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HomeMy WebLinkAboutThe Citizen, 2005-11-24, Page 15THE CITIZEN, THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 24, 2005. PAGE 15. OFSC says get ready for snowmobiling week Two hundred and forty community-based snowmobile clubs across Ontario are celebrating the imminent start of the 2006 winter season during Get Ready Tor Snowmobiling Week, Nov. 21 -27. Over 6,000 volunteers are preparing their sections of the 42,000 km provincial trail system operated by the Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs (OFSC). When trails open for snowmobiling after grooming officially starts, over 100,000 Ontario permit holders and their families will enjoy the healthy lifestyle benefits by riding over 150 million hours in the great outdoors this winter. “Get Ready For Snowmobiling Week kicks off this popular activity, which has been underway in an organized way for 39 years, and now generates almost $1 billion in economic impact each winter, primarily in rural Ontario.” said OFSC president Dennis Burns. “Today. most snowbelt communities, hundreds of local businesses, and thousands of Ontarians, depend on snowmobiling to provide a substantial portion of their winter livelihood. Snowmobiling is also a great way to Future of Seaforth band in jeopardy By Heather Crawford Citizen staff The Seaforth and District All Girls Marching Band is in jeopardy of collapsing. Sharon Thomas and Penny Breen, two representatives of the band requested a donation from Huron East council at the Nov. 15 meeting. Thomas and Breen listed the many expenses required to keep the band going including money for transportation to concerts all over the world, the cost to repair instruments, and the cost of uniforms. The girls have represented the County of Huron in Europe, Fort Lauderdale, Florida and the Toronto Santa Claus Parade. They are presently booked to perform at the Brussels and Seaforth Santa Claus parades this Zji Stuck for Holiday Entertaining Ideas ,z _____ Qon hilaa ou% Cipen 3€&u&e SATURDAY, DECEMBER 3 • SAMPLES • DOOR PRIZES • IN-STORE SPECIALS Enter to win a free Christmas Dinner! get outside and be active.” This week also marks a final opportunity for snowmobilers to purchase a full season snowmobile trail permit at the early fee of $180. The permit, which is mandatory by law for sleds using OFSC trails for recreational snowmobiling, costs $230 after Dec. 1. Permit fees remain the same as they were last season. The OFSC said this is an ideal time to volunteer to assist your local club for a few hours of trail preparation or organizing for the upcoming season (e-mail volunteer@ofsc.on.ca). It’s also a good opportunity to sign those aged 12 and over up for an OFSC Driver Training Course so that they can learn to ride safely and responsibly (www.ofsc.on.ca). “During Get Ready For Snowmobiling Week, the OFSC wants to extend a very special thanks to over 15,000 landowners across Ontario, who make organized trail riding possible by volunteering the use of their property for snowmobile trails each winter,” stated Burns. “Their generosity significantly enhances the social, recreational and economic well being of their home communities.” month. Breen and Thomas expressed concern that if money is not obtained the band would collapse. The Trillium Fund donated $33,000 over four years starting in 2000 with an additional $6,000 for 2005. “We were told not to waste paper and stamps applying for the grant because we would not get it for the sixth year,” Thomas said. Huron East has donated $ 1,000 in past years but cut the donation to $500 this year due to budget cuts. “We had two young people in here asking for money to go on a trip and we didn’t give them anything,” councillor Lou Maloney said, explaining the strain on council to donate because of budget cuts. Grey ward councillor Mark Beaven made a motion to refer this concern to the 2006 budget. In addition. Get Ready For Snowmobiling Week heralds the start of the OFSC’s Safe Riders! Public Education Campaign, which provides snowmobilers with the information, tips and techniques needed for safe and responsible snowmobiling. Entering its 23rd year, this proven OFSC safely program has successfully minimized snowmobile injuries and fatalities, especially those resulting from ice 1992 F35O 1991 Ford 350 2001 Grand Prix Fully loaded, CD, keyless, 80,000 kms., certified, e-tested. 89,300. Or best o^fer. and alcohol. Meanwhile, the Safe Riders! initiative has contributed to making OFSC trails the safest place to ride a snowmobile compared to riding off trail, which accounts for about 80 per cent of fatalities. “We invite all snowmobilers and those who benefit from snowmobiling to join the OFSC, its clubs and volunteers in celebrating Get Ready For Snowmobiling Week,” concluded Burns. The Ontario Federation of Snowmobile Clubs is dedicated to providing strong leadership and support to member clubs and volunteers, to establishing and maintaining quality snowmobile trails which are used in a safe and environmentally responsible manner, and to furthering the enjoyment of organized snowmobiling. 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