Meeting minutes
Steering Committee meeting, Oct. 10, 1999
Alumni Hall, Dartmouth College, Hanover, N.H.Meeting opened by Coordinator Henry Edwards
Next steering committee meeting will be held April 8 & 9 at Blackburn Trail Center, Storer College or High Acre (in the Harpers Ferry area).Setting agenda for the Spring Meeting
Ed Garvey Shelter report
Life membership monies-how and where invested? A separate account will be set up by the Treasurer for life membership monies. Life and honorary members will be listed in the directory.
Gathering 2000
For Gathering 2000, the 2 organizers are Warren Doyle (site) and Henry Edwards (program). They'll need ALDHA membership assistance during the upcoming year. Shepherd College is 1st choice with Concord College 2nd choice for 2000 Gathering. Warren Doyle will visit Shepherd College to find out if the facilities are appropriate and whether or not ALDHA can come in 2000.Gathering Feedback:
Have registration tables set-up before and after Friday night opening session. This year 389 attended Friday night session. Storrs Pond campground is a great location and the quiet/loud locations worked well.Newsletter:
The editor of the Long-Distance Hiker will try to send the newsletter via e-mail, rather than snail mail, for those who have e-mail and would only like to receive the newsletter via e-mail.Hiker Museum:
Video library of workshops & presentations has begun. Earl Shaffer's 1948 slide presentation was taped. AT Museum donations will be held in a separate account at the discretion of our treasurer until they receive nonprofit status.Meeting adjourned at 1300 hours
Minutes Respectively Submitted, John O'Mahoney, Recording Secretary
Steering Committee meeting,
where
Steering Committee meeting, April 10, 1999
New Ringgold, Pa.
In attendance:
Bill O'Brien, coordinator
Cindy Ross, recording secretary
Henry Edwards, board member
Wayne Greenlaw, board member
Ed Garvey
Greg Walter
Jim Owen
Ginny Owen
Noel DeCavalcante
Art Hehn
Chris Kounkel
Warren Doyle, board member
Karine Kelleher, board member
Kieran Lal, board member
Kurt Seitz
Larry Luxenberg
Joe Fennelly
Mark Hudson
Frank Krajcovic
Tim Messerich
John Tate
Meeting called to order by ALDHA Coordinator, Bill O'Brien. Minutes submitted from Gathering held in Pipestem, West Virginia in the month of October 1998. Approved by members. Treasurer's Report submitted by Scott Beavers (absent): presented by Bill O'Brien. ALDHA's CD will mature July 21, 1999. The decision was made to roll it over on the date of maturity. The checking account balance as of April 6, 1999, is $3,209.36. Coordinator's Report presented by Bill O'Brien. The outcome of information posted on the Web site concerning Jeff and Dorothy Hanson's crisis of possibly being outbid was strong support with over 600 letters received. A letter was received concerning the lack of minorities showing in the ALDHA family photo taken at the 1998 Gathering. Board members agreed that ALDHA is open racially with no prohibitions. Kieran Lal urged that the membership should support any chance of diversification and Henry Edwards pointed to the lack of minorities in the trail community itself that has contributed to a lack in our membership. Revision of the "Hiker Ethics" poster was requested. These posters are sent into the trail community and placed in hostels and businesses. New ideas for the upcoming year are encouraged. Bill reported that the Web site is to be updated soon and news of the latest AT Companion will be added to the site. Membership Directory: The delay in the mailing of this year's directory was discussed and it was determined that we will try to avoid this in the future. Mark Hudson suggested some simple additions to registration form to help speed the data entry process, such as the addition of a box to check if there is an address change. Bill noted elimination of the email directory listed within the book. The information is redundant since it is already listed with addresses and phone numbers. A contest for next year's millennium directory cover was announced. Winner will receive one year free membership. It was discussed that "The First Step" publication printed by ALDHA 10 years ago will be updated for those asking for information on the trail. Membership Secretary's Report: submitted by Monica Cook (absent) and presented by Bill O'Brien. The suggestion was made to reduce the membership price for those registering after April. The decision was made to keep the price of membership at $7.00, but that after April, members should be mailed past newsletters. New members will also receive ALDHA window sticker along with a welcoming introduction. All Agreed. All members