Appalachian Mountain Club - AMC - Worcester

19 Pages·2007·0.74 MB·English

Appalachian Mountain Club

Worcester Chapter

2007
Annual Report

Worcester Chapter -Appalachian Mountain Club 2007 Annual Report
Mission
Worcester Chapter AMC Annual Report 2007

The Worcester Chapter of the Appalachian Mountain Club promotes the protection, enjoyment, and wise
use of the mountains, rivers, and trails of the Northeast. In particular our Chapter is dedicated to the
outdoor resources of Central Massachusetts, for the purposes of education, recreation, and conservation.

Founded in 1918, the Worcester Chapter has approximately 3000 members, all of whom are dedicated to
having fun in the outdoors. We offer activities for all levels, including backpacking trips, day hikes, bike
rides, rock climbing, skiing, paddling, and a wide range of social events and educational programs.

Officers 2007 Committee Chairs

John Gau Bicycling
Barbara Dyer Chapter Chair
Ed & Pat Fanjoy Families
Sharon Foster Vice-Chair
Claude Guerlain Conservation
Larry Bliss Treasurer
Scott Karpuk Conservation
Michele Simoneau Secretary
Bill Zahavi Programs

Steve Ciras Hiking

Laura Ruth Historian

Mike Jones Leadership

Jean McInerney Membership

Mary MacDonald Newsletter

Lori Nozzolillo Newsletter

Bruce Blais Endowment

Vacant Paddling

Dave Cole Public Relations

Vacant Skiing

Tia Koziak Social Events

John Grote Technical Climbing

Fred Mezynski Third Wednesday

John Nieman Third Wednesday

Don Hoffses Trails

Jen Eaton Young Members

Jack Downing Webmaster

Ken Pickren At-Large
Jim Walsh Past Chair

Incoming Chairs

Sharon Foster Chair

Steve Ciras Vice-Chair

Bill Zahavi Treasurer
Dave Cole Paddling
Tom Zumwalt Skiing
Jim Walsh Programs
Deb Herlihy Leadership

Pat Lambert Hiking

Don Hoffses At Large 1

Deb Phaup At Large 2

Mary Coz Public Relations

Steve Crowe Trails

Ellen Bailey Webmaster
CHAPTER CHAIR’S REPORT

Dear Members:

This year has been very successful thanks to our volunteers, leaders, and members who all work
together to follow the mission of the AMC. A special thanks goes to our dynamic Executive Committee for
all of their hard work and efforts they have achieved throughout the year. Their behind the scenes work is
instrumental in making our chapter run smoothly. It has been a pleasure working with our volunteers,
leaders, and staff these past two years. I have been proud to be part of the team and to serve as the
Worcester Chapter Chair. This year we achieved the following successes:

• Initiated a Chapter Youth Program
• Adopt a park series – urban park cleanups
• Donated over 30k into programs, conservation, and education
• Provided $10k donation to the Maine Woods Initiative
• Provided Boy Scouts with rock climbing equipment
• Offered monthly photo hikes
• Brought Worcester AMC history to life with slideshows and presentations
• Initiated volunteer recognition program – volunteer of the month
• Themed newsletter format which goes out to over 2000 households
• Created an elaborate conservation display board for public relations opportunities
• Offered more leadership trainings and Wilderness First Aid courses at reasonable prices
• Monthly potlucks average 75 members/month with exciting presentations
• Continued our new member orientation every 3rd Wednesday potluck
• Offered many new member activities especially for new and prospective members
• Partnerships with other environmental groups and retail shops
• Sponsors of the Mountain Classroom
• Sponsors of the Greenway Challenge with an AMC team
• Working in conjunction with various organizations on parks, trails and programs
• Increased our membership by nearly 600 new members with a total of around 3000 members
• Provided scholarships to our leaders
• Offered CPR/First Aid series
• Bike rides twice weekly April - September
• More local hikes in state parks-Walk in the Park series
• Dog walks especially suited for members who own pets
• Monthly family activities
• Families Adventure Club
• Summer Volleyball
• Monthly traveling dinners to Worcester County areas
• Frequent trails workshops and park maintenance
• Many membership drives at various locations in WR county
• Partnered with other chapters for co-lead events
• Offered more affordable weekend trips
• Expanded our Young Members group
• Increased our web page visits to 8-14k visits per month with 400 Appies subscribers
• Offered 25 rock climbing sessions to youth and adults
• Initiated a winter hiking series and workshops
• Subsidized annual meeting for members
• Initiated more advertising, public relations and outreach
• Many articles published about our members and club
• Happily filled Executive Committee of approx. 25 positions
• Updated our by-laws and leadership guidelines

