YPRC POLICIES
Click any heading to read the full policy
Statement from the Board of Directors of the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club
“Racism has been an endemic part of the structure of our society for nearly 400 years. It is built into every part of our culture, institutions and media. It is unavoidable and none of us are immune. Its impact on the country has been profound - every step forward in social progress has been made more difficult because of racism.
…. “We are not a political organization. However, as responsible members of society and the community we live in we are called upon to be advocates for fairness and decency.” YPRC Diversity Committee Report, April 2019
In an effort to do our part in furthering what will hopefully be a continuing national conversation about the impact of racism on our community, our country and its institutions Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club (“YPRC”) will take the following steps:
1) DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
The Board of Directors will organize and participate in a Diversity Training Program to further its understanding of cultural differences, the history of racial disparities in this country and its continuing impact on our democratic institutions. Such training shall be aimed at improving the racial, multi-ethnic and multi-generational composition of the Club.
2) ACTIVELY ANTI-RACIST
We understand that there is no neutral position on racism and that silence is not an option. BLACK LIVES MATTER is a call to action. We will leverage our public communications channels to support, engage, and educate our membership on this issue. We will support and work with local civil rights, community and environmental justice organizations to focus attention on real tangible change.
3) CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
We will continue to work towards a membership that reflects the community we live in. We will work to ensure that YPRC, our boathouse and our events are a safe and welcoming space for all people. YPRC will take affirmative steps to ensure that the governing Board of the Club includes more minority representation.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
“Racism has been an endemic part of the structure of our society for nearly 400 years. It is built into every part of our culture, institutions and media. It is unavoidable and none of us are immune. Its impact on the country has been profound - every step forward in social progress has been made more difficult because of racism.
…. “We are not a political organization. However, as responsible members of society and the community we live in we are called upon to be advocates for fairness and decency.” YPRC Diversity Committee Report, April 2019
In an effort to do our part in furthering what will hopefully be a continuing national conversation about the impact of racism on our community, our country and its institutions Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club (“YPRC”) will take the following steps:
1) DIVERSITY AND CULTURAL AWARENESS TRAINING
The Board of Directors will organize and participate in a Diversity Training Program to further its understanding of cultural differences, the history of racial disparities in this country and its continuing impact on our democratic institutions. Such training shall be aimed at improving the racial, multi-ethnic and multi-generational composition of the Club.
2) ACTIVELY ANTI-RACIST
We understand that there is no neutral position on racism and that silence is not an option. BLACK LIVES MATTER is a call to action. We will leverage our public communications channels to support, engage, and educate our membership on this issue. We will support and work with local civil rights, community and environmental justice organizations to focus attention on real tangible change.
3) CLUB MEMBERSHIP AND LEADERSHIP
We will continue to work towards a membership that reflects the community we live in. We will work to ensure that YPRC, our boathouse and our events are a safe and welcoming space for all people. YPRC will take affirmative steps to ensure that the governing Board of the Club includes more minority representation.
BLACK LIVES MATTER.
(In All regions of New York State are currently transitioning from being on PAUSE to a controlled reopening called New York Forward. Westchester County is currently in Phase 4. On June 2, 2020, Governor Cuomo issued an Executive Order permitting low risk outdoor activities such as the use of non motorized boats such as kayaks, provided social distancing is maintained, strict sanitization protocols are adhered to, appropriate face coverings are worn in public and group size is limited.
In compliance with this directive YPRC currently permits the following activities:
1. Members may launch their own boats from the adjacent beach front at Habirshaw Park . (See Boathouse Protocols here.)
2. Members Paddles are currently being offered. (Information on Member Paddles here.)
3. Safety certified members may use club boats starting June 15, 2020. (See Boathouse Protocols here.)
Participants in these activities must adhere to the protocols regarding each activity. In addition while in the boathouse paddlers must adhere to the posted sanitization rules in effect, maintain social distancing of six feet at all times and wear an appropriate face covering. All paddling activities are "launch and leave." No gatherings prior to or after paddling are permitted.