attending the spring meeting were presented with an enlarged photo of ALDHA members taken at the Gathering. The prints were a donation from the printer used for the directory. The proposed purchasable lifetime memberships was presented by Noel DeCavalcante. He explained that offering a lifetime membership for $150.00 is convenient for both the organization and its members. Warren Doyle moved that the board accept $150.00 from members for a lifetime membership. The motion was seconded by Art Hehn. The motion carried with a unanimous vote. There was further discussion on how monies would be collected and how interest earned would be spent. Motion passed to end discussion on exactly where money will go and be used. Newsletter: It was announced that the newsletter was ready to go and waiting for the arrival of minutes from the meeting to be typed and sent along by Karine Kelleher. A.T. Companion Editor's Report: Presented by Henry Edwards. The book was released in February. Henry shared a number of suggestions from the ATC which included listing all shelters before the chapter for each state, listing of e-mail and Web sites, and town maps and trailhead directions. Suggestions will be considered and added to next year's edition. The need for an editor for the upcoming year was discussed and volunteers are urged to come forward. A suggestion was made to review board members' attendance at meetings in relation to position held. Trail Days in Damascus: This year's program will focus on Earl Shaffer. Programs to be presented by members of ALDHA include a forum with Earl Schaffer about the future of the trail and an informative program about ALDHA. Warren Doyle updated members on the expansion of activities to be offered this year at Trail Days. There will be more outfitters set up as well as more programs on the agenda. ALDHA is looking for representatives at the Trail Festival in Hot Springs on April 24, 1999. The board is also encouraging any members to do some work in the name of ALDHA for National Trails Day, June 5, 1999. Plans are already in place for cleanup at the Graymoor Monastery and they would like to have ALDHA involved. Volunteers are needed to help clean up before the first wave of hikers comes through. Work Trips: Volunteers are needed for July 9-13, 1999, to work on rock drilling with Lester C. Kenway above Katahdin Falls. Contact either Lester or Bill O'Brien. A Gathering Work Trip was discussed for 1999. ALDHA has been asked to work with the Green Mountain Club on the AT and Long Trail. We are also considering having two work trips by dividing volunteers to work with GMC and again with the D.O.C. (Dartmouth Outing Club). A.T.C. Conference (July 9, 1999): ALDHA representatives will be on hand Friday through Monday. ALDHA will again be holding the 2,000-miler reception. Wayne Greenlaw volunteered to take charge. A limit of $100.00 is to be spent on refreshments. Hiker Museum Report presented by Larry Luxenberg: Obtaining materials for the museum is dependent on finding a permanent home site for the museum. There has been much interest in the donation of items. ATC is still in the process of deciding on possible locations. Warren Doyle suggested looking into Harpers Ferry and the numerous unutilized buildings present. Location to the trail also a positive factor. It appears that National Park Service is waiting for some organization to take the lead. The recommendation was made that Larry write a letter stating that the progress of collection of items is on hold until the site is determined. Gathering Coordinator's 1998 Review presented by Bill O'Brien: Problem areas at the 1998 Gathering included parking, porta potty placement, campfire noise, food lines, dogs in buildings during presentations, lack of arial campus map and other directions. Also more information on work trip was needed before the Gathering. Positive aspects for this past year's event included the registration packets, popularity of convenience of site in general, and programs by Steve Newman, Gene Espy, and Walkin' Jim. Recommendations for future planning included the use of parking cones and rope to help limit confusion and/or closeness of parking and tents. Encourage people to set up higher away from the parking areas and away from the campfire. It was reported that the work trip went well as Bill Gauthier finished the siding on the shelter and members of ALDHA treated and stained it. Gathering Coordinator 1999 Plans presented by Karine Kelleher. Confirmations have been received on both the site of the college and Storrs Pond Campground. They are ready to work with us once again with anything needed. There will be other college-related