) must perform on a regularly scheduled basis. Items on this calendar could include such things as ordering the PIZZA for the monthly meeting, or bringing 1 bag of ice, scheduling EXCOM meetings, planning for the new election of club officers, membership renewal, budget meetings, preparing for the annual meeting, etc.... (Article 3 section 3).
11. Add to the description to the Club Secretary description that assigns a proxy secretary (attending officers) to take the minutes to record and maintain the reports of business conducted at EVERY regular, special, annual and EXCOM meetings. The minutes of these meetings are important for the membership to keep informed as to what business occurs at these meetings, most importantly the annual meeting . These minutes will be sent to the Membership via LISTSERVE, posted to the "meeting page" on the PMC website and finally, to reside on the Current events and Notices section for the benefit of the membership and visitors surfing the website.
12. Add to the description of the Treasurer: major club purchases should be made by the Treasurer, in order to disburse monies in which treasury, grant or gifts are utilized and accounted. This will ensure that Dividends and Credit purchases will always be returned to the club, over a pre-determined amount, to cover gas and expenses to make local purchases. The treasurer can assign a "buyer", to makes purchases with the above provisions understood beforehand.
13. Reinstate the August Monthly meeting, if only on a tentative basis. I see no real reason to NOT have this meeting. If the principals won't be there, then we don't have a meeting. It is still a good time and everyone was here LAST year.
14. Create a percentage yearly budget based on the January membership drive so we can plan for growth and activities.
15. During the 2005 administration, we enacted a policy that EXCOM members be exempt from club dues because of the service they provide by stepping forward to serve the Club. This exemption is a very modest incentive. Further, it was determined that besides the chairman, who is required to be a PATC member, the EXCOM would be granted a PATC membership, if they chose , that could not be transferred or converted , and must be used on a "use it or loose it" basis when offered, early in the calendar year. I would like to re-examine this and make it official, or not.
Thursday, April 12, 2007
April Monthly Meeting
April Monthly Meeting Minutes
4.11.2007
41 Attendees
The April Meeting was punctuated by an unprecedented crowd who braved the inclement weather to see the much touted slide show presentation of the annual club expedition to Baxter State Park’s Mount Katahdin. The Seven new club members seemed to relax and immerse themselves in a familiar atmosphere of rock, ice and mountain alpinists. The human blur was the club’s Vincent Penoso who was busy selling T-shirts, checking out ROCKBUSTER videos, checking in new members, setting up the refreshments, taking in money for this and that ( in the absence of the treasurer DAVE GREEN) and the PIZZA delivery; but does he ever climb???
• The night began with an update from Duncan T. , the access coordinator, with news from the Friends of Great Falls (F.O.G.F.), who has met once this year. At this meeting, officers were named for this local climbing coalition. The meeting’s main concern was the upcoming release of the General Management Plan for the Great Falls National Park due out in this month, which the NPS has failed to make any comment on the content of this release. The F.O.G. F. contacted a number of users of the GFNP resource in order to attend a scheduled meeting with the NPS on the upcoming GMP and the impacts to Rock Climbing and other activities.
• Nelson Rocks Preserve (NRP): This crag has not been sold to our knowledge. Duncan has been hard at work and has contacted climbing sources in North Carolina who recently purchased crags and preserved climbing access. The suggestion from down yonder was this: to form or get a climbers coalition to convince the State of West Virginia to buy this seemingly worthless piece of property (NRP), approaching local businesses, conservancy groups, land trusts. The owner, Stu Hammett, initially contacted the State and they were not interested in S.W.P.O.P., they aren’t climber’s I’d imagine. Diane Kearns, the proprietors of the Gendarme are interested in becoming involved in grassroots movement to purchase N.R.P..
• Little Stonyman Cliffs: Rock Outcrop Management Plan (R.O.M.P.) The initial concern, by the N.P.S., were the ropes running across the Appalachian trail to create belay anchors on existing trees and bollards and the steps needed to relieve this problem. The Potomac Mountain Club (PMC) began a project last fall to study this issue. To date, a third of the crag has been mapped and photographed for the purposes of submitting a report with recommendations for fixed anchors in areas of concern.
• The annual Little Stoneyman Climbing trip will be scheduled as soon as we have a clear weekend window of better weather. I proposed to have this a weekend camping trip , with an overnight stay Saturday, so we can climb the chalk out of this place and at the same time continue to map and document this crag for the ongoing project with SNP as well as another proposed project. (ahemmmm!) Vincent Penoso will be das trip leader for this trip.
