Rumor mill has it.

[Freedom Rider 209]

Rumor has it that an Exec. Officer has abandoned ship since the last Board Meeting.So much for having a full slate of Officers for upcoming election.Maybe Gilligan can take the helm. SKIPPER??????????????????

Edited April 12, 2017 by Freedom Rider

[WINNOCTURN 60]

Date:

Friday, April 7, 2017 1:26 PM

"LOST RUDDER"

NHSA Sno_tations

NHSA Executive Director Bids You All a Fond Farewell

(Above) NHSA Executive Director Monica Pettengill Jerkins (front) stands in front of her youngest daughter Molly as they attend the Pink Ride in Hollis, NH February 2017.   Snowmobiling really is a family sport. The NHSA Executive Director took a Christmas Day (2016) ride with her oldest daughter Aurora (above) to catch the sunset at a popular Aroostook County (Maine) trail lookout.

Dear NHSA Family and Friends:   Although it's been a relatively short time that I've been at the helm in the Tilton office of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, I have met so many wonderful people and have gained valuable friendships that I hope to always carry with me.    It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you that today is my last day with NHSA. I am leaving due to personal family reasons and will be relocating "home" to Aroostook County, Maine by the end of next week. They say that home is where the heart is and my family is all in Aroostook County, so my heart is most definitely rooted there. However, the more than a decade I have spent living in New Hampshire has surely left its mark on my heart, and so I leave a piece of it here, which means I know when I return to visit, I will always feel at home, and I owe that feeling to all of the amazing people in this state.    This past year has been a whirlwind of events, new faces, challenges, and so much learning. Every bit of it has been exciting and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with NHSA.   New Hampshire has some of the most scenic, diverse and interesting trails in the Northeast and I have a newfound admiration and respect for the hundreds (thousands) of volunteers who build and maintain them. The average rider may never know just what kind of hard work you put into their sport, but I do. So on behalf of all of those who may not realize that you've been up until 3 a.m., even after you put in a long week of work at your day job, just so you can make the trails smooth for the influx of Saturday riders, or who may not understand the sheer number of hours you spend away from your family - on weekends, or late weekday nights - to build and clear trails, plan fundraisers to pay for keeping the trails in tip top shape, negotiating with landowners or trying to repair relationships that careless riders threaten, promoting the sport to help support the state's economy, meeting with legislators and law enforcement agencies, and all of the many, many tasks involved in keeping the sport we all love alive and thriving for generations, THANK YOU. Those simple words may never be enough to fully express our gratitude, but you deserve to hear them often and we know that you are the silent, behind-the-scenes heroes of our sport. Keep up the good work. Volunteers like you are making a difference.    Your active, passionate NHSA Board of Directors is already diligently on task to find a new executive director, so stay tuned for news on those developments. I will miss you all.    Happy Trails, I hope to see you out there.    Respectfully,   Monica Pettengill Jerkins

Edited April 12, 2017 by WINNOCTURN

[Freedom Rider 209]

15 minutes ago, WINNOCTURN said:

Date:

Friday, April 7, 2017 1:26 PM

"LOST RUDDER"

NHSA Sno_tations

NHSA Executive Director Bids You All a Fond Farewell

(Above) NHSA Executive Director Monica Pettengill Jerkins (front) stands in front of her youngest daughter Molly as they attend the Pink Ride in Hollis, NH February 2017.   Snowmobiling really is a family sport. The NHSA Executive Director took a Christmas Day (2016) ride with her oldest daughter Aurora (above) to catch the sunset at a popular Aroostook County (Maine) trail lookout.

Dear NHSA Family and Friends:   Although it's been a relatively short time that I've been at the helm in the Tilton office of the New Hampshire Snowmobile Association, I have met so many wonderful people and have gained valuable friendships that I hope to always carry with me.    It is with a heavy heart that I announce to you that today is my last day with NHSA. I am leaving due to personal family reasons and will be relocating "home" to Aroostook County, Maine by the end of next week. They say that home is where the heart is and my family is all in Aroostook County, so my heart is most definitely rooted there. However, the more than a decade I have spent living in New Hampshire has surely left its mark on my heart, and so I leave a piece of it here, which means I know when I return to visit, I will always feel at home, and I owe that feeling to all of the amazing people in this state.    This past year has been a whirlwind of events, new faces, challenges, and so much learning. Every bit of it has been exciting and I've thoroughly enjoyed my time with NHSA.   New Hampshire has some of the most scenic, diverse and interesting trails in the Northeast and I have a newfound admiration and respect for the hundreds (thousands) of volunteers who build and maintain them. The average rider may never know just what kind of hard work you put into their sport, but I do. So on behalf of all of those who may not realize that you've been up until 3 a.m., even after you put in a long week of work at your day job, just so you can make the trails smooth for the influx of Saturday riders, or who may not understand the sheer number of hours you spend away from your family - on weekends, or late weekday nights - to build and clear trails, plan fundraisers to pay for keeping the trails in tip top shape, negotiating with landowners or trying to repair relationships that careless riders threaten, promoting the sport to help support the state's economy, meeting with legislators and law enforcement agencies, and all of the many, many tasks involved in keeping the sport we all love alive and thriving for generations, THANK YOU. Those simple words may never be enough to fully express our gratitude, but you deserve to hear them often and we know that you are the silent, behind-the-scenes heroes of our sport. Keep up the good work. Volunteers like you are making a difference.    Your active, passionate NHSA Board of Directors is already diligently on task to find a new executive director, so stay tuned for news on those developments. I will miss you all.    Happy Trails, I hope to see you out there.    Respectfully,   Monica Pettengill Jerkins

