1998/1999 Seasons and Back
Ski
Fun days Results
Our
final ski event took place at Showdown, Saturday April 10th.
We had Slalom & Penguin races
scheduled but had to cancel the penguin race, as there was not enough snow to
make the course safe. Additionally we had our always-popular Mannequin Jumping
Contest.
The slalom race took place on the
Pepsi Challenge Race Hill with each competitor racing twice and their scores
combined for a final result.
|
First Place |
Second Place |
Third Place |
|
Jon Jordan |
Scott Strieby |
Mark Juras |
Prizes were awarded in each
category.
Special thanks to Jim Anderson and
the Showdown Ski School for all their efforts in making this event a success.
Mannequin Jumping participants and
their creators;
|
Flash
Billings Hooters Peaks Social Club |
Lou Gray Hooks & Marv Jordan |
Cat-A-Pult Idaho & Dave Broquist |
Edward
(Ski Wee) Jim Anderson & Ski School |
|
Doctor
Bob Idaho & Dave Broquist |
Ticket
Lady Tom Johnson & Geo Willett |
Leonardo Jim Hoxter & Geo Willett |
"B"
Ler Skiers Edge |
|
Arnold Ringling Sky Pigs |
Ole
Giganski Ski Patrol, Dave Elmquist & Bob Short |
Blow
em up Bill Jim Gold |
Fireman
Fred "Slick", Jim , Joe & Dick |
|
K-9
& Annie Ski Patrol |
|
|
|
Participants were competing for
honors in four separate categories with the results listed below;
|
Biggest Bad Air |
Distance |
Crowd Pleasers |
Engineering |
|
Cat-A-Pult |
Lou |
Doctor Bob |
Doctor Bob |
This year was almost swept by
Idaho and Dave but a first time over the hiller took Distance honors. Winners
in each category received a $25.00 gift certificate from Skiers Edge Pro Shop.
I would like to thank all
participants for their efforts in making this years contest a success.
The Big Mountain Information Link
Pictures of the Jackson Hole Trip (1997)
General Membership Christmas Meeting,
Tuesday, December 15th, 7:00 PM at PIN & CUE. Food, Bowling,
friends and the drawing for the two free ski trips.
Our next event at Showdown is Food Collection Day, 19 & 20 December. If you are interested, be at the Showdown parking lot at 8:30 AM on each day. We will collect food until 10:30 AM. Call Marv Jordan @ 452-9301 or e-mail for more information.
Ski
Day at Showdown December 5th, 1998
20 - 22 club members participated in this years club opener. Showdown did not disappoint us by providing one of the best opening days in history snow-wise. Showdown also provided $10.00 lift tickets for club members. Once again thanks George & Margie for supporting the ski club.
Our group lesson went well with Jim Gold and Idaho Trenberth taking charge of the lessons. Many used this as a primer to remind them of the basics as well as advanced techniques. I would like to thank Jim Anderson from the Ski School for making Jim & Idaho available.
Bob Mease resigns as a Director citing personal reasons along with moving to the Billings area. Thanks Bob for your work, you will be missed.
SKI
SWAP
I'm happy to announce that this years ski swap was a complete success without any major items lost. We did however have a problem with the individual that had agreed to store the wood ski racks for the summer, he cut up all the straight 2X4 lumber. Thursday evening we had to replace what was missing and rebuild the racks. Ken Poser has graciously agreed to store the racks till next year.
It is truly a team effort to make an event of the Swap's magnitude a success! I have attempted to personally thank all who participated and will list them in this article and the Panhandler. We took the lessons learned from the past several years and made the necessary changes that brought us where we are today. The business we worked with, Big Bear, Skiers Edge, Play It Again Sports & Showdown were also extremely happy with the outcome.
All who signed up and meet the criteria will be automatically entered for their chances to win a free ski trip.
