HAPPY HOLIDAYS!
Thank you to all the ESSENTIAL workers who go to work every day on our behalf. They help make this Covid situation much easier to deal with. Their dedication to people is to be admired. Please thank all you know for their service.
The first sight of snow and everyone wants to ride. Trails open in different parts of the state at different times. Check with the location where you intend to ride before you ride. It is best to check with the local club, Allegheny National Forest, Game Commission and the state depending on where you will ride before you go. Follow local, state and federal guidelines. Other states have regulations that may affect where/when you can ride. Ride Enjoy and Be Safe! Hunters! Have a good time but be safe. Check the location of the trail before you ride.
Many clubs received a mini-grant via PSSA Mini-Grant Program to be used to maintain, upgrade and improve trails and grooming. It takes much work and dedication to make our trails top notch and enjoyable to ride. Without their dedication and spirit of volunteerism we would not enjoy the trails we have today. If you haven’t thanked them already please do so. Join a club and join PSSA.
Recently PSSA sent a flyer to all our members requesting donations. We are receiving donations from clubs and individuals. Thank you. Every dollar helps promote snowmobile recreation.
I hope you had a chance to participate in our ZOOM presentation and watch the live streaming of our Blizzard Trailer and BRP ATV raffle. Travis Mathna attended the F& S Open House and sold over $1000 in ticket sales. After that weekend he set up the live streaming of the drawing so we could watch it in real time. Congratulations to Travis, Kathy, Arline, Chick and anyone else who worked behind the scenes to make it happen. It was a job well done.
Thank you to all who bought/ sold tickets and promoted the raffle. All helps. Raffle winners are listed elsewhere in the Keystone Snowmobiler. The winner of the ATV actually drove from the Pittsburgh area to the Open House and bought a ticket there. Woh!
The recently formed Communication Committee (formerly Social Media) has been meeting to discuss/upgrade our Website, Keystone Snowmobiler and Facebook page. These portray the image of what PSSA is all about. Snowmobilers search the website for current information. It is important that all communications are up-to-date and accurate. Thank you to this committee for tackling a very difficult and time consuming job. Committee members: Keystone Snowmobiler, Newsletter Chair: Terry Wood, members: Rich Hayes, Arline LaTourette, Kathy Woolever, Maura Donley; Website Chair: Larry Martin, members: Kathy Woolever, Maura Donley; Facebook Chair: Cindy Barrick, members: Randy Green, Kathy Woolever, Maura Donley
The Allegheny National Forest is working with the clubs in that region to install snow cameras. Although PSSA has several cameras on its website we need more coverage of snow conditions across the state. If a club has a snowcam that you would like PSSA to add to the website contact member@pasnow.org
The DCNR Snowmobile/ATV Advisory Committee (SAAC) recently held their meeting. A great deal of time was spent discussing the On-line Youth Snowmobile Certification Course. Cindy Barrick presented data concerning the decrease in club safety course attendees. Youth who take the On-line course do not receive the actual snowmobile equipment
information/experience or contact with instructors and clubs. This had been a great way for clubs to increase their membership and discuss the safe way to ride and obey the law. If you have found a similar situation contact your local legislative representative and ask to have the course changed to at least the “hands on” part.
American Counsel of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA) – beginning in January 2021 the Executive Secretary and Office Secretary will be working from home. Phone numbers, website etc. will not change. Both Christine Jourdan and Sue Lewis took a 20% cut in pay and less hours to help keep things running during this time. ACSA is a great benefit to the snowmobile community and we owe Christine and Sue a debt of gratitude for their continued service.
You can help PSSA by asking Businesses to give a 10% discount to PSSA members. This discount can help reduce the bill significantly for those who take weekend trips / buy accessories. Contact Arline LaTourette for more information.
The PSSA Survey is on the website and FaceBook. Please take the time to complete it. Your voice counts.
At this time of year members are looking for ways to help others. The Snow Angel Medical Fund is available for donations. The money donated is used to help defray expenses of children under 18. Contact Loretta Hayes or Kelly Watkins for more info concerning how to apply for a grant. Donations should be sent to the Palmyra Office. Thank you.
Enjoy the Holiday and New Year and Be Safe!
Liz Krug, President
