The Story Continues: 2007–2018

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The Story Continues

The first edition of the Story of the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club (TVCCSC) was published in November 2007. Eleven years have now passed and the Club's Board has authorized an updated version describing the ongoing story of the Club. I have agreed to write and assemble this project.

Don Boyle
Co author of the first edition.

Dedication

This second edition is dedicated to all those whose efforts have contributed to the construction and development of the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club; a now well established successful community institution.

Acknowledgements

I wish to express my special appreciation to:

The Board of the TVCCSC for authorizing, funding and publishing this Project,

Dawn Kierans for her meticulous editing of the text, Brad Mills for providing me with unfettered access to the Club's minutes and archives,

Nancy Gaudreau for her assistance in assembling and accrediting the photos,

Frank Roy for his wise advice and counsel,

Denise Guerin for her technical assistance and arranging for the electronic publication on the Club's Website and Facebook Page.

This 2nd edition is published by the Tay Valley Cross Country Ski Club and printed by Impression Printing, Perth, Ontario

Crisis of Governance

In April 2003 a dispute developed among some Board Members over the wisdom of implementing an earlier resolution authorizing the purchase of a $5000 Tid-Tech grooming machine. A crisis of governance arose when four of the Executive Members, including the President and the Treasurer, resigned without replacement. With this collapse of leadership, the Club effectively ceased to operate as a rules-based corporate entity. For the next three years there were no efforts made to hold Annual General Meetings, elect officers or report finances to members. In spite of this committed skiers in the community continued some core activities. Four successful annual Loppets were organized at The Timber Run Golf Course at the initiative of Doug Hollingsworth with the help of some members of the local Lanark Community. Jack Rabbit activities continued based at Murphys Point Provincial Park (MPPP) under the leadership of Geoff Hodgson. These morphed from formalized lessons into regular Sunday distance ski outings with about ten families regularly participating. Phill Brackenbury continued his successful efforts to promote skiing within the local school community. Details related to the purchase of the groomer were finalized by Club Secretary Frank Roy and it was eventually acquired. Phil Thompson recruited Richard Brownrigg to manage membership fees, National Capital Division (NCD) liaison and basic financial matters. Phil and Tom Bowes continued to handle most of the grooming requirements at MPPP sometimes assisted by Tobi Kiesewalter from the Park Staff. Dave Reesor came on board in the 2006-07 season. He has since acceded to the title and function of Chief Groomer and has served in this capacity as a most valuable asset ever since.

A Fresh Start

Against this backdrop a gathering of some fifteen members of the Club came together at McMartin House in November 2006. The last General Meeting of Club members had been in December 2001.

A consensus developed that there was a critical need to reestablish a formal Club structure operating within the framework of its established bylaws. Issues identified included the importance of putting into place stable contractual relationships with the Club's partners at MPPP and Timber Run and maintaining a strong connection with the NCD of Cross Country Canada {CCC} with the access it provides for liability insurance and to National and Provincial ski programs. Special consideration was to be given to grooming at MPPP with emphasis on the acquisition and use of suitably effective equipment with appropriately trained groomers. An interim executive led by Doug Hollingsworth was assembled, the composition of which is chronicled on p. 25 of the first edition of this story. It was formally elected at a duly constituted AGM and Social held at the Perth Restaurant in January 2007.

Following the formal business meeting, according to a tradition established at former AGM's, the meeting was addressed by guest speaker Geoff Tomlinson the Youth Coordinator for the NCD of Cross Country Canada. He spoke informatively of the Sport for Life Program and its ancillary Ski Fast program more fully described on p 48. Phill Brackenbury announced that arrangements had been made with Geoff for its introduction in Perth and Lanark schools in a series of events scheduled for February.

AGM's

Regular Annual General Meetings were reestablished. They have been held in early November ever since. These have been well attended events operating under the principle of democratic accountability where Club members have received financial reports, have been consulted on policy and have elected its officers. Over this period Club membership has varied between 140 and 170. This narrow variance has always been closely related to each season's snow conditions.

Club Bylaws previously revised in December 2001 were newly revised and ratified by the membership at the 2013 AGM.

Annual operational budgets have not exceeded $8000 but have been supplemented on occasion by grants and fund raisers for special projects.

