Winter has definitely arrived here in Rangeley.  There is plenty of snow on the ground and the temp one morning this week was 8 degrees above zero.   

One of the earlier storms brought us about 12 to 16 inches of wet heavy snow in this area.  Many trees completely fell or lost limbs and really made a mess on the snowmobile trails.  Crews have been out cleaning them up, along with the usual trail work that has to be done each year (brush cutting, etc.)  The trails cannot be opened for grooming until all of this work is completed.  Trailmaster, Clark Allen, is looking for volunteers to go out and clear trails.  It looks like it’s going to take a few more weekends to get it done.  If anyone is interested in helping with the cleanup, contact Clark Allen at 864-2039.

The November membership meeting was held on the 12^th.  Sandy Bridges prepared a meal of lasagna and desert – thanks Sandy!  Easy Bucks winners were Albert Cormier of Leominster, Mass. and Alan Whitford of Rangeley.  Neither was present.  There will be no membership meeting in December.  We will be having our annual Christmas Party at the Clubhouse Restaurant on December 10^th.  If you are planning to attend, please return the invitation that was sent to you last month.  We must give the restaurant a head count for the meal no later than December 5^th.  If you can’t get your form mailed in, just e-mail Gail or call 207-864-9047 and let us know.  You can pay at the door.  Remember to bring either an unwrapped toy or a non-perishable food item to be donated to the needy for the holidays.  We will also have a giant 50/50 drawing that night so if you haven’t sent in your tickets (the orange tickets sent to you last month), there’s still time to send them in.  Just fill out the back so we can send your winnings to you.  You do not need to present to win.

Preparations are underway for the annual Rangeley  Snodeo which will be held on January 19^th, 20^th and 21^st.  We will be including an agenda of events with the January newsletter.  If you are planning to come to Snodeo, we would recommend making reservations in the very near future as rooms become scarce for that weekend after the holidays. 

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.

We have new t-shirts and hats with the club logo embroidered on them.  The t’s are short-sleeve and cost $15 and the hats are $12.  The hats are very high quality, black with the embroidered logo.  If you order either by mail, please include $3.85 shipping and we will mail it to you.  We still have the black fleece vests available in all sizes also.  Great Christmas gifts.  They can be ordered by mail or through the Club’s website, by e-mail. 

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.

Since we’re getting closer to riding time, we’re enclosing safety information.  Please read it over, it’s important – let’s try for an accident-free winter in Rangeley.

Hopefully, by the time the next newsletter goes out, we’ll be out on the trails riding!!!  It’s looking good as far as snow is concerned – just have to get those trails cleaned up for the groomers.

Have a great Christmas!!

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!