Oct 99 MINUTES OF THE

NATIONAL WATER SAFETY CONGRESS

BOARD OF DIRECTORS MEETING

LAS VEGAS, NEVADA

26-27 OCTOBER, 1999

 

The meeting of the Board of Directors of the National Water Safety Congress

(NWSC) was called to order by Lu Christie.

 

The following members were present:

 

Lu Christie          Toni Rushing             Kathy Meadows

Brenda Warren        Allan Bailey             Bill Ladd

Carl Garner          Steve Fairbanks          Bill Hagdorn 

Keith Bryant         Nancy Bernard            Ross Adkins

Joe Morgan           Arlyn Hendricks          Emmett Forte

Ron Riberich         Russ Minton              Virgil Chambers

               

The following members were absent:

 

Bobby Pharr          Fred Messmann            Frank Trent

Butch Potts          Bill Gossard

 

Roll was called and a quorum was established.

 

Reading of the Minutes: It was moved and seconded by Ladd/Minton to forego

reading of the minutes of the previous meeting and accept written minutes as

presented and amended to show Kathy Meadows present at the last meeting.  Motion

passed.

 

Officers Reports:

 

Treasurer - Toni Rushing - Passed out written report on treasury.  Current

assets are $69,671.74.  Of that $22,000 is in the IBWSS which is not ours to

use.  Also there is a balance of $9412.78 on the partnering grant with the Coast

Guard.  Balance is due to the fact that we got the grant late and did not send

anyone to the Southern States Boating Law Administrators meeting in May.  Toni

showed the board the new computer and software that she purchased with the

approval of the Executive Committee.  Toni informed the board that the IRS

reports had all been filed.  Carl assisted Toni in getting things corrected for

last year.  Our current balance is $39,737.58.

    Motion – Warren/Ladd – Move to accept the treasurer report as presented. 

Motion passed.

 

Regional Vice Presidents Reports: 

 

Region I Vice President - Frank Trent – Absent – no report.

 

Region II Vice President - Bill Gossard – Absent – written report submitted as

follows:  The State BLAs in Region 2 have been provided the Awards package

prepared by Fred Messman.  They have been asked to send award nominees to me by

December 31st...Last year we had an excellent response from State BLAs.  I have

also asked Frank Trent to ask USACE managers to submit candidates since I do not

have a good working list of these folks in Region 2.  Activities of note in my

Region included enactment of mandatory use of personal flotation devices for

children ages 12 and under for the State of New Jersey.  New Hampshire remains

committed to mandatory education and a bill continues its Committee hearings in

that State.  Connecticut will be considering new laws for personal watercraft

and strengthened boating while intoxicated in the next legislative session. 

Other actions may be taken by states that have replied to the Safety Board's PWC

recommendations including Massachusetts and the States listed above.  Accident

information released by the United States Coast Guard indicates the following

for Region 2 fatalities in 1997 for Region 2 States totaled 103; for 1998 a

slight rise to 107.  Other information on accidents and injuries is available

from Region 2 Vice President if needed.

 

Region III Vice President - Brenda Warren – Has been in contact with the

Nashville District Water Safety Committee working on some new programs.  Award

packet to go out to regional contacts next week.  Represented the NWSC at the

Western States Boating Law Administrators meeting.  Has the shirts for the board

and will distribute them later.  Selected as the National Public Safety Program

Manager for the Corps of Engineers.

 

Region IV Vice President - Keith Bryant - No meetings attended.  Alabama has

pending legislation for 2000 to raise minimum operator age to 14 and lower BAC

for BUI to 0.08 to make it consistent with highway DUI level.  Florida will

introduce PWC safety bill and comprehensive boating bill in the March 2000

session.  Mississippi is attempting to get authorization to draw blood for BAC

testing from unconscious boaters and boating accident victims.  They are also

trying to get mandatory boat and outboard motor titling in place of current

voluntary program.  Tennessee is studying possible boater education requirement;

proposing government issued ID for boat operators, applying BUI law to all

vessels, and approved orientation for PWC rentals.  Letters soliciting award

nominations to be sent out in November.  Alabama is teaching boating safety

courses and giving McDonalds coupons for free french fries to children under 12

wearing PFD’s when boating.  In Florida the game and fish commission has been

merged with the marine patrol to form a new Florida Fish and Wildlife

Conservation Commission.  A video puppet show on boating safety continues to be

used in Mississippi.  Tennessee has produced a new boating rules and safety

video.  Accident numbers are: Alabama – 118 accidents (-18% vs. 1998, 16

fatalities (-38% vs. 1998, decrease attributed to boater education.  Florida –

53 fatalities (up slightly from 1998), including 9 PWC.  Mississippi – 142

accidents (+20% vs. 1998, including 50 PWC – 25 fatalities (+127% vs. 1998). 

