Wales Tales - February 2009

Well, the snow just kept coming for us and we had a great poker run this year. Recently we’ve had a few teaser spring days, but we should see a few more flakes soon. We did make it into the top ten snowiest winters here in Erie, Pa. We are currently at number 4 with 131.8 inches. It may be a struggle to break into the top 3, let alone the seasonal record of 149.1 inches. Time’s running out. Anyway, it’s been a great ride!

Our nominating committee, Fred Morris & John Matasowski, is accepting names for your consideration as the elections are to be held at the February membership meeting. We currently need three new board members and a new auditor. Your suggestions or recommendations should be routed to Fred (899-6307) or John (825-2067).


Membership Meeting: On Thursday night, January 22nd the membership meeting was held at the Greene Township Building. There were 9 Board members and 10 members present; some of which came on their sleds.

Kent Kessler continues to work with the Groomer manufacturer and the DCNR to keep up the progress to make our purchase of a groomer a reality.

The proposed change to our bylaws ARTICLE IV DUES, Section 3 had a final reading and was voted on at the meeting. It was passed by the membership present. The bylaws will be updated to reflect the approved change.

Approved wording: Dues shall be paid for the membership period of December 1st to the following November 30th.


Fundraisers: The Greene Township food pantry has donated a beautiful handmade throw and pillow to our club to raffle off as a fundraiser to help with our expenses. We are selling tickets for $2 each or 3 for $5. Tickets are still available and the winner will be drawn at the March membership meeting.


Memberships: The 2009 membership stands at 110 which includes 23 new members.
Thank You very much for your support.


Poker Run: The Poker Run was held on Saturday, January 31, 2009. The weather was great with plenty of snow and we had a great turnout. There were 153 poker hands played this year. In comparison, last year we had 118 poker hands played. Thanks to all who participated! Thanks also to all who helped stage this great event!

The winners of this year’s Poker Run were:

1st Place - Ed Herman
2nd Place - Randy Slomski
3rd Place - Zack Erb

Poker Run Registration breakdown (153):
47 Wales members
17 Others that joined Wales
29 Members of other clubs
60 No club affiliation


Newsworthy: The date for the ECSA Spring Banquet has been set for March 21st at 6:30pm. It will be at PISC and reservations should be placed with Wendy Farrell at 824-9911 by March 17th. Cost TBD (last year it was $12).

Members Larry and Barb Myers have two child size snowmobile helmets for sale. One has a full-face shield and the other is open-face. One is $30 and the other is $20. Call them at (814) 899-9500 if interested.


Next Meeting: The next general membership meeting will be held Thursday, February 26th, at 8:00pm at the Greene Township Building on Tate road. The election of new club officers and president will be held. (The membership in attendance will elect the club president for the coming year from one of the nine board members.)

See you at the meeting.- T. Bowers