The Flakey News Publication of the Fox Valley Snowdrifters Ski Club December, 2019

PRESIDENT: John Gamble 630-761-9550

john@johngamble.net

VICE PRESIDENT: Greg Olson

312-520-5283 olsongregv@gmail.com

TREASURER:

John Walsh 630-289-5041

jrwxplor@sbcglobal.net

SECRETARY: Donna Ulatowski

630-279-1049 pulatowski@comcast.net

PAST PRESIDENT &

CMSC: Leo Ahasic

630-309-8885 bahasic@sbcglobal.net

TRIPS & INS AGENT:

Frank Hodowal 630-584-0868

fthod@aol.com

SOCIAL: Pat Quetsch

quetsch@sbcglobal.net

MEMBERSHIP: Sue Stanciu

Skstanciu314@gmail.com

PUBLICITY & HISTORIAN:

Joan McEachern mcskikat@gmail.com

NEWSLETTER: Joe & Dana Hopp

Jhopp23@hotmail.com

WEBSITE: Chuck Salisbury

2597fhd@comcast.net

Snowdrifters Ski Club P.O. Box 697

Batavia, IL 60510

Hi Snowdrifters, It is almost time to go skiing! I was a bit envious of my boys who live in Steamboat and went skiing on Thanksgiving Day before dinner. But soon enough we will all be telling stories about our skiing this season. In the meantime we have lots of events coming up. The next Snowdrifters’ event is at The Venue, a live music performance space in downtown Aurora, on December 8th, from 7-9:00 pm. The show is a night to get swept away by the Fox Valley musicians that made "Made in Aurora, Vol 2." The holiday-themed show will bring you to your feet, touch your heart, and send shivers down your spine. The link below is for tickets: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/album-covers-series-made-in-aurora-vol-2-hesed-house-donation-drive-tickets-78251052003?aff=odwdwdspacecraft The next event is the Christmas Party, Monday, December 16th, at the Pine Room at Bliss Creek Golf Course, 1 Golfview Lane in Sugar Grove. It will be a great event and lots of fun with the traditional ski club gift exchange. Make plans to attend. At the last meeting, thanks to Laurel Davis, the new Snowdrifters’ Sportswear line was unveiled. If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the link to order your gear: https://snowdrifters.secure-decoration A turkey raffle raised $202.00 that was donated to the Batavia Interfaith Food Pantry. Maureen Joy organized the raffle and donated the two turkeys.

Thanks to Gwen Bosshardt and Maureen Joy, the bus trip is heading to Granite Peak on February 21-23. Granite Peak is one of the best mid-western ski areas. Hope you will plan on going on this fun trip. Sign up now. We sure had lots of fun on the pub crawl thanks to Peggy Courser and Sue Stanciu who organized the event. They did a great job! Everyone had a great time, even with train delays that made us skip the Winfield

stop. Sorry we missed a couple Snowdrifters that were planning on meeting us there. I am hopeful this will be an annual event since we all so much fun. The following weekend a good group enjoyed a nice dinner at Villa Verone - thanks to Pat Quetsch for organizing that event.

2

John Gamble President

MEMBERSHIP

Active membership is currently 130! If you are registered for a trip, please make sure your contact information is up to date. This really helps out your trip leader. Last minute membership payments may be sent to the P.O. Box below:

Snowdrifters Ski Club P.O. Box 697

Batavia, IL 60510 A big welcome to our newest member, Becky Rosenthal. We look forward to skiing with you.

Sue Stanciu Membership Chair

At the January meeting, since that weekend is the Norge ski jumping in Fox River Grove, we are planning on having a ski jumper talk about that sport. Also plan on attending that event. It is a party on the slopes watching ski jumpers compete. We will be going as the Club on Sunday afternoon, January 26th. For the February meeting, we are going skiing. Not all the details are worked out yet, but we will have our meeting slopeside in the basecamp bar at Four Lakes in Lisle. We have our own area in the bar with $3 draft beer, a package of skiing and all the pizza you can eat for $40, and Snowdrifters’ slope games! Should be lots of fun, please let me know if you would be willing to help run some of the games. We are looking for someone who could coordinate our social media efforts - anyone interested? Finally, anyone who has ideas for a guest speaker or topic for the March meeting and beyond, I welcome your suggestions. See you all soon.