Tennessee – 156 accidents (-7% vs. 1998), including 37 PWC – 15 fatalities (+37%

vs. 1998).

 

Region V Vice President - Carl Garner – Attended NASBLA conference in Hot

Springs, Arkansas 18-23 September 1999.  Met four of the six region V BLA’s. 

Little Rock District Corps of Engineers has formed a district water safety

committee.  In Oklahoma the Safe Kids Coalition is working on proposed

legislation dealing with mandatory education and age limits for operators of

PWC’s.  Forty award solicitation letters to go in November.  Arkansas has new

legislation that was effective on July 1, 1999.  The main restrictions in this

law are a 14-year-old operator restriction, mirrors cannot be used to tow

skiers, kill switches are required, no nighttime operation, and speed

restrictions while in the proximity of another vessel.  Arkansas has also passed

legislation requiring $50,000 liability on all PWCs and boats powered by motors

over 50 H.P.  The Corps of Engineers continues to be active in region 5 in

promoting water safety.

 

Region VI Vice President - Kathy Meadows – Nebraska passed legislation that as

of 1 May 2000 youths under age 16 must complete a boating education course in

order to legally operate a PWC.  Nebraska noted a increase in drownings this

year, particularly swimming related (19).  PFD’s were not worn by any of the

victims.  Nebraska is beefing up its boating and water safety efforts.  In

Missouri legislation will once again be introduced that would require all boats

to have wearable PFD’s aboard.  Current law states that if a boat is under 16

ft., it does not need PFD’s except for youngsters under 7, who must wear a PFD

at all times.  Other legislation to be introduced would require anyone on a

vessel 18 ft. and under to wear a PFD at all times between October 15 and March

15 any time the main source of power is engaged.  Iowa will again try to get

implied consent for boating under the influence arrest legislation through the

state legislature next year.  South Dakota experienced its first PWC fatality

this year.  The Iowa Safe Boating Coalition held its second meeting at Drake

University on 2 October 1999.  The initial purpose of this group was to work

together for the purpose of passing two pieces of legislation: Implied consent

for BWI and mandatory education for PWC operators 16 and under.  The Midwest

Regional Water Safety Council is developing an instructor course for both Basic

River Rescue and Basic Ice Rescue.  They were invited to participate in the

first annual Mid America Energy Safety Zone in Johnston, IA.  The MRWSC provided

exhibit materials and staffing for personal watercraft loan program.  The PWC’s

were used as part of the effort to explain the mandatory boating education law

for kids 12-16 currently proposed for Iowa.  The Bi-State Water Safety Council

encompassing Missouri and Illinois was recently formed.  The first meeting was

held September 9 at the Great Rivers Museum.  Rock Island District Corps of

Engineers held an organizational meeting of their District Water Safety Council

on 5 October 1999.  Representatives from Operations Division, Safety Office, and

Engineering Division were present.  The meeting included review of current water

and bating safety efforts by reps from the three Lake Projects, Mississippi

River Project, and Illinois Waterway Project.   The second annual meeting of the

Partnering for Safety group is planned for February 2000 at the Lake of the

Ozarks, MO.  Partners include representatives from various state, local, and

federal agencies, including the MO Water Patrol, National Park Service, Corps of

Engineers, Illinois DNR, USFWS, MO Dept. of Conservation, etc.   

 

Region VII Vice President - Bill Hagdorn – Idaho passed titling of power vessel

law to begin in the year 2000.  Oregon passed a mandatory boater education law

for everyone that begins in 2001.  This is to be phased in over a 10-year

period.  Paul Donhefner elected as NASBLA president for next year.  Oregon was

very pro active with their program promoting PFD wearing and stepped up their

boating under the influence program.  Last year they had about 270 arrests on

the water and about 75 were alcohol or drug related.  Idaho, especially the

Governor’s office, was very active in promoting water safety.  Oregon had 14

fatalities – 1 PWC related, Idaho had 12 fatalities – 1 PWC related.  In Idaho,

75% were none motorized vessel related.  This is up from about 50% last year. 