Happy Trails,

Barbara Dyer
BICYCLING

The 2007 bike season is not over as of mid-October. Rides began in April with the weekday rides
extending through mid-September. Over 60 rides were scheduled this year. A few did not take place due
to weather or lack of response. No club funds were expended.

Fred Mezynski managed to recruit leaders for virtually every Tuesday. Two new leaders, Elaine Cibelli
and Mary MacDonald were active this year. Their initiative is welcome, especially outreach to new
members, novice riders, and potential leaders.

Veterans Paul Adams, Bruce Blaise, Paul Bowden, George Campbell, Colette and Jack Downing, Pat
Fanjoy, Sharon Foster, Steve Gabis, John Gau, Bruce Harmon, Ron Jolicoeur, Pat Lambert, Pete Lane,
Dave Laska, Fred Mezynski, Debbie Moore, Bill Mullen, John Nieman, Michele Simoneau, Steve Trimby,
Joe Walsh, Andy Wojcikowski, John Wojdak, and Tom Zumwalt submitted rides.

Bike rides were an option for some at the Joliceur’s popular 4th of July picnic in beautiful Thompson Ct as
well as on Dave Laska’s weekend trips and Tom Zumwalt’s Columbus day weekend. Larry Bliss again
volunteered his EMS bike tech, Jim Roblee, for a popular bike clinic at the spring picnic.

Paul Foulkrod began the path to leader by planning a Thursday ride complete with direction markings on
the pavement. He should bolster the ranks of Thursday ride leaders next season.

Submitted by,

John Gau

CHAPTER YOUTH PROGRAM (CYP)

The Chapter Youth Program was approved at the February 28, 2007 Executive Committee meeting.
Previous to that on January 28, 2007, 8 members (Bruce Blais, Barbara Dyer, Dave Cole, Claude
Guerlain, Scott Karpuk, Mary MacDonald, Deb Phaup, and Michele Simoneau), participated in the CYP
Leader Training conducted by Faith Salter and Danny Twilley. In subsequent months, the program goals
and direction were discussed at EC meetings and it was decided that a CYP Coordinator would be
appointed with the next Executive Committee beginning in November 2007 (at-large position on the EC)
and that I would assume the duties as a non-voting position temporarily.

To assist in meeting CYP requirements for CYP leaders, 2 CPR and Basic First Aid Certification classes
were arranged with Safety Trainers in Boylston. On May 9th, 5 potential CYP leaders and 5 other chapter
members participated, but the September 17th class was cancelled because the minimum of 5 attendees
was not met. Twelve members have passed CORI (criminal background) checks to date. On November
10th, another CYP Leader Training will take place in conjunction with the CT Chapter; 3 from the WR
chapter and 8 from CT have signed up.

On September 30th, many CYP flyers were handed out at the AMC table at the Big MOE (Massachusetts
Outdoors Exposition) in Sturbridge. Flyers will be mailed to youth agencies pending a meeting on
November 8th to discuss the direction of the program. To date, 7 members have agreed to participate in
that meeting. On October 18th, a telephone meeting was set up and moderated by Faith Salter which
included myself representing WR and Gene Grayson, the CYP Coordinator for CT, with Paul Davis
absent from the Del-Val Chapter. Meetings will occur monthly, rotating the moderator role amongst us.

At this point, no activities have been definitively planned, but 4 Boy Scout troops and 2 other agencies
have inquired about our program. A meeting with Big Brothers/ Big Sisters of Central Mass/MetroWest
will occur in the next couple of weeks to discuss a possible alliance with our organizations.