3

Snowdrifter Activewear

It’s not too late to order Snowdrifters’ Sportswear for Christmas presents. If you haven’t seen it yet, here is the link to order your gear: https://snowdrifters.secure-decoration

Social Snowdrifters Metra Pub Crawl Wrap Up

On a sunshiny, blustery, November morning, 21 Snowdrifters gathered at the Geneva Train Station for the Peggy Sue Pub Crawl. As we anxiously waited, we were informed of a delayed train schedule because of work being done on the tracks. This delay gave us time for a photo op. We finally boarded the train and were off to Elmhurst to our 1st stop at Fitz’s Spare Key. Mike, the owner, was kind enough to open early for us. Unfortunately, due to the train delay we arrived 10 minutes after his regular opening time! Happily, we were greeted by four more Snowdrifters that had driven to Fitz’s. Next, we enjoyed lunch, drinks and had a friendly bowling competition. And, thanks to Train Tracker, we were off to the train stop. After another train delay, our 2nd stop

was Main Street Pub in Glen Ellyn. While the pub crawlers were enjoying appetizers, courtesy of Snowdrifters, we were preparing the start of the trivia game. There were general trivia questions and personal trivia questions. It was fun learning some unknown facts about our fellow Snowdrifters. Once again, we hit the trail back to the train and, yes, we waited! Finally, we boarded the train. Our 3rd destination was in Wheaton to Emmett’s. After managing to take over a private area off of the

4

bar, we were ready to award prizes for bowling and trivia. Before we knew it, it was time to take the longest walk of the day to the train stop. Unbeknownst to us, it would also be the longest wait for the train all day. While on the train, it was decided by all to forego our 4th stop in Winfield because we were so far behind on our schedule. We would not make our dinner reservations at Cotto A Legna (for 29 people) on time if we made that stop. Unfortunately, we forgot about our dear fellow Snowdrifters that had planned to meet us in Winfield! Many apologies were graciously accepted! Our final destination (so we thought) was Cotto A Legna for dinner. The food was delicious and their service was exceptional. After dinner, a few photos were taken and it was decided that for some of us the night was not over yet. A short walk across the street to The Third Street Station for ONE! Well we all know how that ends. A big thank you to all who joined us on the pub crawl. Your company made it such a fun outing. Until next year Metra!

Peggy Sue

12/8 -The Venue in Aurora – 7 p.m. to 9 p.m. The Venue in Aurora is the new place to go see some good bands. On this date they will be having a Christmas Concert featuring Aurora musicians. They made an album 2 years ago and John Gamble says it’s really good! The tickets are $20 in advance for premium seating and $15 for general admission. You can buy your tickets here https://www.eventbrite.com/e/album-covers-series-made-in-aurora-vol-2-hesed-house-donation-drive-tickets-78251052003?aff=odwdwdspacecraft. Also at that concert, they are having a food drive to benefit Hesed House in Aurora. They are asking for a donations of non-perishable donation (no cash) so that we can support our neighbors in need. We will have a receptacle on site. Items needed are: cough drops, Benadryl, double blade razors, shampoo, toothpaste, toothbrushes , non-alcohol mouthwash, and/or gift cards in smaller amounts to places like Walmart, Walgreens, Target, Speedway, and Meijers, underwear/thermals, socks (thicker), flannels, ski gloves/ski masks, 2X-4X winter coats, hoodies, sweatpants, T-shirts, hand/feet warmers, winter boots, leggings (XS-XXXL). 12/16 - CHRISTMAS PARTY – 6 p.m. We are having our meeting and Christmas Party this year at the Open Range Southwest Grill/Pine Room. The address is 1 Golfview Lane, Sugar Grove. This is in the same subdivision that we had our kickoff party and our Christmas party last year. We will be having a pizza party! As in years past we will give out 2 drink tickets to everyone attending. If you want to participate in the gift exchange, please bring a nice wrapped gift valued at around $20-$25. We will do the same Australian Pursuit game.

5

1/26 - Ski jumping – 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. Norge ski club will be hosting International Winter Tournament 2020. Ski jumpers from around the world will be participating. There is a fee of $15 to get an entrance button. They also ask that you bring a blanket or chair to sit on. Last year they had 3 of their own competing in the Olympics! If you want to plan a social event, please remember to email me at quetsch@sbcglobal.net. It's great that everyone is getting in the spirit of getting together.

Pat Quetsch Social Director

Publicity and Historian

I would like everyone to bring a copy of their local weekly paper to the next General Meeting and I will follow up on getting the contact information. Also if you read about the Snowdrifters in your local newspaper please let me know. Any questions please contact me at mcskikat@gmail.com, thanks.

