Western Reserve Rowing Foundation Minutes
August 29, 2001
Carnegie-Fulton Library
Roll Call Introductions
Kathryn Kaczmarski-WRRF Jim Mack-WRRA
Cathy Petryshyn- WRRA Dave Werner-HOTC, Ignatius
Laurie Ronis-Shaker Pat Monroe-Youth Programs
Jeff Renston-WRRA Don Saer-BOD
Evan Halprin-CWRU Pete Whitaker-CWRU
Approval of Minutes
The meeting was called to order at 6:15.
The minutes from the 8-28-2001 meeting were modified: under New Business, Cathy P. and Kathryn K. contacted SRL directors with narrative statement for communication to SRL captains and their crews.
Reports from Committees
Boathouse Steering Committee
We had a public meeting July 26th with only 12 people in attendance. However, the Boathouse Planning Process is continuing. The next edition of The Handle will exclusively cover the planning process, including an update on all sub-committee activities and articles from across the nation of boathouses being built elsewhere.
We are still negotiating the lease with SDC for the next five years.
Youth/New Programs
The Youth Program is over for the summer. We had four rowers (only!) We need to do a better job of recruiting for next year. The girls programs were not available, since they were rowing elsewhere or through other means. Next year we may lower the age limit, and get younger rowers.
Communications
No report, other than the forthcoming issue of the Handle.
Safety
One small incident: WRRA eight approaching Collision bend?a bit dark, close to the Firehouse side of the river, going upstream. A barge and tug moving at high speed close to their side of the river, with no lights or signal was going down river. Decided to proceed and passed safely.
Otherwise, no incidents, although fast-moving tugs and barges continue to be a problem.
SQL1 exam and blank answer sheet has been revised and is posted on the website. The SQL1 exam gets graded by program director/head coach (or designate). SQL2 exam has just been completed: will be graded by a safety committee member (has to be scheduled with Tim, Don, or other committee member.) Deadline for completion for both these tests is September 23. Perhaps added next year will be a launch tour of the river, talking specifics.
Equipment
A&R is one mighty boat! Everything is working, Don worked on a couple of launches today, all are up and running. CWRU asked if they could row an eight in the afternoon?Jim offered to 'swap' a four on Sunday mornings for an eight in the afternoons. Evan and Pete were advised to contact Caroline Hoepp.
Club Racing Events
HOTC: Moving right along: a meeting follows this meeting. Still needs volunteers, not enough ever sign up. Need to contact CSRA about finish line work. Regatta side note: Don got a call from the Sheraton Hotel in Pittsburgh, offering rooms for $70 a night for the Head of the Ohio. He has posted the information on the boathouse board and Don will also send an e-mail.
Reports from Member Organizations
CSRA
Have started, on the water, first practice was last night, second tonight?probably 20-30 girls. Have been very successful on car washes this summer.
CWRU
Starting novices on Thursday, experienced rowers tomorrow morning. Are working through the SQL1 certification process. Need a volunteer coach for the varsity crew (mornings).
John Carroll University
Returning from break and will be on the water quickly.
St. Ignatius
Varsity is rowing; trying to get as many novices as they can.
Shaker
Varsity goes on the water Sept. 4; novices on Sept. 8; did some fund-raising over the summer. Also have a new boat, a Vespoli eight. Will be doing a lot of fund-raising to pay for the rest of the boat.
WRRA
Have a fall rowing program that starts this week. SRL season ended Saturday with a regatta, went well. Was kinda crazy, with Glenville, St. Ignatius, competitive crews, scullers?perhaps we be more sensitive to schedules in the future.
The Western Reserve was sold. Still waiting for details from the insurance company for replacement boats. Getting medium weight 4.
Cleveland State University
No report/no representation
Boathouse Operations Report
From Don Saer: SRL needs to pick up their stuff after an event.
The boathouse has never looked better than this summer.
Radio loss is a problem (3 so far this year). Don thinks we are losing them in the water.
Don will be changing combination locks effective Monday, September 10. We all agreed to work together to make this a smooth transition.
Passed Motion: All member organization acquiring any equipment of any size needs approval from WRRF board BEFORE purchase if they wish for it to be stored in WRRF facilities. All member organizations need to make note and adhere to this new policy moving forward.
Treasurer's Report
No report/Harry absent
Old Business
Boathouse Painting Project: paperwork and a schematic has been submitted to the City of Cleveland for approval to paint the wooden boathouse. Kathryn has architectural renderings if anyone is interested. Top of wooden boathouse would be white with the silhouette of an eight in black, including letter for WRRF and the WRRA website.
New Business
Kelly Blazek Plain Dealer article-Great Exposure!!!
Announcements
Glenville High School will have a women's crew team this fall. Expect 10-12 girls, and Vicci Simpkins will be coaching.
HOTC: WRRF entries have been submitted (Men's Youth 8, Women's Youth 4, Men's Master 4, Women's Master 4, in that order). A conversation took place about the process of selection: Pat Monroe raised the concern about how to choose between CSRA and Shaker, should the Women's Youth 4 be selected. This will be taken up at the next meeting in greater detail. In the interim, Pat will call Laurie Ronis at Shaker and see if they are interested in going to HOTC, and Kathryn will try and trace down the selection process used last year.
Adjournment
The meeting adjourned at 7:25 p.m.
The next meeting is September 25th at 6:00 p.m. at the Carnegie Fulton Library.
Minutes are respectfully submitted by:
Kathryn M Kaczmarski, WRRF President