February 2000 Newsletter
To: TVA Club Presidents and Board of Directors
From: Chuck Samus
Date: February 20, 2000
Subject: TVA Newsletter
TVA Reunion Event: Reunion Event Director, Robert Theis, tells me things are shaping up
well for the events March 4 - 5 at Lofer's Bend park on Lake Whitney. This is a time for
all clubs to get together for fun and fellowship. These are your events, but as you know,
there is no Free Lunch. The only thing Robert needs to make the events successful is
workers. He needs workers on both Saturday and Sunday. There will be workers walks for
those working during the events at 8:30 AM and 1:30 PM on March 3. Meet at the group
shelter adjacent to the day use area. Please call Robert at 830-896-3550 to sign up for
working the events. TVA News: At the February, 2000 TVA meeting in Kerrville, 19 clubs
were represented. I am enclosing copies of the minutes for your review. As noted in the
minutes, there were some minor changes to the minutes from the August, 1999 meeting. They
involved correcting spelling of names. If any club desires a corrected copy, let Becky
Lindig know and one will be provided. Two items of special interest to all clubs were
passed at the meeting. The membership approved proceeding with the TVA program to promote
walks in Texas State Parks. These can be either weekend events or YRE's, although the
intent was not to promote new YRE's in the parks. If a club is interested putting on a
walk in a State Park, they should contact the Park and make the appropriate arrangements.
Phyllis Eagan will serve as current liaison to help clubs work out problems with events in
the State Parks. If the club has difficulties getting the park personnel interested,
contact Phyllis and she may be able to help. TVA will have a patch available for purchase
by persons completing a walk in a State Park. A person completing 10 walks in State Parks
may purchase a petal with a Texas Wildflower and the year on it to fit next to the patch.
Details on the patch and petals are being finalized. We hope to have the patch available
for sale at the August TVA Meeting. The second item made permanent the custom of waiving
TVA fees for the club sponsoring the TVA Meeting on events held in conjunction with the
meeting. These are TVA fees only and not the AVA fees. Treasurer, Suzanne Markgraff,
presented the proposed TVA budget for 2000-2001. The budget projects a $579.00 profit for
the period and was approved by the membership. Any club wanting a copy may obtain one from
Suzanne. Finally, the KerrvilleTrailblazers were presented a certificate of appreciation
for their excellent work hosting the TVA Meeting. The facilities were outstanding and the
walk trail was well planned and marked. Great Job, Trailblazers! Nominating Committee: At
the August TVA meeting, we must elect persons for the positions of President, Second Vice
President, and Secretary. I appointed the following persons to serve as a nominating
comnittee: Charles Christal from Houston, Michael McDonald from New Braunfels, and Carolyn
Ernst from Irving. They will have copies of the officer job descriptions and will be
looking for persons to fill these positions. If you want to hold an office in the TVA,
please let them know. Their report is due July 1. We will also accept nominations from the
floor at the meeting.
August TVA Meeting: At the February meeting, no club volunteered to host the August 5,
2000 TVA meeting. Since then, Carolyn Ernst, President of the Star Trekkers of Irving
tells me their club is willing to host the meeting. So, the August meeting will be in
Irving. They are working out details and I will provide them to you as soon as things are
finalized. I am sure they will provide for our comfort and enjoyment that weekend. Club
Operations Topic: Although it is only March, it is not too early to start your planning
for new or renewal of your Year Round Events for 2001. This is a big job and you all know
the amount of paperwork involved. So I am sending this reminder early. The deadline for
submission to me is August 1. I must have the paperwork to the AVA by September 1. You
must include the following in order to get your request processed: AVA Sanction form 402Y,
TVA sanction form with the $5.00 check, Route description, Route map, and updated
Brochure. As you know, New Balance will provide shoe certificates and other items for your
weekend walks. All you have to do is ask. I am enclosing a copy of the form to request
sponsorship from New Balance. Please submit this form as soon a possible. A minimum of six
weeks is required to process the form. Also enclosed is a copy of the form to request
additional supplies for your Event Kit. Please do not request more material than you need.
Again, allow 6 weeks for processing. TVA EVENT CALENDAR: Enclosed is the current TVA event
calendar for your use in planning future events. It is always best to avoid scheduling
conflicts. Please review the calendar and let me know of any needed corrections.
Thanks for all your hard work to provide quality events in TEXAS.
|
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c.c. L. Clark - IVV Vice President
L. Ward - Southwest Regional
Director
TVA GENERAL MEMBERSHIP MEETING - FEBRUARY 5, 2000
The TVA General Membership meeting was called to order by President Charles Samus at 1:00
p.m. in the UGRA Building in Kerrville, TX. Present were: President - Charles Samus; 1 st
Vice President - Robert Theis; 2nd Vice President - Eveline Evans; Treasurer - Suzanne
Markgraf; and, Secretary - Becky Lindig.