Idaho will focus on officer survival, wearing of PFD’s and mandatory education

for officers.

 

Region VIII Vice President - Fred Messmann – Absent – Lu talked to Fred late

Friday.  He passed on some information that Steve will cover in the program

report.  Bill Ladd reported that California passed mandatory education but the

governor vetoed it.      

 

President’s Report - Lu Chrisite – Working with other agencies about concerns

with grants.  Received a letter from Boaters Against Drunk Drivers requesting a

grant to assist them in their efforts.  After discussion with the Executive

Committee it was decided that we were not in any position to provide them a

grant.  A nice letter was sent to him explaining our position and wished them

well in their efforts.  Ron Riberich has agreed to take over the administrative

functions from Jimmy Cottongim at no pay.  Anything that you send out that you

need a permanent address for, use Ron’s address.  Fred told me that Barb

Henderson who is going to emcee the summit and Dave Pfiffner who is Fred’s

assistant were planning to be here Wednesday at 11 to meet everyone.  Dave is

coordinating the on-the-water activities.

 

EXECUTIVE VICE-PRESIDENTS REPORT – Steve Fairbanks

 

a.                   NSBC Board Meeting, Golden Colorado – Attended NSBC board

of Directors meeting back in July.  Felt privileged to participate in a

strategic planning session to set the goals and direction for the NSBC for the

next 5 years.  Stressed to the board that that it was imperative that that the

financial side of the 1999 Summit needs to be finalized and closed out so that

we can turn our attention to the 2000 Summit.  Larry Innis noted that there was

only one nomination for the Boston Whaler Boating Safety Youth Program of

Excellence Award.  West Marine may pick up sponsorship of the award for the

upcoming 2000 season.  The NSBC wanted more than 10 minutes to present the

Boating Education Advancement Award.  I told them the Summit Advisory Committee

would consider it along with other program recommendations at the August

meeting.  I suggested that we should make a note in the program business casual

attire be required for the summit awards banquet.  The Advisory Committee will

also discuss this.  The Canadian Safe Boating Council is extremely interested in

a joint Canadian/U.S water safety summit.

                    

b.                   NABA Trip Report – The Northern Boating Law Administrators

meeting was in Burlington, Vermont, 27 June – 1 July.  I visited with Randy

Edwards, Secretary-Treasurer of NABA and BLA for the state of Iowa about the

need to possibly look at beefing up the agenda a little.  Randy indicated that

the agenda would change significantly and improve next year.  One of the most

valuable aspects of the meeting was that associate members of NABA have the

opportunity to address attendees and discuss their programs, problems, and

current activities.    The NWSC is an associate member of NABA for the first

time in history.  The NABA meeting provided me the opportunity to give a 

presentation on the Summit and the NWSC.

 

   

    c.  Iowa Safe Boating Coalition – 11 August 1999.  Involved with this

meeting were the Iowa DNR, Corps of Engineers, U.S. Coast Guard Auxiliary, U. S.

Power Squadron, National Recreation Boating Coalition, MADD, GuideOne Insurance,

and National Transportation and Safety Board.  A second meeting was held on 2

October 1999.  This group is focusing on two issues; implied consent for BWI

legislation that failed to pass this year on a 48-48 vote, and mandatory boating

education.  

 

Working on a Memorandum of Understanding with the NSBC to be signed at Summit

opening.

    

Committee Reports:

 

Programs Committee - Steve Fairbanks/Virgil Chambers – Call for presentations

deadline was 15 August.  The advisory committee met at the end of August at

Alexis Park.  Steve passed out the program listing that is nearly complete. 

