Minutes: Rip Van Winkle Hikers
				November 25, 2002

Meeting called to order at 7:05 p.m. by President Bob Stinemire.

Minutes of the September 23, 2002 meeting were read and approved.

Treasurer's Report by Susan Bolitzer:
	Current Balance after expenses is $509.74

Completed Hikes
The Group and Hike Leaders reported on completed hikes. The Secretary must say that it was one of the funniest reporting sessions in recent memory. Lots of laughter over scatological stuff, obnoxious hikers and Frank Serravallo's missing hike!

Trail Maintenance Report:
	Donna Wamsley reported that three maintenance hikes were completed and that all trails have been taken care of.  She recommended checking out the new bridge that was installed by DEC rangers after our maintenance crew carried in the wood.
 
Membership:
	No report

Committee Reports:
	Executive Committee:  The minutes of the October 30, 2002 meeting were read and approved.
	NY/NJ Trail Conference minutes (taken by Naomi Sutter our delegate) of the last two meetings were summarized.

Correspondence:
Lorraine Smith's e-mail letter complimenting the Club was read.
	
Announcements:
	None

Hike Schedules:
The list of dates for planning upcoming hikes was announced. Hike schedules were not available for distribution. They will be snail and e-mailed.

Old Business: 
1. Len Sperl Memorial Plaque 
a. President Stinemire and Fred Backhaus reported on the efforts to date to find a place to hang the beautiful memorial plaque for Len Sperl that had been made by Pat Fitzsimmons.  It is wood -- hand carved and finished (including brackets for hanging).
b. An outgrowth of the report was the suggestion that a spur trail around the wet spot on the Kaaterskill Long Trail section that the club maintains (and of which Len was an active maintainer) be created and named in honor of Len.  President Stinemire and Donna Wamsley will look into that.

New Business:
1. Susan Bollitzer gave a presentation on the Esopus Creek Land Conservancy.  In summary, the property's purchase is a distinct possibility. If that happens our club will be involved in routing trails through the property.
SUGGESTION: Ralph Childers made the suggestion that the Club have a club hike on the property.
ACTION:  HIKE WAS SCHEDULED FOR SATURDAY, JANUARY 11TH.  INTERESTED HIKERS SHOULD MEET AT 10:00 AT THE PIZZA HUT ON ROUTE 9W!

2. Nominating Committee
President Stinemire AGAIN indicated that volunteers were needed for the Nominating Committee - whose task is to present a slate for elections at the January meeting. No volunteers were forthcoming

3. Committee for Rating of Hikes (which had been recommended by the Executive Committee). After some discussion, it was decided to not act on the recommendation.
	


Meeting adjourned 8:15 for hike planning.
 
Ralph Childers provided refreshments at this meeting

Bob Saturn and Richard Thorp will take care of Refreshments for the January meeting.


						Respectfully submitted:
						
Susan Puretz, Secretary
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Minutes: November 25, 2002 Page 1 of 1