In compliance with this directive YPRC currently permits the following activities:
1. Members may launch their own boats from the adjacent beach front at Habirshaw Park . (See Boathouse Protocols here.)
2. Members Paddles are currently being offered. (Information on Member Paddles here.)
3. Safety certified members may use club boats starting June 15, 2020. (See Boathouse Protocols here.)
Participants in these activities must adhere to the protocols regarding each activity. In addition while in the boathouse paddlers must adhere to the posted sanitization rules in effect, maintain social distancing of six feet at all times and wear an appropriate face covering. All paddling activities are "launch and leave." No gatherings prior to or after paddling are permitted.
To all the Hudson River Riders family and friends: First, we hope that all of you are well and staying safe by following the New York State Guidelines.
Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants in the program.
We feel that best thing we can do to keep everyone safe is to CANCEL our Wednesday and Thursday FREE Walk-up kayaking program at JFK Marina and Park.
GOOD NEWS:
Starting: Thursday July 2, 2020, FREE kayaking will be offered to the public TWICE a week on Thursday and Friday afternoons at 5:30PM ( weather permitting) at the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club 35 Alexander St (ON THE WATER AT Habishaw Park behind the Beczak Environmental Center.)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
Our primary concern is for the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants in the program.
We feel that best thing we can do to keep everyone safe is to CANCEL our Wednesday and Thursday FREE Walk-up kayaking program at JFK Marina and Park.
GOOD NEWS:
Starting: Thursday July 2, 2020, FREE kayaking will be offered to the public TWICE a week on Thursday and Friday afternoons at 5:30PM ( weather permitting) at the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club 35 Alexander St (ON THE WATER AT Habishaw Park behind the Beczak Environmental Center.)
CLICK HERE FOR MORE INFORMATION
To all the Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation family and friends: First, we hope that all of you are well and staying safe by following all the published guidelines in your state.
In this constantly evolving situation, we wanted to give you an update on the 2020 Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation; a program of the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club. Our primary concern is always the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants in this event. We have been following all the New York State health bulletins as they are published and have consulted the Coast Guard, New York City Parks, New York City Harbor Patrol and New York City officials about holding the event this July.
As of today, the Coast Guard is not accepting any Marine applications for events in June; New York City is not allowing any permits for events in public parks in June.
The Circumnavigation is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2020. With this level of uncertainty; we feel it is in the best interest for everyone involved to CANCEL the Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation for this year.
We are all heartbroken especially since the event was cancelled for the first time in 15 years last year due to the extreme heat and New York City canceling ALL outdoor events that weekend.
We realize that this is a tremendous disappointment for the many participants who have dreamt of this opportunity for years, as well as for those who see this as an annual get-together with paddling buddies from near and far.
To those of you who had carried over a $70.00 credit to be applied to this year; we will be REFUNDING the money. If you do not receive it by 6/13/2020; please email us at [email protected]
We hope everyone gets safely through these unique times and we look forward to holding a bigger and better event in 2021.
Thank you,
The Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation team
In this constantly evolving situation, we wanted to give you an update on the 2020 Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation; a program of the Yonkers Paddling and Rowing Club. Our primary concern is always the health and safety of our volunteers, staff and participants in this event. We have been following all the New York State health bulletins as they are published and have consulted the Coast Guard, New York City Parks, New York City Harbor Patrol and New York City officials about holding the event this July.
As of today, the Coast Guard is not accepting any Marine applications for events in June; New York City is not allowing any permits for events in public parks in June.
The Circumnavigation is scheduled to take place on July 25, 2020. With this level of uncertainty; we feel it is in the best interest for everyone involved to CANCEL the Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation for this year.
We are all heartbroken especially since the event was cancelled for the first time in 15 years last year due to the extreme heat and New York City canceling ALL outdoor events that weekend.
We realize that this is a tremendous disappointment for the many participants who have dreamt of this opportunity for years, as well as for those who see this as an annual get-together with paddling buddies from near and far.
To those of you who had carried over a $70.00 credit to be applied to this year; we will be REFUNDING the money. If you do not receive it by 6/13/2020; please email us at [email protected]
We hope everyone gets safely through these unique times and we look forward to holding a bigger and better event in 2021.
