Attachment B
National
Speleological Society, Inc.
Executive Vice-President's Report
23 June 1997
TABLE OF CONTENTS
NO. COMMITTEE, COMMISSION, PUBLICATION PAGE
INTRODUCTION. . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-1
(1) American Caving Accidents COmmittee . . . . . . B-2
(2) AAAS Rep-BIOLOGY . . . . . . . . . . . . B-3
(3) AGI DELEGATE. . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-4
(4) AAAS REP-GEOLOGY & GEOGRAPHY . . . . . . . . B-4
(5) U.S. EXPLORATION COmmittee . . . . . . . . . B-5
(6) International exploration COmmittee . . . . . . B-5
(7) Research Advisory Committee. . . . . . . . . B-6
(8) Speleo Digest Committee . . . . . . . . . . B-7
(9) Special Publications Committee. . . . . . . . B-9
(10) Publications Coordinator. . . . . . . . . . B-13
(11) JOURNAL OF CAVE AND KARST STUDIES. . . . . . . B-13
(12) NSS News . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . B-14
(13) Members Manual Committee. . . . . . . . . . B-15
(14) Permission To Reprint. . . . . . . . . . . B-17
Introduction
There are thirteen committees, commissions, publications, etc. in the Department of the Executive Vice-President (EVP). A fourteenth item has been added here to cover permissions to reprint from NSS publications, which I handle myself.
In this report a numbered block of information is provided for each of these items. In each block the committee is first identified, followed by the name of the committee chairman (editor, coordinator, whatever) and the most recent mailing address that I have for that person. Additional communications information (Phone, FAX, and E-mail) is also included. The names of other committee members deserving recognition (as supplied by the committee chairmen themselves) are listed next. Each report then follows a format called P3, that is Progress, Plans, and Problems. For those not familiar with this format, let me explain.
Under the heading Progress is given information about progress the committee has made since the previous report. This includes items covered under Plans in the previous report, as well as items not anticipated in the previous report. Progress is normally written in the past or present tenses.
Under the heading Plans is given information about progress the committee intends to make between the current reporting period and the next reporting period. Plans will normally be written in the future tense. Many (perhaps most) of the plans will end up being mentioned under Progress in the next report to the Board of Governors (Board).
Under the heading Problems is given information about actual problems which prevented more progress and anticipated problems which will impede the plans. Typically these are problems with which the committee needs help. Normally encountered, everyday problems with which the committee is used to dealing will not normally be mentioned here.
Background information may be included under any of these headings, but will normally be included under the heading where a subject is first introduced.
The information given under Progress, Plans, and Problems is supplied entirely by the committee chairman, although it may have been edited. These headings appear for all committees whose chairmen supplied reports.
The last item in the block has the heading EVP Comments under which I occasionally add some additional information not provided by the committee chairman.
Board Members will note that three committee chairmen failed to submit reports for their committee’s activities. I apologize for their failure to perform this important part of the jobs for which they volunteered. I would welcome guidance on how important you think these reports are and what action you think I should take to correct the situation.
(1) American Caving Accidents COMMITTEE
Bill Putnam (Chairman/Editor)
1865 Eagle Summit Ct
Lawrenceville, GA 30243-6669Home & Work: (770) 822-0003
Fax: (770) 682-5536
Pager: (404) 690-6348
E-mail: putnam@msm.eduLouise Hose (Committee Member)
John Gookin (Committee Member)
George Dasher (Committee Member)
Sam Chewning (Committee Member)
Dave Hughes (Committee Member)
Butch Feldhaus (Committee Member)Progress
I have completed the collection of reports for 1994 and 1995. Due to the last minute arrival of a large number of reports which had to be reviewed and collated, I have not finished typing them all up for distribution to the review committee as planned. I do expect to have the material ready for distribution this month (May), and to have them back from review in June. The manuscript will be ready for printing by the end of June 1997.
The 1994/95 issue will include 144 accidents/incidents, and will, therefore, be about twice the size of a regular issue of ACA.
I am in the process of getting bids on the printing and mailing. I plan to use the same arrangements as the NSS News, unless there is some good reason not to.
