S & D Membership

Mike, welcome to steamboats.org. Richard Prater is no longer S&D Secretary, but his email address is [email protected].

Rick Kesterman is the new Secreatary. His address: 3118 Pershing Ct., Cincinnati, OH 45211. Telephone (513) 662-8627.

We would love to have you as a member of S&D!

Bob,

Thanks for the info. I'll contact them both to try and find out what happened to the check I mailed back in January.

The check is in the mail??
Might still be there!!! 🙂
S'
David D.

also lost in the mail

...along with the Winter 2008(formerly December) REFLECTOR. Hopefully those of us waiting to renew our dues until after we receive the 4th issue of year 2008 will not be cut off the mailing list and not receive it, when it eventually is printed and mailed sometime in 2009. No need to recite and repeat the various reasons why the REFLECTOR has been off schedule for some time, we've heard them many times, and have heard various versions.
In the words of that famous character whose name I don't know: JUST GIT 'ER DONE!

There, I've said publicly what many of us have been expressing for months in emails to each other and to S&D officers. Sorry if it offends, but facts need to be faced. The REFLECTOR is the lifeblood of S&D and is the only reason probably 80-90% of the memberships, ie. the financial resources of the group, exist. Changing the dates from specific months to a general season allowed for 'wiggle room', but we are now into another YEAR, not season. Many of us have submitted articles and pictures, and have offered to help out over this time. If there is more we can do, now is the time to ask us. The S&D VP is experienced in journalistic matters, perhaps he could assist in the editorship position. Whatever it takes...

Sit back, relax, play some golf. The Winter Reflector is in the mail. Now how long to delivery to your mailbox is anybodys guess. The mailboat has gone the way of the overnight passenger vessels. Now all we have are hi-speed expressways, jet planes and extremely slow delivery. I've given up on fighting the U.S. Postal Service.

Judy, that quote's from Larry the Cable Guy. Just thought you'd like to know 🙂

Git 'er done!

Thanks for enlightening me on current pop culture! Cable guy, eh? I'm still back there with the rabbit ears generation! Now please don't make me feel older and ask what are rabbit ears...

Judy,

You have echoed my concerns as well. Thank you for finally saying it!

Thru rumor, comment on this board, and second-hand rumor I understand the major positions of President and Secretary have changed. Had the Reflector come and reported this information I would feel I was at least knowledgeable of what is happening within the organization I support thru membership. I wouldn't have been as shocked as I was when I got a bill from Rick Kesterman, Secretary...when I expected it to be Richard Prater. I started calling, talking, and emailing and found out the rumors are true.

Perhaps I would have paid by now and not had so many questions when I got my second notice of dues if I had the Reflector to know what was up?

The current Reflector issues have been wonderful. I am really glad to see the membership to assist in the creation of such a wonderful historical periodical. Capt. Frederick Way Jr would be proud of the last couple of years of his labour of love, the S&D Reflector. The Sons and Daughters of Pioneer Rivermen has been one of the most esteemed river organizations to become member of for many years since its begining. I have been proud to announce my membership in S&D and promoted the group in my lectures on every cruise of the DELTA QUEEN, MISSISSIPPI QUEEN, and AMERICAN QUEEN I have worked. Richard Prater supplied me with brochures to pass on to the passengers to review and send in from home after their cruise. I have always stood behind S&D and will continue to do so...but, something has to be done about the Reflector!

I am also very concerned no one seems to have stepped up to assist in the creation of the Reflector to get it back on a more timely basis. With no information as to what the organization is doing, I am stymied as to why I should pay dues.

Perhaps the cost of the two bills for 2009 I have recieved could have been better spent in getting the word out to the members in the form of a news letter or perhaps even the Reflector?

I am very sorry if I have offended anyone with my viewpoint. My intention is to publically put my support behind getting S&D back on track. We may have already lost the DELTA QUEEN...lets not lose AMERICA's Steamboat Historical Society! Lets help get S&D back on track! We have proven we can get things done on this board. Just the conversations we have had concerning the DELTA QUEEN have gone along way to help her cause. Lets help keep OUR River organization together, healthy and sound...we CAN do it!

Travis

Judy, The S & D VP has offered several times to several people to help with the Reflector - to no avail.

