SnomadS Presidents Message

July for most people is a time to enjoy the comforts of the water, as we seek to escape the summer heat. For the Snomads Board however it’s a time to start planning for the snowmobile season that will be here quicker than you can say, “Bye bye Hillary.”
It’s time to make plans for the upcoming picnic, Board elections, General Membership meeting, the Novi Snow show, Safety Classes, ordering of trail permits and MSA raffle tickets. Time to reserve the hall for the Kick Off Party and block rooms for the rides as well as all of the other items necessary to insure a successful season.

Even though it’s still a year away, it’s time to begin planning for our 25th anniversary season. We have a couple ideas in mind for a special celebration, but welcome any and all suggestions.
I also need to make you aware of an opening on the Board for a trustee position. Our Treasurer, Mike Leppeck will be stepping down due to an increased work load, in order to support Wendy’s shopping habit. Ray Williams has volunteered to step up and assume the Treasurers duties, creating a Trustee vacancy.
If you are interested in running for the open position, here are the qualifications. You must have internet capability, be able to commit to monthly meetings, as well as possible special meetings.
You are required to bring your own unique ideas and point of view to the table, yet be flexible enough to compromise when necessary. If interested, email me at president @snomads.org and I’ll pass your name on to the nominating committee. Please include a brief note explaining the qualities and experiences that you feel makes you a good candidate.

Speaking of elections, this marks the end of my third two year term as President. At the end of the last ride season, I not only felt, but heard rumblings from several prominent members that made me feel it was time to consider stepping aside and not seek another term.
After all, the goals I had set were mostly realized. I hoped to not only maintain, but expand our visibility through our Safety program. With the hard work and dedication of Chuck Comstock and the members who’ve volunteered as Safety Instructors, that goal has been accomplished.

My other goal of making us the most recognized snowmobile club in the State, has been realized through the efforts of members like James Jetke, Kevin and Jodie Coghill, Ray Williams, Matt Baxter and the many other members that tirelessly promote us to both snowmobilers as well as the non-snowmobiling community. The result, being named as the 2007 Snowmobile Club of the Year by the MSA.
Plus, as a result of inviting Video Mike of Snowtrails TV along on the Mancelona Fun Ride, to document the Club experience, we will be featured in an upcoming Snowtrails TV show this fall.
So this would be a good time for me to slowly fade into the sunset and turn over the reins to a fresh face. Except I have one more thing I’d like to accomplish. I’d like to see us through our 25th anniversary. This is a special milestone and this organization deserves to mark it with class by honoring our past as well as going into the future with a memorable celebration.
Therefore, I will seek another two year term as your President. I will leave it up to you the membership to decide if you want to put up with me for two more years, at the General Membership meeting in September.

Finally, I’ve stayed away from bemoaning the negatives like the economy, the war, the price of oil etc. because you not only hear about it on every channel, you’re living it every day. So remember that one of the reasons you joined this Club, was for the opportunity to escape from the problems of everyday life. Let’s concentrate on this upcoming season. We already have eight rides scheduled with more to be added. Before you know it, you’ll be firing up the sleds and smelling the 2 cycle oil and Stabil . Unless you own a 4 stroke or a Cat. 4 strokes don’t smoke and Cat’s won’t start. Let the fun begin! See you all at the Picnic August 3rd at this years venue, Hadley Recreation Area, in southern Lapeer County.

Ron Schroeder - Pres.