Villages Hiking Club Board Meeting Minutes

Thursday March 24, 2022, Forum Room, Cribari

 

1. Call to Order– Bob called the Board Meeting to order at 9:33 am with the following Board Members in attendance: President – Bob Bogdanoff, VP Social – Bernice Capitano, VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer, VP Hiking & Trails – Gary Lohr, Treasurer – Gordon Carbonetti, and Secretary – Cheryl Allmen.   Dan Kato, Trail Maintenance Chairperson.

 

2. Reports

Secretary – Cheryl indicated that copies of the February Board and General Hiking Meetings along with the March Board Meeting will be available on the back table at the March 28, 2022 General Hiking.  Copies will be provided to Jim to post on our Villages Hiking website. Jim moved to approve the February Hiking Club Board and General Meeting Minutes, seconded by Gordon-passed. 

 

Treasurer – Gordon presented the General Hiking Club Financial Report with a balance of $5,825.19 and the Hills Financial Report with a balance of $2,215.89 as of February 2022.  (Attachment of February Financial Reports)  He indicated they would be sent to Jim for posting on the Club’s website.  Cheryl moved and Bob seconded a motion to approve both financial reports-passed.    

 

VP Membership & Website – Jim. Membership has expanded to 306 individuals with the addition of 3 new members.  Qi Huang, Pat Hubbard and Carol Jacobsen have joined in the last month.  Website is expanding and improving.

 

VP Hiking & Trails – Gary indicated that there haven’t been any long hikes lately but that all the other hikes have been going well.   He continues to ensure leaders are forwarding their information to Jim providing for emails to members and announcements in the Villager.  He plans to make an announcement at the March General Meeting to increase the number of new leaders. Since gas prices are increasing, Cheryl recommended reminding carpooling members to add a bit more funds to their drivers to cover the expanded gas costs.

 

VP Social – Bernice shared that the March Game Night went well with 4 full tables with approximately 25 in attendance which was a good turnout particularly since COVID restrictions have declined.  She will submit receipts for the food and beverage items along with a receipt for the purchase of a 12 cup coffee maker. Pictures of the event will be added to our hiking club website.

Bernice also reminded the Board to promote our upcoming May Club’s Variety Night to other groups such as singing and theatre clubs to consider adding some of their entertainment to the Night.  Cheryl agreed to announce it to the Folksters and Village Voices groups.  Due to a schedule conflict, Bernice she reminded the Board that she will not be at the Maintenance Day but will pick up the keys.  purchase and deliver the food items and that there will be additional subs to ensure the luncheon is ready for the workers and clean up afterwards is completed.

 

President – Bob went over the registration requirements for the upcoming

2022 Spring Trip to Chico indicating that to date, 15 rooms have been reserved totaling 26 people.  So far, 18 Club members have taken the next step by signing up with the Club. He went over the 3-step process for the Club registration with the Board and he also plans to remind the members to register with Club at the General meeting and also the last chance to sign up with the hotel at the present reduced rate is April 5th.   Later he will share the list with the attendees to help them with making carpooling arrangements.

 

3. Old Business

• Trail Maintenance Day- Dan went over the details about the upcoming Saturday, March 26^th event indicated that to date, 18 people have confirmed to help out and suggested the number usually increases so to plan luncheon arrangements for approximately 30 individuals. Bernice will pick up luncheon and beverage items at Costco on Friday.  Deb Siedband along with Bob’s family members Lucy and Stephanie will set up the luncheon around 11:30am. Bernice will pick up the key, open up the facility and Dan will ensure key and cleanup takes place at the closing time.

Dan outlined a map of the maintenance routes & projects (upper meadow, towers, bench location 50 and upper meadow which has been torn up by the pigs) which are options by grouping.  He also explained how the drivers and leaders will progress up the hills and ascend to their assigned areas.  Dan plans to get tools out of our storage and borrow some tools from the Gardening Club.  Additional announcement will be included in Friday’s Villager.  Jim will send another blast to the membership to remind them of the trail maintenance Day.

 

• Hike Submission Procedure– Jim asked the Board if they had any questions of the procedures or wanted more information about the standing rules which he had forwarded to them for review. Hearing no concerns, Jim moved for approval of the Hike Submission Procedures, seconded by Cheryl and Gordon-passed.

4. No New Business was discussed.

 

5. Next Meetings

• General Meeting: Monday, March 28, 2022 from 7:30pm-9:30pm, Foothill
• Board Meeting:  Thursday, April 21, 2022 from 9:30am-10:30am, Forum Cribari

 

6. Meeting Adjourn. Jim moved that the meeting be adjourned, seconded by Cheryl-passed. The meeting was adjourned at 10:35am.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Cheryl Allmen

 

Cheryl Allmen, Secretary

 

Attachment February General and Hills Financial Report

 

Hiking Club – The Villages Golf & Country Club
General Fund – Financial Report
March 2022

March 1, 2022   Beginning Book Balance:          $  5,825.19

Income:
New Member Dues – Paul Magruder                 $         7.00
New Member Dues – Anne Brewer                    $         7.00
New Member Dues – Qi Huang                          $         7.00
New Member Dues – Carol Jacobsen                $         7.00
New Member Dues – Patricia Hubbard              $         7.00
Total Income:                                                       $       35.00

Expenses:                                                            $.             0
Total Expenses:                                                   $              0

March 31, 2022  Ending Book Balance:               $  5,860.19

---

Hiking Club – The Villages Golf & Country Club
Hill Lands Project Fund – Financial Report
March 2022

March 1, 2022   Beginning Book Balance:  $  2,215.89

Income:                                                       $               0
Total Income:                                              $               0

Expenses:                                                   $               0
Total Expenses:                                          $               0

March 31, 2022  Ending Book Balance:      $  2,215.89

 

 

                               

Villages Hiking Club Board Meeting, 2/24/2022

Cribari Rm

 

1. Call to Order. Bob called the meeting to order at 9:32am with the following Board Members in attendance:  President – Bob Bogdanoff, VP Social – Bernice Capitano, VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer Treasurer – Gordon Carbonetti, Secretary – Cheryl Allmen, VP Hiking & Trails – Gary Lohr. Dan Kato, Committee.  

 

2. Reports

Secretary – Cheryl forwarded both the last 1-27-22 Hiking Club Board Meeting and General Hiking Club Meeting Minutes to the Board via email and indicated hard copies will be available on the table at the upcoming 2-27-22 General Meeting.  Gordon moved and Bernice seconded motion to accept and approve both Meeting Minutes.  Motion passed.  

 

Treasurer – Gordon announced the General Account balance is $6528.59 and includes $2065.00 for 295 membership 2022 dues and one additional outside payment.  The Hills balance continues as $1,715.89 (no income or expenses).  Jim moved and Bernice seconded approval of both accounts reports. Motion passed.   Attachments 1, 2 provide further itemization.  

 

VP Membership & Website – Jim shared 3 new members, Ahmed Khan, and John/Deana Kitajima, have been added to the membership which totals 301 current members.  

 

VP Hiking & Trails – Gary along with Dan Kato updated the Board on the upcoming March 26, 2022 Trail Maintenance plans which identifies 5 trails at the top of the hills needing the most attention.  Dan indicated they’re hoping rain will prepare the trails for the most favorable maintenance.  Bernice indicated she’ll request volunteers to help with the lunch availability for 20-30 workers on March 26th since she is not available that date.  Cheryl stated many new individuals have moved to the Villages during the 2 year Covid times and some new members to support some “new club hike leaders” orientation in addition to what’s on our website to increase the number of new hiking leaders.  Dan agreed to partner with Gary when needed to share past records.

  

 VP Social – Bernice indicated that Game Night scheduled for Thursday March 10 at 6pm at Foothill will include cookies, snacks and beverages.  Attendees wishing adult drinks will be asked to bring their own beverages of choice. Advertisement will be included in the Villages Newspaper.  

 

4. Old Business

• Spring Trip to Chico – Bob outlined the Spring Chico Outing is planned for May 4-6, 2022 indicating the hikes had been reviewed earlier in the Bidwell Park area, reservation details with Oxford Suites were finalized and a Thursday dinner on Cinco de mayo is arranged at Tres Hombres. Board members approved.  Attachment 3.

