Welcome to The Patriotic Ski Club!

10/19/05

Will Spring EVER get here? We were all asking that question until recently. So far only a few have braved the cold waters of Center Hill to pursue our sport. Easter weekend was beautiful (so I’m told) and finally the water and air temperature have finally started to rise – a little. I have even received a report that Ed Jones was skiing without a wetsuit! With any luck in a week or two the more sane among us will be putting away the spring suits for what we hope is a long and warm summer of skiing.

Three weeks ago were surprised to find the course in nearly skiable condition. A couple of replacement balls and a little bit of adjustment and we had a passable course. Last year the course was in excellent condition nearly every weekend thanks mostly to Johnnie, Freddie and Gordie. Like nearly any task, if everyone helps a little it will help a lot! Often when a ball is missing from the course, it can be found on shore somewhere in Raccoon Hollow. Even if you can’t reattach it, taking a moment to retrieve and keep it will help cut replacement costs. You never know. You might be a real hero if that one critical ball is missing and you can produce it from your ski locker.

Water Ski magazine tells us that there is a new resurgence in the popularity of slalom among the younger skiers. They said something about the next generations of national skiers have created more interest; I think it is the cost of gas for those wakeboard boats… In any event, having more younger skiers is good news for the club. If you see a younger or inexperienced skier (someone like me) trying out the course try to be a bit patient. It can be intimidating and the last thing they need is to get pressure from some scary looking ski club member telling them to hurry up. Remember the skier you encourage today means one less tuber that trashes the course tomorrow!

Safety is always a good thing. Every year there are tragic accidents that should have been avoided. As with so many things these days, if we don't regulate ourselves, a new law, regulation or tax will pop up to try to do it instead. As the oldest ski club on the lake it is important that we all do what we can to promote safety. That may just keep us healthy and certainly won’t do our relationship with the TWRA any harm either.

OK,OK, enough preaching. I’m going to the lake!

Jim

10/19/05

Apparently, there's either a stump or a floater in the back of Raccoon Hollow somewhere around the dropoff in the back. For you hardcores out there, watch your prop! If you do find a stump back there, try to mark it with a milk jug or bouy so others can save their hulls.

8/05/05

Sigh, I received a water ski catalog earlier this week with "End of Summer Sale" printed across the cover ? say it ain't so! How is it possible that before Todd, Jojo and Zach Jones and Laurie, Emily and Dale Thomas even show up at Center Hill the season begins to wind down!

On the positive side, we have been seeing more and more slalomers (is that a word) at Raccoon Hollow on weekend mornings than we have had in a long time. Chris Davis has recovered enough to begin skiing again and even Bubba Beers has been seen on the course. Regulars include Freddie Snell, Joe Gallivan, Bub Edwards (injured but smiling) Johnny, Susan, Samantha and Madison Titshaw, Bob McDow, Gordie McKelvey and a dozen others (that will surely give me an earful for not mentioning them by name)

Special thanks to Freddie, Gordie and Johnny for getting the course in the best shape it has been in years. With pre-gates and timing magnets it really is on par with Mine Lick and far better than most big-lake courses. Thanks of all the hard work!

The first Adaptive ski weekend on Center Hill was a tremendous success. Even though there was a conflict with a race, there was a very strong turnout. As always, volunteers are needed at the final date, August 13, to support the increased number of skiers. Start s 9:00 AM. For more information contact Mike Sells (mikesells77@comcast.net)

Long live the jump! Gordie has stepped up to head the jump repair committee. We had about given up on finding anyone willing to take on this substantial task. Getting started is a large part of the project there is still a lot of work to be done. In order to make this happen we will need at least a little time from every member. Please be ready to help in some way when we contact you.

We still have an assortment of limited edition 2005 BEAST shirts for sale at $5.00! if you are interested in one of these really cool shirts and wish to support your club, contact either Annie Pugh (annielpugh@aol.com) or me (JHFurbush@aol.com) if you would like one. Every one sold will help keep the club going! You can never have enough water skiing tee shirts.

Speaking of venerable old ski club icons, Freddie, is planning a revitalization of the Labor Day Ski Show. While we all enjoy participation, the show is especially wonderful for the younger generation of skiers in our midst. Skiers and nonskiers-If you have any interest in making this happen - PLEASE be sure to contact Freddie (whitebayfreddie@yahoo.com)

Lastly, I can't help but to share this photo. Ashley, Freddie and I were skiing a pyramid (which we have done dozens of times) when somehow during the start, my right ski, the one supporting Ashley's left leg, got buried and pulled off. Amazingly we recovered from the moment captured in this photo and pulled off an otherwise uneventful pyramid.

Have Fun and Be Safe! Jim

7/05/05

For those of you that didn't make it out to this year's BEAST at Birdie's, you missed a great time. The INT (International Novice Tour) did a great job bring competitors, music and even a food vendor! I was a step up from last year in both quality and quantity with quite a number of skiers of all ages and abilities. Tents lined the bank with most spending the entire weekend.

