M.A.S.K.G.I. MINUTES

 

MEETING DATE:           January 22, 2003

LOCATION:                  Portland Ferry Terminal

           

OFFICERS PRESENT:   Natalie Springuel, President

                                                April Lawrence, Membership Coordinator

                                                Robert Shaw, Treasurer

 

ATTENDANCE:            25

 

 

MINUTES:

 

After a slightly late pizza delivery and feast the MASKGI Meeting started at 6:21pm.  Meeting was held at Casco Ferry Lines, Portland with officers: Natalie Springuel, Robert Shaw & April Lawrence present.  Approx. Attendance 25.

 

The minutes from the previous meeting (December 11, 2002) were approved without any additions, deletions or changes at 6:25pm.

 

Membership: April Lawrence reported on the current MASKGI membership status both group and individual and circulated a list for any corrections.  

 

Treasurers  Report :was read by Robert Shaw with account balance at $4766.75.  Thank you to April for her efforts sending out reminders/letters that "boosted" The account balance.

 

Education Committee reported on the 2003 Maine Coast Seminar

 to be held May 17 & 18, 2003 at Old Quarry Ocean Adventures.  Maine Island Kayak Co. Michelle Garcia, and Bill Baker (Old Quarry) have taken the lead in the event organization.  Michelle Garcia or June (MIKCO) contact: info@maineislandkayak.com.  Any ideas and volunteers sought.  Conversation/discussion on additional funding for the event (Headwaters, etc.).  Also, further discussion on getting the word out better & earlier to increase participation for this worthwhile annual event.  Event admission ideas were to have a non-MASKGI  $50 fee and a MASKGI member $35 fee to increase revenue. 

ACTION: a motion for MASKGI to dedicate $500 for the 2003 event was approved at 6:37pm.

 

Leave No Trace (LNT)  update/overview was initiated by Tania Neusehafer of MITA.  Further specifics and explanation by Michelle Morganstern (Chewonki) detailed  LNT specific to Sea Kayaking.  A hand-out was distributed around the meeting to review.  A need to "Fill the Gaps" with more training (LNT) was a focal point.  Any and all feedback from Guides and other interested parties would be appreciated.  The goal would be to offer 2 or 3 LNT Courses per year that would be affordable and benefit kayakers and the outreach of clients/guests they impact while guiding.  A training course to train instructors would be a great thing.  LNT is and always will be a big component of Sea Kayaking. 

 

ACTION: Direct questions, comments and ideas to:

mish@chewonki.org or (207) 882-7323 x -35.  Presentation ended at 7:00pm.

 

ACTION: March 5, 2003 MASKGI meeting at Coast Guard Group Southwest Harbor will feature a Safety Presentation prior to meeting.  Demonstrations with radar (on the water) as well as VHF communication and use of flares will occur.  Paul Travis, Bill Baker, Al Johnson and Robert Shaw coordinating.  Festivities will begin at ?

 

Presentation by Joe Mokry of the Cape Elizabeth Rescue Team (Wet Team) focused on a noticeable increase in Kayak Rescues in Southern Maine Coast area.  Several close calls and (1) fatality in 2002.  Joe noted that most accidents are preventable with education the key.  He notes some common variables that put kayakers at risk:  Solo kayaking, lack of preparation, poor planning, not preparing for the conditions, can't re-enter the kayak, poor clothing/gear, other.  Attend a free rescue demonstration Saturday Feb 8, 2003    5pm-8pm   Route 77 Cape Elizabeth Fire Department.  Joe Mokry: www. ocnrsq.aol.com  (207) 799-6409 or (207) 799-3323.

 

 

Public Island Update by Steve Spencer.  Rachel, Sid and Steve accepting ideas  

still. Public Meetings TBA late Spring 2003.  Draft plan April 2003  Timeframe.

