MEMBERSHIP: This form shall constitute the entire application and agreement between an individual and Around the Bend Friends (also referred to as AtBF), a group organized to provide opportunities for recreational and social activities for its members. Membership is restricted to individuals who have attained, or whose applicant spouse has attained, the age of fifty (50). This form shall be completed at the time of initial application for membership, and annually thereafter in the case of membership renewal, and submitted along with payment of the annual calendar year dues of $5.00 per individual. Application and payment of dues may be mailed to the Membership Coordinator at the address indicated on the back page, delivered at one of the club’s regularly scheduled meetings. Renewing members must do so by February 15 of each year to avoid being dropped from the membership roster. Spouses may both apply on one application with payment of appropriate dues.

GROUP INFORMATION: Around the Bend Friends publishes and distributes to its members a monthly newsletter, with the exception of the month of December, that contains a recap of the business conducted at its previous meeting and includes information regarding special club outings and activities and other general information. In addition, the club distributes a monthly hike schedule separate from the newsletter that includes appropriate information for each scheduled hike. Distribution of the newsletter and hike schedule is done electronically via our website at no additional cost to the members

PERSONAL INFORMATION: Around the Bend Friends does not generally share any information on its members with any other groups or non-member individuals. It does periodically publish a membership roster on Yahoo! Groups with names of all members, their e-mail addresses, and their home phone and cell phone numbers. While each member’s name will be listed on the roster, any member has the right to decline publication of e-mail address and phone numbers. By checking where indicated on this form, members or applicants can indicate their desire not to publish such information. STREET ADDRESSES OF MEMBERS ARE ONLY AVAILABLE TO THE GROUP’S EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE AND THE MEMBERSHIP COORDINATOR.

EMAIL GROUP SITE: Around the Bend Friends maintains an email group web site for disseminating information to the club’s members. All club e-mails will be distributed only through this site. To receive club correspondence, members must also register to join the club’s email group. This requires each member to open a free account (unless one already exists) to create a user name and password for accessing the group site. Once this membership application has been submitted to the Membership Coordinator, the member will receive an invitation to join the Around the Bend Friends Group. Joining the AtBF Group will allow the member to receive all club e-mails, including newsletters and hike schedules, and to view other postings on the site.

PARTICIPATION: I acknowledge that my participation in all Around the Bend Friends activities is voluntary. I understand that it is my responsibility to evaluate the difficulties involved in any activity offered by Around the Bend Friends and decide whether or not to participate based on my physical abilities. I further understand that it is my responsibility to have the proper equipment, including but not limited to footwear and other protective clothing, and to provide for proper hydration and nourishment during the activity.

ASSUMPTION OF RISK: I am aware that Around the Bend Friends activities involve risks that may result in injury, illness, death, and damage to or loss of property. These risks include, but are not limited to, traveling to or from the group activity by any personal vehicle, conducting a hike or activity on established trails or remote areas, lack of qualified or proper medical services or care, the forces of nature, the inherent dangers involved in physical activity, and the negligent actions of other persons or agencies. The responsibility of Around the Bend Friends volunteer coordinators is limited to providing directions for travel to the location of the hike or activity and a general description of the hike or activity. I acknowledge these risks and assume full responsibility for any and all risks of injury, illness, death, or damage to or loss of property.

PHOTOGRAPHY AND ELECTRONIC MEDIA: I understand that photographs, motion pictures, and/or videotapes of Around the Bend Friends activities may include my image and sound recordings may include my voice, and that it is common for such photographs and recordings to be included on one or more of the group’s web sites. I hereby consent that such photographs, films, recordings, plates, and tapes are the property of the group and that they shall have the right to duplicate, reproduce, and make other uses of such photographs, films, recordings, plates, and tapes as they may desire free and clear of any claim whatsoever on my part.

RELEASE OF LIABILITY: I agree that I, my heirs, or any of my personal or legal representatives hereby release and hold harmless from all liability, and promise not to bring any suit or claim against Around the Bend Friends, its officers, appointees, or representatives for any injury, illness, death, or damage to or loss of property resulting from my participation in any Around the Bend Friends activity.