SKI  TRACKS
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club 
Box 431 • Corvallis, Montana 59828
                                                                                                                                DECEMBER 2010
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DECEMBER MEETING
 9 December 2010
6:00 p.m. (for potluck) 
First Presbyterian Church
1220 W Main Street 
Hamilton
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ANNUAL WINTER POTLUCK 
THURSDAY, DECEMBER 9TH
AT 6:00 P.M.

Come one, come all to the greatest eat fest in the Valley. It’s a perfect time to share your stories of the first ski outing of the season as well as make predictions about how much snow we will get this year! Bring your favorite food item as well as some for Haven House. Also, bring your own plates and utensils.

Program:         MIKE HOYT’S FURTHER ESCAPADES INTO THE BITTERROOT SUMMITS

- slide show and talk about his adventures in the mountain peaks. The photos alone are worth seeing. Mike is a wizard with a camera.
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ANNUAL DUES EXPIRED OCTOBER 31
  
Annual membership expired as of October 31. To assure that you continue to receive the newsletter, please renew your membership now. You may do this at our next meeting on December 9, 2010, or by sending in your renewal by mail on the form on the back of the newsletter. Renewing your membership will assure that you will continue to enjoy the benefits of belonging to the Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club.
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TRAIL REPORT
During the last (federal fiscal) year, the Club reported 1,595 volunteer hours to the Forest Service. A monumental number; however, many hours go unreported and are no less important. These include, but are not limited to keeping the Hut stocked, T.C. United organization and services, cancellation coordination, funds management, membership, the Newsletter, Web site, sponsor solicitation and maps, meeting notes, treats, programs, fund raising, the treats that keep the groomers grooming, our chef’s contributions and, of course, the time our leaders and board spend keeping the Club running smoothly. I am sorry if I missed anyone.
Lots of unselfish time and energy by a large number of members make the Club what it is and the Chief Joe ski area a truly World Class destination. THANK YOU ALL!
The early snow conditions have allowed the grooming crew to pack a good base well before the regular season. We’re seeing a lot of folks enjoying the trails. By the time you read this, tracks will be set on all the upper trails which is about three (3) weeks earlier than last season. The lower trails, if not already open, will be shortly. We’re looking forward to another great ski year at Chief Joe. Go early, go often.
                                                                                                                                                                                       /s/ Mel Mooers
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The nominating committee is pleased to announce that the following named persons have accepted the positions indicated:

                         Mike Hoyt ................ President

                         Reine Hilton .............Treasurer

We are confident the Club membership joins us in offering thanks to Mike and Reine for undertaking their new responsibilities.
                                                                                                                                                                        /s/ Paul Sharp
(Editor’s Note: The nominating committee, Paul and Parnelli Sharp, also deserves kudos for their willingness to turn their powers of persuasion to such an important end —— you silver-tongued devils).
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NOVEMBER 2010     MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
November 11, 2010     by Kay Fulton

Vice President Earl Philips called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. There were approximately 43 in attendance.

The Annual Silent Auction was begun before the meeting giving people an opportunity to survey the items and to begin the bidding. Following the meeting and program, the bidding continued. There was some hot competition going on for some of the items. Eighteen (18) donors had donated wonderful items ranging from “gravel” to wine & scarves to dinner for four (4) to be prepared by our own Paul Sharp. The Auction netted $689! Thanks to all. 

Treasurer’s Report: Jeane Lippert reported: Income, $2,625; Expenses, $1,022; Checking, $7,579.33; Savings, $4,162.18.

Membership: Earl read a report form the Losenskys that there are currently 250 members. Last December there were 270, so we are not that far behind.

Upcoming Events:
        December meeting, 12/9              Annual Potluck and Election of President and Treasurer
        January 22nd                                Ski Lessons 
        February 26th                               Extravaganza

Trails Report: Mel Mooers reported that there is not a lot of snow yet. Saddle Mountain had reported 10 inches. He encouraged anyone going skiing during November to wear orange. A follow-up report on the evaluation of the beetle infestation indicated that between 12 and 60 percent of the lodgepole trees are infected.
        Earl Philips reported that all of the nights at the Hut were filled by 10:00 a.m., the day it was opened up to the general public. He will be e-mailing everyone on his current cancellation list and they must e-mail him back to remain on the list. He will need phone numbers and addresses. His e-mail is skihut@montana.com.

New Business: Paul Sharp reported on work of the Nominations Committee. The Committee is comprised of Paul and his wife, Parnelli. They have been contacting Club members for recommendations, as well as calling many potential candidates. They have a few but would appreciate all of the input they can get.

Program: Dusty Samouce and Mel Holloway delighted us with their “Mars Simulation” program which took place last year in southern Utah at the Mars Desert Research Station. It was fascinating to see how the desert had been converted into a Mars environment and to hear about their research activities. The food was especially interesting as was the description of the men and women in white space suits descending on “Goblin Valley” and the tourists! Thanks, Dusty and Mel, for sharing.
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Membership Renewals / Dues

Annual Memberships EXPIRE November 1!

Renew your membership now!

INDIVIDUAL $15     •     FAMILY $25 
SUPPORTING INDIVIDUAL  $30 
SUPPORTING FAMILY  $40
LIFE MEMBER  -  $500

MEMBERSHIP DUES

Nov. 1, 2010 - Oct. 31, 2011

MAIL TO:  Bitterroot Cross-Country Ski Club 
                  PO Box 431, Corvallis, MT 59828
  
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BITTERROOT XC SKI CLUB
  
President                            George Corn                363-1163                            gcorn@bresnan.net 

Vice-President                    Earl Philips                   961-0101                            philips@montana.com  

Treasurer                            Jeane Lippert               642-3379                            jeaneenaej@cybernet1.com 

Secretary                            Kay Fulton                    642-3794                            kayinmt@cybernet1.com  

Membership                       Jack Losensky              961-3757                            losensky@wildblue.net  

Newsletter 
    Editoral                           Pat Leonard                  961-4959                            toddypat@bitterroot.com

    Production                      Shermans                     961-3355

    Mailing                           Barbara Losensky         961-3757                             losensky@wildblue.net 

    E-mail                            Reine Hilton                   375-1952                            hilton@mcn.net 

Programs                           Ginny Deck                   961-4829                             gindeck@cybernet1.com

Instruction                          Mel Holloway                                                            tromper@bitterroot.com

Trails                                  Mel Mooers                   961-3163                            m.mooersmt@juno.com

Trail Map                            Debbie Leick                                                            dopochay@hotmail.com

Webmaster                        Toddy Perryman            961-4959                            toddypat@bitterroot.com

Website                                                          http://www.bitterrootxcskiclub.net

Warming Hut Reservations                                      689-3371                            (USFS Wisdom)