President's Notes (Augsut 2001)
by Scott Hatch
Here it is the beginning of August and we are being faced with many issues. First of all Elections for the positions of Vice President and Sec/Treas are coming up. I can't say enough good things about both Tim Mulverhill and Steve Nordby. Anyone interested in running against them, I need to know by Sept 25th . Do you think you have what it takes?
Don't forget the deadline for the BBQ is August 4th ! If you want to participate in the Savory Savoy BBQ call Steve Nordby to reserve your place. Remember that you will be expected to pay before you eat!
Another major issue facing our sport is the continuing closing of our area trails. Let's face it there is no public land for our sport to recreate on in the North East. What's left to us is privately owned land that can remove our access at any time. Massachusetts purchased over 10,000 acres of land making Massachusetts the 9th largest holder of state public land while have the 45th largest state. Do our governments have an agenda that they aren't telling us? (Thanks to Paul Regish for this information)
So what are we to do? Part out our Jeeps and buy bicycles to commute back and forth to work like the citizens of the People's Republic of China? Do we roll over and allow the lands that our forefathers fought and died for to keep free become locked up and gated? The first thing to do is start calling your local state representative asking why our sport is kept out of YOUR public lands. Remember that these lands belong to you and me, Joe Q taxpayer!
Another option to start considering, does the club purchase land? How do we do this? Raise dues? Have fund-raisers? After this past run a few of us had a discussion on land acquisition for the club. Remember that this is you club and your opinions matter on the course that this club takes going into the future.
A few days before the actual clean up a few of us were worried that we may not have a lot of work to do or trash to pick up...boy were we wrong! The majority of trash was picked up off the side of East Hoosac Street. Unfortunately the trash service was not able to determine the actual weight of all the trash that we picked up. We did collect over 7 cubic yards of assorted trash, 18 tires, a freezer, a couch, 2 mattresses, and a large pile of scrap metal. Luckily the town Adams disposed of the tires at no cost, but New England 4 Wheelers, Inc. did pick up the tab for the dump truck.
On behalf of New England 4 Wheelers, Inc. I would like to thank the following people for this monumental effort:
Adams Board of Selectmen, Florida Board of Selectmen, WNAW/ WMNB Radio's Don and Corey Thurston for allowing us to place a dump truck on their property. Sandy at Berkshire Solid Waste Mgmt. for allowing us to dump off the tires, Chris at Delmolino's who supplied the dump truck.
The biggest thanks of all go out to Bill Barnes and Carl Merrick, without their dedication and hard work this would never have been as huge a success as it was.
Now for the individuals and their club affiliations...
From NE4WI, MA: Dave Cleveland, Paul Ferrari, Carl Merrick, Greg Baldwin, John Foster, Todd Landers, Mike McCain, Brian Seeley, Jud Pappas, Rick Boiros, Mike Broberg, Andy Vega, Scott Hatch, Tim Mulverhill, John Meinck, and Bill Barnes.
From JonFund, CT: Dan Stra, Dave Smith
From Yankee Toys, MA: Nicholas Jennings, Mike Fox, Mark Waller
From Deepwoods Extreme, NH: Roy Van Gemert, Mike Desmond, Tammy Lynn Lucke, Russell Cook
From Baystate Jeepers, MA: Rich Banfield, Joe Ostrenga, Joe Lacey, Walter Dacey
From Long Island Off Road, NY: Joe Stevenson, Andy Murphy
Eastern 4 Wheelers, CT were on a trail ride in the area and significantly contributed to the cleanup of the interior of Old Florida Road.
Special mention...
Jeep Jamboree USA was represented by Todd Landers, Bill Barnes, Tim Mulverhill and Andy Vega.
North East Association of 4WD Clubs was represented by Scott Hatch (VP), Tammy Lynn Lucke (Secretary), and Russell Cooke (Web Master). Thank you all, Scott Hatch