The President’s Corner

Incredible is the only way to describe the work done by Peter, Bruce and Don. They have maintained and often rebuilt the trails after our brief foray into spring earlier this month!

Difficult to believe that after a week of rain and high temperatures the trails would be usable in such short order. Thanks!

We have acquired a television, DVD player and a digital video camera that can be used to record events, support lessons for adults and our jackrabbits, and share great footage of ski events in other parts of the province, in other provinces and internationally. At this point, access to the video camera is limited to individuals responsible for organizing and co-ordinating club events and programs. If you spot someone with this video camera smile you may soon be appearing on the flat screen in the Burrow.

As a result of an increased demand for rental skis by parents of young children we have acquired several more sets of skis, boots and poles for our collection. Thanks to Ron Coulson for getting this organized so quickly.

Our Jack Rabbit program is amazing! Many thanks to our JR organizers for adjusting their schedule to allow the Master’s races scheduled for Saturday February 2 to go ahead. Please take care in the parking lot on the afternoon of Feb. 2. We anticipate more than the usual congestion.

We are in the process of applying for a grant from Hydro One to support the development of the best ski park for young people in the Province. With good luck and good planning we hope to secure a grant that will allow us to build a challenging setting that will support our youngest skiers as they learn to ski while having an exhilarating experience.

Thanks to everyone who organized Women on Skis. Another great event on one of the coldest days we have had this year.

Thanks, also, to everyone who supported the twenty-one skiers who participated in the Special Olympic event on Saturday, January 26th.

It was just recently announced that club member and Special Olympian Tim Vancoughnett will be inducted into the Bobby Orr Hall of Fame this July. Tim has an extraordinary record of participation in multiple provincial and national Special Olympic events both summer and winter. Well done Tim!

In the next few months the directors will establish priorities for the club as they work to develop a five-year plan for Georgian Nordic. If you have some thoughts about what you think would be useful for Directors to consider please email any and all suggestions to chaser@vianet.ca or to ski@vianet.ca or speak to one of your favourite directors. On page five of this newsletter you can find once again the areas being considered by Directors over the next few months.

Last chance to get lottery tickets is 8:00 p.m. Saturday Feb. 2, 2008!

The draw for prizes will take place on Saturday evening Feb. 2, 2008 at 8:00 p.m.

Thanks and happy skiing!

Ron Chase

President 2006 - 2008

Contact us at:

GEORGIAN NORDIC SKI AND CANOE CLUB

Box 42,

Parry Sound, Ont.

P2A 2X2

746-5067 or 1-888-866-4447

e-mail: ski@vianet.ca For news and snow updates

check our website at: www.georgiannordic.com

2008 ONTARIO MASTERS

CHAMPIONSHIPS UPDATE

After a big melt down in early January, we are back to winter in Parry Sound. We are excited about the upcoming Master’s event, which will take place from Friday February 1 to Sun. Feb 3.

As of mid January had 45 entries, 29 male and 16 female. We are hoping for 60, so if you haven’t registered yet, its not too late!

The schedule is as follows:

Friday, Feb. 1 - 11 km skate, starting at 2 PM

Fri. Feb. 1 evening social at GNSCC, starting

at 7:30 PM

Sat. Feb. 2 - 1 km classic, starting at 10 PM

Sat. Feb. 2 Mixed relay event, starting at 1 PM*

(4 x 2 km, 2 classic, 2 skate, 2 women, 2 men)

Sat. Feb. 2nd Banquet, starting at 6:30 pm

Sunday, Feb. 3 22 km skate, starting at 9 am

Registration form is attached.

CHAMPIONSHIP BANQUET AND SOCIAL

ANY GNSCC CLUB MEMBERS WELCOME TO COME TO THE ONTARIO MASTER'S BANQUET - SAT. FEB 2, 6:30 PM AT THE WHITFIELD (hwy 69, just south of Parry Sound!

After the banquet, we have a great local disc jockey, Vern Kennedy, to spin a few tunes for those who want to loosen their leg muscles!

