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 stewardship of LICCB programming, projects, possibilities, direction.  And…the inestimable enjoyment of giving prodigious amounts of free advice, with someone listening to you, giving due weight and consideration to what you say.  (What’s not to love about that.)

Steering Council responsibilities entail: your availability to the process of shaping and forming best practices and direction of the organization.  Also, the sometimes superhuman effort to make sense of extraordinary silliness.  Seriously…it gets pretty weird sometimes…in ways you’d never suspect…

Requirements of a volunteer in good standing include, but are not limited to, the following:

• meaningful service to LICCB, including contributions to any and all programming and events on and off the water for at least one day (6 hours)
• a sincere desire to serve this community organization
• a balance of appropriate behavior around other volunteers and participants during any and all events
• demonstrated ability to resolve differences amicably
• ability to adhere to meeting protocols
• willingness to work together
• commitment to moving the conversation forward
• demonstrated lack of disruptive and divisive behaviors, including attempted and actual misappropriation of any and all LICCB resources (i.e. time, energy,  funds, volunteer morale, good will, equipment, reputation, community property, etc.)
• availability to the exciting process of leaving something better than you found it
• conscious awareness
• impulse control and empathy
• preferably, you can also swim.  But it’s not strictly necessary.

The following volunteers in good standing have submitted requests to serve on the Steering Council of the LICCB 2012:

Robert DiMaio

Steve Ellis

Ted Gruber

David Matten

Keith Ott

Turid Peters

Two other candidates are under review.  Two others have been dismissed from consideration.

Thanks to all who have expressed willingness to build and grow with LICCB.  And thank you for your patience with the process of establishing best practices around leadership direction.  Frankly, this ain’t easy!  But then, you knew that.  That’s why you’re here.

Your presence is appreciated.

Sincerely,

Victoria Olson

LICCB Chair 2011-2012

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 and varied!

Your interest in LICCB is appreciated.

Best,

Victoria Olson

Chair LICCB 2012

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 to Staten Island,  Green Drinks to Blue Drinks to Heroes of the Harbor, we covered the waterfront!

We could not have done it without the enthusiastic and vigorous efforts of core volunteers.  The energy you create is vital to the mission and action of LICCB.  An organization IS its people, no more, no less.  It’s all up to you!

LICCB is looking forward to another great season in 2012, building on our success and the good will created and furthered by volunteers this past season.  We have strengthened ties with more established boathouse organizations, and we have supported fledgling efforts.  We are in prime position to expand even further, with more reach, more effectiveness, more action, more fun!

Here’s where you can get in on the action, really dig in and support the coming robust season:  make a commitment to the continuing success of LICCB.  Serve on the Steering Council.

Below is a brief list, to give you an idea of what is expected of you.  What you see here is what your 2011 Steering Council has been up to.  The bar is set high, and you are welcome to bring your excellent energy to make it even higher.  Thank you!

• get together about once a month
• take on projects/programming/event planning
• attend outreach and networking events, represent LICCB at functions
• make friends all over the harbor!
• listen and respond to all volunteers
• maintain and monitor a dedicated email address, your.name(at)licboathouse(dot)org
• uphold Code of Conduct
• be of general or specific service at LICCB events and venues
• take on what you choose and can fully commit to
• assist Chair in decision making–critical thinking ability a big plus!
• participate in creating the present and future of LICCB

As you can see, it’s work AND play to serve in this way.  Other volunteer opportunities abound, and a person does not have to serve on the Steering Council to make a significant contribution to LICCB.  However, if you feel strongly that your energy is plentiful and available to a good community effort, your presence is requested.

Please indicate your interest in serving on the LICCB Steering Council 2012 by sending an email to your 2012 Chair, Victoria Olson.  Please include a brief essay on why you wish to serve, what you wish to contribute, and what makes you a great team player!

Submissions should be sent by January 4th, 2012, to the following address:

Victoria.Olson@licboathouse.org

Thank you for everything you do.  Your efforts are appreciated!

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 who came out appreciated knowing what to expect and what was to be expected of them.

A major innovation in 2011 was to operate the program only on days when the tidal currents were favorable for paddling to and from the Cove — as opposed to moving the fleet by car and trailer.

This had lots of benefits.  Arriving on the flood tide and departing on an ebbing tide meant that the program ran from mid-to-high tide, when the beach is at its best — and never in the thick, sticky mud and muck of low tide, with slippery slimy rocks to trip up even the most sure-footed and agile among our participants.  It meant avoiding the glass and rebar and other hazards that, sadly, are still much in evidence when the tide is out.

It also meant avoiding the risks of accident and injury associated with lifting and tying boats onto cars and trailers and being out on Vernon Blvd loading and hauling boats over the streets.

It allowed us to offer the delightful 2 mile paddle between Anable Basin and Hallets Cove to many more paddlers.  It allowed us to bring more boats, and a bigger variety of boats, including more singles and canoes for our guests to choose from.

