Highlights of Aug. 31 Board Meeting
The CCA Board met virtually Aug. 31. The full minutes have been posted on the CCA website (Members Only > Documents > Meeting Minutes). Here are some highlights, from minutes taken by Secretary Jen Sass:
Present: Hugh Hilliard (Chair), Jen Sass (Secretary), Ginny DeSeau (Membership Director), Marilyn Jones (Treasurer), John Snitzer, Alf Cooley, Barb Brown, Tim Lapham, Grace Hassler, Risa Shimoda, Ryan Morrow, Peter Ryan, Dean Hawes, Gary Steinberg, Lynn Miller, Tom Hackman, Laura Kurup, David (Cotton) Cottingham, Kathleen Sengstock, Rolando (Rolo) Arrieta
Topics for general discussion included CCA meeting format, process, and schedule; ideas for soliciting new members; and preliminary impressions from the ongoing member survey on usability of the website.
Potomac Interceptor Sewage Spill: Update – Hugh
The Montgomery County Department of Health agreed to lift the advisory for the Lock 10 area, a popular take-out for CCA trips. Construction continues near Chain Bridge to repair the sewer pipeline. DC Water has been slow to develop a refurbishment plan, and litigation is ongoing to require more complete environmental restoration and pipe repair. TO DO: Hugh will look for opportunities to improve river access as related projects and plans move forward, including in litigation settlement agreements with DC Water.
Blockhouse Point Project – Cotton, John
[See separate article in this Cruiser.]
Report on the "Breaking Barriers" Program – Rolo
Rolo submitted a written report on the successful Breaking Barriers program, held Aug. 8–9 on the Potomac. The instructional team—Courtney Smith, Cortez McBerry, Ashley McEwan, and Rolo—led a first-of-its-kind whitewater course aimed at reducing barriers to access, expanding opportunities for underrepresented communities in whitewater paddlesports, and supporting leadership pathways for instructors of color. Nine participants spent two days on the river and received kayaking gear, professional instruction from ACA L3/L4 certified instructors, transportation, and a future one-on-one winter pool rolling lesson. Sponsors included CCA, Calleva, the American Canoe Association, L.L.Bean, and Outdoor Afro. Everyone expressed gratitude to Rolo and the team for leading this work across the finish line so successfully, extending gratitude to club members Risa, Cotton, and Lynn for their previous activities and commitment to this important work.
Trip Coordination – Ryan, Rolo
This summer the club led many successful trips, including but not limited to the Casselman with 5–6 participants, Lower Yough) with 12 participants, and Stonycreek with 10 participants. All the trips went smoothly, despite variable river levels and some challenges due to a wide range of skill levels among participants. Registering participants for trips through ClubExpress has been helpful. Additional trips to Stony and the Lower Yough are being planned for October.
Instruction – Gary
Two clinics were held in August. The Aug. 22 Open Canoe Clinic on the Potomac, led by Jordan Taylor of Paddlesport Institute, served four intermediate CCA paddlers. The Aug. 23 Advanced Kayaking Clinic on the Lower Yough, led by Jordan with volunteer instructor Ryan, included seven CCA members. That clinic had been rescheduled from June because of high water. A planned advanced canoe clinic on the Lower Yough was canceled because of low interest. CCA paid PSI for all three clinics and now has a $600 credit for future programs. Member fees of $150 per clinic covered PSI costs and generated an additional $250. Thanks to Jordan for providing strong instruction; Marilyn for managing clinic finances, including reimbursements for members who could not attend the rescheduled kayak clinic; and Susan for helping post and coordinate events through ClubExpress.
Date of next meeting: Wednesday, Oct. 28