Thank you,
The Gerry Blackstone Manhattan Kayak Circumnavigation team
- Group access will be limited to a maximum of ten people at a time.
- All paddlers, upon arrival, must wash their hands with soap and water at either the exterior sink on the south side of the boathouse or in the porta potty which has a sink with running water on the north side of the boathouse. As per CDC guidelines hand washing with soap should be done for 20 seconds.
- Spray bottles with a bleach solution will be located by the doors to the boathouse. The first one in and the last one out is directed to spray the handles and knobs on any of the doors through which the kayakers intend to enter or had entered the boathouse.
- Paddlers must utilize appropriate clothing for cold water paddling.
- Paddlers must bring and use their own paddling equipment. Club paddles, spray skirts, two- way radios and rescue kits may not be used.
- Paddlers may not leave any gear anywhere in the boathouse after they complete the paddle.
- While at the boathouse everyone must adhere to all state, county and municipal requirements in place regarding social distancing and face covering in public.
Signage setting forth these protocols will be posted at the boathouse. Any member who thinks he or she has the requisite skills and equipment for Spring Paddling should contact the House Captain, Jack Gilman at [email protected] so that his or her name can be included on the list of Spring Paddlers.
The Health Committee will continue to monitor all pertinent State, County and Municipal regulations regarding permissible public activities in conjunction with the public safety assessments set forth by the health experts. We will advise you when it will be permitted and safe to increase access to and the activities at the boathouse. All previously scheduled club activities and events are currently being held in abeyance.
Please stay safe and continue to heed the directives regarding staying at home, washing your hands , covering your face while in public and maintaining social distancing. Even though we are staying apart during these difficult days to stem the spread of the COVID 19 virus, at YPRC we remain a family with close ties. Let’s check in on each other when we can. These bonds will get us through this.
Regards,
Kevin Horbatiuk
Commodore
The Club is very pleased to announce that we have MORE paddles June 15 to July 3,202 we will be offering members paddles on most day of the week. Club Boats and equipment are available for members use, or use your own boat.
Understand that only you can make a decision on what you are comfortable doing in regards to exposure to this virus. Please refer to the CDC guidelines for those individuals most at risk: the CDC guidelines: These include individuals over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions. Such underlying conditions include, but are not limited to, chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, hypertension, severe heart conditions, weakened immunity, severe obesity, diabetes, liver disease, and chronic kidney disease that requires dialysis.
Members who are sick MUST refrain from joining paddles. Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
ALL members’ paddles will have 8 paddlers and 2 leaders on each paddle
YRPC Boathouse Health Policies:
During the Coronavirus situation, we are limiting occupancy to groups of 10 or less.
To enter the Boathouse:
YPRC Boat Use Health Policies:
OK FINALLY TIME TO SIGN UP FOR A PADDLE
USE the following link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a49acab2ba31-july
UNDER "PADDLERS" CLICK the sign up button
Please only sign up for 1 paddle each week.
YPRC Board of Directors
Understand that only you can make a decision on what you are comfortable doing in regards to exposure to this virus. Please refer to the CDC guidelines for those individuals most at risk: the CDC guidelines: These include individuals over age 65 and those with underlying medical conditions. Such underlying conditions include, but are not limited to, chronic lung disease, moderate to severe asthma, hypertension, severe heart conditions, weakened immunity, severe obesity, diabetes, liver disease, and chronic kidney disease that requires dialysis.
Members who are sick MUST refrain from joining paddles. Common symptoms of COVID-19 are:
- Cough
- Shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
- Fever
- Chills
- Muscle pain
- Sore throat
- New loss of taste or smell
- nausea
- vomiting
- diarrhea
ALL members’ paddles will have 8 paddlers and 2 leaders on each paddle
- Your membership must be paid full
- Members MUST signup online for the paddles, NO ONE CAN JUST SHOW UP
- You have to have some paddling experience and have the proper clothing ( the water is 55 degrees) appropriate clothes required (NO COTTON)
- Paddles can be modified or cancel by the leader for safety, The leader CAN reject anyone from the paddle for safety reasons
- You will have to help carry boats to the beach at Habirshir Park and back to the club
YRPC Boathouse Health Policies:
During the Coronavirus situation, we are limiting occupancy to groups of 10 or less.