Saturday the 15th will be the meeting day for most organizations.  The National

Recreation Parks Association will conduct a “Better Beaches” workshop on

Saturday.  The National Aquatics Coalition to be a part of the Summit.  Draft of

the Summit brochure to come from the program.  Opening reception to be in the

exhibit hall.  Barbara Henderson to be emcee.  Virgil and Steve will introduce

the Summit Advisory Committee.  Field activities to be Monday afternoon at Lake

Mead.  Nancy and Fred are working on this.  At this time Dave Pfiffner joined

us.  He stated that Nevada DNR will provide whatever assistance we need.  Nancy

discussed caterers for the meal to be served at Lake Mead and presented a

tentative itinerary for the activities.  Exhibitors will be asked if they want

to display their product at the field activities.  One addition this year will

be the great mascot challenge.  The build-a-boat contest will return.  Virgil is

looking for a sponsor for this contest.  Tuesday morning will be general

sessions.  On Tuesday will be the extended breakouts.  This is in response

participants for some breakouts that are longer than 50 minutes.  Tuesday

afternoon will be breakout sessions.  Wednesday we will have breakout sessions

in the morning and group session in the afternoon and the awards banquet in the

evening.  On Thursday the Iowa DNR wants to conduct a water safety basic course.

 Steve will schedule a room for a NWSC business meeting.  There was a tremendous

amount of interest from people wanting to present programs at the Summit.  All

sessions are full.  After a discussion about the awards luncheon it was decided

that the NWSC would manage the tickets, etc.  Once again the number will be

capped at 100 attendees.  It was stressed that we know if award winners will be

present.  It was noted that this was the first time that we were looking at a

program before 1 November.  Bill Hagdorn suggested holding regional meetings at

the Summit, which was thought to be a good idea by the board.  The insurance for

the field activities is done; Bobby Pharr will handle the Summit Insurance. 

Carl brought up insurance/risk management issues.  Virgil will make

announcements prior to the field activities about what is going to be done so

folks will be aware of the risks.  Program brochure to be mailed out by Tally by

the 15th of November.  A round of applause from the board for Steve’s work ended

this committee report. 

 

Lu made a change to the agenda having Bill Hagdorn report on the home page

project.

 

Projects Committee – Bill Hagdorn – Has put together 3 draft versions of the web

page.  There are 13 major links on the page.  The latest draft was put up

yesterday.  Need addresses updated on local councils.  The page shows the

journal plus award, grant, membership applications that can be downloaded or

printed.  Need dates on events and information on past award winners.  There is

a link to the Summit page on the NSBC home page.  The page is about 90% ready to

go to a address.  Need photos from the group to include on the page if we want

them.  Toni looked at a contractor to maintain the web page.  The cost would be

$2500 per year to host the site and make minor changes.  We will need to

purchase a domain name.  Russ announced that Southwest Division of the Corps has

agreed to provide space on their server for the web page.  Waiting on IP

address.  Toni will purchase domain name “watersafetycongress.org”.  Lu

volunteered to keep the site updated.           

 

    Motion – Ladd/Adkins – That Southwest Division Corps of Engineers host the

web page on their server.  Motion passed.

 

Bill suggested filtering information for the page through one person or group. 

Public Relations Committee to take responsibility for the web site.  Bill

announced that Toni has the page on her computer if someone would like to look

at it.  Lu thanked Bill for his work.  Applause followed.        

   

    Motion – Warren/Adkins – Lu to be the web master.  Public Relations

Committee to have over site of the web page.  Lu to be on that committee. 

Motion passed.

    

Awards Committee – Fred Messmann – Absent – Arlyn reported some of the award

information that was furnished to him by Fred.  31 December is the deadline for

submission of award nominations.  Fred furnished this information to the

vice-presidents in an earlier letter.  Fred would like to know if at all

possible which award winners would attend the Summit.  There was a discussion

about corporate sponsors.  Do we continue to give wooden plaques?  When is the

best time to present the awards? 

 

    Motion – Garner/Bryant – That we continue to give the corporate sponsor

awards at the banquet.  Motion passed.

 

Public Relations Committee - Ross Adkins – Working with Rhea Dawn on sending out

national news releases to publications that have calendars, etc.  Working on

list of local news media contacts.  Nancy suggested Ross work with the park

(Lake Mead) public information officer.  Ross will follow up on newsmagazines to

see if they would be interested in doing a story on the international aspect of

the Summit.  Ross reported on a pilot program entitled Gals Gone Fishing.  It is

aimed at women interested in outdoor activities, specifically fishing.  They

have also included a segment on water safety.  If the program is picked up by

ESPN, one of the intended target outlets, future fishing segments will be filmed

Nationwide.  Features other than the fishing segments will be filmed locally

around Corps lakes.  This is a Tulsa-based production company using Tulsa TV

personality, Terry Bowers.

