In order to reduce our operating expenses on the distribution of the printed Gazette, the Narragansett Chapter now has implemented a method where you can opt-out of receiving the printed Gazette. You will then be automatically opted-in to receiving notification when the online Gazette is published on the Chapter website. This has the advantage of reducing paper use (that is, if you don't print the Gazette on your home printer), reduces our mailing costs and introduces you to using the online version which will always include any changes to the trip schedules over the two month interval between printed versions. In other words, the latest information is always on the web site.

To subscibe to receiving notification when the latest Gazette uploaded, and to opt-out of the printed version, a new system has been implemented. Those who have already opted-in should not do anything. For those who have not, go to the list-server and sign up for the "Online Gazette Notification". Read the directions carefully. You will need the username and password from the mailed Gazette to access the link. (A clue for the members, Napoleon's worst nightmare?) If you have any questions, contact the Communications Chair.

In an effort to be more flexible on the distribution of the printed Gazette, the Communications Chair will be experimenting with methods of electronically distributing the Gazette either as a electronic document or a link to a document. This in no way means that we are going to stop sending out the printed Gazette. The Gazette document may take the form of MS Word doc, a html page, or a pdf document. At this stage we would like members who are interested, submit their email address so that we have a representative sample to work with. The members will be notified when we start and we encourage opinions on the project and the results as we progress. If you wish to help, submit your email address to the Communications Chair. You may also "Subscribe to online Gazette" which will be the means of electronic distribution. You will need the username and password from the mailed Gazette.

The Chapter Executive Board at its meeting on May 9, 2007, again examined the question of on-line trip listings. The advantages of listing on the AMC's Online Trip Database, have become crystal clear, and now far outweighed any disadvantages. Thus, the Board passed the following resolution:

"It is the policy of the Chapter that by January 1, 2008, all trip listings will be entered through the website in a similar manner to the standard of AMC chapters. There will be a six month transition with training offered as needed and requested."

I should note parenthetically that this action will bring us into line with the rest of AMC. Narragansett is the last chapter to commit formally to use the on-line system.

Please advise all leaders and survey who would like training.

Eugene Mihaly,
Chapter Chair