Charles River Mud - AMC Boston Chapter

www.amcboston.org
SUMMER
Charles River Mud
The Quarterly Newsletter of AMC’s Boston Chapter
Inside this issue
• Volunteer Profile:
Boston Paddlers
Committee Leaders
1
• AMC’s 2016
Photo Contest 2
• Finding Trips On-line 3
• Boston Family Outings
6
• Become an AMC
Adventure Travel
Trip Leader
7
• AMC’s First-Ever
Cookbook
7
Summer 2016 • vol. 41, no. 3
Meet the Boston Chapter Volunteers
AMC Boston Paddlers Committee Leaders
by Julia Khorana
• Is Wilderness
First Aid for You?10
• 2016 Fall Gathering10
• Did You Know . . . 11
“Believe me, young friend, there is nothing—absolutely
nothing—half so much worth doing as simply messing
about in boats.”
— Kenneth Grahame, The Wind in the Willows
S
ummer is here and it’s a great time to be out on the water. The
Paddlers Committee is an enthusiastic group of boaters who
welcome newcomers of all abilities, from beginner to advanced. We
are also looking for experienced paddlers who might be interested
in leading trips for us, especially on local flatwater rivers.
Throughout the year we offer workshops, clinics, pond socials, and
trips—day, weekend, and longer—for whitewater canoeing or kayaking,
and sea kayaking. Whether you are interested in exploring our coastal
islands or surfing waves, eddy hopping down a river, or watching the
beautiful scenery, we hope you will join us on the water! Check out
our programs at www.amcbostonpaddlers.org.
This article features three committee members you are likely to meet
when you paddle with us:
• Dennis Blejer’s clinics in paddling techniques and navigation build
sea kayakers’ skills and confidence
• Chris Rolt overseas our whitewater instruction program and rental
fleet
Continued on next page...
A p p a l a c h i a n M o u n t a i n C l u b ( A M C ) • B o s t o n C h a p t e r • S u m m e r 2 0 16
Continued from previous page...
• Melanie Rausch leads pond socials and entry-level
whitewater trips, always making sure that new paddlers feel supported and welcome
Photo credit: Dennis Bleyer
As the Paddlers Committee Co-chair, I asked them
about their paddling and leadership experiences.
Here’s what they have to say:
Dennis
Q: How did you first start paddling? A: I first started paddling in the summer of 2005. I was
on a friend’s powerboat on beautiful Squam Lake in
New Hampshire, and I saw a fellow paddling a kayak
and thought that he had the right idea. At the time I
was a cyclist and hiker, so moving under my own power
in nature was always what I enjoyed. Adding the water
environment by paddling a kayak was a natural extension for me.
Q: What excited you about it?
A: What I find exciting about sea kayaking is the
challenge of the ocean environment. There are so
many aspects to it: the dynamics of the wind and
waves, tidal currents, navigation, and boat handling.
Paddling skills and techniques are challenging to
learn and very satisfying to apply in rough seas. There
are five levels to sea kayaking as determined by the
American Canoe Association (ACA). It took me several
years to get my skills to Level 4, and I am still working
on those skills as they are not easy to master.
Q: How did you get involved with AMC Boston
Chapter Paddlers?
A: I was a bike and hike leader with the AMC so was
very familiar with the opportunities it offers in the
outdoors. I went on a sea kayak trip with the AMC and
was asked if I was interested in leadership. I wasn’t at
the time, but became interested as my skills improved
and I became more enamored of the sea. They say the
“better you get the better it gets”; this is certainly the
case in sea kayaking.
Continued on page 4
AMC’S 2016
PHOTO CONTEST
Enter your photographs and be eligible to win
great prizes—and score serious bragging rights!
Prizes include a photography workshop with an
accompanying stay at an AMC lodge, and outdoor
gear from Deuter, Forty Below, LEKI, LifeStraw,
and other manufacturers.
Visit www.outdoors.org/articles/amc-outdoors/
22nd-annual-amc-photo-contest-2016/ sometime
in the middle of the summer for complete rules
and more information.