To enter the Boathouse:
- Wash hands with soap 20 seconds+ in porta potty before opening main door.
- Open main door, there will be bleach sanitizer on table with paper towels. First one in wipe down door handle and light switches, barn door bars, refrigerator handle, etc.
- Masks MUST be worn on the property, gloves are recommended.
- Prepare boats. Post trip in log, times in, times back. VHF channel 68. Carry in pairs to Beczak Beach. Lock up club.
- Launch at Beczak beach. Enjoy the river!
- Recover boats at beach, open club and put boats back. Wash hands/use hand sanitizer. Wash boats, paddles, pfd’s and srayskirts in Hydrogen Peroxide and hang outside to dry.
- All paddling gear, spray skirts, PFDs, clothing, is to be taken home, DO NOT LEAVE personal items in the club.
- Last one out wipe down door handles and all touch points.
YPRC Boat Use Health Policies:
- We recommend that disposable gloves be used while touching club equipment
- Wipe down your paddle and boat before use
- After the paddle rinse off boat and all equipment
- Paddles are to washed with Hydrogen Peroxide and put outside on top of deck to dry for 72 hours
- Pfd and skirts are to be washed in Hydrogen Peroxide and hung outside on rack to dry for 72 hours
OK FINALLY TIME TO SIGN UP FOR A PADDLE
USE the following link to sign up:
https://www.signupgenius.com/go/9040a49acab2ba31-july
UNDER "PADDLERS" CLICK the sign up button
Please only sign up for 1 paddle each week.
YPRC Board of Directors
STARTING MONDAY June 15, 2020 YPRC safety qualified members can use club boats and equipment as long as all safety and health policies are followed and the boat is used at a time that does not conflict with any scheduled club activity.
For additional information or help, please contact: Phil Giller
[email protected]
or Jack Gilman [email protected]
In order to use a club boat at times that DO NOT CONFLICT with club paddles:
YRPC Boathouse Health Policies:During the Coronavirus situation, we are limiting occupancy to groups of 10 or less.
To enter the Boathouse:
YPRC Boat Use Health Policies
To become a safety certified member, you must possess the skills as described in the YPRC guidelines for members use of club boats below; and be approved by the YPRC Safety Committee which consists of:
Chevaughn Dixon ACA Level 4 kayak instructor Jack Gilman ACA level 2 kayak instructor Frank Horvath ACA Level 2 kayak instructor Phil Giller ACA Level 2 kayak instructor Lee Reiser ACA Level 2 kayak instructor
IF Your Name is not on the list but you feel you have the required skills, please contact:
Phil Giller [email protected] or Jack Gilman [email protected]
For additional information or help, please contact: Phil Giller
[email protected]
or Jack Gilman [email protected]
In order to use a club boat at times that DO NOT CONFLICT with club paddles:
- A member must be paid in Full, membership and storage and have a 2020 signed waiver
- A member must be listed as a safety certified member ( see current list below)
- Members must follow ALL published YPRC safety policies and health policies( see Below) and use of club equipment policies ( see below)
- Members MUST wear ,masks while on the property and disposable gloves are recommended
- ONLY safety certified members can use club boats in groups of 2 minimum to 6 maximum. NO SOLO trips in club boats, NO allowing non-certified members to paddle with you.
- Members are responsible for their own personal safety; it is your responsibility to check all equipment before use to make sure that it is in working order and to report to the House Captain Jack Gilman [email protected] any equipment that is not in proper order.
- Members must have the appropriate clothes to paddle in June in cold water
- Members MUST email Jack Gilman [email protected] notifying him of your planned trip, date and time
- Put all paddlers name in the Logbook AND fill out float plan and put in log book.
YRPC Boathouse Health Policies:During the Coronavirus situation, we are limiting occupancy to groups of 10 or less.
To enter the Boathouse:
- Wash hands with soap 20 seconds+ in porta potty before opening main door.