 

• Hike Submission Procedure– Jim indicated he’d email a copy of the procedures that Dan had created that could be added to the club’s standing rules.  Attachment 4.

 

• Survey Results – Summary – Bob shared that the results of the survey have been emailed to the club members and he’d mention a few highlights at the February 28, 2022 General Club Meeting.

 

5. New Business– Bob announced the following presentations planned for the Club’s General Meetings:  February-Road Scholar Panel; March-Land Animals, Russ Glimes; April-Road Trip, Jim Koski; May-no meeting; June-Circumstances—the Annapurna Mountain, Franz Spickhoff; and August-Villages Story, Annette Mach. 

 

6. Next Meetings: General Meeting-Mon 2/28, Foothill, 7:30pm; Club Board Meeting-Thurs 3/24, 9:30am, Cribari Forum.

 

Meeting was adjourned at 11:10am.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Cheryl Allmen, Secretary

 

Attachment 1

The Villages Hiking Club 

General Fund – Financial Report 

January 2022

January 1, 2022 Beginning Book Balance: $ 3,231.59 

 Incom Member dues for 2022 (295x$7) $ 2,065.00 Member dues for 2022 (1x$7) $ 7.00 Member payment – Holiday Dinner (49x$25) $ 1,225.00 

 Total Income: $ 3,297.00  Expenses: $ Total Expenses: $ – January 31, 2022 Ending Book Balance: $ 6,528.59 

Submitted by: 

Gordon Carbonetti 

Treasurer 

 

Attachment 2

The Villages Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund – Financial Report

January 2022

 

January 1, 2022 Beginning Book Balance: $1,715.89 

Income: $ – Total Income: $ -0 

 Expenses: $ 0- 

January 31, 2022 Ending Book Balance: $1,715.89

Submitted by: 

Gordon Carbonetti 

Treasurer 

 

Attachment 3

The Villages Hiking Club

Spring Outing to Chico

May 4, 5 & 6, 2022

 

On May 4th, our destination will be the Oxford Suites at 2035 Business Lane, Chico, CA:

• We will be staying the nights of May 4th and 5th and departing Friday, May 6th.
• The price is $125.00 per night for a King Suite or $135.00 for a 2 Queen Suite. The price includes a Manager’s Reception each evening (featuring appetizers and your choice of wine, beer, or soft drinks) and a hot breakfast each morning.  
• Reservations must be made by April 4, 2022.  Call 530-899-9090 to book your room. Mention you are with the Villages Hiking Club to get this special price.  
• Alternately, you can book online with the following link:
  https://reservations.oxfordsuiteschico.com/106548?groupID=3421515&hotelID=106548#/guestsandrooms.  
• A fun driving stop on the way to Chico is Granzellas restaurant for lunch or snacks. It’s just off Interstate 5 in Williams, CA.  Check it out at www.granzellas.com.  
• Also, from Granzellas, it is a 20-minute drive up to the Sacramento Wildlife Refuge (https://www.fws.gov/refuge/Sacramento/visit/plan_your_visit.html), another interesting stop on the way to Chico.

After making your hotel reservations, please click on the following link: https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfDkSJ21UBgG3rxdNKOXQ1r5qkDj8Z5z1FcSQPtRT5DwjcNLw/viewform?usp=pp_url  

• This will register your participation on this Hiking Club outing, along with others staying with you.  

• A contact list will be distributed to all registered attendees after April 4th.  

• People are responsible for their own transportation to Chico, and may want to consider carpooling.

After the Manager’s Reception the first evening (May 4th), we will all meet in the hotel conference room to give everyone the details of the hikes planned for the following day and a list of other options of things to do and see in the area.

• Long, Rambler & Rambler-Lite hikes are planned in Bidwell Park on Thursday May 5th.  
• Bidwell Park encompasses 3,670 acres and is nearly 11 miles in length.

•  https://chico.ca.us/bidwell-park-maps

 

 

 

Thursday evening May 5th, we’ll have a group dinner at the following restaurant in downtown Chico:

• Tres Hombres, 100 Broadway St., Chico. Free shuttle service is available from the hotel. The building housing the restaurant is the oldest existing structure in what is now downtown Chico, completed in 1861 by John Bidwell, the founder of the Chico. 
• We’ll dine in the Blue Agave private dining room for a Mexican, fajita buffet which includes vegetarian offerings and a dessert. Coincidentally, our dinner is planned on Cinco de Mayo (May 5th) so it will be another good reason to gather and celebrate.   
• To keep the cost down, you will need to pay for your own beer, wine, alcohol, soft drinks and coffee, but the room has a private bar to accommodate this.  
• The meal will be prepaid.  To ease the administrative process, a $48.00 per person charge will be made directly to your Villages monthly statement. This amount includes tax, tip, and private room charge.  

If you have any questions, please feel free to contact Gary Lohr – VP Hiking & Trails 925-922-0217, Bernice Capitano – VP Social 408-425-2077 or Bob Bogdanoff – President 408-834-9657.

We look forward to seeing you in Chico.

The Hiking Club Board

 

Attachment 4

The Villages Hiking Club, Hike Submission Procedure.

(DRAFT 11/18/21, D. J. Kato)

 

1. The Vice President of Membership and Communications should coordinate and facilitate publication of hikes in The Villager and through e-mail blasts.  

 

1. The VP of Membership and Communications should be the sole communicator with The Villager for hike publications. Hike leaders and other parties should not submit their hikes directly to The Villager.

 

1. The VP of Trails should coordinate, facilitate, and approve all hikes. This includes obtaining hike leaders for all hikes including long hikes, rambler hikes and ramble-lite hikes.   The VP of Trails may appoint others to assist in obtaining hike leaders. The VP of Trails will approve all hikes before publication. 

 

1. All hikes proposed by hike leaders should be submitted directly to the VP of Trails. The VP of Trails should then approve and submit hikes to the VP of Membership and Communications. 

 

1. 1. All hike submissions should use the title format
      1. Day Date and Time(type):  
      2. All in bold type.  For example, 

• Saturday November 13 (Long Hike):

1. 1. A paragraph describing the hike, not in bold type, should follow the title. 

 

1. All submissions to the VP of Trails should be made at least three weeks in advance of the hike date to allow for sufficient publication lead time.  

 

1. Traditionally we have scheduled long hikes for Saturday and rambler hikes for Wednesdays.  However, hikes can be scheduled for any day of the week at the discretion of the hike leaders and VP of Trails.

  

 

Villages Hiking Club Board Meeting Minutes 

  Thursday, January 27, 2022.  9:30am, Forum – Cribari

1. Call to Order Bob Bogdanoff called the Villages Hiking Board Meeting to order at 9:32am.

 

2. Board Members: Board Members in attendance:  President – Bob Bogdanoff, VP Social – Bernice Capitano,

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer, Treasurer – Gordon Carbonetti, and Secretary – Cheryl Allmen.  

Absent:  VP Hiking & Trails – Gary Lohr.  Also in attendance were members Al Girolami and Dan Kato. 

 

1. Reports

a. Secretary – 2022 Secretary, Cheryl Allmen, had no report since meetings would be held later in January.  Previous Secretary, Gordon Carbonetti, indicated copies of the November 2021 general meeting minutes would be available at the January 2022 general meeting.  Additionally, he moved Board’s acceptance of the November 2021 General Hiking Club Meeting Minutes, second by Jim Beyer, passed.

b. Treasurer – Gordon Carbonetti indicated he had emailed 4 financial reports to the Board and then reviewed each of the reports with the Board members. He moved that all 4 reports be approved by the Board members, second by Bernice Capitano, passed. Current balances are $3,277.22 Hiking Club; $1,715.89; 3,431.59 12/21 Financial Report; and $2,80l.82, Hill Lands Project Fund. He indicated copies of the financial reports would be available at the January 31, 2022 general meeting. 

 c. VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer shared 10 members have be dropped and reimbursements were made to those requesting to be dropped.   One new member has been added and will be announced at the January general meeting.  Total membership = 301 members.  He also announced that he has updated the club’s application form and has new copies available in Cribari folder display and on the Hiking Club website.  Related to the club’s website, Jim also shared he’d given over 50 hours so far to develop potential updates to our website making it more robust and showcased numerous examples to illustrate the enhancements including membership, minutes, photo albums from previous years, etc.  He indicated enhancements were available using WordPress which 4 Village clubs are successfully utilizing. A motion was made by Bob, seconded by Bernice to allocate $120 for the first year, annual fee, to enable Jim to utilize WordPress to update and enhance the club’s website, passed. 

