The winter of 07 & 08

The winter of 07-08 was long and for the most part was considered a normal winter. The exception to that was the Pulaski snow fall. As the weather channel reported they had up to 4’ of snow in a short time. We were lucky to get our Ice Derby in as the weekend before there was no good/safe ice. As luck would have it Old Man winter took over to provide ice and our derby went on. John Shook, Brian Koons and Ed  Toussant headed up the Derby while Chuck Wart, Mel Barber and Dean Goodsell ran the kitchen. John Anderson along with Dean Goodsell were our weigh masters. I believe we had 144 entrants. It was a great weekend and we hope all had fun. We also wish to thank the many supporters who sent their derby tickets back in support of your club and the derby. As we have said before your club would be nothing without your continued support. Also, our thanks to Oswego County Community Development, Tourism and Planning and especially Kelly Jordal their PIO, for providing a radio spot to promote the derby. Kelly was also at the derby and took pic’s of some of the fishermen on the ice.

WEB Update

Continued growth of the Club saw the establishment of a Web Enhancement Committee. Jim Fowler and George White volunteered to work with Chuck Wart in an effort to keep the site dynamic. Located at http://www.sandypondsportsmans.com/ it hosts more than just the clubs goals and officers. It is a communication portal to many of our members that was never possible with out a huge mailing and costs to the club. With the increasing amount of work keeping our finical records in order and the full plate Chuck has, he decided to let the two new members handle the site. However, I need to thank Chuck for the great amount of effort he put in the establishment of the new site. We know that news travels fast within the Club, both good and bad, but for the folks that are not privy to a phone call they can find out what’s going on at the Club by clicking on their favorites and going directly to our site. Recent enhancements include a series of pictures from past events as well as recent events, list of event winners, member business sites and a continued direct line for questions from you to the club Officers. If you have not seen it and have access to a PC take a look. I think you’ll love it.

Hot Wings

The 4th Annual Hot Wing contest was another success this winter with many of the areas eateries facing off against some of the areas most creative cooks for the honor of being crowned chicken wing KING’s for the year. This event had record 19 entrants this year! Hosted by Brian Koons with his Grandchildren Gabby & Jordan along with assistant Audrey Harvey they were able to serve the three judges a variation of wings that pleased Kasha Burnstine, scorched the lips of Ron Trapiss and delighted the taste buds of Jim Baxter. The event and turn out is growing each year. Events and support from you is what makes this club special. Winners can be found on the web site

Chili Anyone

Audrey Harvey, filling in for the vacationing Marti Moore, and Dean Goodsell hosted their first chili cook off. With some 24 entrants this 5th annual cook off had a variety of unique flavors. Judging for the event was John Shook, Al Potter and Mike Brewer. Sampling the flavors of mild first the judges were able to narrow it down to their top four favorites and a re-taste had to follow to narrow it down to the top three. Following a well deserved break and a drink to cleanse the pallet they proceeded to the dark (hot) side. After sampling all but one of the hot they sampled what I called XXXXXX scorcher of all time. It was SOOOO hot they disqualified the entrant, something I am familiar with following my first HOT wing event. Finally it was narrowed to three and the non-contestants were allowed to sample some the Pond’s greatest flavors. Again pic’s are on the web.   

Wild Game Dinner

Filling in for the vacationing Sunny Gillis the Moyer family  presented the Club and its guests a host of various wild and domestic meats with sides that proved to be one of the best attended events of the winter.

Pictured above are the Moyer Family ART, CAROL, and JASON with their very capable helpers Joan Wheeler, Ron Trapiss and Mel and Joe Barber. The event was so well attended that we had to put two bartenders on in order to just keep the line down so we could see day light. Not available when the pic was taken was Jeromy Moyer and his wife Michelle who should be included in our thanks. Some of the samplings included elk, moose, salmon, venison shrimp scampi, pork lion, wild and domestic turkey baked beans and scallop potatoes and that is just to mention what I can remember as there was so many more varieties. We thank them for such a wonderful event and the hard work as well as all those who supported this event with donations and samplings. Not to mention all those who participated  in the samplings.

