New England Section. On March 20 the New England Section held its 14th annual Formal Dinner at the elegant Henderson House in Weston, Mass. Walt Hampton displayed his photographs Where Awe Dwells: Journeys in the Great Ranges. Our guest speaker was Glenn Denney, who treated us to a brilliant presentation entitled Yosemite in the Sixties. Among the notables in attendance were past AAC Presidents Mark Richey and Jed Williamson and board members Bruce Franks and John Kascenska. New Hampshire hardmen Steve Arsenault and Paul Boissioneault joined in the festivities along with John Reppy, who traveled from New York. Bill Atkinson, our former Chair, also attended, and I thank him once again for all his help this past year as I transition into the role of Chair.

In June the annual summer BBQ was held at Teresa and Mark Richeys new home in Madison, New Hampshire. Prior to the party Bill Atkinson, Susan Clark, Rick Merritt, and Marvin Wright seconded me in a conga line up Beginner's Route on Whitehorse Ledge near North Conway. Despite the heat wave the expedition managed three pitches before bailing for a cold pint Rick Merritt skillfully manned the BBQ grill, a task not fit for the faint of heart with Teresa and Mark providing a meadow full of lamb chops. Karen Bates and Joe Terrevechia, Janet Bergman, and Freddie Wilkinson were among others joining us.

Our Fall BBQ in October was held at my lair at Albany, New Hampshire. Despite the cold weather we had a crew of about 30 who partied well into the night with the likes of D. Byer, Paul Bois- sineault (aka Base), Steve and Joan Arsenault, and New England ice hardman, Doug Millen.

November marked our second annual “It Ain’t Over Til It’s Over” meet in Connecticut hosted by Chad Hussey. The cold forecast held back a few, but those of us who went were rewarded with warm rock and sun and spent the day enjoying the phenomenal rock that Ragged Mountain offers. Chad and AMGA guides Bob Clark, Jeff Lea, and Kevin Johnson showed their crag off to us for a great day.

We lost long-time member and friend Doug Zimmerman in June. Doug often attended our annual dinner along with good friend and climbing partner Dale Janic. Also, Ross Bronson passed away after an accident in his home just before the close of the year. He was another staple at our dinners and BBQs and will be missed.

Nancy Savickas, Chair