This is a December-January newsletter.  Since there wasn’t much to report (no snow) in December, we decided to save postage and do a double-month newsletter.

We’re all getting a little nervous about winter’s arrival.  When the November newsletter went out, we had snow on the ground, but unusually warm weather since then has taken most of it away.    Colder weather and a good possibility of snow is predicted for Monday, January 8^th and the weatherman is predicting a cold “winter-like” week for that whole week.  We are still optimistic that we will be grooming the trails soon.

The January  membership meeting of the RLSC will be held at the Church of the Good Shepherd (Episcopal Church) on Main Street in Rangeley on January 13^th.    Social hour will be at 5:30, dinner at 6:30 and the meeting will follow.   Dinner will be prepared and served by the Rangeley Lakes Regional School class of 2010.  They always do a great job – come meet the kids and enjoy the meal.  This class has worked hard to earn money and we are glad to help them out.

Easy Bucks winners for December  were Michael McCarthy who was present and won $100, and Dennis Leahy, not present, won $50.  Get your entry in for the next drawings

The RLSC got a great boost this year for Snodeo.  Toyota trucks is sponsoring our event with their all new Tundra!  They will be at Snodeo with several of the new model for all of us to demo.  They also gave us a good sum of money which we are spending on advertising the event with radio advertising, newspaper ads, posters and a professionally designed program which will be widely distributed and is enclosed with this newsletter.  They have also promised to bring some “freebies” to give away and are donating a snowmobile-related item for our auction.   There is a good possibility that the radar run will be held on Haley Pond instead of Rangeley Lake.  Be assured that we will do everything possible to hold every event listed on the schedule.   If you are looking for a place to park your Vehicle and trailer during Snodeo, Rangeley Auto Supply has offered parking at his facility on Main Street.  Please go in and talk to him just to let him know that you are taking advantage of his offer.

Enclosed with this newsletter you will find tickets for the 50/50 raffle that we draw on Friday night of Snodeo weekend at the Clubhouse Restaurant.   This raffle usually nets the winner around $800 and has gone as high as $1000.  All proceeds from our 50/50 raffles are used directly on maintenance of the trail system.  You do not need to be present to win… Just fill in the side of the ticket with your name and contact information, and return them to the club address.  They cost $1 each.

The 2007 trail maps are here!  If you wish to purchase a map, you can do so at most of the local Rangeley businesses or you can order one by mail.  The cost of the map is $5 plus $1 postage if you wish to have one mailed to you.

We have new signs at the groomer barn.  There is a new sign on the building and a sign at the driveway entrance to the building.  The signs are absolutely beautiful.  Patti Jaffarian donated them in memory of her late husband, everyone’s friend, Paul Jaffarian, who passed away while snowmobiling in April of 2005.    Thanks Patty!   While you are here in Rangeley, please stop by PJ’s Powersports, Patti’s new Arctic Cat dealership which is located next to the Clubhouse Restaurant, and thank her for the donation.  These signs are very expensive to have made.

Don’t forget to get your tickets mailed in for the Arctic Cat Snowmobile we will be raffling off during Snodeo.  Time is running short.  Someone will win this sled on January 20^th, it could be  YOU!!    Ticket sales are down and it is vital that we sell more. If you need tickets just e-mail us through our web page and they will be mailed to you.

For those of you who drive on  Route 4 from Farmington to Rangeley, you will be happy to know that the road has been reconstructed and a much welcome improvement.  I dare to say that this was one of the roughest roads in the State of Maine and I’m sure you will find it much easier to drive with your snowmobile trailers now.

We will be having our annual Steak and Lobster dinner at the March 10th membership meeting (this date has been changed since the original calendar of events was mailed to you)  The cost for the dinner is $18 for either steak or lobster or $25 for both.     Mark your calendar.  Reservation forms will go out with the February newsletter.

The Christmas party was well attended and everyone had a great time.  The 50/50 raffle was won by Larry Koob who donated his winnings back to the club ($550).  Thanks Larry!

Lastly, we have new fleece jackets (they are super nice!).  Just like the vests but with sleeves.  They are available in Hunter Green, Navy Blue and Black with the club logo on them.  The cost for these is $35 plus shipping.  We will have them for sale at Snodeo or you can order one on line through our web page or by e-mailing me at gavi2@verizon.net.  You can also order them by writing to the club address.  The shipping fee for the jacket is  $4.20.          .

In closing, I would like to ask everyone to think snow, pray for snow, do a snow dance, whatever it takes!   Let’s get winter rolling.  See you all at Snodeo!!! 

Until next month………  Gail Gavigan, Treasurer

Please visit our Sponsors page to check out businesses who have donated or pledged to donate to our grooming and trail maintenance program for this season. Be sure to patronize these businesses when in the area. It is due to their donations that we have the great riding conditions we all enjoy!