d. VP Hiking & Trails – Gary, no report as he was out-of-town. 

e. VP Social – Bernice announced that after the October Pismo Beach Hiking Club Trip expenses were paid and $218 extra revenue was added to our general club fund. Due to Covid regulations, the January soup social was canceled. Our next club social, Game Night and Snacks scheduled for March 10, 2022, will include non-alcoholic beverages provided by the Social group volunteers and also from our supplies.   Members will be asked to bring their games to share.  Planned publicity includes two weeks advertising in The Villager newspaper plus announcement at the January club meeting and on our website.  Other possible ways to acquaint our members with hiking club activities was discussed including Jim heading promotions on behalf of the Board and Bob creating some publicity outreaches.

f. President – Bob Bogdanoff indicated he had submitted recent articles to our weekly Villager newspaper including the tables and benches additions and the general upcoming meeting.  He’d communicated with Mary Tatum to ensure the hiking club continues in sharing its programs and activities at any upcoming Villages Orientations for new residents.  He indicated he is expecting the arrival of the newly ordered projector today. Bob also announced speakers planned for upcoming general club meetings:  January-Michelle Breslin; February-Panel on Road Scholars Hikes/Trips; March-Russ Glines – Animals in The Villages Hill Lands; April- Jim Koski (professional photographer) – 6 Month RV Road Trip Across SW America.

Related to our recent survey, Bob indicated a 16.7% response (47 respondents) and that he would schedule an additional Board meeting to review and discuss the member’s preferences and responses and the possibility of a Chico spring 2022 outing.  

 

Hearing no more immediate business, the Board meeting ended at 11:40am.

 

Respectfully submitted, 

Cheryl Allmen, Hiking Club Secretary

                                               Villages Hiking Club Board Meeting

                                                            January 23, 2020

 

1. Called to Order: Al Girolami called the meeting to order in Cribari Center at 9:40am followed by introductions of the new board members with each member sharing a bit about themselves.
2. Attendance: Board Members:  President- Al Girolami;   VP Hiking & Trails-Faye Swanson;  Treasurer- Rose Eagan;  VP Social-Michelle Breslin;  VP Membership & Website-Jim Beyer;  Secretary-Cheryl Allmen.

                Others:   Dan Kato-Hill Lands (ad hoc) Trail Committee.

3. Reports:
4. President’s Report, Al Girolami

Reminded the board of the Hiking Club mission statement.

1. Secretary’s Report, Cheryl Allmen: Minutes of the November 2019 Board Meeting, prepared by Debbie Siedband, were approved as modified.  Rose, with a second by Faye, moved to modify the statement on the second page to read: There will still be $500 available for unexpected expenses, omitting the word “entertainment”. Motion carried.   
2. Treasurer: Rose Eagan, as submitted by Past Treasurer, Al reported:
3. Hiking Club November 2019 Account:

Beginning Book Balance as of October 3, 2019:                                    $6,021.29

Income  0

Total Income: 0

Balance $6,021.29

Expenses:

Check (quarterly A/V      $99.00

Check (stamps)                 $22.00

Four Debit card uses for

Holiday party                     $467.71

10 Donation checks         $1,200

Total Expenses $1,788.71

Ending Book Balance as of November 30, 2019                    $4,232.58

 

2. Hiking Club November 2019 Hill Lands Project Fund Account

Note: Identical to #4 below (December 2019 ) Hill Lands

 

3. Hiking Club December 2019 Account:

 Beginning Book Balance, as of November 30, 2019:                          $4,232.58

Income:  0

Total Income:  0

Balance:   $4,232.58

Expenses:

Debit Card:  Holiday Party                             $1,284.11

Check: Reimbursement (Holiday Walk)    $15.27

Total Expenses:  $1,299.38

Ending Book Balance, as of December 31, 2019:              $2,933.20.*

* Not included is expected payment for Carmel Outing expenses of $326.15and income of $50 to be deposited check from the Fall Outing. Also, income from Accounting for the Holiday Party is expected to be $2268.

Note: Bank Balance is $2,933.20 with no checks or debit changes outstanding.*

 

4. Hiking Club December 2019 Hill Lands Project Fund Report

Beginning Book Balance, as of November 30, 2019: $2,281.82

Income:  0;  Expenses: 0.

Ending Book Balance as of December 31, 2019:   $2,281.82

NOTE: Related to these Funds, the Evergreen Villages Foundation (EVF) also had

$5,750 specifically allocated for “Hiking Club Trails” which represented donations

by individuals (Hiking Club members, Villagers, and even a non resident donor) due

to a Fund Raiser a few years ago for reconstruction of the Step Trail, installation of

additional picnic tables, and replacing the trail sign system. These funds, plus at

least $4,000 of other EVF funds have been allocated towards the nearly completed

Trail Signage Project with the remaining cost to be paid by the Villages Club. At

years end, the work is almost complete with only a few signs left to be installed.

EVF also has recently approved $1,300 for improving the trail from Rawhide to the

Upper Gardens.

Copies of the Treasurer’s report will be posted at the general meeting.

1. V.P. Membership and Website: Jim Beyer reports four new members, for a total of 295 members. Due to an oversight, members will be billed in February instead of January.
2. V.P. Hiking and Trails: Faye Swanson

Faye reported a fallen, hazardous tree on the Rawhide Trail to facilities.  She plans to work on adding a “Big Basin to the Sea” hike. She also suggests that on Saturday long hikes; the ramblers schedule a rambler leader ahead of time.  There is a need for long hike leaders. She proposes adding a photo of each rambler and long hike for inclusion in the post-hike emails sent to the membership.

1. V.P. Social: Michelle Breslin

January’s White Elephant Social was a success with 60 participants. It was recommended that participants show their gifts in the future.  The March 9^th game night will be coordinated by Kathryn since Michelle will not be available.  Michelle will coordinate the March lunch at Foothill (a $325 budgeted item) for workers who support the trail maintenance project.  She will consult with Jim to ensure access to the Gmail membership list is available for RSVPs for socials.

4. New Business
5. Hills Land Report-Dan Kato

Dan gave a historical overview of the necessary upgrades/improvements to the trails, its current needs for maintenance, the associated estimates of cost for proposed improvements and the subsequent decision of the Villages Board as outlined in his report.  He presented a draft of a letter on the third page of his handout with anticipation that it could be modified and forwarded to the VGCC Board providing responses to the Board’s concerns and the rationale/request for funding for additional trail modifications. He stated that the hiking club could no longer request quotes from contractors and all future estimates must be handled by facilities.  He made several recommendations:  1:  Schedule a meeting with maintenance to understand what they do, how to coordinate and prioritize work with facilities, understand what is covered by maintenance,  what they oversee/when and what process to go through to get firm quotes.  2.  As a priority for future funding, target improving the step trail in upper meadows for increased safety. 3.  Reach out to the Equestrian Club to join forces and coordinate efforts in improving the Steps Trail 4.  Prioritize the needs for improvement of the trails by developing a multi-year plan with a submittal to the Villages Board of our highest priorities for fiscal funding.  5.  Establish a Hill Lands Standing Trail Maintenance Committee for 2020 which Dan Kato would be willing to chair and report to Faye.  Jim motioned that the board approve this recommendation, which was seconded by Rose.  Motion carried. 6.Lastly, in an effort to speak as one voice, Dan requested that Al and the board make suggestions/revisions to the letter after which Dan will return the revised letter for Hiking Club Board approval. Once Al receives the latest draft, if there are no further changes, it will be shared with the Board for approval. Once all of the Board has had an opportunity to comment and eventually approve, Al will sign and deliver it to the VGCC Board.   

1. Board and Meeting Schedules

It was discussed that many clubs in the Villages do not meet as frequently during the summer.  Jim moved and Cheryl seconded that the Hiking Club eliminate the July general and board meetings from our calendar. Motion carried.   A revised schedule of 2020 general and board meeting schedule will be forwarded to the Board.

C Minutes and Treasurer’s Reports will be posted at each General Meeting.

