DECEMBER MEETING

We have a double treat this month. Not only do we have our famous Christmas Potluck Dinner starting at 6:00 p.m., but a great program afterwards. Professional photographer and videographer Steve Slocomb will present his program on the Hiawatha Trail, a “rails to trails” project in Idaho, which many of us have enjoyed bicycling. The program will include additional trails as well. Steve has had 41 years of impressive experience including work on feature films, documentaries, television, and still photography. And, he is a long-time member of our Club.

============================================================================

The snow has been falling and, lucky for us, accumulating nicely. So, for the first time in many years without Mel Mooers (thanks again, Mel) our grooming crews have begun preparing the trails at Chief Joseph for another season of cross-country skiing. Snow began building up a couple of weeks earlier this year than last and, knowing what a great year that turned out to be, we’re expecting another wonderful and long ski season.

At this December’s meeting, we’ll be holding our traditional winter pot-luck dinner (bring your favorite dish to share) and electing replacements for Vice- President and Secretary, as both have decided to move on to other things.

After many years (10), Kay Fulton is stepping down from the Club’s secretarial position. I’m pretty sure she’ll still help with the Club’s operations— afterall, who else among us is capable of getting members to “volunteer” for toilet-cleaning duty? Thanks, Kay, for all you’ve done and will continue to do for the Club.

Earl Philips is retiring from his position as Vice- President. Not being one to rest on his laurels, he is taking over coordinating the Club’s membership data base from Jack Losensky. Thanks, Earl and Jack, for your valuable service. By the way, for those of you who are interested, at the request of the Forest Service, Jack has been hard at work developing a Vegetation Plan for the Chief Joseph Trail System.

We are all thankful for those Club Members, past and present, who have spent many hours of their time working as volunteers behind the scenes to keep our Club moving forward and making it possible for anyone in our community to enjoy cross-country skiing at Chief Joseph Pass.

Although I was forced to miss last month’s meeting, I understand the presentation and the silent auction were a success. Because of the generosity of our members, the auction raised a few more dollars than the previous year and set a new record at $866.

Our 2011-2012 full-color ski maps have arrived from the printers and are currently being distributed to the many places in the community that make them available to prospective cross-country skiers. Because this year’s larger (map) format had space for more sponsor advertising, we were able to raise more money than before. During the process we discovered that the full-color capability was so attractive to potential sponsors that we could have sold even more spaces than were available. Therefore, in future years, we expect to increase the Club’s income from map sponsors. Please support our sponsors and be sure to take advantage of the discount coupons which several of them included on this year’s map.

Jim Greenfield who not only initiated the concept of a full-color map and was instrumental in getting the project off the ground, is now the Club’s official Map Coordinator. Because so many of the responsibilities overlap, Jim is also assuming the position of Publicity Coordinator. I’m sure Jim would appreciate your ideas and help as he keeps the community informed about our Club and its activities.

As you know, one of my long-term goals is to increase the Club’s membership. One of the things we’re doing to help that along is develop ties with the local schools —getting kids interested in cross-country skiing while they’re still impressionable. Richard Stone has agreed to act as the Club’s point person and coordinator with the schools as we continue developing activities and instruction for young people. If you have any ideas along these lines, pass them along to Richard.

Trail Report — A first pass on building a trail was made Wednesday, November 23. There was about 14 inches of snow. With temperatures hovering on both sides of freezing, it seemed to be setting up pretty nicely. With assistance from Randy Leavell and Tony Neaves and their equipment, we were able to pack snow without snagging stumps and bending or breaking anything.

The new fuel transfer tank makes short work of refueling the machines at the end of the day and, happily, ends the need to lift the refilled cans back into the pickup.

The trailer heater hasn’t gotten a work out yet because Lost Trail wasn’t quite ready for us as of the 23rd. The new radios worked out well and are easy to stuff in a pocket. The ear buds make calls easier to hear over the machines.

Vice President Earl Philips called the meeting to order at 7:20 P.M. There were approximately 60 in attendance. The first 15 minutes of the meeting were used for viewing the Silent Auction items.

Membership Report: Barb Losensky reported that there are currently 252 members, including 27 new members and 22 new sponsors. At the end of last year, we had 343 members.

Treasurer’s Report: Earl read the Treasurer’s report: Income $6,950; Expenses $1,064; Net Income $5,885.86

Elections for Vice President & Secretary at the December meeting. Call Kay with nominations

Extravaganza — February. The tickets will be available soon. Earl is still looking for help with this fund raiser. Please contact him at 961-0101 or philips@montana.com

Trails Report: Earl reported that there is some snow on the trails and snow is predicted. There will be two groups doing the grooming with Mel Holloway and Jim Aronson as team leaders. A heater has been installed in the trailer and the trailer will be kept at the Lost Trail downhill ski area.

Trail Map: Jim Greenwood, who has worked with Mike Hoyt on this new map, reported that it is an 18 x 24 trifold, with 2x4" ads and coupons, in color and it covers non-groomed trails and areas, as well. All of the ad spaces have been sold. Over 3,000 have been printed by a place in California at a cost of $1,800.

Cancellation Program: Earl reported that there has already been a cancellation and he filled it quickly. He reminded people that they need to contact him by e-mail with name, phone number and e-mail in order to be on the cancellation list. Send it to skihut@montana.com

Sign-up for Toilet Cleaning: Kay Fulton announced that we still need people for the first of December and later in February and March. Please let her know if you can help.

Como Trails Club: The Valley Bike Staff (Randy, Tony & Annie) came to let people know about the Club and the work they are doing to continue developing trails up above Como Lake. You can go to their website to get an application as well as purchase ski hats at the store to help support their efforts. They try to groom on Friday nights. Dogs are welcome but please clean up after them.

Silent Auction: The Auction was going on throughout the meeting. There were 24 donators, 19 bid winners and many wonderful donations, including a gourmet dinner, a Greek dinner, mining kits, books, pictures, wines, CHEESE CAKES, pet sitting, etc. Thanks to everyone who helped: Jeane Lippert, Marg Johnson and Jan Love. We made $866, which will go to the grooming program. We keep making more each year!

Program: Blake Passmore from Kalispell presented a fantastic program on Climbing in Glacier Park. He had some amazing photos of his climbs and talked about his new book entitled “Climb Glacier National Park,” which has illustrated routes for beginning and intermediate climbers. He talked about climbing “smartly” and protecting the terrain as you go. His very detailed talk, as well as his book, was enjoyable for even the non- brave!