SKI TRACKS
Newsletter of the Bitterroot Cross Country Ski Club
Box 431 • Corvallis, Montana 59828
MAY 2011
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Annual MAY POTLUCK “XC SKIERS KNOW HOW TO EAT!!” Thursday, May 12 5:30 P.M. AT KATYA MERRELL’S Riverside Property, 47 Crystal Lane, which is JUST north of the Earth and Wood Company on the east side of Highway 93. It is three (3) miles north of Victor and three (3) miles south of the Stevi Y. Turn to the east on Indian Prairie Loop Extended. Continue on the road and turn into the driveway on the right side. Katya’s house is the only one there. Signs and balloons will mark the entrance. Phone number is 642-3073. Bring your favorite food, plate, utensils (paper and plastic will be available), favorite beverage (apple cider will be provided), folding chairs (lots of grass to sit on). Hamburgers, hot dogs and chicken will be provided for barbequing!! Remember that the Premier Showing of the BXCSC Expose will be shown on this evening and YOU might be in it! Be sure to come and find out. Contact Paul Sharp (961-1705) or Patrick McCarron (642-3626) for more information. Come early if you want to take a walk down to the river. Oh, be prepared for rain!
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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE
Grooming at Chief Joseph Pass has ended for the winter of 2010-2011. We’ve enjoyed a great ski season, plenty of snow (it keeps on coming) and terrific grooming (thanks, guys, for all the work you’ve done).
Although some are still skiing at Chief Joe (I understand it was great on Wednesday, April 27th, Barb) and in the back country (keep it up, George). Many of us are beginning to think about bicycling, hiking, vacationing, climbing, gardening, floating or fishing. I know I am, but thinking (and planning) is all I can do for now. The places I want to go are still receiving snow and I suspect it will be a while before I’ll be able to reach them.
To many, especially those who are not members of our Club, it may seem like magic that the trails at Chief Joseph Pass are perfectly groomed every weekend during the winter season. But we all know a lot of work takes place out of the public eye that makes it just “seem like magic.” I want to thank everyone who makes everyone’s “Chief Joseph Skiing Experience “ so wonderful. That includes everyone from our team of volunteer groomers —who worked their butts off this season— to the people who kept the hut stocked with water and goodies, to those who acted as instructors on lesson day, to those who helped split and stack firewood, to those who helped with trail maintenance during the summer, to those who shoveled snow off the roof and yes, to those who cleaned the outhouses every weekend. Thanks, again, for all the work you’ve done. The Chief Joseph Pass Ski Trail System wouldn’t exist without your continued help and support.
Don’t forget ——the Club’s end-of-season dinner will be held at Katya’s house on May 12. Be sure to attend. There will be plenty of wonderful food and this year, for the first time, a slide show composed of almost 300 pictures of winter activities (at Chief Joe and other locations) taken by our Club members. You won’t want to miss it!
/s/ Michael Hoyt
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APRIL MEETING HIGHLIGHTS
April 14, 2011 by Kay Fulton, Secretary
President Mike Hoyt called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. There were approximately 44 in attendance.
Membership Report: Jack Losensky reported the membership at 334. We were at 330 last year at this time.
Treasurer’s Report: Reine Hilton reported: Income, $1,080 and Expenses, $1,473.87
Trails Report: Mel Mooers, Lead Groomer, reported they ended their grooming on April 1 although they had plans to groom on the 8th. That was cancelled when the area received another 28" of wet snow! The Hut will be hosted through Sunday, the 17th. Ed Hastings, Paul Sharp and Jim Aronson will go up next week to close up the cabin. Mel estimated there had been approximately 6,000 skiers this season.
Earl Philips reported that the Cancellation Program was able to fill 100% of the reported cancellation.
ITEMS of INTEREST: Awards were given to many deserving volunteers by Mel Mooers and Kay Fulton.
Ed and Pat Hastings were recognized for their MANY YEARS of service and dedication to Chief Joe, including helping with the building of the Hut, Ed’s presidency and tenure as groomer, Pat’s work plus her chronicling on the building of the hut, quilted wall decorations, as well as their recent years as the Hut Coordinators. They received a standing ovation.
Mel recognized Linda Stoudt for the fantastic treats she makes for the groomers every Friday. He said that was really the only reason they continued doing the work!
Mel also recognized Bill Stoudt for being the “Monitor” of the ski area by skiing over 100 days this past season and seeing that everything was in perfect condition!
Kay awarded 20 volunteers with “Certificates of Charter Membership” in “The Toilet Cleaners United of Montana (T.C.U.M.)” for their willingness to “contribute time (away from skiing), energy and sense of smell to keep our toilets clean!” We all appreciate their work!
A special recognition was given to Bill Stoudt for cleaning the toilets FOUR TIMES!! (Ask him to wear his nice new shirt.)
UPCOMING EVENTS: May Potluck will be Thursday, May 12 at 5:30 pm at Katya Merrell’s. (See announcement with the directions.)
OLD BUSINESS: Mike Hoyt reported that he and four other members assisted Ria Overholt with the Keystone Program which brought 24 to 26 kids from the Hamilton Middle School up to the ski area last week to learn how to ski. He said the kids were skiing like pros even before they reached the Hut. Everyone had a great time and they’re hoping to continue this next year.
NEW BUSINESS: Mike Hoyt informed the members that the Board has made some minor revisions to the by-laws. The only major change was in regard to the fiscal year. He had copies available for people to review. The changes will be voted on at the May meeting.
Also, Mike reported that he has been working on a Recreational Trails Program grant application. He hopes to get reimbursement for the snowmobile use to cover costs for fuel, maintenance, etc. Additionally, he has applied for funding to improve the floor in the Hut, which is starting to delaminate, and is also in need of a slip-resistant sealant to protect the floor, as well as people.
PROGRAM: Ginny Sullivan from Adventure Cycling presented a very informative program on the history and current activities of the organization. Several biking enthusiasts are members of BXCSC
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