The usual…
The meeting was called to order at 8:10.The minutes from the February meeting and the Treasurer’s Report were read and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:45.

WORK DAY!!! We finally had some good snow, but all the downed trees made it difficult to ride. The trails are a mess. We need to schedule some work days to clean up the trails, and the Horse Riders that also use the trails want to help!

April 24th we’ll be working on the trails at Stewart State Forest. We need a lot of help! We’ll be meeting in the Rte 207 parking lot at 9:00 a.m.

We’ll need at least 1 chainsaw, pickers and people to bring their clippers for each crew.

The club also voted to purchase a chain saw and clippers for the club to own.

PLEASE ATTEND THIS WORK DAY – WE’D LOVE AS MUCH HELP AS POSSIBLE!!

And from the rest of the meeting.....
Due to the economic climate, we need to assess how much we spend on a sled to ensure maximum return on our investment. Perhaps we should purchase an ATV for the raffle instead? Or a snowblower or generator? Jocelyn will send an e-mail to the club asking people for their thoughts on what we should raffle – an ATV? Snowblower? Cash? Gift Card?

The annual NYSSA forum is in April and there’s an open spot if someone wants to attend. Please contact Sue if you are interested in attending.

Two years ago, then-governor Spitzer removed $1 million from our NYSSA fund. We got 2/3 of it back after a vigorous letter campaign. Now Governor Patterson is going to take $5 million over the next 3 years. There are form letters on NYSSA’s website and it’s incredibly easy – we need people to send the letters! Go to http://www.nysnowmobiler.com - the letters are right there on the home page along with a call to action from the President of NYSSA.

The Sno Riders’ Peak

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
Thursday, March 18th at 7:30
at Sculley’s Tavern on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.

The meeting was called to order at 8:00.The minutes from the January meeting were read by Sue, as the wayward Secretary was absent, as usual. Both the minutes and the Treasurer’s Report were read and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:30.

Brian Nimmo of Campbell Hall was killed on February 10th while snowmobiling. The Rock Tavern SnoRiders extend their deepest sympathy to Brian’s family and friends and we mourn the loss of a fellow rider.

Donations can be made to a College fund set up for Brian's four children. Please address all donations to Brian Nimmo's College Fund, c/o David T. Ferguson Funeral Home, 20 North St., Washingtonville, NY 10992.

The club collected donations for Brian Nimmo’s family, including all monies from the 50/50 raffle, and the club matched every dollar that was donated.

Please be safe while riding. Brian’s death is an awful tragedy. Our thoughts and prayers are with Brian’s entire family.

• Eric went to the Stewart User Group meeting in Maybrook. The various groups that use the Stewart lands are attempting to work together for the good of the buffer zone.
• Eric also reported that the Skandic and rescue trailer are ready to go! If you are interested in joining the Rescue Team, please speak to Eric if you were unable to attend the review on February 20th
• Kevin reported that NY State is going to raid the NYSSA fund again - $5 million over the next several years, including $1 million this year. Information can be found on NYSSA’s website. Letters must be written to our legislators to oppose this action.
• Kevin also announced that the Jessup River (Speculator) Unit Management Plan is up for review. Lake Pleasant/the Piseco Lake trail is in danger of being shut down. Eric will bring copies of the letter we can send to legislators to the next meeting.
• Eric asked all club members to be on the lookout for a raffle sled. We may need to purchase a less expensive sled this year, or consider raffling an ATV instead of a sled.

The Sno Riders’ Peak

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
Wednesday, February 17th at 7:30
at Sculley’s Tavern on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.

We now have a blog on our website to discuss trail conditions, to advertise something to sell or invite members to go riding, among other things. Check it out!

There will be a Poker Run at Schroon Lake on President’s Day Weekend. Please contact Sue for more information!

There were some blow downs in the Stewart Lands and the Scandeck was used to clean up the trails. The trails look good – now all we need is some snow! The signage is up, but we’re awaiting a decision from the DEC as to whether we can put our name on the signs.

Be on the lookout for raffle sleds for this year’s raffle. We have time, but keep an eye out for 2010 sleds that may be a good price.

Eric raised the idea of holding a vintage sled show, possibly at Orange County Park? Sue suggested we speak with the local car and tractor shows. Any thoughts from the members are welcome!

There a push by NYSSA to encourage the use of LED Safety Lights. The lights mount on the handlebars; two systems exist – one used numbers to let oncoming sleds know how many vehicles are behind you, the other uses a color system. There are no insurance reductions for using the lights – it’s a safety and courtesy effort, and are very popular upstate. The lights generally retail for $70.

There’s an interim Director for NYSSA, Dave Perkins, until a new Director is appointed.

NYSSA is investigating issues surrounding hunting season, and trails not being open.

The upper Hudson Rail Bed currently allows snowmobiling, but there is talk of paving it. NYSSA is opposed to this.

Only one fatality that Kevin knows of this year so far, but be safe and use your head.

