Maryland Volkssports Assocation
Minutes of Meeting
Saturday, 31 December, 2005
Columbia, Maryland

Officers Present: President, Dennis Lynch; and Treasurer, Ken Wilson.

CLUB DELEGATES: Diane Messer (Annapolis), Sue Kenyon (Baltimore), Ron Bowers (CBCW), John Dye (Columbia), Steve Arnett (D.C.), Peg Norelius (Freestate Happy Wanderers), and Sandy Lynch (Worldwide Volkssport Tours).

COMMITTEE CHAIRS: Jim Fons, Sanctions; Bill Guion, By-laws and Web Meister; Rich Long, Audit.

GUESTS: John Carolus, Bob Lumbert, Skip Magee, Susan Osborn, Bob Schmick, Judy Stuka, Rick Stuka, Phill Wilder

• The Meeting was called to order by President Dennis Lynch at 1 PM.
• Presentation of Walk Across Maryland Awards: Phill Wilder presented Walk Across Maryland Awards, T Shirts and Certificates to the following: Bob Schmick and Lorraine Weaver (Two completions in the past year); John Carolus, Thomas Dehetre, Susan Dehetre, Mel Feather, Don Fox, Jean Fox, Donna Gallo, Elsie Howard, Thomas Jackson, Don Koch, Bob Lumbert, Dennis Montague, Marlene Rains, Joseph Shaw, Richard Stickle, Judith Stickle.

REPORTS

• Treasurers Report - September and October Reports are attached. John Dye moved and Steve Arnett seconded a motion to approve a $100.00 donation to the Nature Conservancy in memory of Ric Nauen. Unanimously approved. Ken Wilson reported the check for Katrina relief to the Southeast Region had been cashed. He reminded the clubs that the last quarter YRE reports are due. The remaining Maryland patches will be maintained and sold by the Treasurer. John Dye moved that a recognition incentive be offered to MVA Officers of a $1.00 discount on AVA/IVV Award books. Seconded by Steve Arnett. Defeated 0 ayes, 6 nays.

OLD BUSINESS

• Old Business - MVA has sanctioned 8 YREs for 2006: 4 C & O Canal, Crisfield and Salisbury, Western Maryland, New Germany. Dennis reminded members to check YRE dates and Start Point locations before visiting distant walks since they are subject to emergency changes.

NEW BUSINESS

• The Regional convention will be held at the Four Point Sheraton, Hagerstown, MD March 17 to 19. Piedmont and Annapolis will host events. Dennis will provide an information update to MVA membership.
• Dennis proposed the mva support the ava proposal to allow 5k segments in YRE's to the IVV. 9 ayes, 1 nay.
• Phil Wilder reported mva will support the walk across maryland program for a third and final year. There were 18 completions in 2005. The walk at Crisfield will have the walkbox at the Tawes Museum, POC John Carolus. The only event in Charles County will be held on 11/11. Bill Guion will update the MVA website.

COMMITTEE REPORTS

• State of the Health Committee - Ron Bowers reported on the Future of the Sport - Report Attached. Ron stated there is a continuing decline in participation.
• Web Meister - Bill Guion reported that a number of changes need to be made to the MVA web pages, related to the end of the year. The New Balance logo and information paragraph will be removed. Updates to the club membership pages are needed. And changes are needed to the Rediscover Maryland pages because of the change in the Crisfield event from a virtual YRE to a normal YRE.

CLUB REPORTS

• Annapolis Amblers will hold a January meeting to plan future events.
• Washington DC Club will hold a group walk on january 8. The zoo and a 9/11 walk are planned. Cedarville YRE will be considered for transfer to the Amblers for continuation to assure a walk in Charles County.
• Baltimore walking club will hold three walks from du burns arena on 25 and 26 February. Phill Wilder proposed the MVA support walks in 2007 to emphasize Black History (Seneca plans a walk.) 5 ayes, 9 abstentions. Baltimore will sponsor a trip to NYC on March 25. It is open to all MVA members.
• Piedmont in absentia.
• Sandy Lynch proposed MVA donate $100.00 to the Piedmont Pacers toward a bench to honor the memory of Jean Gibbs. Approved unanimously.
• Sandy Lynch reported worldwide volkssport tours will sponsor trips to the Caribbean and the Ottoman Empire.

Respectfully submitted,