Hopefully February will bring better consistent snow conditions favorable for snowmobiling. There is HOPE! In the meantime use your time wisely.
It is that time of year for clubs to recognize club members who promote your club/Pennsylvania State Snowmobile Association (PSSA) and promote snowmobile recreation. Consider persons from your clubs for the following PSSA awards:
- Snowmobiler of the Year
- Snowmobile Family of the Year
- Snowmobile Teen of the Year (new award)
- Snowmobile Dealer of the Year
- Forest/Government Official of the Year
The Teen Award was begun to recognize youths who go above and beyond what is expected of a club member. Consider how they help your club and promote snowmobile recreation in a positive way. They are the future of snowmobile recreation.
The nominee(s) must have been a PSSA member or a business member since January 2016. Government /Forest Officials do not have to be a member. Send your nominations with a short resume to the Erie office by March 19, 2017.
Clubs are also reminded that Regional Directors whose term expires in 2017 need to either nominate the person again or someone else. Regional Directors are very important to this organization. They are our contact with the grass roots. The more the Board hears from them the better our organization can become. E-mail your letters of support to the Erie office by March 3, 2017.
Nominations for three Executive Board positions are due in the Erie office by March 5, 2017. You will be given a list of questions to be answered. Your resume and answers will be posted in the April Keystone Snowmobiler.
Annual Membership Meeting is Saturday, May 13, 2017. It is held at the same Ramada Conference and Golf Center in University Park, PA as last year. Your ideas and suggestions for topics/speakers are always welcome. Send them to my attention at the Erie office.
PSSA was notified by DCNR of the availability of an on-line Youth Safety Course for PA youth. This class has been established for those riders who either missed a Safety Course in their area or bought a sled late in the season. There is a cost associated with this course. PSSA continues to support hands-on safety classes with an Instructor. Contact DCNR for further information.
PSSA is revisiting HB 1913 which dealt with joint-use roads and alternate trails. This Bill died a slow death in committee. The economy of rural areas would greatly benefit from the use of joint-use roads by snowmobilers. Gas well drilling has the potential to impact designated snowmobile trails. This bill tried to provide for alternate trails where necessary.
Those of us who have been around a few more years than others can remember when the Registration Fee cost nothing or very little. The present fee of $10.00 has been around since the mid 70s. I wonder what the value of that would be in todays economy?
The American Council of Snowmobile Association Calendars (ACSA) calendars are available. The cost remains $20.00. This is a great way to help support all they do to promote safe snowmobiling on a national level. Send your name, address and check made out to ACSA to the Erie Office. You will receive the calendar in the mail.
The Board is continuing to discuss the needs of the PowerSportShow. By the time you read this we should have a Chairperson and ways to pay for the Show without depleting the budget.
Think Snow!
Liz Krug, President
PS. Annual Meeting 9am – May 13, 2017 – 1450 South Atherton Street, State College, PA 16801
1-814-238-3001 1-800-2-RAMADA www.ramadasc.com