1. Sunshine Committee Chair Terri Vivoli will serve as 2020 Chair. Cheryl Allmen will deliver resources folder to Terri.
2. Coffee/Snacks Chair

Cheryl has connected with Susan Brown, the 2020 Snacks Chair, and given her the signups for January and February.  It was discussed whether snacks should be donated or purchased.  It was recommended that the Chair make that decision.  Wendy has the coffee and beverage supplies and would like to pass them on to the next chair.  No volunteer has come forward to oversee the coffee/beverage oversight. Al stated that he would make sure that beverages and supplies would be at the coming General Meeting.

1. Spring/Fall Outing Chair appointment

Al recommends announcing the need to form a committee at the general meeting whose charge will be to determine the location and plan/coordinate future outings.  A discussion followed whether we would target one or two outings per year.  Determination of frequency will be determined once the committee forms.  Faye and Michelle will meet and report suggestions at the February Board meeting.

1. Hiking Club Mailbox Procedures. It was agreed that Al would pick up junk mail.   Jim will pick up membership applications and give Rose the checks and cash received from new members.
2. Future Programs

Michelle indicated that the club must notify Activities 2 weeks in advance if an activity includes alcohol. It’s preferable that BYOB is used.  If the club is to serve liquor, the club must use a Village’s server resulting in additional expense. Al noted that Lt. John Nores, Jr. (ret) would speak on Identifying and avoiding danger in our Wild Lands. Al added that he had speakers lined up for February and March, but he would appreciate ideas for other Programs.

5. Next Meeting: General Membership January 27, 2020 at 7:30pm, Foothill Center and Board Meeting on February 20, 2020 at 9:30am in the Forum Room.
6. Meeting Adjourned: 11:30am

Respectfully submitted,

Cheryl Allmen, Secretary

Board Meeting Minutes 21-Oct-2021

 

1.    Called to Order: 9:33am by President Al Girolami in the Patio Room at Cribari

 

2.    Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami                                   VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer         Treasurer – Sandy Petrin

Secretary – Gordon Carbonetti                       VP Hiking & Trails – Dan Kato (temp)

Also Attending: Bob Bogdanoff, Sy Gellman

 

3.    Reports

Secretary – GORDON CARBONETTI

·         Gordon presented the minutes for the September 23, 2021 Board Meeting and made a motion to approve them with a second by Jim Beyer. The approval motion passed unanimously.

·         Gordon presented a hardcopy draft of the HC Events for 2022 and asked for feedback before the next meeting.  It was suggested to re-sort the meeting groups to the following order: Social Events, GM Mtgs, Board Mtgs.

Treasurer – SANDY PETRIN

 

September 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

 

Beginning balance as of August 31, 2021                                                 $3,606.22

 

Income – Membership Dues (Terri Gavens, Kime Kim Tiger, Ling Yu)         $21.00

Income – Villages GCC (Summer Picnic proceeds)                                  $1,509.00

 

Expenses –

-Sept 22 ATM Withdrawal – Purchase gift cards for John Breslin and Alicia Finger for volunteering assistance with the Summer Picnic.                 ($100.00)

 

-Sept 22 – Bank charge for 3 books of new checks                                 ($34.00)

 

Ending balance as of September 30, 2021                                                 $5,002.22

Note: Bank Balance is $6,002.22 as Ck#1679 ($1,000) is outstanding

 

September 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of August 31, 2021                                                 $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                                $0.00

Ending Balance as of September 30, 2021                                               $2,801.82

 

·         The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Gordon, and seconded by Michelle, which passed unanimously.

Sunshine Committee – The HC made $50 donations to the Evergreen Village Foundation (in memory of Bob Hunley) and to the National Parks Conservation Association (in honor of Faye Swanson), both as requested by each family.

Donations – Sandy shared a draft of the 2021 Donations List which was identical to the 2020 Donations List.  Discussions followed covering potential updates, and two changes were made: reduce Greenbelt Alliance to $100, and add Big Basin State Park for $100 due to their significant wildfire damage sustained recently, with the $1200 total unchanged.  Gordon made a motion, and seconded by Jim to approve such changes, and it passed unanimously. The updated Donation list for 2021 was approved via motion made by Michelle and seconded by Jim and it passed unanimously.  Sandy will provide a final 2021 Donations List as amended, at the next Board Meeting.

2022 Budget – Sandy presented a draft 2022 Budget which was identical to the 2021 Budget except for the transfer of $500 from the HC General Account to the Hill Lands Account. Such transfer occurred in 2020 and earlier years, but not in 2021 due to Covid concerns.  The 2022 Budget was unanimously approved by a motion made by Gordon and seconded by Michelle.

 

VP Membership & Website – JIM BEYER

·         Jim reported we have one new member (Joy Rem) and the total current membership now stands at 305

·         There will be a memorial hike (to the picnic area above the Upper Gardens) for Faye on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 9a. There will also be a remembrance event for Faye at Foothill at 2p with cookies (provided by family) and coffee, with words from the family and other Villagers. Jim said there could be up to 80 people there.  Al would like to add a Faye-remembrance plaque to one of the new benches in the Hill Lands, since she was so instrumental in acquiring them. There will be no cost to the HC.

VP Hiking & Trails – DAN KATO

·         Dan reported all long hikes in October are booked, and he will likely do a Mt. Diablo hike in November.

·         Al wanted to review how hike information flows to the Villager.  Dan, Bonnie and Sy should inform Jim of the various hikes, and Jim will get it into the Villager in a standard format.

·         Michelle will send out hike information on Cotoni-Coast National Monument, with the caveat that high clearance vehicles are recommended.

VP Social – MICHELLE BRESLIN

·         Michelle advised the Pismo Beach Outing was very good.  People said all the hikes went very well.  Dinner was delicious and was held in the restaurant’s private tent.  Given nearly 25% member cancellations we were looking at a large contractual revenue shortfall with the restaurant.  After a brief negotiation, we agreed to eliminate the shortfall by buying about $280 of wine for dinner. This was about the amount we made from the Summer BBQ, so the outing was about breakeven for the HC.  There were four long hikers who donated champagne used for a toast to Faye.  Two people did kayaking. There were about 10 people who stayed the extra night to attend the Thursday night Farmer’s Market in San Luis Obispo, but the tri-tip sandwiches from McLintocks were disappointing.

·         Game Night will be added to the schedule on November 11, 2021 at Vineyard at 7p.  This event never made the planned 2021 schedule, but Michelle was able to add it. She is thinking about making it a dessert potluck event.

·         Holliday Lights Walk, Hidden Path Walk and Holiday Party will be planned next.

Old Business – AL GIROLAMI, DAN KATO, MICHELLE BRESLIN

·         Picnic Table, other Hill Lands Projects – Dan said the VGCC contacted him and Al saying the picnic table cost is now $1300, and asking the HC to agree to a not-to-exceed” amount of $1300. Al says if the Villages had agreed to get the Picnic table when we originally asked, the cost would have been less than $1000.  Al will respond to the Villages on this.  All other Hill Land projects will be addressed in the Spring of 2022.

·         SJFD Fire Danger Review, Grazing Background – The Wildland Fire Manager from the SJ (San Jose) FD was unable to hike the Hill Lands with us to investigate local wildfire risk of years of underbrush build-up, which is a severe fire hazard to VGCC. However, he talked to Michelle to provide background information and said re-introducing cattle grazing would help reduce wildfire risk.  Regarding more background information, Dan Kato said he spoke to Bill Johnston, and Bill told him he went to VGCC Club Board President Mike Falarski about Grazing. Bill said Falarski said we’re not going to it now; we don’t have time and it’s not worth doing it. So, Bill dropped it.