 

There was a discussion about sponsorship for the Summit.  We do not a package

for sponsorship guidelines.  What do we do about the alcohol issue?  Ross to get

out a policy on corporate sponsorship for the Summit.  Will get with the NSBC

and Tally Management.  Virgil suggested the we the NWSC & NSBC work together on

who we approach for sponsorship.  Including this in the MOU would also be a

possibility.  Steve, Virgil, and Ross to work on this.      

 

Liaison Committee – Nancy Bernard – Mailed out letters to two grants recipients

asking if their programs are finished.  Received accounting summaries from the

Desert Valley and Midwest Region Water Safety Councils about their completed

programs.  Will send out letters to all local councils for the 2000 grant

process next week.

 

International Relations - Bill Gossard – Arlyn read written report. The

International Committee has been busy in support of the 4th International

Boating and Water Safety Summit.   The Chairman prepared a mailing list of

approximately 130 foreign guests and mailed an initial letter inviting speakers

and attendance. The response has been fair we have 3 Italian speakers, a South

African, a Scotsman, and an Australian (tentative).  Additionally, I believe one

French vendor.  I expect about 1 more possible speaker from the UK and perhaps 1

more Italian.  The mailing list was provided to Karen Venditti, Talley

Management for the brochure mailing.  Additionally, the Italians plan to host a

European/American States conference in the Riva del Garda area between Milan and

Rome.  This conference is expected to bring 100 of the top States' boating

safety folks to a very intense conference.  The date of the conference should be

announced soon and invitation letters sent.  The Guardia Costiera Ausiliaria

(Italian Coast Guard Auxiliary) and the Societa Nazaionale di Salvamento

(Italian National Rescue Society) will be the hosts.   The date is in Sept/Oct

2000. 

I expect that the NWSC will receive an invitation and that the President and

Past President should expect to attend representing the Corps, other federal

agencies, and our membership in general.

 

Site Selection Committee - Carl Garner – Have a contract signed for next year

(2000).  Have 325 rooms reserved.  Alexis Park will have contracts with the Hard

Rock and St. Tropez.  March 14th cut-off date.  Dates for the Summit are 16-19

April 2000.  Will bill us a month out for first nights room cost.  

 

    Motion – Adkins/Ladd – That Carl is allowed to negotiate with hotel about

meal & drink costs.  Motion passed. 

 

Discussed problems “Killer Contracts” and the attrition clauses that are in

every hotel contract now.  Need to know how many attendees to expect.  Also need

to look close at negotiating attrition rates.  Has not talked to anyone yet

about 2002.  Discussion once again about looking at permanent sites – east,

west, and central.  The 2001 Summit will be at the Opryland Hotel in Nashville. 

Dates 3-4 October 2000 for the board meeting and 7-13 April 2001 for the Summit.

 Room rates are to be $72.

 

Grants Committee – Toni Rushing – Awarded the three grants that we submitted

for.  One was for $6,000 to go to local water safety councils.  The partnering

grant was for $20,000.  Have $8,500 left on that grant.  Two meetings are left

to attend as part of that grant.  The Power Squadron meeting is in Orlando at

the end of January.  Ross will try and attend that one.  The other meeting is

the NSBC meeting also in Orlando.  Steve will attend NSBC meeting.  Bill Ladd

suggested asking the Coast Guard to re-program grant to possibly fund

re-chartering kit update.  NASBLA partnering meeting are:

  

    SSBLA – 14-17 May – Oklahoma City

    WSBLA –  9-12 July– Juneau

    NABLA   18-22 July- Toledo

    NASBLA-  9-13 Sept- Mackenic Island

 

Bill Ladd suggested that we consider sending someone to the Boating Safety

Advisory Council Meeting.  Lu to talk to John Malatak to see if he could suggest

other partnering meetings to attend.    

 

The IBWSS grant in the amount of $83,000 was approved.  Toni stated that the

three grants that are to be re-submitted are easy.  It’s the new ones that are

difficult to write.  One suggested grant would be to combine updating of the

chartering kits with the local council matching grants.  It was reported that

there are no more “Waterway User Guides”.  There was a discussion of printing

more. 

 

    Motion – Ladd/Adkins – To explore putting the Waterway User Guide on the web

site.  Motion passed.