The Sno Riders’ Peak - November 2009

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
Wednesday, December 16th at 7:30
at Sculley’s Tavern on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.

HOLIDAY PARTY
The Holiday Party will be held at My Place on December 5th from 7-10. The cost is $10 per person ($5 for children under 12) and includes food, beer and wine. Santa Claus will be there and there will be a lot of prizes.

Raffle Sled – Get Your Tickets to Rick or bring them to the party!

Club Shirts!
Club shirts are available! Long Sleeve T-Shirts, Zip Front Hooded Sweatshirts and Regular Hooded Sweatshirts are available.

And from Eric and John during the rest of the meeting…
The Safety Course went really well. The course was full, mostly with children. Sue did an excellent job teaching the course and we hope to schedule another before the end of the season.

We’ve been reminded by the DEC to stay on the marked trails inside the Stewart Lands, especially as some zealous Rangers are patrolling! Also remember to be conscious of other people using the lands, and always be courteous.

The Trail Maintenance also went very well. We got the trails cut and cleared and put up or repainted signs.

October 30th, Eric, Jocelyn, Sue, John, Anne O’Dell and Dave Cordner attended the annual SPARC dinner where Anne gave a nice speech about Mark and the SPARC members had a moment of silence in his memory.

Eric also thanked everyone for participation in the SkiDoo fund-raiser!

From Kevin Makuen, our NYSSA Rep:

NYSSA membership is up almost 2,100 over what it was last year. NYSSA’s Executive Director and Trail Coordinator are both stepping down and NYSSA is looking for replacements. Make sure to renew your registration soon! NYSSA is also exploring a program involving $2 bills being spent throughout the state by snowmobilers to show how much we contribute to the economy. They’re thinking of doing this President’s Day Weekend – more info to come.

NYSSA SuperRaffle is here. Over 50 prizes, including 3 sleds. Tickets are $5 and half of the money goes to the clubs. Please see Sue if you wish to buy or sell any tickets.

A number of state forests have sign-in logs at small kiosks throughout the parks. If you see one of these, make sure you sign in, and state you’re a snowmobiler so that parks officials can see that the trails are being used by snowmobilers. When the management plans for these parks come up for renewal, we can then show that we’re active users of these lands.

REMINDER ~ TRAIL WORK PARTY!

There are two Trail Maintenance work parties scheduled, for
SUNDAY October 25th and SATURDAY October 31st.

Meet at the Weed Road Parking Lot for Stewart State Forest on Route 207
at 9:00 am.

Kevin Makuen will bring a tractor, we'll be filling holes on Barron Road;
There are down trees to be removed;
Plenty of brush to cut back;
and some signs that need to be re-painted.

Please bring loppers, pruners, and other appropriate tools.
Be sure to wear sturdy boots and bring gloves.

Please sign up or e-mail Eric at millervet@frontiernet.net if you can help.

See photos from Oct 25!

The Sno Riders’ Peak

October 2009

IMPORTANT CHANGE TO THE EXECUTIVE COMMITTEE

There was a meeting of the Board of Directors and the Executive Board prior to the club meeting. Eric was officially installed as the Interim President, and John Kissel, by unanimous vote, was assigned as the interim Vice-President. Frank Lange was voted unanimously to assume John Kissel’s spot on the Board of Directors.

Additionally, Joe Reilly was selected to be the new member of the Election Committee, to replace Frank Lange.

Rick - For the raffle sled, please get tickets back to him as soon as possible. Some tickets are still available if you need more to sell.

The new Trail Maintenance dates are October 25th and October 31st. We’ll have a tractor and will be doing work to clear trees and fill in potholes, as well as paint and replace signage. The October 31st date should mostly be about signage. For both dates, meet at the Stewart Land Route 207 parking lot at 9:00 a.m. The Shawangunk club is going to help us!

Eric – There is a SkiDoo promotion going on, in which the club stands to earn up to $1500 simply for turning in a form to an authorized SkiDoo dealer. It is easy money for the club – please see Eric if you’d like a form (which will also be available on our website.) The forms must be turned in by November 15th! Ray Mulligan made a motion, which was seconded by Gina Gatto, to pay the bill for $200 for the flowers that the SnoRiders sent for Mark’s funeral. The motion was unanimously passed.
Eric - went to the Salisbury Ridge Runners party upstate and donated 10 tickets to their club. It was good advertising for the club. Rick made a motion that Bill Kelly seconded to make the ticket donation “official.” The motion passed unanimously.
Eric - on October 30th, the annual SPARC dinner will take place. Tickets are $45 per person. Gina Gatto made a motion that Bill Kelly seconded to purchase 5 tickets for the SnoRiders to attend. Eric, Jocelyn, Sue, John and Dave Cordner will attend.
Eric - Club shirts will be available soon. At the next meeting, we need pricing from interested vendors and then we will order the shirts. We hope to have them by the Christmas Party or the December meeting. Please see Eric if you wish to order shirts.
Eric - The Holiday Party will be held at My Place on December 5th from 7-10. We need door prizes! Pricing will come. Anne - The NYSSA raffle is taking place!

