Pat Gleason called the meeting to order at 7:40.
1. REPORTS
President:
Pat gave a warm welcome to all new members and wished everybody a Happy New Year.
Social Directors:
According to Brian Davies, only a half-dozen people participated in the Wolf Howl but they had a good time tobogganing at Michener Hill. The sign-up sheet for food donations for the Loppet has been combined with Bob Johnstone’s sign-up sheet.
Newsletter:
Don Wales was busy teaching the first class of cross-country ski lessons at Great Chief Park.
Day Tours/Lessons:
Pam Ralston reported that there was a good selection of day tours scheduled this winter. The first one led by Barb Coulter will start this Sunday at 1:30 pm at the Lacombe Golf Course, weather permitting.
As mentioned previously, the first set of lessons started tonight with Don Wales and Judy Morrison as instructors. There has been a lot of interest from the public, partly due to the posters displayed at Bower Ponds and Heritage Ranch which were provided by The City of Red Deer Recreation Department. Pam will need more instructors and asked Claude Sam to confirm his commitment to teach one session.
Treasurer:
Jenni and Claude Sam went to the bank together to invest $1,000 from the Biathlon account and reinvest the existing $1,000 savings certificate. As of December 31, total club assets amounted to $6,221.35 broken down as follows: General - $635.24; Loppet - $1,719.98; Tour Leader Account - $175.84; Investment Certificate - $2,000; Junior Jackrabbits - $1,486.39; Senior Jackrabbits - $146.14; and Biathlon - $57.76.
2005 Loppet – February 5 at 12:00 pm
Bob Johnstone announced that he temporarily handed over his duties as organizer to Don Wales. Another major change this year is the unavailability of the Riverbend Club House due to renovations. However, Don has procured some tents, which will be heated. Bob circulated sign-up sheets for volunteer positions, including a phone committee, and food donations. He also handed out posters produced by Dick Pawloff to be displayed in various locations throughout the City. For more details, read January’s newsletter and check the website.
Pat encouraged everybody to get involved in this event as a service to the community and a great way to promote our club.
Mountain Tours:
Claude reported that the Mountain Tours fund is in good shape. The six skiers on the Elk Lake trip enjoyed their stay at a cozy hut with Al Brunelle and his daughter filling in as houseparents. Marilyn Strychuk’s trip to the Bell Cabins was cancelled due to poor road conditions, but the group gathered at Marilyn’s for the fondue feast and a ski tour at Bower Ponds. Claude reminded her that he still needed the registration fees to cover the first night booking.
Upcoming trips include Brian Davies’ Avalanche Upgrade this weekend, followed by a beginner trip to Hogarth Lakes by Claude Sam. The Road Show led by Don & Marie, will split up into two groups: one attempting the Rummel Lake-Chester Lake circuit, the other heading towards Chester Lake. Brian Davies advertised his annual trip to the Saskatchewan Toe as an ideal picture-taking opportunity while Jenni promoted the Family Trip as a fun weekend for children of all ages.
Website:
According to Dick Pawloff, the website is up-do-date except for the information on the Loppet which will be entered tomorrow.
OLD BUSINESS:
Progressive Dinner:
Pam Ralston reported that the progressive dinner was a success and might be repeated in the future. Approximately $1,000 was collected and donated to Barb Spencer.
NEW BUSINESS:
Sports Volunteer of Merit:
A letter from The City of Red Deer was received requesting that our Club nominate a volunteer who has made an outstanding contribution in the area of cross-country skiing either over a short or long period of time. Anyone wishing to nominate a worthy recipient should contact any member of executive, either by phone or email, before January 21st.
Sylvan Lake Trail:
Bob Johnstone, spokesman for CART (Central Alberta Regional Trails), explained that the role of this organization is to promote the development of walking/biking/skiing trails throughout Central Alberta. CART assesses the interest of communities in developing new trails and acts as facilitator. As the village of Sylvan Lake is one area that could benefit from this endeavor, Bob asked present club members to contact people they know in that community and urge them to help develop a trail around the lake.
The meeting adjourned at 8:45.