activities going on during that weekend. Plans are under way to replace small rooms with larger video rooms for programs. It was reported that volunteers and suggestions are needed for Family Olympics and the Trail Angels Hall of Fame. Joe and Monica Cook agreed to take charge of the ALDHA family photo again but a good location is needed. It has been decided that the Hiker Fair to be held Saturday afternoon only. We are looking for volunteers for non-hiker presentations such as how to do mail drops. The business meeting will be held with no conflicting workshops. Confirmations will be sent to those doing workshops this year. Walkin' Jim will not be performing at the 1999 Gathering. Evening entertainment to be put together by Bill O'Brien. He has proposed Brooks Williams for Friday night and Earl Shaffer on Sunday night. Bill will have a backup presentation in case of problems. Bill is looking into booking Jon Krakauer for Saturday night with the possibility of Outside Magazine underwriting expenses. He is also considering asking Dave Hooke (DOC) to consider assisting if the program is open to the college community. We are checking into getting a larger area such as Webster Hall or The Hopkins Performing Arts Center for this particular event. Price and size for this is to be looked into. There is the possibility of having two performances - one for the college and the other for ALDHA. Scott Beavers has been working on the Saturday night Dance. There is a $500 budget and the band must have own sound system. Trail trivia or dating game will be given one hour with little or no conflicts. NO dogs are allowed in student buildings and this will be noted in the program. Safety personnel will be stationed at the bonfire to keep it low key. A question was raised about the legality of alcohol at the campground? There will be no fire walking workshop due to the liability issue. Upcoming Elections: All offices and board members at large will be open for nomination. It was suggested that people interested in running for office submit their name and the position they are interested in ahead of time. A motion was made to allow ALDHA members to be nominated to Board positions in advance of Gathering with a signed statement of up to 75 words with written seconding by 2 ALDHA members. The motion passed unanimously. It was decided that we need a written description of duties of offices and board members prior to election. Suggestion of requiring one year of membership in ALDHA before being elected was discussed and dropped after it was noted that it can work out well to bring in new members (Example: Keiran Lal and Karine Kelleher). The award of Honorary Life Membership was discussed and decided. Honorary members to date include Ginger Bowes, Warren Doyle, Jean Cashin, Bonnie Shipe, Ed Garvey, Raven, Earl Shaffer, O.W. Lacy, Sam Waddle. New Business: The location for Gathering 2000 in Shepherdstown, West Virginia, was discussed. In 1999 they hosted over 3,000 bicyclists and the program went very well. Items discussed included onsite camping and showers, the number of classrooms, and the lack of a large ballroom in college center. The auditorium only holds 225. There is a performing arts center but it may be in use; the dance could be held in the gym. The college is very interested if the weekend in question is not Homecoming weekend. Lucky Lucky Lucky (absent) left a message that all is set for Carlisle in 2000. There was a discussion on the convenience and atmosphere of the site; it is not as popular as Concord. Warren Doyle moved that the first choice for year 2000 be Shepherdstown, then Concord as first alternative with Carlisle as second alternative. The motion passed. It was discussed that the site for the Spring 2000 meeting would be decided by the newly elected board in October. Hiker Grand Slam was introduced. There was no action and no discussion. The ALDHA scholarship at Concord for a student interested in an outdoor career to act as liaison with ALDHA. Trail News: "Pops Tisdale" passed away and it was decided that a note would be sent to wife. Rerun started his 5th thru-hike at the age of 80. PawPaw, age 81, is also hiking this year. Pete Palmer of Connecticut plans to try to beat David Horton's record starting May 7, 1999. Two bridges at Laurel Fork are still closed with an alternate trail blue blazed. They should be repaired within two months. There is a new bridge over Taconic State Parkway - hikers will go under highway. Warren Doyle's 2000 Expedition has about 21 participants still planning to take part. There was no other business. Meeting adjourned by Coordinator Bill O'Brien. Minutes submitted by Karine Kelleher.
