Two weeks ago, Mike, Dan and I were in the "Mecca" of outdoor shops, otherwise known as Campmor. While there, I saw something I thought the club could use. Now, I could become a dictator, abuse my role as president of OK, and purchase it withoput permission. But I'd rather have feedback from the members as to whether or not to purchase the item.

This is what I saw: a 10 ft. by 10 ft. canopy, with optional side panels. The total cost would be about $150.00. We could use the canopy at local meets where there is no conveinent shelter, or put it up with the sides on when the weather is bad. We could use it at the start or finish area. It has no floor, so it could be used on any terrain, in any weather. In addition, we could set it up at A meets (if someone is willing to carry it in a separate bag. It's heavy.)

What do the OK members think? Is this something the club needs? Are you willing to spend the money on this purchase? (Gene: do we still have several hundred dollars in the bank?) Please let me know what you think.

-- Mary (maprunner@juno.com), November 10, 1999

Answers

I believe this is the tent Mary is talking about:

www.campmor.com/cgi- bin/ncommerce3/CategoryDisplay?cgrfnbr=53390&cgmenbr=226

-- Spike (meglin@juno.com), November 10, 1999.

The shelter sounds like a nice thing to have, although it is sort of small. I don't know what the total cost should be, but there might be cheaper things in surplus or used "sporting goods". $150 sounds expensive, but if it is available immediately it could make its debut at the state chumps! Then, spending a bit would be worthwhile as a new OK canopy would definitely raise some eyebrows in the o-community. What color is the canopy and does it come with a convenient place to attach the club banner?

Just to set the record straight, Mook, for one, is not at all insulted at Mary's use of the term "Mecca" in her message. He feels it was used in an appropriate and culturally-sensitive context. Muslims the world over should be honored that OK's president chose to acknowledge their cultural and religious heritage on the OK Forum.

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), November 10, 1999.

Yes, the treasury can cover the expense if the club wants the canopy. Mook, I just received handouts and brochures on the meaning of Islam at the office from the Muslim Student Assoc. Should OKers be getting copies?

-- Gene (gmw@ukans.edu), November 12, 1999.

I'm glad Mary went ahead and bought the gazebo. Chances are high for rain and/or snow this weekend and the gazebo will be quite useful! I can't wait to see it!

-- Mook (everett@psi.edu), December 02, 1999.

Now that the gazebo has made a successful debut, I know it will get plenty of use in the future. It will be especially cool to set up at this year's relay event--another sign that OK is the best club in the country. But how do you transport a 36 inch long set of poles and tarps? Never fear--Mary was on the job.

Mike and I had the pleasure of returning to "Mecca" yesterday (aka Campmor in lovely Paramus NJ). If a cheap, sturdy and LARGE duffel bag was to be found, it would be at Campmor. Eureka! A perfect duffel was found, and OKers can breathe a sigh of relief. The gazebo can be transported to MA!!

Mary (Club Prez)

-- Mary (maprunner@juno.com), December 29, 1999.