Clubs present and their delegates were:
1. Buffalo Chip Kickers, Elaine Samus, by proxy
2. Chisholm Trail Blazers, Beverly Kittinger, by proxy
3. Friendswood Fun Walkers, Charles Christal, by proxy
4. Hill Country Volkssportverein, John Bohnert, President
S. Hood County Hummers, Anna Cottrill, by proxy
6. Houston Happy Hikers, Charles Christal, President
7. U. S. Army Medical Command, Fort Sam Houston, Lyn Ward, by proxy
8. Kerrville Trailblazers, Jack Milburn, President
9. New Braunfels Marsch & Wandergruppe, Michael McDonald, President
10. Randolph Roadrunners, Linda Elms, President
11. Sam Ramblers, Jimmie Eisen, by proxy
12. San Marcos River Walkers, Curtis Schinkel, by proxy
13. Selma, Pathfinders, Phyllis Eagan, President
14. Star Trekkers, Carolyn Ernst, President
15. Tarrant County Walkers, Ed Cottrill, by proxy
16. Texas Wanderers, Gerald Kamicka, by proxy
17. Trinity Trekkers, David Toth, President
18. Trotting Texas Turtles, Beverly Kittinger, President
19. Volkssportverein Friedrichsburg, Lester Frantzen, President
President Samus asked each person at the meeting to introduce themselves, tell how long
they have been volkssporters and what they considered their favorite walk.
MINUTES:
Secretary Becky Lindig presented the minutes of the August 7, 1999 TVA Board Meeting and
the August 17, 1999 General Membership Meeting. Corrections in the spelling of several
names were noted. Gerald Kamicka moved to accept the minutes with the corrections. Lyn
Ward seconded. Motion passed.
REPORTS:
1. Secretary Becky Lindig reported that 19 of the 38 Texas Clubs are represented and that
constituted a quorum.
2. Treasurer Suzanne Markgraf reported that as of December 31, 1999 the checking
account balance was $4,873.25 and the Certificate of Deposit was $5,046.48. The TVA showed
a net profit of $865.53 from July 1 , 1999 through January 31, 2000. A Financial Statement
containing A Balance Sheet, Profit and Loss, and Budget Overview through January 31, 2000
was handed out.
Gerald Kamicka asked about the sales of the TVA/Y2K pins. Lester Frantzen also questioned
the amount paid for the pins as compared to the income so far. The membership was told
that an inventory of pins had been done at the Board Meeting and the Board could account
for 495 of 500 pins. Clubs that had received pins on consignment will be contacted to turn
in the money for pins that had been sold and account for unsold pins.
Lyn Ward asked for an inventory of the TVA shirts. Karl Kittinger stated that there are 45
shirts left, which would bring in $685 if sold at the current price.
After several questions on the Treasurer's Report, Anna Cottrill moved to accept the
Treasurer's Report. Beverly Kittinger seconded. Motion Passed.
A Proposed TVA 2000/2001 Fiscal Year Budget was also available. It was noted the amount
for the TVA Website should be increased from $100.00 to $245.00 per year. The Proposed
Budget profit would then be $579.00. Suzanne Markgraf explained other items of the
proposed budget. Jack Milburn moved to accept the Proposed Budget. Lyn Ward seconded.
Motion passed.
3. First Vice President Robert Theis had no report.
4. Second Vice President Eveline Evans reported on sales of TVA Ten and Twenty in Texas
Awards. In 1999, the following awards were sold: 20 - Ten Event in Texas Patch 29 - Ten in
Texas 1999 Petals 20 - Ten in Texas 2000 Petals 12 - Twenty Events in Texas 1999 Petal 8 -
Twenty in Texas 2000 Petals.
Clubs can buy the pins TVA/Y2K from the TVA for $1.50 and sell them for $3.00.
5. Webmaster Gary Whitford was absent. President Samus reported that the Web Site has
around 70 hits a week. He encouraged clubs to check the information on their Year Round
Events.
OLD BUSINESS
1. First Vice-President Robert Theis reported there were a total of 287 participants for
the Memorial Walk on December 31, 1999, which included 49 free walkers. A total of 207
participants for the Midnight Walk on January 1, 2000, which included 61 free
participants. He thanked all who helped: Lyn and Elaine Ward, Eveline Evans, Jimmie Eisen,
Ed and Anna Cottrill, Becky Lindig, Bill and Helen Wenisch, Emma Franke, Ida Marie
Chycinsky, Suzanne Markgraf and her children, Melissa and Matthew. There were many
positive comments on how helpful the Fredericksburg Police Department was and the
publicity received by the Fredericksburg Standard-Radio Post newspaper.
Gerald Kamicka asked for a comparison of previous years. Attendance figures were:
Memorial Walk 1999 287 Midnight Walk
2000 207
1998 311
1999 231
1997 281
1998 281
Vice President Theis gave an update on the Reunion Events to be held at Lofers Bend Park
at Lake Whitney on March 4-5, 2000. He gave a description of each of the 2 - I0K trails
which will be used. Workers walks will be held on Friday, March 3 at 8:30 a.m. and 1 :00
p.m. A sign-up sheet for workers is available.
