as we go to the unknown ways,
Pioneers! 0 Pioneers!
This report signifies the end of the current regime and the beginning of the "Dessert Era". Even though the banquet marks the end of our social season (the next social meeting is in October) there are many of our higher peaks that can be scheduled between now and October.
The election is now past history. In addition to the five candidates being almost unanimously selected for the five management committee offices (there was one write-in vote for Mike Manchester), Needle Peak and Chemehuevi Peak were added to the list. The by-laws change that most affects the general membership makes it necessary to be a member of the section for one year to be eligible for the DPS Emblem. The proposal to require 20 peaks for an emblem instead of 15 failed by 2 votes and the proposal to make South Guardian Angel an Emblem peak missed by 4 votes. The two thirds majority needed for by-laws amendments sometimes does not reflect the will of the membership.
Finally, and most important, I'd like to express my gratitude to the many people who made the past year a success. First, the members of the management committee did an outstanding job---John Backus as Vice Chairman, Chairman of the Mountaineering Committee, and Outings Chairman spent much time lining up many fine trips which is our main criteria of success. Barbara Reber as Treasurer and Membership Chairman made sure that our books were in the black (which is tough for the DPS) and served as our liaison with new members. In addition to this already time consuming job, she served as editor of the Desert Sage. Barbara Magnuson, as Social Program Chairman (oops, Chairperson, how about Chairlady ,ed.) made sure that our social meetings were top-notch, as well as personally, for the most part, serving refreshments following the meetings. She did a beautiful job of setting up the banquet and the dynamic talk on the Calico Dig. Al Campbell, as Chapter Council Rep. looked after our interests In that area as well as giving me a much needed hand in getting the ballots out on time..
Thanks also to Paul Lipsohn and Roy Magnuson for serving on the