S K I T R A C K S
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club
Box 431 • Corvallis, Montana 59828
F E B R U A R Y 2 0 1 0
FEBRUARY MEETING
Thursday, February 11, 2010
7:00 P.M.
First Presbyterian Church
1220 W Main Street, Hamilton
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FEATURED PROGRAM
Mike McEachern will be using his new digital 3D projections to show his popular 3D photographs taken inside caves that he explores and maps. This month’s show is a return to Grizzly Gulch and Scapegoat Mountain in the Bob Marshall Wilderness this past summer. These are impressive views of the underground world beneath our feet and the 3D technology is the next best thing to actually being there — without the labor, the mud and the icy water!
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TRAIL REPORT
l/29/10
Hello Classic Skiers!
There was 6 inches of new snow this past week and the total is about 34 inches. All trails were groomed and tracks set today. The exceptionally good skiing conditions are: light dry snow, temperatures in the teens or low twenties and snow on the trees. The place today with the clear blue skies was a winter wonderland.
Don’t miss coming out and enjoying cross country skiing at its best.
/s/ Mel Mooers
Grooming Team Leader
If all the compliments received (with regard to “Learn to Ski Day” lessons) are to be believed, we did a great job. I appreciate the efforts of those who volunteered to support the effort. The sign-up sheet included 65 names of folks from Frenchtown to Dillon. I also spoke to folks from Salmon. We estimate that we had something over 70 people participating. The instructors: Bill and Linda Stout, Bill Sweet, Dusty Samouce, Pat and Ed Hastings, Joe Tuminaro, Linda Hoyt, Mike Hoyt, Sonja Skolin, Sonny LaSalle, Pat Leonard, George Corn, and Steve Powell. Cathy Sital was a big help collecting names and locations of students. The groomers, Jim Aronson, Ed Hastings and Mel Mooers, set extra tracks and packed the area near the parking lot, which is a huge aid in working with the folks who have little or no experience on cross country skis. Mel and Ed were also back to the cabin Saturday to deal with the ice dam on the roof.
Will Moss’ article in the Ravalli Republic and the Missoulian, in addition to public service announcements, was a great help in getting attention for the skiing lessons and the Chief Joseph Trails. Amazingly, a few learned of the opportunity by word of mouth.
My thanks for assistance in making a successful day.
/s/ Mel Holloway
IT TAKES A COMUNITY
The grooming is probably the most obvious thing the Club does and gets the most accolades. It is but the end result of the time and effort of a lot of people who are no less important.
George, despite his busy schedule of controlling crime in River City, is providing valuable leadership, direction and insight, but will be stepping down later this year. You’ll be missed, George.
Earl, the fund raiser and organizer, has put a bushel of files in order, a daunting task, and keeps the Hut hosted despite cancellations.
Jeane Lippert, who has been our Treasurer for an extended period, keeps wonderful track of the Club funds, tax documents, insurance payments, etc., and provides parking for our equipment trailer during the off season.
Kay (although I am not prejudiced) besides keeping detailed meeting notes, also sees to it that we have goodies at the meetings by recruiting volunteers. She is so persuasive that she has a dedicated staff of TC United members who keep
the SST’s smelling sweet and, as a side note, provides direction to the grooming team leader.
The Losensky’s do double duty with Jack keeping the membership records, which is no small task, and Barb with the mailing of the Newsletter.
Reine Hilton has recently assumed the emailing of the Newsletter saving us much needed funds. Welcome Reine.
Pat Leonard and Toddy Perryman, the Dynamic Duo. Pat, with his distorted poetry that I look forward to each month, prodding the Board to submit articles for the Newsletter. Toddy, our Webmistress, who sends our image out to the World (excluding China).
Ginny Deck, our new Program chair, is bringing us fine educational entertainment behind the Schumakers, a hard act to follow.
Michele Thompson works hard gathering sponsors, a most important task, and has help distributing maps in Missoula by Mary Ellen Reese who held that position since the beginning (right after there was light). Bettie Rhodes is assuming that position with the help of Debbie Leick.
