Hello MSA Members,
The December meeting was called to order at 6:45PM after a terrific Pot Luck Supper, attended by 35 members and one guest speaker. Our guest speaker was Bill Warren, whose father owned Warren’s Market in Bridgton, and who started the “Snow Drifters Snowmobile Club” in January 1966. It was one of the earliest snowmobile clubs in the state and was the predecessor to our club. Bill brought a slide show, and photographs, and told many entertaining stories about the early club. Many of the slides in his presentation have been given to the Bridgton Historical Society for safe keeping, and can still be seen there. His family owned 1967, 1971, and 1972 Ski Doos, all of which have been fully restored. Many thanks to Bill Warren for coming to talk to our club.
Blaine Chapman, President, reported that the club memberships now total 69, plus 26 Business memberships. The club sold $928 worth of Super Raffle tickets compared to $977 last year. The new trail maps will be available before the snow flies. Andrew Merrill did a fine job building and installing the supports for the Basil and Rena Ward Memorial Sign, that is now on the first trestle bridge on ITS 89, the RR bed in South Bridgton.
Blaine and Steve Brill, Trailmaster, picked up the snow roller that was discussed and approved at the November meeting. It is 36” high and 8’ wide, weighs about 800 lbs, and cost $1,350. It will make a good addition to the clubs grooming bag of tricks. An old bridge with hemlock supports was replaced with new telephone poles that were donated by Jackie Knight. Thanks Jackie! Many more trees and branches were cleared from trails. The next work session on Sunday will re-route the trail around the swamp near Gagnon Heating. The oil leak and replacement of 4 new tracks for the 2007 Tucker was handled by Ron Moore. Let’s hear it for Ron!
Bob and Mary Corthell attended their first MSA meeting after being elected last month. They will represent the club at most MSA meetings from now on. Bob and Mary also chaired the group that put together a snowmobile float for the Bridgton Christmas Parade. They had lots of help from Bob and Judy Pelletier, Lega Medcalf, Joanne and Matt Brill, and Blaine’s grand daughter, Olive. They decorated a two place snowmobile trailer which had two sleds. One was ridden by Matt Brill and the other was ridden by Santa (Bob Pelletier). Muddy River Signs generously donated the BER “Seasons Greetings” Signs that adorned the float. Thanks to all of you!
Campfire Grill Restaurant has offered a Trivia Night as a fundraiser for the club. It would take place on Tuesday, January 16, 2018 and 10% of the proceeds would be given to the club. Lega will make posters to advertise the event. Duane and Kathy Hendrix researched custom BER T-Shirts for the club. The club voted to purchase 200 Bridgton Easy Riders Long Sleeve T-Shirts to sell as a fundraiser.
Bill Preis reported on possible destinations for the annual Club Trip. Those interested, 21 People, voted to go to Madawaska on Sunday, February 4-7, 2018, returning on Friday the 8th. That will get us back in time for the February 9th club meeting. The meeting was then adjourned so the Christmas festivities could begin.
Each member was asked to bring a $10 gift marked male or female for the Yankee Gift Exchange. By far the most popular item was a gift certificate to Vivo’s Restaurant. It must have changed hands a dozen times! A Great Time was had by all!
Our next meeting will be on January 12th with a Fabulous Pot Luck Supper at 6PM followed by the business meeting at 6:45 at the Bridgton Community Center. We will be putting the finishing touches on planning the February 17th Poker Rally and Trivia Night.
Hope to see you there.
Bill Preis
BER Club Correspondent