Joan McEachern Publicity and Historian

TRIPS

Important trip registration reminder: if your profile in the Snowdrifter website is up to date, you do not need to fill out a trip sign up form. When you sign up with the trip leader, he/she can get your information directly from your profile. You will still need to fill out a waiver form. Whitefish Mountain – January 11 - 18, 2020. Sold out - waiting list has been established. Telluride, Colorado – February 4 – 9, 2020. Sold out – waiting list has been established. Granite Peaks – February 21 - 23, 2020. Gwen Bosshardt and Maureen Joy, trip leaders. Come to the December meeting to hear about the bus trip. Paganella & Verona, Italy – March 7 – 18, 2020. Sold Out – waiting list has been established. It is still early and there may be some movement on the trips that have been sold so if you are interested contact the trip leaders to get on the waiting list. Be sure to always read the Flakey News for the latest news and events. This is especially important in the spring months when the new trip’s sale dates are announced.

6

Granite Peaks Ski Resort, Wisconsin February 21-23, 2020 – ONLY $350.00!!

Come join us on the party bus as we travel to Granite Peaks for 2 days of great skiing. Granite Peaks is the largest ski area in Wisconsin with 700 vertical feet. We will be staying 2 nights at the Stoney Creek Inn in Wausau. The price includes the snacks and beverages on the bus, hotel and 2 days lift tickets. Trip Leader: Gwenn Bosshardt Assistant: Maureen Joy

In order to protect your investment in trips, the Snowdrifters Ski Club strongly recommends that you consider purchasing travel insurance. Trip cancellation happens for a variety of reasons. After certain dates the Club will be assessed penalties and will not be able to recover all or any of your deposit

or final payment. You could lose your entire deposit or entire total payment depending on the date of cancellation. But trip cancellation is not the only reason for considering travel insurance. A good policy will also cover you during the trip for items including emergency medical treatment and transportation, and lost, stolen or damaged baggage.

You can purchase a policy any time prior to starting the trip, but additional benefits such as coverage of pre-existing conditions are available if you purchase within a certain time limit after you make the trip deposit to the Snowdrifters Ski Club. So you should make a decision as soon as possible. And remember that by clicking on the Snowdrifters’ web page: https://fvssc.wildapricot.org, then to "Our Trips" and "Insurance" and clicking the special link for Travel Guard, you can access a special policy available to ski club members at a price of 7% of the trip cost, regardless of your age. Please review Certificate of Insurance for detail coverage.

Final ski trip payments due To ensure that we have the necessary club funds to make our “final” ski trip payments to the Tour Operators we are requesting that we receive your final trip payment. Thank you and looking forward to some great ski trips!

John Walsh Treasurer

7

Whitefish Mountain, Montana, January 11–18, 2020 Sold Out -Waiting List Established

Whitefish Mountain is one of the largest ski areas in the nation. Famous for snow laden trees called snow ghosts, the 3,000 acres of groomers, glades, bowls and steeps are covered in 300-inches of powder annually. The ski resort is consistently ranked one of the top resorts in the nation.

Whitefish Mountain Resort Statistics

• 300 inches of annual snowfall • 3,000 acres open • Top Elevation 6817 feet, base 4464 feet • 6.0% expert, 43.0% advanced, 38.0% intermediate, 13.0% beginner

Kandahar Lodge is a European-style lodge located ski-in/very nearly ski-out (2-minute walk) at Whitefish Mountain Resort. The casual elegance of the large lobby with its wood-burning fireplace encourages guests to sit and relax. The Wellness Center adds comfort with its large outdoor hot tub, steam room, exercise room and massage services. The rooms have two queen beds and are upscale with pine, tile and leather. All rooms have microwave, refrigerator, and coffee maker. Continental breakfast is included in the rates. Café Kandahar serves gourmet dinners and an appetizer menu in the fully licensed Snug Bar.

If final payment has not been made, it is now past due.

Trip Leader: Steve Kennedy: stevekennedy27@yahoo.com Assistant : Sarah Richardson : sricha10@yahoo.com

8

Telluride Ski Resort, Colorado February 4 - 9, 2020

Tuesday–Sunday Sold Out – Waiting List Established

Telluride Ski Resort, Mountain Info: Ski Resort: www.tellurideskiresort.com Additional resources: www.telluride.com

Telluride Mountainside Inn: https://www.telluridelodging.com/mountainside-inn

UPDATES:

RentSkis.com (Telluride Sports): http://www.rentskis.com/sportsamerica With RentSkis, a 30% discount is offered to all Snowdrifters for all rentals booked through the link. RentSkis has 7 slopeside pickup locations and also offers free rental delivery. Locations are nearby the following hotels: The Peaks Resort & Spa, Madeline Hotel, Inn at Lost Creek, Mountain Lodge, Black Bear Lodge, Lumière Hotel, Hotel Telluride, New Sheridan Hotel, Hotel Columbia, Camels Garden Hotel and the Icehouse Lodge. Crazy Elk Pizza: Tuesday night there will be a welcome pizza party at the Crazy Elk Pizza in the Mountain Village at 5:30 PM. We will take the gondola, which is a two block walk away, for a 5 minute ride to the mountain village. If it is a clear night the views from the gondola are spectacular. A Telluride Mountain host will be in attendance to give the Snowdrifters an overview of the mountain and answer any questions. Final Payment due in December 20th. Trip Leader: Joe Hopp: jhopp23@hotmail.com Assistant: Bob Muzzarelli: llmuzz@mchsi.com