Swap Workers
|
Alice Leland |
Dena Koontz |
Dave Blom |
Ken Poser |
|
Gary Hooks |
Marvalee Novak |
Susi Schamp |
Bill Christofferson |
|
Phil Glaspey |
Ray Robinson |
Georgine Robinson |
George Mollander |
|
Bert Knapp |
Gail Farley |
Scott Strieby |
Debbie Petrini |
|
Frank Machuga |
Seth Littlefield |
Deb Trenberth |
Idaho Trenberth |
|
Corrine Beardsley |
Diane Whitworth |
Julie Ramsey |
Dena Engstrom |
|
Forrest Labelle |
Laura Labelle |
Jerry Mhyr |
Mike Reid |
|
Jim Gold |
Jim Soldeno |
Sue Broquist |
Dale Nelson |
|
Jon Jordan |
James Jordan |
Sue Jordan |
|
SKI
SWAP
This years ski swap is just around the corner (November (5 setup), 6 & 7th). Our goal this year should be having ZERO losses. There will be more mentioned about the SWAP at our General Membership Meetings in September & October. I encourage all to plan on participating, your participation gets you a chance at winning a free ski trip.
First
General Membership Meeting 98/99
Our first meeting is just around the corner. Ken Poser is planning an outdoors style meeting at Black Eagle Park, Friday September 18th. There will be volleyball and other outdoor games, BBQ grilles so you can cook whatever you choose to bring (hotdogs, burgers, steaks or?) and as always the club will have two complimentary beverages (beer, wine or soda) for it's members.
Interested in helping? Contact Ken Poser @ 452-5289
Second
Highway Cleanup a Success!
Bob Mease organized our latest effort, armed with freshly brewed coffee, pastries and bagels that were graciously provided by Tammy Schultz, owner of The Daily Grind we started the beginning of a great day. Seventeen to eighteen people made the cleanup of our two-mile stretch a breeze. Not a cloud in the sky with moderate temperatures contrasted our first outing that was cold and damp. Believe it or not there was still trash to pickup on our second effort of the year. The last cleanup scheduled for September 19th should be even easier.
After the cleanup some hiked to Memorial Falls to enjoy the fantastic scenery on a very beautiful day. Others retired to enjoy their own pursuits. Once again thanks to all that showed up to support the club and to make a difference in the world around us.
Did I mention that all that participated are automatically entered for chance at winning a free ski trip?
First
Highway Cleanup a Success!
16 club members braved the stormy weather long enough to gather as many bags
of trash and other junk along the road just out of Neihart. Although it didn’t
look real great weather wise when we arrived at Memorial Falls, the rain letup
long enough for us to pickup the trash. The club provided soft drinks with some
opting to head for the Lazy Doe for lunch. All total about two hours for the
cleanup. Thanks Bert Knapp for your efforts. Next
cleanup is August 8th.
Just remember that those who worked got a ticket with their name in it for the free ski trip drawing that will take place in December. For more information on highway cleanup follow the link Highway Cleanup
Want
to win a free ski Trip?
Just when you thought it couldn't get any better the club has come up with a way you can ski for free. There is a small catch, you must have tickets entered into a drawing that will take place at our December Bowling Meeting. You ask, how does one obtain these coveted tickets? When you participate in a club workday (highway cleanup, Ski Swap shift or any other designated day) you will receive one chance at winning one free Long or Short ski trip package for one. That means if you worked all three cleanups and a shift at the Swap, you could have at least four chances.
Ski trips have no cash value and are transferable. If transferred to a non-member, membership must be made to use trip. The "ski trip" refers to our 1998/1999-ski season. The winning ticket will be exchanged for bus transportation, standard package lift tickets and lodging based upon quad occupancy. Upgrades are at winner expense. Workday leader must validate all chances. The Board reserves the right to validate eligibility of members holding winning tickets.
Eligibility: Only members in good standing may participate. Only those members eligible by club bylaws can attend club trips.
FUN
DAYS AT SHOWDOWN
Are final club event at Showdown was a blast despite the slow start of the ski season. A never wavering optimist, George Willett was as upbeat on the second two last day as he was on opening day at people enjoying skiing and the mountain.
Recapping the day's activities with the results of the slalom race on the Pepsi Challenge Course. I would like to pass on special thanks Rick for his efforts in setup and timing. Each participant ran the course twice with the best combined times winning glory and coveted SKI Club prizes (Thanks to Skiers Edge).
