News

SUP PARTY (STAND UP PADDLE BOARD) & WATER TOYS!

WHEN:  Sunday August 27, 2017

TIME: 1:00-????

WHERE:  Club house @Harbor Heights Subdivision, 3789 Kings Road, 37416 ** Thank you Jan Wyant**

BY BOAT: Go like you’re going to the Chattanooga Coast Guard by boat.  Note** Balloons will be tied to one of the three boat docks.**

CSC will furnish fried chicken and paper goods

Please bring side dish or dishes to share.

BYOB-please bring koozies and or plastic cups

Bring your lawn chairs.

Rock Creek will bring SUP’s; they will be available to rent for the afternoon for $10.

If you have your own water toys; SUP, Kayak’s, Canoes, please bring.  

For information, contact Barb Wise at barbwire@flash.net or 423-902-6095.

Guests are $10 each, everyone will be asked to sign a release of liability form.  

SATURDAY, JULY 15, 2017

BLUE SPRINGS

3858 BURNING BUSH ROAD

RINGGOLD, GEORGIA 30736

To those that are attending the Lake Party:

We need volunteers to help set up before the party (around 10:00 AM) and take down after the party at 5:00 PM. If you want to help set up please be at there at 10:00. The party starts at 12:00 pm.

MENU:

This year's feast will be prepared by Bobbi and Chris Witt. We will be having a shrimp Low Country Boil. We will also be grilling chicken breasts. Please feel free to bring side items such as casseroles, desserts, rolls, garlic bread, desserts, coleslaw, macaroni salad, fruits, desserts, broccoli raisin salad, did I mention desserts, etc, etc.

GUESTS:

Feel free to bring guests, but please RSVP for them as well. All guests (non members) will be $10.00 a head. No animals.

ALCOHOL:

Everyone's favorite word. Beer and wine will be provided by the club. If you have a signature drink you would like to share, by all means share, share, share.

BRING CHAIRS!

For those that haven't RSVP'd to Bobbi Witt, please do so at moonsfrost@hotmail.com or text 423 322 7019 or go to the ski club Facebook and RSVP under the Lake Party Event by clicking on "Going".

Thanks,

Bobbi

HELLO EVERYONE,

Just like Ole and Arn Anderson, two great southern wrestlers, bellowed to the infamous Dusty Rhodes (wrestling’s “The American Dream”) ….”feel the HEAT Dusty Rhodes, feel the HEAT,” we are all beginning to feel the “HEAT” with the first days of summer upon us with reckless abandon. Even though everyone loves a good winter day with snow, blankets, wood, and all the booze one can have on a cold afternoon in January, we do have an option in the hot, sultry weather of summer!

LAKE PARTY, LAKE PARTY, LAKE PARTY!!!!!!  JULY 15^th.

It is that time again for the social event of the year for Hamilton County with the Club Lake Party held at Jim and Priscilla Tague’s home for maybe the last time, and we need to make sure that the entire architecture of the Tague’s home remembers this party for posterity purposes.

Please contact Bobbi Witt and tell her you are coming so we will be able to accommodate everyone with food and beverages.

Also, if you are under the care of a doctor for chronic pain, BeBe’s famous “Pain Killers,” will be available to help those that are disabled from acute, chronic, or psychological pain. Not only do we want to help take everyone on trips skiing in Europe, we do not want to, “feel your pain.” REMEMBER July 15, 2017 is the party, so put it on your calendar and please, please attend.

NOTICE

There will be NO club meeting at the Enclave for July because of the Lake party.

“………The old gray mare she ain’t what she used to be, ain’t what she used to be,…..

Recently, Pat and I had dinner with several ski club members and I must admit, it was not a pretty site. The purpose of the dinner was to exchange medical devices. I do mean real medical devices not the other things that are called devices (you know what I mean).

Nope, no one got mad, everyone was on their best behavior, but everyone was seriously hurt. Tom DuBose was recovering from a broken ankle, toe, foot, and fibula. His wife Susan broke her wrist last October at the Creeper Trail.