2 AMC / CHARLES RIVER MUD
Amy Schoonmaker, Knife’s Edge—2015 Landscape and
Nature Winner
Continued on page 4
Finding Trips On-line
Don’t forget: trip listings are now exclusively online! There are several ways
to locate AMC trips, both those organized by Boston chapter members, as
well as those available to the greater AMC community.
For Boston Chapter trips:
Visit the Trip Listings Digest at http://current.amcboston.org where
you’ll always find two months’ worth of trips. Or access trip information by
visiting www.amcboston.org and click on Download all trips.
For all AMC trips (including Boston Chapter-led trips):
AMC’s Activities Database (OLTL) Updates have launched! AMC’s activities
database, activities.outdoors.org, has some new, exciting changes to ease
trip sign-up and participation. The new features, launched in April 2015, allow
participants to register for trips online and receive registration confirmation
via email, and help coordinate carpooling with other participants.* You can
also use your account dashboard to keep track of your upcoming trips!
In order to use these new features, you will need to login to https://
activities.outdoors.org/login with your AMC account (which is the same
as the AMC Member Center account or your AMC Online store login). If
you have not yet created an AMC account, go to the link above and fill in
the appropriate information in the box on the left side of the screen to
create one. If you have an account but have forgotten the username and
password, just scroll down and click the “I forgot my username or password” link at the bottom of the screen.
*Please note: these new features are only available if the leader who posted the
trip has opted to use the AMC Registration Form.
Have a story or photos to share?
We are always interested in hearing about your AMC adventures, experiences,
and outdoor tips. For submission guidelines, topics, and formats, please visit
amcboston.org/eMUD/MUD_Guidelines.pdf. For further details or to
submit an article, contact the Mud editors at emudadmin@amcboston.org.
Boston Chapter
Executive Committee Meetings
Executive committee meetings are open to all AMC members. Boston
Chapter Meetings are held September-June on the first Monday of the
month, from 7:15–9:15pm, at the First Baptist Church, 848 Beacon Street
in Newton Center. For more information, contact the Chapter Chair.
BOSTON CHAPTER
INFORMATION
Boston chapter website:
www.amcboston.org
Questions, comments,
or suggestions about the Boston
Chapter? Contact the
Membership Committee:
membership@amcboston.org
For membership detail changes
and electronic newsletter
sign-up, contact AMC Member
Services:
5 Joy Street
Boston, MA 02108
1- 800-372-1758
AMCMembership@outdoors.org
www.outdoors.org/membership
THE CHARLES RIVER
MUD
Published 4 times a year by the AMC’s
Boston Chapter. Feedback and contributions from members is welcome
and appreciated. Please send your
trip reports, photos, articles, letters,
book reviews, etc. to the Mud
Communications Committee at
mud12@amcboston.org.
MUD COMMITTEE
Editor Larisa Mendez-Penate
emudadmin@amcboston.org
Contributing Editor Susan Gilbert
edex.edit@verizon.net
Design tabula rasa graphic design
wendyg_tabularasa@comcast.net
Articles & photos are copyright of
the creators and may not be reproduced. The Charles River Mud is
copyright of The Boston Chapter of the
AMC. © 2016
Complaints or comments about
a chapter trip? Contact the
Ombudsman:
ombudsman10@amcboston.org
SUMMER 2016 3
Continued from page 2
Q: What do you like about teaching paddling skills
and getting newer paddlers out on the water?
A: For the past few years I have been running the
Boston Chapter Sea Kayak Spring Tune-up. This event
enables leaders and participants to practice skills on
Lake Cochichuate in the early season. I find it very
satisfying to pass on what I have learned from the
training I have done with high-level coaches. Sea
kayaking is an ever-evolving sport and so the techniques
evolve and improve over time. People want to paddle
more efficiently and effectively. They also are eager to
learn improved methods for safety and rescue so that
they will have the ability to respond in critical situations.