The number of reports now on file and listed in the last report are:
Year Now Last
1994 86 48
1995 58 30
1996 47 43
1997 6 1
Plans
(1) Complete editing and condensing 1994 and 1995 reports, and distribute them to committee members for review and comment. Editing will be completed by 18 May, review completed by 01 June, final editing completed by 17 June. I expect to have camera ready copy for printing by 24 June. Depending on printing and mailing arrangements, distribution should take place in mid to late July.
(2) Add accident/incident reports and material from previous ACA issues to the web site to make it a resource for caving accident and safety information.
(3) Begin editing material for the 1996/97 issue, to be published in 1998.
Problems
The publication target date has slipped two months due to the arrival of a large quantity of additional material. The resulting publication will, however, be much more complete as a result. No more material is being accepted for the current issue and the date will not be delayed further. Any additional 1994/95 material that arrives will be included in the 1996/97 issue.
(2) AAAS Rep-BIOLOGY
Kathleen H. Lavoie
Interim Dean, College of Arts and Sciences and
Professor, Biology Department
University of Michigan-Flint
Flint, MI 48502-2186Home: (810) 234-0524
Work: (810) 762-3360
E-mail: klavoie@umich.eduProgress
Nothing to report.
Plans
Continue to represent the NSS concerning biological matters at AAAS meetings.
Problems
None.
(3) AGI DELEGATE
Harvey R. DuChene
7216 E Bentley Circle
Englewood, CO 80112Home: (303) 688-5315
E-mail: 74547.3220@CompuServe.comNo Report
(4) AAAS REP-GEOLOGY & GEOGRAPHY
Daniel L. Chess
19 Tavano Road
Ossining, NY 10562Home: (914) 945-2479
E-mail: dlchess@watson.ibm.comProgress
I attended several days of the AAAS Annual Meeting in Seattle, WA. Since the meeting spans almost a week and my time was limited, I concentrated on attending the Geology Section Meeting and geology and environmental sessions.
The Geology Section Meeting was held on 14 February 1997, and was led by Section Chairman Dallas Peck, with Carol Ann Hodges as Secretary. The front end of the meeting consisted of the usual business items (introductions, treasurer's report, and fellow nominations). Most of the meeting time was spent on potential symposia topics for the 1998 meeting in Philadelphia (the 150 year anniversary meeting of the AAAS). Carol Ann passed around a printed message from Mike Strauss, the AAAS Meeting Chairman, who typically solicits input for the following year's meeting.
The Chairman wanted each section to identify the three to five events which were discovered or which occurred during the past 150 years within each discipline. Plate tectonics was agreed to be the top event, with the remaining two or three split among radioactive-dating techniques, meteorite impacts, the relative scale of geologic time, and advances in geochemistry and geophysics. John Shroder and Mike Bishop submitted a proposed symposium outline on Geographic Information Systems for the 1998 meeting.
Plans
Continue representing the NSS at AAAS activities and functions related to Geology and Geography.
Problems
None.
(5) U.S. EXPLORATION COMMITTEE
Catherine Bishop
1190 Delaneys Ferry Rd
Versailles, KY 40383-9607Home: (606) 873-1189
E-mail: horsecave@juno.com (Catherine H. Bishop)Progress
I have had several letters from groups who are requesting Sara Corrie grants. I have also had one request from an individual wanting to know about how to get official NSS Project Status for his group. This was referred to Fred Wefer, who provided an answer.
Plans
I will evaluate and respond to the recent grant requests, since money is available in the new fiscal year. Future requests will be evaluated as they are received.
Problems:
None.
EVP Comments
Catherine has resigned as Chairman of the U.S. Exploration Committee. There is a motion on the agenda of the 23 June 1997 Board Meeting to confirm a new Chairman.
(6) INTERNATIONAL EXPLORATION COMMITTEE
Jay Arnold
10031 Downey’s Wood Ct
Burke, VA 22015Home: (703) 250-6668
E-mail: jarnold@ap.orgProgress
The funding crisis MAY be solved due to the Board's action. But in light of Bill Mixon's letter to the EVP, I'm not sure.
Plans
Respond to requests for information and funding as they come in.
