Commodore Natalie Wiest called the meeting to order. She noted the large turnout for the pre-meeting dinner at Thai Cottage, in honor of the esteemed speaker. She then announced the new officers for 2020. Present were Ms. Wiest, Vice Commodore Christy Long, Boatswain Alice Nissen, Newsletter Editor John Rich, and Recorder Frank Ohrt. Not present were Fleet Captain Bruce Bodson (flu), and Purser Kent Walters (traffic; he arrived late). Also present were Webmaster Harmon Everett and Sgt.-at-Arms Ann Derby. 

  David Portz gave a Safety Minute on the dangers of leaving your computer passwords in your car, and Mr. Ohrt spoke briefly about using “reef-safe” sunscreens. 

Natalie Wiest		Audience		David Portz

  As Mr. Bodson was down with the flu, Ms. Wiest gave the Fleet Captain’s report. She knows how. Recent trips reported, and trip leaders, were:

- Nov. 16: Double Bayou, Tom Douglas (8 members);
- Nov. 17: Lake Charlotte, Natalie Wiest (10);
- Nov. 24: Brazos River, Miles and Mussels #18, Bruce Bodson (4);
- Nov. 29: Turtle Bayou, David Portz;
- Dec. 1: Cotton Lake, David Portz;
- Dec.8: Colorado River, upper half of the “Colorado 100”, Bruce Bodson/Brent Hwang;
- Dec. 8: Turtle Bayou, Tom Douglas (7);
- Dec. 14: Christmas party;
- Dec. 19: Trinity River CBC, Bruce Bodson;
- Dec. 25, West fork, San Jacinto River/Cypress Creek, Frank Ohrt (5);
- Dec. 28: Old River CBC, Bruce Bodson;
- Jan. 4: San Jacinto River CBC, Bruce Bodson;
- Jan. 6: Trinity River, Tom Douglas (6).

  Upcoming trips and events announced were:

- Jan. 18-20: Austin area, three days of instruction, Lynn Andrus;
- Jan. 25: Colorado River: Texas 100 Race (100 km.), Bruce Bodson;
- Feb. 29: San Marcos River Clean-up, Frank Ohrt. 

  Mileage leaders for 2019 were David Portz (510), Bruce Bodson (498), Brent Hwang (295), and Kent Walters (214). There were 50 club-sponsored trips for a total of 3,770 miles. 

  Tom Douglas noted the upcoming Wild and Scenic Film Festival, Jan. 28-29, at the River Oaks Theater, and announced the “State of the Bay” symposium in Galveston, Jan. 22-23.

	Frank Ohrt

  Mr. Ohrt moved that the club accede to Liz Dennis’ demand to be declared “Queen of the Canoe Club” for obtaining venues for our last three Christmas parties. It was approved by general acclamation. 

  Kent Walters gave the Purser’s year-end report. We are doing fine, as usual. Our CD is making us more than $5.00/month (hooray!!). Our membership dues are down, but so are our expenses.

  Ms. Wiest overlooked Ms. Nissen’s frantic waving, and forgot to ask for the Boatswain’s report. Ms. Nissen later gave this Recorder the names of two new members, Matthew Taylor and Dean Wilberg, and two visitors, Mark Ywewicz and Dan Massengill. 

  Ms. Long then introduced Linda Gorski, of the Houston Archeological Society, who introduced inimitable Louis Aulbach, who gave a presentation on paddling the “Great Unknown” of the Rio Grande (Mariscal Canyon in Big Bend NP). He should know. 

Christy Long		Linda Gorski		Louis Aulbach		Rio Grande

  It was moved that the meeting be adjourned. The motion was seconded and approved, so we all went home.