Thus far, less than $100 has been spent on CYP, but a small budget will need to be determined for the
upcoming year.

Submitted by,

Deb Phaup
CONSERVATION

As new Co-chairs of Conservation, and first-time members of the Executive Committee, we recognized that the
wheel was already; therefore, our focus was and will continue to be to work with existing organizations and
initiatives in the region. Members and outside organizations are welcomed to put forth their suggestions.
• ADOPT-A-PARK
In an effort to “clean up our own back yard,” Mary MacDonald has organized five out of six planned inner-city park
clean-ups in inner-city Worcester, MA as of October 27. AMC HQ provided a $600 grant towards funding the
equipment for this project. Mary’s first success was the 2nd Annual Earth Day event in conjunction with
Worcester’s REC, students from local middle schools and the Clark University Outing Club. Upward of 75
volunteers participated, and city counsel persons came down to “glad-hand.” Subsequent clean-ups did not have
the “Earth Day” cache; those drew ~ 20-25 volunteers
#1 – Cancelled due to snow #2 – Crystal Park, AKA University Park
#3 – Castle Park #4 – Crompton Park
#5 – Tacoma Park & Pool #6 – Bell Park
• GREATER WORCESTER LAND TRUST (GWLT)
The GWLT asked the Worcester Chapter to join a coalition of concerned organizations with the goal of stopping
the City of Worcester from selling off a public park into private hands. We agreed with the concern that this sale
could become precedent setting; public lands could become easy targets for budget balancing. By the end of the
summer, the city signed a pact that would forever protect their extensive network of parks.
• CONSERVATION ACTIVISTS
Added a feature on the conservation page of the chapter’s website allowing interested parties to sign up for
conservation updates.
• NORTHBOROUGH TRAILS DVD
Produced a photomontage as a 100th anniversary gift to the town’s Historical Society. The WR Chapter holds its
monthly potluck socials in the Historical Society’s building. Presented the DVD at both a Chapter Third
Wednesday social and a Historical Society monthly meeting. Also use at town meetings and fairs. Donated to
local library for both adult and children’s sections.
• CARNEY PARK BLUEBERRY PATCH
Working with SuAsCo* Coalition and National Heritage organizations to remove invasive honeysuckle bushes on
high ground within a marsh in this park in order to revive a wild blueberry patch. Additional wild blueberry bushes
will be planted, funded by the landowner who donated Carney Park to the town of Northborough, MA. (*SuAsCo
stands for Sudbury, Assabet, and Concord Rivers). Still need permission for dealing with invasive plants from
National Heritage.
• CHOOSING ALTERNATIVES TO INVASIVE PLANTS TALK
A local nursery owner, who worked on the Massachusetts statewide ban against the sale, importation or planting
of invasive plants, will speak to area residents about alternative choices for the most commonly used invasive
residential and commercial landscaping plants. This talk is planned, but not yet scheduled. Will plan around the
Carney Park work day schedule.
• BREAKNECK HILL BUTTERFLY GARDEN
The town of Southborough, MA obtained a conservation restriction for a working beef farm in 2006. Invasive
plants were removed to restore the meadows and apple orchards. Once drainage ditch repairs are complete, the
Worcester Chapter will help plant a butterfly garden to attract indigenous species and promote pollination in the
meadow.
• TRAILS CONSTRUCTION AND MAINTENANCE
Working with several Eagle Scout candidates in their fundraising and designing efforts to build or repair boardwalk
trails across wetlands along the Assabet River, Stirrup Brook and Cold Harbor Brook River.
• CONSERVATION INITIATIVES DISPLAY BOARD
Designed a display board, modeled after the one designed by the DC Chapter, to highlight our conservation
initiatives at public events and encourage volunteerism and new AMC membership.
• ORGANIZATION FOR THE ASSABET RIVER CLEAN-UP (OAR)
Will send volunteers to this annual river clean up. The Assabet River was polluted to the point of being
unswimable in the 1970s & 1980s. Recent collaborative efforts by towns all along the river have reclaimed it for
wildlife as well as fishing and recreational use. OAR did not contact us in 2007 with their date, so AMC-WR’s
participation in this initiative will take place in 2008.
• NEWSLETTER/WEBSITE ARTICLES
Wrote quarterly articles for the Wachusett Views newsletter on conservation issues. Updated the chapter
webpage with information on Leave No Trace concepts.

