March 23, 2004

Silverthreaders Outdoor Recreational Club Minutes

Potluck began at 6:30 pm preceded by Chaplain Kevin Bradley blessing the food; there was a good attendance although an actual count was not taken.

Treasurer’s Report: Kevin gave the Treasurers Report early due to his need to leave for another commitment.

7:05 pm: President Dennis Shepherd called the meeting to order and the flag salute followed. Guests were introduced : Wayne Odom, Fred Kirkpatrick, Leonard and Vi Koch , and Bert and Jenny Sutton; all were welcomed including Royce and Elizabeth Baugh, now full time residents of South Fork.

Minutes of Previous Meeting and Treasurer’s Report:

Sonny Hiett moved to accept the minutes, as corrected, and was second by Rita Bradley, motion carried. Johnny Yates moved to accept the Treasurer’s Report, second by Royce Baugh, motion carried.

Colorado Tour Report: the " Two Jacks" ( Jack Welch and Jack Sheets) brought 30 riders for the Tour. The leaders for the Tour from our Club were Jim Snyder, Rex Blanco. O.V. Keith and Dennis Shepherd. Everyone seemed to enjoy the day (Monday) even though three sleds ran out of gasoline! Some of the guys collected $60 and this was donated to the Club. There will be another contribution, made to the Club, in Late May or early April from S & W Tours.

Report on the stolen trailer (2002): It was hoped that the trailer had been found and this was reported at last months meeting. However, the sheriff of El Paso county reported that the Club’s trailer was NOT included in the theft bust in El Paso County.

Parks & Rec.: Dennis received word today that funding had been restored to the $6.0M.

Sickness & Distress: Darlene Swetnam ( husband: Jimmy) , summer residents and Jimmy is a hiker, had heart valve surgery on March 16; she is now home in Graham, Texas and doing okay. Dora Blanco (husband: Rex) had cataract surgery; also Le Shepherd had cataract surgery- both are doing great! Barbara Thiesfeld ( husband: Lloyd) had back surgery and she is doing well and they will be here as full time residents soon.

Trails: Doug Knudson had some info. printed, and passed this around; concerning the Old Spanish Trail trip beginning June 22nd. There were several options in how one could travel from Antonito to Saguache, also that a concert featuring some country western singers would be performing as well as an auction. Admission will be charged for the concert.

Grooming Report: 2003-2004 grooming has been completed and all reports filed with the State. All monies that were allocated for our Club have been received with the exception of the most recent filing. It has been a good season with no major problems of any kind. Thanks to the Groomers: George and Harolena Powell, Jim Snyder and Sonny Hiett for all of their volunteered hours.

Maintenance of groomer: Sonny reported some repairs were necessary, mostly a lot of TLC. The groomer, truck and trailer have been power washed and now retired till next season.

Social Coordinator: Rex reported all is well!

Snowmobiling: Still some up high around Spring Creek and Tucker Ponds but the snow is disappearing fast! There were some great moonlight rides this year, thanks to the Powell’s. Most of the winter activities are done for the season.

Cross Country: Not a great deal of participation, but a few; snowshoeing seemed to involve more folks but this is now over also.

Hiking: This past Monday hikers went into Penitente Canyon, next week hikers will start the weekly hikes on Tuesday- meeting at the South Fork Community Center. This season the hikes will be on Tuesdays.

Old Business:

ATV Poker Run- this will be an activity this summer and Doug Knudson was asked to acquire a permit from the Forest Service.

Fishing Derby- to be in June- sponsored by the Town of South Fork but several organizations, including us, will be helping. This will be at Tucker Ponds.

Fund Raising- Rita B. announced a Rummage sale will be held by the Club on July 2 at the South Fork Visitors Center. She asked everyone to save their STUFF and mark the price on it . Dennis will check on a storage unit so there would be a place to store the STUFF! Contact Rita. Perhaps another fund raiser will be at Wal-Mart but nothing definite at this time.

New Business: A Club secretary needs to be elected at this meeting. Dwayne Powers nominated Le Shepherd and Judy Knudson nominated Linda Thomas. Both were dismissed and the Club voted; Le Shepherd was elected as Secretary for the remainder of this year.

Forest Service Conservation Plan: Dennis presented documented information regarding the Introduction of Lynx to all Colorado National Forests and one in Wyoming. There are guide line letters available with addressed envelopes to send before the deadline of April 29 , 2004 to discourage the implanting of Lynx in Colorado. The Forest Service needs to hear from the people regarding this issue, by letter or fax, not e-mail. Numbers of letters are the important factor here and the Internet has all the information you would want concerning this matter.

50/50 Drawing: Total amount collected- $20. Dwayne Powers won, receiving $10 and the remaining $10 goes to the Club.

District 7 Rep: Mac Hadaway was not present.

Miscellaneous: Dwayne Powers requests an ATV rider for July 3 parade, to pull an advertisement sign for the Kiwanis Chili Supper. All guests were extended an invitation to become a part of the Silverthreaders Outdoor Recreation Club.

The meeting was adjourned.

Secretary,

Le Shepherd