Wales Tales - March 2009

Despite all the snow we received this season; do you also wish we could still be riding? Well maybe it is time to move on to the next season. Along those lines we already have the dates of April 4th and 5th set to remove the trail signage and close the gates.


Membership Meeting: On Thursday night, February 26th, the membership meeting was held at the Greene Township Building. There were 7 Board members and 13 members present. We had a disappointing discussion about the fact that both of our work sleds are in need of repairs. Since it is so late in the season, Fred Morris and Bob Hunt will take a look at them and see what parts can be salvaged and which ones will need replaced to get them working again.

Kent Kessler continues to work on making our new groomer a reality.

Congratulations to the following members as a result of the membership voting that took place at the meeting:

•Ken Zambrzycki 3 yr term on BOD
•Randy Slomski 3 yr term on BOD
•Zachary Barnett 3 yr term on BOD
•Steve HairBOD President
•Barb Myers Auditor

We also want to take a moment and mention that Mary Ann Matasowski is our Sunshine Person; so if you know of any illness in our membership family, please let her know. She can be reached at (814) 825-2067.


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 26th membership meeting.


Poker Run: This year’s Poker Run raised over $3,000.00 for the club! Not only did we have great weather and great fun, but we raised a great amount for our club. Thanks to all who participated! Thanks also to all who helped stage this great event!


Memberships: The 2009 membership stands at 110 (121 last year). Thank You very much for your support.


Trails: Do you live near an area where our trail is on the road? Do you know or have a relationship with the landowners in the area? Perhaps you might be able to discuss the possibility of land usage with them to get our trail off the road. You never know until you ask.


Newsworthy: This season, the Wales club was called upon to serve on two recent Search & Rescue ventures in the North East area.

On January 9th, members of Wales assisted in the location and rescue of a lost hunter who was found in the 20 mile creek gorge off of Hopkins road above North East.

On Jan 16th, our club members formed a snow search to locate a snowmobiler reported long past over-due to return home. The sledder was riding alone (never a good idea) and didn’t leave any route info for us to check. Luckily the sledder made it home under his own power.

Coordination between our club and the local Fire, Police and State Police departments worked well. Wales members involved were Chris & Steve Curtis, Carl & Matt Skrekla, Darren Meehl and Steve Hair. Thanks Guys!

Awards: Annually our club submits the names of a few key individuals and entities, who have distinguished themselves in the support of our sport, to ECSA for awards. This year they are:

Snowmobiler’s friend (Business) – Wildside

Snowmobiler of the year – Marc Matczak
Family of the year - Tom Hall Snowmobile

Club of the year – Corry
Dealer Appreciation - Off Road Express

Hall of Fame – Fred Morris


Next Meeting: The next general membership meeting will be held Thursday, March 26th, at 8:00pm at the Greene Township Building on Tate road. In addition to the regular meeting topics, we will be discussing trail and signage removal activities planned for Saturday April 4th and Sunday the 5th. Can you help with these activities this year?

This will be the last meeting before the summer break.

See you at the meeting.- T. Bowers