Even the limited edition 2005 BEAST shirts were big hit! We have several left at a reduced cost so contact either Annie Pugh (annielpugh@aol.com) or me (JHFurbush@aol.com) if you would like one. Every one sold will help keep the club going! You can never have enough water skiing tee shirts. Especially one this distinctive!

Special thanks to The Better Business Bureau of Middle Tennessee, Performance Marine and Rambo Marine for sponsoring!

We are still looking for additional sponsors for this year's club shirt so if you, your company or anyone you know might be interested in helping our organization and appearing on the backs of skiers all over the area for a very modest donation, please let us know! This has become the primary fund raiser for the club so your help is vital!

Annie is still working on getting a Lean to Ski Better day going and needs some help! Please let he know if you might be available.

We are closing in rapidly on the Adaptive skiing season as well with the first date June 25 at Percy Priest. If you have never attended one of these events you are missing out on a great aspect of our sport. While may who attend are regulars often we have some first timers. Dale Thomas once commented that you never forget the person who taught you to ski. This has to be especially true where the skier has a disability of some sort and can't regularly participate in such an active sport. Make the effort - you'll see what I mean!

The Adaptive Water Skiing Dates for 2005

June 25 Percy Priest
July 9 Center Hill
August 13 Center Hill
Start times are 9:00 AM.

Contact Mike Sells (mikesells77@comcast.net)

Lastly, we have had no volunteers to work on the jump yet. The board has voted to make the funds available to anyone who will repair the jump. The Corps of Engineers is becoming more concerned about houseboats, docks and, we presume, our jump ramp on the lake. If we don't do something soon, the only jump on Center Hill will be gone for good.

Have Fun and Be Safe!
Jim

Updates:

Jump: Gordie has graciously offered to work on the jump. He could use a hand, so anybody with a shred of interest or talent should go find him! We'll keep you posted on anything we know!

Ski Course: Racoon Hollow has pregates at both ends and timing magnets for those boats that have Perfect Pass systems. Thanks Jim and Freddie! PLEASE be aware that the magnets are just under the gate balls and the passenger side #3 ball. They won't hurt your boat, but they can be "killed" by sloppy driving! That includes wave runners.

Also, with July the 4th behind us, Labor Day is Looming. If you want to be in the Show and have a great time, contact Freddie @ whitebayfreddie@ yahoo.com.

4/29/05

Dear Patriotic Ski Club members and Friends,

I want to thank all of you that made it out to the meeting. Despite the weather (about as bad as it gets in April) we had a respectable number turn out. Even the members were actually respectable...a few of them anyway. We had a several new faces and a level of enthusiasm that we haven’t seen in a while. In fact it was the level of excitement for the upcoming year and the spirit of “Get ‘er Done” that convinced me to accept the nomination to continue on as President (my last year, I promise!)

To get everything done that was proposed, we decided to expand the number of board members from two to four. This, and the splitting the Secretary/Treasurer (the function NOT the person) increases the number involved in the directing the club from five to a total of eight. With the exception of the president, careful consideration was given to get the right person in each position to provide a wide range of club and life experience.

VP - Freddie Snell Treasurer - Susan Titshaw Secretary - Annie Pugh Board of Directors: Charlie “Crash” Adkins, Nick Clark, Kevin Pugh, Dave Westerman.

A preview of this year’s events (more details to follow):

The BEAST Lives!

Birdie’s Early Annual Ski Tournament, aka The BEAST, will be held May 14th and 15th at Clearwater Lake. New member, Brian Sparks (a great guy and truly exceptional skier) is this year’s tournament director. This is a fun time whether you are a skier, a non-skier, enjoy watching some great skiing (and some of us not-so-greats) or those who just like a good party. This is an ideal opportunity to show your family and friends what our sport is all about: sport and camaraderie. Grab your cooler and a couple lawn chairs and stop by for a while.

Adaptive Ski

Currently four dates that need to be on your calendar: ski days June 25 at Percy Priest; July 9 and August 13 at Center Hill. Since many of the volunteers (i.e., drivers, divers, starters …..) require specialized skills, there will be a training day for all interested on June 18th. We are discussing various alternative sites on Center Hill as the current location can get a little rough at times and seasonal floating debris can add a little too much to the excitement level. We would appreciate any suggestions should anyone know of a suitable location. For information concerning the Adaptive ski program please contact Mike Sells or Annie Pugh (annielpugh@aol.com)

Learn to Ski and Learn to Ski Better Day

This event was discussed last year but never did happen for a variety of reasons. This is an opportunity to bring attention and members to the club while having a great time teaching “our sport” to others. This year Annie Pugh has volunteered as director to get this project moving. Anyone who has any suggestions or is willing to make this day a reality, please contact her ASAP.

