2022 CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

2022 CANDIDATES FOR THE BOARD OF DIRECTORS 

There are eleven positions on the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club Board.

Six board members' terms are up: Philomena Donnelly, Nancy Kalafus, John Maggiotto, Lenore Person, Peter Riley and Roger Scheiber, and Phil Giller has resigned. The remaining Board members are Jack Gilman, Alex Morales, Atul Sheffey and Lee Wordsman.

There are eight candidates for the seven open spots.

Know that all positions being voted for are "Member-At-Large." After the election, the newly elected and sitting Board Members will determine who will hold the executive positions of Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer, Secretary and House Captain.

The candidates were asked to respond to five questions regarding YPRC. Access their responses below. 
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Gabe Mercedes
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1.Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
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I found out about the club through some of my two greatest friends, Alex Morales and Kevin Prado. Kayaking was something that I wouldn’t even think about doing but then when they encouraged me to try it and get involved into Hudson River Riders, I really saw the impact that the sport can have on the community and how we could encourage kids from the underprivileged neighborhoods from which we come from to try something new that would allow them to both strengthen their connection to nature and be more open minded.
 
2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?

I’d love to take a leadership position in paddling safety, broadening the diversity within paddling, and the planning of more fun and versatile trips. I love to get more people involved in the sport and furthermore into other areas of kayaking like K-1 racing. There has been a historical lack of diversity there and I think that we can slowly get more black and brown kids from the city of Yonkers interested. Furthermore, simply being able to teach skills to new aspiring paddlers is something that I take great pride in and I would love to play a huge role in the skills classes we do. I think it’s safe to say everybody has a better time out on the water when they start to improve their paddling technique and educate themselves on water safety.
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
This would most definitely not cause a problem for me.
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
As of right now, I haven’t really thought of taking on an officer position but upon election into the board I’d love to look at some options. I’m currently in school for finance so the position of treasurer is something that definitely piques my interest. 
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
 
To the members of the board, we have seen a lot of each other throughout the years and I hope that my dedication to the HRR program and the sport of kayaking itself has not gone unnoticed. I look with great enthusiasm to the future of YPRC and how we can integrate more and more of the passion we have in the sport to future projects and engage even more people.
 

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Michael McHugh
 
1.Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
I became a member of YPRC at the start of the 2021 season.  Prior to joining the club, I had kayaked recreationally since I was a teenager, with a fair deal of it coming at beaches along the coast of New Jersey.  I was looking to keep the habit going somewhere closer to home, and I came across the club after a search online.  My earliest experiences at YPRC were nothing short of positive.  Not only did I find a new regular location to paddle at, along with new and passionate comrades to paddle along with, but I also learned to paddle in a stronger and more efficient manner, and quickly realized both that there was a whole world of kayaking that I had yet to really experience, and that I was in the perfect place to do so.
 
2.As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
It may sound like a generic answer, but I would fill in wherever I could to help the club.  I have a background in construction, so I’d be able to help with maintaining the fleet and the grounds of the club, as well as boathouse projects, when needed.  I’ve also very much enjoyed interacting with new paddlers and new members of the club, so continuing to participate in volunteer days is very much a part of my plan.  I’d also like to help in getting the word out about the club more as well—I’ve lived in nearby Riverdale for a number of years, but I hadn’t heard about YPRC until I did a search for local kayak clubs online.  I know of a good number of people, especially those in the surrounding areas who are a bit land-locked, who would jump at the ability to get out on the water.  
 
3.Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
I currently work in construction, and my schedule does sometimes change with little warning.  That said, I’m confident in my ability to attend the board meetings.  In the past, that’s often meant I’ve had to jump on the call while driving home, or while eating dinner; but I’ve been able to make it on, and will continue to do so.  
 