Problems
None, other than the question of funding for the International Exploration Fund.
EVP Comments
At the 22 March 1997 NSS Board Meeting I withdrew the motion concerning the International Exploration Fund because I had misunderstood the intent of the relevant act (18-454). The act suggests that dues income not be used to subsidize the fund, but says nothing about using dues income for "direct support" of International Expeditions. The Executive Committee added a line-item for this "direct support" in the FY97 budget which was approved at the 22 March 1997 Board Meeting. Donations to the International Exploration Fund should still be actively solicited to augment this important NSS activity.
For the convenience of the reader the ACT 18-454 is quoted here:
18-454 -- The International Exploration Fund is established to assist Society sponsored speleological expeditions to be supported by contributions raised for this specific purpose. Applications for grants from the International Exploration Fund will be directed to the International Exploration Committee which will develop appropriate guidelines and require an accounting of how money is utilized by expedition organizers. It is not the intent of this Act that the fund will be subsidized by dues income or that grants will be routinely awarded for expeditions within the United States or Canada. Grants from this fund shall stipulate that the expedition will provide an article on the expedition for publication in the NSS NEWS, or an audio/visual program for distribution for the NSS A/V Library within one year from receiving the grant.
(7) Research Advisory Committee
Christopher G. Groves (Chairman)
Center for Cave and Karst Studies
Department of Geography and Geology
Western Kentucky University
Bowling Green, KY 42101Home: (502) 796-8361
Work: (502) 745-5974
Fax: (502) 745-6410
E-mail: chris.groves@wku.eduCarol Wicks (Ralph W. Stone Award Advisor)
Ernst Kastning (ISEF Award Administrator)
Tom Kane (Committee Member)
Allen McCrady (Committee Member)
Joe Meiman (Committee Member)
Art Palmer (Committee Member)
Mel Park (Committee Member)
Tom Poulson (Committee Member)
Phil Reeder (Committee Member)No Report
(8) Speleo Digest Committee
Scott Fee (Chairman)
2501 Gable Blvd.
Birmingham, AL 35215Home: (205) 854-7487
E-mail: scottfee@usa.pipeline.com1988 -- Vacant
1990 -- Vacant
1991 -- Eileen C. O'Malley and the VPI Cave Club
1992 -- Vacant
1994 -- George Jaegers and the Central New Jersey Grotto
1996 -- Sheilarae Carpentier Lau and the Boston Grotto
Speleo Digest Committee ------------------------------------------------------------------------
Progress
The Speleo Digest article was printed in the May 1997 NSS News. The article was designed to not only promote the Speleo Digest series, but to encourage grottos to submit their newsletters, and to seek out a fresh group of editors. This article can also be found on the NSS Web Page thanks to Webmaster Joshua Abdulla.
When timely produced, the digest sells. Out of 500 copies of the 1995 Digest that were delivered in September 1996, we are now down to an inventory of 188 as of 22 April 1997. I expect the 1995 Digest to sell out by the end of this year.
Plans
Continue to scan newsletters for potential editors and respond to inquiries hopefully generated from the NSS News article.
Problems
See Below
Unpublished Speleo Digests --------------------------------------------------------------------
1988 -- Vacant
Progress: None. In late January 1997 the former editors agreed to return the materials.
Plans: To get the newsletters back (and find an editor).
Problems: The previous editors have been unable to get the material shipped to me. With the help of Pat Kambesis, we even tried to pick up the material directly from them but it was unavailable.
1990 -- Vacant
Progress: Lack of significant activity with the previous Editor. In early May 1997 I was made aware that Jay Jorden had promised Bill Mixon he would return the material.
Plans: Retrieve the materials and find a new editorial team.
Problems: It is now six years old.
1991 -- Eileen C. O'Malley and the VPI Cave Club
Progress: Eileen has selected approximately 220 articles for the Digest. This represents about 80%. VPI has five volunteer typists assisting.
Plans: Utilize the volunteers effectively to increase the typing of articles and scanning of graphics. Eileen estimates the completion date to be November 1997.
Problems: None at this time.
1992 -- Vacant
Progress: None.
Plans: Find an editorial team.
Problems: See Plans.
