Chairman's Message

Chairman's message Spring 2012

The weather has certainly calmed down since last fall but maybe a little too much. With the lack of snow this year, back country ski trips have been canceled and snowshoe trips have been on stableicers & microspikes. Anyone who is doing winter peaks this year will have to have an * by their name. But then at least we're getting out, so we can't complain too much. Nobody likes a whiny hiker anyway.
The big news of this quarter is that we have a new webmaster. After 15 years of service to the chapter, managing our website, Mike Becker is stepping down to pursue other interests. I would like to take this opportunity on behalf of the Executive Committee to thank Mike for his years of volunteer service. Mike initiated the original website in the late 1990s and was instrumental in the design of the new improved interactive site that we have come to depend on today. But, as he moves on, so does the chapter. We have a volunteer to fill the position. It seems that there is no lack of expertise and the willingness to help out in the Albany Chapter. Pete Sage, a long time member, 46er and avid hiker will be taking over the reins. Pete is a software engineer and does cyber security work for GE. We would like to thank Pete for stepping in to fill this need. One of his first challenges will be to secure the site from "hackers". You may have noticed that the site was hacked 3 times in the past 2 weeks. This came at a particularly bad time in that the chapter leaders were at that time uploading their outings for the spring quarter.
But we managed and as usual, there are many new outing entries for this coming quarter. As I like to tell people during membership drives, there is something for everyone in this club; From a walk in the park to 2 or sometimes 3 high peaks in one day. The latter is not for everyone, but its always good to challenge yourself just a little. Don't get in over your head of course but try stepping it up a half a notch. The feeling of accomplishment when you do something you didn't think you could do is inspiring. So keep in shape and get out in the woods and on the water this spring & play.

John Sheehan
Albany Chapter chairperson

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