 

President Report, New Business – Al Girolami

·         Grazing Proposal – Michelle learned from Julia Meadows that a Club must submit a Villages Board proposal, not an individual.  SJFD is very supportive of returning seasonal grazing to the Hill Lands as it reduces the fire hazard of the mass of dry vegetation on the ground due to 24 years of not grazing.  Michelle measured ground thatch in our Hill Lands in 3 or 4 places and found there are 9-15 inches built up on the hillsides.  Plus, many of our trees have grown all the way down to the ground, which becomes a fire ladder in wildfire conditions.  Grass fires will move up hill and could get into the trees (crown fire) and start creating its own wind.  Cattle will eat almost everything including poison oak and will eat up 6 feet into trees and thus trim the trees and reduce fire ladders.  Rich Vargas, the rancher on our southern border, wants to ride with us on the Hill Lands to see for himself the viability of grazing his cattle. He also may be willing to repair the infrastructure for capturing spring water in our Hill Lands.  He did that 24 years ago. Jim made a motion to approve moving forward on the Cattle Grazing proposal with a committee led by Michelle.  Gordon seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

·         Al again asked for volunteers for Board Positions for 2022. Open positions are VP-Trails and VP-Social. At the October 2021 General Membership meeting this should be firmly announced.  If no members step up, it should be emphasized that some HC events will be eliminated.  A new slate of volunteer candidates must be presented, with voting and approval to occur at the General Membership Meeting in November.

 

4.    Next Meetings

·         November General Membership – Monday, November 29, 2021, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Sempervirens (Sara Barth)

·         NO DECEMBER MEETINGS

·         January General Membership – Monday, January 31, 2022, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: TBD.

·         January Board Meeting – Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 9:30am, in the Forum Room in Cribari.

 

5.    Meeting Adjourned – The meeting adjourned at 11:15a.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Gordon Carbonetti – Secretary

General Membership Meeting Minutes 25-Oct-2021

 

1.    Called to Order: 7:30pm by President Al Girolami in the Patio Room at Cribari

 

2.    Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami                                   VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer         Treasurer – Sandy Petrin

Secretary – Gordon Carbonetti                       Total Other Attendees – 33

Excused Absence – Dan Kato VP Hiking & Trails (volunteer temp)

 

3.    Reports

President’ Message – AL GIROLAMI

·         Re-routing Trails Upper Meadow area and Garden Steps – We expect the work to start in the Spring 2022.  There is a possibility equipment can be brought in sooner than the Spring when the ground is softer, but we’ll have to see.

·         Cattle Grazing – Many experts say cattle grazing reduces fire danger in the hills.  Michelle Breslin is leading the HC grazing effort with assistance from Dan Kato and Bill Johnston. As the previous Villages Board rejected this idea two years ago, the idea is to re-energize this with the new Villages Board.  One proposal is considering grazing only for a few months of the year (perhaps during the slow hiking months) over a 5-year trial period.

·         Use of the Internet – All Board and General Membership meeting minutes, financial reports and other pertinent information are uploaded to the HC website.  Hard copies covering the previous month’s meeting are provided for review at the General Membership Meetings at the back of the room.

·         2022 Budget, Donations at Yearend 2022 – The Board approved a slight change in the HC donations for 2022 compared to those approved for 2021.  A $100 donation was added to Big Basin due to their significant wildfire damage sustained recently, and a $100 reduction to the Greenbelt Alliance donation (now $100 after the change) with the resulting net total donation of $1200 unchanged.

·         Picnic Table at the NE corner of the Hill Lands – Al said the table will be ordered shortly by the VGCC.  The HC will pay for the table (approx. $1200), but the VGCC will install.

·         Need Volunteers – Al again asked for volunteers to take on the open Board positions – President, VP Social and VP Hiking & Trails.

Secretary – GORDON CARBONETTI

·         Gordon presented the minutes for the September 27, 2021, General Membership Meeting.  A motion to approve the minutes was made by Deb Siedband with a second by Michelle Breslin, and the motion passed unanimously.

Treasurer – SANDY PETRIN

 

September 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

 

Beginning balance as of August 31, 2021                                                 $3,606.22

 

Income – Membership Dues (Terri Gavens, Kime Kim Tiger, Ling Yu)         $21.00

Income – Villages GCC (Summer Picnic proceeds)                                  $1,509.00

 

Expenses –

-Sept 22 ATM Withdrawal – Purchase gift cards for John Breslin and Alicia Finger for volunteering assistance with the Summer Picnic.                 ($100.00)

 

-Sept 22 – Bank charge for 3 books of new checks                                 ($34.00)

 

Ending balance as of September 30, 2021                                                 $5,002.22

Note: Bank Balance is $6,002.22 as Ck#1679 ($1,000) is outstanding

 

September 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of August 31, 2021                                                 $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                                $0.00

Ending Balance as of September 30, 2021                                               $2,801.82

 

·         The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Johanna Bakkar, and seconded by Bonnie Preston, and it passed unanimously.

Sunshine Committee – The HC made $50 donations to the Evergreen Village Foundation (in memory of Bob Hunley) and to the National Parks Conservation Association (in honor of Faye Swanson), both as requested by each family. Terri Vivoli sent one of her hand-crafted cards with HC condolences to the family of Bob Hunley.

 

VP Membership & Website – JIM BEYER

·         Jim reported we have three new members (Joy Rem, John and Mary Bork) and the total current membership now stands at 306

·         Jim said he is leading the effort to publicize information for all the hikes and events in the Villager, and to the members via emails.

·         There will be a memorial hike (to the picnic area above the Upper Gardens) for Faye on Saturday, October 30, 2021, at 9a. There will also be a remembrance event for Faye at Foothill at 2p with cookies (provided by family) and coffee, with words from the family and other Villagers. Jim encouraged anyone to share their memories of Faye during this event.

·         Jim reminded all that the HC started in 1977, and if no one steps forward to be President for 2022, the HC will have to shut down per Villages rules.

 

 

VP Social – MICHELLE BRESLIN

·         Michelle said the Pismo Beach Outing turned out very well.

·         She just emailed out to all, information about Santa Teresa County Park Trail Day. It’s not a HC-sponsored event, but usually fun nonetheless.

·         Game Night will be added to the schedule on November 11, 2021 at Vineyard at 6p or 7p.  This event never made the planned 2021 schedule, but Michelle was able to add it. Her idea is to make it a simple evening event providing some snacks, desserts, and hot cider. Please bring board games and masks. There will also be a National Park Trivia Game at the end.

·         Hidden Paths Walk, Holiday Party, and Holliday Lights Walk and will be planned next.

 

 

4.    Next Meetings

·         November General Membership – Monday, November 29, 2021, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Sempervirens (Sara Barth)

·         NO DECEMBER MEETINGS

·         January General Membership – Monday, January 31, 2022, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: TBD.

·         January Board Meeting – Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 9:30am, in the Forum Room in Cribari.

 

5.    Meeting Adjourned, Cookies and Program – The business meeting adjourned at 7:55p.  After a short break with cookies provided by Manoli Kelly, Cheryl Allmen and Susan Brown, Al Girolami introduce John Trudeau who gave a very informative presentation on his hiking exploits in the Eastern Sierra of California.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Gordon Carbonetti – Secretary

Board Meeting Minutes 18-Nov-2021

 

Villages Hiking Club –Board Meeting Minutes 18-Nov-2021

 

1. Called to Order: 9:34am by President Al Girolami at Cribari Forum Room

 

2. Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami                                     VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer        Secretary – Gordon Carbonetti

VP Hiking & Trails – Dan Kato (acting volunteer)

Excused Absence – Sandy Petrin

 

Also attending: Bob Bogdanoff, Bernice Capitano, Gary Lohr

 

 

3. Reports

Secretary – GORDON CARBONETTI

• Gordon presented the minutes for the October 21, 2021, Board Meeting.  A motion to approve the minutes was made by Jim Beyer with a second by Michelle Breslin, and the motion passed unanimously.
• Gordon will send the updated 2022 Events Schedule to Jim for website upload.

Treasurer – SANDY PETRIN (Al Girolami reported in Sandy’s absence)

 

October 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of September 30, 2021                                           $5,002.22

 

Income – Oct 21 Cash Donation from the long-hikers for Champagne at the Cracked Crab in honor of Faye Swanson                                                             $160.00

 

Expenses –

-Oct   6 Chk#1681 – Cracked Crab (dinner at Pismo Outing).            ($1,785.00)

-Oct 20 Chk#1682 – Evergreen Villages Foundation (in memory of Bob Hunley)

($50.00)

-Oct 20 Chk#1683 – National Parks Conservation Association (in honor of Faye Swanson)                                                                                                 ($50.00)

Ending balance as of October 31, 2021                                                    $3,277.22

Note: Bank Balance is $3,327.22 as Ck#1683 ($50.00) is outstanding

 

October 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of September 30, 2021                                          $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                                $0.00

Ending Balance as of October 31, 2021                                                   $2,801.82

 

• The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Gordon, and seconded by Jim, and it passed unanimously.

