What a crazy start we are having. I actually had to put a blanket on my wooly mammoth for the first time ever. Homes just seemed tense and cold. On New Year’s Day we went to Hammonasset, it looked like Antartica! I have never seen Long Island Sound so frozen. It makes me just want to hibernate. And the ice jams in the Connecticut River—I just dread what may be happening to the trails at Machimoodus, Hurd Park and the Meadows, maybe even Lord Creek.
As you know the Bridle Path Conservancy has been operating without a president for over a year now. No longer! Beverly Torell has stepped up and offered to serve in this capacity now that she is retired and has more time. A HUGE thank you to Bev! Please support her and the entire BPC board, they are our trails committee!
With the new year we are, as always, looking for insight from you, our members, as to what you are looking for from your club. It seems like, although our membership numbers are pretty steady, attendance is down at meetings and activities. Is this because the programs we have been having are not of interest? Or because it is easy and quick to get information on line? Or just because our lives have become so busy? We have been trying to have less meetings, more outdoor activities, social events, riding, and eating. We have been more flexible, changing dates and times to perhaps allow different folks to participate. Please share your thoughts and ideas. Email [email protected] or come to our 2018 planning meeting on February 8 or 9 (TBA) at Alyce Malleks’ house, 44 Jannas Lane, Madison. You will notice that this newsletter is pretty loose. We are waiting for your input!
On November 12, LCRVHC held our annual Chili ride at Chatfield Hollow hosted by Emmy Pavelka. 9 riders enjoyed about a 2 hour loop followed by chili and desserts and visiting. Andrea and Kayden Vanderweide were kind enough to bring Sue Davenport who has been having some health issues. It was so good to see her.
Our annual winter holiday (Christmas, New Years) was held on Saturday, January 13 at Kristin and Mark’s house. There was an awesome variety of food. We held a free raffle for some horse treats that were donated by Lakeside Feed as prizes for the hunter pace that was cancelled. It was fun to see some of our previous (returning) members like Bev Torell and Doro Fuller as well as our friend/photographer, Judy Bosco. About 25 people were in attendance.
Please see the Upcoming Events box on the first page and the Calendar on the last page for more activities. We really need your ideas for the 2018 calendar!
I hope to see you soon.
Melissa
PS 2018 membership renewals are now due. If you joined for the hunter pace or renewed at the Chili ride (or in November and December, you are good for 2018). Everyone else, there is a renewal form in this newsletter. It’s a bargain. Only $15 year for individual, $25 for family. Don’t make Alyce chase you. Send it today!