January 2012

To all club members,

 I haven't had a President's update for a year now so I figured it was time to make up a new update on things that are going on at the snowmobile club.

 1.  The bridge.  It's been a long time coming now and the updates show the status of the bridge over the turnpike project as almost finished.  Yes, everyone helped pitch in on this to get it completed and we'd like to thank everyone who assisted in getting it back now.  It takes more than one person to do the paperwork, contact the legislators, visit the DCNR for meetings,  look over the project plans to ensure it will work for snowmobiling, and keep daily and weekly contact with our public officials to keep things moving.   I'd like to think that as a group, snowmobilers are more involved and dedicated to continuing the sport of snowmobiling in Western Pa.   It's a tough job but thanks to all those who helped on this one ! 

2.  Lack of snow ! - As of Early January we haven't had much riding going on so I'm hoping that by saying this on a public forum such as the club webpage that old man winter will read this and let me know I've been wrong and we'll be having winter after all this year.  But in case you haven't noticed the green grass in your front yard that even appears to be growing somewhat it's been a lousy winter so far.   All of us in the club have been a little depressed and when my spouse mentions something about the weather she knows I get that look of disgust that comes with a snowless winter.  But take heart,  snow will come.  Just maybe not this year.

 3.  Riding around the clubhouse - Along with our low snow year brings us problems with landowners as well.   When it does snow a couple inches we see groups of people chomping at the bit to ride somewhere.  And that somewhere can lead us to problems with not only our private clubhouse grounds but also with our landowners that live nearby as well.  We encourage all snowmobilers to police their own "buddies" on this.   We don't need endless phone calls and letters on who's riding where illegally and believe me when I tell you all this... it does happen.  A lot of landowners actually believe that we are the snowmobile police force along with the PSSA organization.  Nothing can be further from the truth.  If any of our neighbors have issues let it be known that they will call the police if they find you riding in their yard or doing something they deem is stupid.   There is a neighborhood watch program in place up there so let's keep them on our "good" side if possible.  And let your riding buddy know what is going on.   It'll be better for all of us if we don't cause any waves. 

4. Show your Mirror tag - Please remember that only club members are allowed to park their vehicles at the clubhouse.  This is a privlege of being a club member.   If you have a buddy who is thinking of joining and wants to experience the snowmobile club hospitality first hand we wont' complain if you park them at the club grounds for 1 time.   As long as it's not busy there it's not an issue.   But, during times like the poker run or busy sunday riding days we expect all of the non members to park in the public supplied lots.   And if you are parking at the club grounds be sure to put your hang tag on the mirror.   This is how we know who is parking there based on the number presented.  Remember too that we have aprox 250 members and that's a lot of vehicles to park and we need the space for members.  Hence the reason we check the hang tags to begin with.  

5.  EMT's - We are looking for a few good EMT's to step up and volunteer some time at the club.   If you know of a club member who is willing to put in some time at our races this coming year or at one of our winter time events please let us know via email through a board member.   This would be a good way to help out the club and help keep snowmobiling safe in the Laurel Highlands.

If anyone has any ideas for club improvements and promoting snowmobiling in the Laurel Highlands, please let us know via email or come to a club meeting and discuss it with us. 

That’s about all I have for now,
Have a safe ride out there  and Let’s hope the snow keeps a comin’

Steve Matscherz  (President)
e-mail:  Stevem5215@zoominternet.net