Under the guidance of successive treasurers Frank Roy, Beth Graham, Denise Guerin and current membership coordinator Ray Schmidt, a strong effort has been made to keep increases in annual membership fees to a minimum with the aim of encouraging participation in our sport. These have been slowly increased to the current level of $75 for families, $50 for individual and $25 for students.

Still the best value for money for any locally organized athletic activity.

The following invited speakers have generously shared their expertise at successive AGM's and entertained members with their special experiences.

New Accomplishments

A confluence of events including the possible sale of the Golf Course and the limited availability of Club volunteers caused the new Board to make the strategic decision to terminate its engagement with Timber Run and concentrate its energy on the venue at MPPP. Accordingly during the ensuing period the Club has negotiated and applied several cooperative agreements with the very receptive representatives of the Minister of Natural Resources (MNR) at the Park.

Tay Valley Loppet Returns to Murphy's Point

In 2008 because of the transition issues previously described, and for the first time in its history, the Club was not in a position to hold a Loppet despite the strong snow conditions which prevailed that season. But beginning in 2009 and for the nine years that followed, the Club planned for its annual signature event. First held in 1977 and almost every year since, snow conditions permitting, it is now recognized as Eastern Ontario's senior Loppet.

In this more recent period the first three of these years were under the direction of Loppet coordinator Jim Reain an experienced and skilled Loppet skier. Jim put in place a strong team of some 30 dedicated volunteers which remains mostly intact to our current time. Special recognition needs to be given to the grooming team and to the food detail led by Dave Reesor and Ray Schmidt respectively for the work they continue to do so well.

Nancy Gaudreau, a newcomer to our region from Vermont, and a former High School coach was chosen to replace Jim Reain when he stepped down. Both Jim and Nancy have been well supported by the Club and indeed the entire community in their efforts to make our Loppet a first class event.

Successful Loppets have been held in all but three of the last eleven years when unfortunately the weather proved uncooperative. Participation has varied between 60 and 75 skiers. These have regularly included strong contingents from our neighbouring Kanata club, and from the Ontario Masters Skiers which has placed our Loppet on their competitive points list.

In September 2013, the decision was made to hold our Loppet on the Sunday of the same week-end, as the Canadian Ski Marathon (CSM), historically held in Mid-February. This date appeared to offer the nighest probability for the holding of a successful snow event in our region. This decision did not disappoint. Successful February Loppets were held in 2014, 2015, 2017 and 2018. In 2016 there was not enough snow. For the 2014 event, Nancy connected with Mary Stewart, co-owner with her husband Terry, of Perth's Running Goat shop. This couple has made a strong impact on local and international athletics by their efforts in promoting numerous running events. This includes the prominent Perth Kilt Run. It is recognized as the world's largest kilted race. This influence is now reflected in our winter event in that many kilted loppeteers and volunteers can now be seen sporting their favorite tartans at the Loppet.

On the technical side, the efficiency of the operation was improved with the hiring of Running Goat's Timing chip equipment which accurately records and allows for quick and easy on-line access to all results.

Taking into account existing facilities for food and shelter and with this organization now in place the Club assesses that it can accommodate up to 100 skiers and expects to grow in that direction.

Trail Design and Maintenance

The current trail map reveals the extent and complexity of the network at MPPP. Easily understood and accurate signage is essential for skier safety and enjoyment. In 2016 a new directional system was designed by Park Naturalist Tobi Kiesewalter and paid for by the Club. The 80 signs were installed in time for the season.

Pre-season trail preparation is an important aspect of the Club's activities. Orion Clark took on the position of Trail Boss in 2007. During his term and inspired by the vision of Doug Hollingsworth, twelve hundred meters of new trail from Black Ance Rd to the old Lally Homestead were put in place with the approval of the Park Authority. This now formed a new loop and added a useful option for Loppet planners wishing to make use of this area under conditions of adequate snow.

The region in the vicinity of the historic homestead, with its easy access to parking, trails and warm-up facility, was now seen as a more suitable base for Jack Rabbit operations. Accordingly, the area was further developed, again with park approval. This was done by the modification of an eight hundred meter scenic loop located just to the south of the surviving buildings. This expanded venue continues to be the center for regular Sunday afternoon fun-filled Jack Rabbit activities.

When Orion left the region he was replaced by Don Frizell in 2010. As Mechanical Coordinator at Albany Felt, Don is especially suited for this role. He has coordinated the preparation of the trail infrastructure ever since.

