Page 22 - TheJanuarySnomad

long track. What a ride! Gary Seidler, owner of Harp's, joined the SnomadS
and became one of the club's strongest supporters. We responded in kind,
purchasing several new models from him over the next few years."

Jim continued to say "...SnomadS were regular attendees at the MSA Con-
ventions in the late '80's and early '90's, we were even selected as "Club of
the Year" once and Harp's was nominated for Dealer of the Year in 1995. I
was privileged to make that presentation while I was MSA President."
"During the late 1980's or early 1990's, Chuck and Donna Ham came on the
scene already riding Ski-Doos, "Blue Salamanders" I believe we called them.
Donna was an avid rider but it was obvious from the start that Chuck would
rather be an administrator than a snowmobiler. When I announced that I
was relocating to the Munising area, most of the original members were
ready to let newer members take over and Donna Ham was elected as the
clubs second President." Jim told me that he and Connie remained active in
the club for several years after their move. They would frequently make the
trip south to attend the clubs annual summer picnic and for meetings. I can
tell you, this, both Jim and Connie have always enjoyed meeting members
of the SnomadS who have come along since their move north. Connie con-
tinues to be an active member and, as you must know, Jim Duke, SnomaD
member number 001, was presented with his Honorary Lifetime Member-
ship last November at the SnomadS Season Kick-OffParty. Jim, we thank you
and Connie very much for your leadership and guidance during the early
years!
If any one of our readers thinks that Jim and Connie Duke simply retired up
in Munising you could not be farther from the truth. With Connie at his side,
Jim has been far from retired when it comes to snowmobile activities. His
continued involvement in the MSA., and as Past President, he is on the Ex-
ecutive Committee, a U.P. MSA
Representative on the Snowmobile Advisory Committee, and currently Vice
President of the American Council of Snowmobile Associations (ACSA). Con-
nie also remains active in the snowmobiling community. She was appointed
as Charity Chairperson for the State and is second only to Deb Manson in
longevity with the "For Women Only" Easter Seals Ride. Connie has 15 years
of riding for the SnomadS in that event. Continue pg 23

January 2020 The Snomad Page 22