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ACA Stroke of Achievement Awardwww.acanet.org/awards.htm Nomination Letter Club Name: Cherry Capital Paddle America Club SummaryCCPAC, a club that formed in January of 1999, is an outstanding organization within the Paddle America Club program. This nomination recognizes their overall accomplishments rather than any one, specific endeavor. Supporting materials will highlight their outstanding achievements in:
As a relatively new resident in this community, I have been impressed by this clubs professionalism and advocacy. They are, in fact, considered the resource within this small community, often featured in the local paper or in conjunction with special events. Given this relatively small community (Traverse City is part of a five-county region with population just over 100,000), their impact has been significant and far reaching. And if you consider the fact that their northern-lower Michigan location provides such a precious short season, their level of activity is truly remarkable. I hope you'll enjoy learning more about this outstanding organization, and that you'll consider recognizing their tremendous achievements. Respectfully submitted, BackgroundTraverse City is a small (pop. 15,000+) city situated within a region that values its magnificent environment; it is a community where tourism and outdoor recreation are a mainstay for the local economy. Located at the base of Grand Traverse Bay and with the Boardman River flowing directly through the downtown business district, water sports are a significant drawing card. Within a short drive residents can explore endless miles of undeveloped Lake Michigan shoreline (featuring Sleeping Bear Dunes National Lakeshore), or they can snake their way between the banks of designated scenic rivers that are home to anglers and paddlers alike. In the summer of 1998 a group of friends, members of a local bicycling club, became curious about the merits of establishing a similar club for paddlers. This 'group of loosely knit enthusiasts' did more than talk and, in fairly short order, their efforts resulted in the January 1999 formation of 'Cherry Capital Paddle America Club.' A review of Board of Director minutes and past newsletters reveals that, since its inception, the club has been a tremendous safety & education advocate within the paddling community; additionally, they have worked diligently to expand the number of paddling outings available to its members and to the community as a whole. It is important to note that this club is comprised of both canoeists and kayakers, with a well-rounded schedule of outings that offers something for everyone. Business/MembershipSince its inception the club business has been conducted by an elected Board of Directors, initially seven (7) and currently eight (8) individuals. The club chose to be part of the ACA Paddle America Club program and does not have a club-only membership dues structure. Past minutes indicate that in its first year the officers met on a quarterly basis, but starting in 2000 these meetings became monthly events during peak season (April - October) and bi-monthly during late fall through early spring (parallels the newsletter publication schedule). To provide opportunities for the membership to gather as a whole, CCPAC hosts two social events - a spring paddle/swap-meet/pot-luck and a similar function in the fall that also includes a formal business meeting for the general membership to elect officers and directors for the upcoming year. In 2004 the club increased its membership dues for the first time in order to absorb the increased ACA membership. While over the years there have been nominal fund-raising events - sales of mugs, t-shirts and a local paddling guide, the activities of this club have been primarily dependent upon its membership dues. At the close of 2003 the directors noted a steady decline in their funds, primarily attributed to the ever-increasing cost of producing and mailing an expanding newsletter to its growing constituency. To arrest that trend, the club converted to electronic distribution enabling a 50% reduction in cost, ensuring the club funds wouldn't be unnecessarily depleted. Recent reports indicate this strategy has been successful. As of the September 2004 Board of Directors meeting, the club has 156 memberships (206 individuals) and a fund of $3,366. OutingsCCPAC is comprised of both canoeists and kayakers (river, recreational and coastal), so its schedule of outings is across a broad range of venues to provide equal opportunity for all. The Director currently in charge of outings is primarily responsible for recruiting the many volunteer leaders (20 thus far in 2004) to organize the 100+ trips that are on the schedule, likely the most active organization within the PAC network. Summary of Activity:
*NOTE: 2004 figures are as of September Board meeting, so many scheduled outings have yet to take place. CommunicationsNewsletter:In April of 1999, CCPAC published its first issue of Northern Paddler. Currently there are 9 annual issues (for recent issues please visit http://www.ccpac.org/news/). Today, most of the membership is notified of availability of the newsletter via an e-mail (only 29 members elect to continue receiving hardcopy). Each issue is 10 - 15 pages and includes:
Website (www.ccpac.org)In addition to the club newsletter, a highly developed website provides an outstanding resource to both the members and virtual community. On-line resources include: About CCPAC
Newsletters & Articles
Mailing Lists
Classified Ads
Events
Safety
Web Links
OutreachPublic RelationsIn 2001 CCPAC compiled and published "Paddling Guide to the Grand Traverse Region," a comprehensive resource detailing 48 outings on inland lakes, rivers and the open waters of Grand Traverse Bay and Lake Michigan. This regional guide is made available throughout the region's paddling shops and through the club's website. Additionally, CCPAC 'rack cards' are on display in these shops as a means for recruiting new members. As another means for reaching new members, in particular beginners that would benefit from meeting more experienced paddlers, the club ensures that each 'Level 1' trip is publicized in local papers and as public service announcements on local radio and television stations. In support of the local paddling shops, when asked, the club provides volunteers to assist as safety boaters at manufacturers demo days. Additionally, the club membership 'booth' is prominently on display at retailers 'Club Days' as well as at annual waterfront activities that benefit local conservancy groups. Community SupportIn 2001 the club was approached by Northern Michigan Adaptive Sports, the local chapter of a statewide organization that provides a broad range of activities for the disabled. NMAS, under the leadership of a physical therapist who attended a 2000 ACA Adaptive Paddling Workshop, wanted to introduce kayaking to their menu of activities. In the ensuing four years this program has grown exponentially. Club members are instrumental in providing both safety boaters and volunteers to assist the participants. Further, the club has helped facilitate significant donations of 6 kayaks and lightweight paddles more suitable for the participants. During the summer months, participants are treated to monthly events. A recent outing had 40 paddlers in 36 kayaks enjoying an evening on the lake . . . truly an inspiring site! ConservationAs is so often the case with quiet sport people, club members routinely gather unsightly trash during paddling outings. To better focus these efforts, CCPAC organizes 'Clean-Up' outings to more systematically beautify its paddling venues. Additionally the club has made annual financial donations to local conservancy groups (Upper Manistee River Association and the Watershed Council) and, in 2004, the club participated in the America Outdoors National River Cleanup Week.
Safety and EducationWhen CCPAC was first organized, in January of 1999, its initial event was a series of pool sessions with volunteer instructors leading rescue clinics. In the years that have passed, safety and education continue to be strongly emphasized by club leadership and, in particular, the Outings Chairperson. In each newsletter, and through its website, the club provides contact information for local certified instructors. Additionally it promotes the extensive schedule of Great Lakes Kayak Symposia and, informally, sends member constituents to these events. As a direct, club-sponsored event, each year the schedule has included safety and skills sessions - from moving water clinics (the most highly attended event in 2004 w/33 participants) to deep-water rescue practice and rolling classes.
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