Three categories
|
|
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
18 & Under |
Peter Remington |
Matt Davis |
Cindy Remington |
|
19 - 39 Years |
Cindy Wallace |
Jim Gold |
Scott Prisch |
|
40 Plus |
Idaho Trenberth |
Gary Petrini |
Dale Stoverud |
Our next event was a first for Fun Days, The Poker Run. Gail Farley & Dave Blom adapted the popular motor sports event and orchestrated the movement 30 plus people around the mountain. Each person's goal was to build the best poker hand possible by claim cards at different locations. The top winning hands received more coveted Ski Club prizes (Thanks to Skiers Edge).
The Card Sharks
|
1st Place |
2nd Place |
3rd Place |
|
Jon Jordan |
Dave Elmquist |
Jim Gold |
Mannequin Jumping
Capping off the day's scheduled events was the highly anticipated Mannequin Jumping Contest. Mannequins set out for public viewing during the day with all eagerly waiting the 4:30 PM launch time.
The defending hill distance champion, Leonardo & Spot appeared to view all challengers with an air of contempt. Many challengers have seen this hill before without success. There was also a new crop of rookies lining up to knock the king of the mountain.
Its older brothers Spaghetti Eddie and younger brother GW Express accompanied another of our return champions 40 & Flying. Spaghetti Eddie came out of semi-retirement and was prepared with meticulous care likened to a shuttle launch. Hooters Peaks Social Club from Billings once again traveled a great distance in an attempt to garner ski recognition with their entry, Elvis.
With snow conditions a little mushy all setoff to champion to hill.
|
Best Distance |
Best Air |
Best Engineering |
Crowd Pleasers |
|
Elvis |
Edward |
The GW Express |
Piston Bully |
|
Hooters Peak Social Club, Billings |
Jim & Mike Anderson, Ski School |
Kings of Contraptions |
Skiers Edge Pro Shop |
Milestones are like opportunities; they are only seized if noticed. Pam Gold was not about to let an opportunity pass by in the way of her husbands 40th birthday. Jim Gold is somewhat of an icon within the ski club and ski community. Happy birthday.
Prizes that were subsidized by Skiers edge were awarded in all events.
We capped the day with the presentation of the hand-made bulletin board to George & Margie. I would like to thank Bill Christofferson for his craftsmanship and efforts in bringing our idea to reality.
Thanks to all that helped to make this ski season a success.
1998/99
Ski Club Election Results
President Marv Jordan,
3rd term
Vice
President Bill Christofferson, 2nd term
Secretary Debbie
Petrini, 2nd term
Treasurer Marvalee
Novak, 5th term
Board of Directors, two-year term, Alternates, one-year term
Gary
Hooks, second term
Susan Jordan,
second term
Alice
Leland, first term *
Ken
Poser, first term
Scott
Strieby, alternate
They
will be joining current Board Members:
Bob
Mease & Gail Farley
* Alice Leland will be serving the special
three year term.
I would like to thank the following:
The election committee for their efforts this year. Outgoing Board Members Forrest Labelle & John Fisch. Both will be missed as each brought special talents to the club. There are some unsung heroes that never seem to get the recognition they deserve, Laura Labelle and Lisa Fisch the partners of our outgoing members.
Red
Mountain Ski Trip (1998) Highlights
Red Mountain, BC
By John Fisch
It
easily could have been a recipe for disaster: go on the longest (distance)
drive to an unknown, intermediate terrain-deficient ski hill in the heart of
the area most affected by the 1997 El Nino. That’s what had me worried as we
left Great Falls en route to Red Mountain, British Columbia, for this year’s
long ski trip. 10 hours later we crossed customs without incident (amazing
given the amount of alcohol that had been consumed) and began the climb into
the town of Rossland. We drove the last seven miles of the trip in a heavy
sleet quickly turning into snow. Things were looking up. We checked into the
Uplander Hotel in record time and were even able to get a good night’s sleep
before our first day of skiing.
After
a short shuttle ride to the mountain, my fears returned. It was unseasonably
warm, the fresh snow was far heavier than we are used to in Montana, and the
entire mountain was shrouded in a fog so thick you couldn’t see the tips of
your skis. They hadn’t bothered to groom some of the already too few trails
that they usually groom. In my head, I could hear the complaints--I wasn’t
looking forward to the return to the hotel.
