May, 2006
| Sitzmarke Online May, 2006 |
Space City Ski Club | |
| Mammoth Mountain California |
 First let me state that we had an awesome time in Mammoth. It definitely lived up to its reputation on being large. The skiing was great although we did have to deal with windy weather. It turned out to be quite an adventure with a lot of humor along the way. So let us present you the humor side of skiing! Upon arrival at the By the way, Mammoth is known for its windy conditions, which made for a great hurricane training location. The case of the missing Massage Oil? Check with Jessica, she was seen searching several condos late at night. We had some warm up drills on day 1 seeing how far we could get in one day. At the end of the day we could not tell if it was Davis Tucker or Tuckered Davis. He earned his beer that day. Rumor has it that George was out picking up guides while skiing. Unfortunately he was picking up off duty ski patrollers, but of the male variety. We need to have a talk with George. The whole group was seriously entertained by some of the drills that we created by accident: The first drill was grab what ever you can to stop; plastic fencing seemed to work well. We volunteered 3 members of the group to try this. Dave Stotz attempted in a spectacular way by trying to jump the fence and grab it with his skis, he succeeded. Sandy and Gail also tried to take down the fence. They were also successful in their attempts. All were done with large audiences. The second drill was seeing if you could stop yourself in a freefall. Jessica managed to stop but threw her ski down the mountain 100 yards. Butt slide city on this drill. A double A third drill was with George and Robert Knupp practicing emergency evacuations. They had difficulty sharing a ride on a lift. George made it and Robert did not. Unknown if they managed to shut down the lift line for this escapade. The forth drill was hanging on to your equipment in high winds. Laura was last seen chasing her glove down the slopes. |
 The fifth and final drill was another evacuation drill. The Mammoth mountain ski patrol did an excellent job getting us off the lift at the end. The wind was pushing skiers back into the lift. They were up standing in the cold and pulling skiers off the lift. Drinking Hurricanes during a hurricane? We had a change of pace since it was Sharon and Leyla arrived on Wednesday to play the part of FEMA. They could be found on many occasions playing chauffeur to the group, ranging from returning rental skis, shopping spree for birthday cake, late night party goers ( The missing massage oil case moved to unsolved mysteries. Another unsolved mystery involved Gary and Maureen in a condo. All we could ascertain was that when roommates arrived back in the condo Gary and Maureen were on the couch and Now that it looked like the training was over, we had a 48-passenger bus on the return trip with plenty of room to spare. But no, when we tried to leave Mammoth, the bus turned the wrong direction for about 15 minutes. Things were looking better, but no, we still had to do some more training on the flight home. We took off in some rough weather and most of us were praying that the wing tips would not touch as we bounced out of the airport in high crosswinds. I was going to everyone the new All in all, it was a great trip. It really was only windy on 2 of the days on the trip which made for the humorous portions of this article.Would be a great place to return to in the future. Excellent skiing conditions, powder on a couple of the days. |
| HEAD OF THE LIFTLINE | By Gary Ladd, President |
 Well another year’s in front of us and another year’s gone. First, I’d like to thank the previous Executive Committee (ExCom) and Board of Directors (BOD) members for providing their time and enthusiasm in leading this club, and having the vision that will ensure future years of fun and continued camaraderie. To accomplish this, the outgoing Board took a huge step by accepting the new Director of Marketing position. The enthusiasm that I’ve seen from this office and the people helping this Director has been inspiring! However, in order to maintain and possibly expand the level of activities, we’re looking for member participation. We need input from you, the members of this club, so we understand and can act on new exciting opportunities. I feel that member participation in our club enhances all our satisfaction; we make new friends, travel together, and in general grow through life experiences and therefore this Board will continue to recruit as many volunteers as possible to assist in all activities. So if you have ideas or you’d like to volunteer in any way, please contact one of the ExCom members. We’ll consider all input, and incorporate your ideas into future trips or programs that will drive future club activities. Beware; we’ll be calling on every member to in some way get involved! I’ve only been a member for 4 years, and I’ve met hundreds of great club people, many who I count as very good friends. I know everyone who’ll open themselves up to this club will experience the same. This is your club, please give it some of your time . . . we’ll all benefit greatly . . . please, GET INVOLVED! Now for the sad news. Over the past several years we’ve experienced declining membership, as is the case with most clubs like ours. Many factors influence membership fluctuations, but one way to curb this trend is to improve the way we address both new and existing membership drives. Again, we’re looking for your ideas. I’ve been told by the V.P. Memberships that we have a goal this year of significant membership growth, so we’ve got a lot of work to do. Again, we need your help! The bottom line for my term . . . I want to make sure that each member continues to derive value from being a member of this club. Participating in ski a trip is only one way to benefit, but probably the one most members consider when they decide the extent of their involvement. Consider the fun and camaraderie that each of you’ve experienced at the happy hours, the monthly meetings, the one-day programs, and/or the other short trips . . . that’s what this club’s all about. Again, this is your/our club and it will only thrive if each of us enjoys the programs, trips and friends we’ve made by participating in it. If you can’t physically get involved, there’s plenty other opportunities to contribute. Make suggestions, contact any of the ExCom members, we’ll consider all options. My e-mail address: President@SpaceCitySkiClub.org Your President |
