Bridgton Easy Riders March Meeting

Meeting called to order 6:45 PM by President Blaine Chapman

 

Treasurer’s Report read by Mary Corthell, Treasurer and accepted

Minutes of February Meeting: Secretary Judy Pelletier read the minutes she had taken. Minutes were accepted with no corrections.

Attendance: 28 members

TRAILS:

  • Blaine reported roller and sickle attached to groomer
  • Ron Moore groomed 11 hours today – lots of water
  • REPORT FROM TRAIL INSPECTOR  –  Report was passed around
    • Very good report on Bridgton’s trails on February 18th
    • Inspector looks for safety issues such as good signing for “stop ahead”, ITS signs at and after intersections, and brush clear from hitting riders
  • Napa Assistant Manager told Bob Corthell our trails were in excellent condition considering weather

FUNDRAISING:

  • Campfire Grill Trivia Night to benefit the club was January 16, 2018
    • Check from Campfire Grille amounted to $200
    • Suggestion that we do that or something similar again next year there or elsewhere such as Black Horse Tavern or Big Dog
    • Elizabeth will look into it
  • Gun Raffle
    • Thanks to Brill Lumber a lot of tickets were sold there
    • We had $1,086 profit
    • Winners of the Gun Raffle were a New Hampshire man who chose the shotgun and Blaine’s son won the rifle
    • Due to lower ticket sales this year and the current issues about guns nationally discussion was held regarding doing a different fundraiser next year and what and when that might be – consensus was not to have gun raffle
    • Two donations for a total of approximately $35 came in after the Rally
  • Town Grant
    • Blaine will submit the grant application by the May 30 deadline
    • Groomers use fuel from the Bridgton Town pumps which means no tax!
    • Jim Kidder will submit the fuel bill to the club (maybe $2000) when Blaine tells him the club is through grooming

OTHER BUSINESS:

  • Applications:
    • Throw out old applications that mention MSA insurance – there is no insurance offered now
  • Nominating Committee
    • Judy Pelletier volunteered for this committee
    • Need to fill slots for President, Treasurer and 2 directors (Bob Pelletier and George Lariviere)
    • Slate will be voted on at April meeting
  • Poker Rally:
    • The Rally on Saturday February 17th had about 25 workers – it went well
    • President Blaine thanked everyone for their work putting up trail signs and providing food and selling T-shirts and raffle tickets
    • After the rally Blaine chatted with a Game Warden on a sled near Dunkin Donuts
    • This warden said he didn’t give warnings – just tickets… good to know the wardens are out on the trails
    • Consensus was to keep to the first Saturday of February school vacation but advertise more and make more mention of the Chinese Auction which is a draw
    • The Club is a member of the Chamber of Commerce – we should make use of advertising the Chamber does for the Carnival which is the same day
  • MSA:
    • Bob and Mary Corthell didn’t go to Millinocket MSA meeting but will attend the April MSA 50th Anniversary and Annual Meeting in Palmyra
    • Duane Hendrix moved to pay $50 or $60 for the Corthells and Chapmans to attend the lunch and meeting – Passed unanimously
  • Maps & Map Boxes:
    • Bob Corthell will pick up remaining money and maps in about 2 weeks when he feels there will be no more sledding
    • We had 1122 maps printed this year for cost of 95 cents per map
    • Income so far $486 this winter – sales depend on weather
    • Other clubs use same map on front but their own ads on back side
    • Each club orders and pays for their own
  • Miscellaneous:
    • THANKS given by Blaine for Bob Corthell and all his involvement on behalf of the club
    • CLUB TRIP NEWSPAPER ARTICLES were passed around
      • Bill and Jean were thanked for the great job
      • The articles prompted a lot of attention from Pelletiers friends
    • ANNUAL DONATION
      • Duane Hendrix made a motion that $250 be donated to Bridgton Community Center, second by Charlene Lariviere
      • Unanimously approved
    • PARTICIPATION has been larger this year
      • Per Bob Corthell, weekend trail work has been great with 10 workers on the weekend
      • Meetings have been approximately 40 in January and February
      • There is interest in more club trips – perhaps a weekend trip so those who work can go – maybe even local day trips
    • APRIL MEETING
      • Judy Pelletier explained how a progressive dinner would work right in the Community Center so we could get to mingle more with members – we will do it
      • Bring casseroles and dessert as we usually do
    • NEW SLED DISCUSSION – lots of interesting colors and types to be seen!

Adjourned  7:50 PM
Next meeting April 13, 2018

Respectfully submitted, Judy Pelletier, Secretary