American Canoe Association

ACA eNews

December 2006

A Communications Tool of the American Canoe Association

 ACA Recognizes Paddlesport Champions, Legends, and Volunteers

The ACA is pleased to recognize outstanding individuals, clubs, and organizations for their dedication to the world of paddlesport. ACA President Kirk Havens announced these recipients of  ACA honors during the 2006 ACA Annual Meeting held in November.  Congratulations to each of these Paddlesport Champions!

President's Award

for outstanding service to the American Canoe Association on a national level.

Nathaniel Bishop (posthumous)

Anne Vetterlein

Dusty Rhodes ACA Founder's Award

for lifetime dedication to the ACA and its ideals.

George Petersen

Stroke of Achievement Award

for superior performance and program development.

North Atlantic Canoe and Kayak

Joe Pina Award

for extraordinary volunteer service at the national level.

Joe Sharp

Legends of Paddling Award

for legendary contribution to paddlesport.

Tom Johnson

Steve Lysak (posthumous)

Green Paddle Award for Waterway Conservation

for outstanding contribution to paddlesport by protecting America's waterways.

Steve Harris

J. Henry Rushton Award

for outstanding achievements in advancing paddlesport and the mission of the ACA.

C.L. Sommers Canoe Base

Outstanding Instructor Award

for outstanding contribution to ACA instruction.

Gordon Black

Special Recognition Award

For service above and beyond the call of duty.

Paul Sanford

In Time for Your Holiday Gift Giving: GPS System or L.L. Bean Gift Certificate with each VIP Subaru Purchase

From now until December 31, 2006, ACA members who lease or purchase a Subaru through the VIP Partners Program will be eligible to receive either a Garmin hand-held GPS system or a $150 L.L. Bean gift certificate. This is in addition to the ACA member benefit of over $3000 off select models!  Subaru donates $150 for each car purchased under the VIP program to support ACA stewardship programs.  Visit ACA's Subaru VIP Partners page for complete information.

 ACA Memberships make Perfect Holiday Gifts!

Give gift memberships to the ACA.  Membership applications received through December 18 will be processed and membership cards and packets mailed in time for Christmas!  In addition to membership, recipients receive an ACA gift card personalized to announce your gift.  Recipients also receive a bonus copy of Paddler Magazine and an ACA Patch (a $9.99 value).  Each ACA membership includes a full year subscription to Paddler magazine and complete ACA member benefits.  Use this link and give gift memberships to that special paddlers on your gift list today!  For a full list of ACA member benefits and complete membership options, visit here.

ACA Board of Directors Election Now Underway

Elections for the ACA Board of Directors is now underway. Ballots were distributed with the November/December issue of Paddler Magazine, or mailed directly to those who do not receive Paddler.  Ballots include candidate biographies and complete information for voting.

Eight candidates are running for six positions as ACA Director-At - Large.  Candidates are (in alphabetical order):

• Jeff Dionne-Dickson (Saranac Lake, NY)
• Scott Greifenberger (Bellmore, NY)
• Joshua Hall (Charleston, SC)
• Anne Maleady (Alexandria, VA)
• Elaine Mravetz (Sharon Center, OH)
• Robin Pope (Sylva, NC)
• Steve Scarborough (Rockwood, TN)
• Leslie White (Severna Park, MD)

Jim Virgin (Vancouver, WA) is also on the ballot for Divisional Representative to the Board (unopposed).

Official ballots must be properly completed, postmarked by 12/27/06, and sent directly to the address of the CPA firm listed on the ballot (not the ACA office).  Please contact Anne Vetterlein if you have questions or need a ballot.

Consider a Charitable Donation to the ACA

Thanks to the support of our members and donors, millions of Americans safely enjoy the wonders of paddling, the peace of stillwater, and the thrill of whitewater.

As you make plans for your year-end giving, please consider making a donation to help the ACA seize new opportunities and continue to address new challenges.

ACA continues to reach out to broader audiences with our safety message and training.  We're helping to educate new paddlers by providing information on instructional opportunities and advice on trip preparation. 

The ACA's National Water Trails Program reaches paddlers of all levels with user-friendly information on access, use information, regulations, stewardship efforts, and local contacts. 

We provide top-notch safety education and instruction - the industry standard.  The ACA targets paddlers with a strong safety message and we certify instructors and trainers, who teach courses from beginner to advanced whitewater and rescue. 

These are exciting times for the ACA and the paddling community.  But we can't do it without you.  We need your support.

Help make the world a better place to paddle!  Consider year end donation to the ACA today.  Donate directly online here.  The ACA is a 501(c)3 charitable organization.  Contributions are tax deductible to the extent permitted by law. 

For the third year in a row, ACA has received The Independent Charities of America Seal of Excellence.The ICA seal is awarded to the members of Independent Charities of America and Local Independent Charities of America that have, upon rigorous independent review, been able to certify, document, and demonstrate on an annual basis that they meet the highest standards of public accountability, program effectiveness, and cost effectiveness. These standards include those required by the US Government for inclusion in the Combined Federal Campaign, probably the most exclusive fund drive in the world. Of the 1,000,000 charities operating in the United States today, it is estimated that fewer than 50,000, or 5 percent, meet or exceed these standards, and, of those, fewer than 2,000 have been awarded this Seal.

ACA Staff Updates

Join the ACA in welcoming the following staff to the ACA national office:

ACA's new Director of Safety Education and Instruction is Jeremy Oyen.

Contact Jeremy directly at 703-451-0141 ext. 13.  Email him at joyen@americancanoe.org.

ACA's new Information Technology Administrator is Joe Sharp. 

Contact Joe directly at 703-451-0141 ext 14.  Email him at jsharp@americancanoe.org.

 American Canoe Association
7432 Alban Station Blvd, Suite B-232
Springfield, VA 22150
Phone: (703) 451-0141 / Fax: (703) 451-2245