Western Reserve Rowing Foundation Minutes

July 31, 2001

Carnegie-Fulton Library



  1. Roll Call Introductions

Kathryn Kaczmarski-WRRF Jim Mack-WRRA

Jeff Jensen-WRRF Cathy Petryshyn- WRRA

Jackie Virant- JCU Jeff Renston-WRRA

Alex Degutis- CWRU Tim Marcovy- WRRA

Harry Fisher- WRRF



  1. Approval of Minutes

The meeting was called to order at 5:45

The minutes from the 6-26-2001 meeting were approved.


  1. Reports from Committees

Final lease negotiations are ongoing. The lease is effective 7-01-01. Some language details are being cleaned up now. We are close to signing the document.


There was a community meeting held regarding the new boathouse initiative and about 12 people showed up. Things are proceeding nicely. Another meeting is planned for the fall once everyone is back from vacations and back in school.


There was a $5,000 property tax bill that Harry paid that shouldn't have been paid. After discussing the bill with Scranton Development Company, it was determined we should not have paid it and the money is going to be refunded to us next month.


No report


Another issue of the "Handle" will be sent out this fall. Emails requesting articles will be sent out before next month's meeting. The fall issue will focus on the Boathouse initiative.

Peter Gozar is doing a great job on the newsletter but volunteers are needed to assist him or take over the duties of newsletter editor.

Last month's minutes were posted on the website and all future minutes will be posted there for anyone to review. The website address is www.wrra.cc.

Revisions are occurring on both the open and closed book examinations. The SQL 1 open book exam is almost complete and will be posted on the website for those wanting to take the open book examination. This should occur in the next few weeks.


There was a very unfortunate accident over the weekend on the way to a Regatta in Delaware. No one was injured, but the trailer carrying WRRA shells flipped over, severely damaging and possibly totaling our women's 8, two 4's, a double, and a single. The trailer was also badly damaged. Everything is being brought back here on a flatbed truck so the insurance assessment process can begin.


Over the next few weeks or more, WRRA is going to have their hands full with repairing and/or replacing all the equipment that was damaged.


We are waiting from our insurance company to get a quote for repairing the damaged Vespoli Western Reserve 4. The Delaware accident now adds to the WRRA's equipment woes.





A postcard was sent out to the rowing community announcing the HOTC this September 22nd.

It has been worked out that the registration process is going to be all-electronic this year. This should expedite this process.

MADD, Mothers Against Drunk Drivers has been procured as a sponsor for the event this year. It looks like this year's event will be the best one ever. As always, volunteer help is desperately needed.


  1. Reports from Member Organizations

No report

No report

Summer vacation, but some alumni are rowing about once a week.

Summer vacation

No report

The new boat acquisition plan is up in the air now because of the recent accident. Boat scheduling will also be a challenge due to the recent boat depletions.

All these things and more will be discussed at upcoming monthly meetings. The first Monday of every month at 6 p.m. at the Wine Bar next to Great Lakes Brewery. Please plan on attending.

No report


  1. Boathouse Operations Report

No formal report. The shells are looking dirty both inside and out, please take note and pay attention to YOUR equipment and keep it clean.


  1. Treasurer's Report

The Foundation has selected new accountants. They are Hausser and Taylor, they will file our extensions for this year. The 2000 return was filed but it was an E-Z form and it should have been a 990 form. "Attachment A" needs to be filed for 2000 and H & T will do this.


Assessments for the first half of 2001 still have not been received from St. Ignatius and John Carroll. Immediate follow-up on this is required.


  1. Old Business

The old boathouse painting project is moving along. We have received 10 gallons of white paint and we are looking for more and also primer to go along with that.


  1. New Business

There was a Captains' meeting at the last SRL race. And a letter was distributed, but not very clearly communicated to everyone regarding Boathouse Etiquette. It talked about dress, overall behavior, and personal conduct. Its intent was to remind people to abide by this and respect each other. Unfortunately this was not communicated well.

Cathy Petryshyn will email the captains the remind them of this and to have to better communicated to their fellow crew members.


  1. Adjournment

The meeting adjourned at 6:30 p.m.


The next meeting is August 27th at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Fulton Library.


Minutes are respectfully submitted by:

Jeff Jensen, WRRF Secretary