4.Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
If I were asked to be an officer of the Board, I would definitely consider it, but I would also definitely want to consult the current officer in the given position, so I understood the full scope of the position and all its responsibilities. 
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
My message would be this—In a couple short years, I’ve come to consider YPRC as home base of sorts, and not simply just another place to paddle. My connection and interaction with the club and its members has grown deeper and stronger since I’ve joined, and it will continue to do so going forward.  Joining YPRC has enhanced my love and appreciation for kayaking, and I look forward to being able to pay those feelings forward, both to the current and the future members of the club.
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April Shiau
 
1. Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
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I found out about HRR/YPRC via a flyer promoting free kayaking in REI, Yonkers. The friendly faces of the Hudson River Riders were a great introduction to YPRC. The expertise and efficiency the HRRs showed when my mom capsized during a free sunset paddle was impressive and inspiring. I joined YPRC the following summer and have been a happy member ever since!  Thanks to the numerous opportunities (daytime, evening, moonlight) that YPRC offers to paddle, I look forward to each summer season. My early experiences of becoming a member involve attending 20+ paddles per summer. I make it a point to write down each paddle I go on so I can keep track of my progress. I also attend the monthly board meetings to better understand the inner workings of the club. Some ideas I had that the club utilized include automating things through Google Forms, such as the collection of member's volunteer committee interests and the logging of volunteer hours. I analyzed membership status from previous years to see the retention rate. I made a quiz for the New Members to test their knowledge of YPRC's policies, which was shared via a newsletter. I respond quickly to anything the Communication Committee needs feedback/help with. This summer, I had the amazing opportunity to take part in ACA's Leadership Exploration and Development Initiative (LEAD), which led to my training and certification as a Level 2 Kayak Instructor. This has been the highlight of my kayaking journey thus far and I look forward to giving back to YPRC. 
 
2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?

I am interested in fundraising (apparel sale in particular - making sure the shirts have UPF protection to protect our paddlers, having a sale every summer, etc.), youth activities and managing sign-up-genius. I have been on the Communications Committee this year and have enjoyed being part of that team as well. I am happy to help out wherever there is a need. 
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you?
 
Not at all. 
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
I am interested in the Secretary position. 
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
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As with the ebb and flow of water on our shores, YPRC is seeing the coming and going of our (board)members. Thank you for allowing me to be a part of this process. I believe it would be beneficial to have a young professional working within the Yonkers community on the YPRC board. It is a good and natural way to promote paddling in the community and to encourage diversity at the club. As a physical therapist, I promote the importance of being active and having fun on a daily basis. Kayaking at YPRC embodies both of these elements. I enjoy my time at YPRC and being on the board would be the next step of this journey as it would allow me to make an impact. I am prepared to dedicate my time, my efforts, and my abilities to YPRC. I am an effective and efficient worker and team player. As a general member, I show up at monthly board meetings and offer feedback on various issues. The club has been receptive to my ideas, particularly on automating things and analyzing data. Regardless of the election results, I plan to give back to HRR/YPRC as I have recently become certified as a Level 2 Kayak Instructor through ACA's Leadership Exploration and Development Initiative. It is important to lead and engage our community to enjoy this watersport in a safe and enjoyable way. It is essential to expand our reach in the community and to be more inclusive. Overall, my message to the voting members is: thank you for voting and being an active participant at YPRC. Since YPRC is a non-profit organization and is powered by volunteers, it is heartwarming to see this kind of engagement. I continue to encourage you to help out in whatever way you see fit, whether it be attending board meetings, signing up for committees, being a weekend Ambassador, cleaning geese poop off the dock, you are the backbones to this club.
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Mashariki Williamson
 
1.Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
 
I moved to River Club in the summer of 2019 (when the world was still normal lol) and used to observe the paddles from my living room window. But it took the pandemic the following spring for me to officially join the club. I was reading a book by the "mini beach" near the club when I met Jack for the first time. I loved the water and he encouraged me to join the club noting that they were waiting on CDC guidelines to determine a feasible time to re-open during COVID. I can tell you, meeting Jack and joining the club was one of the best decisions I've made in a longtime. It saved my sanity and kept me in shape and sparked a love for a sport I hadn't known before. Three+ seasons later, I'm still a proud member and now looking to have a more active role within the club! How lucky are we to have access to such a wonderful gift on the Hudson.
 
`     2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
Hospitality Events, Communications, Sebago Cabin Liaison, sign-up-genius boards.
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
Not at all. 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
Perhaps - I'm certainly open to it, depends on the duties for each. If I were to be selected, as a new member, I'd like to ease my way onto the board and gain a bit of experience before looking to assume a larger role i.e. Commodore, VC etc. 
 