Dave Flowers, who we all know has pissed off a higher being in his earlier life, is a walking M.A.S.H. unit, and God bless his wife Debbie for being physically sound. However, I think she will admit she also needs some type of rehab for taking care Dave these past couple of years. I noticed her having uncontrollable jerks and blurted out improper words, similar to Tourette’s during dinner that were not a part of her makeup until she became a caretaker for Dave 24/7.

Pat, my wife, was on a cane for her knee that has been killing her most of the year and was in a lot of pain. I overdid it the day before by reaching for a cup of coffee, and almost falling to the floor from tweaking something in my back. I am not joking. I did however feel fortunate that I was able to feed myself, something not everyone else could say at the table that night, but Debbie did a good job feeding the most hurt, getting them to chew their food, and she did not spill too much on their bibs.

Pat, however was the happiest I had seen her in years. Who says a spoonful of crushed oxycodone does not make the medicine go down?

Here is the point, we are five months away from starting our ski club trips and already we are falling apart. To quote Kevin Meaney, a comedian who recently passed away, who did the most wonderful routine about his mother’s favorite phrase being, ”That’s not right,” it darn sure is not right we are all hurt and sick.  

So as President of the big beautiful Chattanooga Ski Club, I would like to give everyone some helpful hints about staying physically healthy and avoiding injuries during this difficult time of year when it is just too dangerous to go outside. These are my personal helpful tips for staying healthy during the summer so we can indulge in winter frivolities are the following:

1.  DO NOT CUSS YOUR SPOUSE FOR MAJOR OR MINOR TRANSGRESSIONS

            This is something we all know but do not practice. Yes, we all have guns and knives in our homes, but that is not what I am talking about. Have you ever been in an argument with your spouse and shortly afterwards your spouse cooks you dinner? Have you ever noticed that after you eat the ”makeup dinner,” you catch a small case of food poisoning just like you do when you make a waiter mad at a restaurant?  Digestive tract issues are totally draining and I understand a little bit of spit on mashed potatoes goes a long way.

2. NO MATTER HOW COOL THEY LOOK OR HOW GOOD YOU FEEL, STAY OFF YOUR NEIGHBOR’S HOVERBOARD

            Forget about Russia, the Asian countries that make these instruments of destruction are out to destroy anyone over 40 who think they can still party with college folk and still keep up with them physically.

3. DO NOT LISTEN TO YOUR BODY

            I can safely say that after almost 60 years of living I have never carried on a cogent conversation with my body. I have told my body some of the funniest stories and tried the best I could to engage it in helping me make life-defining choices, but it remained silent when I really needed another person around. My body has never told me anything. Basically, whenever I even tried to second guess what I thought my physique was telling me, I ate too much, drank too much, and hurt myself doing things I should not even have tried in the first place. I am familiar with the phrase, “there may not be a truthful bone in his body,” but I feel there may not be a talking one.

4. STAY AWAY FROM BOUNCY HOUSES

            A bouncy house is one of those blow-up things that kids get in and jump all around on at birthday parties and playgrounds. If you are an adult and even stick your head inside one, you will get hurt. Middle Eastern terrorist are bad, but bouncy houses are worse. I do not know who makes them but I believe it is probably Al Qaeda-backed forces.

5. IF YOU GET HURT REMEMBER R.I.C.E.

            R.I.C.E. after an injury stands for the following: Rest, Ice, Compression, and Elevation. I think this is a little much.

            I would like to recommend another R.I.C.E. with just a little twist being the following; Rob Roys (generally three), Ice house highballs, Campari sodas, and Easy Alabama Slammers top off a wonderful afternoon of pain management.

            Seriously, we must be careful out there. Just because we are a little older does not mean that bad things cannot happen to us because we are so much wiser now than years past. And should misfortune strike and we get sick or we become injured, let us wear our scars, casts, and mobile hardware like battlefield medals. Remember, we are in the game of living and sport. We are in the arena fighting day in and day out and we have the genetic makeup from thousands of years of development to deal with hurdles that come in our path, big or small, and go forward with jubilation.

