The Commodore called the meeting to order, and introduced the club officers. Present were Ann Derby, Vice-Commodore; Natalie Weist, Fleet Captain; Frank Ohrt, Recorder, and John Rich, Newsletter Editor. Paul Woodcock, Boatswain, was absent. (Kent Walters, Purser, arrived late.) She then mentioned the pre-meeting dinner at Reginelli’s Pizzeria, and the usual post-meeting gathering at Jax’s.
The Commodore then proposed that the members accept the minutes of the previous meeting. It was seconded and approved. She then announced the scheduling of the 2017 Holiday Party on December 13th, again at St. Andrews Episcopal Church.
The Fleet Captain announced the 2016 paddler awards. Honorable mention was given to those who paddled 60-100 miles. Winners present were Joe Coker and Terry Herdlicka. (Not present were Paul Woodcock, Dave Kitson, Dave Risch, Sandy Rushworth, and Robert Trout.) 100 Miler Awards were given to David Portz, Christy Long, Harmon Everrett, and Kent Walters.
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| Joe Coker |
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Terri Herdlicka |
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David Portz |
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| Christy Long |
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Harmon Everett |
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Natalie Wiest |
She then recognized the members leading the most trips in 2016: Kent Walters, 5 trips; Natalie Wiest, Christy Long, and Philip and Tish Matticks, 3 trips each; Harmon Everrett, Bruce Bodson, and Tom Douglas, 2 trips each.
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| Trip leader prizes |
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Tom Douglas |
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Kent Walters |
Joe Coker gave the Safety Minute, describing a new/better method for re-entering a swamped canoe or kayak, using a paddle float.
The Commodore, acting as Boatswain, recognized several members present who had not attended meetings for a while.
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Frank demonstrates
trash collection tools
for the San Marcos
River clean-up
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The Fleet Captain gave her report on past trips and future trips planned:
Trips since last report:
• January 8 San Bernard River “Blue Hole”, Paul Woodcock,
2 paddlers, 4 miles.
• January 14 Turtle Bayou, Natalie Wiest, 8 paddlers in 6 boats, 5 miles.
• January 22 Moving water practice, San Marcos, Christy Long, cancelled.
• January 26 Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Honey Leveen.
Upcoming Trips:
• February 17-20 Boquillas Canyon, Rio Grande, Kent Walters/Joe Coker.
• February 19 Crab trap removal, Anahuac, Chris Arceneaux.
• March 4 San Marcos River cleanup, Robert Langley.
• March 11 Buffalo Bayou Regatta – need a coordinator.
• March 23-26 Bayou LaFourche, Louisiana, Barataria Bay National Estuary Program.
• March 31-April 2 Limestone Paddle Trail, Fort Parker State Park, Julie Hammond.
The Purser reported that we were doing fine, with lots of year-end expenses, which is normal.
John Bartos, the Conservation Chair, noted that there would be lots of talk in the near future concerning Galveston Bay and possible large-scale public works for hurricane defense and readiness (e.g., the “Ike Dike”, etc.).
John Rich was recognized as Newsletter Editor. He asked the members for more trip reports, please. Surely the members are almost all functionally literate.
The Vice-Commodore introduced the evening’s speaker, Shaun Gregory, of Austin Canoe and Kayak, who explained the basics of stand-up paddle boarding.
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| Shaun Gregory |
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Christy Long |
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Shaun & Ann Derby |
The Commodore called the meeting to a close.