Labor Day Ski Show

As the club’s signature event, this event is too important to let go. It has tradionally been the most visible function of the club and has been responsible for a lot of new members. It is also a lot of fun. The nature of this event requires a minimum number of participants that are willing to commit to some level of work and practice. Remember, most of this “work” is skiing (all work should be this fun)! Perennial Show director, Freddie Snell (you’ll be hearing more from him soon) has a hard deadline to recruit a minimum number of skiers to move forward with the show. PLEASE contact him if you would like the show to go on!

The Jump

After a lengthy and “lively” discussion at the meeting it was decided that the club will make a reasonable amount of funds available to any group of members willing to take on the repair. If there are no takers by this time next year and the jump is still not usable, the Board will reluctantly discuss the disposal of this important but deteriorated club icon.

This promises to be a busy year on the lake. Please help us to make it a great one for the club!

Ski Safe,
Jim Furbush

Also, a friendly reminder to those members who have not paid their dues. You can contact me at or if you have any questions. See you on the lake!

Annie Pugh

6/01/04

Dear Patriotic Ski Club Members,

Memorial Day weekend is finally here (and gone)! That means ski season is underway and all of you will know where to find me every weekend. The Board and I have a big summer planned with a new energy flowing through the club and our sport.

To kick off the season we had the first annual B.E.A.S.T. (Birdie’s Early Annual Spring Tournament) and despite the “iffy” weather it was successful beyond our expectations. A lot of eating, music and fun interrupted occasionally by some of the best skiing in Tennessee! The following is posted on the Water Ski Tennessee website.

Performances at the Patriotic’s “B.E.A.S.T.” Very Encouraging

The early “Frosty Balls” had a great turnout with about 125 for dinner and festivities. Many of the “Nasty Boys” along with skiers from the Patriotic, Knoxville, Cleveland, Nashville, and locals were among the crowd.

Exceptional performances were Dianne Pastoor followed by Christie Birdwell in the women’s division.

The old men’s division was led by Tommy Newman who fell down and got back up again a couple of times on his way into deep 35 off. He then capped that performance with all 8 balls at 28 off. Following Tommy were Bob Brizzell and Birdie Birdwell with a mid 35 off performance.

Very respectful performances in the younger men were Paul Turner and Greg Ashley who wiggled into the mid 35 off. Paul topped his slalom performance by running the course on jumpers and “toasting” with a beer at each buoy.

Close to personal bests were PASCA’s jim Furbush, Jimmy Wilburn and Freddie Snell. These “old timers” will hopefully join Team Tennessee for some of the tournament action this year.

With blown slalom binders Brian Sparks elected to run a PB and course record on his trick ski as he ran 39.5 off on his “slippery slalom”. He actually ran the rope out of “loops”.

Another personal best was David Turner who took 3rd prize at the “Sarong” contest.

The Party dedicated to Kristin “Kritter” Clouse for her graduation from College earlier that mourning. It was definitely “record capability” with an exceptional performance by Patriotic’s “White Bay Freddie” band. It was great to have old timers Kirby Whetsel, Nicky Lowe, and Hambone Wallace in great form.

The PASCA expresses many thanks to Greg “GW” Webb and Dianne Pastoor who provided the tournament boat and pulled all day. Special effort to be recognized is Jimmy Wilburn, T. J. Westerman, Gerald “Pappy” Fisher, Freddie Snell, Birdie Birdwell, Paul Turner, Bob Brizzell, Jim Furbush, Christie Birdwell, and several others who “gotter done”.

The Patriotic Ski Club looks forward to a great year on Center Hill. We also hope to contribute to “Team Tennessee” with renewed attendance at the tournament and party stops.

Thanks to all from the Patriotics!

Special thanks and recognition to the members that made this possible. Joey Orange, tournament director; Zach Jones assistant tournament director and equipment safety inspector; Todd Jones, check in, cash and sponsor arranger guy; Susan Titshaw, treasurer, secretary (and voice of reason); Freddie Snell, head of music and enthusiasm and Dale Thomas, thoughtful input coordinator.

Finally, a huge THANK YOU to our major sponsors: Glen “Birdie” Birdwell and Cumberland Materials.

Other events and projects being discussed for this summer include:

1. A new sign for Raccoon Hollow (should be installed before July 4th).

2. Resurfacing the jump

3. A ski clinic / fun tournament

4. The Labor day weekend ski show

I hope to see each of you in the upcoming weeks. Please feel free to let any of the Board know your thoughts, ideas and comments about your club.

Be Safe

Jim Furbush

From the secretary:

Hey everyone! Although I have received dues from several members, I am still lacking several members. I am attaching an application for the ski club. Please mail your dues to me ASAP. If you have trouble accessing it, please visit our website at www.patrioticskiclub.com. We have lots of things going on this year and we really need your support – physically and financially. The sign was a large necessary expense. Please do not use it for target practice.

Please complete the ski club application in its entirety if even if your information has not changed or you are a non-dues paying member (sponsors and charter members) so I can make sure my database is accurate. THANKS!

You can also find an order form for the T-shirts at our web address. If anyone has any news or pictures they would like to post on the site, send it to me and I will forward it to our webmaster, Charlie Adkins.