Steering Committee meeting, April 5, 1997
71st Steering Committee Meeting 9:10 a.m. 5 April 1997, New Ringgold, PA
Present: *Noel DeCavalcante, *Warren Doyle, *Art Hehn, Linda Hunnefield, Scott Hoffman, *Scott Beavers, *Karine J. Kelleher, Bob Rzewnicki, Henry Edwards, *Jen Stoner, Joe and *Monica Cook, Mark Hudson, Ralph Kopfroth, *Paul R. Holabaugh, *Wolff Alterman, *Bill O'Brien, Frank J. Krajcovic, *All Sochard, Jim Owen, Ginny Owen ALDHA Board of Directors members (100% attending)
Chrm. DeCavalcante opened the meeting and gave place to Cindy Ross to plan for dinner.
Bill O'Brien commented on the critique of Carlisle '96. Regarding those suggestions toward more organizations, Warren commented that we want ALDHA to stay laid-back as we are. Paul was complimented on his site selection and arrangements. Pertaining to gathering in the future, "Bald Eagle" AKA Jim Owen, spoke regarding (1) scheduling, (2) breaks between presentations, and (3) hurt and confusion some presenters/ participants felt over misunderstandings regarding time/place of scheduled presentations. Frank Krajcovic agreed that more video rooms are needed. "Jester" felt that most respondents were positive: everything in one building makes greater convenience. Signage can be improved.
Bob Rzewnicki & Karine were formally introduced and they presented status of planning for Gathering XVI at Darthmouth this fall. Dave Hook is their contact at Dartmouth. Cook Auditorium is reserved, and Coles Hall next to DOC offices-place for dancing; some A-V equipment probably will be donated by an ALDHA member. Scheduling of sideshows and workshops coordinated from Dartmouth and Carlisle.)
These Gathering Coordinators will put first-timers to work. Will have inexpensive name tags, maybe T-shirts: shower passes were discussed. Lunch options might include lunch wagon. Coordinator asked for guidelines for big companies. Consensus suggested free sponsors are welcome-no need to solicit. "Blister Sister" acknowledged Warren's Sunday morning bridge jump; "Mountain Beaver" asked about religious service, "which was well received." Jen to coordinate worship service. Car passes were discussed. The final general membership should be held about 1-2 Sunday; Coordinators want feedback regarding a program for Sunday night, for those who can stay.
Looking ahead to Gathering '98 50th Anniversary of first A.T. thru-hike: Alternatives: Carlisle, PA; Concord College, Pipestem, VA; Bill is investigating Shepherdstown, WV, Shepherd's College. It was felt that the Carlisle surveys are not a determining factor and the fact is that the general membership usually goes along with steering committee recommendations. Several formats for order of rotation of Gathering were presented. Discussion tabled until after lunch.
Regarding the 1998 Spring Steering Committee Meeting: PATC housing option discussed: meeting at Conference Room. ATC HQ, Harpers Ferry; National Park Service Office. Meeting at Todd & Cindy's, Sandy Hook Hostel, and Blackburn Center were other suggestions. Tabled until Hanover Gathering Steering Committee Meeting.
Work Trips: Wolff reported on work done at Damascus-the Place; mentioned "Damascus Dave"; Paul Lego heads the hostel committee. "Jester" would like to see this activity being a major annual Southern work trip at least annual cleaning-two day trip, but nothing planned for the rest of the year. Al Souchard: two work trips annually; first trip on Mother's Day; second is the week following Gathering.
A.T. Companion '98: Henry Edwards and Bill O'Brien, Co-editors Meeting with ATC about Companion. Very committed; on Trail Days, ATC will be contributing old Companions. Deadline for submissions is June 1; editors hopeful for earlier publications in 1998. Joe Cook commented that Companion is well accepted and a money maker. Bald Eagle says Companion is recommended over Thru-hiker's Handbook.
Newsletter: "The Merry Slav" Will need help in 1998. Directory, Scott Beavers and Bill:
Mailing List/Database: Microsoft Access. Mail addresses with different trails and hikes. Policy: No membership disks to be shared with organizations other than ATC. "Jester" moved that the general membership vote whether Board should be empowered to share mailing list on case-by-case basis with other organizations. Warren opposed; should be Steering Committee decision. Souchard amended to not give out disk except on decision of the Board. Carried.
