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Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association October 7, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Chuck Horbert, Cheryl Thompson, Skye Pechie, Steven Pechie, Erik Eckilson, Frank Cortesa, Steve Norris, Jen Stanton, Rich Coupland, Peter Hill, and Michael Hazeltine. Meeting called to Order at 7:00pm by Chuck Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from September 2026: There was a motion
to approve made by Steve,
seconded by Michael, and
there was a unanimous vote
to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for August & September 2026: There was a motion
to approve made by Steve,
seconded by Erik, and there
was a unanimous vote to
approve. Old Business • Upcoming events/trips - Chuck said that the details are in the Paddler and on the website
New Business Group updates or announcements: Erik said he and Aaron went to the Connecticut River recently. Chuck said that next year's Adirondacks trip will be August 21-28.
Chuck adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 20:12 Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association September 3, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Deborah Britt, Cheryl Thompson, Sharon Dragon, Aaron Rouby, Skye Pechie, Peter Hill, Steven Pechie, Frank Cortesa, Steve Norris, Jen Stanton, Paul Leclerc, Chuck Horbert, and Michael Hazeltine. Meeting called to Order at 7:00pm by Deborah Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from August 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Sharon, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for August 2026: This was tabled until next month Old Business • Deborah said that the RICKA picnic is September 26, 2026 at the North Kingstown pavilion. The deadline to sign up is September 12 and the form is live. Jen said the caterer is all set and the choices are the same as last year. Deborah offered to sit out the paddle to help with setup. Eric said he has secured the Volunteer of the Year trophy, Deborah said she ordered water bottles and they are on their way. September 12-19th Adirondacks: Chuck said that 30 people plan to attend. September 20th Paddle for Progress: Frank said that it is just him on the RICKA team right now, and that experienced paddlers are needed for support. • Upcoming events - October meeting: Wake boat presentation/Janice Baker - Deborah talked of her and she cannot do our usual meeting night. She asked what back up options are if she can’t do a different night in October, such as blue green algae. Chuck said he would talk to Katie DeGoosh at DEM to see if she could talk on that if Janice isn’t available. - November 10th: Deborah said that the West Greenwich community center is booked for movie night. - December: no meeting Deborah presented some options for waivers: • liability waiver (release) - no change, or • Option 1: include ‘paddle at own risk’ statement on membership form • Option 2: signed waiver (e.g. Chuck’s version) for all members, 1x or annual • Option 3: signed waiver collected at every paddle event She said that her research said that a volunteer release is a ‘contractural agreement’ in RI There was discussion on these ideas, including how to handle non-members and having to know who is a current member at the time of the paddle, incorporating something about risk in the safety talk before each trip, and being cautious not to appear that we are a professional guide service. Deborah said that she heard the consensus to be a disclaimer on the membership form, a checkbox that you have read this, and on the bottom of each trip description. She added that using laminated cards to include in the safety talk before paddles was also favored. Steve offered preemptive appreciation to Cheryl for the work she will have to do on the website. • RICKA 50th anniversary, April 2027 - Deborah said we should start thinking about how to celebrate once the picnic is over. New Business Updates and discussion Deborah said she asked Cheryl to add ‘follow us on Instagram’ to the website - Cheryl said this was done. Mike said that pool sessions should be added to the agenda for next month, and that he would love to get the flatwater paddlers in for reentry practice. Skye suggested that more casual paddlers try donning a PFD from the water. Deborah adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 19:46
Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association August 5, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Deborah Britt, Erik Eckilson, Skye Pechie, Peter Hill, Steven Pechie, Frank Cortesa, Pat Lardner, Steve Norris, Jen Stanton, Paul Leclerc, Ron Entringer, Rich Coupland, Chuck Horbert and Michael Hazeltine. Meeting called to Order at 7:01pm by Deborah Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from June 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Erik, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for May, June, and July 2026: There was a motion to approve all 3 made by Steve, seconded by Erik, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Old Business • Deb said that the RICKA picnic is September 26, 2026 at the North Kingstown pavilion. Jen agreed to take care of the food, and said she planned to use the same caterer and food as last year, but asked if there are any suggestions for changes. Frank requested that there be no choices or meals that are exactly $15 or $20 to differentiate them from memberships. Jen said she will check whether the prices have increased, and asked whether we would want to rethink if there has been a significant change. There was discussion about price changes and how much the club would subsidize. Deb brought up ideas for trophy-alternative awards such as customized Yeti mugs or bottles, and included detailed information in the agenda email. The consensus was to award something other than trophies. Frank made a motion to award the smaller customized Yeti water bottles rather than trophies and this was seconded by Chuck. There was a unanimous vote to approve. Deb said that she has received nominations for award recipients from a few board members. Erik said he would retrieve the Volunteer of the Year trophy. Deb announced that Aaron got our club Instagram up and running. • Upcoming events - August 10th Meeting on the water at Lincoln Woods. - September 12th-Sept 19th, Adirondacks - Chuck said that 28 people have confirmed attendance. He said he will need trip leaders. - September 20th Paddle for Progress - Frank said that he will set up a team. Jen made a motion to donate $200 from the club. Jen seconded it and there was a unanimous vote. - October meeting: Wake boat presentation - Deb said she has not heard back from Judy Colaluca about speaking on this topic. - November 10th: movie night - Pat New Business Deb said that there was a suggestion to add the liability waiver to the membership application/renewal form. There was discussion about wording and implementation. Rich additionally brought up the idea of filling out a form including contact information and emergency contacts at each paddle. There was discussion on waivers, logistics of forms at each paddle, carrying identification, orange Coast Guard ID stickers, etc. Deborah suggested we digest these ideas and table this to the next meeting. Updates and discussion Deborah adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Frank and seconded by Steve , and a unanimous vote, at 20:00. Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association June 3, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Deborah Britt, Erik Eckilson, Skye Pechie, Peter Hill, Steven Pechie, Pat Lardner, Sharon Dragon, Rich Coupland, Steve Norris, Aaron Rouby, Paul Leclerc, Michael Hazeltine, and Ron Entringer. Meeting called to Order at 7:01pm by Deborah Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from May 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Pat, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for May 2026: Tabled as Frank was not present Old Business • Kayak Center meeting May 26th – Deborah said this went well and gift cards were given to Erik and Steve (to be handed off later). - Picnic at North Kingstown pavilion: Jen had previously offered to organize the caterer as last year. Deborah said we had talked about doing something in lieu of trophies, and if so, what they could be, potentially even offering a choice of items when you came up to Peter suggested items be engraved with the persons name. Pat mentioned Yeti water bottles or collapsible silicone ones. Mike said that a Yeti coffee mug with the person's name is a nice award. Deborah said that this is around $37, plus $5 for logo setup. Erik said that the trophies were $63 each last year. There was discussion on various Yeti items, and Deborah said she would send some choices out by email. • Meetings on the water – June 15 (Wallum Lake) July 27 (URI Bay campus) Aug 10 (Lincoln Woods) June 6th Potter’s Cove joint sea kayak and flatwater paddle • Social media outreach: Aaron said that we can set an Instagram business account up with multiple people able to use it, but it requires a (free) Facebook business page linked to it. Pat suggested adding Aaron an administrator of our Facebook account to start with. Deborah said that our bylaws include a Publicity committee. Erik said we haven’t had a chair in years. This topic will be revisited. • Fall schedule: - September: picnic and paddle - October: Wake boat presentation (Zoom, pending confirmation by speaker) - November: Movie Night - it was decided to have this on November 17 at 7pm (Pat will make a library reservation) - December: no meeting New Business Sharon made a motion that we make a $100 donation to the Wood-Pawcatuck