NYCkayaker News from the HRWA

[Gail Cashen]

Report of HRWA Board Meeting of June 17, 2006

The Board of HRWA, three general members, and one Advisory Board member gathered on Saturday, June 17 at StageWorks in Hudson for the Annual Meeting of the Association. Treasurer Barney Molloy reported, once again, that we are in good financial shape, with a cash balance of approximately $20,000 at hand and no outstanding debts. President Gail Cashen noted the resignation of David Hookom and Ian Giddy from active membership on the Board. David is now living in California. Ian, who is the original author of the Water Trail Guide, continues to be very busy with consulting and traveling but agreed to be nominated to our Advisory Board. He was unanimously elected and we're very grateful for his efforts on behalf of paddlers.

The Board again discussed the possibility of issuing membership cards. Some businesses offer discounts to members, but at present there is no way to be sure that someone claiming membership is actually a member. We're reluctant, however, to spend the time and money it would require to prepare and mail them annually. We'd also like to provide members with HRWA decals for their cars or kayaks but they, too, would require considerable expense to distribute. We will continue to consider these possibilities following some additional research.

We are also exploring ideas for additional campsites. The Board would prefer not to own property as we do with the Van Schaack campsite at Bronck Island, but to identify owners who are willing to allow camping on their property as part of the Water Trail. We're following up on a number of suggestions, including those noted by Rob Buchanan on his recent trip. (You may have seen his report on NYCKayaker.) 

The main business of the meeting was to elect officers for the 2007-2009 term. The following slate was nominated, elected unanimously, and will take office officially on January 1, with time for transition:

President: Dan McLaughlin

Vice President: Bob Ihlenburg

Secretary: Walt Thompson

Treasurer: Gail Cashen

Following the business, Bob Ihlenburg led a paddle to visit the Hudson-Athens Lighthouse and we afterward we paddled along Middle Ground Flats. Although the weather in the morning was damp, skies cleared and we had a fine afternoon. We're sorry the rest of you couldn't join us! We anticipate meeting again in the fall and always welcome members to the meetings. Let me know if you have questions or concerns!

Gail Cashen

President, HRWA
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