 

2022 Budget – The 2022 Hiking Club Budget remains the same as the 2021 budget except for the addition of a planned $500 contribution in 2022 to the Hill Lands Account. A copy of the 2022 budget is attached to these minutes.

2021/2022 Donations Lists – For end-of-year donations in 2021, it was recommended to add a $100.00 donation to Big Basin (Mountain Parks Foundation – Big Basin Recovery Fund) for damage sustained in the fires of Summer 2021, and to reduce the donation to Greenbelt Alliance (by $100.00) to $100.00.  The total of all year-end donations of $1,200.00 remains unchanged from previous years. Checks will be sent out in December. The Board also recommended to carry over the same donations to 2022. The list of Donations planned in 2022 is attached to these minutes.

• The Budget and Donations were approved by a motion made by Gordon, and seconded by Jim, and they passed unanimously

Sunshine Committee – No news was reported.

 

 

VP Membership & Website – JIM BEYER

• Jim reported we have two new members (Stephanie Bogdanoff and Richard Schram) and the total current membership now stands at 308
• Jim said the October memorial events for Faye Swanson went very well with up to 55 attendees. A special thank-you went to Dan Kato for his guitar work and songs he sang at the memorial in Foothill Center.
• Al, at his expense, provided and installed on the bench on Buffalo Trail, a plaque honoring Faye.  Thanks go to Al Girolami.
• Al said annual dues have been $7.00 for many years, and the new Board can decide if an increase is warranted.

 

VP Trails –Dan Kato (acting)

• Hike information continues to be published in The Villager, and emails go out as well.  We should strive to publish hike information in the Villager newspaper two weeks in advance.
• Dan suggested the new Board formulate the process in getting Hike information out to the members.  Perhaps such a process can be put into the club’s Standing Rules.  (The Board can approve updates to the Standing Rules, whereas By-Law updates need full membership approval.) Jim volunteered to write up a draft process for Standing Rules update and will share with Dan.  Jim Beyer volunteered to write up the first draft.
• Outside people may join hikes but will need to sign liability releases.
• Al suggested the new Board decide on what 2022 out-of-town outings to plan.
• Dan offered his assistance in 2022 to the new VP Trails.

VP Social – MICHELLE BRESLIN

• Michelle reported Game Night was held November 11, 2021, at Vineyard with about 10-15 attendees and with several desserts and hot beverages provided. The hot holiday cider was a hit.  Two very spirited games of “Sequence” took place followed by a challenging trivia test about National Parks.  A good time was had by all.
• Russ no longer wants to do the coffee at the events.  A discussion about coffee strategy took place and cutting back on coffee at certain events seemed agreeable.
• The annual Holiday Party will be held December 9, 2021, at the Cribari Auditorium. To keep the cost down, the current plan is to scale back the dinner menu from previous years to a lasagna/pasta dinner with salad and bread with the possibility of members bringing desserts to share. Estimated cost is $25 per attendee and was agreeable.
• Michelle will get a room for the Holiday Lights Walk and will advise details to the membership.

 

 

4. Old Business

Cattle Grazing – Michelle Breslin, Committee Chair

• Michelle attended the recent Villages Board Meeting with Bill Johnston. She learned there is a new process in place to review club projects, and the Grazing process has been accepted for review in 2022. A Villages Board member will be assigned to oversee the review process, which she said could take a year or more.
• One HC member issued a written opinion to the Villages Board objecting to Grazing in the Hill Lands. One alternative is to bring goats onto the property, but the cost is prohibitive at $800/acre.
• Support for Grazing was lost from the Equestrian Club due to the fear cattle could spook the horses.
• We lost Sustainability Club support too with concerns of cattle’s methane production.

Performance Fabric Long Sleeve Shirts – Michelle Breslin

• She is still working on a logo and could use help from other members, or we can consider hiring a graphic designer to assist.
• This subject should be raised at a future Membership meeting for suggestions.

Hill Lands Projects – Dan Kato

• Upper Meadow Trail re-route should be done Spring 2022
• Garden Steps bypass trail should be done Spring 2022
• New picnic table at the NE corner of the Hill Lands property is purchased and will be installed before year-end 2021 at a not-to-exceed cost to the HC of $1300.
• Upper Bay Trail re-route is to be worked in 2022.
• Putting ski resort type signage at each Hill Lands trailheads is to be worked in 2022

 

Keys for The HC Storage Cage in the Corporation Yard – all

• Keys are with the President, VP Social, VP Trails, VP Membership and Hill Lands Project Leader, and should be passed on to the appropriate incoming Board members.

Slate of Officers for the 2022 Hiking Club Board – Al Girolami

• The following HC members have volunteered to run for the 2022 Board and they comprise the current slate.  At the November General Membership Meeting, Al said he will ask for any other volunteers to step forward to be added to the slate. The final election by the General Membership will follow.

President – Bob Bogdanoff

Vice President for Hiking & Trails – Gary Lohr

Vice President for Socials – Bernice Capitano

Vice President for Membership and Communications – Jim Beyer

Treasurer – Gordon Carbonetti

Secretary – Cheryl Allmen

• Al also said that before the end of January 2022, the current Treasurer along with the new President and Treasurer should meet with USBank to transition those two new officers to the hiking bank accounts.

 

5. Next Meetings

• November General Membership Meeting – Monday November 29, 2021, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Sara Barth of the Sempervirens Fund to discuss California Redwoods in the Santa Cruz Mountains.
• January Board Meeting – Thursday, January 27, 2022, at 9:30am, in the Forum Room in Cribari.
• January General Membership – Monday, January 31, 2022, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Michelle Breslin speaking about Grazing in The Villages Hill Lands.
• February Board Meeting – Thursday, February 24, 2022, at 9:30am, in the Forum Room in Cribari.
• February General Membership – Monday, February 28, 2022, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: TBA.

 

6. Meeting Adjourned – The Board meeting adjourned at 11:05am. There will be no Board or General Membership meetings in December.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

 

Gordon Carbonetti – Secretary

 

 Villages Hiking Club – Board Meeting Minutes 23-Sept-2021

Called to Order: 9:03am by President Al Girolami

Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami.                                  VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer         Treasurer – Sandy Petrin

Secretary – Gordon Carbonetti (via Zoom).    Dan Kato as Hill Lands Com Chair

Reports

Update – Memorial for Faye Swanson (RIP September 19, 2021) – JIM BEYER

In an email Sunday night September 19, 2021 and with a heavy heart Al Girolami announced the passing of Faye Swanson (VP Trails) that night.

Faye’s daughter Erica, reached out to Jim Beyer this week and he met with Faye’s three children. Erica said OK to a Village’s Memorial service for her. Faye’s two sons, Charles, and Miles will also plan to attend. Jim said all three children were a pleasure to deal with, but they said Faye’s husband Ray might not attend the Memorial.

Erica said the cremation process should take about three weeks to complete, and that Faye’s condo will be put up for sale in due course.

The children also told Jim that Faye was at her happiest while at the Village’s and active with the library in addition to the Hiking Club (HC). Jim encouraged Erica to place an article about Faye in the Villager and gave her the Villager contact info.

Jim volunteered to take the lead for all activities for Faye related to the HC.  It was suggested to Jim to invite Faye’s sister-in-law to the Memorial Service. She lives near San Luis Obispo and Faye was close to her in recent years.

Secretary – GORDON CARBONETTI

Sandy Petrin made a motion to approve the minutes of the August 26, 2021, Board Meeting.  Jim Beyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

Treasurer – SANDY PETRIN

August 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of July 31, 2021                                                      $4,602.22

Income – Membership Dues (Benjamin Friedlander, Jill Barber,                   $21.00

Judith Owen)

Expenses –

Ck#1679 8/7 Cracked Crab (Pismo Beach Outing Dinner)                ($1,000.00)

Ck#16808/23 Maria Montiel (picnic Refund for over-charge)                  ($17.00)

Ending balance as of August 31, 2021.                                                      $3,602.22

Note: Bank Balance is $4,606.22 as Ck#1679 is outstanding

August 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of July 31, 2021                                                     $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                                $0.00

Ending Balance as of August 31, 2021                                                     $2,801.82

The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Gordon, and seconded by Michelle, and it passed unanimously.