5.  What is your message to the voting members of the club?
There's something magical about being in the great outdoors! And how lucky are we to have the majestic Hudson River as our club backdrop! I discovered this space during the height of the global pandemic, and while most people were forced to shelter in place resigned to the confines of their homes, I found peace, comfort and solace kayaking during those lonely months! It changed my life and I want to be a vessel to others and spread the magic, forward!  #seapeoplearethebestpeople 
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Shanae V Williams
 
1. Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
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I first learned of YPRC from Jerry Blackstone in 2014. He invited me and an old friend to kayak so we went once. Working in the Mayor’s office and being involved locally in Yonkers, I was able to learn a lot about the organization. I did not join or go back to the club until years later because of Chevaughn Dixon, who invited me to paddle.
 
2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
I am interested in youth activities and communications.
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
Not a problem for me.
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
I am interested in the Vice Commodore position.
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
My message to the voting members is that I believe it is time to grow and expand YPRC with a mission of inclusivity, equity and diversity and includes/promotes paddling for health benefits and fitness and even competition. I would love to see a YPRC that is marketable and attractive to all people which would take us to another level.


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Peter Riley

1. Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
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In late 2010, I joined YPRC initially as a place to store and use my boat. But I soon discovered the camaraderie and willingness to share the vast experience of the existing membership. Also the respect for the traditions of the club and its collection of historical boats made a lasting impression on me. The fact the club is nurturing a new generation and a new population of kayakers who will eventually take over the running of the club is a source of some pride.
I have had the pleasure of meeting many new members and working with several of the newly certified members on our weekly trips which myself and others have been leading. The recent success of several of our members in attaining level 2 ACA certification continues that tradition.
 
2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
I am primarily interested in the smooth running of our physical plant; especially the security of the building with all that implies. I am currently making an inventory of all club boats and their condition. Myself and several others have been working on repairing the fleet.
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
Thanks to Zoom technology the requirement of attendance at our monthly board meetings would not be a problem.
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
I can offer my dedication and my own experience to the club as a board member for 8 years and treasurer for 5. This dedication will continue. I would, if asked, be willing to resume the office of Treasurer.
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
We as a club have grown considerably in recent years. This presents challenges which with the support of the membership we can meet but we all must do our part in realizing our common vision of inclusion and diversity and primarily in enjoying the sport of kayaking and the emerging traditions of the club. I have and will continue to work toward making this vision a reality.
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Carolyn Thornlow
 
1. Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
I was looking for a kayak club so that I could have regular access to the river. I purposely rejected the club in Hastings, which an acquaintance called "an old man's drinking club." YPRC was the exact opposite (enjoying a wine or beer nothwithstanding) - it is a family with extraordinary camaraderie, a role model with Hudson River Riders and a place to learn and grow with all the programs, i.e. paddling and rescue skills, boat building, etc.
 
2. As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
I am already on the Finance Committee and the Communications Committee. I have also volunteered for other one-time projects.
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
I have been zooming in from time to time. As a board member, it will become a set date on my calendar.
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
 
Having a professional background in management, I could bring experience to an officer position
 
5. What is your message to the voting members of the club?
YPRC is a special club made up of special people and I feel fortunate to belong. Now it is time to contribute more than a tortellini salad at the potluck. I may not be able to lead a paddle, but I do have a history of professional organization and leadership. If I can bring that to bear in order to continue the club's legacy, I'd like to do that.
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Davin Griffiths
 
1.Describe your experiences with the club. How did you join and what have you done?
 
I found out about YPRC back in 2010 by Jerry Blackstone, he saw me and friends hanging out at the corner of the Boathouse and invited us in.
 
2.As a board member, what leadership positions would you take on?
 
I would like to help with Youth Activities.
 
3. Board members meet monthly and are also expected to join in the club’s volunteer efforts. Would this be a problem for you? 
 
No it would not.
 
4. Board members are elected for two-year terms. They elect our officers—the  Commodore, Vice Commodore, Treasurer and Secretary—and choose a House Captain and Sebago Cabin Liaison based upon an expressed interest.  In addition to being a board member, are you interested in serving in any of these positions?
No
 
5.  What is your message to the voting members of the club?
n/a