From our 9/12 Board Meeting

Zoom Attendance (plus Sharon L. and Guy L. via phone)

Chat minutes

Submitted comments

Dear New York Chapter Members: 

As most of you already know, the Main Club of ADK has passed very significant by law changes for 2020. These were voted on by the board of directors and now is before all ADK members for a yes or no vote via the ballot in Adirondac magazine. The ballot must be postmarked by Oct 2nd. 

First some background:

In January of 2020 we elected a new Club President Tom Andrews and a new Executive Director Michael Barrett. ADK has struggled for years to get its finances in order and reorganize the club.

Previously ADK was run by a BOD elected from the chapters and several committees, all volunteers. The BOD was 27 members; one from each chapter. 

Current club leadership hired an outside consultant to do a complete analysis of the current organization. The company delivered a thorough proposal for a five-year plan.

Out of that report and subsequent meetings with club staff came the following recommendations and Bylaw changes. The new BOD would be much smaller, 12 to 20 members, hired by the new board and club staff. In addition, these individuals would be reviewed by the club members probably in Adirondac magazine. New board members would be hired for their experience in key areas such as hotel management, fund raising, nonprofit management, environmental leadership, financial analysis. These positions would be unpaid. The board would meet monthly. In addition, the club would create a new structure called the “advisory committee “. Each chapter would elect a member to the advisory committee. The committee would advise the board on issues important to the chapters through one member elected by the committee. That one member would be able to vote on the board. The committee would meet separately from the BOD.

The proposed Bylaw changes would be voted on by the current BOD and passed. They will take effect unless voted down by the membership. Some current members have tried to enlist current club members to vote down the proposed changes. That is not my responsibility and I feel it would be improper for me to influence the vote. I would be happy to discuss the changes and my opinions privately. (contact Mark by e mail:  fedowf@aol.com)

All change is somewhat difficult. We all know ADK must change in order to grow and move forward. There are some changes that I agree with here and some I do not. But that is often the case in such a diverse organization. The crisis facing nonprofits make it essential that they modernize. We all know we need younger members in our organization. Many of these changes come out of younger voices and a different vision of the future of ADK.

I have been a chapter member for many years. And I have been your I have been a board member for many years and a club member for years more than that.

These changes would create a very different board and probably a different club. It is now up to the members to decide if you agree.   

Mark Fedow, ADK Main Club Director NY Chapter.

Reeves Brook Circular – 9/14/20 (Monday)

Meet 9 am at Reeves Meadow Visitor Center on Seven Lakes Drive approximately 1 mile from Rt 17 in Sloatsburg.  This is a 5.4 miles, moderate to strenuous circuit hike  starting from the Reeves Brook Trail up several short but steep climbs to the Raccoon Brook Hills trail.  There are stream crossing and some rock climbing to The Pulpit for a southwest-facing view of Torne Valley.  On the Raccoon Brook Hills trail, there is an approximately 800 ft. climb to reach the highest point of the hike (1,230 ft) for a distant view of NYC skyline on a clear day.  The return hike gradually descends into woods road parallel Pine Meadow and along the attractive cascades of Stony Brook Trail.

Due to the covid virus… everyone needs to bring a mask and wear it until the 6-foot social distancing is in effect (that is, once the hike begins and everyone can spread out). When meeting others on the trail, masks must be worn. Same also at parking areas.

Sturdy footwear required, bring 2 liter water, lunch/snack and appropriate rain/wind attire for this fabulous early qualifyingFall hike.   Register via Email Stephanie Lai sclai2007@yahoo.com by 9/10.  Heavy rain cancels.  Maximum 6 hikers.  Co-leader welcome.

Good afternoon ADK NY Chapter Members, please be advised due to the current Covid pandemic restrictions on the use of Camp Nawakwa, the meeting format for 2020 has been amended. As we are limited to a maximum number of people permitted to attend camp at one time,  we are unable to have an in person meeting at this time. To enable the greatest number of members to participate in the Members Meeting, the Board has opted to hold a Zoom meeting. If you are unable to attend the Zoom meeting you may submit questions or comments by the additional methods indicated below.

 

The Annual Open Board Meeting for Chapter Members of the New York Chapter of ADK will take place on  Saturday, September 12, 2020 via Zoom. The meeting will start at 11:00 AM.

 

Please register in advance to receive the information needed to join the meeting.  See invitation to register below.

 

Members can ask questions or make comments in three ways.

1. Email questions and/or comments to susanneflower@gmail.com between September 7^th and 11^th.
2. Send written questions to New York Chapter, Adirondack Mountain Club, Peter Stuyvesant Post Office Station P. O. Box 327, New York, NY 10009-9998.  Mail sent via USPS must be received by Friday, September 11^th.
3. Submit via the chat function during the Zoom meeting.

______________________________________________________________

You are invited to a Zoom meeting.
When: Sep 12, 2020 11:00 AM Eastern Time (US and Canada)

Register in advance for this meeting:
https://us02web.zoom.us/meeting/register/tZEqceCppjsoH9czNgBJYeopcxuJzEq8Tv-e

After registering, you will receive a confirmation email containing information about joining the meeting.

Regards,

Eve Mancuso, Board Secretary