The agenda packet arrived today for the club’s March directors’ meeting, and included the observation, "The North Country is experiencing a totally disgusting snow drought," made by Bob Grimm of Amsterdam. As of this writing, I personally haven’t had the skis out yet, but fortunately I have been able to get in a number of interesting snowshoe outings. Meanwhile, I’ve been in touch with Armond Spen­cer to schedule a kayak trip for the spring outing schedule, which is a reminder that the season is turning.

Outgoing club president Tom Wheeler has agreed to serve as treasurer of the club for 2006. As a result, he resigned his position as director representing the Laurentian Chapter at February’s executive committee meeting. We wish Tom well in this position, and know that the club will benefit from his continued stewardship. I am pleased to let you know that Carolyn Kaczka has agreed to serve as director for the remainder of 2006. Carolyn has extensive experience with both chapter and club matters, and I know she will do an excellent job in this position.

With the revision of the bylaws approved at the 2005 annual meeting, the position of vice chair for membership was created. I am pleased to announce that Geri Ames has agreed to serve in this position. Geri is an active chapter member and regular trip leader. She brings a commitment for membership development to this position. On behalf of both the chapter and the chapter executive committee, I welcome both of these new officers to our team.

The next executive committee meeting is Thursday April 6 at 7 p.m. at the Potsdam United Methodist Church. All chapter members are welcome to attend.

Did you see the page one article in this North Wind on the club’s 2006 Fall Outing in Star Lake? Our chapter is hosting this event, and plans are well underway. We will be looking for volunteers to help with registration and logistics, so please let Eileen Wheeler or me know if you are willing to help out. One of the unique aspects of this fall outing is that a number of private camps are being offered for housing to event participants. We are hoping to reserve one of the larger camps to house Laurentian chapter members — let me know soon if you are interested in this.