Home Page, Bill: Posting ongoing bike trip of Bill and Laurie Foot on American Discovery Trail.
Budget, Al: Balance of $11,000.00 as of 2-4-97. Took in about $1,000.00 in dues, etc.; basically paid out same. For four-five years were getting surplus of $1,000, more/less. There's $6,000 in checking, $5400 in six month CD. Usually fluctuate about $4-5,00 up or down; Non-profit under $20,000. Bill: No problem with budget
Al pointed out that sending newsletter bulk would be savings; "Jester" suggested members deserve the more efficient service of First Class mail.
Bill moved to approve Monica spending $550.00 on decals. Carried.
For next Steering Committee Meeting: Al probably will be on ATC Board. Should think about nomination for Treasurer and another address for ALDHA.
50th Anniversary of First Thru-hike, Bill: Discussed honoring Earl Shaffer's thru-hike.
Nominations for Member-at -Large: to replace open position. Wolff nominated Ginny Owen. Al nominated Karine Kelleher. Karine was elected by secret ballot.
Noel discussed ATC biennial conference in Maine, August 1-8. Bill will handle arrangements for 2,000-miler get-together. Display: Joe and Monica volunteered to mount photo display.
Trail Days '97, Bill O'Brien and Joe Cook: May 16-18, Warren will be there. Program on agenda explaining what ALDHA's about. Damascus issues; old A.T.; VA Creeper Trail. Forum at Trail Days? Persons in ATC and Nat'l Park Service are insisting there is encroachment. "Bald Eagle" wondered whether the ATC and park Service are basically trying to make this issue an authority example. According to "Jester", it is a very emotional issue in Damascus. It is the first time anyone's made an issue of encroachment of trail corridors. Art felt it may be a case of government making an issue. Warren stated that the government is making the people feel steamrolled. Doesn't want ALDHA to side with ATC. Bill stated this is a hot issue in Damsacus. There were meetings where people were saying they want the white blazes kept on Laurel Avenue. Warren summarized the government attitude. Noel invited "Damascus Dave" to the Steering Committee Meeting and offered help; no response to date. For the other side of the story, call Mike Dawson; call Pam Underhill. Frank felt that because of ATC meeting only biennially, ALDHA needs to some stand on issues in Damascus. Frank moved: that Noel and other members who will be attending trail Days have forum to either go for/or back off with action regarding Damascus problem. Motion withdrawn. Motion by Bill O'Brien that Board continue to gather information, confer, recommend Steering Committee action for Damascus within a week after trail days. Motion carried.
Al moved we bring Richard George's recommendation to the Board regarding Open membership in all ATC affiliates. Warren moved the question. Our answer will be that there was a vote and support was deadlocked. Dick George can submit his recommendation to the membership at the Gathering.
1998 Gathering location moved by "Dancin Wolf": that the Steering Committee gather more information regarding where '98 Gathering will be held, either at Carlisle, Shepherdstown, or Pipestem. Carried.
Life membership nominations. None at this time. Steering Committee are to think about this.
Board member Nominations for Gathering XVI; Coordinator: Bill O'Brien Assistant Coordinator: Wolff Alterman Treasurer: Scott Beavers Recording Secretary: Jen Stoner Membership Secretary: Monica Cook If someone is interested in running, please submit your name to Noel now or at the gathering in October.
Other New Business: Henry Edwards: thinning in VA near trail. ATC writing in response to Edwards info in magazine. Warren clarified: Anytime ALDHA speaks up, ATC responds. Bill; (from Brian king) Cruse had option of being expedited to Florida for rape/murder rather than the 1990 murders. Randall Lee Smith relocated to Roanoke.
Next Steering Committee meeting at beginning of Gathering, concurrent with registration. Noel thanks Bob and Karine for the good work they are doing in preparation for Gathering XVI.
Meeting dismissed at 4:30 p.m.
