Hi Everyone, 

Most of you know me but for those who do not my name is Russ (Russel Butler).  I am the former President of Oak Park Ski Club and acting as co-President of Four Winds, Ski, Ride, & Socialize Club along with Patrick Clark until new by-laws have been completed and voted upon and then a new board is nominated and elected.  I have been involved with Oak Park for quite some time and met my wife Sheri as well as many of my closest friends at Oak Park.  I wanted to make a difference and kept involved in the club and ultimately somehow ended up as President, go figure.  Now I find myself in the middle of a merger to help two clubs become one.  We both have our own culture and ways of doing things but we will ultimately get this all figured out.  I have already met plenty of wonderful friends at Four Winds and look forward to meeting many more new friends and having plenty of wonderful times going forward.

Anyway the holidays are in full swing as I write this but they will soon be winding down.  Four Winds has plenty of upcoming trips and activities.  Let’s see what is coming up…hmmm.  

Well of course in January we have a lodge drive up trip the weekend of January 20^th to 22^nd, an ABSF Fundraiser at Wilmot on January 22^nd, and also the Granite Peak trip the weekend of January 27^th to 29^th.  In February we will be having another lodge drive up trip the weekend of February 10^th to 12^th, and the Indianhead / Powderhorn trip on February 24^th to 26^th.  March consists of the Cascade trip which includes staying at a nearby waterpark the weekend of March 3^rd to March 5^th and of course the CMSC Winter Carnival the weekend of March 10^th to March 12^th. 

Phew, sounds like plenty going on and that is just the ski and snowboard trips.  If you ask what else is happening, well of course there is the Caribbean Cruise starting on January 7^th to 14^th for those who wish to cruise the ocean for a bit rather than the slopes.  Coming up will also be the Travel and Adventure show the weekend of January 21^st to 22^nd.  There are sure to be plenty of other upcoming events such as Blackhawk Rally Parties and Bar and Restaurant outings as well so be sure to check the website and your emails from Four Winds. 

The past month of December was a busy month with the general meeting on Thursday, December 1^st, the Geneva Holiday Lights Walking Tour on Friday, December 2^nd, and the Four Winds holiday party on Saturday, December 3rd that was graciously hosted by Richard and Judy Stash.  There was also a Holiday Lights Car Rally on Saturday, December 10^th.  Hopefully you were able to attend some or all of these events.  I actually made it to them all and had a great time.  I was asked if I could put together a brief write-up of the Geneva Walk and the Holiday Lights Car Rally so be on the lookout for those as well along with some photos of the events.

Thanks again and I look forward to seeing you at an upcoming Four Winds trip, social event, or meeting in the near future!   

Russ (Co-Prez Four Winds, Ski, Ride, & Socialize Club)