Then
Red Mountain provided us with a warm welcome. A crew of volunteers acts as Ski
Hosts and shows people around the unruly mountain, which can be confusing on a
clear day, let alone in the pea soup fog we were facing. These Ski Hosts even
buy their own lift tickets--they are afraid that such a benefit as free tickets
would attract dirtbag ski bums to be hosts rather than people who are really
committed to sharing the mountain. In fact, these guys were some of the
friendliest, most helpful people I’ve ever met. We went out according to
ability level and our hosts showed us the best parts of the mountain for our
interests. In my case that meant steeps, trees, and hidden powder stashes. The
hosts held nothing back. In most cases, they were with us for more than half a
day and they left us with our own Red Mountain pins. We wrapped up the day with
more good news (for some of us): a Denver Bronco Super Bowl victory. The switch
in our long trip schedule with Sunday as a ski day rather than a travel day was
well received.
Unfortunately
day two brought more of the same fog. Some people almost fell down from
disorientation while standing still. The patches of clear visibility were few
and far between and forced many of us back on our skis, adding to the fatigue
factor. For the adventurous, Red can be a punishing mountain with long pitches
of relentless steeps. On day two I did something I haven’t done since my very
first day on skis--I quit a half-hour before the lifts closed. It quickly
became annoying--all the club members saying "John, are you sick"
"John, are you injured" etc. But quitting when I did, I knew I would
live to ski another day. And boy am I glad I quit when I did. My ski partners
took an ill-fated trip into unexplored trees. Like Eve leading Adam into
temptation and evil, Kris Lattin Jackson led her husband, Tom, into a tree wee
that swallowed him like a goldfish at a frat party. We finished the day with a
party in the Powder Keg pub, including an outstanding cake for our birthday
boys, Bob Loague and Bob Zuelke.
Day
three brought the sun and stunning views of the mountain and the surrounding
valleys. A psychotic lift operator informed us that you "Could do 70 mph
on Southern Comfort: just point ‘em and let ‘em go." Ya gotta love this
place--you’ll never hear a lift operator in the USA talk like that.
Rejuvenated, I skied from open to close without so much as a lunch break. A few
others also played die-hard and refused to pull off their skis until the lifts
stopped. Most everybody had found terrain they were happy with and there were
smiles all around.
The
trip had the usual number of minor injuries. Marvalee Novak got a snowmobile
ride down the mountain, but was fully mobile by the end of the day. We would
all like to thank Bill Christofferson for not colliding into any of us on this
trip. Ironically, Bill was on the receiving end of a collision, courtesy of our
club president, Marv Jordan. But Marv was not the only Jordan to commit a ski
trip error. It seems Sue was in charge of recording the trip. They took photo
after photo after photo. The roll of film seemed endless. Not until she had
shot enough pictures to fill a decade of Life Magazines did Sue realize the
film didn’t end because there was no film to end. The camera had been empty all
along. Hey Sue, maybe you can bribe some of the people who actually had film in
their cameras into getting double prints for you. Rossland proved to be a wonderful little town with a batch of small,
unique, high-quality restaurants. Most people had about as much fun dining as
skiing. Throughout our stay, the people at the hotel, in town, and on the hill
were warm and friendly. And it wasn’t that fake "I’ll be nice to you
because I want you to spend lots of money here" friendliness. It was
genuine warmth from folks who were happy to share their little Eden with the
rest of us. And all of this came for the lowest price we’ve had in years. No
wonder the bus filled up so fast. In the end, most of the club left vowing to
return some day, and there’s no better endorsement than that. I’m sure we’ll
set up another one like this next year, so get that deposit in early and don’t
get left behind like Ed Patera (who drove up there solo in his own vehicle).
John Fisch
Let me share with you a letter from one of our members:
Dear Editor of the PANHANDLER:
As a member of The Great Falls Ski Club I would like to thank John Fisch for an absolutely great trip to "Red Mountain." I think the entire group who went on the trip would agree that everything went off without a hitch and everyone had a great time. On the way back to Great Falls, I, like most people, probably had many thoughts about the fun times we had just shared. As I daydreamed about these great times I would like to share with you some of my thoughts about our trip.