Susan Titshaw, Secretary

2/23/04

From the President:

Dear Patriotic Ski Club Members,

With the “spring” meeting behind us I am more excited than ever about this upcoming ski season. While the turnout at the meeting was a bit disappointing, the enthusiasm was tremendous (as was the consumption of food and beverages.) I have no doubt that it was the latter that got me re-elected to another year as president with Todd (back-from-the-bunker) jones as VP. Board members are joey Orange and Dale Thomas. Fortunately for all of us, Susan Titshaw has agreed to continue on a secretary another year (thank you, thank you, THANK YOU!)

More importantly, we have some new names involved in a very important project. joey Orange (orangepharoah@yahoo.com) was selected to head up the tournament committee with Zach jones (skierdude5@aol.com) assisting him in this endeavor. These guys have volunteered to take on this project made even more difficult because the club has not held any sort of tournament in several years. To complicate things, joey is a new member and Zach was barely into double digits the last time he saw a tournament (his age not his IQ.) Please make it a point to help any way you can. I can’t emphasize enough how important this is to the momentum (joey-mentum?) of the club. We promise to make the tournament a truly fun event that will be open to anyone regardless of skill level that wants to participate. I may even stand a chance! The dates are tentatively set for july 31-August 1. We will have slalom, wakeboard, and barefoot events.

We have already had several boat and PWC dealers express their desire to help us out with both the tournament and the ski show. We got the stuff – what we need is you. Last year’s ski show showed us what happens when we assume that “someone else” will step up when needed – I hope we all learned a lesson from that!

There are two other important dates you need to write in on your calendar. The first is the US Coast Guard Auxiliary boater safety course on March 13th at 10:00 am. This course is required for anyone born after january 1, 1989 to operate any motorized watercraft in the State of Tennessee (even if there is an adult on board) in 2005. That means that soon these courses will be crowded and more expensive. It won’t be fun sitting on the dock during the summer waiting for a space in one of these classes to open up. To encourage early participation, the course has been made deliberately very easy, fun and cheap. The cost is only $25 for the book. That will probably all change once the certificate is mandatory. Why not skip the hassle (do people still use that word?) and take the course this year. The course will be held at 2610 Wade Springs Road in Walter Hill. Please call Susan Titshaw at xxx-xxx-xxxx by March 10th in order to reserve your spot. The Club will be providing lunch for the members. Susan or Freddie have directions and they are also on the website.

The address is 2610 Wade Springs Road in Walter Hill. The directions I have say to got 231N to east on jefferson Pike (266). Take first left on to Wade Springs Road. It is first drive on right. Course will be in party house behind main house.

Parents, law or not, this is just a good idea for the safety of your kids. I’m told that although designed for the young’ns any of us would benefit. Our association has always made water safety a priority – let’s continue this tradition!!

The other event is March 20th and 21st. Several volunteers will be tackling the long overdue repair of the jump. Like many of the members, the jump has seen the ravages of time and lack of care. While there isn’t much that can be done with the former, we can get the jump back into top condition. Please let David Puckett (clearwaterbaydave@hotmail.com) or Freddie Snell (freddie@whitebayfreddie.com) know if we can count on your help.

2004 is already shaping up to be an excellent year for the Patriotic Ski Club – and it’s only February!

Think WARM!

jim

From the secretary:

Hey everyone! Although I have received dues from several members, I am still lacking several members. I am attaching an application for the ski club. Please mail your dues to me by April 15th. If you have trouble accessing it, please visit our website at www.patrioticskiclub.com. As you have read we have lots of things going on this year and we really need your support – physically and financially.

I would like to welcome our newest members – joey Orange, Scott Spainhour, and Brianne Cummings (Bridget and jonathan’s new addition).

Susan Titshaw, Secretary, sra411@aol.com

9/30/03

From the Secretary:

First, I would like to welcome our newest members –

Phillip, Nancy & Wesley Smith

I also want to thank everyone that braved the weather and came to the Labor Day party. I believe a good time was had by all. For those of you who got drenched in route to the party, maybe next time the weather will cooperate.

The T-shirts are still for sale. Order forms are at the bottom of the newsletter. Since my family will not be up for the next few weeks, the shirts will be at my house. If you order one, please be sure to include postage. Thanks.

Susan Titshaw,

Secretary

PS It is NEVER too late to pay dues. You can get an application at the website.

From the President:

Dear Ski Club Members,

Well, here we are. School is back in session and Labor Day is just a memory (and for some that destroyed a few too many brain cells at the party, it isn’t even that!) Most painful to me is referring to the ski season of 2003 as nearing its end. Even though some of us see a couple more months of increasingly chilly skiing ahead, we all have to admit that fall is right around the corner. It is way to early for us to pronounce this all-too-short season as done; we have a few great weekends left to come.