 

Grant deadline is 17 January 2000.  Grant on 50-year history of NWSC to be

submitted.  Ron to help Toni with this.  Steve suggested a potential grant to

update current exhibit. 

 

    Motion – Garner/Ladd – Send Toni to Basic Grant writing school.  Motion

passed.                

 

Nominations Committee - Keith Bryant – Deadline for receiving nominations for

Board of Directors for the year 2000 was extended to 31 October, 1999.  Need

nominations for 2 or 3 regional Vice-Presidents and about 4 board members.

 

Membership Committee - Keith Bryant – In 1999 membership totaled 63 plus 7

corporate sponsors.  In 1998 the numbers were 77 and 8.  There was an extended

discussion on how to get back membership numbers.  Need incentives for

membership.  Have to make membership attractive.  Committee to draft letter to

solicit members for year 2000 and submit to the president. 

 

Discussion on membership issues tabled until tomorrow.

Resolution Committee - Allan Bailey – No resolutions under consideration at this

time.

 

Education Committee - Virgil Chambers – would like to see the NWSC get into

teaching more.  Possibility of Marina Safety Inspection function.  Discussion

about what we want to get into.  Do not want to get into inspection service that

is certified.  Suggestion of picking some type of instruction to call our own. 

Brenda stated that there are marina inspection guidelines available.  She has a

copy.  Bill Ladd suggested offering as Summit add-on.

 

    Motion – Ladd/Adkins – Put on a marina inspection workshop at the Summit

this year in Las Vegas and investigate putting it on in conjunction with NASBLA

Conference.  Motion failed on hand vote.

 

The Education Committee to investigate this possibility for future Summits. 

Brenda and Emmett to assist.       

 

Historical Committee - Emmett Forte – Passed out Go-Goos for all in attendance. 

Continuing to update historical files.  Had a request from Fred for a bio of the

late Al Linx.  Bio written and faxed to Fred.  Lu suggested taking an annual

photo of the board for the Historical Committee. 

 

50th Anniversary Committee - Emmett Forte – The 50th Anniversary Committee met

on 30 July 1999 at J. Percy Priest Lake.  The following members were in

attendance:  Emmett Forte, Carl Garner, Toni Rushing, Ron Riberich and Steve

Foschee.  Steve is a new member.  Carloyn Bower was also asked to join the

committee.  Also in attendance was Ed Carter from the TWRA. Ed has agreed to MC

the 50th meeting.  There is a possibility of having the awards banquet on the

General Jackson.  Visited the Nashville Shores, a private recreation area on J.

Percy Priest.  It would be ideal for field activities.  The primary purpose for

the meeting was to discuss the draft Coast Guard grant proposal drafted by Ron

Riberich.  Allan Bailey has the names and addresses of 42 past board members.

 

Projects Committee – Bill Hagdorn – Passed out copies of the web page.  Wants

photos that are appropriate to go on the home page.  Award information/names

will be put on the page.  Need the names of the regional award winners.  Emmett

brought up putting unusual accidents/happenings on the home page.  Virgil

suggested linking to newspaper sites when they carry water safety stories.     

 

Audit Committee - Brenda Warren – No activity.  Audit to be done at end of the

calendar year.

 

OLD BUSINESS

 

a. Home page on the Internet – Bill Hagdorn – Covered earlier.

 

b. Liability Insurance for Board Members - Bobby Pharr – absent.  Carl to get

with bobby to work out final details.

 

c. Patches/Pins – Brenda Warren – Did research on pins and patches.  Have

several samples of pins to look at.  Price to be about $1.50.  What are we going

to do with the pins?  Give them to whom?  How many do we want?  Where are we

going to give them away?  Joe suggested that the pins be tied to membership. 

Steve suggested that we give them to award winners.  Steve asked about price

break quantities.  Price breaks are at 500/1000/2500.   

 

    Motion – Forte/Garner - That we order a minimum of 1,000 pins.  Motion

passed.

 

A discussion was held about a logo patch.  Cost .90 each if we procure 500. 

 

    Motion – Forte/Ladd – Table patches order.  Motion passed.

 

Brenda will bring the pins to the Summit.

 

At this time there was continued discussion on membership issues.

 

    Motion – Forte/Ladd - That everybody that attends the Summit becomes an

individual member of the NWSC.  Those that don’t attend can become a member for

a fee.  Limite