First snowfall recorded for Rangeley this year was on October 23^rd.  We got about 3 inches in some areas of higher elevation and then on Tuesday, October 25^th, we really got hammered with snow and wind.  It looks like January here in Rangeley right now.   The wind caused a lot of damage on the trails with trees and branches down.  If anyone is interested in helping with the cleanup, contact Clark Allen at 864-2039.

The State of Maine, Department of Conservation runs a winter program at the Bigelow Lodge (I’m sure many of you have been there).  They are looking for volunteers to spend a weekend night there to welcome visitors.  Their letter states that up to four volunteers can spend the weekend there, from 10:00 AM on Saturday until 3:00 PM on Sunday.  They will pay the club $20 for a scheduled day.  Just thought we’d run this by you in case anyone might be interested.  If you would like more information, just write or e-mail the club and it will be sent to you.  The deadline for replies to the State  is December 16^th. 

The October membership meeting was held on the 15^th with approximately 20 members in attendance.  Easy Bucks winners were Frank Landry of Lewiston, Maine and Rick Reich of East Marion, New York.  Neither was present.  The November meeting will be held on 12^th at the Episcopal Church Undercroft on Main Street in Rangeley.  Social hour at 5:30 PM, dinner at 6:30 PM, meeting follows dinner.  Dinner will be prepared by Sandra Bridges.

The 2006 trail maps are in – if you would like one mailed to you, the cost is $5 plus $1 postage and handling.  Just send your check to the club address and a map will be mailed to you.

Enclosed with this newsletter is the invitation to the RLSC annual Christmas party which will be held on December 10^th.  We will have plenty of room this year at The Clubhouse Restaurant/Lounge so it’s “come one – come all” and let’s have a great time!  Last year the Christmas 50/50 totaled $525 to the winner so send those tickets back with your check.  They are $1 each and you don’t need to be present to win.  Just fill out the side with your name and contact information and return them to the club’s address.  Remember, you can’t win the money if you don’t buy the tickets and who couldn’t use some extra cash for Christmas!?!

If you haven’t mailed in your Super Raffle Tickets and plan to do so, remember the drawing date  is December 13^th and keep in mind that we need them  at least a week before the drawing date so that we can mail the ticket stubs to the MSA.

Thank you to volunteers who worked in the booths at the two snowmobile shows the club attended.  They are:  Clark Allen, Gail Gavigan, Vince Banaitis, Lincoln Avery, Alan Swett, Don Hayes and Mike Espinola.  We generated a lot of interest in snowmobiling in the Rangeley area and the prospect of some new members.  Mike set up a slide show at the Massachusetts show and that attracted many visitors to our booth.   We will expand on that next year so take pictures and submit them to the club – the more photos we have, the better the show will be.

We told you in the October newsletter about the well and pump being installed at the groomer barn.  We neglected to mention that Jack Searles Excavation installed the line from the well to be barn, donated labor and equipment.  Also, thanks to Mike Koob and Joe Bessey  who donated their equipment and crews to clean up the yard at the groomer barn.  Matt Kennedy also spent the weekend voluntarily doing this cleanup work.  

Snodeo plans are in the preliminary stages.  Some of the key people who work for Atlas Fireworks were very good friends of Paul Leblanc and they have indicated that they plan to dedicate the closing show at the Snodeo fireworks to Paul Leblanc and Paul Jaffarian who both passed away since last season.  They promise to do a super bang-up closing to honor both of these dear friends and former members of the club.  Snodeo will be held on January 19, 20 and 21, 2006.

Have a great Thanksgiving!!

Gail Gavigan, Secretary

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!