Over many years Club volunteers have responded to the call of the Trail Boss for the routine Fall cleanup. They would show up with their own hand tools including saws, clippers, axes, sometimes sledge hammers, crow bars and even pitch forks. Not to be mistaken for a modern Peasant's Revolt these work parties provided the essential service of cutting long grasses, digging out troublesome rocks and protrusions, clearing fallen branches, removing uprooted trees and mounting ski markers along the way. In recent years the Heigh-Ho Gang as you might expect to be greeted at the point of assembly by Don, well installed on his own ATV, suitably equipped with an array of more specialized tools. The Club has now funded the purchase of a new Honda four stroke trimmer used in conjunction with a rented walk-behind mini bush-hog. It also funds training for chain-saw certification required to conform with MNR safety standards. Now entire sidehills unfriendly to the passage of grooming equipment can be removed. Loads of gravel are transported and spread as required. The use of these more efficient mechanical labour saving devices offers a curious contrast as they are still supplemented by the basic tools of times gone by.

Always a pleasant blended experience of exercise and fellowship in the cool crisp air which heralds the splendid colourful autumn panorama.

Quality Grooming Means Quality Skiing

The acquisition of the Tid-Tech Grooming Machine in 2003 was significant. It represented a recognition by the Club of the importance of regular quality grooming for its effect on the enhancement of the skiing experience. Over the following years, a series of projects were undertaken which demonstrated a commitment to grooming as a Club priority.

One of the first actions of the new executive in June 2008 was to apply for a $15000 Trillium grant to assist in the purchase of a Bombardier Skandic Snow Mobile. It was felt that a machine with sufficient pulling power was required to drag a variety of pieces of grooming equipment sometimes around tight turns in deep snow. Ultimately an amount of over $10000 was received and the machine was acquired.

A troublesome issue, particular to our climate region, has been the occurrence of frequent mid-winter thaws typically followed by deep freezes. The resulting hard icy conditions have often made skiing either dangerous or impossible. Trails have sometimes remained in these ruined conditions for many weeks at a time. In the Fall of 2014 the Club Executive began planning for the acquisition of an $8000 Ginzu grooming machine capable of cutting through the hard ice surface and turning it into granular snow. This was the same model used at the Vancouver Olympics. The AGM supported a motion for $4000 from Club funds to be allocated towards the purchase. The remainder of the cost was successfully raised through a fund raising drive. At the 2015 AGM, President Drew Lampman thanked all those who had contributed, making possible the realization of a dream. These included many Club members, the NCD of CCC, and local corporations Kilmarnock and 3M.

The dream machine was put to effective use as soon as the snow arrived. In April 2017 the Park contributed to the overall effort by purchasing a new tracked 4X4 with winterized features and considerable pulling power. This was made available for the use of our groomers who had been given the required training for its operation. Their feedback was that it worked well in the snow and provided additional flexibility to the overall operations.

At the November 2017 AGM a motion was adopted setting aside $3500 for the replacement of the 15 year old Tid-Tech grooming machine. Informed recommendations with respect to the above Club hardware purchases were made by Chief Groomer Dave Reesor in consultation with his growing team of committed groomers. This practice of relying on the experience of volunteer operators proved to be especially effective in obtaining the desired outcome.

The Build the Bridge Bash — A Model of Community Cooperation

In the spring of 2008 a torrent of water through Black Creek washed out the old bridge along the McParlan House trail. This cut off a section of the Rideau Trail Club's route, the link to the Friends of MPPP's Archaeological Apprentice Site and a popular section of the ski trail network.

In February 2011, Beth Peterkin representing the Friends took the initiative to invite these three groups to organize a funding event to help build a new bridge. Our club enthusiastically joined in. Secretary Brad Mills and Treasurer Beth Graham volunteered to be the point persons for the Club. Through this joint effort over $10,000 was raised at an April dinner and auction held at the Civitan Club.

Within eight months, Ontario Parks came up with the remaining two thirds of the budget and a new bridge was built.

Communications and The Digital Evolution

By the time the Hollingsworth Executive was elected in 2007 hard copy methods of communication were falling out of favour everywhere. New cost effective electronically based platforms were replacing outmoded paper versions. More and more the Club began to rely on e-mail as a method of reaching members.

