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www.snowdrifters.net

Fox Valley Snowdrifters

Ski Club Officers &

Committee Chairpersons

PRESIDENT:

Joe Hopp

630-896-4320 jhopp23@hotmail.com

VP: Tom Quetsch

630-761-1985

quetsch@sbcglobal.net

TREASURER: Mike Baurle

630-406-0217

SECRETARY: Donna Buchholtz

630-690-6378 donnahomeagain@aol.com

TRIPS: Frank Hodowal 630-584-0868

fthod@aol.com

SOCIAL: Pat Quetsch

630-761-1985

quetsch@sbcglobal.net

CMSC and RACING: Mike Baurle

630-406-0217

MEMBERSHIP:

Greg Olson olsongv@comcast.net

PUBLICITY: Roger Vogtmann

630-584-4207

NEWSLETTER: Chuck Salisbury 630-584-7680

c.salisbury@computer.org

HISTORIAN and WEBSITE:

Paul Fredricks

fredricp4@comcast.net

REG. AGENT: Frank Hodowal

630-584-0868 fthod@aol.com

PAST PRES: Chuck Salisbury

630-584-7680

c.salisbury@computer.org

The Flakey News

A Publication of the Fox Valley Snowdrifters Ski Club

2014 SKI TRIPS ARE GOING ON SALE IN JUNE

We are planning the following ski trips for 2014:

January…Bus Trip – Not yet scheduled

January 18 –25…Whistler Blackcomb Resort - Seven Nights

February…A Short Western Trip not yet scheduled

February …Bus Trip – Not yet scheduled

March 8 – 15…Snowmass / Aspen - Seven Nights

A Note from the President May 2013

As I begin my two year term as the President of the Fox Valley Snowdrifters, I realize that I have some very big shoes to fill following Chuck in his presidency. Chuck accomplished a great deal in the last two years as highlighted below: 1. He oversaw the Club’s 50th Anniversary celebration which included a Scarecrow entry in the

St. Charles Scarecrow Festival to promote interest in our Club and we held an open house in

late 2011 inviting all past Club members.

2. He developed a comprehensive budget that I will continue to use.

3. He initiated an investigation into website providers and upon his recommendation we

switched to an improved website operated by Wild Apricot.

4. He was instrumental in updating the Club’s Constitution.

5. Chuck also attended every board and/or general meeting!

We all owe Chuck a Thank You for a job well done! I want to thank all Board and Committee Members (listed below) and express my appreciation to you for accepting the invitation to serve our Club.

Tom Quetsch Vice President

Mike Baurle Treasurer & CMSC Representative

Donna Buchholtz Secretary

Greg Olson, Dave Shriver, and Kathy Stuebinger Membership Committee

Frank Howodal Trip Coordinator

Chuck Salisbury Newsletter & Web Master

Pat Quetsch Social Chair

Roger Vogtmann Publicity

Paul Fredricks Historian

Chuck Salisbury Past President

Bill Schroff the founding member of our Club Finally, I would like to thank all members for being a part of our Snowdrifters Club and ask that you consider becoming involved in a committee, on the board, and/or as trip leader. Additionally, I would ask that you participate in regular meetings as well as join us for a drink and fellowship. I have only one goal as President and that is to have fun on our trips, at our events, and at our meetings. If you have any suggestions for a fun event and/or meeting ideas, please let me know.

Joe

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SNOWDRIFTERS’ 2014 TRIPS

Now is time to think about signing up for 2014 ski trips! Our plan is to start putting the Whistler/Blackcomb and Snowmass/Aspen trips on sale at our June club meeting. We are still in the process of working with vendors for a February shorter five day trip over the weekend, possibility of Crested Butte, Durango, or Beaver Creek in Colorado. We are also planning one or two weekend bus trips to Michigan or Wisconsin. We should have final information on a short western trip and the bus trips in the near future. Considering that air fares and resort prices are up for 2014, we have already booked two great ski locations at a reasonable price! Check out the trip information on the Whistler/Backcomb and Snowmass/Aspen trips in this newsletter. If you have any trip questions, or if you’d like to be a leader on one of these trips, contact Frank Hodowal (Ph# 630-584-0868 or email fthod@aol.com).