 

Rack card update reported on by Natalie Springuel:  Natalie, Doug, and Robert  met and progress to a new (2003) rack card is in the works with Tim Seymor to produce a proof very soon.   A new cover photo is still being sought.  Our budget limitation ($2000)  will result in the new rack card being very similar to the 2002 one.

The key is to get it out in circulation (Route 95 Maine Tourism Assoc., etc.)  in time for the 2003 kayak season.  Late March 2003.

  

Website: Jim Dugan the first and only MASKGI webmaster was recognized by Natalie Springuel for his efforts from the beginning roots of the MASKGI organization.  Jim described the new bulletin board and all its possibilities for membership communications.

A hand-out additionally outlined procedures and direction for the Bulletin Board.

Further discussion about a Public area vs. Member only area pursued.  More to follow.  

 

ACTION: Try the MASKGI Bulletin Board for communication amongst each other and see what you think.  The concept and potential might streamline future communications for MASKGI.  Give it a try. (E-mail the officers for URL if you don’t have it).

 

  

General Discussions  (7:54-8:20 pm)   A.)  Rotation of MASKGI Meetings  B.)  Efforts to increase MASKGI Membership  C.)  Increase MASKGI PR & Identity

D.)  Follow-through of Ideas- for measurable results.

 

        A.)  Continue the current Meeting Schedule?  Hold majority of meetings in the

               Camden/Belfast area with occasional Portland (South) and Southwest

              Harbor (North) meetings?  The idea is to get maximum participation from

              our membership.

 

        B.)  Increase MASKGI membership by a general membership drive,  put

              together a benefits package for retention and to approach new potential

              members.  Mailing list from DIFW, etc..

 

        C.)  Public Relations,  MASKGI identity, & Public Safety Outreach ideas:

              *Press releases in newspapers  *Safety thought of the week/month

              *TV interview (4 per year)  *Continued efforts to get the MASKGI name

               and mission out to the public  *Do we need and can we afford a paid

               position/person to increase visibility and  our PR ?

 

         D.)  Follow-through of Ideas:  MASKGI could benefit by taking a close look

               at its people, time, resources, and future goals.  It may be time to set a 5

                year plan/goals?  2 Years?

                Delegation of the work loads and setting MASKGI priorities will be a re-

                occurring theme past and present.

 

 

     Nominations for new leaders/leadership within MASKGI Officers:  (8:25 pm)

 

                          Natalie Springuel (president)  stepping down Spring 2003

                          Scott Anchors (vise-president)  Staying on

                          Doug Michael (secretary)  steeping down Spring 2003

                          April Lawrence (membership data base)  Stepping down Spring

                          2003

                          Robert Shaw (treasurer)  Staying on

 

          Efforts to get new leadership Team for MASKGI in place for Summer 2003-

         See recent e-mails.  Nominations accepted throughout February 2003. Elections to occur at March 5 meeting in Southwest Harbor.

 

Al Johnson report from U.S. Coast Guard/Homeland Security:

 

              *hand out was passed out on boating statistics.  Note was taken on the

                increase in Kayak fatalities in Maine and in general.

 

              * Everybody enjoyed a new key chain whistle compliments of Al Johnson.

 

 

Product Approval:  Rob Tourville and Luke Pickett presented with a hand-out the idea of a Maine Guide Approved label for outdoor products.  Although in the preliminary stages of development, they welcome any feedback good or bad.  Discussing followed with some reservations of liability with the Maine Guide name and copyright.  Rob and Luke are open to any additional questions/comments.

 

 

Announcement of the New England Paddle Sports Show 2003.  Event to be held March 21-23 at the Univ. of New Hampshire Field House in Durham, N.H.

Discussions on should MASKGI have a booth again this year? 

ACTION: Robert Shaw will attend and any volunteers to share time at the booth would be appreciated.  Robert contact (207) 288-3205.

  

 

Meeting Adjourned at 9:02 pm.

 

 

 

Minutes submitted by Robert L. Shaw