The meeting was called to order at 7:05 p.m. Officers in attendance were Brent Hwang, Commodore; Greg Fan, Vice Commodore; Tim Brooking, Boatswain; Bob Nager, Purser; Christy Long, Newsletter Editor; Alice Nissen, Recorder. Natalie Wiest, Ex-Officio, and Tom Douglas, Conservation Chairman, were in attendance. Thirteen attendees in person and 13 attendees via Zoom for a total attendance of 26.
Bob gave the purser report and stated at the end of October income was $2300, expenses $2194, breaking even for the year.
Election of the 2024 officers was headed by Bob. He thanked the nominating committee: Tyrone White, Constantin Platon, Harmon Everett, and Bob Nager. Twenty-six attending members provided a quorum and new officers (newsletter editor, Harmon Everett; fleet captain, Christy Long; and boatswain, Tyrone White) were unanimously voted in.
Tim gave the boatswain report and stated we had four new members, 11 renewals for a total membership of 148 as of the end of October. Facebook has 972 members.
Christy stated that “How to Coordinate a Trip” is now in the newsletter.
Brent quoted an article from an HCC magazine published 30 years ago: “may HCC have 30 more years.” He stated how fortunate we are to experience our 60th anniversary.
Bruce gave the fleet captain’s report and stated there have been five events in October: 33 participants of which seven were nonmembers. There were 72.9 miles last month and 652.17 miles year-to-date. Kent Walters gave a report on his 44-mile trip on the Current River in Missouri. He stated it was gorgeous with fall colors, sunny and the water was clear. Joe Coker talked about his trip at Cedar Hill of 9.8 miles: good trip, beautiful day. Upcoming trips were discussed.
Tom discussed several topics: proposed channel conveyance improvements along Horsepen Bayou; Walk for the Wild at Pickett’s Bayou; Double Bayou Watershed Partnership, Wallisville Lake Cleanup; Riparian Birds of Prey; Bacteria Implementation Group; and 53rd annual San Marcos River Cleanup. Detailed information can be accessed on the Conservation Forum.
Charles (Chuck) Falk was introduced. He is a retired commercial photographer and long-time paddler. His main message was “stop looking and start seeing.” He discussed the mechanics of photography such as exposure, shutter speeds but explained that the camera is just a tool for the mechanics of photography. He showed examples of natural framing and balance. All the amateur photographers in attendance learned a lot from Chuck’s presentation and are inspired to take better pictures on our trips. Many thanks to Chuck for a great presentation.
The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.