Well the header says “spring” but that must be wishful thinking on my part with the temperature barely hitting 10 degrees at this writing. We have been spoiled by a wondrous winter (if you are not a snow lover), with temperatures that seemed more like fall. Now that winter has its tight grip on us, it is hard to think that spring is really around the corner. However it won’t be long before we are back on the lake doing what so many of us love best.

          It is time again to renew your membership in the Columbia Canoe Club and the good news is nothing has changed. That is, membership fees are staying the same (see rates at bottom of this message), and the same rules apply: you must complete a new waiver for each member and update any other information that may be pertinent to your membership. Life jackets still must be worn, and guests should offer a donation.

 Last year was an uneventful one as far as the club is concerned. That is, no incidents, or problems at the clubhouse or the lake. I appreciate that, as it has not been so easy in the past. As you know I would like very much to hand the chairpersonship over to someone within the club and that means that more folks need to be involved. My own directions have taken me to new endeavors and it is time to hand over this stewardship to others with new ideas and certainly new energy. So please, consider getting involved.

          As a member of the club, it is your duty to take part in one club event yearly. We have not scheduled anything as yet, but hope to have at least one clinic this year. Watch the websites for more information and keep your email current.

          We will also be having our traditional spring club cleanup and will be held Thursday May 1  at 6 p.m.. Membership fees and forms are due on that April 15 th. Parking passes, etc. will be mailed.  All memberships received after that date are subject to the $15.00 late fee.

          One thing has changed this year as far as our facility. Keys will not change but the combination will, you will receive it on renewal.  if you get the clubhouse and can’t get in then you haven’t renewed. Please be sure to do it promptly or a late fee will be incurred. 

          Please realize that your membership has to be processed with the American Canoe Association and that takes a few days. So do not wait to join on the day you plan on paddling. Make it easy on yourself and do it now, while the weather may not allow you to be distracted.

          In addition, with warmer weather around the corner, use prudence when choosing when to paddle. A mistake on the lake can end you in the brink and hypothermia, a condition in which the body temperatures lowers very quickly- can kill. Please wait until the air temperature and water temperature are at the very least 100 degrees combined before even considering an outing. Ice on the lake is dangerous and can easily entrap you. Where you may start out in open water, can quickly be closed up with an ice floe, so wait until it is really and truly spring. As always, I will make the combination active when I think it is safe.

Here are the sites for obtaining your waivers. Please pay NO, I repeat, NO attention to the fees above the waivers. These are for ACA memberships only, and do not apply to our club. Go to the fees button to see our dues structure. It has not changed for 2008. After printing waivers, use your browser BACK button to return to our site.

           Adult waiver

          Minor waivers

If for some reason these links fail, try going to the American Canoe Assoc. direct at http://www.americancanoe.org and look for EZ Links under Insurance info, be sure to choose the correct one for your needs: adult and or minor.  

The waiver must be filled out for each member yearly and submitted to me with membership fees below.  Do not renew through the ACA or your membership will not be valid with CCC

Membership Fees:

Access to site, no use of club boats..

Associate Membership- $40.

Full Use of Site and Boats (remember guests should make a donation, or if you choose to send in $10.00 extra with membership)

Individual - $65.00

Senior –75 or over  $50.00

Couple $ 85.00

Family $110.00

Mail Completed forms and check to CCC to Sue Audette, 41 Pine Woods Lane, Mansfield, CT 06250

All materials are due by April 15th. Passes will be mailed after processing your membership.   Memberships received after April 15th, are subject to the $15.00 late fee.

Upcoming Club Dates

Club Clean-up Thurs. May 1, 6pm   AT THE CLUB SITE This should not take but an hour and is a great time to pick up your parking pass and learn the new lock system. 

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 Club dates of Radio Controlled Greater Hartford Boat Club- Remember when they have a meet, we do not launch at our beach instead launch in front of the dam. Please do not interfere with their activities as these “model” boats can be extremely dangerous. Their schedule will also be posted at the club. - yet to be posted.

 IF YOU have questions, feel free to call Sue at 860-456-4906, or write baglady@charter.net

------Send all renewal information- club form, waivers and check to : Sue Audette, CCC, 41 Pine Woods Lane , Mansfield , CT 06250