I think the Partridge family said and sang it best many years ago when they started off their television program with the song, ”Come on get happy,” and they continued to repeat the line over and over. 

            ”Come on get happy, Come on get happy, Come on get happeeeeeeeey!”

QUOTES OF THE MONTH

“A really strong woman accepts the war she went through and is ennobled by her scars.” Carly Simon

People never lie so much as after a hunt, during a war or before an election.  Otto von Bismarck

See you at the next meeting!

HELLO EVERYONE,

Well, it is summer and whether the calendar says it or not, it is time for the ski club to get back to its main purpose; having a good time whether be it in snow, sleet, rain, or the dead heat of August.  As we all know, variety of weather is “the spice of life.”

Wow, for the first time in two years someone wrote the lead article for the Newsletter in May.  John Neblett, thank you for that. Also, thank you for willingness to serve the club through the years, and even though you may be slowing down a little bit in your contributions, remember anyone who takes over jobs you have done in the past will always be told, “Yeah, that was okay, but John Neblett, he always did it this way and it worked great!!!” You have set a high bar.

END OF THE SEASON PARTY

I must say the End of The Ski Season/Derby Party at Tom and Jinksie Harris’ home was a house party for the ages. Food, Fun, Fillies (and I do mean the hairy ones…….. did that come out right?), and the party was just a great time had by all. Tom and Jinksie took all of us in their home early in the afternoon and kept us engaged and happy all evening. Estimates were that approximately 70-80 members and their special others attended.  I got to say this, Robert Haile and his date really looked cool.

I guess it needs to be said here now, but it should have been said years ago, Tom and Jinksie Harris have both been such an important asset for our little group and have put themselves totally into the ski club activities for years.   If you like the meetings and how tables are set up, if you like the food set out at any club function, and if you understand the whole concept of giving to others, this is all Tom and Jinkise. Some people cannot see past their noses and some people only think of others. These two wonderful people are definitely the latter.

A personal thanks from the entire club to you young folks. Remember you are appreciated and loved.

Your Old Forester Mint Juleps are good too.

ONE REASON NOT TO SHAKE HANDS!!!!

I know it sucks, but a personal experience for this month’s Aesop’s Fable. It will be short.

Many years ago, in fact 30 years ago last month, I started practicing law.  Now there is another great story that is for a later time.

Years ago when I just got out of law school, I was fortunate enough to get hired for a job in my home town with an older attorney who was a local legend and had fought the wars, defended the oppressed, and did exactly what I wanted to do with my career. I thought this was Heaven to learn from the best and take it to the next level.

Problem was, even though my boss was the best attorney and most amazing guy, he had severe issues he had never dealt with which devastated his life, family, friends, but never his practice in the roughly 15 years I personally knew him and the almost 40 years he practiced.

He gave me my start. I was able to learn how to practice law (always with a alcohol and no fear of the outcome of a case win or lose), how to make a living with a law practice -- he showed me what his professional model was for success in a small town practice. 

It was great for a while. But as you can guess, the dynamics of the situation were not in my favor and four years later we were not enemies, per se, but we were definitely on opposite ends of the stick. It was set-up-a-shingle-on-the-side-of-the-road time at my place and we left on the worst terms. We did not speak for years.

A couple of years prior to his passing, we had become cordial to each other but we never had the opportunity to have the following conversations;

• 1.     He never told me how big a dick he was to me and apologize ;
• 2.     I never got to tell him  how much of an ass I was to him and apologize; and
• 3.     I never got to thank him for giving me a start in the business and say how my short time with him put me light years ahead of everyone else practicing at that time.

Fast forward this month, I saw my old boss’ grandson who was born shortly before he passed away. I did not really know him well, and my wife pointed him out to me and we went over to say hello.

When I met the grandson, a funny feeling came over me. The last thing I wanted to do was shake his hand. My hands were clean, I did not have anything I was holding, but I just did not want to shake his hand.  It was just not going to be good enough.