• The Annual NEWBY DAY for climbers will be spearheaded by Joe Martinet and Annette. There has been a tremendous response flooding the chair with newby day inquiries.
• We welcome Norman Watts who seeks climbing partners for different projects. The club welcomes new members to our climbing gang and hope they come out regularly. We encourage our new members to monitor the club’s calendar and listserve for updates on what to do with all their free time! CLIMB ON!!!!!!!
• Dave Raboy reaffirms his commitment to limit the business meeting to 30 minutes. BLAH-BLAH-BLAH. Dave had 2 points he wanted to address
o Dues structure
Dues increase by $10 or $15 , with a portion going to the parent organization. Dave invites LISTSERVE dialogue on this proposal for pros and cons.
Reasons for fee increase: needed revenue; expedition budget is $1000, which currently at $15 is way more than half of our budget (WHAT BUDGET?).
We need to publish more publications and push the revision and the stop gap reprint of the Carderock Guide.
We want to mover towards a Alpinist directed Climbing Club.
• Bob Graver made the point, referring to I believe was Article V, where members propose ideas and motions to recognize or address ideas in the future , first begin by being recognized at meetings.
4.11.2007
41 Attendees
The April Meeting was punctuated by an unprecedented crowd who braved the inclement weather to see the much touted slide show presentation of the annual club expedition to Baxter State Park’s Mount Katahdin. The Seven new club members seemed to relax and immerse themselves in a familiar atmosphere of rock, ice and mountain alpinists. The human blur was the club’s Vincent Penoso who was busy selling T-shirts, checking out ROCKBUSTER videos, checking in new members, setting up the refreshments, taking in money for this and that ( in the absence of the treasurer DAVE GREEN) and the PIZZA delivery; but does he ever climb???
• The night began with an update from Duncan T. , the access coordinator, with news from the Friends of Great Falls (F.O.G.F.), who has met once this year. At this meeting, officers were named for this local climbing coalition. The meeting’s main concern was the upcoming release of the General Management Plan for the Great Falls National Park due out in this month, which the NPS has failed to make any comment on the content of this release. The F.O.G. F. contacted a number of users of the GFNP resource in order to attend a scheduled meeting with the NPS on the upcoming GMP and the impacts to Rock Climbing and other activities.
• Nelson Rocks Preserve (NRP): This crag has not been sold to our knowledge. Duncan has been hard at work and has contacted climbing sources in North Carolina who recently purchased crags and preserved climbing access. The suggestion from down yonder was this: to form or get a climbers coalition to convince the State of West Virginia to buy this seemingly worthless piece of property (NRP), approaching local businesses, conservancy groups, land trusts. The owner, Stu Hammett, initially contacted the State and they were not interested in S.W.P.O.P., they aren’t climber’s I’d imagine. Diane Kearns, the proprietors of the Gendarme are interested in becoming involved in grassroots movement to purchase N.R.P..
• Little Stonyman Cliffs: Rock Outcrop Management Plan (R.O.M.P.) The initial concern, by the N.P.S., were the ropes running across the Appalachian trail to create belay anchors on existing trees and bollards and the steps needed to relieve this problem. The Potomac Mountain Club (PMC) began a project last fall to study this issue. To date, a third of the crag has been mapped and photographed for the purposes of submitting a report with recommendations for fixed anchors in areas of concern.
• The annual Little Stoneyman Climbing trip will be scheduled as soon as we have a clear weekend window of better weather. I proposed to have this a weekend camping trip , with an overnight stay Saturday, so we can climb the chalk out of this place and at the same time continue to map and document this crag for the ongoing project with SNP as well as another proposed project. (ahemmmm!) Vincent Penoso will be das trip leader for this trip.
• The Annual NEWBY DAY for climbers will be spearheaded by Joe Martinet and Annette. There has been a tremendous response flooding the chair with newby day inquiries.
• We welcome Norman Watts who seeks climbing partners for different projects. The club welcomes new members to our climbing gang and hope they come out regularly. We encourage our new members to monitor the club’s calendar and listserve for updates on what to do with all their free time! CLIMB ON!!!!!!!
• Dave Raboy reaffirms his commitment to limit the business meeting to 30 minutes. BLAH-BLAH-BLAH. Dave had 2 points he wanted to address
o Dues structure
Dues increase by $10 or $15 , with a portion going to the parent organization. Dave invites LISTSERVE dialogue on this proposal for pros and cons.
