One Special Volunteer
I must start this column by paying tribute to one very special volunteer — our MSA vice president Al Green. Al passed away in November 2014. Al was involved in just about all aspects of organized snowmobiling. He was involved in everything from serving as an elected official to serving as a committee chairman and volunteering to help. He also served in organizations that either directly or indirectly involve our sport.
Al enjoyed grooming as much as he did snowmobiling, and he did it with a passion for perfection. Less than a week before Al’s passing, he worked tireless for three days at the Novi Snowmobile Show. While there, Al did what he did well — he promoted MSA and the importance of MSA to snowmobiling. There is another article on Al Green in this magazine. Look to the article for more details on his achievements and dedication to snowmobiling. Al will be missed!
Volunteers Make our Events Successful
Dedicated volunteers, along with our office staff, help make our MSA events successful. Bill Manson and Karen Middendorp spend hours planning most of our events; many times taking work home during the week and working events on the weekends. In my way of thinking, Bill and Karen are also dedicated volunteers.
The Novi Snowmobile Show is the biggest indoor snowmobile show in the U.S. This show is a three-day event and requires volunteers to be on their feet almost all the time. Volunteers promote MSA, sell trail permits, sell new memberships, and renew current MSA memberships. At this year’s Novi Snowmobile Show, 200 MSA memberships were sold. Half of those sold were first-time MSA members.
For the past four years our MSA Snow Show was held in an outdoor venue in Martin, Mich. Because of the time of year (mid- to late- September) volunteers endured rain, sleet, and cold weather promoting our organization and working the show. MSA volunteers donate their time and pay their own expenses. Of all of the organizations I’ve been a part of, MSA has the most dedicated and loyal members.
Become a Active Member
Take a moment and think about what snowmobiling means to you. In my case it’s not just about the trips or the sport, but the long-lasting friendships developed over the years. Most of these friendships are not just in the season, but year around, life-long friendships, which include our families becoming friends.
MSA is looking for individuals who could move into leadership roles. Don’t just set on the side lines, become involved. Remember if each of us brings in a new member, our organization would double in size. Numbers do matter.
Ride safe, track side down!
For Their Continued Generosity MSA Thanks You!
The following businesses and clubs have donated to the financial future of MSA.
Cadillac Winter Warriors
Iron Range Snow Club
Chippewa Sno Cats
Make MSA Your Charity of Choice! The Future of Snowmobiling in Michigan Depends on it!