1994 -- George Jaegers and The Central New Jersey Grotto
Progress: This volume was assigned to this team on 01 May 1997.
Plans: Ship the Newsletters to George Jaegers by 07 May 1997.
Problems: None at this time.
1996 -- Sheilarae Carpentier Lau and the Boston Grotto
Progress: The Boston Grotto is following a different model for producing the 1996 Speleo Digest than is typically done. Sheilarae has recruited a team of co-editors as opposed to typists, proofers, and scanners. This has resulted in a very motivated team of eight "full-time" co-editors and two assistants.
The selection process has been completed and they have obtained (either by scanning, or typing, or through other editors) all the articles and graphics for the A through G state chapters. Some members of the team are almost finished obtaining their stuff.
At their next meeting co-editors will deliver to Sheilarae the A through G state materials and layout will begin.
Plans: Our goal is to complete the book by the end of this year, December 1997.
Problems: None
EVP Comments
Producing a Speleo Digest is a tremendous amount of work, much more work than anybody except perhaps people who have done it realize. Scott Fee is assigning the various volumes to teams who have the resources (personnel, hardware, software, and motivation) to complete the job in a timely manner. The new teams are making good progress towards completing their volumes. Please give them and Scott Fee your support in their difficult endeavors.
(9) Special Publications Committee
David McClurg (Chairman)
104 Graves Ct
Vallejo, CA 94591Phone and Fax: (707) 642-5528
E-mail: dmcclurg@halcyon.comTom Rea (Committee Member)
Urs Widmer (Committee Member)
Gale McCoy (Committee Member)
Barbara Ritts (Committee Member)ON ROPE II - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ON ROPE, by Bruce Smith and Allen Padgett
Progress
As reported for the Spring 1997 NSS Board Meeting, the book was finished in December 1996. A total of 10,044 copies were received. The unit cost based on all costs (including: printing, shipping, pre-press and all others) was $5.75 per book.
As of the 30 January 1997 inventory, we had sold 1,273 copies. I have not seen the results from the 30 April inventory yet, but presumably sales will be at 2,000 to 2,500 copies or more.
Plans
When the stock gets down to about 3,000 (first quarter of 1998?), we will begin work on the reprint. At that time we will correct the typographical errors that have inevitably turned up. Both the authors and I are keeping a file of known glitches.
We encourage anyone reading this report to let us (Padgett, Smith, or McClurg) know of any errors spotted. This error reporting could be a big help to us. As you may know, it is easy to miss mistakes when you are close to the project.
Problems
None.
CMW-2 - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAVE MINERALS OF THE WORLD, by Carol Hill and Paolo Forti
Progress
Due to the efforts of David Irving--and our spotless credit record--we have established a line of credit with the printer for CMW-2. The effect of this is that we do not have to tie up any NSS funds in advance of the book's completion. One third to one half of the cost is typical in the printing industry.
In point of fact, the NSS has never had to come up with "front money" for printers of any of the books in our publication program (including "On Rope," "Caving Basics," "On Station," "U.S. Cave Rescue Techniques," "Caving in America," and the annual convention guidebooks). We have always received terms of net 30 days after we take delivery of the books.
The printer for CMW-2 is Banta Book Group of Eden Prairie, MN, a big outfit with an excellent reputation for quality. CMW-2 will be completed about the first week of August. First release will be at the 12th International Congress of Speleology (ICS) in Switzerland, as has been indicated in previous reports.
Plans
So far CMW-2 has generated about $17,500 in income for the NSS from prepublication sales of about 350 books. Domestic sales account for about 200 of this total, foreign sales for about 150. Of the foreign sales, an estimated 120 have asked for delivery at the ICS.
The plan is to ship about 400 copies by air freight to the ICS to cover these advance orders and additional sales at the meeting. We have known of the possibility of this shipping expense since the beginning of the project and it is factored into the cost of production. The bulk of the stock will be shipped by motor freight from Minnesota to Alabama. Additional copies required in Europe after the ICS will be shipped by surface.
For display at the NSS National Convention in June, I will print out on an ink-jet printer a color copy of the final laid-out pages for the entire book. These pages will be bound inside the actual printed covers and spine. The covers (as most of you probably know) are printed separately on a different press from the main text. So we will have copies of the covers by convention time.