Wrong thread. This is a new thread about a different person packing it in.

 

 

 

[ckf 295]

1 hour ago, Freedom Rider said:

Wrong thread. This is a new thread about a different person packing it in.

How about letting us know who it is instead of being so cryptic?

[AdrenalineJunky 41]

what does this mean for joe shmoe the rider?

[Freedom Rider 209]

Nothing if you just like giving away 10.00 of your money to a group who is supposed to be looking out for sports best interests. Yet doesn't notify membership of leadership changes.

[Patriot 33]

5 hours ago, AdrenalineJunky said:

what does this mean for joe shmoe the rider?

Nothing. 90+% of the club members will give this (or anything else NHSA related) no thoughts at all. 

All most people care about is being able to ride their snowmobiles for the least amount of money possible. The only reason that same 90% join clubs is for the discount. 

[jhwentworth 307]

5 hours ago, AdrenalineJunky said:

what does this mean for joe shmoe the rider?

Joe Shmoe wants, and expects, a trail system, and a good trail system. A combination of clubs, NHSA, and the state BoT deliver these trails. This system doesn't depend on an individual, or even two or three individuals, but the system has to be functional, and working in good faith with the membership. Without financial support from the state most clubs would have a difficult time, and without the clubs the trail system wouldn't work. One of the problems here is there is no consensus on what the trail system should look like, is a state-wide trail system still the goal? Or, are great trails in a limited geography a better use of funds?

Let me ask, what value do you think the NHSA brings to the table? If you think that the answer is nothing, then OK, this whole discussion about the NHSA means nothing too.

[RK-SXViper 144]

15 hours ago, Freedom Rider said:

Nothing if you just like giving away 10.00 of your money to a group who is supposed to be looking out for sports best interests. Yet doesn't notify membership of leadership changes.

So I'll expect to see you on the boat may 7th? I'm sure the Executive board and the Board of director would LOVE to hear some of your thoughts on how to run the organization better. Just like you always say "many hands make light work", see you on the boat!

[dirt dummy 105]

222 views someone is following!

[ckf 295]

I heard a rumor that the VP of the NHSA resigned a few weeks ago. Is that what you were referring to @Freedom Rider ?

[dirt dummy 105]

I hope not I like Bill.

[Skip 262]

10 hours ago, dirt dummy said:

I hope not I like Bill.

Geesh, what did the poor guy do to deserve that????

[Freedom Rider 209]

Any news to verify rumor mill post? I would think Board would have finally been informed as monthly meeting was Tuesday. My County meeting isn't until next week.

 

[RK-SXViper 144]

2 hours ago, Freedom Rider said:

Any news to verify rumor mill post? I would think Board would have finally been informed as monthly meeting was Tuesday. My County meeting isn't until next week.

 

I guess you'll have to show up Monday night to find out. Your not even an NHSA member so this should have NO bearing on you what so ever. You can't bitch about who's in office if you didn't even vote.

Edited April 20, 2017 by RK-SXViper

[Freedom Rider 209]

I did vote last Annual Meeting. That was when the current Board was voted in. So I have a vested interest in the sitting Board makeup.Will I vote this year, no. As you are aware I did not join the NHSA this year but did join my clubs, who are NHSA Member Clubs, to support the trails. Thankfully there are 3 clubs in our county that do NOT require NHSA membership and a few more in other counties. It probably makes up for the 5000 or so members that the portal show as not having renewed their NHSA membership this year. The funny part is the only groups that will know where the members who left went will be those clubs that have decided to worry about supporting themselves instead of someone else. See you Monday.