The Fahnstock State Park in Putnam is undergoing a review for an eventual Management Plan. There appears to be little opposition to keeping snowmobiling available there. However, the Minnewaska State Park is also undergoing a review for their Management Plan. Although Anne will write a letter on behalf of the clubs and NYSSA, and will post it on the website for anyone else who wishes to send one, it is likely that snowmobiling will not be allowed in this park in the future.
Eric - The club will investigate with the DEC the possibility of placing a memorial bench for Mark in the Stewart lands.

The Rock Tavern Sno Riders
Mourn the Loss
of their fearless leader
Mark Heinzelman.

12/10/67 - 10/11/09

Rest in Peace, Mark...

Obituary ~ Light a Candle for Mark

On October 11, 2009, our fearless leader, and very dear friend, Mark Heinzelman, passed away.

For those of you who knew Mark, you know that he was a fighter. He he fought long and hard to form and sustain this club, he fought for access to the Stewart lands for snowmobiling, and he fought to ensure that the Rock Tavern Sno Riders would have a place to enjoy riding for a long time to come.

Mark's most recent fight against a brutal form of cancer only exemplified his amazing strength, and capacity for hope. For as long as he was able, Mark maintained his unique and hearty sense of humor. The absence of his big, booming laugh will be acutely felt.

Mark's wife, Sue, and their two children, Jessie and Robbie, have lost a wonderful husband and father, and our hearts and prayers are with the entire family right now.

We have lost a good friend, a man of boundless energy who inspired deep affection, and love.

Quite frankly, there are no words to capture the entirety of Mark. He was a dear friend, whom Eric and I, and many club members, adored.

As soon as we have any information about funeral services, we will share it with you.

Jocelyn Lange, Secretary
Rock Tavern Sno Riders

The Sno Riders’ Peak
September 2009

IMPORTANT CHANGE TO THE BY-LAWS

There was a lengthy discussion about changing the by-laws should an Executive Board member (President, Vice-President, Treasurer or Secretary) need to step down or be removed. The club voted to amend its by-laws, through a motion by Ray Mulligan and Danielle Bull, and seconded by Scott Randazzo, with a unanimous vote, to amend the by-laws as follows: If an Executive Board member steps down or is removed, the remaining members of the Executive Board and the Board of Directors will appoint an interim replacement from the Board of Directors until the next election. The subsequent vacated position on the Board of Directors will be filled with an interim Board of Director appointee, so appointed by the Executive Board and the remaining members of the Board of Directors, until the next election. In the event of the President of the Executive Board stepping down, the Vice-President of the Executive Board will assume the position as Interim President, to be held until the next election, and the Executive Board and Board of Directors will appoint an interim Vice-President, that position to be held until the next election. In no other instance will a member of the Executive Board assume another position, nor hold two positions on the Executive Board.

Raffle Sled

Eric: We need to push the raffle tickets for the sled. This raffle is an excellent way for the club to make money. If the raffle goes well, the club should be financially stable into 2010. Strong membership also helps us financially. All members contribute to the financial success of the club, but participation is very important! The financial viability of the club means we can continue maintaining trails, posting signage, etc. All members should have received their tickets in the mail, and the tickets, with the money, must be returned to Rick Bonita by November 18th or sooner (sooner is better!).

Safety Course

The club will hold another Safety Course on November 7th at the Newburgh Ambulance Corps on South Plank Road. The course is free and will be held from 8-5. Please bring a lunch. Please note that any child between the ages of 10-18 must take the safety course to be permitted to ride! Please contact Sue at dandiclocks@hvc.rr.com if you are interested in attending. Please provide your name, address, birth date and phone number when e-mailing Sue. Only 30 people can attend, so space is limited!

Sue made a motion, which Ray Mulligan seconded, to donate $100 to the Newburgh Ambulance Corps as a thank you for allowing us to use that space.

And from the rest of the meeting…

• Eric – The Christmas party will be held at My Place on December 5th. Please start collecting raffle prizes from dealers and local businesses. The party will likely be from 6-10 that evening and we’re awaiting the final pricing.
• Eric – There are two Trail Maintenance work days scheduled, for October 24th and October 31st. We need to cut back and clean-up the trails for the winter season. We’ll also be updating the signage where necessary. Please sign up or e-mail Eric at millervet@frontiernet.net if you can help.
• Eric – We purchased a Scandic! This will assist us both in grooming the trails and if we need to utilize the Rescue Sled.
• Kevin (by way of Sue) – As of 9/10/09, NYSSA membership had reached 8,073, which was up from the same period in 2009. Please renew your membership and registrations early so the state can allocate money to the various clubs. NYSSA is preparing a groomer video that will be posted on their website.
• Kevin (by way of Sue) – The Super Raffle is here again. The club retains ½ of the money on all tickets sold, and there are a lot of prizes. We should have the tickets soon.