Submitted by,

Claude Guerlain & Scott Karpuk
ENDOWMENT

There was $6,400 left over from last year’s endowment disbursement, and our chapter received a
disbursement of $26,800 in December of this year, making a total of $33,200 in funds available for use by
our chapter for funding worthy proposals.
The following proposals were approved by both the Endowment Committee and the Executive
Committee:

• $2,300 was approved for the purchase of rock climbing equipment and snowshoes to be used by
Troup 306 of the Mohegan Council Boy Scouts for outdoor excursions aimed at teaching outdoor
skills and respect for the environment.
• $1,500 was approved for the cost of appraising land associated with the Schenck Farm in
Westminster, as part of an extensive land conservation effort that will positively affect the Mid-
sate Trail in the process of helping to prevent the property from being developed.
• $10,000 was approved as a contribution to the AMC Maine Woods Initiative for the purchase and
construction of two Shelters. $5,000 will be donated this year and $5,000 next year.
• $10,000 was designated to our chapter’s general account to help in funding the chapter budget
for the year.
• $2,000 was approved for the purchase of landscaping plants to be used in the reconstruction of
wetlands associated with Breakneck Hill Conservation Area in Southborough.
• $820 was approved for the purchase of construction materials to be used by a Boy Scout from
Troup 101 for his Eagle Scout Project, involving the extension of a hiking trail and the building of
a boardwalk within the Yellick Conservation area in Northborough.
• $2,000 was approved for use in bringing 10-20 students from the Clinton Middle School to the
Mountain Classroom at the AMC Highland Center.
• $2,000 was approved for use in bringing 20 students from the Ayer Middle School to the
Mountain Classroom at the AMC Highland Center.

Additional details on the proposals are available on request. The total of funds approved amounted to
$30,620, leaving $2,580 remaining this year for funding additional proposals. It is anticipated that a
disbursement of at least $25,000 will be received from our endowment in December for use in funding
next year’s proposals.

I’d like to all those who submitted proposals and I’d also like to thank my committee members for their
time, cooperation and wise input. The committee currently consists of voting members Ken Baldega,
Mike Jones, Michele Simoneau, Paul Meleski and myself and advisory members Chapter Chair Barbara
Dyer, Past Chair Jim Walsh, Roger Scholl, AMC Director of Volunteer Relations, and Dale Geslien our
AMC Regional Director.

Submitted by,

Bruce Blais

FAMILIES

Families enjoyed a fulfilling year. Fifteen trips. We started with our traditional Wachusett Reservoir Cabin
Fever springtime kick-off walk, followed with the fifth annual Tully Camping Trip, and finished with Barbara
Dyer’s excellent Family Fun events. These last included rock climbing instruction for the kids at Crow Hill,
camping out at Noble View, and hikes in various state parks.

We’ve averaged 7.4 kids per event, and 7.6 adults.

We also have introduced geocaching. This is a good activity for kids of all ages, something that you don’t
see too often. Looking forward to keeping the good turnout, and perhaps using the geocaching to
enhance the local experience and attract families who might otherwise not join us. Have a great year!

Submitted by,

Ed & Pat Fanjoy
HIKING

The Appalachian Mountain Club has its roots in hiking however; when our founding fathers set out to
those peaks they had other interest in mind. Darby Field didn’t climb Agiochook (Mt Washington) to be
the first to bag the peak. No one is sure why but theories are he was looking for a northern trade route,
was in search of precious metals or simply wanted to demonstrate to the natives that the white man was
not afraid of the gods who inhabited the peak. Bond was a Harvard professor who was an early
mapmaker and geographer who set out to map the White Mountains. Starr King was a minister, writer
and artist who along with Thoreau wandered the woods for inspiration.