Reasons for fee increase: needed revenue; expedition budget is $1000, which currently at $15 is way more than half of our budget (WHAT BUDGET?).
We need to publish more publications and push the revision and the stop gap reprint of the Carderock Guide.
We want to mover towards a Alpinist directed Climbing Club.
• Bob Graver made the point, referring to I believe was Article V, where members propose ideas and motions to recognize or address ideas in the future , first begin by being recognized at meetings.
Thursday, March 15, 2007
2007 March Meeting Minutes
March Meeting Minutes
List Serve overhaul. Looking for a cheaper alternative to the current list server. There are concerned that a switch over will cause an interruption of the LISTSERVE. I can say that typically, you run both, for a few test messages and then pull the plug entirely on the old.
Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will work on finding an alternative to the current service.
The Chair wants the membership to make better use of the Executive committee so that the membership can be comfortable to make recommendations to the EXCOM. There may be available, soon, an email address for the EXCOM only.
EXCOM: considers the different initiatives concerning Little stony man, Nelson Rocks Preserve and the SNP initiative.
DUNCAN THOMPSON will be the access coordinator; we need volunteers to work on reporting back to the Duncan and work on the initiatives.
PMC on-line Directory is now LIVE. Login to see the directory.
MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES ARE IMPORTANT: Vincent brought up the issue that it is important to report back to the club what occurs at the monthly meetings. If the Secretary cannot attend the meetings, then minutes do not get recorded. Then Vincent is an unhappy camper. He pointed out that the Chairman has the vice-chair, and the treasurer has provision for other people to be able to SIGN checks if he is not there. It was decided that the EXCOM will record the minutes of the meetings for this purpose.
Club Sticker was passed around for members to examine. It has the words ROCK and ICE on it…It is just another design feature intended to SELL the club. Can’t really tell what that sticker is about by looking at it so that’s what the ROCK and ICE is about.
The Club Brochure was passed around in color, but the publication will be in black and white. This brochure will be distributed at the CLUB EVENTS, REI, HTO and the PATC HQ.
The Vol.62 Issue #1 of the UPROPE newsletter is about to be mailed out.
Duncan’s Access Update :
· Southern Pillar has been sold to USPS.
· Nelson rocks is up for sale by owner
· Owner not interested in conservation easement for tax purposes
· Looking for a state entity to buy property
· N.C. recently purchased Chimney Rock; will contact N.C.
· Shenandoah National Park (SNP): a conference call is scheduled to discuss and update the status of the New Management concerns for the park and climbing access. Duncan needs a volunteer to represent the PMC at these meetings and conference calls to report back to the club. Please contact Duncan Thompson.
Simon Carr: Great Falls National Park (GFNP): Climbing Ranger liaison is no longer at this facility. Prior agreements with the friends of Great Falls are uncertain at this point.
CARDEROCK WEDNESDAYS: Recent traffic on the LISTSERVER posed a question to move the classic weekday climbing event to either a Tuesday or a Wednesday. More discussion is needed on the List, so chat it up. The initial discussion is no change will occur but that could change base upon what the membership wants.
New List Serve Alternatives: Vincent proposed a few months back to seek a LISTSERVER that is FREE. The current List costs the club a good chunk of the yearly budget (what budget?). I proposed using Google Groups for our new LISTSERVER type medium. My experience with Google Products is stellar. Our college group from the University of Montana uses Googlegroups and switched from a similar PAY LIST last summer with a SEAMLESS TRANSITION. Essentially cut and paste the addresses into the BOX. LIST Server managers must have a GMAIL address in order to add, subtract and edit features and PEOPLE. Currently, there is only one Mack Muir, to maintain issues with our current list. I am proposing a FREE and secure list with multiple managers to ease the pain. Feedback welcome. The team of Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will spearhead this project.
PMC WEBSITE:
The current webmaster is not an IT professional and he is self taught in Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop7 and fireworks. I am no design guru as I volunteered to assume the duties a few years ago.
ADS that appear on the PMC site belong to 2 groups.
List Serve overhaul. Looking for a cheaper alternative to the current list server. There are concerned that a switch over will cause an interruption of the LISTSERVE. I can say that typically, you run both, for a few test messages and then pull the plug entirely on the old.
Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will work on finding an alternative to the current service.
The Chair wants the membership to make better use of the Executive committee so that the membership can be comfortable to make recommendations to the EXCOM. There may be available, soon, an email address for the EXCOM only.
EXCOM: considers the different initiatives concerning Little stony man, Nelson Rocks Preserve and the SNP initiative.