WHISTLER BLACKCOMB, CANADA

Saturday, January 18, 2014 –

Saturday, January 25, 2014 Price: $1,439.00 ($1,095.00 without Lift Tickets)

INCLUDES: Round-trip (non-stop air) via United

Transfer between airport and resort and back

7 nights lodging at Delta Whistler Village Suites

5 of 6 day lift ticket

Group Pizza Party

Ask anyone to name the best places for skiing and riding and Whistler is always on their list. Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains offer the greatest vertical of any ski area in North America, and its massive high-alpine terrain rivals the major ski areas of Europe. Whistler Resort, home to the 2010 Winter Olympics, is the largest ski resort in terms of size, vertical drop and longest runs in North America! It contains over 8,000 acres of terrain and 37 high speed quads and gondolas spread over two huge mountains, Blackcomb and Whistler. The mountains are now connected by the famous “Peak 2 Peak” gondola which gives riders a spectacular view of the valley below. Some of these gondolas have glass floors to emphasize the view! There are seventeen magnificent bowls, four glaciers, one mile vertical rise and more than 200 marked trails—steep powder chutes, challenging mogul fields, secluded tree skiing and groomed to perfection cruising runs…73% of the runs are rated for Blue and Green skiers! In short, Whistler Blackcomb is Nirvana for skiers and boarders of all ages and skill levels.

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And it doesn’t end at the mountain. Whistler Village base is a vibrant, pedestrian village filled with restaurants, patios, cafes, shops, galleries and spas, surrounded by breathtaking scenery. There are also all the normal off-the-slopes activities such as ice skating, cross country skiing and snowshoeing plus zip lines and an underground climbing center! We will be staying in Whistler's lower village, at the 4 STAR Delta Whistler Village Suites - 2 bedroom/2 bath condos, only a 10 minute walk or a free shuttle bus to the Whistler gondola, so you can easily get to the slopes and quick access to fresh powder every morning! If nightlife, dining, and shopping are what you are looking for, this trip will accommodate you too! You are in the heart of Whistler Village!

SNOWMASS, COLORADO Saturday, March 08, 2014 –

Saturday, March 15, 2014 Price: $1,409.00 ($1,055.00 without Lift Tickets)

INCLUDES: Round-trip (non-stop air) between Chicago/Denver, Co. via United

Transfer between airport and resort and back

7 nights lodging at Top of the Village Condos – ski in/ski out

Wine & Cheese Welcome Reception

5 of 10 day interchangeable lift ticket

Group Pizza Party

Aspen-Snowmass is a world famous ski destination with the "Power of Four" World Class Ski Areas within minutes. Our destination at Snowmass is just 12 miles from downtown Aspen. Snowmass is the largest of four resorts. There 3000+ acres of ski terrain with the longest run over 5 miles. It is about 75% intermediate terrain. Beginners can learn at Buttermilk with all green & blue runs. Experts will find Aspen or Ajax more to their liking with 75% of the runs intermediate and above. Just in case you still are having trouble finding suitable terrain, try Aspen Highlands. With your 5 of 10 day interchangeable lift ticket you can decide what mountain you want to ski each day! We will be staying at Top of the Village which provides the ultimate in luxurious ski-in/ski-out condominium lodging. The spacious 2 and 3 bedroom apartments are individually furnished and decorated by private owners. Each has a balcony overlooking the ski slope, fireplace, fully equipped kitchen, and washer/dryer. Units have a bathroom for each bedroom. All buildings are elevator-served. Additional features are a year 'round outdoor heated swimming pool, two hot tubs, changing rooms with showers, fitness room and large sauna. Complimentary shuttle service operates on call throughout Snowmass Village, exclusively for the Top of the Village guests. Of course, daily housekeeping is also provided.

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Social calendar

Dinner, anyone? 6 PM, Saturday, June 1

Tusk Restaurant in Batavia. This is another bring-your-own alcohol place that comes highly recommended. We had such a nice time at E&S Seafood; I thought it would be fun to try someplace else. We are now getting to

know all the good places to eat around here. Spending time with friends is always a good time. We'll be meeting there at 6pm. Please email me to let me know if you're going by 5/27.