Status of Summer Picnic Income – Sandy said we cleared $293.85 in profits for the Summer Picnic in July 2021: Revenue was $1,509.00, Expenses were $1,198.15, an over-charged amount was $17.00.

Sunshine Committee – Sandy is standing by to determine who shall receive a hand-painted condolence card by Terri Vivoli for Faye Swanson.  Jim Beyer says Faye’s daughter Erica is the executor of Faye’s affairs, so he will get her address and send it to Sandy. Jim also said we need to decide what to do with the $50.00 usually donated as directed by the family. Al said his wife Vera is not in good shape and has been in the hospital for 33 days. Al asked if another card can be sent to Vera as it lifts her spirits. Sandy will coordinate this with Terri.

VP Membership & Website – JIM BEYER

Jim reported with a few new HC members in September and the revised status of Faye, the total current membership now stands at 304.  Al asked Jim to try to recognize new members at the next general membership meeting.

VP Hiking & Trails – DAN KATO, JIM BEYER, AL GIROLAMI

Given Faye’s passing, Dan Kato is willing to help with this function on an interim basis, along with assistance from Jim and Al.  Dan will focus on long hikes, plus getting information from hike leaders passed along to the General Membership. Jim will help with newspaper write-ups and coordinating interface with the Villager staff.  Also, Dan asked Jim Beyer for a list of members to review to possibly approach for hike-leader positions.

VP Social – MICHELLE BRESLIN

While out of town for the HC Potluck Dinner, Michelle’s helpers reported the attendance for the HC Potluck Dinner was about half that of the Summer Picnic.  However, it was felt the event attracted plenty of food and was a success even though some of us had to battle bees to get to some of the dishes.

The Board also unanimously agreed to give a $50 gift card each to Michelle’s son John, and his girlfriend Alicia, who both helped tremendously supporting the HC’s Summer Picnic.

Michelle advised the Pismo Beach Outing is now down to 33 people, and thus will likely run a deficit.  This arose due to some late cancelations by some members and the agreed dinner minimum with the Cracked Crab restaurant.  This was further complicated by the fact that at least 3 couples asked to split a meal, which is not ideal (loss of $200 revenue) with the type of table dinner Cracked Crab serves. Michelle hopes the deficit will be mitigated by the anticipated bar bill.  Also, Michelle advised in the future to tell members upfront that split meals are not allowed. In any event, Michelle said the Restaurant and Hotel have been accommodating.  Dan Kato and Deb Siedband will work to suggest long hikes in the Pismo area. Sandy and John Petrin will organize the Rambler hikes.

Michelle informed all her final Board Meeting will be the October meeting.

Al tabled discussions on the HC T-shirts and preparing the 2022 Meeting Schedule for distribution to members till the Next Board Meeting.

President Report, Old Business – AL GIROLAMI, DAN KATO

Al says both new table/benches have been installed by the VGCC in the Hill Lands on Buffalo and Upper Meadow Trails, so that project is completed.

There is no new news about the status of the new picnic table to be purchased (HC pays) and installed by the VGCC near the NE corner of the Hill Lands.

Michelle advised that the Wildland Fire Manager from the SJ (San Jose) FD has agreed to hike the Hill Lands with us (w/Bill Johnston) to investigate local wildfire risk of years of underbrush build-up, which is a severe fire hazard to VGCC.  Re-introducing cattle grazing may help in this effort.

President Report, New Business – Al Girolami

Al asked Sandy to start preparing the 2022 HC Budget to be adopted in November 2021. Al suggested using the 2021 budget as the template for the 2022 budget except to incorporate another $500.00 transfer from the HC main account to the Hill Lands account. We did this in 2019, but not in 2020 due to COVID concerns. Sandy asked and got approval to order more checks

Al asking for volunteers for Board Positions for 2022. At the October 2021 General Membership meeting a new slate of volunteer candidates must be presented, with voting and approval to occur at the General Membership Meeting in November.

Next Meetings

September General Membership – Monday, September 27, 2021, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Villager, Peter Holmes will talk about his favorite hobby of finding wild mushrooms.

October Board Meeting – Thursday, October 21, 2021 at 9:30am, in the Patio Room in Cribari.

October General Membership – Monday, October 25, 2021, at 7:30pm in the Foothill Center (please bring your mask). Program: Villager, John Trudeau with talk about hiking the Eastern Sierras.

Meeting Adjourned – The meeting adjourned at 10:03a after a motion by Jim and second by Sandy.

Respectfully submitted,

Gordon Carbonetti – Secretary

 

Villages Hiking Club – Board Meeting Minutes 26-Aug-2021

 

1.    Called to Order: 9:00am by President Al Girolami

 

2.    Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami

VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer

Treasurer – Sandy Petrin

Also attending were Deb Siedband as Secretary, and Dan Kato as Hill Lands Committee Chair,  (6 Total Attendees)

Excused Absence: Faye Swanson, Gordon Carbonetti

 

3.    Reports

Secretary

·         Sandy Petrin made a motion to approve the minutes of the June 24, 2021, Board Meeting.  Jim Beyer seconded the motion and it passed unanimously by the four Board members present.

 

Treasurer

June 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of May 31, 2021                                                      $6,185.15

Income – Membership Dues (Linda Dumont, Laurence & Arlene Versaw,     $42.00

Patricia Norton, Judith McAlister, Margaret Orandi-Knop)

Balance                                                                                                      $6,227.15

Expense – Chk#1677 Faye Swanson (Two Convertible Tables)                ($457.78)

Ending balance as of June 30, 2021                                                          $5,769.37

Note   – Book balance is $6,227.15 as Ck#1677 is outstanding.                                                                            

 

 

June 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of May 31, 2021                                                      $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                                 $0.00

Ending Balance as of June 30, 2021                                                         $2,801.82

 

 

July 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of June 30, 20201                                                   $5,769.37

Income – Membership Dues (Marge McCandless, Martin Funcell,                $28.00

Carmel Smith, Kelly)

Income – Donation (Kelly)                                                                                $3.00

Balance                                                                                                      $5,800.37

 

 

Expenses –

Ck#1675 Michelle Breslin (Picnic supplies)                                          ($848.15)

Ck#1678 Steve Siacotos (Picnic Entertainer)                                       ($350.00)

Ending balance as of July 31, 2021.                                                         $4,602.22

                                                                           

July  2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of June 30, 2021                                                   $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                               $0.00

Ending Balance as of July 31, 2021.                                                        $2,801.82

 

·         The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Al, and seconded by Michelle, and it passed.

 

Sunshine Committee – Sandy reported hand-painted cards by Terri Vivoli are going to Vera Girolami and Nancy Mosher-Williams. Both had recent surgeries. Plus a farewell to Nancy and her husband who are moving away from the Villages.

 

VP Membership & Website

·         Jim reported there were 8 new members added since June 2021, and current membership now totals 303.

 

President Report

·         Al introduced discussion about possibly changing the HC Standing Rules to allow reimbursement of minor reasonable expenses incurred by hike leaders, as a request came in for hiking map copying fees.  Jim Pointed out that changing such rules is a major effort requiring both Board and General Membership approvals. 

·         The President already has the power to authorize expenditures.

·         Sandy and Michelle agreed we’ve been struggling to attract hike leaders, and leaders are required to provide maps and driving directions for hikes being led. Refusing such copying costs would likely negatively impact attracting hike leaders.

·         Al pointed out there is already $1000 set aside by the HC to help a driver involved in an accident to offset insurance deductible costs.

·         It was mentioned that others have billed the HC for small amounts for Hill Lands projects, so there is a precedent established.

·         It was agreed that for now, Al can allow up to $10 for hike leader costs, and the full Board can re-visit this issue at a later date.

 

Hill Lands Special Projects Update – Dan Kato

·         Cage Inventory – Dan and Faye completed the inventory of the HC cage in the Corporation Yard facility. Their inventory report/list is attached to these minutes.  Every inventoried item has a unique ID# and new items will be assigned new ID numbers. Dan reported there is a list HC members can use to check items out and in. He also reminded us that you must make an actual appointment at the Corporation Yard one day in advance to check out an item. Dan recommended such inventory be accomplished annually.