In the past two years I have offered a 3-part course on
sea kayaking with other leaders. This year Part 1 is on
strokes and rescues, Part 2 is on navigation, and Part 3
on leadership and safety. Someone who attends the
course and practices the skills over the season will be
able to paddle confidently in moderate sea conditions
with a competent leader. We offer the course so that
folks will be able to come on our trips and have the
skills needed to paddle safely with a group.
paddling opportunities. The AMC offers some flatwater
paddling trips which would be the best way to get
on the water. Then take some additional training for
kayaking in the sea environment. The AMC offers such
instruction and it is also available professionally. The
person is then ready for a sea kayaking adventure!
Chris
Q: How did you first start paddling? What excited you
about it?
A: I started out sea kayaking with a local group, and was
introduced to whitewater boats in a pool session while
learning to roll. A whitewater boat is much easier to carry
in and out of a pool. Once I had a boat and learned
about the AMC whitewater instruction, I signed up for
the beginner class. I paddled just about every weekend
following the beginner session. I learned that it was much
easier to find whitewater conditions that challenge me
without overwhelming me, so it was easy to progress.
Q: Where are some of your favorite places to paddle
locally/regionally?
A: I paddle in all waters of the Northeast from Long
Island Sound to Maine. We are fortunate to live near
the coast of a great region to paddle. Boston Harbor
offers fantastic local paddling for the intermediate and
advanced intermediate paddler. The Boston Harbor
Islands are great to visit and for practicing navigation.
The Harbor also usually offers moderate sea conditions
in the afternoon which can be a challenge. The southern coasts of MA, CT, and RI offer rough water paddling
that is appropriate for the more advanced paddler.
A: I strongly advise people interested in sea kayaking to
start with professional instruction. Several outfitters in
the area offer introductory instruction and can provide
all the necessary gear. Once someone has decided to
get into the sport and has beginner abilities, it’s time
to invest in a kayak and gear and get some experience
paddling in flat water. Numerous ponds, lakes, and
flat-water rivers in the area offer wonderful beginner
4 AMC / CHARLES RIVER MUD
Photo credit: Melanie Rausch
Q: What are your recommendations for new paddlers
who are just getting started?
Q: How did you get involved with AMC Boston
Chapter Paddlers?
A: The first couple of seasons I went on every chapter
trip and with other boaters at my skill level. We began
informally leading people and then assisting with the
beginner instruction. After several years, two of us
were invited to attend an ACA instruction workshop
and exam. This helped to formalize our instruction
technique and how we focus on paddling.
Q: What do you like about teaching paddling skills
and getting newer paddlers out on the water?
A: I love introducing people to whitewater kayaking.
Much like skiing, you can find enjoyment at any level.
The progression that people make during a weekend
class is amazing. People who were hesitant on flat
water Saturday morning are confident paddlers and
performing basic skills without thinking about it by
Sunday afternoon. I learn something new in just about
every class—from the students, other instructors, or my
own class experience. I have learned leadership and
management skills from my involvement, and these
directly translate into other areas of my life.
Q: Tell us about whitewater. What is unique about it? A: Whitewater can bring you to places that are almost
impossible to get to otherwise. It is also unique in that
it is a solo sport as well as a group sport. You are
responsible for yourself, but every other paddler is also
there to support each other. An amazing thing is that
you will see people of all ages and walks of life all
paddling together. You need to have a level of comfort
in the water, and the more comfortable you are the
easier it becomes to learn new skills. Regarding physical fitness, as with most outdoor activities, the better
condition you are in can make it easier. But I have seen
new paddlers fall in love with the sport and use that as
a catalyst to remake themselves. In the end, I compare
it to downhill skiing where some people are content to
stay on green circle trails and others find fulfillment on
double black diamonds.
Q: Tell us about the whitewater kayak instruction
clinics for beginners.
A: I usually teach our beginner instruction clinics.
These 2-day clinics start on a pond with flat water. This
is the easiest environment for new paddlers to learn
the necessary skills and strokes required to paddle
whitewater. The first skill is the wet exit, or how to get
out of a capsized boat. Then we introduce the basic
strokes required to paddle a boat. After the students
learn some of these skills we usually play a game or
two; this gets them to use their new skills without
thinking about it.