Watershed Association. Pat seconded it and there was a unanimous vote. Gary wrote in to remind us that Paddle for Progress is September 20. Pat made a motion that we donate $100 to this event. Peter seconded it and there was a unanimous vote. Deborah said that Gary emailed to ask whether it would be okay if he submitted the membership report yearly rather than monthly. Erik suggested quarterly. Steve made a motion that the report be sent in spring and fall. Pat seconded this. Several people did not feel that this was not frequent enough. Steve withdrew his motion. Deborah said she would ask Gary whether he could send a report 2-4 times yearly. Deborah said that our 50th anniversary is coming up in April 2027, and she asked for suggestions how to celebrate it. There was discussion on potentially having a dinner. Deborah said she will be paddling on July 1 and so Steve made a motion to cancel the July meeting. Pat seconded this and there was a unanimous vote. Deborah adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Pat, and a unanimous vote, at 7:45pm Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association May 6, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Deborah Britt, Skye Pechie, Cheryl Thompson, Peter Hill, Steven Pechie, Pat Lardner, Sharon Dragon, Jen Stanton, Steve Norris, Rich Coupland, Michael Hazeltine, Leigh Besson, Frank Cortesa, Ron Entriger, and Chuck Horbert. Meeting called to Order at 7:02pm by Deborah Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from April 1 & general meeting April 23: There was a motion to approve made by Sharon, seconded by Frank, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for April 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Jen, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Old Business • Kayak Center meeting May 26th – Deborah asked whether everything was all set. There was discussion, and the consensus was that there should be representation from each practice group. Rich asked about advertising the event, potentially in local newspapers' calendars. Cheryl said it is posted on Facebook as an event. Rich said he also plans to put club information under windshield wipers of vehicles with kayaks on them. • Meetings on the water – Rich said the sea kayak calendar is posted through August, and that there is a sailboat race at Castle Hill in Newport, so the sea kayakers will go out at 9:30am on June 6 in hopes of seeing some of the boats. Rich said this would be good joint paddle, and it will also be posted on the flatwater calendar. Cheryl asked about a joint sea kayaker/flatwater meeting on the water. Rich said that July 27 at URI bay campus would work, and would have an almost full moon. New Business • Deborah asked about awards and food for the picnic on September 26. Jen said that we could potentially get better deals on awards with more time to work with, and also that she would be happy to book the same caterer as last time. There was discussion on practical awards we could give out, such as personalized mugs. Members are to bring ideas to the next meeting including turnaround times. • Deborah said that Aaron suggested we add an Instagram account, and offered to run one for the club There was a positive response to this idea. • Deborah announced that the DEM Trails Advisory Committee representative was previously Danny O’Shea. She thanked him for this service and for suggesting his successor. Danny's term has ended and our representative is now Cindy Gianfrancesco. • Ron said that surf boats have been an issue for Save Our Lakes, and there is pending legislation on them. He said he would send further information having someone speak at a future meeting. There was discussion on this issue with regard to DEM, the Coast Guard, and safety. •Meetings: September: Picnic October: potentially surf boats November: Movie Night Jen suggested blue-green algae as a future meeting topic. Practice Group Updates Cheryl said that Blackstone Valley's season starts Tuesday, and there is a RICKA flatwater paddle on May 16. Open discussion: Pat made a motion that we donate $100 to the West Greenwich Library Community Center. Chuck seconded it, and there was a unanimous vote to approve the donation. Deborah adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 7:44pm Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association April 23, 2026 RICKA Annual Meeting
Present: Skye Pechie, Steven Pechie, Pat Lardner, Kassi Archambeault, Jen Stanton, Terry Lardner, Ron Archambault, Steve Norris, Aaron Rouby, Deborah Britt, Michael Hazeltine, Chuck Horbert, Cindy Gianfrancesco, Leigh Besson, Cheryl Thompson, Tom Farley, and Danny O'Shea.
Meeting called to Order at 7:01pm by VP Steve
Kassi spoke about the need for volunteers to help with learn to paddle programs at WPWA. She also said that there is a ACA training program at Zoar Outdoors on June 10.
