January 2009

As our season gets into full stride, I would like to update our members as to what the OSSA board has been working on. First of all, I would like to thank all the clubs who sent in the club surveys that were mailed out to the presidents. We have received responses from Geauga West, Thompson, Delaware, Grand River, and the Flying Tigers. We would like to receive surveys from the remaining clubs. If another form is needed, please send me an email (hines57@adelphia.net) and we’ll send one out.

The Geneva State Park trail and bridge work is still in the planning stages. The board of OSSA has agreed to supply volunteer labor as matching funds for the grant received. More meetings are forth coming to keep the project going.

The OSSA Snowmobile Raffle tickets are being sold all over the state. Hopefully your club will sell the most tickets (clubs get 20% cash back for all tickets sold by that club). The American Council of Snowmobile Association is also having a snowmobile raffle One thousand tickets are printed. The winner gets the choice of one of four snowmobiles. The next three tickets drawn gets there choice of the remaining snowmobiles. The tickets sell for $100.00. If any club or individual is interested in purchasing a ticket, please call or send an email. It would be a great prize for a club to win a snowmobile.

We are asking all clubs to submit articles to the Ohio State Snowmobiler magazine. We would like to see what clubs are doing. We would like to see the magazine full of news about our clubs or members. If you have an interesting story or a memory of a trip, please share with us.

In closing we are sad to announce the closing of a popular restaurant in Austinburg, Ohio. Buck’s Grill and Bar closed due to the poor economy. Jim Buckmaster and his staff have always been a supporter of snowmobiles. They have always welcomed snowmobilers with open arms and a hot meal. Last year I chaired the “Go Snowmobiling” event and “VIP” ride. Both events were held at Buck’s. Carol and her staff were nothing short of amazing, letting us take over most of the restaurant. They were very accommodating to our every need. Our best wishes go out to the staff and management of Buck’s.

See you on the trail.
Gary Hines