New year, new beginning. The Airline Riders Snowmobile Club, incorporated in 1987, is undergoing a renewal and rebuilding phase. We are happy to still have long time members with us as well as many new ones, for a total so far of 67. Frank and Maryann Janusz at the Airline Snack Bar are helping to get things rolling, applying for grants and working with folks on the state and local levels for funding and other assistance.

Our first big fundraiser of this season is a raffle for a 10 in. Jiffy Ice Auger. The drawing will be made when 300 tickets are sold. Tickets are $5.00 each. Only 300 will be sold (see Club News). The trails we have consist of about 36 miles so far, and we are discussing with the state adding another 20 or so for access to Alligator Lake for ice fishing. Sledders have been enthusiastic and pleased with trail conditions and very vocal in their compliments.

We are lucky to have experienced trail groomers. Frank and Maryann Janusz have made it possible, with help from club funds, to augment the club’s almost 20 year old machinery with a new groomer and sled. The new equipment is a 2010 Skidoo Skantic, extra wide track, with a V-800, 4 stroke engine and a commercial grade groomer with power lift (see photo at center left).