I thought about the first day and skiing with Mike and Ira and the other mountain guides who were kind enough to show us around the mountain and share with us 50 years of mountain history from personal experiences. Yes, these guides were anywhere from 50 to 78 years old and were absolutely delightful and funny to listen to. I thought about skiing with members who were much better skiers than me but nevertheless I tried to keep up with them. Many times they would stop and wait and even though you apologize for taking so long to get down the mountain they didn't seem to really care. (Particular thanks to Alice, Marv, and Debbie for there help and understanding) I thought about the last day and watching the advanced skiers in the club snake their way down the mogul slopes under the chairlifts and know they would give me helpful tips if asked. I thought about having dinner with different members each night and sharing the day's excitement and different experiences. I thought about the "Newly Weds" in the group and seeing him be so attentive and helpful to his new wife.
As my mind continued to wander on the bus trip home, I began to think about my first year ever skiing. This is my fourth year in the Great Falls Ski Club and also my fourth year skiing. I joined the ski club prior to ever putting on a ski. You see, I happened by the ski swap in November 1994, my first year living in Great Falls, just to see what in the world a ski swap was. I got into a discussion with Jim Gold and since I joined the club that day it was only right that I should begin to ski.
Like most people learning how to ski, my first year was quite an interesting experience. I can still remember my first day at Showdown, I fell just trying to get a hold on the rope tow. I know it was quite comical and even my daughter Blair laughed. She was also skiing for the first time but at least could hold onto the rope. After falling at least 25 to 30 times that day, I eventually made it down Golden Goose without serious accident. I went home that night and laid on the floor and literally moaned and groaned because my entire body hurt so badly. I remember asking myself, why in the world was I learning a new sport at 48 years old. But you know what, I went back the next weekend, and the next, and the next and in total skied probably 10 - 15 days that year. Blair went even more and she like most kids 12 years old, had absolutely no fear of anything. She would laugh at me when I wouldn't even talk about going down Big Seven, couldn't even comprehend in my mind that people went down Second Thought. I didn't go down Big Seven until the second year I skied, Blair went down the second day. I went down Second Thought the third year she went down the third day she skied. To say that I am a very cautious individual is definitely an understatement.
The ski club played an important role in getting me to the slopes, and has played a larger role at keeping me there. I can go to Showdown and very easily find someone to ski with. Actually Blair tells me quite often "Pop, you seem to know everyone here." ( I really don't it just seems that way sometimes). The people in the club have become good friends because we share the same excitement and enthusiasm about skiing. Even though I am still a novice skier and most people in the club are better than me I have just as much fun and know that someday I will be as good as they are. Even if I never get any better I think this is one sporting activity that you don't have to be an expert to have fun.
Back to the original point of my comments, the club and the trips have been an absolute joy to me from being a first time skier to my current level of (intermediate skier ???). I would have liked a couple more days to ski at Red Mountain but like most people reality sets in and you once again become aware of your priorities and your responsibilities. For those members who couldn't get away for the latest trip you should really try next time. The individuals who volunteer to put together these trips put many hours into making them a success. And I think I can say once again for those who went on the latest trip, Thanks John, and I look forward to skiing with you, and everyone else, on the next trip.
Bob Mease
Ski Days at Showdown December 6th & 16th, canceled!!! No Snow.
George Willett plans on opening the 19th of December come hell or high water. We have scheduled the Food Drive collection for the 20th & 21st of December. If Showdown opens, we will need as many members possible. I hope to see as many members as possible for this event.
December 16th, 7:00 PM, Pin & Cue, Large Membership Meeting, See you there.
Ski Swap Report: 46 new members were signed up
Ski Swap for the 1997-98 season has come and gone. We as a club came together once more and pulled off what is being called one of the "busiest swaps" under the new day and a half format. I went around personally thanked as many members as possible for their efforts and would like to extend additional thanks to those that I may have overlooked. It was great to see some of our seasoned members participate as their sage advice keeps what we are doing in perspective. A project this size truly takes the efforts of many people, a club. I would however like to single out several members that help put together key aspects of the Swap or volunteered their time working.
