JRG Meeting Minutes
Regular Meeting
March 31, 2009
By Melanie Stern standing in for Chuck Waller, Secretary/Treasurer

The March meeting of the James River Grotto was held on Tuesday, March 31, 2009 at the Brewer House ground floor activity room at Lynchburg College.

Board Meeting:

The board meeting began at 6:30 PM. Board members present were Paul Stern, Melanie Stern, Mike Frazier, Larry Sowers, Harry Sowers, Robbie Donovan and Ken Mays, alternate board member. The primary focus of this meeting was the Spring VAR and the latest news on WNS.

General Meeting:

The general meeting was called to order at 7:00 PM. Members present were George Wortley, Matt Lair, Howard Kirkland, Howard Bussard, New Horizon student, Laura Bianca, and our newest member, Winnie Miller.

Welcome Visitors: Donna Donovan, Robbie’s wife.

Trip Reports: Due to WNS there were no caving trips to report. But George Wortley took Paul Stern, Melanie Stern, Mike Frazier, Robbie Donovan, Greg Baltad and 6 members of the Roanoke Outdoor and Social Club on a “grueling” hike to see the B25 Mitchell Plane Crash on Sharp Top Mountain. It was a moving site where 5 men lost their lives on February 6, 1943 during a routine training mission out of South Carolina. Next the group drove a little ways to a second plane crash site. This hike was even more grueling. After the hike some of the group went to George’s home for roasted root soup, quesadilla’s, and margaritas, then participated in a conservation project; erecting a “Bat Can” (a super-duty bat house) .

Previous Meeting Minutes Update: None

Finance Report: The grotto current checking balance is $3,610.33.

Committee Reports:

Conservation/Education: WNS updates were discussed.

Safety & Techniques: The vertical training clinic is still in the planning stages for Apple Orchard Falls.

Membership: The grotto has three new members since last meeting.

Website: Melanie Stern thanked all who sent in their updated profile information.

Trips and Events:

Spring VAR is next on the calendar. Many JRG members are planning to attend in spite of the lack of caving this year.

General Discussion:

Howard Bussard donated a 140ft dynamic rope to the grotto. Thank you very much Howard. After all business was discussed we went on to our cave pack contest. Matt Lair went first, presenting a most unusual pack full of many interesting items including rolling papers, a roll of toilet paper, a hammer, a “snakebite kit” (Snakebite #4 that is-a bottle of whisky and a bag of limes), a gun, and many other useful items. Next, Harry Sowers hauled in a pack that would do Paul Bunyan proud. He had his trusty can of sardines and a MEGA light that would light up Mammoth. Paul Stern presented last. His pack had many items that you would truly want to have on any cave trip, including a new Reactor Stove System.

Program:

George Wortley presented a slide show on the double airplane hike and conservation project from the previous weekend.

Meeting Adjournment:

The meeting was adjourned at 8:45 PM.