6:00 – 6:30 Meet for ‘happy hour’ at ‘The Whitfield

Restaurant’

6:30 PM - Banquet, featuring

- roast turkey with stuffing

- mashed potatoes, roast potatoes & rice

- vegetable medley & carrots and turnips

- penne with sauce

- garden salad, pickle plate

- buns

- baked pies, cream puffs, fruit tray

- tea and coffee

All for the measly price of $20.00, including taxes and tip! Any alcoholic beverages extra.

8 :00 - 11 pm - Disc Jockey VERN KENNEDY

Thanks, Wendy

Equipment and Trail Prep. Grooming

What a contrast to last season!!! We have been able to provide skiable trails for more than 2 months. Last year on this same date, Jan. 28, I reported, “In late January we finally received enough snow to pack and groom some of the main trails. Each snowfall since then has been measured in a few centimetres at a time and has accumulated so that the Partridge, Jackrabbit, Lynx, Cottontail and Bunny have all been track set and skiable. Some work has been done on a few of the other trails, however these are still too rough for use.”

The brief thaw before Christmas and the extended one in early January did cause an interruption in ski conditions of about 7 days, total. The January thaw was particularly serious, with high winds downing trees, showering the trails with a lot of debris and much water flow from rain and snow melt that eroded a considerable amount of our snow base. Through a lot of extra work, filling in the worst of the holes in the trails, removing the trees we managed to rescue a lot of the trails and were able to put you back on skis as soon as possible.

We usually groom the trails right to the end of March. Hopefully, the club will have the funds to continue to groom to the end of the season. Our costs are much higher to date than in previous years. It takes approximately $175 per week just in fuel cost for the snow machines and tractor.

Since there is some logging on Loch’s farm at the end of the Otter trail, we have temporarily shortened this trail to the bottom of Lost Hill.

The grooming pattern for the Fox trail has been adjusted to save some time. The track is now set on only one side of this trail while the remaining 8’ is groomed as a skating zone. Let us know what you think about this change.

The Wolf trail has gained a lot of popularity. If you haven’t tried it, you will find that after a brief climb there is mostly a glide downhill. This trail is a bit tight for the combined classic and skate skiing. But it is still workable and will be improved over the next few years.

Although the groomers have worked long and hard along with the snow provided by Mother Nature to give you the best ski conditions possible, your positive comments and notes of thanks are gratefully received.

Peter Daleman

GEORGIAN NORDIC SKI CLUB

FIVE YEAR PLANNING/REVIEW

As part of a five-year plan/review the club directors will consider the following:

Trails

Jack Rabbit — Lynx — Bunny

FoxRun — Weasel — Otter

Fisher — Wolf — Beaver

Partridge — Bear — Cotton Tail

Snow Park — New Development

Equipment

Snowmobiles

Grooming Equipment

Summer/Fall/Winter Maintenance

Programs/Events

Ski Rentals — Adult Instruction

Jack Rabbit — Racing Rabbits

Women On Skis — Special Olympics

Sounder — Fundraising

Buildings/Storage

Waxing Room — Alpine Hut

Storage Container — Small Barn

Temporary Building — Outhouse

Parking Lot — Burrow

Policies/Procedures

Employees — Insurance

Health and Safety — Emergency

Constitution — By Laws

Meetings of Directors — Membership

Publicity — Financial Accountability

Please forward comments related to any focal point of the review to chaser@vianet.ca

Thanks

Ron Chase

Sea to Sea to Sea Project

I am pleased to announce that over 50 club members registered to be part of one of the teams in this project. our club sponsored 10 teams.

A team made up of up to 8 skiers tries to ski 8000 km over 3 years. Once CCC has completed their registration package, we will receive a map that will be posted at the burrow. You will be able to follow the progress of each team to get from Parry Sound to Callaghan Valley, the site of the Olympics in 2010.