- Open main door, there will be bleach sanitizer on table with paper towels. First one in wipe down door handle and light switches, barn door bars, refrigerator handle, etc.
- Prepare boats. Post trip in log, times in, times back. VHF channel 68. Carry in pairs to Beczak Beach. Lock up club.
- Launch at Beczak beach. Enjoy the river!
- Recover boats at beach, open club and put boats back. Wash hands/use hand sanitizer. Wash boats if you want on deck.
- All paddling gear, spray skirts, PFDs, clothing, is to be taken home.
- Last one out wipe down door handles and all touch points.
YPRC Boat Use Health Policies
- We recommend that disposable gloves be used while touching club equipment
- Wipe down your paddle and boat before use
- After the paddle rinse off boat and all equipment
- Paddles are to washed with Hydrogen Peroxide and put outside on top of deck to dry for 72 hours
- Pfd’s and skirts are to be washed in Hydrogen Peroxide and hung outside on rack to dry for 72 hours
To become a safety certified member, you must possess the skills as described in the YPRC guidelines for members use of club boats below; and be approved by the YPRC Safety Committee which consists of:
Chevaughn Dixon ACA Level 4 kayak instructor Jack Gilman ACA level 2 kayak instructor Frank Horvath ACA Level 2 kayak instructor Phil Giller ACA Level 2 kayak instructor Lee Reiser ACA Level 2 kayak instructor
IF Your Name is not on the list but you feel you have the required skills, please contact:
Phil Giller [email protected] or Jack Gilman [email protected]
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APPROVED MEMBERS WHO CAN USE CLUB BOATS as of 7/8/2020
Adler, Arnie Anderson, Robert (Bob) Booma, Robin Brandstetter, Deanne D'Allesio, Anthony Donnelly, Philomena Eremeev,Vladimir Feuerstein, Paul Griffiths, Davin Grimmett, Chuck Howard, Brian Johnson Till, Johna Kalafus, Nancy King, Carl King, Karen Koniger, Erik Kostelich, Jean Lachterman, Gregg Laiosa, Andy MacDaied, Dubhalta Menken, David Morales, Alexander Muller, Rick Neimand, Dov O'Brien,Anthony O'Riordan, Mary Person, Lenore Ramirez,Vanessa Rangasamy, Sabarivinoth Reiser, Lee Schwartz, Carly Shenkman, Lynda Silva, Bruno Slivko,Jackie Spitz, Harry Strasser, Thomas Taiano, Leilani Trambert, Jonathon Winkleman, Katherine |
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Guidelines for Use of ACA Camp and Cabin at Lake Sebago by YPRC Members
YPRC Members who are interested in visiting the ACA camp at Lake Sebago as a day visitor or overnight guest must familiarize themselves with and adhere to at all times the guidelines enacted by Lake Sebago's Camp Committee and YPRC's specific protocols for day usage and overnight usage which are set forth herein. Any guests of YPRC Members must be Members of the ACA.
COVID-Aware 2020 Season Rules for the ACA Camp at Lake Sebago Promulgated by the Camp Committee
These are guidelines for your use of the camp. We are not assuring you that the camp is safe. You can make your own determination whether the use of camp is safe and if you wish to visit. These guidelines are in effect based on our current knowledge of the situation. We will change them as circumstances and guidance from outside organizations change.
YPRC Protocols for Day Usage
Day visitors are only permitted use of the cabin to change in and store their clothes or place any food that needs to be refrigerated in the refrigerator in the cabin. If the sign outside the cabin indicates that it is occupied by an overnight visitor the day visitor must request permission to use the cabin for the limited purpose of changing, storing clothing or refrigerating food. Prior to leaving the cabin you must wipe down all surfaces you touched during your time in the cabin with the products provided.
YPRC Protocols for Overnight Usage of the Cabin
YPRC does not assure any overnight guests that there is no risk of infection from COVID-19 in the cabin. Each guest should make their own assessment about whether it is safe for them to stay overnight in the cabin. The rental period for an overnight stay starts and ends at 10:00 am.