The usual…

The meeting was called to order at 8:00. The minutes from the April meeting were forgotten by the forgetful Secretary, but approved anyway and the Treasurer’s Report was read and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 9:00.

The Sno Riders’ Peak

March 2009

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
Wednesday, March 18th at 7:30 pm
at Sculley’s Tavern on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.

The usual…

The meeting was called to order at 8:00. The minutes from the January meeting were forgotten by the forgetful Secretary, but approved anyway and the Treasurer’s Report was read and approved. The meeting was adjourned at 8:50.

Elections are upon us!

From our Election Committee: Elections will be held every other year. The officers will remain the same, as no one is running for the Executive Board for President, Vice-President, Treasurer and Secretary. There are five nominated Board of Directors members: Sharon Miller, Bill Kelly, Rick Bonita, John Kissel and Dave Cordner. The vote will be held at the March meeting.

Grass Drags

Eric – The Grass Drags will either take place the last weekend in September or the first weekend in October and we need to weigh our options. The club needs money, and the Drags could be very profitable, but we need people to sign up for the committees. Eric is working with the Town of Waywayanda, where the drags will be held, on various issues. The final application is being submitted to the town and the County needs to sign off on the Fire Department controlling traffic. Sue will handle the certificate of insurance and all members need to start lining up sponsors. Eric is working with Tom Hartnett as to which professional riders will be attending. We need attendees at the March meeting to get this project started!

And from the rest of the meeting...

• Sue hosted the safety course on February 28th at the Newburgh Ambulance Corp. Sue made a motion, seconded by Ray, to donate $100 to the Ambulance Corp. Motion approved.
• Eric – per the DEC, tickets will be issues if you are not riding on the trails in the Stewart lands. <NO OFF TRAIL RIDING!>
• Jocelyn – read letter of thanks from Orange County Safe Homes for the donation of holiday goody bags.
• Mark – please be on the lookout for a 2009 Raffle Sled. The club is authorized to spend up to $6,000 on the sled, and it must have electric start and reverse. Please get pricing and we’ll compare at the March meeting.

Click image to print larger flyer!

We're Grooming at Stewart!

Mark Heinzelman, Sno Riders President(l), congratulates Eric Miller,
who built the homemade drag.
Click on photo to see more pictures of our grooming efforts
at Stewart State Forest

There will be a Safety Course, instructed by Sue Heinzelman, from 8 am to 4 pm on February 28th at the Town of Newburgh Ambulance building on Route 52. Only 30 people can attend. Please e-mail Sue at dandiclocks@hvc.rr.com or call 845-895-2756 to find out more information. Please include your name, address, phone number and e-mail address.

From Kevin, our NYSSA Rep: Polaris has issued a service bulletin that the company is not warranting any engines that are run on 87 octane fuel. The combination of 87 octane combined with ethanol and dry gas is blowing up engine in Polaris sleds, according to B&B Polaris in Claryville. The high cylinder temperature created by the excessive alcohol is melting motors and Polaris is claiming they never designed any 2-stroke motor to run on 87 octane. Polaris recommends 89, preferably 93, octane.

The Sno Riders’ Peak

February 2009

THE NEXT MEETING WILL BE HELD ON
Wednesday, February 18th at 7:30
at Sculley’s Tavern on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.

Reminder from the Fearless Leader:

Please remember to respect all users of the Stewart lands. Be alert for skiers, walkers, horseback riders and bird watchers. A little courtesy goes a long way!

And from our NYSSA Rep, Kevin Makuen:

Please know that the Orange/Sullivan Pipeline lands are off limits! You will be arrested and prosecuted if found riding there. Additionally, the State is handing out fines for two people riding on a one person sled (especially children!).

It’s Election Time Again!

All nominations must be in by the February meeting, and can be entered through the website rocktavernsnoriders.com. or by phone to Ray Mulligan at 845-496-3630. No nominations will be accepted after this date. The elections will be held in March for the Executive Board and for the Board of Directors. Any SnoRider under the age of 18 must have completed the safety course certification to be eligible to vote.

Grass Drags and other fun things

Work on the Grass Drags is being scheduled. Eric Miller is accepting all volunteers. The application is due in February and the Drags will take place in November. There’s a lot of work to be done!

Also! On August 14-16, Pine Island is hosting a town party, and vintage snowmobiles will be featured. Let Eric know if you are interested in helping out or if you have a sled to be shown. The Wurtsboro Airport Winter Fest is happening March 7th and will include a snowmobile swap meet, ice carving, wood carving and an antique sled show.

In other news…

• Mark: On February 19th, there will be a meeting in Wappingers to discuss the Stewart Lands. Mark, Erik, Frank Lange and Bill Sanner will attend and report back.
• Eric: The Orange County Audubon Society is interested in Eric making the same signs that we put up in the Stewart Lands. In an effort to promote our club, and harbor good relations with other groups that use the lands, Eric will make the signs for the Audubon Society. Anyone who wants to help, give him a call at 845-427-0898.
• Mark: The club owns two sleds and a trailer, but we’re having trouble with insurance because insurance companies won’t insure a club, only an individual. Sue is checking with NYSSA to see how this is handled by other club. John Kissel made a motion, Derek Miller seconded that Sue is authorized to pay up to $400 for insurance for these two sleds. The motion was approved.

