MVSTA thanks its workforce

As with all Methow Valley potlucks, the spread was plentiful and delicious.

Methow Valley Sport Trails Association held a volunteer appreciation barbecue at the Mazama Community Center on Sunday afternoon (June 5). Around 75 volunteers were fêted at the celebration, along with board members, ski trail grooming staff, and ski patrol. MVSTA Events Director, Mike Pruett, said the barbecue was a way for the organization to “reach out and show our appreciation to various members and ambassadors. It’s also a chance for them to meet each other.”

Mike Pruett serves up brats.

Pruett took a break from his barbecue grill duties to recognize the MVSTA workforce. He stressed the importance of member/ambassadors who interact with visitors at events and on the trails and “share their passion for living in the Methow.”

According to Pruett, around 175 members are involved in the currently-at-capacity trail pass program, which awards an annual trail pass to enrolled volunteers who work 20 hours over the course of the year. Bridge building, trail maintenance, racecourse marshal, and trailhead ambassador are among the various duties performed by volunteer workers who also support eight to ten events per year, from running and ski races to the annual Sports Swap.

Don Portman, MVSTA board president, awarded  Michael Prichard a lifetime trail pass for his years of dedication to the organization and for starting the ski patrol program.

Associate director, Danica Kaufman, reported that MVSTA is now the largest cross-country ski area in the nation, with 190 kilometers of groomed ski trails. She lauded the past year as having the second-best trail pass sales as well as the best lifetime pass sales ever, despite the continued economic downturn.

Midge Cross, Kristen Smith and Mike Real

John Owen, Sam Owen and Michael Caldwell

2011 Doggie Dash

A little starting line showdown.

The Methow Valley Nordic Club's Doggie Dash is a zany, off-the-wall event which delights spectators and participants, locals and out-of-towners.  Held at the Winthrop Town Trailhead on Sunday of President's Day weekend, this year's celebration of nordic skiing and dogs boasted excellent snow conditions and brilliant, sunny weather.

Participants on skis ranged from Emmet Bondi at age 3-ish, to full-fledged senior citizens reacquainting themselves with their inner child.

Karla Segale as entomologist, left, Susan Pritchard in striped leggings, right.

Four-legged racers included Karla Segale's petit black and white Pappilon (weighing no more than 8 pounds in butterfly wings), and a couple of monstrous Bernese mountain dogs.  Thanks to far-sighted planning, the tots only compete against other children, and the tiny dogs are not asked to run with the Titans.

Separate prizes are given for costumes and speed; one need not be a champion skier to compete.

The rules, written by the Nordic Club, are as follows:  Dogs must be on a leash.  You must start and finish with the same dog.  Imaginative costumes suggested for both you and your dog. 

The only costume-related liability I observed was Dave Ford's dog becoming hobbled by its Spandex cape.  Other mishaps included crossed leashes leading to trips and falls, and a number of dogs and owners crossing the finish line as separate, disconnected entities.  I observed no tears, but lots of smiles and good-natured ribbing.  

Danbert Nobacon, left, John Spaude, right, Teri Pieper with camera in the background.

The photo opportunities were boundless; however, my little camera had some trouble keeping up with the speed of events, and suffered a bit from the low temperatures.  To view a professional slideshow of this year's event, check out Teri Pieper's blog.