Bob Mease, Bill Christofferson, John Fisch, Sue Jordan, Debbie Petrini, Marvalee Novak, Gary Hooks, Deb Trenberth, Gail Farley, Dave Blom, Mike Reid, Vern Francis, Jim & Pam Gold, Forrest Labelle, Phil Glaspey, Don & Vera Matthews, Sue Broquist, Ken Poser, Dena Koontz, Bert Knapp, Cheri Chevalier, Shawn & Stephen Ostberg, Jerry Myhr, Julie Ramsey, Terry Barrett, Janet Taylor, and a special thanks to my son Jon Jordan for all of his hard work.
I would like to thank Big Bear Sports Center, Lil Brownlee, Skiers Edge, Ron Hall & Darrell Baggett, Showdown, Ski Lift Inc., George Willett for their generous support both in products to sell for the Swap and throughout the year.
Advertising proved to be the key in getting people to come out and buy at our swap. A large number of public service announcements were sent out to media in our area with a great deal of air play. Great Falls Tribune, Mike Babcock and the Outdoors section, AM 1310 & FM 93.7 KEIN went out of their way to help, MacKenzie Pizza, for the great pizza. Thank you.
46 new members were signed up.
As good as it was, there were several areas that need to be addressed before next years swap in order to avoid club losses. I approach the Swap as a business venture. We contract with private businesses and the public to sell items placed in our charge for which we derive a fee for items sold. Any items not sold are to be returned without damage. Lost/stolen/broken items must be treated as sold with full value payment made to the consignor. My point is, we lost control of almost $300.00 of equipment and paid out monies minus our 10% fee. In order to recoup $300.00 our club must sell a total of $3,000.00 in consigned merchandise. This equation is unacceptable to me and should also be for you. If controls are not implemented it is conceivable for the club to incur major losses.
The following areas could use improvement:
· Identification of consigned equipment and its owner (fill out all sections of invoice with full description).
· Identification of purchaser (name and phone number as minimum on sales receipts).
· Security. Receipts audited at door for invoice number match. Provide barriers that clearly define individuals areas that only allow for one way in/out.
· Check-in, Two persons required not counting consignor.
· Checkout, Two persons required not counting consignor.
· Explore automation of paperwork that could streamline process by only entering critical data once (consignor and equipment description).
|
YEAR |
EQUIP. SALES |
MEMBERSHIP |
TOTAL |
|
1997/98 |
$3,331.64 |
$1,710.00 |
$5,041.64 |
|
1996/97 |
$2,858.51 |
$1,810.00 |
$4,668.51 |
(Financial breakdown: Gross only with lost items deducted and expenses not paid.)
Not wanting to finish on a negative, we should pat ourselves on the back and look forward to a great ski season. John Fisch, 771-1690 & Forrest Labelle, 965-2690 have two fantastic ski trips planned for this season. Give them a call for information.
See
you at the film festival.
Ski days at Showdown:
December 6th or the 13th as an alternate date
Halloween Party Results:
October 31st has come and gone and so has our Halloween Costume Party. It went off without a hitch with about 45 people showing up (half in costume). Everyone enjoyed music provided by the WEE-SKI Cousins.
Best Costume: 1st - Lynn Compton, 2nd - Renee Jewett, 3rd - Forrest & Laura Labelle
Pumpkin Carving: 1st - John & Derek Fisch, 2nd - Pam Gold & Colleen Elmquist, 3rd - Lil Brownlee & Bert Fairclough.
I would like to thank the Moose Lodge for having us and Forrest and Laura Labelle along with Bob Mease for decorations and planning. Additionally all of those who took the time and expense to dress up.
First
General membership meeting Friday, 19 September 1997, Moose Lodge. Will you be
there?
Snowball
replaced by three large meetings.
Additionally
in an effort to increase meeting participation all members within 30 miles of
Great Falls will be required to claim their complimentary lift tickets at a
General Membership Meeting. All others will be mailed.
Call
452-9301 for more info.
Big
Sky Trip Highlights (1997)
The
Club is here to promote skiing in Central Montana.
If
you have comments or suggestions, email me at meanmarv@mt.net