As early as 2002 this writer had circulated a proposal for the design of a Club Website. The suggested template it contained was adopted as a framework and remains mostly intact today. Credit goes to Jeff Bowes for his early efforts on this, but especially to Stephanie Gray from the Friends of Murphys Point Park who worked closely with Frank Roy to develop the final product. Only in October 2010 was Frank able to report to the executive that the Club now had a new working Website of the Blog variety. It was then decided that publication of the Langlauffer newsletter and the snail-mail circulation it required would be no longer necessary. Ray Schmidt inherited the task of managing the site. When the position of Membership Coordinator was established in 2013 it made sense that Ray would handle both jobs. The work it took to produce and operate this asset demonstrated yet again the growing team spirit now animating the Club. The yearly number of hits it receives is now recorded to be in the thousands.

A variety of communication methods is now in place and reaching out to the broader Community.

The Club's Facebook Page is another project falling within this category, whose concept was floated long before it was finally implemented. But when Treasurer Denise Guerin embraced the idea in October 2013 she was quick to put it into place. Nancy Gaudreau can be counted on to feed it with a steady stream of interesting postings. Indeed this is another effective resource by which the Club can communicate its message and its happenings. This popular feature now has many hundreds of regular followers.

In both cases the Town of Perth's original motto: "Make Haste Slowly but Surely." was closely adhered to and both turned out to be successful in the end.

The following year CCC selected "Zone 4 Systems" of Canmore, Alberta to deploy a national membership electronic registration system and data base. Our Club has made good use of this new tool for tracking memberships and other related information. Applications for membership and Loppet registration are now easily completed on-line.

Some communications, especially those with the broader Community, have remained non-digital. Tobi Kiesewalter continues to make good use of the generous auspices of Radio Station Lake 88. Of special interest to week-end skiers is the trail condition information he contributes to a regular Friday afternoon feature for a local radio audience.

Current Secretary Brad Mills is the only remaining Club Director listed on the Club's 1984 Letters patent application for Provincial incorporation who is still active in its governance. Brad continues to enjoy especially good relations with the local print media who are always ready to relay news about Club events which they receive from his communiques.

Outreach

Over these years the Club has come to realize that alongside its mission to provide an important health and recreational community service, it can also play its part in contributing to the the local economy. By supporting a number of related and unrelated activities, it has increasingly responded to opportunities to connect with the broader community. It is from this standpoint that the Club cooperates with the Lanark Tourism Association and several local business and service organizations. Many of its members take on prominent roles throughout the community.

In 2010 our Club successfully nominated long time community activist Frank Roy for the annual Perth Medal Award. This prestigious recognition for outstanding volunteer work is jointly sponsored by the Town of Perth and the local Chamber of Commerce. In making the nomination the Club's letter testified that "Frank has shown great distinction in a number of endeavours to benefit the community as a whole with no monetary gain to himself."

At its 2017 awards dinner the Chamber again honoured the efforts of yet another Ski Club Board member for his numerous community contributions. This time it was Club Vice President Phill Brackenbury who became the recipient of the Medal. It was presented to him by Mayor John Fenik who spoke of how Phill met the high criteria set out for the Award.

Financial support of $500 was provided to assist local athlete and friend of the Club, Perianne Jones, as she conquered a variety of challenges on her way to representing Canada at the 2010 Winter Olympic Games in Vancouver.

The Club has also conferred its own awards on occasion, including recognition of its volunteers and cooperating land owners. Donna and Jenna Sweeney were honoured for their role in the rescue of a member skier from a life threatening skiing accident at MPPP.

Practical hands-on and technical measures have been put in place to assist local organizations when requested. These have included the Super Kids in Parks (SKIP) Program sponsored by the Friends of Murphys Point Park and the Special Olympics Committee when it has held events at the Perth Civitan Club.

Through its connection with the NCD the club has successfully facilitated the introduction of the Ski Fast program into the network of local schools.

Programs

Jack Rabbit & Bunny Rabbit Activities

The first edition of this story tells how the Club's commitment to introducing local youth to our sport began with the efforts of David St. Onge and Stan Earl in 1974. This took on additional impetus when the Club embraced the mission of promoting the set of National skill standards developed by CCC through its Jack Rabbit Program in the 1996/97 season. Under the leadership of certified instructors it continues today to be the core youth activity managed by the Club.