I grabbed his neck and tried to get all I could grasp at that time, anything or any part of my old boss that could have been present or could have been in the general area around his grandson at that moment. It may have looked a little awkward, but what the hell, I needed it, and I am sure he knew I needed it because you have to make accommodations for older folks, you know.

Here is my point, whenever we get together as a group, go on a ski trip, or see ski club members out, let’s make sure that we get our money’s worth out of each other in every contact we have as a general collective or individually. Skiing is great, traveling is fun, but our interactions are the best. I have said it in the past and it is true, if we are going to drink, let us drink up each other first and then go to the bar.

If we come in contact with someone that is not our favorite person, remember, and I have learned the following the hard way,

• 1.     Not every good thing is the best thing; and
• 2.     Sometimes bad things can change your entire life for the better, even though, it may take a little time to realize it truly is better .

QUOTE OF THE MONTH

“Sunshine is delicious, rain is refreshing, wind braces us up, snow is exhilarating; there is really no such thing as bad weather, only different kinds of good weather.”

John Ruskin- English writer

See you at the next meeting.

I must admit that I was somewhat skeptical about the outing to Bodies...The Exhibition! However, what I want to say now is WOW! Those of you that did not go really missed a awesome outing.

Not only was the weather perfect, but the museum was more that I expected.  The exhibits were tastefully displayed. I was amazed at the precision of the dissections, some so thin you could see through them.  This was not a biology class, it was more a "OMGoodness there is a God."  The thoughts that ran through my head were, “Only God could make a body so precise and perfectly planned to function as the human body."

I don’t want to offend anyone, not trying to be politically correct here, just sharing with you my thoughts on the museum.  

Those of us that went want to thank Bobbi Witt for the idea, those of you that missed it, I am sorry that you did not have the privilege of seeing where the “sex drive” is located in our bodies!

If you want more detailed directions, I am sure Don Tomlin, Tom DuBose or Chris Witt will be glad to share where it is located. 

Go with us next time!!             

Barb Wise

Starting with the June membership meeting, the price of a meal will increase from $10 to $12. This new price reflects some modifications to improve our menu and also some cost increases generally by all caterers and restaurants. Chef Tim of The Chef and his Wife will be there at the start of the next meeting to ensure our order is complete and ready to eat. If you have suggestions or questions, you can speak to him or to Mike Hood or any board member. Mike will send out the menu before the meeting with information about reservations as always.

Elections were held at the last Board meeting in April. The following were re-elected for another term:

Ashley Ownby - President
Hilda Jones - Secretary
Tom DuBose - Treasurer

Mike Hood was newly elected as Vice President and a new position of Parliamentarian was created. John Neblett was elected to this position and proceeded to remind us of a requirement of the bylaws about five minutes after he was elected, thereby demonstrating the need for this position. Thanks John! Don Tomlin was also voted as trip leader for the Virginia Creeper trip. Thanks to Mike for his service, for Don for assisting Barb with the special events, as well as thanks to the continuing officers.  It takes a lot of work for all us members to have this much fun, and we are grateful for everyone's service.

 Another fine Chattanooga Ski Club Board has been working for weeks on the next year’s trips.  Our trips continue to evolve to the members’ needs and desires.  We do a lot more than ski. Change is necessary for groups like ours.  We continue to try new events and trips.

Several traditions have remained at the core of the club values.  We volunteer and support charities and community causes with money and manpower.  These activities are both enjoyable and uplifting.

We welcome new members to the club both skiers and non-skiers.  We have a large number of members who join for other reasons than snow sports.  Several Board members are in this group.  Age and injury are moving some of us into this group sooner than we would wish.

We take care of one another on trips and at home. 

I joined the Chattanooga Ski Club for the low cost trips.  I found that benefit and a friendly caring group of people.  Dan Paul and Harry Brundage were the first two to take the new kid under their wings. They made me feel welcome and included on the trip both skiing and off slope both.  They were both gentlemen of the highest order.  The Hilbrandts, Plemons, and Peaks also went out of their way to be inclusive to everyone. 