After several hours on the pond we move to a mild
section of moving water. Here we introduce them to
the peel out, ferry, and eddy turn. These maneuvers let
them run the river, and these same basic skills are
required to paddle class I or class V water. At this point,
we also teach them about particular features of the
river. Some of these identify the easiest path down
river, others that are potentially hazardous. The second day on the river we usually do a full river
run. Students get to reinforce the skills that they
learned. Oftentimes we show them how to use river
features to their advantage. An example of this is
learning how to surf a standing wave. Unlike the surfers
on a beach, the wave stays in one place and water
moves through it.
The ideal outcome of our beginner class is a self-sufficient paddler who has a basic competence on class 2
whitewater. If they happen to swim, they know how to
self-rescue themselves and their gear. They have also
learned how to paddle within a group as well as share
the river with rafts, fisherman, and any other users.
They also have the skills and confidence to sign up for
an AMC trip, and the trip leader can be assured that
they can function safely within a group.
Q: Where are some of your favorite places to paddle
locally/regionally?
A: The Deerfield River in Western Mass is a great
resource, and just a few hours from Boston. It has a
great beginner section with regularly scheduled
releases from April to October. It also has a more
advanced section with releases most weekends during
the summer. The AMC and other groups have worked
hard to secure scheduled releases on these sections as
well as other rivers in the region.
Q: What do you recommend for new paddlers who
are just getting started?
A: I would definitely recommend AMC instruction
programs, or one of the area outfitters that also offers
instruction!
Continued on page 6
SUMMER 2016 5
Continued from page 5
Melanie
Q: How did you first start paddling? What excited you
about it? Photo credit: Chris Rolt
A: When I first moved to Boston, I was looking to do
something new and fun, and joined the AMC. I saw the
Whitewater beginner class and got excited, and took
it, twice!
Q: What is it like to volunteer for the Paddling
Committee?
A: I love meeting new people as a trip leader and
instructor, and showing them how much fun it is to be
on the river. I have had great mentors and giving back
is important to continue the cycle.
SIGN UP FOR BOSTON
FAMILY OUTINGS
SUMMER/FALL TRIPS
AMC’s Boston chapter offers a multitude of trips
designed for the whole family. Register early—
family trips fill fast!
You can bookmark our link to search for Boston
Family Outings activities (and keep checking as
we add more trips): http://activities.outdoors.
org/search/?mode=tile&view=1&grp=2&com
=16&pg=1
Family Walk, Ice Cream Social, and Trip
Planning Meeting
Join us July 31 in Hollis, NH for a fun afternoon:
• 2–4 pm: Walk
• 2:30 pm: Ice Cream Social
(we provide ice cream and beverages; you
bring potluck sundae toppings)
• 3-4 pm: Trip Planning Meeting
Everyone welcome. Children welcome.
For more information and to RSVP, contact
Jeanne Blauner at jablauner@comcast.net or
978.202.5606
6 AMC / CHARLES RIVER MUD
Q: What do you like about teaching paddling skills
and getting newer paddlers out on the water?
A: I enjoy watching students get it. With some encouragement and patience, I can show and teach them the
basics, and help them relax because it’s all about
having fun. As a slow learner myself, it seemed to take
me longer to get it. So I understand where new
paddlers need to build their confidence as others did
for me. It’s okay to walk around a rapid and then the
next time to run it; it’s all about enjoying the time you
have on the river with the friends who share your
same thoughts.
Q: Where are some of your favorite places to paddle
locally/regionally?
A: We are fortunate to live in New England with many
rivers within a 2-hour drive. There are some great class
II rivers that are fun to paddle. My favorite is the Fife
section of the Deerfield; I can challenge myself with
harder moves or just enjoy the float.
Q: What are your recommendations for new paddlers
who are just getting started?
A: Our instructional sessions are an excellent way to
meet great people and get on the river in a safe
environment. We also have Wednesday evening Pond
Socials in Concord, MA. You can rent a kayak from our
AMC boathouse, and then practice your paddling skills
on calm, lovely water after work. Summer is great!
BECOME AN AMC ADVENTURE TRAVEL TRIP LEADER
SIGN UP FOR ADVENTURE TRAVEL LEADERSHIP TRAINING!
November 11–13, 2016
Visit some of the most exciting places in the world
as the leader of an AMC Adventure Travel trip!