Now as to the S & D VP's roll in helping with the Reflector, if you have all read the last several issues you will find the section on "Small Stacks". The Winter issue which is in the mail had the beginning of a two part series by Fryant. This section has been a big help to the Editor and deserves mention. The coming Winter edition also has a nice section, courtesy of Capt. "Doc" Hawley.

I'm a little taken back by Travis's comments on rumor as to officers of S & D. First the election was held in the open, at the 2008 Annual meeting, just as had been done for the last 69 years. Over 100 members were in attendance and voted. The results were certainly not just rumor. Also it might pay to check the S & D website, a link is on theSteamboats.org. Clearly it states who the S & D officers are and how to contact them. Pres. Jeff Spear and Secretary Rick Kesterman are on there, big as life. Check it once in a while.

Although I know where some of you are coming from on the late Reflector as to dues, I must remind you that the dues are for membership in the S & D. It is not a subscription to a magazine. For the first 25 years of S & D there was no Reflector. When Capt. Way started the Reflector as a labor of love, it just became a big bonus fringe to the membership.

Winter lasts till March 20th. so if the Post Office hurries we might make it !!!

Bill, Judy, Just to clarify what I said in my previous post: I wasn't referring to the writing of my Small Stacks column although that does help the editor with regard to having material on hand. I meant the putting together of the magazine itself using computer software. That is what I had offered to help with.

Rabbit Ears, isn't that when you put two fingers up behind someone's head in a photograph??
Heh Heh Heh!!!
Sorry Judy, I just couldn't resist!
S'
David D.

Rabbit Ears, isn't that when you put two fingers up behind someone's head in a photograph??
Heh Heh Heh!!!
Sorry Judy, I just couldn't resist!
S'
David D.

The ol' Sternline Telegraph must have some lines down due to the winter storms! I have been very surprised at the number of people who tell me they did NOT know that Jerry Sutphin is no longer president, Dick Prater stepped down as secretary and there was a change on the board of governors of S&D. Believe it or not, there are still those out there who are NOT online and depend upon other means of information. What Travis (who very recently joined our staff at the pipe organ company) is saying is that, since it was known the magazine containing the account of the annual meeting would be delayed, it would have been prudent if a newsletter of sorts had been sent to the membership, similar to the one that SSHSA publishes between issues (The Telegraph) containing up-to-the-minute information.

Also, I've heard from many who DO view their annual dues solely as a magazine subscription and who say if there was no magazine they would have no reason to contribute $30 for only a membership card. Many have never been to Marietta nor do they intend to go -- especially members living long distances and those from abroad. And there are those, like myself, who have been members for decades and long were regular attendees at meetings, but who no longer attend for various personal reasons. Back in the years when S&D was largely an "Upper Ohio River Social Club" this worked, but those days are long gone. Dale tells me that many libraries, museums, river businesses and educational organizations maintain S&D memberships. I rather doubt they would do so if there was no magazine in return for their money.

*RE: 'ol Sternline Telegraph.'*
Dear steamboating colleagues:
I agree with Keith RE: 'ole Sternline Teleraph' probably having a 'short circuit' now and then. We've been discussing/sharing as friends and colleagues not only concerns but expressing our appreciation for S&D and the sage REFLECTOR. As stated, 'times have changed' with new officers, editor etc. In the past, following our S&D business meetings and the annual Sept. meeting in Marietta, I've seen questions posted here asking for a 'report' on what transpired. It entered my mind to do so but I also had to respect the rules of the road for Steamboats.org and the fine work Franz/Carmen have done in providing this great forum. I didn't want to use .org as a communication device for an other organization. I'm just Treasurer and didn't feel I should circumvent the Officers/Board of Governors. Since my military days I was soundly grounded in the concept of 'chain of command.' The appearance of S&D's own web site I felt was ample enough but, apparently, was mistaken. 'Thinking' was that S&D's web site not have a discussion section like .org due to the constant maintenance, monitoring and checking. I don't know how Franz and Carmen do the detailed job they do.