| PROGRAMS AND ACTIVITIES | By Jose Araujo, outgoing VP Programs |
 Hello Everyone!! Please join me in welcoming Deb Cini as our new Vice President Programs for the year 2006-2007. Jessica, our volunteers and I tried our best to provide you a year full of non-skiing activities to enrich your SCSC membership experience. I hope you had a chance to participate in several. We certainly enjoyed putting them together! Now, like in all the Democracies, my term is over and I have to provide the opportunity to another SCSC member to coordinate and fulfill your non-skiing expectations. Please help Deb in her new position by volunteering in the activities that you enjoy participating in. As a little help for the new administration we already have several activities going on. This month we have the Big Brothers & Big Sisters Bowl, and a trip to Fredericksburg. In June the Sand castle competition and the Volunteer party. In July a trip to New York. In September a trip to Breckenridge; and the trip to Las Vegas will be rescheduled to sometime during the Fall, Craig Campbell is working on the details, please contact him for your preferred trip date. I would like to give a special thanks to Jessica Halter, my Director of Programs, right hand and longtime friend for all her support and enthusiasm during our term and please join me to welcome her as our new Vice President of Membership for the year 2006-2007! |
| Racing News - TSC Winter Shootout – Big White, Canada | By Robert Wrey, Race Director |
FINALLY!! After somewhat disappointing third and fourth place finishes earlier this season at Keystone and Steamboat, the Space City race team led by race directors Marti and Nelson Turner captured a landslide first place win at Big White. The SCSC racers’ margin of victory over second place Austin Skiers was more than 50%. Mike Murphy had our best time (23.20 sec.) with a 32 handicap on the blue course, and Pilar Gonzalez led the women with a 48 handicap and a time of 27.35 on the red course. Ellen Eastham was right behind Pilar with a 26.51 time on the blue course for a handicap of 51. Ellen, Mike and Dale Allbritton received silver Nastar medals, while Pilar, Marti, Alan Bitzer, Bill Bomberger and Keith Kirkman earned bronze medals for their performances in the club race. Tom Huzzey and Stan Smith received black SCSC club pins, Robin Shouldis, Roger Holzman and TC Jerry Montgomery earned blue pins, and green pins were given to Barbara Carr, Judy Schiro, Sharon Simandl, Johanna Kuang, Gary Butler, Michael Carr, Ron Hayes, Jose Araujo and Tor Lileng.
TSC Final Showdown – Big Mountain, Montana
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| SCSC THANKS THESE 2005-2006 VOLUNTEERS |
The list of volunteers below deserves a round of applause and standing ovation. They have given their time and energy to serve as your club officers, to assist in the planning and running of club business, ski trips, activities, meetings, happy hours, and numerous tasks that add to a very successful year. All the events planned add up to why Space City Ski Club exists, and they depend on its VOLUNTEERS! This year’s volunteers will be honored at the Volunteer Party to be held June 24. If you are not listed below and should be, contact Jessica Halter jessicahalter@yahoo.com and let her know what event you volunteered for!
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| Texas Ski Council Report | By Kayleen Kill |
The 2006 Texas Ski Council BidFest returned to TSC BidFest 2006 was generously supported by resorts and vendors: Platinum Sponsors Vail Resorts, Sportours/Ski.com, World on Skis Gold Sponsors Silver Sponsor Sports Bronze Sponsor Beyond Boundaries, A golf tournament was held on Friday for resort reps, vendors and club members at The Republic Golf Club. The sky was cloudy but no rain, which made the weather perfect and prevented all those pasty white resort reps from snow country from getting fried (which they often do at this event). Friday night’s reception was the first chance for the non golfers to mingle and included free beer, which we don’t often see anymore. Saturday and Sunday’s agenda included entertaining and informative bid presentations from 16 resorts and tour operators for the four winter ski weeks and the Summer 2007 expedition. Since we had awarded a 3 year bid last year for the Fall Roundup Thanksgiving trip to Vail Resorts, they gave us an update on the plans for that trip to Breckenridge. Saturday afternoon also included a two hour ski show, FAM reports and club caucuses. Saturday night’s party was great, as always, and included a great meal plus a DJ and that free beer again. On Sunday, after the election of officers and deliberation and discussion of all the trips, the following trips were announced: Fall Roundup November 21-26 Traditional January 6-13 Winter Expedition Jan 27-Feb 3 Neustift, Winter Shootout February 3-10 Crested Final Showdown March 10-17 Summer Expedition TBD Adventures) The Thailand trip particularly got our members excited as it is a 10 day adventure with 2 nights in Bangkok, 2 nights in Chiang Mai and 4 nights in Phuket (2 nights travel) and includes breakfast and flights between all cities. I previously mentioned the election of officers and I’m pleased to announce that Peggy Montgomery and Sean O’Brien will be serving next year. President Sandy Ellison Flatlanders VP Marketing Peggy Montgomery Treasurer Gary Roth Secretary Joe DeMott VP Fall Roundup Ted Mallory Los Amigos VP Traditional Cheryl Mann Lone Star VP Winter Shootout Sean O’Brien VP Final Showdown Mike Morris Flatlanders Winter Expedition Steve Abrey Summer Expedition Hazel Love |