Steve read the slate of officers forwarded by the nominating committee:
President: Deb Britt Vice President: Chuck Horbert Secretary: Skye Pechie Treasurer: Frank Cortesa Members at Large Leigh Besson Steve Norris
Steve opened the floor to any counter nominations for treasurer, and, hearing none, closed nominations, and asked the secretary to cast one ballot for Frank Steve opened the floor to any counter nominations for secretary, and, hearing none, closed nominations, and himself to cast one ballot for Skye Steve opened the floor to any counter nominations for Vice President, and, hearing none, closed nominations, and asked the secretary to cast one ballot for Chuck Steve opened the floor to any counter nominations for President, and, hearing none, closed nominations, and asked the secretary to cast one ballot for Deborah
Deborah thanked Steve for taking charge of the elections.
Steve adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Chuck and seconded by Cheryl , and a unanimous vote, at 7:09pm
Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie
Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association April 1, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Skye Pechie, Steven Pechie, Pat Lardner, Sharon Dragon, Michael Hazeltine, Frank Cortesa, Chuck Horbert, and Rich Coupland. Meeting called to Order at 7:05pm by VP Steve Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from March 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Rich, seconded by Mike, and there was a majority vote to approve with one abstention by Pat who was not at the meeting. Approval of treasurer’s report for March 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Mike, seconded by Pat, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Old Business • Pool Sessions – Rich said that we had 29 attendees overall. He mentioned he emailed about potentially setting up instruction or otherwise making the sessions more attractive, or finding a pool that is not as expensive, over the summer. Pat said that Leigh sounded as if he would consider hosting the sessions at his pool, but it is outdoor. Frank said we could consider doing it in summer in shallow water. Mike said that self and assisted rescues could be a valuable part of these sessions. Rich asked for any pool suggestions to be sent to him. • Nominating Committee Report (Steve read this from the last meeting) o Officers President: Deb Britt Vice President: Chuck Horbert Secretary: Skye Pechie Treasurer: Frank Cortesa Members at Large Leigh Besson Steve Norris – Chuck said he asked him and he was not interested
New Business •Meetings on the Water o Rich said he would look at tides for this for July and will report back next month. o Camping/cooking at Lincoln Woods Chuck said that Erik was working on this.
Rich said that the sea kayak planning meeting is May 2. Chuck said that Aaron put together an Adirondacks camping trip in May and nothing else is on the schedule yet. He said that the wilderness calendar shows the wrong dates for the September Adirondacks trip, potentially a placeholder. Steve said that flatwater and BVPC had their planning meetings on Saturday, and there are lots of trips being added to their calendars. Pat said she did not have anything other than the West Greenwich Conservation Commission cleanup on April 18. Pat will send information to Cheryl to get this posted on our calendar. Meetings April 23rd at 7:00 – RICKA Annual Meeting and Elections – West Greenwich Louttit library. Chuck will be presenting on dam removals. May 2nd – Sea Kayak Planning Meeting May 21st at 7:00 - Get to Know RICKA Night – Kayak Centre in Wickford - Frank asked if people are signed up to be there, and no one in attendance was aware. September 26th – RICKA Picnic - Cold Spring Community Center at the North Kingstown Town Beach. Open discussion: Pat asked if anyone was aware of the requirement to register kayaks over 12’ long - requiring a title to do so. Chuck said that this is true even if there is no motor, but he does not believe it is being enforced. He said that the statute actually appears that canoes are exempt, due to the way the commas are placed. Rich said that people would not have known they needed the title for their boat if purchased before 2023. Chuck said that a bill of sale/receipt should fill the need, and that the club could start a letter writing campaign against it. Frank asked if this applies to people who live out of state to use their boats in RI, and Chuck said he believes it does, while Mike did not think so, going by the DEM website. Steve adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Chuck and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 7:38pm Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie Minutes 2026Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association March 4, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Skye Pechie, Steven Pechie, Erik Eckilson, Cheryl Thompson, Chuck Horbert, Frank Cortesa, Deborah Britt, Michael Hazeltine, Rich Coupland, Jen Stanton, and Paul Leclerc. Meeting called to Order at 7:10pm by Erik Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from February 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Jen, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s report for February 2026: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Jen, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Old Business • Pool Sessions – Rich said that January 11th had 9 participants, February 8th – 8 participants, and March 1st had 7 participants (all the snow was a factor). He said that sign-ups are going on now for March 22nd.