[Patriot 33]

On 4/20/2017 at 1:42 PM, Freedom Rider said:

I did vote last Annual Meeting. That was when the current Board was voted in. So I have a vested interest in the sitting Board makeup.Will I vote this year, no. As you are aware I did not join the NHSA this year but did join my clubs, who are NHSA Member Clubs, to support the trails. Thankfully there are 3 clubs in our county that do NOT require NHSA membership and a few more in other counties. It probably makes up for the 5000 or so members that the portal show as not having renewed their NHSA membership this year. The funny part is the only groups that will know where the members who left went will be those clubs that have decided to worry about supporting themselves instead of someone else. See you Monday.

Am I the only one who thinks that this is counter-productive to our goal? When I say OUR goal, I mean all of us, ALL snowmobilers in NH. When I say OUR goal, I mean being able to snowmobile on the trails in NH.

Freedom Rider, I don't mean to single you out here, and apologies if you feel that I am. I am really not, but it just seems like to me that this dissension is not helping to further the sport of snowmobiling in NH. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that NHSA is error-free here. And don't get me wrong, I am not saying that there haven't been people who have recognized the errors of NHSA's ways, and that those people have tried to help NHSA get on the right path.

I guess my point is this...snowmobiling in NH is a very fragile sport. I think every club in the state is one landowner away from having to shut down major trail systems. Funding is a huge problem. Club membership and volunteerism is a HUGE problem.

But how can we (ALL SNOWMOBILERS) address those issues? How can we make snowmobiling better in the state? How can we get more people involved? How can we help NHSA help the clubs, the trail systems, the club members, and ALL snowmobilers?

And again to Freedom Rider and some of you other guys, I know that you have tried to help out, I get that. But how can we, as a state, as a group of snowmobilers help?

Edited April 21, 2017 by Patriot

[jhwentworth 307]

1 hour ago, Patriot said:

Am I the only one who thinks that this is counter-productive to our goal? When I say OUR goal, I mean all of us, ALL snowmobilers in NH. When I say OUR goal, I mean being able to snowmobile on the trails in NH.

There's a group of long-term snowmobile people who have zero faith in the NHSA. They believe that the NHSA must be replaced in order to advance snowmobiling. I don't know, but do see that most of the wounds on the NHSA are self-inflicted. The issues you raised about trail access, club membership, and volunteers are all valid and important, but I don't see the NHSA involved in those issues in any meaningful way. I doubt that most snowmobilers even know what the function of the NHSA might be, or that they fund that organization. They have become irrelevant.

[Skip 262]

Very well said Mr. Wentworth...

[Freedom Rider 209]

On 4/21/2017 at 7:43 PM, Patriot said:

Am I the only one who thinks that this is counter-productive to our goal? When I say OUR goal, I mean all of us, ALL snowmobilers in NH. When I say OUR goal, I mean being able to snowmobile on the trails in NH.

Freedom Rider, I don't mean to single you out here, and apologies if you feel that I am. I am really not, but it just seems like to me that this dissension is not helping to further the sport of snowmobiling in NH. Don't get me wrong, I am not saying that NHSA is error-free here. And don't get me wrong, I am not saying that there haven't been people who have recognized the errors of NHSA's ways, and that those people have tried to help NHSA get on the right path.

I guess my point is this...snowmobiling in NH is a very fragile sport. I think every club in the state is one landowner away from having to shut down major trail systems. Funding is a huge problem. Club membership and volunteerism is a HUGE problem.

But how can we (ALL SNOWMOBILERS) address those issues? How can we make snowmobiling better in the state? How can we get more people involved? How can we help NHSA help the clubs, the trail systems, the club members, and ALL snowmobilers?

And again to Freedom Rider and some of you other guys, I know that you have tried to help out, I get that. But how can we, as a state, as a group of snowmobilers help?

My comments were to ask for information regarding a member of the leadership of the NHSA resigning. Very simple question for the membership to be informed about.

Yes I did not renew my NHSA membership this year for the first time since back in the 70's. I did however go to Last Years NHSA Annual Meeting as a delegate for my club. I did participate in the voting that seated this slate of Executive Officers. I do have a vested interest in who is leading the group tasked with providing leadership for its members.

I am unsure if you realize that the NHSA works for its members. Not the other way around. They should be helping the sport, not the members being tasked with helping them. That being said members who wish to help could better do so with communication from the NHSA to it's membership.