Importantly, it was in keeping with our human-powered boating and greenness objectives — we did not burn a teaspoonful of gas unnecessarily.  On some days we took no cars at all, we moved all the equipment up the east channel and back by boat.

We were intent on not only maintaining our safety record of prior years but on improving on it.

We introduced a ring of bright yellow buoys to mark the perimeter of the relatively calm waters of the Cove and to keep novice paddlers from being swept out of sight by strong currents beyond the buoys.  We are delighted to see this innovation now copied by at least one other boathouse!

We expanded our use of marine radios by our patrol paddlers, preventing potentially problematic situations, improving coordination of sea and shore-based activities, minimizing the need for whistle blowing — and, mission critical — reducing the stress on volunteers paddling patrol boats.

The patrol paddlers also received training in recovery techniques.  The few rescues that were necessary this year (and there were very few) were executed calmly, without drama or trauma.

We put out traffic cones to slow down passing cars and minimize risk of a pedestrian-automobile encounter at the low visibility section of roadway there at Vernon Boulevard and 31st Avenue, near the heavily trafficked Costco.  We had shore-based and water-based first aid kits available at all times.  As far as I know, none of them were needed.  Now that’s the mark of a safe season!

We experimented with running the program on a few Saturdays, for those whose religious or other activites preclude boating on Sundays.  Saturday programming is a strong contender for LICCB energy and resources — increasing public demand and desire for participation and stewardship of the program are the factors in growing our Saturday presence at the cove.

In order to run the program as many days as possible while moving our fleet by water, it was necessary to shift the hours a bit one way or the other on some days, due to the timing of the tidal currents.  One downside of this was that schedule variation confused some of our guests who don’t have access to the Internet or are simply accustomed to us being there at the same time every Sunday.  For next year we plan to combine efforts with Socrates to post the schedule more widely.

2011 saw an unusual number of cancelled paddling days, with stormy weather and the unfortunate fire at the North Hudson sewage treatment facility.  These situations had far reaching effects, resulting in restrictions on water contact due to high bacteria levels throughout most of New York harbor.

Yet in spite of this AND not paddling on low-tide days, the total number of people we put out on the water was only slightly lower than last year.  And the proportion of children was still high — 24.8% of our waivers were for minors.  Speaking of waivers, we were greener that way too — with a new format we were able to get six or seven signatures per page instead of one per page as in prior years.

What can we do better next year?  For starters, we’re working with the new leadership of Socrates Sculpture Park, the Queens Parks Commissioner, and Greenshores NYC to find a place to store boats and equipment in or near Socrates Park.

Our plan for 2012 is to run the walk-up paddling program on back-to-back Saturdays and Sundays on high tide weekends, storing the equipment securely overnight.  This will nearly DOUBLE the available high tide paddling days, without adding any more boat transport effort.

More quality paddling, more people served, more volunteer satisfaction, very little incremental boat hauling!

Canoes proved to be popular with young families, and single kayaks were popular with athletic and/or adventurous guests.  Sometimes people were waiting for canoes or singles.  Next year we plan to bring more of them.

With the help of Socrates and Greenshores NYC we can do a better job of posting our schedules — online and onsite — and posting notification when it’s necessary to cancel a scheduled session.  Of course we plan to continue to enhance the volunteer training and safety initiatives we introduced in 2011.

A word about our Hallets Cove volunteers…

We are indebted to more than 60 individuals — the same number as last year, but many of them new this year — who served at the Cove or behind the scenes in 2011, and in so doing, enabled the free public paddling program to thrive.

Dear Volunteers,

You came in March to the work parties to get the equipment ready for a packed season, and you were still around in October.  You came in good weather and bad.  You arrived early, you stayed late, many of you worked 10 hour days.  You hauled, you lifted.  You hosed down equipment at the end of the day and occasionally got hosed…

You were motivated, enthusiastic, kept your spirits up on days when the rain was coming down.  You were gracious.  You did your utmost to ensure that every guest had a good and enjoyable experience.  I can’t count the number of times that a hesitant guest was taken out in a tandem or canoe by a good-natured, competent and confident volunteer and returned wearing a huge smile having “conquered the Cove” and whatever reluctance he or she arrived with.  Beautiful!  We love you.  We want you back, again and again.

Yes,  Long Island City Community Boathouse volunteers are the Heroes of Hallets Cove!   Thank you for embodying the true spirit of volunteerism and for your service to LICCB and the Hallets Cove community.

– Steve Ellis, Hallets Cove Paddling Program Coordinator

Continuing opportunity:  Many of you will make yourselves even more formidable with skills acquired over the winter in a warm and welcoming environment.  Take advantage now, in the off-season, to learn to do some amazing kayak tricks and at that same time, serve a new generation of kayak enthusiasts!  We encourage you to check out the Riverbank Pool Kayak Program previously mentioned in another post.

If we don’t see you in the warm waters of the pool, we’ll see you next season!

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

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 Park recreational facility is amazing in itself, built on top of a (now famous) water treatment plant.  The pool, its glass walled enclosure, and the locker rooms are all heated by steam captured from the processes taking place below.

