A.A.C., New York Section. The year 1983 was one of the most active and successful in the history of the New York Section. During the year members and guests attended a series of 10 lecture-programs on a wide range of topics. Featured speakers included Ned Gillette, Arlene Blum, Doug Scott, and John Roskelley on various aspects of climbing in the Himalaya. Others lectured on women’s climbing, Nordic skiing, and climbing in Alaska and the Adirondacks.

The Section’s annual dinner, a black-tie gala at the Union Club, attracted the usual capacity throng, and has become a national event and significant fundraiser for the Club. Chris Bonington, ever witty and articulate and fresh from a new route on Shivling, was the guest speaker. The event raised a record $5,063 for the Clubhouse Improvement Fund. The success of the evening was further assured by two new features: a continuous slide show From Alaska to Patagonia, consisting of Olaf Sööt’s photographic work, and an art exhibit by Louis Bergmann, with all proceeds generously donated to the Club.

An ice-climbing outing was held in Keene Valley in January, and throughout the year members had an active climbing season in the Arctic, Alps, and in the West. A record 20 new members were added to the Section’s membership rolls, and the Section newsletter, edited by Fran Allen, has become a lively forum of information exchange.

Philip Erard