9

Paganella & Verona, Italy - March 7 -18, 2020 Sold Out – Waiting List Established

See website’s past newsletters for more information

Trip Details: • Roundtrip Air -Lufthansa • 7 nights in 3*** Hotel Cristallo – Breakfast & Dinner included • Entire Week Ski pass (valid for night skiing also) • Transfer to and from Verona Airport (1 1/2 hours) to the hotel • Tour & Tasting at the prestigious cellar of Francesco Moser (acknowledged World Cyclist

Champion) - Meet the champion & Taste his wines • Winery Tour & Tasting at the Mezzacorona Winery Discover the taste of the famous Pinot Grigio

flowing from the Italian Alps & the Dolomites • 1 Night Skiing with Gala Dinner at the New Mountain Restaurant Dosson • 1 Lunch at the Rifugio La Roda (2.125 mt) • 1 Happy Hour at the Rifugio Dosson • Non-Skiers will be provided with 3 Gondola runs to reach restaurants for organized activities on

the mountain. • Trip to Riva del Garda on Garda Lake (just 40 minutes transfer from the resort) Visit of the

village, shopping • Visit to Trento historic center, shopping • Three-day extension to Verona Italy & 3 night in Hotel Mastino

* NOTE: All taxes that are currently in effect, including airline taxes are included in the price. Please note any additional airline tax or fuel surcharge imposed before our final ticketing is beyond our control and will require an adjustment in the final price. Any fuel surcharge imposed on our ground transfers is also beyond our control and will require an adjustment. Also, currency exchange rate fluctuations may affect final payment.

A passport is required for this trip and your passport must not expire 6 months past our return to the USA.

If final payment has not been made, it is now past due.

Trip Leader: Frank Hodowal: fthod@aol.com (630-584-0868) Assistant: Susan Walsh: susielou@hotmail.com (630-309-5041)

10

RECIPE

Vanilla Candy Cane Cupcakes

INGREDIENTS: ¾ cup butter, softened 1½ cups sugar 3 eggs 1 tsp. vanilla 1 cup sour cream ½ cup milk 2½ cup flour 2 tsp. baking powder ½ tsp. baking soda ½ tsp. salt ¼ cup jimmies (sprinkles)

Buttercream Frosting 1 cup butter, softened 3 cups icing sugar 4 Tbsp. whipping cream 2 tsp. peppermint extract 3-4 candy canes crushed for topping INSTRUCTIONS: 1. Preheat oven to 350F. Line 24 muffin pans with cupcake liners. Cream butter and sugar

together until fluffy. Add the eggs one at a time and then beat in vanilla, sour cream and milk. Mix well. In another bowl whisk the flour, baking powder, soda and salt together. Slowly add the flour into the butter mixture and mix until just incorporated. Fold in the sprinkles. Spoon into cupcake liners ⅔ full (1/2 full if using the upright cupcake holders like I used). Bake for 18-20 min. until they bounce back to a light touch and are lightly golden. Let cool on wire racks completely.

2. For the icing, cream the butter in a large bowl. Carefully incorporate the rest of the ingredients alternating the icing sugar with the cream and the peppermint extract and continue beating until light and fluffy. Place icing in a piping bag with a desired tip and decorate as desired. You don’t have to be fancy. Sprinkle with candy canes. Place cupcakes in a covered container until you are ready to eat them. Refrigerate, remove from fridge 30 min. before serving.

Enjoy!!

This Photo by Unknown Author is licensed

This This

11

Snowdrifters’ Calendar SAVE THE DATES

Sunday, December 7th The Venue – Christmas Music – 7 p.m. - 9 p.m. Monday, December 16th Christmas Party – New location – 6 p.m. Pine Room @ Bliss Creek Golf Course 1 Golfview Lane, Sugar Grove, IL 60554 January 11th – 18th Whitefish Ski Trip January 26th – 12 p.m. – 4 p.m. “International Winter Ski Jumping Tournament 2020” Norge Ski Club February 4th – 9th Telluride Ski Trip February 21st – 23rd Granite Peaks Ski Trip March 7th – 18th

Paganella & Verona, Italy Trip September 2020 Chili Ski Trip (date TBD)

Merry Christmas

and

Happy New Year!