Potawatomi Paddlers Association, Inc
Newsletter of Paddling Events and Plans in the Kankakee River Valley
Winter, 2024
Welcome!
This year we at Potawatomi Paddlers Association, Inc (PPA) are changing how we communicate with members and the community in general. Instead of monthly meetings, we will be sending, by email mostly, quarterly newsletters like this. We hope it helps PPA stay in contact with you.
If you know of others who you believe would be interested in PPA, and they approve receiving ie, send us their email address to be added to our mailing list
Where are we Going This Year?
May 5 Advanced Kayak Training with John Chase at Manteno Lake
June 1 Kankakee River,Stateline Bridge to Momence
June 15 Beginner Kayak Training with Amy Nehls at K3 Splash Valley
June 22 Middle Fork Vermillion River
July 27 Kankakee River–Momence to Aroma Park
August 17 (tentative) Kankakee River-“Everglades of the North” with Northwest Indiana Paddling Association
August 24 DuPage River, Shorewood to Chanahon
Sept 28 Kankakee River, Kankakee Bird Park to Warner Bridge
October 12 Lake Murphey at Willow Slough, Indiana
November 2 Monster Lake, Braidwood
Special Destinations, dates TBD: Little Calumet/African American Water Trail; Fox River; Pecatonica River; Kishwaukee
PPA Annual Meeting
This year’s Annual Meeting will be Thursday, February 22, 7:00 pm, at Flanigan’s Pub, located in the lower level of the Majestic Building, 150 North Schuyler Ave., in Kankakee. The agenda will include voting for Board members and Officers of the PPA Corporation. Also, we will review the paddle dates and locations proposed for 2024 and other proposals. From now on, this will be the only official meeting of PPA
Culver’s Fundraiser
Calling all foodies and supporters of Potawatomi Paddlers! We’re excited to announce that we’re hosting a fundraiser at Culvers of Bourbonnais, 983 N. Convent, on Wednesday March 6 from 5 pm to 7 pm. When you indulge in a mouth-watering meal during that time, 10% of your purchase will be donated to Potawatomi Paddlers. So come out and enjoy a tasty dinner while supporting a great cause! Don’t miss out on this opportunity to make a difference in the community. We look forward to seeing you there! And don’t forget the frozen custard!
PPA Board of Directors
PPA Corporation officers are elected to one-year terms at the Annual Meeting. Current officers are: Frank Koehler, President; John Persec, Vice President; Bruce Cowhig, Secretary-Treasurer
PPA Board members are elected to three-year staggered terms, meaning only some members’ terms expire each year. This year, terms expire for current members Sarah Viall, Bruce Cowhig, Josh Hudson, and Dan Morrison.
Other Board members (and their term expiration years) are: Frank Koehler (2025); John Persec (2025); Janet Glidden(2025); Holly Froning (2025)
Training Dates
An important part of PPA’s mission is to encourage and enable safety on the water. A trained kayaker is a safer kayaker. A trained kayaker also has more fun on the water.! PPA has organized two training opportunities this Spring:
Sunday, May 5, 9 am –4 pm. Manteno Lake. American Canoe Association (ACA)-certified trainer John Chase will lead this workshop in all aspects of kayaking on flatwater. You must bring your own equipment. $35 for participants age 18 and over; $25 ages 10-18.
Saturday, June 15, 9 am-11 am, Splash Valley Water Park, Kankakee. Organized in cooperation with Kankakee Valley Park District. Basic kayaking in the pool at the Water Park. Kayaks provided. $25
Canoecopia
Want to take your paddling to the next level? Visit Canoecopia, in Madison, Wisconsin, March 8-10 . Many displays of kayaks and canoes of all types and brands, plus workshops and presentations by experts in the paddling world on all aspects of paddling and kayak/canoe camping. For more, see the website: Canoecopia – World’s Largest Paddling Expo! (rutabaga.com)
