They were pushing, shoving and prying, trying to get the collar of the cover to slide down over the duct.  It was a tight fit.  Finally, John Pearson decided to sit on one edge. Tom Malabad got on another edge, and George Phillips sat down hard on the other side.  In that instant the cover plopped down into place with a loud BANG.  Laughter came from all around just as suddenly – the butts did it!  The cover was secured in place.  The ladder was installed and earth and stones were piled up around the duct.  Stone steps were placed from ground level to the duct top to make entrance and exit of the duct much easier.  The dedication of the new Scott Entrance of The Maxwelton Sink Cave will be Saturday 14Nov09 at 4:00 PM.

This was only one of WVCC’s accomplishments of 2009.  WVCC had a great OTR, with generous donations that made it possible to retire one of The Max loans (early) in September. This saved us a lot of interest.  Our OTR Wine and Cheese Party seems to grow bigger each year.  There was a lot of booth activity the entire time.

The new Landowner and Members Brochures were developed, printed and have been well received.  Some lawyers appear to be interested in the information in the Landowner Brochure.  As far as Membership goes, WVCC has gained a few and lost a few members but has experienced no mass exodus due to our cave closures.  We’ve also been busy updating www.wvcc.net (our Web site) with lots of work still ahead there.  Early in the year we conducted several cave cleanups.  There have been work weekends at Persingers and at the Scott Entrance of The Max.  In early October WVCC shared a table with the WV Highlands Conservancy and the WV Wilderness Coalition at the 5th Annual White Sulphur Springs Water Festival.  This was attended by several thousand people (the first year that they ran out of places to park).  We passed out lots of Brochures and signed up at least one new member. All this represents quantities of hard work – I’d like to offer many thanks to everyone involved.

Next up is The 2009 WVCC Banquet which during this recession year is setting the attendance record for our Banquets?  There are a few more than 80 people signed up for the big night.  It’s sold out!  The main features of the banquet will be the announcement of the election results and a program on Germany Valley caves by Mark Minton and Yvonne Droms.. 

We still have a loan to pay off because of the Scott Entrance property purchase.
Incidentally that 5-acre purchase includes Cave Rights under the rest of Dave Scott’s property – approximately 50 acres.  The future though appears to be getting brighter overall.  WVCC members are our greatest asset and they will increase in numbers.  We’re still receiving donations and small grants so our finances are in good shape.  I believe we’ll soon be ready to acquire another big cave.  Working together and seizing every opportunity will make it happen.

Cheers and best wishes,   Bob.