This workshop provides important training to people
who have AMC chapter leadership experience (no
beginners) to transition from leading weekend
chapter activities to more complex and longer trips,
both domestically and overseas. Previous outdoor
leadership training is necessary. Emphasis is on
planning, cost estimating, marketing, trip management, people skills, risk management, and reporting.
Workshop also includes procedures and guidelines
for researching, proposing, and leading AMC Adventure Travel trips. Exchange ideas, problems, and
solutions with some of AMC’s most experienced and
skilled leaders. Small group size assures abundant
discussion and access to instructors.
For more information, visit
http://www.outdoors.org/outdoor-activities/adventure-travel/become-a-leader.cfm
AMC’S FIRST-EVER COOKBOOK
CONTRIBUTE YOUR FAVORITE RECIPE!
AMC Books needs your help! AMC’s Real Trail
Meals is our first-ever cookbook, and we want to
make sure we tap into all our backcountry expertise
from our skilled volunteers. Feel free to pass this
along to other friends as well.
Authors Ethan and Sarah Hipple’s new cookbook,
AMC’s Real Trail Meals, is due out in Spring 2017,
and we want to include some AMC trail-tested
recipes. All recipes that make it into the book will
include the sharers’ names and AMC chapter affiliation. (Please note: there’s no pay for accepted
recipes, just the thrill of seeing your name in print!)
Sarah says, “We are looking for input from current
and past AMC folks that might want to share their
favorite tried-and-true backcountry recipes. We
want the cookbook to include as much of the AMC
history and culture as possible, and to reflect the
long-standing tradition of cooking hearty, wholesome food out on the trail. Whether you work or
have worked on trail crew, construction crew, the
huts, shelters, camps, or led educational trips, we
want your favorite recipes! Even if it is just a list of
food you ate on the trail, or your standby one-pot
pasta mush, we want to hear from you. The more
input we get the better!
We’d love to have your chapter represented. To
that end, please send your own recipes to Sarah
Hipple at sarahbaldwinhipple@gmail.com
Thanks for your help—and happy eating!
SUMMER 2016 7
Is Wilderness First Aid For You? Yes!!
by Susan Gilbert
W
hen enjoying the great
outdoors, we all try to stay
injury-free. However, even in the
best circumstances, accidents can
occur. In fact, hiking is the third
most common source of emergency
room visits (after snowboarding and
sledding). Unfortunately, there are
many ways you can get hurt while
hiking, such as a simple misstep.
The same is true for cycling, kayaking, or any activity you engage in
far from medical care.
What Is Wilderness
First Aid?
Unlike First Aid—urgent care
performed in a populated area—
Wilderness First Aid is treatment
provided more than 1 hour away
from “definitive” care (treatment by
medical professionals in a clinical
setting). Even if you’re just 1⁄4 mile
off the highway, it can sometimes
take up to an hour to get to a
professional. So it’s best to be
prepared!
The AMC offers Wilderness First
Aid (WFA) training to all members,
and usually requires it for leaders
and coleaders.
Two Levels of Training
The AMC offers two levels of WFA
training: basic and advanced.
Basic Course (2 days)
The Basic Course certifies you in
WFA. You learn:
• How to prevent injuries.
• How to stay calm and in control,
and avoid panic, when handling
injuries (very important!).
• How to differentiate between
serious and non-serious injuries.
Continued on page 10
8 AMC / CHARLES RIVER MUD
TOP 10 SAFETY/FIRST AID TIPS
From Mark Warren, Hiking/Backpacking Leader
1. Know what you’re getting yourself into, including the terrain and
level of difficulty. Don’t exceed your ability and experience level.
2. Always check the weather before leaving.
3. If conditions in the field deteriorate, you may need to change your
plans at the last minute. (For instance, say you’re climbing Mt.
Washington and want to hike Tuckerman Ravine, yet it starts to
sleet. Because wet/icy rocks and ledges can get slippery, you’ll
want to consider other paths up the mountain. Another option is
to stay below the tree line, to avoid exposure to the elements.)
