CMC Weekly News
10/13/04
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VOTE FOR THE NEW DUES SCHEDULE ON NOV 6!!
Over the years during my career in the Labor-Management field I had the occasion to serve on a large number of committees, in many different fields, that were composed of volunteers only. In serving on those committees it soon became obvious that those committees that had the most enthusiastic members and had the best financial base where those that achieved their goals and objectives.
Of the many volunteer groups that I have been associated with the Carolina Mountain Club has by far enjoyed the most dedicated and numerous volunteers.
Since becoming treasurer of the CMC, my interest, as well as others, has been the financial viability not only for the present but also looking years ahead. Presently we will have approximately a $2,500 deficit for 2004. With the current dues structure that deficit will become increasingly larger each succeeding year. Depending on the number of members that deficit would go anywhere from $3,700 to $4,300 in succeeding years. That then, would increasingly put the club in a position where present and future programs would necessarily be curtailed.
Expenses for the various programs are in a general upswing. Maintenance equipment is one example. The more maintenance, the more equipment and the more repair costs involved. As treasurer I also want to be prepared for the "unexpected" ie: hurricanes and other natural factors.
The upcoming vote at the Annual Meeting on Nov. 6th regarding an increase in the annual dues will put the club in a viable position for the immediate and future years. I personally would not like to see the club "scraping the bottom of the financial barrel" thus having to reduce or eliminate programs that are beneficial to the members.
As treasurer I strongly endorse the proposal to increase the annual dues to $20.00 per individual and $30.00 for a family membership and ask for your support.
Thanks to all for the dedication and hours of service to the CMC! Carroll Koepplinger, Treasurer, CMC
It is not to late to get your AT License Plate
NC is on the verge of getting the needed 300 applications for the AT license plate, which will start production! State Sen. Joe Sam Queen was responsible for getting the AT tag included in the license plate legislation, and is proud to support the AT. In addition to the link below you can get the information you need to sign up for an AT license plate on the Appalachian Trail Conference website at http://www.appalachiantrail.org/trailnews/nc_plate.html . It is a great looking plate that will enhance your vehicle!!! A picture of the plate is shown.
PROGRAMS AT WESTERN (WCU)
CULLOWHEE – The historic Haywood County community of Cataloochee will be the focus of a free program at Western Carolina University's Mountain Heritage Center.
A Wednesday, Oct. 20, program will feature Jerry Wolfe of Cherokee talking about the Ravensford community, while a Wednesday, Nov. 3, program will include Helen Vance and Mildred Johnson speaking about the town of Proctor, which was located on Hazel Creek .
The Mountain Heritage Center is located on the ground floor of Western's H.F. Robinson Administration Building. For more information, contact the center at (828) 227-7129.
Hello Neighbor Trail Lovers,
Thanks for your hard trail work! I wanted to invite the Carolina Mountain Club members to the Heritage Trails Festival in Cumberland Gap, TN October 15/16. We are reaching out to our local hiking community in effort for help in support of Cumberland Gap's area trails and the history tied within. We hope to make this an annual event. We would be a happy to link your website to ours www.heritagetrailsfest.com and vice versa. The festival and the events are centered around hiking, biking, and running. We are also hosting the 4th Annual Titanium Chef Backcountry Cookoff. You are welcome to use the description attached for your calendar. Looking forward to hearing from you, Tina Dean Seymour, TN (across the mountain :D)
CMC Wilderness First Aid Course
The CMC Education and Training committee is organizing a Wilderness First Aid Course on Nov. 13 and 14, 2004. This is a 16 hour course, led by professional trainers and held at Warren Wilson College. CMC offered it two years ago and it was a great success. To stay certified, you should take the course every two years. (Hopefully, you don't need to use the information too much. So they feel that the course needs to be taken every two years. This will be my 5th time taking it and I learn something new each time.) The cost to the participant is $75, which is not the full cost of the course. CMC is also contributing to the costs. **This is the last year, CMC will contribute to the costs.** All participants must be members, We only have room for 30 people. I know that the course is a long time from now. However I encourage you to sign up now with all your details (name, address, telephone number, email) *and* a self-addressed stamped envelope and a check for $75 made out to Carolina Mountain Club. Send it to me Danny Bernstein, 488 Kimberly Avenue, Asheville, NC 28804