| PROPOSED AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS |
Adding DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS to the Each revision shows the revised By-Law or Standing Rule as it will read. The words in italics are only for highlighting changes, and will not be published in italics. AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS REVISION 1 ARTICLE 3.0: MANAGEMENT 3.2 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE C. APPOINTMENTS (1) insert after Director of Programs, “a Director of Public Relations” (1) The Executive Committee shall approve a Director of Communications, a Director of Programs, a Director of Public Relations, not more than two Directors of Trips and all Trip Coordinators, Assistant Trip Coordinators, and Activity Coordinators. AMENDMENTS TO STANDING RULES REVISION 2 3.0 TRIP AND ACTIVITY EXPENSE REIMBURSEMENT 3.2 insert after Director of Programs, “Director of Public Relations” 3.2 OFFICERS, DIRECTOR(S) OF TRIPS, DIRECTOR OF PROGRAMS, DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS, DIRECTOR OF COMMUNICATIONS , AND AUDIT COMMITTEE CHAIR. REVISION 3 3.2.A. insert after Director of Programs, “the Director of Public Relations” 3.2.A. The Club Officers shall be reimbursed for actual trip or activity expenses not to exceed $599 and for personal automobile mileage traveling to Club or Texas Ski Council meetings. The total reimbursement shall not exceed the average of the preceding three years’ final trip participant net cost of seven night Club ski trips to any state within the continental REVISION 4 3.2.B. insert after Director of Programs, “Director of Public Relations” B. No Club Officer, Director(s) of Trips, Director of Programs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Communications, or Audit Committee Chair shall receive further trip or activity expense reimbursement than that outlined in Section 3.2(A) of these Standing Rules. REVISION 5 3.2.D. insert after Director of Programs, “Director of Public Relations” D. If an Officer, Director(s) of Trips, Director of Programs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Communications, or Audit Committee Chair cannot complete his or her term of office, only expenses, up to the limit of Article 3.2A, incurred on trips or activities while in their position will be reimbursed. If reimbursement of a deposit(s) has been made for trips or activities occurring after the person resigns or is removed from their position, the reimbursement must be returned to the Club. REVISION 6 7.0 RESTRICTIONS 7.7 insert after Director of Programs, “Director of Public Relations” Also correcting the elimination of Assistant Treasurer and adding Director of Communications in this section. 7.7 A Club Officer, Director, Director(s) of Trips, Director of Programs, Director of Public Relations, Director of Communications, or Audit Committee Chair shall not accept a gratuity in excess of $25 from a vendor without notice to the Executive Committee. REVISION 7 10.0 EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE DUTIES 10.4 K. add section to the list of Vice President – Membership duties: J. Recommend to the Executive Committee, for approval, candidates for position of Director of Public Relations. REVISION 8 Replace 10.11 to read as follows: 10.11 DIRECTOR OF PUBLIC RELATIONS This appointee will be nominated by the Vice President of Membership and approved by the Executive Committee. The appointee shall perform the following duties: A. Assist the Vice President of Membership with the Ambassador Program at the monthly membership meetings and monthly Happy Hours. B. Organize and plan advertising and publicity of Space City Ski Club with the Houston Community, i.e. advertising in the media, e-mail blasts to organizations’ leaders to redistribute to their organization, review advertising and publicity ideas with other organizations / businesses. C. Liaison between D. Recommend to the Director of Communications reciprocal website links between E. Provide ideas to the Director of Communications to promote F. Assist with the supervision of membership duties as directed by the Vice President of Membership. G. Perform other duties assigned by the Executive Committee. REVISION 9 Move section 10.11 to new section 10.12 (same wording) 10.12 OFFICERS – ELECT During the period immediately following the election and prior to officially taking office, each officer-elect should attend all meetings and seminars and assist his or her current officer counterpart in the performance of required duties. REVISION 10 Correct wording differences between By-Laws and Standing Rules relating to SCSC membership on non-ski trip overnight trips.
AMENDMENT TO THE BY-LAWS
Article 2.0: MEMBERSHIP 2.8 ACTIVITY ELIGIBILITY B. modify wording so that B. is for Activities and the word TRIP and trips is excluded. B. NON-SKI ACTIVITIES: Membership in the Club is not a prerequisite for participation in non-ski activities. add C. for non-ski overnight trips. |