The people who make up the ski club make the ski club great.  The club will continue to grow and prosper as long as we remember to include everyone.  Thank all the leaders and members for all they have done.  I am proud to be member of the Chattanooga Ski Club.

Sometimes you get lucky with a ski trip, as we did on this year's Park City trip. A significant snowfall AFTER we get there, some blue sky days later in the week, no travel delays or cancellations, a fun barbecue dinner with the group, and no injuries or mishaps. Something for all thirty-five participants. In addition to the fine skiing, there were optional events, such as a horseback riding excursion in the snow with Rocky Mountain Outfitters, a Pure Prairie League concert at the historic Egyptian Theater, dinner at the Deer Valley seafood buffet, and Main Street shopping.

We arrived Saturday afternoon, got settled in, and had a pizza party at the condos, hosted by our tour company. Snow started falling Sunday night and continued all through Monday. Despite the reduced visibility, there was some terrific powder skiing with "free refills" -- ski one place, come back later, and the snow has filled in your tracks.

It was hard to find other club members in the huge, combined ski area of Park City and the Canyons. We had better luck on Wednesday when several people went to Deer Valley and we saw the familiar yellow leg bands on a group skiing by. On Thursday, some of the club officers took a complimentary tour of Sundance ski resort and a nearby lodge. They came back raving about how beautiful that area is. Friday night we had the traditional leftover night, hosted in our condo. We had more than enough food, thanks to getting leftovers from the barbecue party. And yes, you can get thirty people, having dinner and drinks, in a two bedroom condo.

One advantage of Park City is the proximity of all the shops and restaurants to the resort and to our condos. Park City has an excellent free bus and trolley service for those who prefer to ride rather than walk.

Although the flight home was long, it also was on time and free of incident. Our bus driver was waiting for us in Atlanta and got us back to the church and our cars with only a minor Atlanta traffic jam (it wouldn't be Atlanta without a traffic jam, would it?). Thanks to everyone who made this a great trip.

Tom DuBose

Trip Leader

(Credit for this entire report is given to Susan DuBose, Ghost Writers, Ltd.)

Crescent Spring Conference - April 28 through May 1, 2017

Mini-Golf Tournament – deadline for signup is April 12, 2017.  All registrations must be received in advance no later than April 12^th!!  Please send your registration form and check payable to Crescent Ski Council to Terri Tokaz at the address listed on the form.  Important – everyone must pre-register!!

Tennis Tournament – first-come basis.  Space is limited to the first 16 players.  Only those pre-registered can play in the tennis tournament.  Please complete the registration form and check for $18 to Cameron Andrews at the address on the form.  Deadline for signup is April 7, 2017.

Golf Tournament – deadline for signup is April 7, 2017.  Cost is $55, which includes greens fees, golf cart & cart attendant tip & lunch buffet.  Space is limited to the first 40 golfers.  Please complete and send your registration form and check to Dave Salisch at the address on the sign-up form.

Reminder: we also have a table decorating contest – one table per club.  The Saturday Night Party Theme as we advised previously is “Out of Africa” or “African Safari.”  Think Safari, Tarzan, Jungle, Serengeti, Drums, Tribal Dancers, Medicine Men, and we can’t leave out Indiana Jones!!  Rules as follows:

1. Any Club that wants to make a centerpiece can do one table per Club.
2. Please notify Faith Campbell at mpcampbsoup@outlok.com by April 1^st if you plan to enter the table decorating contest – Faith will need to determine the quantity of decorations for the remaining tables.  Prior years examples of tables are posted on Crescent’s website.

The deadline for website judging is past (March 13^th).  The video judging form is posted on Crescent’s website.  Deadline for the video entries is April 3^rd.

Contact Bobbi Witt, Crescent Coordinator, at moonsfrost@hotmail.com for more information or forms for these events.