Mohamed El-Lozy reminds all outdoor adventurers that every trip
begins with an objective and certain assumptions—about the
weather, trail conditions, etc. If those assumptions change, the
objective must be reconsidered.
4. Carry the 10 essentials:
a. navigation: topographic map, compass, and knowledge of
how to use them
b. sun protection: sunglasses, sunscreen, hat, and clothing for
sun protection
c. insulation: hat, gloves, jacket, extra clothing
d. illumination: LED headlamp, flashlight, batteries
e. first aid supplies, plus insect repellent
f. fire: butane lighter, matches in waterproof container
g. repair kit & tools: knives, multi-tool, scissors, pliers,
screwdriver, trowel, duct tape, cable ties
h. nutrition: extra food
i. hydration: 2 liters of water
j. emergency shelter: a space blanket is sufficient
5. If you bring a cell phone and hike where there’s no reception,
turn off your phone to save the battery.
6. Avoid wearing cotton and rayon clothing; instead wear nylon,
polypropylene, synthetics, or wool.
7. Leave your itinerary with someone back home.
8. Know how to make a fire.
9. Dan Brown, author of Don’t Die on the Mountain, says “there’s
no adequate substitute for an early start.” Avoid being out
after sunset.
10. Take a course in basic safety tips (REI and EMS also offer courses).
AMC Leadership Training for 20s & 30s
September 16-18, 2016 – Harriman Outdoor Center, NY
Want to brush up on your outdoor leadership skills? Want to connect with other outdoor enthusiasts in
their 20s & 30s? Take the first step to become a trip leader! AMC is organizing its first-ever Leadership
Training designed for 20s & 30s and it is sure to be a great time. Participants will have a chance to
network with other AMC Young Members (YM) from across the region and learn important leadership
skills that will set them on the path to becoming trip leaders for local AMC Chapters.
Registration will be open July 1, 2016 – August 31, 2016. | Questions? Email shatch@outdoors.org
Volunteer with the Boston Chapter of the AMC!
By virtue of your zip code, you are a member of
the Boston Chapter of the AMC. The Boston
Chapter (and all of the 12 AMC chapters), and all of
the trips and activities it offers, is run entirely by
volunteers. Have you considered giving back to
your Chapter? While Trip Leaders are always
needed, there are a variety of opportunities for
volunteers. Consider volunteering with our chapter’s Trails Committee, planning events with the
Membership Committee, or helping one of our
Activity Committees with behind the scenes work.
For more information about volunteering with the
AMC Boston Chapter, please see: amcboston.
org/about/become-amc-volunteer
Volunteers needed for
Chapter Communications
You can also help to build our community by
volunteering with the Mud/Communications
Committee. The Charles River Mud is always
looking for your submissions of articles and photos
of your experiences on AMC trips, and stories and
information of interest to other Chapter members.
The Mud/Communications Committee is looking
for volunteers to participate on a team responsible
for writing, editing, photography, design/layout,
publication, and electronic communications with
the Chapter. For more information please contact:
emudadmin@amcboston.org
SUMMER 2016 9
This involves deciding between
self-care, walking out, or evacuation (via helicopter).
• What First Aid material to bring—
see Top 10 Safety/First Aid Tips.
Hikers typically carry as little as
practical, while still including the
essentials.
• Body substance isolation (BSI)—
How to avoid wet, sticky stuff
(e.g., blood) that may be deadly.
Advanced Course
(2 additional days)
The advanced course teaches you:
• How to make a litter (an improvised stretcher using, for example,
a backpack) to use for evacuation.
• How to differentiate between
situations that require evacuation
and those that don’t. It’s always
preferable, and usually in the
patient’s best interest, to selfrescue (saves time getting to a
medical facility).
How to Sign Up
WFA prepares you for the unexpected. The hands-on training is
designed to meet the needs of trip
leaders and outdoor enthusiasts
working in remote locations.
Classroom lectures and demonstrations are combined with realistic
scenarios where mock patients
challenge you to integrate your
learning. At the end of the course,
you’ll have the knowledge, skills,
and ability to make sound decisions
in emergency situations.
