OHSC Wins MSA 2018 Club of the Year Award

 

OHSC Club of the Year 2018

OHSC wins Club of the Year Award for the third time.

by Deanna Surbrook, Ogemaw County Voice

The Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club (OHSC) has done it again.

For an unprecedented three out of the last four years, the Michigan Snowmobile Association (MSA) has named the OHSC as Club of the Year for all its tireless efforts promoting the sport, increasing local membership, maintaining the county’s trail system and its commitment to giving back to the community.

“It is a huge honor,” said OHSC Secretary Carole Gerling. “We donate so many hours and it’s nice to be acknowledged again by the MSA. We all put in months and months of hard work and dedication of a lot of people. The award is validating…we know we’re doing it right.”

The OHSC was founded in December 1967, dedicated to grooming the county’s trail system. Currently, the OHSC has a membership of 152 families, who volunteer their time to groom roughly 105 miles year round for the purpose of ensuring the trails are safe and enjoyable to snowmobile enthusiasts.

The members do far more than just grooming, Carole said. On Trail 6, the OHSC has built a warming hut, a large fire pit with wood split and stacked to use, and very popular with the ladies, added porta-potties.

Carole encourages everyone to give snowmobiling a try.

“I love riding over the trails…it’s wonderful,” Carole said. “It gives me a sense of freedom and it’s so beautiful in the woods and so quiet and peaceful.”

The OHSC gives back to the community in many ways by supporting many local charitable organizations, Carole said, adding they were able to donate about $2,200 in the last year.

The recipients include Rachel’s Closet, Ana’s Treasures, Shop With A Cop, and the Eastern Michigan Food Bank. Additionally, they award a $500 scholarship to a graduating senior at Ogemaw Heights High School every year. The OHSC sponsors an athlete twice a year participating in the Area 4 Special Olympics and donates to the St. Joseph Catholic School yearbook fund.

“Why do we do this?” Carole asked. “It’s a part of who we are. We want to support the community.We just do it. We’re always looking for ways to support Ogemaw County.”

The group is always welcoming new members. For more information on the OHSC, visit www.ohsconline.com or on Facebook. You may also call Carole at 586-739-7221 or OHSC President John Hurry at 989-701-2805.

Source: http://ogemawcountyvoice.com/index.php/november-10-2018-ohsc-wins-club-of-the-year-award/

Jim Kelts elected MSA’s 2017 Vice President

At MSA’s 2017 Annual Meeting, our own Jim Kelts, was elected as the Michigan Snowmobile Association’s new Vice President, effective January 2017. Thank you Jim for all your hard work and valuable time you have devoted to Ogemaw Hills Snowmobile Club and the Michigan Snowmobile Association!

Congratulations Jim!!

Source: OHSC November Newsletter by C.Gerling

OHSC is awarded the Michigan Snowmobile Association’s 2016 Club of the Year

This award goes to the many, many volunteer hours supporting: “brushing and signing trails;” Vintage Snowmobile Show and Ride; opening of new Trail 222; insulating and heating the Equipment Barn; investigating and purchasing the new pull-behind grader; lawn mowing; and flipping hotdogs. Community service was outstanding including our two scholarship offerings, supporting Rachel’s Closet, hosting the Chamber of Commerce Meeting, and the Snowmobile Safety Class — with the support of our two local school districts (WB-RC and Hale). This award goes to the outstanding coordination and actions of our many members that contributed their valuable time and efforts. Thank you to all our volunteers for making us proud to be named Michigan’s Back-toBack Snowmobile Club of the Year Award winners!

Source: OHSC November Newsletter by C.Gerling

DNR Approves 5.5 Mile Knoch Rd. Trail Addition

Knoch Rd Trail map

Knoch Rd. Trail map

OHSC’s new 5.5 mile Knoch Rd trail is approved by the DNR. The trail will provide an alternate route to St. Helen.

Knoch Rd Trail ribbon cutting

Knoch Rd. Trail ribbon cutting

The ribbon cutting to open the new trail took place on December 8, 2015 which included representatives from the DNR, OHSClub, West Branch Chamber of Commerce, Road Commission and the local media.

 

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