Minutes
Western Pennsylvania Orienteering Club
24 November 2013

Memberships represented:  Battista, Freeman, Jarvis, Livingston, Logan, Marincel, Opila, Rzewski (2), Shank, Strat, Steinbring, Trautman, Wolfe.

Jim Wolfe called the meeting to order at 2:50 pm.

1. Minutes from 11 November, 2012 were approved.

2. Election of Non-Officer Members of the Board of Directors

The following board members were nominated and seconded and elected by acclamation, as there were no other nominations- each to a two year term.
• Joe Logan
• Alexis Rzewski

3. Report on the Achievements of 2013

• Ten orienteering events held, plus a training event at Keystone and Step Trek in Pittsburgh.
• Club members held 14 workshops in a wide variety of locations around Western PA as well as four promotional events.
• New Maps or Map Updates worked on this year include the South Shore of Yellow Creek, Laurel Hills, Jennings, and Brady's Run Park.
• New Permanent Courses this year include Highland Regional Park, and Prince Gallitzin.

4. Thank You

• The Club thanked the nine meet directors, four vetters, and many other volunteers at our meets.  That is an increase in directors and vetters over the previous year.  We would like to see more vetters in 2014 as well as an increase in other volunteers for non-orienteering jobs at our upcoming meets.
• The Club thanked Stephanie Martineau for her service as membership coordinator and welcomed Sherry Shank who recently took over that position.  Barbara Johnstone was also thanked for her service as volunteer coordinator over the past two years.  Naomi Jarvis agreed to act in that position for the 2014 year.

5. Report on Board Actions in 2013

WPOC Board purchased more e-punch equipment and should now have enough of a supply of the finger sticks that hold a greater number of punches.  In 2014, the board should consider purchasing more of the finger sticks that hold a smaller amount of information.

6. Financial Report

A financial report was made for WPOC through November, 2013.  Minor corrections were made.  Discussion was had regarding how losing money at certain meets is not a problem.  The report shows the club to be financially stable.  A complete report for 2013 will be sent to the membership in January after the fiscal year is completed.

7. A discussion of goals for 2014

The club discussed the goals for next year including approximately the same quantity of meets and a training event.  We will also continue to provide promotional and educational events for newcomers to the sport.
Ideas for volunteerism included a coupon for a friend of a volunteer to do an orienteering course the day of the meet, possibly providing food/coffee for those who volunteer, and for those who have volunteered in the past to make it look more fun so others will want to help as well.

8. New Business

Discussion was had regarding the Frick Park fall meet.  Volunteers need to be careful to make sure participants go through all steps in the registration and start process.  Ideas regarding having more stations to sign waivers, or possibly giving out maps at the start would reduce the confusion.  Another option would be to separate the beginner start location from the other courses.  Discussion regarding an additional canopy tent near the registration pavilion indicated it may be a good idea to try this.

Meeting adjourned at 3:40pm.