Newsletter  of  the  Bitterroot  Cross  Country  Ski  Club

 Box 431  •  Corvallis,  Montana  59828

APRIL 2011 

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APRIL MEETING

April 14, 2011 7:00 p.m. 

First Presbyterian Church

1220 W Main Street, Hamilton

Program: GET READY FOR CYCLING SEASON

Now that the ski season is winding down and spring is just around the corner, come and be inspired by Ginny Sullivan as she speaks about the work that Adventure Cycling does with their 40,000 mapped mile route network and 40+ tours and bike tour education classes. She will be showing images of cyclists riding and blogging about their trips using their “trip-ticks” of bicycle travel and about possible group trips in which we may want to participate either on our own or with Adventure Cycling. She will also be bringing some fun give-away items.

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PRESIDENT’S MESSAGE

The winter ski season is winding down and for those of you who do such things, spring off-track skiing is beginning. We’ve experienced a wonderful winter for skiing thanks to great grooming of the plentiful snow. With six feet of well-consolidated snow currently on the Chief Joseph Trails, it will be quite a while before the last remnants melt and slowly fade from memory.

I have received hundreds of ski-related pictures from our members and will be forming most of them into a slide show which will be used to provide a portion of the entertainment at our spring potluck meeting in May. Many of our members have a terrific eye for photography. You will not want to miss that meeting!

The Club’s Board of Directors has reached a consensus for making some minor changes to our By- Laws. Although mostly cosmetic (lay-out, spelling and grammar corrections) a few changes were made so the by-laws would more closely match how the Club actually operates. Copies of the newly proposed by- laws will be available at the April meeting for those who are interested. Voting to accept the new by-laws will be held at the May potluck, another reason you’ll want to attend.

Don’t forget. When your ski season is finished, be sure to prepare each pair of your skis for summer storage ... a coat of wax to keep the base from drying out. Talk to the experts at Valley Bike and Ski, if you’re unclear as to exactly what this procedure entails.

/s/ Michael Hoyt   

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Groomer’s Report: I kind of did my “Swan Song” in the last newsletter, not expecting to still be grooming. March 25th may have been the last time, but we’ll still be servicing the Hut through the 15th and may be doing something with the crust, as long as we’re there. Speaking of which, there will be some great “Crust Cruising” for some time, so ignore the grass and weeds at home, they’ll wait.

We’ve had another record year, possibly getting close to 6,000 use days. Thanks to all of you for coming out. It’s always great to see you on the trails. Enjoy summer, if we have one.

/s/ Mel Mooers  

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Ed & Pat Hastings are Stepping Down

After many years of service, Ed and Pat Hastings are passing on their responsibilities for oversight of the Hut. Beginning next season, Paul Sharp will be taking over those duties.

Ed and Pat have contributed much more to the Club than simply taking care of, and restocking the Hut over the last few years. Both have been pillars of the Club since its early days. Along with Gordon Reese, Ed and Pat were the main builders of the Hut. Over a period of three summers during construction, they lived onsite in a pop-up camper for weeks at a time. Besides documenting every step of the process with photos (three albums worth) Pat stained each board before it was added to the Hut. 

Ed also helped build the equipment shed, the kiosk, cut new trails and cleared old ones. Ed served two terms as Club President, took care of the banking of monies from the contribution boxes for years and, until recently, he picked up and distributed the mail. One of the first permanent groomers for the Club, Ed continued in that capacity until a few years ago. He continues to fill in, when needed.

When I took over as Lead Groomer, I asked Ed and Pat if they would handle oversight of the Hut (including an unaccountable number of trips to Costco for supplies). They have been responsible for the take- down of the Hut at the end of each ski season and then putting everything back the next fall. That included putting screens on the windows, storing the snow-melt pots and securing multiple other items for the rental season. You might be interested in knowing that Ed was the person who discovered the kitchen stove was malfunctioning and could have caused a fire.

Ed and Pat have contributed an untold number of hours of volunteer service to the Club, its members and the public over the years. Ed was my mentor when I first started grooming. Ed and Pat will be missed and will leave a void not easily filled.

/s/ Mel Mooers   

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MARCH MEETING HIGHLIGHTS

March 10, 2011 by Kay Fulton 

President Mike Hoyt called the meeting to order at 7:15 P.M. There were approximately 45 in attendance.

Membership Report: Jack Losensky reported that there are now 330 members.

Treasurer’s Report: Mike reported for Reine Hilton: Income, $2,600 and Expenses, $1,300.

UPCOMING EVENTS AND ITEMS OF INTEREST:

Mike announced that the Hamilton Middle School will be taking a group of 30 kids (10 to 12 years old) up to the ski area on Thursday, the 17th , with six (6) instructors and one (1) parent. They will need more help with instruction. Mike was planning to go and was asking for volunteers.

The May Potluck will be May 12 at 5:30 P.M. at Katya Merrell’s again this year. She has a wonderful place right on the river, just north of the Earth and Wood Store on Highway 93 (between Victor and Stevensville crossing). Paul Sharp and Patrick McCarron will coordinate arrangements. Start planning your special dish now!!!!

Mike Hoyt is preparing a “Slide Show” using pictures, provided by members, of skiers, etc. at Chief Joe. He could still use some more.

Trails Report: Mel reported that they will continue to do some grooming until April 15 although they may not be able to set tracks all of the time. There were 10 new inches earlier in the week and the base is 74". There has been a total of 1,537 people sign in, which converts to approximately 4,600 users. Mel reported that once again some very generous, anonymous donors have given very nice gifts to the groomers. He thanked them, whoever they are.

Mel also reported on the accident that occurred February 12th (more detailed report in the March newsletter). A woman fell on the curve at the beginning of Vista and several people helped bring her down. George Masnick and Tom Anderson manned the sled. Thanks to all who helped.

OLD BUSINESS: 

Extravaganza: Earl Philips reported that the Extravaganza was a great success. The Club took in $1,000 more this year than last year. The first prize went to Paul Stanton who chose Triple Creek and the second to Robert Percy. Master Chef Paul Sharp prepared the dinner at the Hut. Mel Mooers provided his transportation and assisted him. The “Death by Chocolate” cheesecake was prepared by Linda Stoudt. The business that sold the most was the Valley Bike Shop in Hamilton.

PROGRAM: Entomologist Joel Egan of the USFS Forest Health Division presented a very interesting and informative program on Pine Bark Beetles. His power point program depicted the devastation from Canada through the western part of the United States, throughout Montana and neighboring States and right up to our doorstep at Chief Joseph Ski Area. Hopefully, some of the destruction can be averted.

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