Then we have Mel Holloway who just put on a record-setting Lesson’s Day; Carol Battcher, who not only can, but does sell ice to Eskimos in the form of Extravaganza tickets, another very important fundraising event, which brings me to the Club Chef extraordinaire, Paul Sharp. If I can’t win for the third time, next best is taking him and the fine fare to the hut.
We appreciate each of our Sponsors, thank them when you can. The contributions everyone makes in time and dollars make the area such a resource. And I’d be remiss if I didn’t thank Russ, Nate and John of the Forest Service who are great to work with. Thanks for your continuing support and assistance.
I didn’t mention the grooming crew and alternates as they get a special treat of goodies provided weekly by Linda Stoudt, which makes it all worthwhile. We love you, Linda.
/s/ Mel Mooers
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JANUARY MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
January 14, 2010
by Kay Fulton
Meeting was called to order by President George Corn at 7:10 p.m. There were approximately 75 people in attendance.
Membership: Barb Losensky reported a current membership of 307 with 3 new members just this evening. At the end of last year, the membership was 346.
Treasurer’s Report : Ed Hastings is still substituting for Jeane Lippert. He reported the following: Income, $2,207; Expenses, $1,785; Checking, $9,594. Ed proposed that we transfer approximately $5,000 into a C.D. The best rate he had found was 1.95 apy for 14 months. This would become a special set-aside fund for replacement of equipment (primarily snow machines). After much discussion regarding the best investment strategies, it was moved, seconded and passed that Ed would research further the best CD rates and then put $5,000 from the checking into a CD. He also reported that a woman from Colorado had sent a very nice letter and $100 contribution. Ed suggested that her donation be included in this new “equipment replacement” fund. This was also approved. Earl Philips reported that he had met some people staying at Triple Creek who are interested in assisting the Club with raising funds for new snow machines when the time comes. Apparently, they have already discussed donations with the owners of Triple Creek. Earl will keep in touch with these people.
Upcoming Events and Items of Interest:
Extravaganza: Carol Batcher reported that sales are going on in several locations (see below) as well as at the meetings, ski lessons and at the hut. She encouraged all of us to buy tickets as well as taking several to sell to others. In addition to the gourmet meal and night at the hut, the Valley Bike and Ski is donating a pair of XC skis and two rentals for second and third prizes. The businesses are: Last Chance Pizza in Salmon, Sula Store in Sula, Right to Bear Arms & Naughty Moose in Darby, Valley Bike, Bob Wards, & Chapter One Book Store in Hamilton, Blacksmith Brewery in Stevi, Caffe Firenze in Florence, The Trail Head and Pipestone Mountaineering in Missoula, and the Big Hole Crossing Restaurant in Wisdom. Paul Sharp displayed a new table runner that was donated for the Extravaganza dinner.
“Learn to Ski Day” is scheduled for January 16th at l:00 PM. The instructors have met and set up their curriculum. Mel Holloway is in charge and is anticipating a great turnout.
Trails Report: Mel Mooers reported that there are 4 to 5 inches new and a base of about 32 inches. The snow is very nice. He is working on completion of the final report for the “Trails Grant” for reimbursement for fuel. It should amount to about $2,000. A lot of work has been done on the equipment over the last few months and he doesn’t expect to have much more for a while. The problem machine is still under warranty and Al’s Cyucle is working with the manufacturer on resolving the problems. The state insurance of $600 has also been paid for the year. So, hopefully, there will not be any more big expenses.
Cancellations Program: Earl Philips reported that there have only been five (5) cancellations and 40 people responded for one Saturday opening! He is glad that he has an automated way to make a selection!
New Business: Sonny LaSalle reported that he, Mel Mooers, Ed Hastings and Earl Philips met with the new Forest Service people from the Wisdom District. There have been many changes in their staff so this was an opportunity to educate them as well as to set up a new, ongoing communication system. They have agreed to set up a “Memorandum of Agreement” listing out responsibilities for the Forest Service staff as well as the Club. It was a very positive meeting. Some of their staff will join the groomers on their own snowmobiles next Friday to see what is involved in the grooming.
Program: Jay and Sonja Skovlin presented an extremely interesting and educational slide program on the summer they spent in Northern Mongolia when they were students at Montana State University. What an insight into a very different culture. Thanks so much, Jay and Sonja.