Just so everybody understands, the color fidelity of photographs on an ink-jet printout is typically only 80% to 85% accurate. Some photographs with lots of browns and tans in them are dead on. Those with a lot of yellows or reds and the occasional blue or green will appear fine, even sensational in an ink-jet rendering. But in fact, the colors may not match the original photo in the way the four-color printing for the finished book will. Darker photos may also look darker than the final printed version because of ink build-up on the ink-jet printer.
To avoid ink build-up on the four color printing press, Banta Book Group provided us with ink settings matched to their presses. We cranked these into PhotoShop and PageMaker to take care of the problem.
Problems
None, barring the monsoons. But your prayers and incantations are welcomed.
ON FILM - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
ON FILM, Techniques and Technology of American Cave Photography, edited by John Van Swearingen
Progress
Although no written report was received, I am confident that J. Van Swearingen has this book under control. Books like this, with many contributing authors, are always more difficult to get born than single author efforts. Some contributions have been received and more are expected (including mine!).
Plans
To receive the remaining material and complete the editing process. Expected completion date is the 1998 NSS National Convention.
Problems
None.
U.S. CAVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
U.S. CAVE MANAGEMENT PRACTICES, editorship is vacant
Progress
Current editor is gone. A new editor is still being sought.
Plans
I have contacted Rob Stitt of the Cave Management Section to solicit his help in finding a new editor and get this project off center.
Problems
Too early to tell.
CAVE RESCUE MANUAL - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
CAVE RESCUE MANUAL, coordinated by Butch Feldhaus
Progress
When we can expect a real first draft of the text is still indefinite.
Plans
The project is still in development.
Problems
We await the output of the NCRC.
SPELEOTHEM CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
SPELEOTHEM CONSERVATION AND RESTORATION, by Jim Werker and Val Hildreth-Werker
Progress, Plans, and Problems
Nothing to report. This is a new project still in the early stages.
NEW PROJECTS - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - - -
Two new book projects are now under development by the committee. Although written reports were not received, I am confident that progress is being made. In this report I am repeating the basic facts about the books for the new Board Members and as a reminder to continuing Board Members.
CAVES OF THE GUADALUPE MOUNTAINS: This is a new book by Michael Queen, discussed first at the 1996 NSS National Convention in Salida, CO. Since then, the author and two photographers have come up with an outline which I reviewed with them at a meeting in January. Several other photographers, like Dave Bunnell, David Harris, Kevin Downey, etc. will also contribute photos.
Michael Queen is a geologist who spends a portion of each year doing research in the Guadalupes. He has worked for oil companies and also has taught geology at a couple of universities. His work at Carlsbad Caverns is well known to the National Park Service and his name would be familiar to many geology professionals in the Society.
The book will be similar to Speleo Projects' Lechuguilla book, as far as the quality of the photos is concerned, but the text will be considerably expanded and broadened. It will cover Carlsbad Cavern, Lechuguilla, Cottonwood, Three Fingers, Madonna, Virgin, and many other caves on the Park, on Lincoln National Forest, and on BLM lands.
The text will describe in detail the geology of the region and individual caves, the history of each cave, and the story of its exploration, plus the personal stories and anecdotes of the cavers who made the original discoveries. (Sounds great, doesn't it?) In essence, this is a full-color picture book with a heart.
SPELEOGENESIS: Alexander Klimchouk of the Ukraine has been working on this book for a couple of years. As chairman of the Speleogenesis Study Group of the International Union of Speleology, he has been pulling together many international authorities in this field. The book is in outline stage now, but as with all these multiple author efforts, it takes a long time to get born. Like Cave Minerals of the World, this will be a scientific book that will enhance the image of the NSS, and probably make a little money too.
We can expect to have a clearer picture on the progress of this book after Klimchouk meets with members of the Speleogenesis Group in Switzerland this summer.
(10) Publications Coordinator
G. Thomas Rea (Coordinator)
8677 S State Road 243
Cloverdale, IN 46120-9696Phone: (317) 653-4423
E-mail: trea@tdsnet.comProgress
I have been working (slowly) on Ed Sira's booklet about responsible caving titled "What Every Caver Should Know." There is no money yet to print it, so it is a low priority.