·         Dan also reported the HC has a Small Locker #3 in Cribari that contains two First Aid Kits.  Faye has one of them now. Al says there is a separate list for hike leaders to check out these First Aid Kits

 

VP Social

·         Michelle reported the HC Potluck Dinner will be held on Thursday, Sept 9^th at 5:30p. While Michelle will be out of town for this event, she will leave check lists and instructions for whomever leads this event. (as a post-Board Meeting item it is understood Wendy Ledamun will lead this event). 

·         Covid protocols will be followed for this event.  There will be either be official servers or people will have to don gloves to serve themselves.  Hand sanitizer will be available.  Sanitizer, water, games, and other supplies will need to be checked out of the HC Cage the day before.

·         Al suggested to cover the details of the October 2021 Pismo Beach trip at the next Board Meeting.

    

Miscellaneous Items

·         Nomination of New Board – Al wants to form a committee to begin finding candidates for next year’s Board.  Bob Bogdanoff will be approached.  Jim Beyer will help, and Wate Bakker will be invited. The slate of candidates must be presented at the October 2021 General Membership Meeting.  Voting and approval will occur at the November General Membership Meeting.

·         Events for 2022– Al and Michelle submitted the HC event schedule for 2022 to Mary Tatum, and it has been approved.

·         Updated Hill Lands Map – Jim Beyer saw John Trudeau and learned John made some changes to the Hill Lands map.  Dan said this should have gone through the Hill Lands Committee. Dan will try to speak with John.  Al requested Dan to see if John would “pencil in” the new proposed trail improvements.

·         New Bench/Tables – Al reported the two new bench/tables were installed by the Villages on Buffalo and Upper Meadow Trails.  Al believed Russ Glines made the installation request.

·         Trail Blockage– Michelle has been following an ongoing conflict at the junction of Bay, Farm and Richter Trails.  She said someone blocked a side trail with tree branches. Al will talk to Russ to see if the Villages can clear this.

·         AV Equipment – Due to Covid concerns, the Villages has stopped providing AV Equipment for club meetings.  John Trudeau offered his own equipment which will be used for the General Meeting on Aug.30^th.

·         Other – Al suggested T-shirts and Trail news be covered at the next Board mtg.

 

 

 

4.    Next Meetings

·         General Membership – Monday, August 30, 2021 at 7:30pm. Program: Liz Giarratana to speak on her hike of portions of the Appalachian Trail. 

·         Next Board Meeting – Thursday, September 23, 2021 at 9:30am, with meeting details to follow.

 

5.    Meeting Adjourned – The meeting adjourned at 10:00a after a motion by Deb and second by Jim.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Gordon Carbonetti  –  Secretary, with invaluable assistance provided by Deb Siedband

 

Note: See following page for Cage Inventory List.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Villages Hiking Club – Board Meeting Minutes (via Zoom)   24-June-2021

 

1.    Called to Order: 9:30am by President Al Girolami

 

2.    Attending Board Members:

President – Al Girolami

VP Hiking & Trails – Faye Swanson

VP Social – Michelle Breslin

VP Membership & Website – Jim Beyer

Treasurer – Sandy Petrin

Secretary – Gordon Carbonetti

Also attending was Dan Kato (7 Total Attendees)

 

3.    Reports

Secretary

·         Gordon made a motion to approve the minutes of the April 26, 2021 Board Meeting.  Sandy seconded the motion and it passed unanimously.

 

Treasurer

April 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of March 31, 2021                                                  $6,362.85

Income – Membership Dues (Diemmy Ly-Henderson).                                   $7.00

Expense – Trail Tools – 2 Rogue Hoe Rakes (Faye Swanson)                  ($177.54)

Expenses – Paper for Trail Maps (Peter Holmes)                                         ($25.56)

Ending balance as of April 30, 2021                                                          $6,166.75

 

April 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of March 31, 2021.                                                 $2,801.82

No Income                                                                                                        $0.00

No Expenses                                                                                                    $0.00

Ending Balance as of April 30, 2021                                                         $2,801.82

 

May 2021 Hiking Club General Fund

Beginning balance as of April 30, 20201                                                   $6,166.75

Income – Membership Dues (May DeLucchi, Bernice Capitano,                   $63.00

Gerhard Ringel, Mary Ringel, Andrea Alvarez, Sam Harper,

Elsie Dean, Julia Barraza, Kim Silverman)

Balance                                                                                                      $6,229.75

Expenses –

Ck#1675 Michelle Breslin (Secret Challenge supplies)                           ($44.60)

Ending balance as of May 31, 2021.                                                         $6,185.15

Note   – Book balance is $6,229.75 as Ck 1675 is outstanding.                                                                            

 

 

May 2021 Hiking Club Hill Lands Project Fund

Beginning balance as of April 30, 2021                                                    $2,801.82

No Income and Expenses                                                                               $0.00

Ending Balance as of May 31, 2021.                                                       $2,801.82

 

·         The preceding Financial Report was approved by a motion made by Michelle, and seconded by Gordon, and it passed unanimously.

 

Sunshine Committee – Sandy reported a card is going to Bonnie Preston who is recovering from pneumonia, and to Dot (Dorothy) Armbruster who is recovering from shoulder surgery. Again, Terri Vivoli sends out beautiful hand-made cards on behalf of the Hiking Club, and we thank her for her efforts.

 

 

VP Membership & Website

·         Jim advised we added 13 new members to the HC, while we lost one member to a relocation.  Current membership now totals 295.

·         As Cribari is now open, Jim reminded us mail slots are back in use for applications and new member checks.

·         Jim also reported he started posting to the website information on hikes and other HC activities including pictures.

 

 

Hill Lands Special Projects Update – Dan Kato

·         Dan reported he contacted Tim for next steps in the Hill Lands Projects, and Tim will let him know within a week or two.

·         Dan said all blue dot signs related to the Secret Spot Challenge have been recovered. 

·         Extra tools for Trail Maintenance are with Russ Glines or hidden near hill land trails.

·         Action Item– Al would like an inventory of all HC tools performed by the next Board Meeting (August 2021).

·         Cage Keys – Per Jim Beyer, there are four keys for HC cage storage (President, Membership, Trails, Social). Two keys are accounted for, and AL and Faye are looking for the other two.  Al said he will make two keys for himself and Dan. 

 

 VP Hiking & Trails

·         Faye is having trouble finding long-hike leaders. Some people say they can’t go out on Saturdays. Also, on the weekends parking is tougher and trail traffic is high. Faye will consider changing days of week.  Also, when long-hikes are planned, member participation has been low, presumably due to lingering Covid concerns, and aging members. Putting together another Challenge specifically for completing off-campus long hikes could be considered as an incentive.  Consensus is to wait a few months under the current hike plans to see if member participation increases.

·         Al said Rich or Ramon made a list of recent hikes and leaders which Faye should review.

·         Two benches for the Hill Lands have been ordered and due to arrive shortly.  Planned locations for them are on Buffalo and at the top of Meadow. 

·         Faye is still looking for hike leaders for the Pismo Beach outing. 

·         Al reminded all about the Monday morning Golf Course hike led Cheryl Allmen and Terri Vivoli.

 

VP Social

·         Al thanked Michelle for her efforts organizing the Seven Secret Spots Challenge.  Michelle reported six people completed the challenge, and a couple others did too, but without submitting selfies.

·         Michelle said she is still looking into designs for HC T-shirts (performance shirts).

·         BBQ picnic is July 10, and Michelle will put an article in the Villager.

·         Pismo Beach trip – 43 people signed up to date with only two rooms available.  September 3^rd is the sign-up deadline.  Michelle has narrowed the dinner choices to two restaurants, and a decision will be made shortly.

    

4.    Next Meeting

·         General Membership – June 28, 2021 at 7:30pm, with meeting details to follow. Program: Mid-Peninsula Regional Open Space 

·         Next Board Meeting – August 26, 2021 at 9:30am, with meeting details to follow.

 

5.    Meeting Adjourned – The meeting adjourned at 10:55am.

 

Respectfully submitted,

 

Gordon Carbonetti  –  Secretary