Friends of Tinnerman /
Tinnerman Guide Association

January 2001, Issue 1

Chairman's Corner

The FOT/TGA newsletter has been in a work in progress for three years. For those of you who have not been in touch, much has happened in that time. We have had three luncheons and are in the process of planning the fourth. If you did not attend please make plans on attending in 2001.

The IRS has granted us 501C3 status and the State of Ohio has recognized us as a chartered non-profit organization. We have raised about $30,000 and have approximately 99 members. Naturally we need to have more of both.

A special thanks to George Qua for his tireless effort in helping establish the FOT/TGA.

Thanks again for your continued support. If any one has any ideas or questions about the FOT/TGA, please call me at 440-888-2958 or write to me at the FOT/TGA address below.

Jim O'Donnell
Chairman, FOT/TGA

Fourth Annual FOT/TGA Luncheon

Honors Bud Ford & Guest Speaker Toni Harting

On Sunday, March 25 at The Manor, Toni Harting, author, photographer, editor, lecturer and wilderness canoeist will present on his book: "French River, Canoeing the River of the Stick Wavers".

Toni Harting is the editor of "Nastawgan" and took his first canoe trip when he was 47. Today he is 74.

"French River, Canoeing the River of the Stick Wavers" took seven years to complete and was encouraged by Hartley Bay Marina owner Mike Palmer. Harting has made 52 trips to the French River.

Please join us in welcoming Toni Harting to Cleveland on Sunday March 25 at 2:00pm at the The Manor in Euclid, 24111 Tungsten Rd. Please make checks payable to FOT/TGA and send to the address below. Tickets are $20 for members, $30 for non-members and $10 if you want to attend just the presentation.

From the Director: 2001 Tinnerman Treks

Next summer is shaping up nicely for a Jamboree year when we typically have a short season. To date we have 32 crews signed up, breaking our previous record.

We also plan on introducing the voyageur canoes into the program under the leadership of Steve Bittence. Steve has many years of experience on the river as a guide beginning in 1988. Dr. Mike Jarus will also be with us during staff week to help with the guide training on the voyageurs and will return the last week of camp with his troop to experience a full week on the river.

Its not to early to be thinking about bringing your crew to Tinnerman in 2002. We will start taking sign-ups in March of 2001. We will be operating a full schedule in 2002 and will have information sheets and reservation forms at the luncheon in March and will be able to take your reservation at that time.

Treasury Report

By Joe O'Donnell

To date FOT/TGA has $30,000.00. The funds are invested in a CD at 6%. This will be made available for stipends in the year 2001.

We are awaiting for the proper forms for the FOT/TGA award winners for the year 2000. Once final we will include their names in the next newsletter.

Last year was the first year the FOT/TGA awarded a stipend. 1999 guides who received a stipend for excellent service were Larry Lohman and Chris Komlenic. Chris was named senior guide this past summer.

Thanks

Thanks to Dr. Mike Jarus (former guide) and George Qua for their very generous donation of two voyageur canoes. These canoes were delivered to Tinnerman last year and no doubt will be the envy of the river.

Voyageur Notes

Membership Report

By Kevin O'Donnell

To date we have 99 members. Below is a break down of the category of membership:

Platinum 21
Gold 2
Silver 5
Bronze 18
Founding 39
Wilcox Memorial 14

Our database is in excess of 500 names that could be potential members. We need your help to recruit these former guides, crewmembers, maintenance staff or friends. We have identified many former guides that we have no contact information for. If anyone recognizes these names please either call or forward information to them about the FOT/TGA:

If your membership has expired please renew your membership by remitting your dues to the address below.

Facilities Update

By Mike Loomis

The spring crew kept very busy this past May. A most valuable 2-seat outhouse with a concrete foundation was constructed in the back of the upper field. Undoubtedly this is the pride of them all.

The lower boathouse was prepared for fall maintenance, concrete pads were installed and the boathouse was raised and stabilized. The walkway was renovated with new supporting beams and new steps were installed.

The sliding door was temporarily shored up as well as windows on the main lodge were reglazed. In the fall the crew cabins and the Cook's cabin roofs were patched and repaired. Siding was painted and the permanent roof was completed. The 1999 spring and fall crews built a new main 8x48 foot dock and started raising and repairing the lower boat house.

This fall Tinnerman was broken into and several items were stolen. A 5000 watt generator, a Johnson outboard and 2 battery drills were among the items. The fall crew completed all repairs on the damaged facilities and reported the incident to the OPP.

Thanks to the spring and fall crews, Mike Loomis, Bob Huge, Brad Loomis, Bob Karmilowicz, Frank Oblak, Fred Lee, Dave Aljoe, and Eric Mathiot. Thank you for donating your time and know-how to Tinnerman.

Sponsor Needed

We are looking for a sponsor to cover the cost of the next newsletter. If you or any one you know would like to have their business listed here please call or email Kevin O'Donnell.

Web Links & Other Info

http://www.gccbsa.org
http://www.gccbsa.org/Campsite%20Tinnerman.html

Pre-Camp Leaders Meeting
Pre-camp leaders information meeting will be held at the Council Service Center on Saturday, May 12, 2001.

Tinnerman Pre-Trek Training
Held on June 2, 2001. Details will be sent to each registered crew in February. Any former guides available to assist please contact Bob Smith at 1-440-835-1956.

FOT/TGA Mission Statement

The Association is established for the purpose of receiving and maintaining a fund or funds and applying those funds and/or income thereof to promote the Tinnerman Wilderness Canoe Base operated by the Greater Cleveland Council, Boy Scouts of America, through recruitment, training, and retention of Tinnerman Guides; and toward the improvement of the Tinnerman Wilderness Canoe Base experience for the young individuals and adults who utilize its program.

FOT/TGA Top Ten Things To Do

  1. Join or renew your FOT/TGA Membership
  2. Attend Luncheon
  3. Attend FOT/TGA meetings
  4. Volunteer, as a maintainer or FOT/TGA member
  5. Give Bob Smith a referral for a Guide 2001
  6. Send us your Tinnerman Story
  7. Help us recruit former Guides and Crew Members
  8. Make your tax-deductable contribution to the FOT/TGA
  9. Promote Tinnerman
  10. Get involved

A Tinnerman Experience

The Dalles Rapids
By Stephen Bittence

The French River and the Georgian Bay are separated by an elevation change, which require paddlers to either portage or run a rapid to reach the bay.

Several kilometers from Tinnerman Wilderness Canoe Base down the Main Channel of the French you will find Dalles Rapids.

Photographs show originally there were three rock islands in the middle of the river that slowed the water and helped create the rapids. In 1960 Ontario Hydro, as part of the flood control program, decided to dynamite Dalles Rapids and remove the three rock islands. The intent was to increase the flow of the French River and allow for more control over river levels.

The results of Ontario Hydro's flood control program are debatable, and some attribute it to lowered river levels and decreased fish population. The other fact is the blasting left Dalles Rapids full of many sharp and jagged rocks.

Through out the years many scouts have experienced Dalles Rapids, the rapids are a good place to stop for lunch, throw out a fishing line and one more adventure to overcome and remember as part of the Tinnerman Experience.

Also in this Issue

FOT/TGA Application
which can be downloaded Here.

Contact Information
which can be found Here.