Recognizing the various interests of hikers, we set out this year to cross-pollinate with other AMC activity
chairs to offer hikes that appealed to other interest of our hikers. Other chapter chairs utilized hikers to
foster conservation efforts by cleaning up local parks and participate in the Greenway Challenge. There
were hikes and snowshoes that gave hikers the opportunity to sharpen their photography, bushwacking
and map and compass skills. On National Trails Day, hikers help moved boulders that weighted over
two tons to help build stairs on the Pine Hill Trail of Mt Wachusett. Local children were given the
opportunity to experience the outdoors by participating in the Mountain Classroom lead by hikers. In
early September, a group of hikers backpacked two days just to raise the American Flag on Bondcliff in
honor of those who died on 911 while at the same moment, other hikers did the same on the other four
thousand footer peaks. On the lighter side, this spring a group of crazed hikers climbed Tuckerman’s
Ravine with sandwiches, spare ribs, wine, laughter, friendship and a party attitude to watch the skiers
come down the headwall. Not to be outdone, a handful of Worcester hikers slide down the headwall on
flying saucers.

For the purest, occasional hiker and peak-bagger we lead hikes in our local parks, the Berkshires,
Vermont, the White Mountains and even adventurous hikes to the Presidentials in the dead of winter.
We were successful in offering a variety of hikes for all skill levels and interest that would have made our
founding fathers proud.

Keep your feet moving,

Steve Ciras

HISTORY

History of the AMC Worcester Chapter has continued to come alive during the 2006-2007 seasons.
During this past year following the August 2006 3rd Wednesday History Kick-Off program, there were
several history walks around the Coe’s Pond area, which were coupled with history party events. The
history parties were to socialize and sort through all the material. During these party events we sifted
through newspaper clippings, bills, budgets, meetings notes, photos, and other historical material. From
this ‘organized’ pile, we were able to create a history poster board, which has been displayed at the
AMC’s Annual Meeting in February 2007 and other Worcester Chapter events, several notebooks that
can be used for displays, and Part I (1917-1947) of a slideshow. The Part I slideshow was shown at the
October, 2007, 3rd Wednesday, in honor of Barbara Dyer, the outgoing Worcester Chapter Chair. AMC
History is also becoming an interest of all the AMC Chapters and was included in the 2007 Fall Gathering
Outdoors Magazine meeting. During the 2007-2008 season, I plan to finish the slide show. A Part II,
which will begin in the year of 1947, is planned for the March 2008 3rd Wednesday program.

Submitted by,

Laura Ruth
MEMBERSHIP

This past year the Worcester Chapter had an increase in memberships of 520. The monthly New Member
Orientation held at the Third Wednesday Socials continues to be successful. The orientation provides
new members the opportunity to meet other new members and share similar interests. Although all of our
activities are open to new and prospective members, activities targeted for new and prospective members
continue to be offered. Hiking, biking, paddling and socials were held and my thanks to the leaders and
co-leaders of these activities.

The Membership in a Bottle promotion is being phased out. New memberships now will be using a new
member “landing page” through our website. Memberships are processed more quickly and new
members receive their ID, Outdoors magazine and our chapter newsletter The Wachusett Views more
quickly, getting them involved and outdoors sooner! As well, new members will be receiving a welcome
letter and member card from AMC Joy St. AMC also provides member services through an 800 number
(800.372.1758). Members will speak with a representative and be able look up their member number,
change addresses and chapter affiliation, confirm that a membership payment was received, and take
payments for new and renewing members on the spot. Of course new and renewing memberships can
still be processed by mail.

In 2007 the Worcester Chapter had a 41% first year member retention rate. Overall AMC’s average first
year member retention rate was 39%. Worcester Chapter new members who were up for renewal for the
first time, has realized an increase of 4.5% since 2004. The Worcester Chapter’s renewal rate for
members of 2+ years is 83%. This is the highest renewal rate across the AMC’s 13 chapters. AMC’s
average renewal rate for the same period was 79%.

My special thanks to Phil Leavitt. Phil’s work and dedication on the Membership in a Bottle requests was
invaluable to our organization.
Submitted by,

Jean McInerney

NEWSLETTER

This past year the Worcester Chapter Newsletter, The Wachusett Views reached a member mailing of
approximately 1980 memberships and was published 4 times on a quarterly calendar basis.