Oh Happy Day!!

We just heard the news that … Anne O’Dell has a new position within NYSSA in assisting with membership and club issues and shepherding the online magazine! Congratulations, Anne!

Winter Trail Cleanup at Stewart

Did you miss it? View the photos on the photo page!

It's almost Election time!

The Nominating Committee is taking nominations for all Officer positions: President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary from now until the February 18 meeting. Please contact either Billy Rose @ 845-597-6145 or Ray Mulligan @ 914-804-2800 or rmulligan@wwholdings.com if you are interested in a position or wish to suggest someone for nomination.

Need a Safety Course?

Rock Tavern Sno Riders are hosting a Safety Course, open to youth or adults, on Saturday, February 28, 2009, 8:30 – 4:00. Please arrive at 8:15 AM to check in.

It will be held at the Town of Newburgh Ambulance Building at 97 South Plank Rd.; Newburgh.

There will not be enough time to leave for lunch. Please bring a bag lunch so you can eat in the classroom. The Club will provide coffee, hot chocolate & donuts for the morning.

Please pre-register by calling Sue at (845)742-0429 – We need your name, address, phone, date of birth, e-mail address.

Congratulations to 2008 Raffle Winners
Michael, Connie & Dayna Pendino!! 12/2008

Adirondack Specials for NYSSA Members

The Adirondack Park is an exciting place to sled, and the OLD FORGE area has been proclaimed by some to be the "Snowmobile Capital of the East" since the early sixties.

In gratitude for this distinction, Old Forge has created a new way to welcome you to their hundreds of miles of expertly groomed trails this season.

They call it the "A Thousand Thanks!" Discount Coupon Book. And YES, it has over $1000 in discounts!

The little booklet normally sells for $20, but is available FREE to NYSSA Members. (Everything from rooms, meals, clothing, gifts, and more!)

Read the DECEMBER 2008 NEWSLETTER

Next Meeting:
Wednesday, February 18, 2009, 7:30 pm
Scully's, Route 207, Rock Tavern

See you there!

Trail Clean Up at Stewart State Forest!

View photos from our trail clean up on Sat 9/27 & Sun 9/28/2008.

Dudes on the Hill:

1/26/08

..you just never know who you'll run into up there!


Mark checks out Kelly Makuen's new F6.... wheeee!

Coming Soon
the Rock Tavern Sno Riders
Business Directory
watch this space for details!