This season has seen the arrival of a new generation of skiers. With the late arrival of Trey Snell (gee, who would have guessed that Freddie’s kid wouldn’t do things as planned!) it is easy to close you eyes and fast forward a few years to imagine him joining fellow recent arrival Dakota Boudoucies at some future club event with Madison Titshaw, Emily Thomas, Frank and Maggie Adkins, and who knows else. Pretty awesome to think that these are the people that will be the Patriotic Ski Club far the 21st century… maybe beyond.

Sadly this season also marks the first in many years without a Labor Day ski show. This hallmark event that brings such attention to the club and joy to the participants and spectators, didn’t happen. This was due in part to injuries and unavoidable conflicts that prevented a number of key skiers from being there. Still, we could have pulled it off had it not been for the lack of interest by the membership in general. Other than a small core group, no one showed up for any of the practice sessions. We had no volunteers for the various support functions. We didn’t even know who, if any, would show up to participate. This event is too important to let die and I ask that each member make a commitment to get involved and do what they can to make sure this happens in 2004!

This summer will also be memorable for the marvelous Labor Day party. Despite the rain, we had a strong turnout and we all had a wonderful time. Everything came together under the tent thanks to a lot of hard work by a few members and mostly Susan and johnny Titshaw. I would guess that well over 50 people were there, ranging from long-time members to recent additions and guests. For those of you not in attendance (and a few who were but can’t remember) we will try to get some of Rocky’s or my photos posted on the website. And anyone who heard anything about some ski boat snagging a couple of fishermen’s lines on the way to the party – I don’t know what you’re talking about….

2003 has also seen another historic event. My finally clearing a 28 off pass. Not bad for a guy who first attempted the slalom course in 1999. Chris Davis hit this goal as well with Mr. Snell not far behind! I’m happy to report there seems to be a renewed interest in skiing the course. It isn’t unusual to find 4 or more tournament boats, each with several skiers, in line on any given weekend morning. That is a huge increase over last year. Several have commented that the course has been in better shape than it has in many years. I have to thank everyone that helped with maintenance for making this possible.

As always, be safe!

jim Furbush, President

++++++++++ Freddie’s Ski Club Trivia Contest ++++++++++++

Each newsletter Freddie Snell will submit a trivia question. If you think you know the answer

Please e-mail to WhitebayFreddie@yahoo.com or tell him when you go see Trey.

We will select a name at random from the correct entries to receive the very nifty club t-shirt

And we will try to publish the names of all those that submitted the correct answer in the next newsletter.

Last Month’s question:

Of the five original members of the club (Bert Parsley, Eddie Ayers, jareld Summars, Darrell Midgett, and john Giles) which one could not swim and how do we know that for sure? (There are two correct answers to the second half of the question, either one will qualify)

Correct Answer: Eddie (no-float) Ayers / How did this get discovered? There are two answers to how do we know that Ayers can't swim. (actually, there were more than two, but the two the judges recognize are:

1) The original five (minus john Giles) plus Freddie and Nathan were playing "King of the jump" one Sunday in the early 70's. Bert was on top and fell, literally bowling the rest of us off. No one had on a jacket. Ayers hit the water and was about five feet from the jump. I was between Eddie and the jump and Eddie said with genuine fear, "Freddie, help me to the jump!" I thought he was kidding, but I could tell he was really freaked out, so I grabbed him and pushed him to the jump saying, "What's wrong with you Eddie?" He replied, "I can't swim! I knew I shouldn't get on the jump with Bert!"

2) Later that year at a ski show on Old Hickory, the jump skiers (Bert, Darrell, jerald, and Eddie) were preparing to do their act dressed as girls. Bert said they had to do it without jackets. Ayers refused. I thought they were gonna get into a fist fight, until Eddie finally said, "Parsley, I'm not gonna do it without at least a ski belt!" That is what he wore!

Other answers were:

He never gets in with out a jacket.

Bert's story is that Eddie fell off the dock at Holmes Creek and Bert had to jump in to pull him out!

Winner: Of the approximately 25,000 answers submitted (rounded off to the nearest 25,000) the winner of this month’s T-shirt random drawing is Mr. jeff Rigney! Thanks to everyone who entered!

This month's question is who said it or did it?

Match the following names with the appropriate quote or action:

Birdie Birdwell

Kim Eddins

john Boudoucies/Glen McCandless

Nathan Thomas

Dave Westerman

Eddie Ayers

Butter Beasley

Freddie Snell

* "Shut up and get in the boat"

* "Let's sink the course by shooting it out"

* Invented full moon water skiing (which of course we never do!)

* Lost three anchors in three weekends. First, threw one out without a rope ties to it, second, tied the rope on, but not to the boat, third, tied the rope to the boat and the anchor, got ready to leave, untied the rope from the boat, got distracted and drove away from the anchor, earn the nickname "Stupid"

* Streaked the ski club

* Bought his first boat by writing himself a loan from his father's bank when dad was out of the country and left a teenager in charge

* Lost his girlfriend (affectionately called "Big Momma") one night in front of the dam after a game of Thumper at the Rigney's cabin

* Had his jet boat hot-wired by Darrell Midgett regularly so Darrell and Freddie could barefoot

Good luck! Remember, the judges will tolerate no questioning of their authority or intelligence or memory, even though it may all be flawed!