We continued to use the seasons to "Theme" the newsletter and tried to provide our readers with
interesting and educational information pertaining to the chapter activities.

We continue to use our newsletter as an additional way to announce special and large events both
chapter and inter-chapter, however this year we where successful in limiting the more regular events, as
our web page and Outdoor Magazine is the most up to date source for those events, and it gave us more
newsletter space for members stories.

Year two for the new formatted newsletter is maintaining positive feedback regarding the changes and
further editing growth by utilizing the Quark Xpress software.

Looking forward to next year I want to continue to encourage new writers to explore their skills
and give the membership an educational and fun expression of what the Worcester Chapter is all about.

Submitted by,

Mary MacDonald
PUBLIC RELATIONS

The PR for Worcester Chapter had two exciting successes in particular this year. We were able to
make contact with the City eEditor of the Worcester Telegram and the editor assigned a reporter to
cover our first Adopt-A-Park effort, which occurred in April at Crystal Park.

This contact introduction came to PR from Roger Leo, a former writer for the T&G and who has
his own local, highly regarded ski and outdoor blog for our regional outdoor sports and conservation,
called The Leopard Report. The PR department was able to induce Roger to cover a story on
Don Hoffses, and the AMC trail building effort on National Trails Day this past June.

This, with monthly attempts to get free publicity for AMC Worcester Chapter events in local
papers and Craigslist kept us busy.

Submitted by,

David Cole

SOCIAL

Consistently the social committee has run popular movie nights, combination dinner and movie nights,
Foothills Theatre even getting tickets to popular Boston Theatre events and so far the most popular is the
”Beginner Hikes”.

We see at our events more new members each month. Our dinners capture any where from 6 to 10
people, and the beginner hikes attracted any where from 16 to 25 beginners.

While sensitive to the cost of gas, we are getting suggestions to hold events in a more central location.
We have complied and look to forward to another social year.

Submitted by,

Tia Koziak

TECHNICAL CLIMBING

We had a very successful year of rock climbing at Crow Hill in Leominster State Forest. Instruction
sessions on how to tie knots, belay, rappel and set up top rope climbs were held. There were 38 people
who inquired about the rock climbing classes, 22 people who climbed with us at various times throughout
the season. In all 25 climbing sessions were held. This year we also held a family rock climbing day in
which 11 children tried rock climbing, they had a great time.
Thanks to Michele Simoneau for helping with the climbing classes.
Submitted by,
John Grote
THIRD WEDNESDAY
The Worcester Chapter offered another successful year of 3rd Wednesday's!

Our potluck dinners were held at the Northbrook Historical Society every 3rd
Wednesday of the month with the exception of the July meeting which was held at Broad
Meadow Brook Wildlife Sanctuary on Massasoit Road in Worcester. Each program was meant to
embrace the spirit of the AMC mission: to promote the protection, enjoyment and the wise use of the
mountains, rivers and trails of the northeast followed each dinner. Each attendee
brought a pot luck dish to share, helped in the arranging of furniture for the evening event,
and helped out in the kitchen so all ran smoothly.

This is a run down of the entertainment we had for the year November 2006 - November 2007.

November - Barbara Dyer - Slides on past trips from AMC members.

December - Annual Christmas party with a sing along with Dave Laska.

January - Bob Alessio - Run/bike/kayak across America.

February - Christine Woodside - Homeowners guide to Energy Independence.

March - Gerry Whiting AMC special projects manager. Maine Woods Initiative.

April - John Wojack - Trip to Alaska.

May - Scott and Claude our conservation co-chairs. Northboro History.

June - Joe Brennion - Native American Flutes

July - Cook-out at Mass Audubon Wildlife Sanctuary in Worcester.

August - Ken Pickren - Trip to Romania.

September - Stephanie Keimig - Katahdin winter hiking.

October - Laura Ruth the historian - Slides on the history of Worcester. 1917-1947.

November - Sharon Foster/Mike Jones - Trip to Kilimanjaro.

Many thanks to those who contribute to 3rd Wednesday's to make the Programs
enjoyable and comfortable for everyone who attends.

Submitted by,

Fred Mezynski
John Nieman