Rest assured that all memberships, checks, 'business accounts' for S&D are handled with the highest level of professionalism and detail. Are some mistakes made? Sure, but we correct promptly. I've been Treasurer since 1998 treating S&D as a 'business' first, last and always watching your money and mine 'like a hawk.' My work in finance was with the Cincinnati Public School's Treasury Dept. for years before retirement. I have the professional services of David Toney, Cincinnati CPA, for S&D's annual auditing and filing of IRS/TAX status by law. This one big job as many of you know. These jobs are all volunteer with nobody being paid a yearly stipend.

If a question arises I have the backing of my family law firm 'Taft, Stettinius & Hollister' here in town to give me advice. Yep, at times it 'takes a village' to keep an organization going. Rick Kesterman, new Secretary, is doing a stellar job. Each of his packs of checks to me are in perfect order and always balance to the penny for my entry and deposit. Rick, like many of us, does this along with his own full-time profession, personal and family duties. As stated, the old steamboat mail boats are out of service now with the REFLECTOR arriving at different times for many. We've explored the possibility of U.S. 1st Class mail but, as you all know, that is most expensive. Costs are a constant issue in printing, mailing, related supplies along with service for stuffing and posting. I've never submitted a single bill for any of my needs since 1998 and often write off what I do spend as a donation to the organization. David Smith, Editor, has never submitted one bill for his own personal expenses. I'm sure many here do the same with their own organizations, charitable and religious groups. Personally, I think it's good we've shared and discussed these things over the last two days.

I well remember back in 1964, now 45 years ago, being on the DELTA QUEEN and having Purser Bob McCann and Letha Greene ask, "Have you seen Fred Way's new magazine the REFLECTOR?" I was hooked from then and all the rest is history.

Well, what do I know?

Coal Haven Landing, Ohio River.

Thanks John. I knew you had a journalistic background and thought it might be put to use to help get the REFLECTOR out in a timely manner.

Our R. Dale Flick has been S&D Treasurer for many years, and does a very detailed, accurate, and thorough job with the books and finances. No S&D member need worry about our funds as long as Dale is in charge. We are extremely lucky to have Dale in this job, and as anyone who knows Dale, knows he is ready to help anyone with most anything at any time. A more generous person with his time and talents you can't find. We are privileged to be associated with him.

But this section of Dale's recent posting is humorous:
" In the past, following our S&D business meetings and the annual Sept. meeting in Marietta, I've seen questions posted here asking for a 'report' on what transpired. It entered my mind to do so but I also had to respect the rules of the road for Steamboats.org and the fine work Franz/Carmen have done in providing this great forum. I didn't want to use .org as a communication device for an other organization. I'm just Treasurer and didn't feel I should circumvent the Officers/Board of Governors. Since my military days I was soundly grounded in the concept of 'chain of command.' The appearance of S&D's own web site I felt was ample enough but, apparently, was mistaken. 'Thinking' was that S&D's web site not have a discussion section like .org due to the constant maintenance, monitoring and checking. I don't know how Franz and Carmen do the detailed job they do."

Whatever rules of the road there are for .org have always led to 'reports' by individuals who attended a meeting, be it S&D, Midwest Buffs, a TWILIGHT cruise, MOR, River Ramblings at the Howard Museum, you name it. These reports aren't a communication device for that organization. To use that as an excuse to not post is, well, BS. . There were some touchy issues dealt with at Marietta last fall. Maybe people didn't post about the meeting for fear that these things might get brought up, so they remained silent. Fine. But it surely wasn't due to any need to follow rules of the road or chains of command. If one doesn't want to post anything that could stir the waters, that is one's privilege, no need to think twice about it, no need to even justify that decision.

computer software???
Hmm, I know where there's a light table available!
🙂
S'
David D.
PS--Hope this isn't to "inside" to not be recognized as humor! (I was going to say "joke" but oftentime my "humor" is not seen by others as "joke" so, yes! I will keep my day job! 🙂 )

David, please email me your snail mail address. When I was cleaning out a DQ box of souvenirs, one thing jumped out and said: "David Dewey! David Dewey!" So I'd like to mail it to you. [email protected]

The editor of the S&D Reflector is in an unique and awful position. He is creating a good magazine while also attending to his profession. If he gets out the magazine on time, he risks starvation. When he attends to his business, the magazine languishes. Most of us have not the slightest notion of the workload that producing that magazine involves. Sadly, we are not on the scene where we could give him significant help.