Minutes for
OH Steering Committee Meeting,
March 15, 2016
Meeting held at Lui Lui, Nashua, NH.
Present: Bill Barrett, Eric Gotthold, Tom Kelleher, Stoker Rogovin, Doug Shaffer, Ryan Smith, Mike Waddell.
1)Treasurer’s Report (Stroker for Moose)
Total income to date for 2016 is 10% over 2015. This should be balanced by extra anticipated outlays, including $1K or so for improvements to the Cabin road and another $3K+ for other property work. To date, we’ve received 307 dues payments by mail (same as this time last year) and 19 payments by PayPal (ahead of 2015 by 5). Donations are up a healthy 19% overall, with Croo Photo Project donations up a whopping 91%, largely owing to a very generous contribution from Dave Porter.
2) Cabin (Mike Waddell, Tom Kelleher, & Stroker)
To date, we’ve sold 4 $75 season passes (good for one person). The Steering Committee discussed and approved offering a $150 Season Pass valid for families, effective immediately. Tom Kelleher will post info on both passes on the website.
As mentioned in the Treasurer’s Report, the upper section of the road just below the bridge to the Gervais property will be improved to provide parking and turn around space. Mike Waddell spoke with the Gervais and obtained permission to do the work (on their property). Further, the Gervais are on record as having no immediate plans to sell the property.
Cabin access road will probably need a major facelift in 5 years (Mike W’s assessment).
Eric Gotthold reported that he expects to assist current croo next summer with adding some recent croo photos to those already on the walls. Plenty of room for more pics.
Building on prior discussions, the Committee agreed that signage at the Cabin and related sites (PNC front desk, website, Cabin interior, and Cabin key fob) should be updated so info is consistent, clear, and concise. “Long form” info can stay over the wood bin, but other postings should be limited to the few locations mentioned above, on the theory that the greater the number of signs, the less people will read them, and the less information actually gets communicated. Stroker to ask Ari if he’d be willing to help spearhead signage improvements.
3) Gala (Stroker for Beth Weick)
Thanks to Beth Weick, Toben Traver and Betsy Cook will represent the OHA at this years Gala, on 5/25. Huts management is enthusiastic about our reps.
4) Spring Reunion, 5/14 (Mike Waddell)
Stetsons to purchase and manage the food, John Thompson to manage the money, John Lamanna to manage the clams, and Mike Waddell to manage John Lamanna. Others will hopefully manage to get a tan and some good photos.
After floating the idea for some years now, the Committee agreed to hold a Steering Committee meeting the morning of Spring Reunion, 11 AM, so local OH—and those planning to attend the event anyway—can attend and participate. Meeting will coincide with lunch—if there’s food, that makes it a party.
5) Fallfest, 11/5 (Stroker, Bill Barrett, Tom Kelleher)
Stroker has attempted to contact Rebecca Oreskes and Grace Pezella to see if either wants to be our featured after-dinner speaker at Fallfest. No replies as yet, but Stroker will persist. Becky Fullerton and Catherine Amidon have also both been mentioned as good candidates.
At the last meeting, Charlie Kellogg was voted to receive a posthumous OH Honorary award. Doug Hotchkiss was suggested as the most capable OH to present this recognition and make the necessary arrangements for Chuck’s family to attend.
Some years back, the first round of hut croo photos at Greenleaf were removed due to minor blemishes and replaced with newer copies. The old photos are grouped by decade and will be available for purchase by our members through an online auction. Tom Kelleher to investigate the feasibility of hosting the auction through the OHA website. Bill Barrett to coordinate the process of labeling, promoting, and producing the auction. Decades available are 30s and 40s (both in one panel), 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s, and 90s. Auction to conclude before Fallfest, where photo panels can be picked up by auction winners (or winners can have panels shipped, for cost of postage.)
Dave Huntley to begin editing last year’s Lakes and Mizpah hut anniversary video footage in April, for debut screening at Fallfest and hopefully posting online sooner.
6) Hut System Update (Eric Gotthold)
Major interior rehab of Mizpah to begin next week. Croo room will be moved to the 3rd floor, with an emergency exit provided and a dormer added to the rear roof. Bunks will be upgraded with LED lighting and improved ladders. Space for information volunteers will go in attic.
Hiring of next sumer’s croo recently completed with 17 new hires selected from 195 applicants. Lakes croo now numbers 11 and Greenleaf 7.
7) OH Hut Ambassador Program (Stroker for Josh)
OH currently signed up to visit huts include Josh (Carter), Stroker (Lonesome), and Maria (nee Lord) Van Dusen (Galehead). Plenty of openings for any OH who want to enjoy a free night at a hut for you and a friend. One of the best deals we offer our membership. Contact Josh Alper, Stroker, or James Wrigley for more info.
8) Lonesome Croo Photo Project (Stroker)
Professional obligations required Dave Huntley to relinquish his role organizing the collection of photos and donations to complete the Lonesome hut croo photo collection. Beth Eisenhower has agreed to take up the cause, and welcomes any assistance from Lonesome alum. Beth represents recent croo and is looking for pre-00s Lonesome croo to help get word out and collect photos and cash from earlier croo. Only 4 photos submitted to date!!. Beth to contact Tom Kelleher for assistance accessing Lonesome croo contact info.
9) Resuscitator (Stroker for Beth Weick)
Next edition due out May 1; deadline for submissions 4/15. Young OH are particularly encouraged to contribute writing, photos, and ideas.
10) Membership Development (Stroker for Liz Seabury)
Liz and Nat Balch came up with a long list of suggestions for family-friendly events, to provide social opportunities to OH with young families. Next meeting we hope to pick 1 or 2 events to try out this year or next.
11) Website (Tom Kelleher)
Tom observed that not everyone who’s joined the FB page is an OH, which is the only criteria for membership. Vetting people can be difficult, but admins should try to apply tougher standards to those seeking to join to ensure that only OH are afforded membership.
12) New & Other Bidness
Bill Barrett reported that the Feb 21 – 24 OHA Maine ski trip to Little Lyford Pond and Gorman Chairback Camps was a smashing success, notwithstanding the scarcity of snow. Skiing and hiking were in equal supply. The trip was in memory of Charlie Kellogg. 9 OH attended, including Bill, Josh Alper, Doug Hitchkiss, Andy McLane and wife, Maria Van Dusen and friend, and others. Another trip is already in the works for 2017. Lodges seem in fine shape, and both croos provided excellent service.
Oktoberfest will be 10/8 – 9.
13) Date for Next Steering Committee Meeting: April 26, Josh Alper’s (70 Clark St., Belmont, MA). Call Stroker for a ride from Alewife Station, end of the Red Line. Josh is also a 5 minute walk from the Belmont commuter rail station. Food and drink provided (at minimal cost).
Stroker
3/16/16
ohcroo 