The Sno Riders’ Peak December 2006 Editor: Jocelyn Lange
THE NEXT ROCK TAVERN SNO RIDERS  EVENT WILL BE The Holiday Party! Saturday, December 9  7:00 pm at Sculley's on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern. Next Regular Meeting: Wednesday, December 20, 7:30 pm, Sculley's.	Upcoming Events December 6 Turn in your Rock Tavern Raffle Tix to Rick! 8pm - Sculley's All tickets must be returned before the Holiday Party! December 9 Holiday Party 7 pm, Sculley's December 16 Snowmobile Safety Course 8:00 am to 4:00 pm Pine Bush Fire House, Route 52, Pine Bush. You must pre-register. Contact smsrc2@hotmail.com. December 20 Regular Meeting, 7:30 pm Sculley's Jan 5 Get NYSSA Raffle tickets to Kevin Makuen for inclusion in Early Bird drawing! Jan 20 NYSSA Safety Day Do something to promote safe snowmobiling! Jan 26 NYSSA Governor's Ride Rome, NY * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Contact your 2006-2007 Officers: Mark Heinzelman, President (845)494-7884 Rick Bonita, Vice President (845)542-5423 Sue Heinzelman, Treasurer (845)742-0429 Jocelyn Lange, Secretary (845)497-3378 rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * As Always, to our sponsors – You’re the Best! Please see the Grass Drags Page for a complete list! PLEASE SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT HELP SUPPORT THIS CLUB!
Important ! Per Rick: Only 184 tickets for the Rock Tavern Snowmobile Raffle have been turned in. 800 tickets are still out there. The tickets need to be in before the Christmas party. Rick will be at Sculley’s on 12/6 at 8:00 collecting tickets. Meeting Notes: Treasurer’s Report: Was accepted as read. Details mailed/emailed to members. Kevin: NYSSA membership is up – there are currently 12,347 members. Income from club memberhsip to NYSSA as of 10/31 is $67,890 (last year: $9,940) This year there are 32,000 registrations. There is a new 415 page Adirondack Snowmobile Plan, which incorporates aspects from the plan 2 years ago, including keeping the wide trails. Kevin also talked about Trail Watch and passed out flyers. This is funded by the Homeland Security Dept. and allows riding in some restricted areas. We have signs with a phone number to call if you see suspicious activity. Kevin will see about hanging the signs at Stewart. Anne: Thanks to Kevin for becoming the Orange/Sullivan Alternate NYSSA Director! Anne: Extolled the virtues of the Adirondack Plan with regards to how it relates to Stewart and the 10/26 meeting. 60/70% of attendees were snowmobilers. Spoke about Mark and Sue’s speeches. Attitudes were changed that night. On 11/10, Anne sent a rebuttal of the Stewart Management Plan in person to the DEC. She went over the plan with the SMP Rep who confided that we would have access with some restrictions. All of the recommendations from the SMP Rep still have to go up the chain of command, but the plan will be in effect 12/31. Anne & Mark: We need to be on our best behavior this winter! If you see people misbehaving, stop them. If you see someone back there not on a sled, slow down. Let’s not give them a reason to take our trails away. Kevin: The Sullivan County Trails Association needs our help – if you have an ATV and can clear trails, see Kevin for information. For two days of work, they’ll give you free membership. Mark: What do with all of our money? Eric suggested buying materials for next year’s drags or sponsoring a baseball team. Eric will also look into the pricing for the drags fencing. Eric will head up committee to get started on next year’s drags. He’ll report back at the 12/20 meeting. More Stewart News: Stewart Forest uses meet with SAC resistance Stewart Airport – The proposed unit management plan for the 6,800 acre, more or less, Stewart State Forest just east of Stewart Airport was criticized by the Stewart Airport Commission Tuesday. The plan, which must be finalized by the end of the year by court order, includes creation of a Bird Conservation area, and allow campfires, handguns and shotguns for hunting and one part-time forest ranger to patrol the land. None of that sat well with the commission members, who adopted a resolution calling on the state Department of Environmental Conservation to make changes in the next month. Commission Chairman James Wright had safety concerns for aircraft. "Air Force One, from time to time, lands here at Stewart. Air Force One takes off over the forest. So I am concerned about anyone wandering around out there without somebody watching them. I don' think that one staff member from DEC can watch what is happening out there." Commission members also expressed concerns about bird strikes of airplanes. Sandra Kissam, president of the Stewart Park and Reserve Coalition, which forced the state to develop the unit master plan as part of a court settlement, was suspect about the timing of the commission members' concerns. "It would seem that this concern about whether the state forest and its uses poses a risk to the airport have only arisen since, indeed, the land in conjunction with our agreement with the state, the decision has determined that the land be open space." Orange County Administrative Officer James O'Donnell, who represents County Executive Edward Diana on the commission, said public safety should be priority-one in the forest, which to him means a review of the handgun policy and other provisions. O'Donnell is a former State Police commander and former chief of the MTA Police Department.
Did you get your snowmobile raffle tickets? Contact Rich Bonita! (845)542-5423	Keep up to date on the SnoRider news and help save on paper and postage -- if you'd like your newsletter emailed to you, please send an email with your name and the word "newsletter" in the subject line to: rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com
REMINDER: The SnoRiders will hold meetings every month. The riding season is coming soon!

 

The Sno Riders’ Peak June 2006 Editor: Jocelyn Lange
THE NEXT ROCK TAVERN SNO RIDERS  MEETING WILL BE THE LAST MEETING BEFORE THE GRASS DRAGS!!   Wednesday September 13th, 7:30 pm at Sculley's on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern.  Be there to renew your membership and get the voucher for your snowmobile registration! (We’ll also accept mail-in registrations – the form is available at our website) PLEASE ATTEND!	Upcoming Events Grass Drags! October 14, 2006 Raindate: October 15, 2006 Orange County Airport Route 211, Montgomery, NY 12549 See main page for details! * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Next Regular Club Meeting: October 18 at 7:30 pm Scully’s, Rte 207 Rock Tavern 496-9807 Contact your 2006-2007 Officers: Mark Heinzelman, President (845)494-7884 Rick Bonita, Vice President (845)542-5423 Sue Heinzelman, Treasurer (845)742-0429 Jocelyn Lange, Secretary (845)497-3378 rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * Thanks to the following businesses that have supported our club: Cycle Motion, Middletown: 845-343-2552 Napa Auto Parts, Goshen: 845-294-8197 Moroney’s, Newburgh: 845-564-5400 Scotty’s Signs, Bloomingburg: 845-733-5764 Sculley’s, Rock Tavern: 845-496-9807 Snowcat Country, Westtown: 845-726-3444 Stewart’s Tax Service: 845-342-5972 Strawridge Rock & Tape, Wallkill: 845-895-1072 PLEASE SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT HELP SUPPORT THIS CLUB!
June 21 Meeting Notes: August Membership Party: The Annual Membership Party will be held on August 6 from 12:00 noon to 4:00 pm at Scully's Tavern.  Be there to renew your membership and to get the voucher for your snowmobile registration! September 1st is the new registration date - your NYS Snowmobile registration will expire as of August 31. Membership forms can also be printed (click here) and mailed in, or submitted online here (you will have to mail your check separately). Registration Vouchers will be returned by US Mail. GRASS DRAGS SPONSORS: We need sponsors, says Mark! Please be sure to get the email address of any sponsor so that we can send them a thank you! If you need the form, call Jocelyn or download here. Sponsors are listed on the main page. GRASS DRAGS INFO SHEET: Download here - this is a flyer you can post around town in your travels. Treasurer's Report:  As of the June meeting, the account balance was $4,940.30. Expenses included postage, the new trailer, the snowmobile for the raffle, and expenses associated with the NYSSA Annual Meeting. Montgomery Day - We'll be putting a float in the Montgomery Day Parade.  Please contact Sue to work on the float. SUPER BIG SHOUT OUT!! Many, many thanks to the Northeast Snowmobile Racing Association, and their representative, Flint Stone, for providing us with trophies, fencing, and poles for the Grass Drags! And the Grass Drags will also be featured in Snoweek Race Magazine, along with the Drags schedule.  Check it out at www.powersledracingorganization.com .
This space for rent...  :-)	Keep up to date on the SnoRider news and help save on paper and postage -- if you'd like your newsletter emailed to you, please send an email with your name and the word "newsletter" in the subject line to: rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com