Due to the late notice I'm going to move our Rafting trip to

June. Sorry for the confusion. Rafting the Vermillion River. Saturday, June 15

Rafting the Vermillion River. The cost is $25 per person and it's for 3 - 4 hours of rafting. You

can go as slow or fast down the river as you want. We did this a couple of years ago and had a wonderful time. The only thing I suggest is bringing something to cushion your behind. We will also

be returning to Cajun Connection for dinner afterwards. This place was wildly popular and I for one can't wait to go back. I will make 11:00 our kick-off time so plan to be at the rafting place by 10:30am. Please email me by June 2nd if you plan on joining us.

Ravinia - Josh Groban Saturday, August 10th

I did it again. Everyone was asking to go to Ravinia again this year so I bought tickets for Josh Groban! Which, by the way, immediately sold out. I have 10

tickets left and it's first come first serve. The price is $35 per person. If you have never been to Ravinia it is a park like atmosphere that is magical at night. We have lawn seats and I will have balloons again this year.

Josh was named the #1 Best Selling Artist of All Time on Barnes & Noble in 2007. Groban has sold more than 20 million albums in less than ten years. In 2002, Groban was listed as "100 Sexiest

Newcomer" and in 2008, he became one of People's "100 Most Beautiful People".

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Kickoff Party

Coming soon---I'm working with Dave and Kathy to find a date for our kick-off party. We are again thinking sometime in August. I will post on Facebook as soon as I know something. I will also put in next newsletter.

Please contact me at quetsch@sbcglobal.net if you want to attend any of these events. As always,

I'm open to suggestions as the where people would like to go.

Recipe of the Month by Pat Quetsch

Well summer is almost here and I thought a nice salad recipe was in order. This is a good one.

Warm Strawberry Spinach Salad Ingredients

1 5 oz. bag baby spinach 1/2 C chopped hazelnuts 1 C sliced strawberries 4 slices bacon, cooked until crisp and crumbled 1/4 C Gorgonzola cheese

Dressing 2 Tbsp bacon drippings 1 small shallot, diced 1 tsp Dijon mustard 3 Tbsp red wine vinegar 1 Tbsp water 1/2 tsp sugar

Instructions: 1. Cook bacon until crisp and crumble. 2. Reserve 2 Tbsp of drippings and combine with diced shallot, mustard, vinegar, water and

sugar. 3. Stir and heat through. 4. Pour dressing over spinach and toss to coat. 5. Add in nuts, bacon, cheese and strawberries.

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Member News May Birthdays

Happy Birthday to all Snowdrifters celebrating this month.

Name Date

Mike Baurle 5

Kelly Fredricks 8

Frank Wanderlich 8

Frank Hodowal 13

Peggy Safford 15

Dave Salisbury 17

Name Date

Greg Olson 20

Barbara Ahasic 29

Flipp Popp 29

Robert Higdon 31

Patricia Korbas 31

CMSC Events CMSC European Trip

Les Trois Vallees (3 Valleys), France January 24 – February 1, 2014

UNDER $2000 The largest ski area in the world. Les 3 Vallées comprise the resorts of Courchevel, La Tania, Méribel, Brides-les-Bains, Les Menuires - Saint Martin, Val Thorens and Orelle. They are linked together by ski runs and ski lifts, with 360 miles of interconnected slopes and 180 ski lifts. PACKAGE INCLUDES: • Round Trip on Swiss Air; taxes, transfer fees and fuel surcharges • All Ground Transfers • 7 nights at the 3* Hotel Amelie in Brides les Bains; Dbl Occ.; walking distance to Olympic Cable Car • Daily breakfast and multi-course dinner Available Options: • 3 Vallees lift pass • 3 night extension – destination TBD • Ski Rental at special group rate

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THE FOX VALLEY

SNOWDRIFTERS SKI CLUB P.O. BOX 697 BATAVIA, IL 60510

FIRST CLASS MAIL

Snowdrifters’ Calendar

May 20th

Board meeting 6:45 PM

General Meeting 7:30 PM

June 1st

Tusk Restaurant in Batavia

June 15th

Rafting on the Vermillion River.

June 17th

Trips go on sale!

Board meeting 6:45 PM

General Meeting 7:30 PM

Snowdrifters’ meeting place

So you don’t forget, renew your

membership before midnight tonight. Renew online or download the

membership form from our website.