Plans
It is nearing time to reprint the third edition of Caving Basics. I have been collecting corrections since day one, and about eight pages will be corrected. This is considered inventory replenishment rather than a capital expenditure, since it is an existing book.
Problems
None.
(11) JOURNAL OF CAVE AND KARST STUDIES
Louise D. Hose (Editor)
Department of Environmental Studies
501 Westminster Avenue
Westminster College
Fulton, MO 65251-1299Home: (573) 642-4399
Work: (573) 592-1303
FAX: (573) 592-1217
Internet: HoseL@micro.wcmo.eduJames A. Pisarowicz (Production Editor)
343 N. 9th St.
Custer, SD 57730Home: (605) 673-5582
Work: (605) 745-4600
Internet: pisarowi@rmii.comBOARD OF EDITORS
David Ashley (Life Sciences)
George Huppert (Conservation)
Doug Medville (Exploration)
Ira D. Sasowsky (Earth Sciences - Index)
Marion O. Smith (Social Sciences)
Patty Jo Watson (Anthropology)
Betty Wheeler (Book Reviews)ADVISORY BOARD
Rane Curl
Horton Hobbs
Andrew Flurkey
Albert Krause
James Nepstad
John Mylroie
Thomas Strong
William B. White
James MeadNo Report
(12) NSS News
Dave Bunnell (Editor)
320 Brook Rd.
Boulder Creek, CA 95006Phone: (408) 338-3853
E-mail: nssnews@goodearth.com
Bonnie Crystal (Virtual Caving)
Sharon Bravo (Proofreading)
Scott Fee (Advertising Manager)
Daniel Hazelton (Technology)
Dave Jagnow (Conservation)
Vacant (History)
Bill Klimack (In the Media)
Bob Springston (Newsletter Review)
Bill Cuddington (Techniques and Safety)
Peri Frantz (Down Through the Decades)Progress
I have currently produced ten issues which have all been printed, and I have just completed the eleventh (June) issue. To my knowledge, all of these have been received in the proper calendar month, even the April issue which was a bit late because I spent a month in Borneo!
Beginning in May I am introducing more humor into the news with the series of comic strips by artist Kim van Zant.
The personnel have stayed the same except for the new proofreader, Sharon Bravo. Although she has worked as a professional proofreader, she is a non-caver and needs to adjust to caving jargon.
I have upgraded my computer system to a Pentium 200 MMX with fast SCSI drives and a twenty inch monitor. This has made the recent issues go much more quickly.
Plans
I plan to continue with a 32-page issue as the standard, and the color center-spread. The June issue will feature Bob Richard's medal winning map from the 1996 NSS National Convention, printed on an 11x24 inch spread. This will cost an extra $600 or so, and is actually above the new, reduced budget; however, I would like to use part of the Photo Endowment Fund for this (if possible). I want to make it a regular thing to print the medal-winning map at up to this size. Of course, most are not in color and will be far cheaper to print.
I will continue the Salon Gallery this year. Last year we had an unusually large number of ribbon winners, so I suspect I will be able to print the photographs at larger sizes this year. If I run out (as I did with the May issue) I will devote the center color photographs to the feature article (if the photographs warrant it).
Theme issues on Mexican cave diving and Borneo are planned. Curiously, none of the many feature articles promised me at last year's NSS National Convention have materialized, so I will be using my notes from last year to twist some arms in Sullivan, MO.
Problems
I have no major problems to speak of, other than starting my new fiscal year with a slightly over-budget issue. If the Photo Endowment Fund can not be used for this extra, I may just have to forego the color in some other month. But I would hate to remove something the membership has come to expect.
EVP Comments
To help keep things in perspective, we are talking about a $600 over-run out of a total budget for the NSS News for FY97 of $132,650. That would be an overrun of 0.45%. While I can not encourage any Committee Chairman to overrun his budget, my reaction is, "Big deal!"