 

The Sno Riders’ Peak May 2006 Editor: Jocelyn Lange
THE NEXT ROCK TAVERN SNO RIDERS  MEETING WILL BE HELD ON WEDNESDAY, MAY 24th AT 7:30 pm The meeting will be held at Sculley's on Rte. 207 in Rock Tavern. THIS MEETING IS A WORK MEETING FOR THE GRASS DRAGS. PLEASE ATTEND!	Upcoming Events REMINDER: The SnoRiders will hold meetings every month throughout the summer to organize the Grass Drags. Next Club Meeting: May 24th at 7:30 PM Scully’s, Rte 207 Rock Tavern 496-9807 contact your 2006-2007 Officers: Mark Heinzelman, President (845)494-7884 Rick Bonita, Vice President (845)542-5423  Sue Heinzelman, Treasurer (845)742-0429 Jocelyn Lange, Secretary rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *   Thanks to the following businesses that have supported our club: Cycle Motion, Middletown: 343-2552 Napa Auto Parts, Goshen: 294-8197 Moroney’s, Newburgh: 564-5400 Scotty’s Signs, Bloomingburg: 733-5764 Sculley’s, Rock Tavern: 496-9807 Snowcat Country, Westtown: 726-3444 Stewart’s Tax Service: 342-5972 Strawridge Rock & Tape, Wallkill: 895-1072 PLEASE SUPPORT THE BUSINESSES THAT HELP SUPPORT THIS CLUB! Keep up to date on the SnoRider news and help save on paper and postage -- if you'd like your newsletter emailed to you, please send an email with your name and the word "newsletter" in the subject line to: rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com
April 26 Meeting Notes: The meeting was called to order at 7:55 and adjourned at 8:50. 41 members were in attendance. Grass Drags: The Grass Drags will be held on October 14th with a rain date of October 15th at the Orange County Airport. We need people for October 13th-15th, all day. Tom received equipment from Pine Push Equipment and Dan Malley has donated a water truck. Tom Owens will deal with getting the necessary hay. NO ALCOHOL IS PERMITTED, per the Orange County Airport. The SnoRiders will need to purchase orange safety fence and the club will have a tent at the event showcasing the raffle sled, selling raffle tickets and t-shirts. Two wristbands will be for sale: One to get into the event itself and one to get into the pit. The entrance fee is $10; $5 for kids under 12. Children under 4 years old are free. The pit fee is an additional $10. We will not charge for parking. A sponsor form is attached. Please solicit sponsors for the program we’re creating to give out at the Grass Drags. Prices are on the form. Forms, with the checks/cash, may be dropped off at Sculley’s Tavern.
And in other Noteworthy News: NYSSA Annual Meeting (Watertown, NY): Kevin Makuen reported on the results from the NYSSA meeting: There is now a minimum amount for a club membership. Individual memberships are $25 with $5 going to NYSSA. Vouchers will be given to members to reduce registration costs – registration costs to members of NYSSA Clubs in good standing will be $45. Individuals who are not members of a NYSSA club who go to the DMV or on-line will be given a list of clubs to join. Vouchers are issued to each club member and for family memberships; each individual is given a separate numbered voucher. NYSSA did not set a minimum amount for a family membership. For riders who do not join a club and NYSSA, the cost to register a sled is $100. Riders cannot join NYSSA without joining a club. If you are a member of a club and receive your voucher, you can join another club without paying the NYSSA membership again. Per Sue: SnoRiders may have to eliminate the “new member” fee currently in place. Club memberships will now coincide with NYSSA calendar and DMV registrations. The SnoRiders current membership year is from November 1st to October 31st. The new membership year will now be September 1st to August 31st. The SnoRiders will have an August meeting to register all members. A suggestion was made to hold a Registration Pig Roast. Thanks to Anne O’Dell for registering the SnoRiders as a club before the new requirements set in. As a result, we’re not required to produce trails. A motion was made by Kyle to reimburse Kevin for his costs associated with attending and representing the SnoRiders at the meeting. Sue seconded and it was unanimously passed. While there, Kevin also sold $200 worth of tickets!

