Attending the May 11 virtual meeting – David Cottingham, Jen Sass, Alf Cooley, Barb Brown, Ed Gertler, Gary Quam, Ginny Quam, Ginny DeSeau, Mark Wray, Susan Sherrod, Mark Brenneman, Barbara Hoover, John Snitzer, Samuel Stokes, Eliza Cava, Kathleen Sengstock, Marilyn Jones, Ed Gertler
Chair’s Comments – David (Cotton) Cottingham
There was discussion about whether to start having in-person Board meetings, but nothing was decided. The Board agreed to let Cotton decide.
Outreach Committee - Risa Shimoda, David Cottingham
Risa has been working with staff at the Anacostia Watershed Society to assist with AWS canoe trips on the Anacostia. Sam Stokes, Miki Komlosh, Risa Shimoda, Ginny DeSeau, and Cotton attended two AWS sessions. Some participants had lived in the neighborhood for many years but never been on the river; all were enthusiastic about the experience. We think it is well worth continuing the effort; Risa and AWS are discussing future activities.
Treasurer’s report – Jim Landfield
Revenue remains below last year’s, partly because of no 2020 pool rolling. Expenses to date are running higher than last year because we paid for the website domain name renewal, which happens every five years, and the Downriver race shirt and Roster costs have already been billed. The bank account as of April 30, 2021, is roughly the same as last year, at about $36,000.
Membership – Ginny DeSeau
In the last two months we’ve had 15 new members, for a total of 387 members (about 250-300 family memberships).
River Access – Gordy Lang, Alf Cooley, John Snitzer, Pam White, Gregory Maassen
See the separate article in this issue.
Meetings – Ed Gertler
Ed is curious about the value of virtual versus in-person monthly meetings. Once in-person meetings are permitted again, how can we continue to enjoy the advantages of both? The Board suggested that Ed go ahead and book the Clara Barton room for 2021—the fee is nominal at $100 for five evenings over the year—and then consider also having some virtual meetings such as for distanced speakers. Ed will choose the venue, whether in person or by webinar, as he sees fit.
Trips – Gary and Ginny Quam, Mark Brenneman, Alf Cooley
The Board approved the Trips Committee proposal for updating CCA Covid guidelines consistent with revised CDC guidelines. See the separate article in this issue.
Kara Greenfield has offered to take up the reins, coordinating the Wednesday evening trips that were run for so many years by Mikey Baummer. Thanks Kara!
Safety classes – Barb Brown, John Snitzer
Mike Aronoff is running a two-day safety course in July, costing roughly $100 per person. The Trips Committee requested that we subsidize the cost for our regular trip coordinators. The Board approved covering half the cost ($50/person) for trip coordinators selected by the Trips Committee, to a maximum amount of $500 total, with the stipulation that they agree to coordinate at least two trips over the next year.
Downriver Race – Jen Sass, Ginny DeSeau, Susan Sherrod
See the separate article in this issue for the race results, and the Chairman's Cockpit for thoughts about this event. The CCA has introduced a new award this year, the Kay Fulcomer Memorial Award, with the winner receiving a special Kay Fulcomer mesh bag for trash. The Board approved the purchase of 100 bags for future use (criteria to be determined), with a rough cost of $3.50/bag. The Board also approved an order of about 50 waterproof stickers that say, “Downriver Race Survivor 2021,” costing roughly $1/sticker, to be given out to all participants.
Instruction – Mark Wray, Gary Steinberg
Mark held one three-hour beginner lesson at Riley’s Lock on Seneca Creek, and more will be coming soon. See the separate article in this issue.
Next Board meeting, still virtual – Tuesday, July 13, 7:00 pm.
See the website for the full minutes.
—based on minutes from Jenn Sass, Secretary