(13) Members Manual Committee
Lois Bergthold (Chairman/Editor)
P.O. Box 95
Los Alamos, NM 87544Phone: (505) 455-2565
E-mail: lois@rt66.comVince Kappler (Board Information)
Evelyn Bradshaw (Grotto Information)
Bill Bussey (Section Information)
David Taylor (Survey Information)
Office Staff (Members Listing)Progress
I have received updates on all the information contained in the Members Manual, including department descriptions, IOs, the society directory, and the membership listing itself. Camille Duke, Chris Hudson, and Phil Winkler were incredibly helpful in solving the problem of how to make the names bold in the listings. Chris wrote a special macro that automatically bolds all the names. This saved me probably three solid days of tedious computer work. Tom Rea was also instrumental in looking over the membership list and finding formatting bugs to fix.
Both the printer and the mailer have been informed as to the schedule, and I have received prices from both. I have been working with Malloy Lithographing, and have found some ways to save a considerable amount of money on the printing without losing quality in the finished piece.
I have built the ads for the issue and have selected the front and back cover photographs. I will be changing the logo to match the one currently used on the cover of the NSS News, to increase the continuity between the two publications. The June 1997 Members Manual will be in members' hands no later than the last week in June. This is to ensure that results of the Board elections are not made public before they are announced at the NSS National Convention, since the most current list of officers and directors will appear in the Members Manual.
Plans
I am currently assembling the manual and formatting the membership list. I will deliver the materials to the printer about 16 May.
Please note that I will be getting married to fellow caver John Lyles on 25 May, and will change my last name to Lyles at that time.
Problems
Working out the problem with the macro to bold the member names was the biggest issue; another time consuming glitch arose when I realized that the Board information I had received from Vince was not current. I understand he inherited a somewhat confusing mix of data, and sent me what he believed to be the most current information. I sent the listing to the various officers, who were kind enough to update them and give me new information. I believe we need to work out some way of ensuring that the editor receives updated, pre-proofed, and pre-approved listings for the society directory in the future. I see no current problems which would interfere with the timely publication of the Members Manual. I appreciate the efforts of all the officers and directors, who responded to my e-mail requests with humor and efficiency.
EVP Comments
Vince Kappler had old information from the EVP Department for an interesting reason. When he sent out his last set of updates for the Board Manual, he included a pink sheet that read, "Please check section 4.25 of the enclosed updates and contact me if there are any discrepancies. I must send that information to the editor of the Members Manual on March 1, 1997."
Vince didn't receive updates from me because, when I opened the package and realized what it was, I put it in my "to do" basket to be completed when I had no higher priority tasks to do. That didn't happen until 20 May when I finally read his pink sheet!. So I owe Vince an apology. If I had updated him in a timely fashion, I would not have had to correct the information Lois sent me a month later.
I am afraid that my attitude about communications is, If it is important, it will come by e-mail. Snail-mail is for bills, get well cards, junk mail, and low priority stuff. Members, Committee Chairmen, and Directors need to be aware that I am not the only person who feels this way. But for the technologically challenged NSS members, Committee Chairmen, and Directors, I need to pay more attention to those cards and letters.
Sorry Vince, I screwed up.
(14) Permission To Reprint
Fred L. Wefer (NSS EVP)
P.O. Box 47
McDowell, VA 24458Work: (703) 883-7640
Fax: (703) 883-3315
Home: (540) 396-3543
Condo: (703) 370-5194
E-mail: fwefer@mitre.orgProgress
Org = Organization/Publication granted permission
PoC = Point of Contact (the person)
Date = Date Permission was granted
PtR = Permission to Reprint (the publication, article, photograph, or map)
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Org: The Skyline Group, Inc. (Skyline Caverns in Front Royal, VA)
PoC: Lonnie L. Hill
Date: 30 April 1997
PtR: Permission to use the NSS Grotto contact information from the NSS Members Manual in handouts given to show cave visitors interested in information about wild caves.
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Org: Boy Scouts of America
PoC: David J. Fischer
Date: 01 May 1997
PtR: Permission to use material from On Rope in manuals used for training C.O.P.E. staff.
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Plans
Continue to handle requests as they appear.
Problems
None.
Respectfully
submitted,
Fred L. Wefer
NSS-EVP