From the Helm

by John Ohrt, Commodore


Welcome to 2004 which will hopefully be another great year of paddling; even better than 2003, which was pretty good. I'm looking forward to lots of trips, some new ones and some old favorites (we need someone to do a rain dance for the hill country).
This is also the club's 40th anniversary and I'm looking forward, with your help, to celebrating it in grand style next October at Huntsville State Park. I'm looking forward to getting together with our veteran members, some of whom I haven't seen in a while, catching up and retelling old stories. I'm looking forward to meeting lots of new folks this year because that's one of the best parts of the Houston Canoe Club. In the twenty some odd years that I've been a member of HCC I don't think that I've met a group of nicer, friendlier, more helpful people than I have in and through the canoe club.
That is perhaps the finest opportunity that it offers. When I first joined I was welcomed by everyone. They were happy to have me on trips and to show me around the state of Texas canoeing. Of course I had to go on the trips.
After I had been a member for two years they even made me an officer. How's that for being friendly?
I know that for people just joining it can seem difficult to get into the flow, so to speak. I would suggest that people try to arrive early to the meetings. I try to get there about 6:30, to have time to meet folks, chat, hang out, listen, introduce yourself etc. When the meeting starts we have to move along to get finished on time. After the meetings all are encouraged to drop by the Cafe Express on Kirby just north of Richmond for a bite. That's a good place to relax and get to know folks. Myself, all of the officers, and every experienced member that I know is happy to meet and get to know new members, but we don't always recognize them so don't feel bashful about introducing yourself. Of course keep an eye on the trip schedule and go on as many as you can. Pretty soon you'll be organizing trips.
It's your club, so jump right in. like I said, I'm looking forward to a great 2004