The Yorkton Sno-Riders wrapped up the season with their annual awards banquet. In addition to recognizing contributions of members, the event, attended by more than 80 people, also offers the club's appreciation of landowners in the area who permit the club's trail system to cross their land.
The awards, recognizing active participation in the club's activities and programs were presented to club members and supporters of the Yorkton Sno-Riders, explains Jason Popowich, Yorkton Sno-Riders president.
Ken Prop, very involved with the club over the past few years, was named Member of the Year. Prop worked with the trail signing committee, including preparing and placing the trail signs. He also helped to maintain the trail groomer. "We really thank Ken for his efforts with the Sno-Riders," says Popowich.
The Executive Member of the Year, Ron Blommaert, chairs the annual Sno-Rider golf tournament at Cherrydale Golf Club. He also chaired the social and entertainment committee. "It's nice to see him recognized for his work," Popowich states.
Terry and Sandy Konkel were named Family of the Year from Good Spirit Lake. Terry is the club's trail groomer operator, Popowich points out. He also volunteers his time with trail signage and trail clean-up. Sandy, an executive member, looks after the newsletter and updates the club website.
The Sno-Rider Business of the Year is Schrader's Honda, Yamaha, Suzuki in Yorkton. Schrader's has been an active corporate sponsor and supporter for the last few years, Popowich announces. "Their staff goes above and beyond the call to always lend a helping hand to the Sno-Riders," Popowich adds. "In a year when there was minimal snow and business might have been tight, they still felt it was important to support the Sno-Riders in any way, shape or form they could," he continues.
Maple Farm Equipment was named Non-snowmobile Related Business of the Year. It has always been a supporter as a corporate sponsor. Maple Farm Equipment helped the club with the purchase of the club's new John Deere trail groomer both financially and in terms of service and assistance, says Popowich.
The winner of a men's watch donated by Gifts of Golf which the prize in the membership attendance draw was Darrell Petrowsky. The draw was based on attendance at general meetings. "Every time members attended meeting, their names would go into the draw," Popowich explains.
The Sno-Rider AGM was held last week. Richard Spilchuk, a recently new member, was elected to the club executive. Spilchuk joins Sandy Konkel, Collette Melnychuk from Foam Lake, Eugene Holowatuk and Barry Bradshaw as directors. Popowich stays on as president and Rick Bradshaw continues as Sno-Riders Vice-president. The club treasurer is Don Thompson while Jolene Kindiak is the club secretary.
The club had a fairly eventful season, Popowich maintains. The club participated in running the snowmobile drag races with the Yorkton exhibition. The Sno-Riders were nominated for an award with the Celebrate Success program as an organization with community merit.
Popowich estimates the club put in about 800 to 900 volunteer hours to carry out club business and programs, including cleaning and maintaining warm-up shelters, and maintaining the trail groomers and trail system.
