EASTERN MAINE SNOWMOBILE CLUB

October 2009 Newsletter

 

Hello everyone!

 

Welcome to new EMSC business and family members: Dale Jordan, South Brewer Barber Shop; Mike Nelligan Construction; Marc’s Trucking & Snowplowing; Shawn Bouchard, Electrical Connection; Peavey Manufacturing; Roger Wood; Herbert & Lorraine Robertson; Garth Dearborn and Bay Murchison.   Remember, if you have not yet renewed your membership, this will be your last club newsletter and your Maine Snowmobiler newspaper will end with the November issue.   If you are unable to attend the October meeting you can send your membership dues with the flyer mailed out in September newsletter to EMSC, PO Box 226, Brewer, Maine 04412, ATTN: Eileen Lafland.    

 

The Annual Landowner Recognition Dinner is Sunday, October 18th at 6:00 with a roast pork dinner. This is a great opportunity to show appreciation to these folks for their continued generosity allowing us to use their land to access the trail system.  If you plan to attend please contact Larry and Eileen Lafland (843-7813) on or before Thursday, October 15th to ensure that there is enough food or to see if there is anything you can do to help.  The club meeting follows at 7:00. 

 

I have assumed that members know who to contact with questions about the club, whether it be hall rentals, trails, membership, etc.  Let me introduce the EMSC Chairs and their responsibilities:

Ø  Danielle Littlefield:  Danielle is our Hospitality Chair responsible for sending sympathy, thank you, etc. cards to members.  She can be reached at 944-1123.

Ø  Steve Garrison:  Steve is the Building/Grounds Chair responsible for the maintenance of the clubhouse and grounds all year.  If you find that something needs to be fixed, replaced, etc, contact Steve at 843-0749. 

Ø  Eileen Lafland:  Eileen has dual roles – Membership and Safety.  Eileen took on Membership Chair this year and is the one to talk to with membership questions. If you recruit a new member be sure to let Eileen know because there will be 2 drawings this year for the top “recruiters”.  You could win a free membership next year!  

As our EMSC Safety Chair she’ll keep us updated on the current safety issues/concerns surrounding the sport of snowmobiling and will relay information from the MSA regarding safety.  If you have information about or need information on safety issues, contact her at 843-7813. 

Ø  Larry Lafland:  Larry heads up the “trail work team” in the fall to get our trails ready for the upcoming riding season.  In addition he works closely with landowners.  Trail work began on October 2nd and continues every Sunday until work is done.  Help is always needed.  Walking in the woods on a cool, crisp fall morning is invigorating and enjoyable!  So meet at the club at 8:00 AM.  Larry can be reached at 843-7813.  Bring a piece of “orange” attire. 

Ø  Jan Logan:  You’ll be hearing from Jan very soon with offers to purchase EMSC clothing – shirts, hats, vests, etc.  You’ll see her at the club meetings selling 50/50 raffle tickets.  Money earned from these purchases are deposited our “Charity” account.  Recently Jan donated $200.00 from that account to go towards the mortgage loan principle.  We also give an annual donation to the Pine Tree Camp.  Want to know more about our Charities function, contact Jan at 843-6246.

Ø  Joanne Garrison:  Joanne is the one to call if you, a family member or friend want to rent the club for an event.  The hall is available to rent from April to December each year.  A calendar is available on our web site showing availability.  Contact Joanne at 843-0749 for more information.  Call now to book your event! 

Joanne also serves at the EMSC Secretary.  To ensure that you receive your newsletter, please contact her with any change in e-mail address or address.  In the past few months many e-mails have been returned because of insufficient addresses.   E-mail is the preference to relay information. Please send your e-mail address to catrider550@roadrunner.com. 

Ø  Lew Tourtillotte:  Lew has been our Super Raffle Chair for several years but is stepping down.  Lew has done a marvelous job and we hate to see him go.  However, this is a great opportunity for someone to step in and take over this role.  Contact Lew at 989-7019 for more information. 

Ø  Jim White:  Jim attends monthly MSA meetings and relays activities that are going on within the MSA that effect clubs in Maine.

Ø  Brent Spaulding:  Brent heads up the 300 Club.  If you’re not familiar with the 300 club, it works like this:  When you purchase a ticket you are given a number.  At each club meeting from November to April drawings totaling $1000.00 are given away in increments of one $500.00 winner, one $200.00 winner, one $100.00 winner and four $50.00 winners.  You don’t have to be a member to get into the drawings and you don’t have to be present to win (however we’d like to have you there).  Tickets are on sale for $30.00.  Contact Brent at 989-7762 if you have questions or would like to purchase a ticket. 

Ø  Sue Tuholski:  Sue and her husband Gerry became members last year.  Sue answered our call for a new web master and happily stepped up to take on this new role.  She is currently looking at ways to provide information for club members and updating the current site.  Take a few minutes to check out the web site at http://www.easternmainesnowmobilers.com/ and let Sue know of your ideas, thoughts, suggestions, etc.   She can be reached at 989-5145 or gsski49@yahoo.com. 

 

We recently filled two Board vacancies: Dan Bowden and Jason Littlefield were nominated at last month’s club meeting to fill those vacancies.  Other EMSC Board members are:  Jim & Marty White; Larry & Eileen Lafland; Steve & Joanne Garrison; Wally Fenlason; Lew Tourtillotte; Jan Logan, Steve Smith; Rita Griffin; Danielle Littlefield; and Mike Nelligan. 

 

A word from Wally Fenlason:

 

I am writing this letter to inform you of “your Club’s” financial condition.

 

First, a little background: Several years ago “your Club” experienced a devastating fire.  To be brief, the property was under-insured and in order to re-build, a loan for several thousand dollars had to be obtained.  Since the re-building, many expensive improvements had to be made (in the kitchen and elsewhere).  Also, as you may have guessed, the insurance rates have sky rocketed!!!!

 

While the Club has been able to make the monthly payments and continue to operate “your Club” is unable to make any major purchases; including new grooming equipment (which is needed).

 

I urge you to consider participating in the “MORTGAGE BUSTER SOCIETY” fundraiser included with this letter.  Please, if you have any questions or suggestions, give me a call (989-3664).  “YOUR CLUB REALLY NEEDS YOUR ASSISTANCE!!

 

Our Annual Hunters’ Breakfast will be held on Saturday, November 7th, 4:30-8:30 a.m. at the clubhouse.  If you could help clean up after it would be much appreciated.  Contact Eileen Lafland at 843-7813 to see how you can help. 

 

B&D Marine is celebrating the start of the snowmobiling season with an Open House on Friday, October 23rd, 8-5 and Saturday, October 24th, 8-3.  There will be free coffee, donuts and snacks and a huge clothing sale. 

 

With snowmobiling season right around the corner the kitchen will begin serving food January 2nd.  In addition to the weekends, the club house is open Friday nights for supper through March.  This has always been a great time to get together with fellow riders and get to know new members.  A sign-up sheet to volunteer to work in the kitchen will be posted soon, but I wanted to get you thinking about it now.   For more information contact our Officers - Eric at 843-7970, Dain at 825-5115, Paul at 843-5811 or Joanne, 843-0749.

 

Looking forward to seeing you Sunday, October 18th!

 

Joanne