8/1/03

From the Secretary:

First, I would like to welcome our newest members -

Dale, Lori, Dusty & Emmie Thomas
Mike Gay
Ham Wallace
Steve, Denise, Will, Chase, & Sam Long

Second, the next assisted skier date is:
August 9th - Center Hill Lake at 9:00 am

The final date for this season will be September 13th - Center Hill Lake at 9:00 am. If you have any questions, please contact Mike Sells.

Also, in the works are plans for a party after the Labor Day Ski Show on August 31st. The ski show will begin at 3:00 pm and the Dj will begin playing at 7:30 pm. It will be at the park right next to Center Hill Marina like we did for the 30th anniversary. We have hired a Dj with karoke. We have a tent, tables, chairs, garbage cans, and a portable toilet. But we still need lighting (string lights or Tiki torches) and a generator. Everyone bring food and drinks.

The T-shirts are in! I think they look great. Order forms are at the bottom of the newsletter. T-shirts will be available at the party. (Please buy one, we need the space on our boat!)

Susan Titshaw,
Secretary

PS It is NEVER too late to pay dues.

From the President:

After a long (long) cool spring we have at long last stumbled into summer. Although anyone watching me ski the course would think is the first day of the season, I have checked with all the official sources and confirmed that, yes it is july. This leaves me in a bit of a dilemma (now that I think of it, I think my grandfather drove a '38 Dilemma…) when I blow a pass that I should make easily, I can't use the "oh-well-it's-still-early-in-the-season" excuse. The problem is that it is too early to use the late-season-burn-out explanation. I really don't like Freddie's explanation that it is just a simple lack talent, so I need some sort of rationalization - I'm certain now that I will get all sorts of reasons from the members (remember, the lack-of-talent one is already taken!)

While some of you have yet to make an appearance, I was happy to see that we had a sizable increase in the activity in Raccoon Hollow over the july 4th weekend. In addition to a number of slalomers, at one point we actually had two jumpers using the ramp! Leslie (way to go!) was landing a few and getting a lot of help from several "ex-jumpers". David (I CAN FLY) Puckett was getting some measurable distance - quite a feat under the conditions. Sadly though a week or so later, David found the hard way that the jump was long overdue for some repairs when he ruined his skis on a protruding bolt. David and Freddie Snell have been appointed chairmen of the jump maintenance committee and are now trying to determine if the jump can be temporarily be repaired for use in the show. Frankly, it looks doubtful and it is likely that a complete overhaul is needed. jump or not, we have seen a substantial increase in activity at the course including a few used-to-ski-a-lot -but-haven't-skied-for-a-while types (like Bubba, Kent, and jenenne).

Speaking of the show - jojo (that's pronounced "HO HO" in Spanish) jones is due a big "Thanks" from all of us. She contacted Nashville Inboard Water Sports and got Sherman to DONATE THE USE OF SEVERAL BRAND NEW 2004 MALIBU INBOARDS for our use at the show! Cool or what! And he has also agreed to contact several of his suppliers to see if we can be set up as a demo club (as in demonstration NOT demolition!) Not sure exactly what that entails but it sounds good to me! As of today I have spoken with Sherman once myself and he is still waiting to hear from the suppliers. I'll let you know as soon as we have confirmation and details. He will also be sure to send all the info on the show to his mailing list. This is so cool!

Susan has been working hard on putting together a post-show party for the entire ski club. We are still working out the details - and the costs. We'll keep you posted!

Finally, the recent assisted skier outing was a great success! Thanks to all of you that volunteered!

Be safe,
jim Furbush, President

++++++++++ Freddie's Ski Club Trivia Contest ++++++++++++

Each newsletter Freddie Snell will submit a trivia question. If you think you know the answer
Please e-mail it to WhitebayFreddie@yahoo.com
We will select a name at random from the correct entries to receive the very nifty club tee-shirt
And we will try to publish the names of all those that submitted the correct answer in the next newsletter.

Last Month's question:
In 1978 at the first Patriotic Ski Club Tournament how were the jump distances metered?
Bonus for no additional credit: Who won?

Correct answer: Milk jugs were set out and "officials" sat on the shore to gauge which jug the jumper landed closest to/ The winner of that first contest: Birdy (Birdman?) Birdwell

Winner: Of the approximately 10,000 answers submitted (rounded off to the nearest 10,000) there were 3 corrects: Bubba (Everything is hurt but my ears) Beers, Diana (I was the secretary for 100 years) Beers and David (brain bucket) Puckett.

The winner of this month's T-shirt random drawing is Diana (I was the secretary for 100 years) Beers!

