August already?? I remember my Mother playing the song which included a reference to the “lazy hazy days of summer.” We’ve had haze but not a single lazy day.
July 15 Ed and Kim Greiner, with their cadre of experienced paddlers were on the water to instruct members wishing to learn more about the sport. I was one of those who took advantage of the opportunity which began with me using the canoe paddle backwards. Good way to tip yourself over, I learned. A 2.9 mile paddle hardly prepares me for competition, but was great fun.
Then it was off to Wolf Hollow for our membership meeting. The first order of business was the election of officers who will serve in their capacity until May 31 2028. The election results are: Karen Simmons, President; Brenda Street, Administrative VP; Elyse Loughlin, Secretary; Don Street, Treasurer; Bill Romania, Activities VP; Ed Greiner, President Northern NY Paddlers; Bill Simmons, President Mohawk Valley Hiking Club. Rounding out the Board in supportive functions are the Directors: Bill Schaefer and Carl Sanner, Membership Chair Sandy Wegener, Past President and Chatter Editor Dorie Valenti, Alpine Chair Michael Schaefer and Nordic Chair Will Seyes.
The meeting included a Power Point financial review of our club. With knowledgeable direction by our treasurer, Don Streed, SWC has navigated a challenging and costly year quite successfully.
Also, at the meeting Michael Schaefer described the survey conducted to ascertain what members would like to experience in the Alpine realm. With thanks to all 83 members who took the time to respond he pulled names from the list to award thank you gifts to 4 of the respondents. Receiving an SWC tee shirt are: Jim Schaefer, Jeff Roop and Bill Herman. A weekend at the Clubhouse went to Daniel Thill.
The coordination of the paddling, meeting space and food truck was all arranged by Bill Romania, who is already scheduling the Fall and Winter meetings. He plans each meeting to include an activity as well as the business of SWC.
While on the theme of participation your Board is asking for your assistance. This won’t be hard and it won’t eat up all of your free time, but we really need you. We need creative input from the membership to help us effect increased member engagement. I know - it’s scary to get involved. One good idea expressed or one good event planned and bingo, you’re the president. This is not what we’re suggesting. Our thought is that a Zoom meeting format to gather suggestions could lead to more membership involvement. Michael Schaefer has kindly offered to direct this effort. If you can spare a bit of time for SWC please contact him at: mchlschaefer25@gmail.com or myself at: kjsimmons951@gmail.com.
I’ll conclude with a random and weird item. Recently Board members have received spam emails which include a request for money, supposedly sent by me. I don’t know if any other member have received these, but please delete. I’ll never ask you for money. Well, not via email anyway.
Enjoy what is left of summer.
Karen