YPRC Members who are interested in visiting the ACA camp at Lake Sebago as a day visitor or overnight guest must familiarize themselves with and adhere to at all times the guidelines enacted by Lake Sebago's Camp Committee and YPRC's specific protocols for day usage and overnight usage which are set forth herein. Any guests of YPRC Members must be Members of the ACA.
COVID-Aware 2020 Season Rules for the ACA Camp at Lake Sebago Promulgated by the Camp Committee
These are guidelines for your use of the camp. We are not assuring you that the camp is safe. You can make your own determination whether the use of camp is safe and if you wish to visit. These guidelines are in effect based on our current knowledge of the situation. We will change them as circumstances and guidance from outside organizations change.
- Remember: stay home if you are sick or have been sick recently.
- Members should maintain a distance of at least 6 feet from one another, except for those who live in a common household, whether indoors or outside. Any time that individuals must come within 6 feet of another person, acceptable face coverings should be worn.
- Picnic tables around camp and tables in the Pavilion may only be shared by members of the same household; and you must wipe them with disinfectant after you use them.
- Maintaining a 6-foot distance from other households is required on the swim dock and in the shallow and deep areas. No masks may be worn while in the water but should be worn on the dock. During busy times, the lifeguard may request visitors limit their time lounging or swimming.
- Please use the hand sanitizer provided before you enter the swimming area.
- One boat at a time may launch from the boat-launching docks. Maintain a 6-foot distance from others on the docks.
- No guests who are not ACA members will be allowed in camp this season.
- No events, whether on land or on water, will be allowed this season.
- No gatherings of more than 10 people are allowed in camp, outdoors or indoors.
- Shared equipment must be cleaned and sanitized after use, and between each user.
- Bathroom rules: a. One person at a time will be allowed in each gender-specific area of the bathrooms. b. Wash your hands frequently throughout the day. c. Masks must be worn when in the bathroom, except for showering. d. Wipe down all surfaces touched, using the disinfectant spray or disinfectant wipes provided. e. A commercial cleaning service will be engaged before and after each weekend to thoroughly clean and disinfect the bathrooms.
YPRC Protocols for Day Usage
Day visitors are only permitted use of the cabin to change in and store their clothes or place any food that needs to be refrigerated in the refrigerator in the cabin. If the sign outside the cabin indicates that it is occupied by an overnight visitor the day visitor must request permission to use the cabin for the limited purpose of changing, storing clothing or refrigerating food. Prior to leaving the cabin you must wipe down all surfaces you touched during your time in the cabin with the products provided.
- You may bring your own paddle, spray skirt, PFD, pump, sponge, paddle float, tow rope and any other equipment you may need or you may utilize the club equipment provided. The club equipment will be kept in the locked storage area beneath the cabin. The key will be kept in the same location as the key to the cabin.
- Maintain social distancing of at least 6 feet from each other at all times.
- Face coverings are to be worn at all times except while on the water.
- One boat at a time may launch from the dock.
- After the paddle, the club boat should be sprayed with the solution provided and returned to the exterior storage rack. All club equipment should be similarly sprayed and returned to its storage area which should be locked.
YPRC Protocols for Overnight Usage of the Cabin
YPRC does not assure any overnight guests that there is no risk of infection from COVID-19 in the cabin. Each guest should make their own assessment about whether it is safe for them to stay overnight in the cabin. The rental period for an overnight stay starts and ends at 10:00 am.
- Only members of the same household who have been quarantining together may stay in the cabin overnight.
- All frequently used surfaces should be sanitized with the provided materials before and after each use during the stay in the cabin.
- The available appliances (refrigerator, coffeemaker, toaster and hotplate) should be sanitized before and after each use.
- Bring your own cooking utensils and pots. Paper plates and utensils will be provided.
- Bring your own bedding and towels.
- Before you place any food in the refrigerator, sanitize the interior portion of the refrigerator as well as the exterior handles. At the end of your stay, remove all items from the refrigerator and wipe down the interior surfaces and the exterior handles.
- Remove all trash from the cabin in the provided trash bags.
- Wipe down all countertops and surfaces as well as light switches and door handles prior to leaving the cabin at the conclusion of the stay.
