The Desert Sage
CHAIRMAN'S CORNER

It's June 10 and we are nearly settled for our year in Washington D.C. Natalie and I went on our first Sierra Club hike yesterday on the Appalachian Trail in Shenandoah National Park. It was an antithesis of a desert climb--minimal elevation gain and a lush forest and underbrush. Next year it's back to Southern California--desert peaks, the Sierra, and hundred peaks.

Seems like yesterday when we had our annual banquet at Luminaries. LeRoy Johnson provided an outstanding and fascinating program on the 1850 Manley/Rogers trail through Death Valley. Our thanks to LeRoy and to Joe Wankum for arranging the banquet and program; the two Betty's, Wallen and McCosker, for programs and decorations (you both outdid yourselves this rear) and to Edna Erspamer for her mountain serigraphs. We are also indebted to Mike Manchester for running the raffle. Julie Bernard for drawing the winning tickets, and to all the mountaineering stores, manufacturers and friends for donating prizes.

I appreciated the support from Maris Valkass, Jack Koshear, John McCully (with support from daughter Allison). Joe Wankum, Art Blauvelt, Barbara Reber, Bill Bradley, Ron Jones, Randy Bernard! All the trip leaders and others that contributed to make my year as Chair a real pleasure.

Much of what we hoped to accomplish was achieved; however, many areas remain open for the new management committee to accomplish under the able direction of Maris. This past rear, he and his mountaineering committee designed an excellent advanced emblem program which can increase DPS interest and membership retention. It should be modified as necessary to gain member approval. We have a good start on peak write-ups (Ron Jones) and the best T-shirts in the Chapter, possibly the Club (Randy Bernard)--I wore mine on the Appalachian Trail hike to show-off our climbing section.

Have a great year--we'll see you on our return.
 
CHUCK
 
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