The Sno Riders’ Peak April 2006 Rock Tavern Sno Riders Snowmobile Club
The next meeting will be held on Wednesday, April 26 at 7:30 pm. The meeting will be held at Sculley's on Route 207 in Rock Tavern. THIS MEETING IS MANDATORY FOR ALL MEMBERS.	Upcoming Events Next Club Meeting: April 26 at 7:30 PM Scully’s, Rte 207 Rock Tavern 496-9807 Contact your 2006-2007 Officers: Mark Heinzelman, President (845)494-7884 Rick Bonita, Vice President (845)542-5423  Sue Heinzelman, Treasurer (845)742-0429 Jocelyn Lange, Secretary rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *   Thanks to the following businesses that have supported our club: Stewart’s Tax Service 342-5972     Napa Auto Parts, Goshen 294-8197   Snowcat Country, Westtown 726-3444   Scully’s, Rock Tavern 496-9807   Strawridge Rock and Tape, Wallkill 895-1072   Scotty’s Signs, Bloomingburg 733-5764 Cycle Motion, Middletown 343-2552 Moroney’s, Newburgh 564-5400   * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * * *   Keep up to date on the SnoRider news and help save on paper and postage -- if you'd like your newsletter emailed to you, please send an email with your name and the word "newsletter" in the subject line to: rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com
March 15 Meeting Notes: Annual Sled Raffle: A deposit has been put on a Polaris at Cycle Motion that costs $4,675. A BIG THANK YOU to Jim Lord who will donate raffle tickets to the club to help with our Annual Raffle! NYSSA -  Anne O'Dell reported three representatives from Rock Tavern may attend the NYSSA Annual meeting in Watertown, NY. The meeting will be held April 7-9. Jim Lord and Kevin Makuen volunteered to attend on behalf of the Sno Riders. Representatives will be reimbursed for their expenses per unanimous vote at the March Meeting. Elections - Mark Heinzelman was (again!) elected President, Rick Bonita was elected Vice President, Sue Heinzelman was elected Treasurer, and Jocelyn Lange was elected Secretary. Jim Lord motioned and Kathy seconded, that officers should not pay membership dues.  The motion passed unanimously.
Grass Drags: We need about 50 people to support the drags.  The date will be firmed up in time for the April meeting.   The drags are an excellent opportunity for the club to earn a lot of money, and cooperation is needed from all.  Please see Tom to volunteer!
NYSSA has posted guidelines for responsible snowmobiling. Although this year may have not been the best for snowmobiling locally, these are good to remember for next year. Snowmobile operators and passengers will: ·        dress appropriately for all conditions and will have appropriate safety and emergency equipment at all times. ·        know that snowmobiling on trails in New York State is regarded as a family-oriented activity. ·        stay to the right side of the trails at all times. For more snowmobiling regulations, be sure to look for the signs posted on the trails!

The Sno Riders’ Peak  February 2006 Rock Tavern Sno Riders Snowmobile Club
Our club ride in Schroon Lake is cancelled due to a lack of snow.  If you have any questions, call Mark—494-7884.	Upcoming Events: Next Club Meeting Feb 15th at 7:30 PM Scully’s, Rte 207 Rock Tavern 496-9807 Poker Run: Feb. 19th—sign up 9—11 Am Scully’s parking lot. (Snow permitting) Contact your club: Mark Heinzelman, President (845)494-7884 Rick Bonita, Vice President (845)542-5423  Sue Heinzelman, Treasurer (845)742-0429 rocktavernsnoriders@hotmail.com   Thanks to the following businesses that have supported our club: Stewart’s Tax Service 342-5972     Napa Auto Parts, Goshen 294-8197   Snowcat Country, Westtown 726-3444   Scully’s, Rock Tavern 496-9807   Strawridge Rock and Tape, Wallkill 895-1072   Scotty’s Signs, Bloomingburg 733-5764 Cycle Motion, Mddletown 343-2552 Moroney’s, Newburgh 564-5400
Twenty one members attended the meeting on January 18th.  Scully’s provided awesome chili for the meeting! Welcome to our new members, Ray Mulligan, Brian Crosby, Ricky Tompkins, Paul & John Bochicchio, and William Gasperetti.  We received permission to host Grass Drag races at the Orange County Airport in the fall of 2006.  Committees are now being formed.   Please let Mark know if you are interested in helping out.    We are shopping for next year’s raffle sled.  If you have any ideas or suggestions, please come to the meeting on Feb. 15th and let us know.
For Sale: 2004 Blizzard 12’ V-Nose; drive in/drive off; dual axle, elec. Brakes, Pewter completely set up inside $5,600  call  Wayne or Tom 597-4228  1997 Arctic Cat ZR440; 600 miles; asking $2000, negotiable. Call Wendy 895-1092