This Month's question: Of the five original members of the club (Bert Parsley, Eddie Ayers, jareld Summars, Darrell Midgett, and john Giles) which one could not swim and how do we know that for sure? (There are two correct answers to the second half of the question, either one will qualify)

Disclaimer: The questions have been thoroughly researched although the answers have not been. We are at the mercy of the memory and knowledge (oh my) of Freddie Snell whose decision is final so lighten up already and submit your best guess!

++++++++++ Labor Day Ski Show News by Freddie Snell ++++++++++

Since Furby has gotten more long winded than me (who'd of thought it was possible) This is gonna be short. We are doing a show on August 31st in the hollow at 3:00 pm and we need SKIERS! So far what I know I can count on is the Parrot Head Cove Piratical Society (The Pirates Furbush, Thomas and jones and hopefully, that dashing johnny Depp look a like jonathon Toddy). I Hope and expect Bubba beers, Craig and His Amazing Technicolor Wake Board, and The Sky Ski GOD. I would love to see Leslie, Mary Lynn, ALL the Amazing Skiing Adkins Family, David Puckett, and especially johnny (I retired of it all) Titshaw. (I will really miss johnny. We've skied together in more shows than I can count. Your 360 is such a showstopper and I just won't feel right without you barefooting beside me. It's not too late to reconsider!) We need footers, flag babes, ballet babes, and pyramid people. I think that Neal may come out of retirement and juggle for us this year!
If you wanna play, come to Parrot Head Cove any Sat or Sun afternoon and we'll teach you anything you want to learn ANYTHING! And where are Butter, Birdie, Kimbo and jim Eddins, Melissa Woodfin, Ronnie Cowan, Daryl Waddell and his amazing stunts? Come out and play!

Freddie

P.S.
Trey (Fred Clark Snell, III) is due to be born by C-Section on August 18th. He should be ready to ski in the show; He'll be 11 days old!

6/15/03

From the President:

Dear Ski Club Members,

Last newsletter I was a bit confused as to how I became president. As I write this time, I find myself confused as to how it could possibly be mid-june and we have yet to see a day in the high 80's! What happened to Memorial Day anyway? Oh well, my chattering teeth are at least making it sound like I am typing at more than my usual 5 words per minute!

Despite the resoundingly mediocre weather, I am happy to report that a number of members have been spotted in, or at least near, the lake. Notably, Chris and Howard Davis have braved the cold and wind (albeit in FULL wetsuit) enough to be considered weekend morning "regulars" on the newly refurbished (no relation) Raccoon Hollow Course. Thanks in large part to Freddie Snell, the course has all the balls in place and Susan Titshaw has enough replacement pieces and parts ordered to keep it in good shape baring all but the most catastrophic damage from Mother Nature or crazed PWC's.

Speaking of damage reminds me that that the sign installed last year by johnny Titshaw has disappeared. Although the sign was only a warning of underwater cables, it did at least alert and remind people that there is a slalom course in the vicinity. Of course, the Hollow is open and available to all watercraft, and we humble skiers in no way control the area. Still I must make a plea for all members to be familiar with the course rules. And please be sure that your friends and family members understand that making wakes (even little ones) while skiers are present is at minimum rude and could even be dangerous. It is amazing to me that folks would never be so thoughtless as to speak while a fellow golfer is putting think nothing of "rolling" the course. It is even more frustrating when the offending watercraft is coming from a ski club member's houseboat. Let's all make a point to inform anyone in our group of proper course etiquette ("can't we all just get along?") and Dave Westerman won't have to shoot anyone - else.

Now that I am off of my soapbox (does soap still come in a box? I'm sure that bottles are much more popular since it makes it so much easier to lube your bindings and besides, those boxes leak all over your ski boat) I would like to report on some other members I've spotted in or around the "Hollow." Dale, Lori, Dusty (Muddy) and Emmie (the skiing cutie) Thomas and Lisa, Terry and Cory Taylor. Notably our club VP, Todd (Elvis), jojo and Zach (new-ski) jones, Dave and Cheryl Puckett and family; Ed and Cindy jones; Debbie and johnny Manning; Dave and Cathy Westerman; Susan, johnny, Samantha and Madison (just too cute) Titshaw; Bubba Beers and Crissa, Charlie (Crash), Vickie Adkins and family; Lisa, Mary, Taylor, and Mark Lynn; Leslie (Wade and janice's beautiful daughter) and Beth Furbush (actually seen skiing and it wasn't 95 degrees!) Bob McDow has been spotted in his motorized boat fender (by the time you read this his new houseboat will have arrived so don't be looking for Cheers). Even ski club heartthrob, Ashley Furbush has returned to the course after a very long absence. And in a truly surprise return to the lake john (Duke) Beaudu, Braddukkas, Braduckess, (whatever) and wife (!) Nikki and son Dakota (!!). They are following the trend started by Dave and Cheryl of naming a son after a large Western state (Iowa and Oregon are still available.)