2. Phyllis Eagan presented a Proposal for Texas Volkssport Association/Texas State Parks
Cooperative. The purpose: To develop a cooperative association between the Texas
Volkssport Association and the Texas State Parks so that volkssporting clubs are able to
utilize the parks without difficulty and so that the parks will profit by having
volkssporting activities held in the parks. She has heard from 13 Texas State Parks
showing an interest in having a Year-Round Event or regular week-end event.
A patch would be available for participants walking in their first event in a State Park
with subsequent yearly "attach patch" after the completion of 10 events in State
Parks in a calendar year. The Second Vice President of the TVA would be responsible for
this Award Program.
Gerald Kamicka expressed concern that a current Park Supervisor would be interested in the
program, but a new supervisor might not want to continue. Phyllis stated that she would be
willing to help with paperwork for those supervisors who seem less interested. Elaine Ward
suggested regular week-end events would be easier on the Park Personnel than the
Year-Round Events.
A question as to whether the two event stamps now allowed for Year-Round Events would
count toward the 10 events in a State Park was raised by Beverly Kittinger. President
Samus stated that the TVA would have to make that decision.
Jack Milburn moved to develop the program with the Texas State Parks and provide a patch
as an award. Elaine Samus seconded. There was some discussion as to how to manage events
and possible attendance. Motion passed.
3. Unfinished Business
Southwest Regional Director Lyn Ward reported on the January AVA Executive Council meeting
in Savannah, GA. The EC has rescinded the vote on requiring Bikers to use only the brown
AVA Bike Books for kilometers. This does not comply with IVV Policy and he would like to
see AVA in agreement with IVV policy.
Lyn Ward also would like to see clubs that do not file the paperwork on Year-Round Events
to the AVA in time be allowed to have a Year-Round Event that year. This does not include
new clubs that can apply for a YRE during the second time frame.
Clubs with a 5K distance must provide a check-point on that route. This can be manned or
unmanned.
New Balance is now providing two pair of shoes for week-end events regardless of how many
walking events a club is sponsoring.
NEW BUSINESS:
1. President Samus recognized a new club: Knights March in Converse sponsored by the
Knights of Columbus. Edward Headley is the contact.
2. President Samus reviewed where paperwork for AVA and TVA should be sent:
Sanction Requests - both AVA and TVA go to President of TVA
TVA After Action Reports go to TVA Secretary
AVA After Action Reports go to AVA Headquarters
Office Up-date goes to TVA President
3. Nominating Committee: The following were selected to serve: Charles Christal of
Houston; Michael McDonald of New Braunfels; and, Carolyn Ernst of Irving. The positions of
President, Second Vice-President and Secretary will be open. They will report the slate to
President Samus by July 1.
4. A location for the August Meeting is needed. Several suggestions included the
Dallas/Fort Worth area. Phyllis Eagan offered to help with a meeting in Hempstead in
February 2001.
5. Other New Business:
First Vice President Robert Theis stated that there were no rental fees for the Board
Meeting or the General Membership meeting at the URGA Building. He then requested the TVA
reimburse the Kerrville Trailblazers $50 which was paid to Kerrville/Schreiner State Park
to waive park fees for Volkssporters on Sunday. Linda Elms moved to reimburse the
Kerrville Trailblazers the $50. Beverly Kittinger seconded. Discussion followed to
possibly help with 1/2 of a club's expenses for hosting a TVA meeting. This was not
considered. A vote was taken on the motion: 18 for; 1 against.
Vice President Theis then asked for a motion to hold the Memorial and Midnight Events in
Fredericksburg. The cost for rental of St. Joseph Hall has increased from $125 to $150.
Gerald Kamicka moved to have the events in Fredericksburg and pay the increased cost of
St. Joseph Hall. Lyn Ward seconded. Motion passed.
Suggestions for the Reunion Walks for March 2001 included South Llano River Park in
Junction; Colorado Bend State Park near Lampasas-, Hill Country State Natural Area near
Bandera. Vice President Theis will have a proposed site for the August TVA Meeting.
Waive TVA Fees for Kerrville: President Samus asked for a motion to waive the TVA fees for
the Kerrville Trailblazers event on Sunday. John Bohnert moved to waive the TVA fees. Lyn
Ward seconded. Motion passed.
Waive TVA Fees for future hosting clubs: President Samus asked for a motion to
automatically waive TVA fees for events sponsored by hosting clubs of the February and
August 4
MISCELLANEOUS BUSINESS:
Elaine Samus moved that those who have plates for voting take them home, decorate them and
bring them back to the August TVA meeting for competition. Anna Cottrill seconded. A vote
was taken: 2 votes for; 17 votes against. Motion failed.
President Samus had Certificates of Appreciation for:
Dick Trautman who had served as TVA First Vice President. Bob Creamer who had served as
TVA Treasurer.
The Kerrville Trailblazers were also presented a Certificate of Appreciation for hosting
the TVA meetings. Jack Milburn and Robert Theis accepted on behalf of the club.
There being no further business a motion to adjourn the meeting was make by Jack Milburn.
Gerald Kamicka seconded. Motion passed. The meeting adjourned at 3:00 p.m.
Becky Lindig, Secretary
Texas Volkssport
Association