As previously described the 2006/7 season marked a fresh start for the Club. A new measure reflecting this spirit was the provision of annual funding for instructor certification. In this way a significant body of adult leaders, mostly parents with children of Bunny Rabbit and Jack Rabbit ages, has been developed.

Many thanks go out to the following devotees who have so generously and enthusiastically contributed to the success of this fun program as it continues to attract between twelve and thirty young athletes annually. Special thanks to Geoff Hodgins, Nancy Sweetnam and Drew Lampman who have succeeded each other as Jack Rabbit Coordinators.

At the 2011 AGM the Club received a cheque for $2000 presented on behalf of the Perth and District Community Foundation. This was the result of an application made by the Club for funding the purchase of good quality equipment to be offered to youth new to the sport on a rental basis. A number of sets of performance grade skis, polls and boots with compatible bindings were acquired. This is an ongoing issue which continues to require creative funding initiatives.

Free Clinics for Adult Skiers

In 2013 the Club received an additional boost when Rick Sauder, a qualified ski instructor, moved to Perth. Together with Nancy Gaudreau, a former racer on the University of Vermont XC racing team which had significant successes at the US national level in the US, a series of scheduled clinics was established. It offered skiers at the beginner level an introduction to the basics of our sport. For intermediate skiers it was an opportunity to upgrade their skills. All aspects of classic and skate techniques were covered. Linda Cairncross was one of those athletes accomplished in other sports who quickly took to X Country skiing and soon obtained Canadian Association of Ski Instructors (CANSI) certification.

When Rick returned to B.C. Nancy and Linda continued the effort. Last season Rob Mears another qualified CANSI instructor joined the team. This program has sometimes been hampered by the reliability of suitable snow. The plan forward will replace fixed scheduling. Clinics will be held on short notice depending on conditions.

School Activities

Largely due to the efforts of St John's Elementary teacher Phill Brackenbury and through the Club's connection with the National Commission of CCC, the Club has facilitated the introduction of the SKI XC FAST program into the local school network.

Beginning in the 2006/07 season it has attracted participation based on the concept that skiing XC fast is an exciting and challenging activity. Since then it has grown to reach a significant number of students in the region. A unique feature of the program is that trained and experienced instructors go to the participating schools where they provide students and teachers with all the equipment required for a successful session. The program operates in full compliance with the Ontario Physical Health and Education Association (OPHEA) guidelines.

In tandem with this effort Phill with Club and Park support has been continuing to organize and hold successful annual regional School Loppets.

Worthy of special mention in connection with school activities is the achievement of a student-led team of skiers from Perth and District Collegiate Institute (PDCI) inspired by team founder Bronwyn Hodgson. After several seasons of solid training, a group of some 20 athletes reached a level capable of competing favourably alongside some of the best skiers in Ontario at the 2011 Provincial School Championships. Bronwyn has the distinction of having been one of the Club's original Jack Rabbits.

By the Light of the Silvery Moon

A short window of opportunity sometimes becomes available for night skiing under the brilliant light of a winter full moon. Whenever the required conditions converged, the opportunity was seized, the invitation was sent, the enthusiasts assembled, and another memorable combination of adventure and companionship was experienced. In recent years credit goes to Don Frizell for taking on the convening of this event.

Leadership Renewal

In February 2009, Doug Hollingsworth gave notice of his intention to step down at the next AGM. This writer succeeded him and served for the following two years. During that entire five year period a high priority had been that of insuring the Club's future viability. A significant effort was made to recruit a new cohort of younger persons willing to take on the administration. In November 2011 Drew Lampman, one of several serious cyclists now engaged in the Club, was elected to preside over a new capable team which had been put in place well equipped to support him.

The issue of leadership renewal is critical to the survival and vitality of most organizations reliant on the commitment of volunteers. They are motivated by the understanding that satisfaction brings its own rewards. Hopefully this story inspires others to come forward to make their own future contributions.

It takes a whole community to maintain an institution.

Snow Tonight

Keep on Skiing!

2017/18 Executive

President	Drew Lampman
Vice President	Phill Brackenbury
Secretary	Brad Mills
Treasurer	Denise Guerin
Membership	Ray Schmidt
Trail Boss	Don Frizell
Loppet Chair	Nancy Gaudreau
Youth Coordinator	Drew Lampman
Chief Groomer	Dave Reesor

Club Presidents Since Inception

← Read Part 1: The Story of the Club (1972–2007)

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