The view of the Hudson River outside the giant windows can’t be beat.  You can see the Palisades and the GW Bridge, which many of us have paddled under a number of times.

It’s waiting for you, click on the link below to check out the information booklet and join up if it looks good to you!

Happy Warm Winter paddling!

Booklet for Pool Kayak Program 2011

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 you can be of assistance to your boathouse.

Contact us through the contact page, or just send an email to info@licboathouse.org stating your desire to contribute and what you can do.

More volunteer opps coming as the winter season draws near and we make plans in preparation for the next season of success.

Thank you for all you do.

Victoria Olson

LICCB Chair

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.

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 around the tiny island!  Exciting details to come.  Check the Calendar at www.licboathouse.org for details and how YOU can participate!

…General Membership Meeting Wednesday August 31, 2011, 7:30pm@Boathouse

Come out and hear about the following, and more:

…Big Hallets Cove Labor Day weekend

Please bring all your excellent Volunteer Mojo to the Cove.  We are there Saturday, Sunday, and Monday September 3rd, 4th, and 5th!  We are eager to make up for some missed days due to inclement weather and unfavorable water conditions this past summer.  Come out and celebrate!

There will be special end-of-day trips created for after the public walk-up paddling program day, with preference given to participants who assisted with the program.  And, a couple of celebration barbeques on Saturday and Sunday when we get back to the Boathouse.

We are looking for volunteers to assist with the barbeque and also to show their trip participant skills in leadership/safety roles on the end-of-day trips.  Sign up, and mention your willingness to assist in creating a memorable positive experience for other participants.

…September Activities and Trips

Please check the calendar for additional trips posted/to be posted, including an incentive trip for volunteers who are members of the ACA (American Canoe Association.)  We are planning a skills enhancement outing up at Lake Sebago in early autumn.  If you haven’t been to the camp, you’re in for a treat!  That is, if you like the Adirondack Camp style of hanging out–old wooden structures, a lovely lake with lots of human-powered recreation going on, stone fireplaces, rustic living.

The camp is located in Harriman State Park, less than an hour’s drive west from NYC.  The trip will be coordinated with area trees, which promise to be in blazing glory.

More information, including car pooling, equipment hauling cooperation, and actual dates to come!  Join the ACA now, or don’t worry about it, just pay a per-day fee up at the camp, which I believe is $5.  There is also a camp day fee of $8 for ACA members and $12 for guests.  But all must sign a waiver for participation at the camp.

…Financial Report

Wesley Miller, LICCB Bursar, will present a report of where’s-the-money.

…Riverbank Winter Sessions Pool Program for Kayak Skills

For the past two winter seasons, LICCB’s parent organization, the Gowanus Dredgers Canoe Club (GDCC) has afforded members the opportunity to learn and master new skills in the protected environment of an indoor pool at Riverbank State Park.  Some of our members have taken advantage of this excellent opportunity and will present a report of how it works and how you can get involved.

…Progress on our Dock Project

Last Spring, several of us stayed up late and got up early and spent hundreds of hours creating a proposal for a safe launch from Anabel Basin.  We are anticipating news about this exciting project and you’ll be hearing about it at the meeting!

…Security Enhancements at the Boathouse

As several of you have noticed, there are more locks and keys in our physical structures–the dock and the boathouse building itself–all of which is privately owned space we utilize through the generosity of Plaxall, Inc.  The neighborhood has seen greater activity and alas, crime in the form of vandalism seems to be on the rise.  Residents and businesses are more wary as actual dozens of car windows are broken at night.

Despite enhanced police presence and enforcement capacity, we must all take measures to protect ourselves and those to whom we are accountable for our situation.  There does not seem to be an increased danger to persons present in the area–far from it–but to property, specifically.

Thus we cannot be too careful.  We are requesting all participants to become very aware of their surroundings and to remain alert.

…New Volunteer Opportunities Page on the website

Many of you have wondered, “how can I get more involved with the excellent work LICCB is doing?  I want to participate and contribute more of my talent, but how?”  Up until now, you’ve had to try to catch the ear of a busy person running past with a boat on their shoulders.  But coming up, we’ll be adding a layer of systematic approach, available to all able-bodied and able-minded folks who are ready and willing to create positive influence in LICCB!  Stay tuned for this exciting enhancement.

…Warm Water!

The second half of the season is the most fun for many.  The water has been smiling under the summer sun all season and as a result, is a sanguine consistency of a viscous salty liquid unique to the New York Harbor.  It is lovely.  The pleasure of a late summer night on the water is indescribable to anyone who has not actually experienced it.

You are encouraged to commit yourself to the enjoyment of participation in a righteous community effort AND the delight of unusual urban sport with the LICCB in this beautiful second half of the kayak season in NYC!  We welcome you.  Come and play with us!

Cheers,

Victoria Olson, Beach Chair LICCB 2011

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 up too.

See you on the water.

Best,

Victoria Olson

LICCB Chair 2011