Skiers log their km skied from December 1 - March 31 each year. Team Captains update the CCC website biweekly with the total km skied by their team. We have the following teams and Captains:

Ski Far — Katja Mathys
Snowpeople — Phil Bywater
Coursers Marilyn — Plater-McNabb
Humphrey Connection — Ashley Stevenson
Georgian Gliders — Michelle Haggart
Team Advantage — Shirlene Johnston
Parry Sound High School — Kaitlin Chantler
Crazy Monkeys — Keith Pettinger

It is very exciting to have so many members participating. We
still have 2 teams (2 x 8 skiers) that aren't taken. You can still
sign up for it. Go for it and go skiing!!!

If you have any questions, contact katjamathys@hotmail.com or 389-1768.

Cheers,
>
> Katja

Deadline for March Beaver Tale Submissions

Please have reports, articles, advertisements, to me by February 25^th

E-mail: masonj@vianet.ca

Georgian Nordic Ski & Canoe Club

Box 42 Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X2

(705) 746-5067

2007/08 Application for Membership

Name_________________________________________________

Mailing address_________________________________________

Town____________________________Postal Code___________

I will Phone #_______________________________

help E-mail________________________________________________

with Residence Township/Municipality

(for survey purposes)

_____Women on Skis Membership before after X # of $

_____Moonlight Skis Category Dec. 2/07 Dec. 1/07 members

_____Sounder Ski Tour Adult $85 $95 _______ _______

_____Jackrabbits Couple $170 $185 _______ _______

_____Socials * Family $190 $205 _______ _______

_____Committees Student $45 $50 _______ _______

_____Elementary Race Corporation $1000 $1100 _______ _______

_____Time trials

_____Membership Total membership amount _______

_____Trail Clearing Donation _______

_____Newsletters Amount enclosed ________

_____Web site *Family definition for membership purposes: 3 or more persons living at the same

_____Board Duties address consisting of 2 adults and all children under 18 and/or full time post secondary

Students.

This waiver MUST be signed and dated by each applicant over the age of 17 when registering.

I HEREBY AGREE to abide by the rules and regulations of Cross Country Canada (hereinafter called the CCC) Southern Division (hereinafter called the Division) and to participate in the events, activities and programs sanctioned by the CCC and the Division in accordance with the Association’s Rules, Regulations and By-laws.

IN CONSIDERATION OF CCC, the Division and the Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club in acceptance of me as a registered member of the Association, and my being permitted to take part in the Association’s events, activities and programs. I hereby, for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators, and assigns, forever release, discharge and hold harmless CCC, the Division, Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club Inc., its directors, officers, employees, representatives, or agents and all land owners on the trail system.

Print name of each member Signature of each

Included in this application applicant over 17 Date

_____________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________________

______________________________________________________________________________________________________

NOTE: Tags and charitable tax receipts for donations will be provided by the burrow attendants at your first ski of the year!

Ontario Masters Cross Country Skiing Championships

February 1, 2, 3, 2008

Hosted by Georgian Nordic Ski Club, Parry Sound, ON

Last Name: ___________________________ First Name:__________________________________

Address: ________________________________________________________________________

City: ___________________________ Postal Code: ________________________________

Phone: ___________________________ Fax: _____________________________________

E-Mail: ______________________________________

Date of Birth: Day _______ Month _______ Year ________

Category: _________________________ (see below for category information)

Canadian Masters Member Yes ______ No _____**

RACES: Mass Starts by Age Groups * Early fee if paid prior to Jan 4, 2008

Date distance technique early fee* late fee Total

Friday PM 11 km SK Tech $15.00 $20.00 _____

Saturday AM 11 km CL Tech $15.00 $20.00 _____

Saturday PM Relay SK/CL $5.00 $5.00 _____

Sunday AM 22 km SK Tech $15.00 $20.00 _____

** Membership Fee (if not already joined for 2008) $20.00 _____

Banquet & Awards, Feb 2, evening # tickets _____ x $20.00 _____

Cheque Payable to Georgian Nordic Ski Club Total _____

Entry fees must be received with race entry form. Entry Deadline: Jan. 28, 2008

Category Year of Birth

Masters M/W 1 1977 - 1973 Mail to:

Masters M/W 2 1972 - 1968 Ontario Masters XC Skiing Championships

Masters M/W 3 1967 - 1963 Katja Mathys

Masters M/W 4 1962 – 1958 Box 144

Masters M/W 5 1957 – 1953 McKellar, ON

Masters M/W 6 1952 – 1948 P0G 1C0

Masters M/W 7 1947 - 1943

Masters M/W 8 1942 - 1938

Masters M/W 9 1937 - 1933

Masters M/W 10 1932 - 1928

Event Waiver

In consideration of Cross Country Ontario, The Canadian Masters Association and the Georgian Nordic Ski and

Canoe Club accepting my entry in the Ontario Masters Championships, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators release and forever discharge Canadian Masters Association, Cross Country Canada/CSA, its division of clubs, servants, agents, sponsors or employees form any and all claims, demands, actions or causes of actions arising out of or in consequences of any loss, injury or damage that may arise by reason of the negligence of Canadian Masters Association, Cross Country Canada/CSA, its divisions of clubs, servants, agents, sponsors or employees, without limiting the generality of the foregoing. I further release any and all recourse, which I may now, or here-in-after have resulting from any decisions of Canadian Masters Association, Cross Country Canada, Cross Country Ontario and the Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club.

Release and Waiver: As a participant of the Ontario Masters Championships, I have read and understand the

above.

Name:

Signature: Date:

The Sounder Ski Tour Registration Form

Sunday, February 24/08- First Race will start at 10 a.m.

Please register before the day of the race - Early registration saves you money and makes it easier for the event organizers.

Children under the age of 12 are free but must be registered prior to Feb. 23^rd in order to participate.

Fees: Before Feb.20/07 After Feb.20^th

Ages 12-13 $ 7.50 $10.00

Ages 14-19 $10.00 $15.00

Ages 20 + $15.00 $20.00

Make cheques payable to Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club.

In case of cancellation, refunds will be mailed out (upon request), less a $5.00 administration fee.

Registrations will be accepted until 9:00 a.m. on Feb.24^th.(race day).

A signed Waiver Form must accompany each registration.

. Send Entries to: Sounder Ski Tour,

Georgian Nordic Ski & Canoe Club, .

Box 42,

Parry Sound, ON P2A 2X2

Sounder Ski Tour 2008 Waiver

In consideration of Cross Country Canada (hereinafter called CCC), the Southern Ontario Division (hereinafter call the Division) and the Georgian Nordic Ski and Canoe Club Inc. (hereinafter called the GNSCC) accepting my entry into the 2007 Sounder Ski tour, I hereby for myself, my heirs, executors, administrators and assigns, forever release and forever discharge CCC, GNSCC, the Division, its clubs, agents, sponsors or employees from any and all claims, demands, damages, actions or causes of actions arising out of or in consequence of any loss, injury, or damage which may arise by reason of negligence, of CCC, GNSCC, the Division or its clubs, agents, sponsors or its employees.

Without limiting the generality of the foregoing, I further release any and all recourse which I may have now or hereafter have, resulting from any decisions of CCC, the Division and the GNSCC.

Release & Waiver - (18 & over)

As a participant in the 2008 Sounder Ski Tour, I have read and understand the above.

Participant: _____________________________________________________

Signature: __________________________________________ Date: ___________

Release & Indemnification - Minor Participant.

As a parent or guardian of a participant under the age of 18, I have read and accept the above terms and conditions on the entrants behalf.

Participant: ____________________________________________________

Name Parent or Guardian: ________________________________________

Signature Parent or Guardian: ________________________________ Date: ___________

Sounder Ski Tour Registration Form – 2008

Name:________________________________________________________________________

Address: ______________________________________________________________________

Postal Code:___________________ Phone No. ____________________________

Club Affiliation: _______________________________________________________

School (Parry Sound District) __________________________

Circle category and check items that apply. Enter only one event.

Category 1: Distance 2 km

Children 6 and under Check ( If this applies)

Applies to both boys and girls in this age group, skate or classic; with or without poles.

Volume No. 28, Issue No. 5 February 2008