Meeting Minutes: April 16, 2025

A Zoom meeting of the board of directors of Western Mass Climbers Coalition (WMCC, a Massachusetts Nonprofit corporation), was held on April 16, 2025 at 7p ET in accordance with WMCC’s bylaws.

The meeting was called to order at 7:07pm by Andrew Neuman, board president.

Attendees: Stephanie Giguere, Ryan Shumeyko, Rob Sullivan, Regina Madden, Ryan Stefiuk, Danielle Rao, Andrew Neuman, Jenifer Dickinson, Laura Davis, Josh Seamon-Ingalls, Nick Friedman, Justin Raphaelson, Sara McFadden

Guidebook for Hermit Mountain and Catamount Rocks(Sara McFadden) – Sara looking at “now” timeframe for Hermit Mt guidebook using Gunks Apps. Hermit Mountain – Erving State Forest may not draw that many people, will have to confirm Rt 2 parking as a possibility. At Catamount Rocks there is a minor concern about a landowner nearby but parking is adequate for expected crowds. Ownership of land is unclear and the approach trail may need polishing.

Reel Rock Recap

123 tickets sold, 5 sponsors totalling $555, $2,556.85 profit (about $1000 more than last year) View full stats here
Overall well received. Ryan, manager at EMS, donated kit and sponsored, going above and beyond as an ally to WMCC.
Feedback – Laura – having a dedicated membership station may be useful at future RR events. Stephanie – Also having more volunteers available to take money for beer/pizza/membership
Stephanie expressing interest in easterly RR screening. Justin mentioning some Worcester area universities are willing to let organizations use auditorium.

Rock Property Updates (Ryan Sh)

Proof of ownership, Reached out to town with no word in return, Bucky shared updated plan, but we are waiting on the final model of layout and stormwater design. Ryan Shumeyko shared two potential timelines for the project. Feeling is that application may need to be submitted to get the ball rolling with the town.

P&S agreement is signed

Budget

Josh, Laura calling for vote on budget next month once budget is finalized.
Are there concerns about economic situation and how it may affect donations
Capital Budget – there are probably too many questions here to finalize this budget right now – let’s hold off on discussion about this

Access Updates

DCR (Ryan Stefiuk) – Discussion about getting DCR’s attention as a way of moving forward.

Political Outreach & other updates (Rob)

A tomahawk shaped property that includes Pinnacle to Pooh Buttress at Farley Ledge is available for sale