Valley Frontiersman

Sportsmen Look for Someone Who Will Erect Long-Postponed Ski Tow

Disposition of the ski tow, parts for which were purchased and assembled by the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen last year, but which were never installed at the tow site, was the principal subject discussed at Monday's board meeting of the Matanuska Valley Sportsmen.

President Bill Smith reported that he had talked with the various organizations of the Valley interested in youth activities. He said the Kiwanis Club of Palmer had expressed interest in financing the installation of the tow on the hills above Little Susitna Lodge. Club members asked for specific figures on the cost of installation and the number of man-hours involved.

The Kiwanis Club stipulated that, should they undertake the installation, Kiwanians only will undertake the work. Once the tow is installed, the club does not wish to be responsible for its operation or maintenance.

Charles Dillon, adult sponsor of the Seven-Eighty-Niners, teen age organization, said the teen group would be interested in assisting in installation of the tow, only if the organization would be given an option to purchase the tow and to operate a concession there this winter.

Board members agreed to get the necessary facts and figures Kiwanians need from Russ Dow and Ralph Goodrich and to represent the matter to the club at its Monday meeting.

Board members concurred in the opinion that the Sportsmen probably should retain ownership of the tow, and should assume responsibility for its winter operation and maintenance. The general opinion was that the club could hire a watchman-operator for weekends next winter, and still show a profit on the operation of the tow.

The board took action to pay the Colony Day committee its share of the profits of the day's shoot. The action was approved over the objection of Vern Donaldson.

It was announced that the game dinner committee will meet with the board of directors at the regular monthly board meeting on Aug. 8, to make assignments for the coming game dinner. Members of that committee, in addition to board members, include: Mrs. Foster Sims, Mrs. Clair Stock, Mrs. Russell Felzien, Mrs. Harold Winegarner, Mrs. Kenneth Westenbarger, Mrs. Roy Brock, Viola Daniels. Mr. and Mrs. Harry Duff, Eugene Kirsch, Frank Gagnon, Bob Burkholder, Bill Cook, Ben Cabo, Mr. and Mrs. Ralph Dye and Bud Lacher.

Mr. Donaldson reported that the Matanuska Valley Farmers' Cooperative Association had donated plate glass for the construction of a fish display tank for a club exhibit at the coming Matanuska Valley fair. He was authorized, by action of the board, to purchase all additional materials needed for the construction of the tank.

Bob Franchor, Chet Browning and Martin Chustka of Jonesville. Kent and Mark Sandvik of Palmer, and Stuart and Bob Dreghorn of Palmer.