The meeting was called to order by President George Powell at 7:15 pm at the South Fork Library after a Kiwanis chili supper at the community center, then homemade deserts at the library.

George welcomed everyone, 30 members present.

George asked if everyone had a chance to read the February club minutes. Motion was made and seconded to accept the minutes. Motion carried.

Financial Report: Lloyd gave the Treasurer’s report. This month looks better on the financial front with the receipt of the $4,800 grooming check. We will be receiving another payment of $6600, and the last payment to be received will be $7800.

President’s Report: Club members completed 1500 volunteer hours in community service for 2007. This includes grooming, trail maintenance, and other activities. Congratulations, Silverthreaders.

Grooming Report: All of the club’s allotted hours have been utilized for this season.

Snow Shoe Report: Eve and Ozzie report yesterday’s group of 13 hiked up Alder Creek. Due to the packed and melting snow, many hikers ditched their snow shoes along the trail, retrieving them on the way back. Meet for snow shoe hikes at the community center at 10:00 am each Monday. Everyone’s welcome. Bring water, lunch and a friend.

Social Report: March happy birthdays were wished for Dick and Cherry Shaw, Sonny Hiett, Dwayne Powers, Bill Longfellow and Harolena Powell.

Sales Report: Barbara reported there are still Silverthreader items/ clothing for sale, and some are, in fact, on sale! Some new items will reflect a very slight increase in price due to, of course, increased expenses.

Old Business: Joe reported that a fun time was had by all at the Jay Becker Memorial Sled Race at Tucker Pond on 2/23. He thanked all who brought food and other goodies, and all who worked to make the race a success. For the ladies, 1^st place went to Joyce DeGrado, 2^nd place to Harolena Powell and 3^rd to Cherry Shaw. Connie Gillespie actually tied for 3^rd place but was disqualified because she pushed off at the start. Rules are rules. For the men, 1^st place went to Jack Morris, 2^nd to Roy Snyder and 3^rd to John Zachary. The coveted Lame Duck Award went to Lloyd Thiesfeld for his abysmally short run. Go, Lloyd.

New Business: George informed the membership that the Colorado Snowmobile Association (CSA) bylaws are now being rewritten to clearly identify that any club belonging to CSA must collect the $20 annual dues from all club members whether or not they snowmobile. Previous bylaws had been vague enough to allow Silverthreaders to collect CSA dues from only the actual snowmobile riders. This new requirement will force the club to do one of two things:

1) Split into two clubs, one for snowmobiles and one for all the rest, necessitating two sets of bylaws, insurance and other legal documents for our non-profit status, resulting in increased cost;

2) Collect CSA dues from all club members regardless of whether or not they ride snowmobiles.

Club members were asked to think about this issue, and it will be brought to a vote in the near future. It should be noted that CSA membership is of paramount importance to our club since grooming monies and grants come through CSA.

Royce reports that the High Valley Community Center building project in Del Norte was voted down at the recent Rio Grande County Commission meeting. This was of prime importance since the project was to be funded by tax increases, and most of that from South Fork property owners. Royce suggests instead that we work toward renovating our own South Fork community building. Dwayne reports he will ask to be put on the agenda for the April 10^th City Council meeting to seek permission for the renovations. Many club members and other South Fork residents are willing to donate money, labor and materials in this effort.

Elizabeth reminds the membership that, at present, we will not be allowed to use the community building for our fund-raising potato bake to coincide with the home tour. The city council says we are too noisy while setting up for the activity, and it disturbs their meeting. She will write a letter to the mayor requesting the council meet at the library just for that day so we can have our fund raiser the day of the home tour.

Dick reminds everyone that the Home and Garden Show at the Sky High Park in Monte Vista will be held April 12-13. All members are invited, and it’s free!

Helping Hand Award: The award for this quarter was presented to Dwayne and Edna Powers for all they do for the club, its members and the community; a much-deserved honor for these two.

FFOF: Still in the works.

50/ 50: Le Roy Schurr won and donated back to the club.

Meeting adjourned at 8:00 pm.

Respectfully submitted,

Sally Towns