President's Message
Jamie Marschner
Training
Your Dog & Trail Etiquette
Hello and Welcome!!!
I'd like to introduce myself as the continuing President of the Alaska Skijoring and Pulk Association (ASPA). I'm Jamie Marschner and we have numerous activities planned this year for both beginning and experienced skijorers. We will sponsor the following activities during the upcoming season:
- Our Beginners' Clinic is scheduled at Alaska Feed in December with an on-snow session following at Creamer's Field. Pre-register early!
- Skate Ski Clinics, taught by Joel Buth of Goldstream Sports, for both beginning and intermediate, will be available to get ASPA members back in shape for skijoring. We also refer skiers to the Nordic Ski Club for lessons.
- Training Clinics staffed by ASPA volunteers will be held at Creamer's Field trails. We will offer weekly clinics for the beginner and for the more experienced skijorer with dogs who may need socialization or passing skills.
- The Creamer's Field Fun Races continue with Andy Warwick as our Race Coordinator and a lot of volunteer helpers are needed for the many events. The philosophy of providing a distance for everyone will continue as will the fun rather than highly competitive format. Relays, LeMans starts and the Orienteering Race add to the variety.
- The Race Across the Valley will be coordinated by Sara Elzey and Don Kiely this year and we look forward to another set of exciting trails to experience.
- The Birch Hill Race will again be the premier event of the season with World Cup accreditation and participants from around the state joining us at this wonderful venue.
- The Show 'n' Go's (organized by Peggy Raybeck) will continue with day trips on local trails.
- The Lee's Cabin race will be at the end of March to take advantage of early spring weather.
- We will continue to host the popular Ski Wax Clinic with Fred Raymond.
- We will continue to put the signs and maps out at Creamer's Field. The trails will be groomed for multiple use at Creamer's and North Star by our own Pat DeRuyter, Peggy Raybeck and many other great volunteers.
- We will update the ASPA website to provide additional educational information about skijoring.
- We will print a monthly newsletter during the season with informative articles about topics of interest as well as upcoming events and results of past events.
- The Fall General Membership meeting and potluck in October will kick off our season. Join us for our Spring Membership Meeting and Barbeque in March where we recognize all of our great volunteers!
It will be a busy fun-filled year! I hope to see you out on the trails or at our many events. Feel free to contact me or any ASPA Board member with questions about ASPA or to volunteer for any of the events.
Jamie Marschner
President
458-0462