Since July 1, 2016 the Board has had a few prominent resignations. 1) Executive Director with 1 year notice 2) Dealer/Contributor Director No notice 3) New Executive Director 1 week notice and membership was informed the last day. While her leaving to be closer to ailing family member is commendable and full supported by me as family comes first. It doesn't look good that she found a new job all in the same week. Being from the "County" in Maine I doubt there are a lot of large salary paying jobs. 4) Hillsboro County Director 5) Now Vice President is gone with no notice. Board of Directors were not even informed until last Tuesday at scheduled meeting. With the advent of email, fax, or cell I am sure that they could have been notified in a better fashion. I got official word as to the validity of my question in the Rumor Mill at my county meeting last night. A VP quitting weeks before the Annual Meeting and election must have had a triggering point. From what I heard last night it was to do with lack of communication and leadership within the Board of Directors. If he left because there is an unhealed wound or fracture of the Board and he could not give his all to trying to meet goals and expectations he set out to do I would commend him for knowing when to step away. There is always a fine line as to making the best of what you have been dealt and knowing when to step away and doing what your heart is in. Based on history of his club he shows he is a strong leader. Sadly, that is what is lacking in the Association presently. I wish him the best and I am sure his club will reap the benefit of not having to share his time with any other group.

I have spent 21/2 years serving my county as an Assistant Director. RK-SXVIPER took my spot representing the county I served when I realized that it was futile trying to make any change.. Sadly, there are very few things that can be done to fix Association.

The Exec. Board is forced to recycle the old, more or less causing incest, with requirement that was passed in 2011 or so making it necessary to have 2 terms served on Board to be eligible to run for VP or President. Couple that with Directors who stay on well past their usefulness to their counties. No new people coming in and the same old just being recycled.New VP will most likely be a Past President and/or a person already holding a voting position on the Board eliminating any chance of having a true democracy.

I know it is all volunteers jada jada, but the clubs are as well. Clubs go thru cycles were they are very strong and everything clicks. Then things stagnate and the club suffers. New blood comes in or change of philosophy and the magic happens again. In the case of the Association the bylaws have been twisted to keep "gene pool" limited to the chosen few. Coupled with no non residents can be voting Officers of Association. Many clubs have volunteers who are non residents or part time residents who actually make more effort than some of the locals do. They bring money, skills,and business skills that may not be available in parts of the state to clubs located there.If you look at loss of sitting Directors and VP leaving, and Some Directors retiring this year the "gene pool" is getting thinner by the day. That is when "incest" plays a part on diluting the gene pool.

I apologize that I forgot Phyllis who ran the office. So that is 6 people who have up and quit. Is it that the sport is dieing? Or is it that the NHSA leadership is lacking?

Edited April 25, 2017 by Freedom Rider
Forgot very important person to the clubs

[RK-SXViper 144]

Very well said Jeff, I totally agree that new volunteers are needed to bring fresh ideas and new energy to the association and the sport in general. It seems like volunteering as a whole is a dying mentality so the entire sport needs a total boost.

[Freedom Rider 209]

I am in agreement with you Rob. The new generations getting into the sport have a mentality that because they pay their registration money the the Trail Gods put down the finished product as we see it when we ride.

I do appreciate what you and all of the volunteers do as far as giving up your time to represent the counties interests in the sport. When I question the associations leadership it is not a knock on them volunteering it is a knock on using a business model/plan that evolved in the late 60's and early 70's. That model doesn't work in 2017. It is quite obvious by what is transpiring with the clubs and sport today.

The Association's unwillingness to change, adjust, or even talk compromise will ultimately spell doom for it. Having the Hasbeens keep changing bylaws to accommodate them and to keep out people who are willing to try and make a difference is killing the sport. Would you happen to know as of May 2017 how many Directors would meet the requirements to run for VP or President? (without recycling the past Presidents which is happening on County Director levels now and probably will happen for the VP position as well) I think that all there is with 2 terms of service would be you,Evie, Cheryl, and Joe. So to expand the pool of candidates a County will lose it's director. Rob Mary to pay Paul.

I find it ironic that in our great country we could elect our President from the masses. Obama was only a Freshman Legislator if I am not mistaken, and Trump with no public service. Yet the Hasbeens are so paranoid about people finding out what is really going on within the Association they add restrictions on eligibility to its members who may want to run.

When there is such a high turnover of officers and a lack of new blood coming in there will be a point very soon that there will be no pool to pick from other than the Hasbeens.

[RK-SXViper 144]

54 minutes ago, Freedom Rider said:

Would you happen to know as of May 2017 how many Directors would meet the requirements to run for VP or President? (without recycling the past Presidents which is happening on County Director levels now and probably will happen for the VP position as well) I think that all there is with 2 terms of service would be you,Evie, Cheryl, and Joe.

Actually I think most of the directors and assistants are eligable to run with the exception of two or three who are new within the last two years. The rule states that you must have served on the board for a two year period which I believe opens it up to any past director who served more than two years (I do not have a copy of the by laws with me so I'm not 100% sure)

[Freedom Rider 209]

I was not sure if there had been any other changes to bylaws regarding eligibility. With Carroll Director not running again I didn't think there were many who had served the required term length.That is good to hear. Thank you for the info and response.