February 25, 2012

The meeting was called to order by MAR Chair, Bob Gulden at approximaltey 1:40 PM, February 25, 2012, at the Mount Laurel Community Park, Harrisburg, PA.

Treasurer's Report:
The Treasurer's Report was read by MAR secretary, Paul Winter. Printed copies were distributed. Total income of the year was $1,482.85, with $697.14 in expenditures.

Net Income for the year was $785.71.

MAR Breakdown:
Please note that the MAR Breakdown editor has changed. The new editor is currently Gretchen “Red” Schock. Send any Breakdown articles for publication to Gretchen. Material can be in hardcopy or sent electronically to redcaver@verizon.net.

George Bange reported that the MAR Breakdown was released and sent out. Christopher Catherman discussed the digital release of a back issue of the MAR Breakdown that was missed last year during the changeover of editors. The April 2011, Volume 26, No. 1, MAR Breakdown include the 2011 MAR Business and PCC minutes. George Bange also requested that the MAR Field Meet Registration Form Template, available on the MAR website, be clarified by adding the note along the lines of "Same Household" to prevent incorrect submissions. It was also reported that there are 1375 outstanding credits.

George Bange maintains the mailing list database for the Breakdown. All changes to mailing addresses and all MAR field meet registrations should be sent to George at riverbat@eawireless.net. Please write neatly when registering for MAR field meets since the mailing list is maintained from the registration forms.

Also, it was determined that, if there is no fall field meet, the August issue of the Breakdown will not be published due to limited content.

2011 Spring Field Meet:
The Spring MAR field meet was with Franklin County Grotto and was held in Shade Gap, PA. A report of the successful field meet was given by Pat Minnick. [88 MAR registrations.]

2011 Fall Field Meet:
The Fall MAR field meet was with Bald Eagle Grotto and was held at Woodward Cave, Woodward, PA. A report of the successful field meet was given by Sarah Ulrich. [75 MAR registrations.]

MAR Web Site:
The MAR webmaster, Christopher Catherman, reported that there have been no major changes to the website and it continues to be functional. As of recently, the majority of issues of the MAR Breakdown, since its inception in April 1986, have now been scanned and available digitally on the MAR website. [Please send any corrections or additions to Christopher Catherman.]

MAR Bulletins:
MAR Vice-Chair, Gary Dunmire, announced that MAR Bulletin #21: Karst of Sinking Valley and Kooken Cave, Huntingdon and Blair Counties has been completed and is now for sale for $27.50.

Pennsylvania Cave Database:
No Report. [The topic will be discussed at the PCC meeting, following this meeting.]

Pennsylvania Game Commission (PGC):
No Report.

MAKC:
Kim Metzgar gave the update on the MAKC’s ongoing cataloging efforts at their library in Blairsville, PA. It is a huge cave information resource. It was also reported that DCNR has opened Barton and Coon Cave in Westmoreland County. Lemon Hole has not yet been opened.

Pennsylvania Cave Conservancy (PCC):
Pat Minnick reported that there have been positive developments for Corker Hill Cave - to be discussed at the PCC meeting.

MAR Incorporation:
No report.

2012 Spring Field Meet:
No field meet is planned for this year.

2012 Fall Field Meet:
A possible meet is in the works for a field meet to be held at Crystal Cave located near Kutztown, Berks County, PA. Tentatively scheduled for late September or early October.

MAKC Booth at the 2012 Convention in WV: The possible sale of MAR Bulletins at the upcoming NSS convention by the MAKC was discussed. The sales would help promote Pennsylvania caves for the 2013 NSS convention. A motion was made to determine if the MAKC and MAR can both profit from the sale of MAR Bulletins by the MAKC at the convention, in which case, Bulletins could be made available to the MAKC to sell. Also, Bette White is to be consulted on the matter. The motion carried.

Facility Fee Increase:
The rent for use of the Mount Laurel Community Park has been increased to $100 for next year. A motion was made to pay the new rent cost and continue using the park for the MAR meeting site. The motion carried.

2013 NSS Convention:
A special NSS convention planning meeting is to be held after the PCC meeting to discuss various issues associated with the 2013 NSS Convention to be held at Shippensburg, PA.

Some highlights:

• A budget is in the works.
• In general, things are looking good.
• Russ Kennedy is promoting the reputation of the NSS to help assuage their fears of allowing alcohol on site.
• As of the time of this meeting, only 18 months until convention.

[If interested, please contact UAIMH@verizon.net]

MAR Elections:
Elections were held for the 2013 MAR officer positions.
Chair: -Paul Winter
Vice-Chair: -Gary Dunmire
Secretary: -Hope Brooks

Stalagmite Returned to Mystic Cave:
After 50 years, a stalagmite was returned to Mystic Cave in Pendleton County, WV. After 50 years in Pennsylvania, the formation was returned with the cooperation of the landowner.

Spring VAR:
Hosted by Tri-State Grotto at the Poor Farm Festival Grounds in Williamsburg, WV. April 27-April 29, 2012

NSS Convention:
Lewisburg, West Virginia. June 25-29, 2012

A motion to was made to adjourn the meeting. The motion carried.

Meeting adjourned at 2:29 pm.

Respectfully submitted,
Paul Winter
MAR Recording Secretary

Representatives at the MAR meeting:

• Bald Eagle Grotto
• Baltimore Grotto
• Commander Cody Caving Club
• Franklin County Grotto
• Loyalhanna Grotto
• MAKC
• Nittany Grotto
• York Grotto
• Philly Grotto
• Seven Valleys Grotto

Click "Here" for the February 25, 2012 minutes of the PCC Meeting (Winter) that took place immediately after the MAR Business Meeting.