• Nominating Committee Report Officers President: Deb Britt Vice President: Chuck Horbert Secretary: Skye Pechie Treasurer: Frank Cortesa
Members at Large Leigh Besson Steve Norris – TBD
New Business • June, July and August Meetings on the Water o There was discussion on a sea kayak venue for one of these. Rich said he would look at tides for this for July. o Camping/cooking at Lincoln Woods - Erik said this could be June or August.
Practice Group Updates Cheryl said things are quiet for flatwater.
Meetings • March 19th at 6:00 – Spring Soiree - Chelos on Post Road in Warwick (Sharon emailed that this is all set) • March 28th at 12:00 - Flatwater Planning Meeting - River Bend Farm in Uxbridge • April 23rd at 7:00 – RICKA Annual Meeting and Elections – West Greenwich Library. Chuck presenting on dam removals. • May 2nd or TBD – Sea Kayak Planning Meeting • May 21st at 7:00 - Get to Know RICKA Night – Kayak Centre in Wickford • September 26th – RICKA Picnic - Cold Spring Community Center at the North Kingstown Town Beach. Mike asked about a flatwater training at Stump Pond. The response was favorable and Mike said he would choose a date by our next meeting.
Open discussion: Frank proposed an ice-breaker paddle. Chuck said the traditional date is the third weekend in March, but the water might still be frozen. Erik adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 7:26pm Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie
Rhode Island Canoe and Kayak Association January 7, 2026 RICKA Board Meeting Held via Zoom videoconferencing Present: Skye Pechie, Steven Pechie, Erik Eckilson, Frank Cortesa, Chuck Horbert, Deborah Britt, Michael Hazeltine, Cheryl Thompson, Pat Lardner, Jen Stanton, Sharon Dragon, Peter Hill, and Rich Coupland. Meeting called to Order at 7:01pm by Erik Approval of Executive Board Meeting minutes from November 2025: There was a motion to approve made by Steve, seconded by Frank, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Approval of treasurer’s reports for November & December 2025: Frank mentioned that there was an error in previous reports, probably a line deletion, that he will correct. There was a motion to approve made by Jen, seconded by Sharon, and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Old Business
• Pool Sessions – Rich said the check is in the mail to the YMCA, and there are 10 signed up for the first session for January 11, 2026. Frank asked about whether Rich would send participants' payments to him after each session or at the end, and Rich indicated all would be at the end. Rich mentioned that some members who attend pool sessions have forgotten to renew their membership. There was discussion about RICKA membership renewal, letting members know if they have expired, and whether anything should to be done to verify that all participants' ACA memberships are current. Frank will follow up with Gary about lapsed RICKA membership notification. New Business • Reimbursements needed for expenses: Erik listed the following payments he made on behalf of the club, to be reimbursed: o Annual Filing for RI Department of State - $20 o 2/1/26-27 PAC Membership Renewal – $175 o Additional Insured for Pool Sessions at South County YMCA - $40 (sessions fall in 2 policy years at $20/year) Sharon made a motion to reimburse Erik $235 for these expenses. Chuck seconded this and there was a unanimous vote to approve. Practice Group Updates Erik said it is icy out there. Cheryl said planning meetings have not yet been scheduled because River Bend isn’t usually available to book a date at the beginning of the year. Meetings • January/February – Erik said there are no members' meetings these months • March - Spring Soirée - Sharon will look into Chelo's • April – General Meeting (officer elections) - Erik asked if anyone has ideas for speakers. Rich said that Kelly Gable might be able to give a presentation on her trip to Scotland. Jen asked about having someone from DEM discussed dam removals, and Chuck said he would be able to do this. There was additional discussion on science related topics. Pat will look into Louttit Library, with Chuck as speaker, for April 23, 16, or 14 in order of preference. • May – RICKA Night (Erik said this could be at Kayak Centre) Open discussion: Jen said she liked the idea of letting people know they had previously be members and had lapsed. Erik adjourned the meeting after a motion made by Steve and seconded by Frank, and a unanimous vote, at 7:47pm Minutes submitted by Skye Pechie
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