A.A.C., New York Section. In retrospect 1984 was perhaps the busiest year in the history of the New York Section. Members received invitations to more than a dozen events, ranging from slide shows to climbing outings to barbecues and the traditional annual dinner. Two events in particular stand out, a very successful June barbecue and field day hosted by Olaf and Gitta Sööt at their home in Greenwich and the Section’s annual black-tie dinner at Manhattan’s Union Club. The latter has become a fixture on the Union Club’s calendar, attracting guests from around the country, and has also become an important fund-raising vehicle. An overflowing gathering of 160 members and guests were on hand to hear newly appointed Disney president Frank Wells discuss the “Seven Summits Odyssey,” the attempt he and partner Dick Bass made to become the first to reach the highest points on all seven continents. Guests were also treated to a Tibetan buffet, a members’ photographic exhibit featuring the work of Olaf Sööt, James Billipp, Peter Renz and Fred Selby, and an array of impressive door prizes contributed by generous sponsors. Special thanks go to committee members James Billipp, Priscilla Briggs, John Bruno, Jeanne-Marie Gilbert and Peter Wood for helping to make the evening an artistic as well as a financial success. The dinner netted a record $5675 for the Clubhouse Improvement Fund and set a new standard for conviviality and good fellowship that will be hard to match.

In 1985 the Section looks forward to hosting the Club’s Annual Meeting, which will once again rotate back to the New York area. As of year end, Section membership stood at 171, up 25 since the 1982 edition of the Membership Handbook. Members from other Sections interested in being placed on the New York mailing list should write to New York Section, A.A.C., Box 32, 27 W. 44th Street, New York, New York 10036.

Philip Erard, Chairman