DUNCAN THOMPSON will be the access coordinator; we need volunteers to work on reporting back to the Duncan and work on the initiatives.
PMC on-line Directory is now LIVE. Login to see the directory.
MONTHLY MEETING MINUTES ARE IMPORTANT: Vincent brought up the issue that it is important to report back to the club what occurs at the monthly meetings. If the Secretary cannot attend the meetings, then minutes do not get recorded. Then Vincent is an unhappy camper. He pointed out that the Chairman has the vice-chair, and the treasurer has provision for other people to be able to SIGN checks if he is not there. It was decided that the EXCOM will record the minutes of the meetings for this purpose.
Club Sticker was passed around for members to examine. It has the words ROCK and ICE on it…It is just another design feature intended to SELL the club. Can’t really tell what that sticker is about by looking at it so that’s what the ROCK and ICE is about.
The Club Brochure was passed around in color, but the publication will be in black and white. This brochure will be distributed at the CLUB EVENTS, REI, HTO and the PATC HQ.
The Vol.62 Issue #1 of the UPROPE newsletter is about to be mailed out.
Duncan’s Access Update :
· Southern Pillar has been sold to USPS.
· Nelson rocks is up for sale by owner
· Owner not interested in conservation easement for tax purposes
· Looking for a state entity to buy property
· N.C. recently purchased Chimney Rock; will contact N.C.
· Shenandoah National Park (SNP): a conference call is scheduled to discuss and update the status of the New Management concerns for the park and climbing access. Duncan needs a volunteer to represent the PMC at these meetings and conference calls to report back to the club. Please contact Duncan Thompson.
Simon Carr: Great Falls National Park (GFNP): Climbing Ranger liaison is no longer at this facility. Prior agreements with the friends of Great Falls are uncertain at this point.
CARDEROCK WEDNESDAYS: Recent traffic on the LISTSERVER posed a question to move the classic weekday climbing event to either a Tuesday or a Wednesday. More discussion is needed on the List, so chat it up. The initial discussion is no change will occur but that could change base upon what the membership wants.
New List Serve Alternatives: Vincent proposed a few months back to seek a LISTSERVER that is FREE. The current List costs the club a good chunk of the yearly budget (what budget?). I proposed using Google Groups for our new LISTSERVER type medium. My experience with Google Products is stellar. Our college group from the University of Montana uses Googlegroups and switched from a similar PAY LIST last summer with a SEAMLESS TRANSITION. Essentially cut and paste the addresses into the BOX. LIST Server managers must have a GMAIL address in order to add, subtract and edit features and PEOPLE. Currently, there is only one Mack Muir, to maintain issues with our current list. I am proposing a FREE and secure list with multiple managers to ease the pain. Feedback welcome. The team of Mack Muir and Vincent Penoso will spearhead this project.
PMC WEBSITE:
The current webmaster is not an IT professional and he is self taught in Dreamweaver, Flash and Photoshop7 and fireworks. I am no design guru as I volunteered to assume the duties a few years ago.
ADS that appear on the PMC site belong to 2 groups.
- The first group of ads come from a list of about 3000 merchants who advertise on the internet through the Joint Commission, a company who arranges advertising for websites. I initially chose a handful of ads that maybe of interest to the PMC like travel, gear, skis, snowboards etc, since we have to travel, we ski mountaineer and have gear envy. I empowered the current Executive Committee with the ability to enter the Joint Commission’s website and CHOOSE BETTER ADS that would serve our Club and have not had input so everything has remained as you see it. What makes this group of ads different is when ANYONE makes a purchase through the ads on OUR site, the Joint Commission PAYS THE PMC a percentage of the sale.
The Second group of ads are from entities that have served the PMC is some manner. Some companies give discounts or we have received reliable service that we recommend to our members, thus, REI, HTO, IMCS, White Trellis Hotel, Cascade Inn and so on.
Ads appear throughout the website as they do similarly on many websites.
The website is constantly evolving and a call for a clearer design with an emphasis on information is duly noted. I hated the look of the previous design and I am working to come up with new ideas.
Suggestions and Content are always welcome.
BY-LAWS: What is the Executive committee? Plans have been on the table to re-examine and update the by-laws of our club. Pleze take a moment to read the by-laws and send comments to the EXCOM. Goto the site map .
Mack Muir donated (1) loaner tool to the GEAR ROOM .
We have another donation from Mr. Benoit, of some rock climbing hardware, which the club appreciates.
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