Christmas at the Pond

Christmas at the Pond needs to be mentioned as it is one of the areas biggest events for children. Under the direction of Marion Dillabough and Linda Dawley the clubs upstairs was decorated with it’s Christmas tree and usual fare. However the best was yet to come as the hall filled with children and parents that put parking at a premium. As food was prepared by Marion’s hand picked staff Marion & Linda kept the children busy, while waiting for Mr.& Mrs. Clause, with a variety of songs and games. At the right time when the adults and children were getting anxious Marion & Linda opened the door, as the chimney was hot, allowing the Clauses to enter the packed hall. Needless to say all children’s faces lit up as they saw SANTA. After the fanfare the Clauses handed out Christmas gifts to each child. It is truly a great event and brings joy to some of the children at Christmas they may not have enjoyed. Marion and Linda deserve a huge applause for their efforts in accomplishing this event. Thank you Marion & Linda Needless to say this event would not happen without all the folks that shop and wrap for gifts and naturally with out all your support in keeping the club fluid. Thank you all.

Renovation to perfection

Just back, you should take a look at the improved upstairs digs. Although the only area improved at this time is the bar it is the bar of perfection. John Anderson, over the winter, has taken his time and his excellence to build a new bar that even non-drinkers would love to belly up too. John’s expertise has developed a match of selected woods that compliments him and his work. John purchased the material from Lakeshore Hardwoods and he has selected choice wood and combined them with his building expertise that will last a lifetime. Taking care to hand rub the many coats of selected stain he has a work of art. Take a look and enjoy as we move forward. We intend to improve the upstairs to host many of the events that even during the winter has packed the downstairs to capacity. GREAT job JOHN.

Saint Pat’s Dinner

This years St. Pat’s dinner was not only hosted by Silki and Chuck Wart they donated the entire feast. Working together they served some 45 dinners to the clubs participants. On their menu were corned beef, potatoes, cabbage, carrots and a corned beef sandwich on pumpernickel for those who preferred a lighter feast.

They did a great job and have always looked to benefit the Club in any whey they could. It’s great to have them as friends and friends of the Club. THANKS from all at the CLUB.

Club supports the Community

As part of the club mission statement, developed many years ago, they placed into writing that one purpose of the SPSA was to assist the community anyway possible. This year was no exception as the Club was proud to send donations to Sandy Creek FD, NOCA, Pulaski FD, Richland FD, the Food Panty and Friendship Shops, which is committed to assist those less fortunate. In addition, this year the SPSA will be sending 6 youngsters to DEC camp. This camp teaches youths all sorts of being good stewards of the environment. The specific curriculum of the camp can be found on the DEC web site at http://www.dec.ny.gov/ then under education click on Environmental Camps.
Scholarship
The membership has voted on the establishment of 2 scholarships’ for the 2008 school year. One $500 award for each a girl and a boy. Although the criteria has yet to be established they will be targeted towards students in the Sandy Creek School system. Chuck Moore will be working with school officials to set some
criteria for the award during the next few months. As details evolve we will keep you informed. 

Keeping under cover

Most may not have seen the addition to the back patio. Ed Toussant was the contractor that was able to make sure our patrons were able to get onto the back deck without getting bombarded with ice, snow or rain. The addition matches the buildings color and the roof slope. It does take up some room from the summer patio but the O & T felt the safety of the members should be first.

SPSA Libarian

As the library seems to continue to grow and books were out of any logical order a volunteer approached the board and offered his services as HEAD Libarian. That volunteer was Jim Palmitese who will take on the task of Mr. Dewey Decimal and keep the place organized. Some of his ideas include a drop-off point from there he will place them back in proper order. Keeping the library fully stocked and organized will make it easier for our readers to select just the right reading material. Thanks Jim.

Sauerbraten

Another of hte Clubs great events was a fest that hit the fancy of many venison and non-venison lovers alike. Under the cooking talent of Elliot Bernstein, Jack Francher and Kevin Crocker, the members were hosted to a home made meal which was donated by the three. Featured was venison sauerbraten, home made purple cabbage, potatoes with gravy and a family specialty of noodles with meat casserole from Jack Francher. It was an excellent night for the club and we thank them. If you loook around the Club and see the amount of effort put forth by all of our great people over the past several months it is no wonder that this a great organization. Let's continue with the CLUB SPIRIT over the rest of the year.