Reminder: the Steering Council is a non-binding advisory body consisting of volunteers who wish to add another layer of formality/complexity (aka commitment/dedication) to their desire to serve--the desire to contribute to the direction of LICCB programming, projects, and possible greatness.  The desire to see LICCB mature and develop a wider, stronger mission; the desire to build and grow with this excellent organization. The Steering Council was established in the fall of 2010 to address issues around growth and development of LICCB. A position on the Steering Council entitles its bearer to the following: an open-ended, self-chosen role of even greater responsibility and [...]

Here is a partial list of positions which, if filled, could allow LICCB to create even more value in the community.  If you are interested in participating as a volunteer, here are some suggestions as to where your service is most welcome! Thanks for all you do. Volunteer Coordinator Correspondent Photographer Concessionaire Graphics Artist Writer for post-event summaries Trip Leaders Hallets Cove Paddling Program Deputy Coordinator Boat Painters House Manager Equipment Manager Waiver Manager Sign Maker Communications director for public events These are just a few of the things that Steering Council 2011 members attended during the past season.  Your assistance and input is welcome, you can make the experience of community building even more rich [...]

Thanks to all volunteers for a successful, fun and enjoyable 2011 season!  LICCB provided public paddling to a record number of people this past season, with 66 public events and numerous support events in and around the waterfront community. Volunteers can be justly proud of our impeccable safety record and the level of responsibility, camaraderie and cooperation that everyone exhibited on and off the water.  From swim support to kayak skill certification, from free community walk-up paddles to longer more adventurous trips with more experienced guides, from Brooklyn to the Bronx, the Newtown Creek to the Gowanus Canal, from Coney Island [...]

In early January 2011, the newly elected LICCB Chair and Steering Council set forth objectives for the 2011 season:  Safety on the Shore and on the Water, and Quality of Experience for Volunteers and Guests alike.  In our 2011 free walk-up paddling program at Hallets Cove in partnership with Socrates Sculpture Park, we accomplished that and more! We kicked off the preseason with two well-attended volunteer orientation and training days.  New and returning volunteers practiced a variety of roles from welcome/intake to patrol and everything in between.  Although the early season weather was a bit raw, the 30 or so volunteers [...]

Thursday evening from 7-9pm General Meeting for LICCB to be held.  Location: LaGuardia Community College. Topics include elections, 2012 season planning, and a recap of 2011 season. General discussion on several other topics is encouraged.  Please look for a newsletter in the coming days for more information including exact location and directions. Thank you for all you do. Victoria Olson, LICCB Chair

Want to sharpen up your kayak skills, add new ones, and join our bracing rollers?  Here's your chance!  Once again this winter, our parent organization the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club is sponsoring this great opportunity for interested parties. It's all taking place on a continuous series of weekends now and through the winter. Your correspondent and many other members of the LICCB have taken advantage of this excellent resource.  Learn new paddle strokes, find out how to build endurance for long trips, check out rescue techniques, practice all manner of kayak aptitude in the safety and comfort of the pool. The Riverbank State [...]

Hello Kayak and Canoe Enthusiasts, We know you have other talents too! Right now the LICCB is looking for a few good pieces of literature.  For that we require some graphic design talent.  Your Community Boathouse deserves attention from far and wide, help us get the word out on our programs. Can you produce letterhead, brochures, business cards etc?  We want you! As you know, communication is key.  All this past spring, summer, and fall, your leadership team has been active, spreading out into the community, encountering lots of interest in what the LICCB is doing. We're running out of information to pass around...here's where [...]

Come down and hear various reports on the season's activities--everything up until now, now, and for the rest of the season. Add your voice.  Your presence and feedback are welcome.  We look forward to seeing you! Address:  46-01 5th Street, LIC, NY 11101.  Location is one block west, toward the water (and Manhattan, and the sunset) from the LIC Bar at Vernon Boulevard. Boathouse is directly across from the gigantic new construction on the waterfront.

Ahoy! With the season half over, we have many triumphs and good accomplishments to our name, including new summer evening programming, a tighter and cleaner Hallets Cove program, and the ability to represent LICCB at many community events simultaneously. Just last weekend, we had no less than three Swim Support teams underway on the same day.  We received much appreciation for our collective ability to keep swimmers true to course! Upcoming: ...the Ever Popular Late Summer Night Circ of Manhattan Island Soon the mystery will be ended and you'll know when to stock up on some sleep before staying up all night paddling [...]

Check out this NYTimes story on the turning of the sludge tide for the Hudson and Harlem rivers last month.  A man on a raft was required to address this massive difficulty. http://www.nytimes.com/2011/08/06/nyregion/how-the-sewage-spill-into-the-hudson-river-was-stopped.html?_r=2&partner=rss&emc=rss With the waters getting back to as sweet and clean as they get, we are out in full force.  Stay tuned to your email box for the upcoming newsletter with reviews of all LICCB activities of the past month. And go check out the calendar, sign up for a trip, and remember your volunteer muscle is ALWAYS welcome at Hallets Cove on flood tide summer Sundays!  And some Saturdays coming [...]