By Chris Maloy 2-15-2011

Let’s hope that by the time you are reading this newsletter, the weather has turned colder and we have received a bit more snow for the season. As it is, we are having a mid–winter thaw and the temps are up into the 50’s. I know as a snow enthusiast, that I am not quite ready to let go of the white stuff just yet. Despite the current temperatures however, a number of people have been out using the trails this year. The conditions have been excellent and we are glad so many are taking advantage of the trails. One note of caution however, with the warm temps comes thawing lakes and ponds, use extreme caution if you must travel on these surfaces. Continue to ride with courtesy for others and use caution at all times.
On February 12th, we held the 3rd Annual Club BBQ & Bonfire. There were over 120 people in attendance throughout the day and I lost track of the number of sleds we had. There was plenty of food and fun and good times were had by all. Rochester Sports Center came through in a big way with 4 Demo sleds for folks to try and subsequently dream about. Check out the website for photos from the event. Thank you to Carl and Bob Cicchetto from Rochester Sports Center for the time to come out and show us some of the new sleds you have available.
We have some sad news from the club to report. On Saturday, February 12th, long time Strafford resident and a Club Founding Member, Richard (Dick) Saunders, passed away. Dick was a Trail Master for the club for a number of years and was instrumental in helping to establish the trail system that is in place today. Our thoughts and prayers are with his wife and family during this difficult time. A donation has been made in Dick’s name to Wentworth Hospice from the club.
The next club meeting will be on Thursday, March 10th at Nippo Lake Golf Club @ 7:00 PM. We will have our Social Night scheduled for March 24th also at Nippo at 7:00PM. Check the website for info as we get closer.