Paul Terenzi is the WFA Training
Coordinator for the Hiking and
Backpacking Committee. He
coordinates instruction with SOLO
(world’s oldest continuously
Photo credit: Richard Michezney
Continued from page 8
A Wilderness First Aid scenario
operating school of Wilderness
Medicine), which provides different
levels of training. The next training
session will be in October; check
outdoors.org for more information.
2016 FALL GATHERING
URI W. Alton Jones Campus | West Greenwich, RI
Hosted by the Narragansett Chapter
October 14-16, 2016
Join us for some outdoor fun, Southern New England style. A few of the activities we have in store for you include
kayaking twisty rivers and our glistening bay; biking through rolling hills painted with Autumn colors; hiking over
limestone boulders, and enjoying one of the greatest oceanscapes ever, the world-famous Newport CliffWalk! Then get
cozy in your tent or a comfortable cabin nestled among the 2,300 acres of lakes and forests of our beautiful and wild
Alton Jones Campus of the University of RI. Start planning your fall adventure at outdoors.org/fallgathering today!
Registration closes at 5PM on September 30th.
10 AMC / CHARLES RIVER MUD
EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE
Chair Joseph Princi
joe@amcboston.org
Family Outings Jeanne Blauner
family@amcboston.org
Secretary Philip Walsh
philipchristopherwalsh@gmail.com
Forty Plus Don Provencher &
Leslie Greer (co-chairs)
fortyplus@amcboston.org
Treasurer Michael Swartz
swartz@brandeis.edu
Hiking/Backpacking Alex Nedzel
hiking@amcboston.org
At Large Member Carl Gustenhoven
cgustenhoven@gmail.com
Intro Rachel Neuwirth
intro@amcboston.org
At Large Member Elizabeth Ryan
ryan.ej03@gmail.com
Leadership Training Stephen Conlin
leadership@amcboston.org
At Large Member Keith Watling
kwatling@verizon.net
Local Walks/Hikes Jim Loughlin
localwalks@amcboston.org
Membership Lamar Winters
membership@amcboston.org
Mountaineering Eric Engberg
mountaineering@amcboston.org
Past Chair Jeff Carlson
jeff@amcboston.org
Music Naomi Krasner
music@amcboston.org
Ombudsman John Lisker
ombudsman10@amcboston.org
Paddling Julia Khorana &
Jeff (Packy) Pacuska (co-chairs)
paddling@amcboston.org
Regional Director Tom Eagan
tce@psh.com
Webmaster Brenda Conaway
blconaway@gmail.com
COMMITTEE CHAIRS
Bicycling Karen Hall
bicycling@amcboston.org
Conservation Vacant
Boston Chapter…
Did you know?
Photo credit: Steve Sevcik
AMC Boston Chapter Executive Committee
Skiing Aldo Ghirin
skiing@amcboston.org
Trails Mal Crawford
trails@amcboston.org
Windsurfing Steve Sevcik
windsurfing@amcboston.org
Young Members John Schmidt
youngmembers@amcboston.org
Boston Chapter Committees
Bicycle
www.amcboston.org/bicycle
Mountaineering
www.amcbostonclimbers.org
Conservation
www.amcboston.org/conservation
Mountains and Music
www.amcboston.org/committees/music
Family
www.amcboston.org/committees/family
Paddlers
www.amcbostonpaddlers.org/
Forty Plus
www.amcboston.org/forty
Ski
www.amcboston.org/ski
Hiking/Backpacking
www.hbbostonamc.org
Trails
http://amcboston.org/committee/trails
Intro
www.amcboston.org/intro
Windsurfing
amcboston.org/windsurf
Local Walks/Hikes
www.amcboston.org/walks
Young Members
www.amcboston.org/youngmembers
Sailing near West Dennis Beach
Did you know that the AMC’s
Boston Chapter has a Windsurfing
Committee? This activity committee
offers beginner instruction trips, day
trips, weekend windsurfing camps
and pot luck socials. If you want to
give the sport a try, improve your
skills or meet other windsurfers, this
is the group for you! For more
information, including future trips
and events, windsurfing sites in
Massachusetts, and other resources
for those interested in the sport,
check out amcboston.org/
windsurf.
SUMMER 2016 11