A.A.C., New York Section. Though the AAC's headquarters are no longer in Manhattan, the New York Section is still the second largest of the Club's eleven sections with over 370 members. Membership growth has been rapid, resulting in "sold out" events as the norm rather than the exception. During the year, Section Members received invitations to both Spring and Winter outings in the Adirondacks; a gala mountain film festival, "Alpinfilm," which the Section co-sponsors; a Black Tie Annual Dinner; a Christmas Party; and other impromptu events. The featured speaker at the 16th Annual Dinner was Royal Robbins, who enthralled a capacity audience of 140 members and guests with the inspirational story of his personal journey from high school drop-out to world class climber and kayaker to prominent businessman and community leader. Also on the program were local members Sherman and Brad Bull describing their "Father and Son" team attempt on Everest in the pre-monsoon season. Sherman, 58, reached the South Peak while Brad, 28, summitted. As in years past, Dinner proceeds were contributed to the American Alpine Journal.

The year concluded on a festive note with a "South of the Border" Christmas party. Six members in brief 10 minute presentations described their favorite climbing haunts from St. Lucia, to Colombia, to Peru, Bolivia, Argentina, and Patagonia. After the show 100 members and guests gathered for Chilean Wine, Andean Cheese and Argentine hors d'oeuvres in the lounge of the Explorers Club.

"Alpinfilm," the New York International Mountain Film Festival, now in its sixth year, presents a wide variety of films on the mountain experience in a juried competition, giving filmmakers an opportunity to win cash awards as well as providing valuable exposure to the New York media and entertainment communities. The "Best of Festival" award went to "Stone Dance," a gritty and penetrating view of contemporary solo free climbing. The film, directed by Peter Brown of the University of Southern California, went on to win other major awards at Telluride, Banff and other venues.

The Section looks forward to hosting the Club's 1996 Annual Meeting which returns to New York after an 11-year interval.

Correspondence relative to the above or other matters may be addressed to: N.Y. Section AAC, Box 5475, Rockefeller Station, New York, NY, 10185.

Philip Erard, Chairman