Western Reserve Rowing Foundation Minutes

August 29, 2000

Carnegie-Fulton Library



  1. Roll Call Introductions

Kathryn Kaczmarski- WRRF Jackie Virant- JCU

Jeff Jensen- WRRF Dave Werner- St. Ignatius

Harry Fisher- WRRF Kristen Andrews- CWRU

Tim Marcovy- WRRA Ken Monaco- WRRA

Pat Monroe- WRRF Andreas Sobish- Shaker

Harold Mazzarins- WRRA Doug Carlson- WRRA

George Elliot- WRRA/SRL Don Saer- WRRA

Caroline Hoepp- WRRA Bob Bishop- Western Reserve Academy



  1. Approval of Minutes

The minutes from the 7-25-2000 meeting were approved.



  1. Reports from Committees

The Scaravelli property discussions are proceeding. It is becoming clear that this is not an ideal site for a rowing boathouse. We will let them contact us if there is further interest on their part.


We are pursuing the Wolstein property near the Eagle Street Bridge. We also may have an in with someone with the Jacobs Group to discuss possible locations near the river as well.


We are also going to start pursuing a site above LTV Steel near the Broadway St. overpass.


Kathryn and Toni Quagliata are going to be attending a downtown commercial real estate development breakfast meeting to get more information on development ideas and possible property contacts. Charles Ratner is the keynote speaker. A motion was made and passed that would reimburse them for the cost of the breakfast ($50).


Pat Monroe said the summer youth program was a success. From all indications things are as good as they have ever been. They started with $3000.00 and ended with the same amount. The program also got some terrific publicity with a great article in the Cleveland Plain Dealer.


Bob Bishop from the Western Reserve Academy came to the meeting to get information about forming a crew club at the school. They are interested in both men’s and women’s crews. There would be an initial assessment of approximately $500.00. After the crews were formed an assessment would be based on their rosters.


They could use WRRF boats, three 8’s, one 4, and one double. There are also 5 recreational singles. Renting equipment is an option as well. Kathryn requested that if there is indeed interest that they get their coach SO certified as soon as possible.


No report. A volunteer is needed to help get together a newsletter.


Tim Marcovy reported no safety incidents. A couple more people took the safety test and passed.


Ken Monaco is the new equipment manager. He reported that we need a better inventory of parts. To do this he would need between $300-$400 to begin to accumulate the inventory. He reported that there were no un-rowable boats.

The boat schedules will be posted in both boathouses. We may also start scheduling the launches.


Andreas Sobish reported some complaints about the 8’s. The Hardee specifically needed lots of work.



Dave Werner discussed the Head of the Cuyahoga (HOTC). Things appear to be progressing smoothly. There will be a training session 9-9-00 for all those working the Regatta as umpires to understand potential violations. They will need 24 people.


Race entry deadline is 9-15-00.


They are still looking for secretarial help.


West Virginia University has entered a Women’s 4 and an 8.


Head of the Charles

Doug Carlson is going to take the responsibility of sending in the entries. We have 5 official entries but will probably end with only 2 acceptances. One boat will be a women’s youth 4 and they (WRRA) will pull the second boat entry from a hat. There are still waiting for final crew recommendations from John Brumfield of who he thinks should go.

Tim Marcovy made a motion that: 1. We overnight mail our entries tomorrow; 2. The entries be a Women’s youth 4 and a WRRA boat as a second entry; and 3. Doug Carlson will handle all the enrollments. The motion passed.



  1. Reports from Member Organizations

Caroline Hoepp reported they are on the water practicing their first week. They have 30 girls practicing so far.

Looking for assistant coaches. Novice meeting this Thursday and the varsity will be out on the water next week.


Varsity practice started today.


Varsity practice started today. And the novice practice starts tomorrow August 30th.


First crew meeting next week and they should be on the water the week following the informational meetings.


SRL ended its summer session Saturday. It was a tremendous success. The fall session starts 9-10-00. Shaker and JCU want to use the Propp. Caroline had just indicated to let her know where and when.


The next WRRA meeting is 9-11-00 at the Wine Bar at 6 o’clock.


SRL participants may be able to participate in the HOTC regatta. Additional information to follow.



  1. Boathouse Operations Report

Don Saer wants to purchase at least one new launch motor.


Tim Marcovy presented a motion that at our next meeting every delegate be prepared to vote on the following:

  1. The Foundation maintain all launch motors, and as motors break down, WRRF buys new ones.

  2. All launches and motors be pooled. Licenses will continue to be maintained by all the associations and schools.

  3. There will be an assessment impact once we know the cost of an annual maintenance contract.

The motion passed.


Don brought up the possibility of getting another launch but the idea was tabled for future meetings.



  1. Treasurer’s Report

Harry Fisher presented the financial statements and the details are included in the minutes. Anyone wanting specifics can contact Harry or Jeff Jensen.


All heads of association and foundation programs must get together with Harry Fisher to develop a consistent P & L template.



  1. Old Business

There is a new Foundation post office box. It is Western Reserve Rowing Foundation, P. O. Box 5221, Cleveland, Ohio 44101.


The Wine Bar next to Great Lakes Brewery is the new meeting site. The next meeting is 9-26-00 at 6 o’clock.



  1. New Business

George Elliot presented the award we won at the Parade of Lights to the Foundation. We won $500.00 and a plaque.

A motion was made to reimburse the individual (Vicci Simpkins) who bought the lights $100, and save $150 for the lights next year, and $250.00 dedicated for barge maintenance. The motion passed.



  1. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 7:20 p.m.



The next meeting is September 26 at 6:00 p.m at the Market Street Wine Bar.




Minutes are respectfully submitted by:

Jeff Jensen, WRRF Secretary