Respectfully submitted, "Double Crust", Recording Secretary
Advance notice:
The spring steering committee meeting will take place April 5, 1997, at Friedens Lutheran Church meeting hall, New Ringgold, Pa.Any member of ALDHA is welcome to attend and help make plans for the 1997 Gathering, our chief task at this session. Other business is also usually conducted, and all members may speak out on any issue that arises. Only board members, however, are allowed to vote on any matter that requires a formal decision.
Overall, it's a laid-back get-together, but folks who travel great distances for this session come to get some serious work done.
Directions on how to get to the meeting: From Interstate 78/Route 22, take Route 61 north to Route 895 North. After several miles, it joins Route 443 toward New Ringgold. The church is off to the left about a half mile before New Ringgold (look for Church Street).
The meeting starts promptly at 9 a.m., so please be on time. We aim to finish by 6 p.m., after which we usually head to dinner. This year, there are several options: Nearby are restaurants in Port Clinton and Hamburg, and up the road from the meeting place Cindy Ross and Todd Gladfelter will offer a community meal at their home. They'll also offer room for folks to spend the night, if they haven't already made other arrangements at a motel.
The agenda for the meeting will include the following items:
Review of Carlisle '96 Gathering
Planning for Hanover '97 Gathering
Look ahead to the 1998 Gathering
Planning for the 50th Anniversary of the 1st Thru-Hike
ALDHA's presence at the ATC meeting in Bethel, Maine
ALDHA's presence at Trail Days '97 in Damascus, Va.
New address for ALDHA
Reports:Companion
Newsletter
Work trips
Directory/Database
Home page
Budget
Life memberships
ALDHA mailing list
Name tags
Any other business that comes up
Steering Committee meeting, March 30, 1996
In attendance:
Noel DeCavalcante, coordinator
Teresa Yancey, recording secretary
Al Sochard, treasurer
Wolff Alterman, board member
Warren Doyle, board member
Cindy Ross
Jim Owen
Bob Sparkes
Bill O'Brien, assistant coordinator
Ron Keal, membership secretary
Art Hehn, board member
Violete McPhee, board member
Joe and Monica Cook
Bruce Dunlevy
Ginny Frost
Frank Krajcovic
The meeting was called to order by Noel, who made an opening statement that he would like all board members to be active at the Gathering. Wolff's motion to accept the minutes of the last meeting was seconded by Art and approved.
Warren asked for a report on the membership. Ron reported 450 paid members; 280 dues due. Al gave the treasurer's report. Expenses were up from last year because the cost of printing and mailing the directory was greater than in the past.
Old business:
In old business, Warren reported positive feedback from the Gathering in Pipestem. A few other members reported comments about the difficulty in getting from the campsite to the meetings and proposed that better signs and maps be created for this year. Paul Holabaugh, as site coordinator for the Gathering in '96, will be given this responsibility.
New business:
Gathering '96 -- Bill, Bob, Paul and Noel visited the site for this year's Gathering in Carlisle. Much discussion followed about all that the high school and Eagles Club had to offer. One concern was the fact that there was no audio-visual equipment available for our use at the high school (except for screens). It was decided that workshop presenters will be asked to bring their own equipment. If a presenter is unable to, there will probably be enough equipment around that other presenters bring to make do.
The Eagle Club's facilities have a lot to offer and, overall, everyone was pleased with what they saw.
Bruce Dunlevy gave a report on the entertainment he has lined up for the Gathering.
Bill O'Brien discussed putting general information regarding ALDHA over the Internet. Much discussion followed, and a motion was made to have a home page on the Internet. The motion carried.
A motion was made for Cindy Ross to send information about the Gathering to the American Hiker Magazine. Warren seconded. Motion carried. "Backpacker" magazine requested permission to have a booth at the Gathering. Motion made, seconded and approved.
Bill gave a report on the work trip to Graymoor (complete with pictures). The worktrip was a great success and Graymoor will be open once again to hikers.
A motion was made to award Life Memberships to Earl Shaffer and Sam Waddle. Motion passed. There was a discussion about a retirement party for Jean Cashin. Bill made a motion that the coordinator form a committee to decide what to present to Jean, with a budget not to exceed $300. Motion passed.
Meeting adjourned.
Respectfully submitted by Teresa Yancey, recording secretary