On the subject of unbelievable news, for those that haven't heard and for those who need to hear it a few more times to believe it: Freddie Snell and girlfriend Kelly are expecting a baby boy, in September! Freddie is hoping that Freddie 3 (the long awaited sequel) arrives in time for the ski-show - he also claims that the ultra-sound shows him in a perfect slalom stance (yeah, like he would know!) One additional tidbit of incredibility: Glen (Birdie) Birdwell and Christine (Bunny) have gotten married and are happily skiing on their newly opened private lake not far from Center Hill. Other ski club members have been spotted on "Lake Bunny" notably jimmy Wilburn, Freddie Snell and me and have confirmed the lake is in fact filled with water and not moonshine.

A couple more bits of news before I head back out to the lake. Don't forget the first assisted skier event is being held june 21st on Percy Priest Lake. For various reasons, this is usually the best attended of these events. Please make an attempt to be there. Having a strong membership turnout shows support, lightens the load and makes this already safe and fun event even safer and funner… er, more fun. Be sure to contact Mike Sells with any questions you may have. Please Volunteer!

Don't forget to check out the club website http://www.patrioticskiclub.com for updates, club rules and photos (thanks Crash) To get your news, stories and photos included, e-mail either Charlie Adkins cradkins@tds.net or me:skitron2@aol.com.

As always, Be safe!
jim Furbush, President

++++++++++++++++ Freddie's Ski Club Trivia Contest +++++++++++++++++++

Each newsletter Freddie Snell will submit a trivia question. If you think you know the answer please e-mail it to WhitebayFreddie@yahoo.com
We will select a name at random from the correct entries to receive the very nifty club t-shirt and we will try to publish the names of all those that submitted the correct answer in the next newsletter.

In 1978 at the first Patriotic Ski Club Tournament how were the jump distances metered?
Bonus for no additional credit: Who won?

6/1/03

From the President:

Dear Fellow Ski Club Member,

As I sit here writing this, several questions are at the top of my mind. The first, on this beautiful day is, why am I here inside typing and not out at the lake? Rest assured, I do plan to fix that as soon and as often as I can. The second, and probably the most perplexing is, how did I end up as President? I remember someone asking for nominations and the rest is a blur…

Now that I have regained consciousness and reality has set in, I have begun to get excited about what this year can be. Since joining the club a few years back I have seen a lot of changes. Some for the better, some not; some in our control and some out of our control (some of the members are out of control but that is a another story.)

Probably the biggest success story is the assisted skier program. From a modest start it has grown to a program we can all be proud of. I would strongly encourage all of you to make an attempt to assist at a minimum of one of these functions. It is fun, gratifying, appreciated and the food ain't bad either!

I am also happy to report that the condition of the course seems to improve each year thanks to more attention by more members. Most weekend mornings we actually find balls in all the right spots… still got to work on that "color thing" though. Now that I have figured out how to use the dang things, the plan is to install and maintain pre-gates as well. There should be a supply of spare balls and bungees under the jump so please help us keep the course in top shape.

Sadly one area that has seen some decline in the past few years is the ski show. This is such a wonderful event for members, the public and especially the kids (and of course, Freddie) that it is hard to believe that the attendance and participation has fallen off so much. We all need to be thinking of what we can be doing to reverse this trend. For sure, as the season gets underway, start thinking of people that might like to be a part of the show. As always, new participants are welcome and old ones tolerated!

One other area that declined so much as to disappear entirely is the annual tournament. Freddie Snell (with the help of Sherman Cairns and Nashville Inboard Water Sports) has already taken the initial steps to revive this event that helps bring attention to our sport, not to mention our "abilities." More on this later. Please let either Freddie or me know if you would be interested - or better yet, show up on any weekend morning in "The Hollow."

Now that David Puckett has again returned to the lake, we can expect to see the jump return to usable status. This is great news for the jumpers, would be jumpers and the many more sit-and-sliders among our ranks. It was sad to see this high visibility symbol of our association reduced to a land-locked-lien-to (say THAT three times fast) - Thanks David. Let's all make a point to keep a watchful eye on this valuable asset to keep it from any kind of damage.

In the coming year we need to make this newsletter and the web site more about the members. To get your news, stories and photos included, e-mail either Susan Titshaw: SRA411@aol.com or me: Skitron2@aol.com. Be sure to check out the website.

Lastly I want to thank Susan Titshaw for a terrific job as secretary. Among many accomplishments, the whole t-shirt project has been a huge success thanks to her involvement. Incidentally, if you haven't ordered your new t-shirt yet, don't wait too long. These look great and are in limited supply.

See you in the Hollow! Be safe.
jim Furbush

From the Secretary:

For everyone that was unable to attend the meeting last week, here is a summary of what was discussed.

jump committee chairman is David Puckett and Slalom Course committee chairman is johnny Titshaw.

We are planning to have the ski show on Sunday, August 31st at 3:00 pm.

The assisted skier dates have also been set:

june 21st - Percy Priest Lake (usually the largest turnout, need volunteers!)
july 12th - Center Hill Lake
August 9th - Center Hill Lake
September 13th - Center Hill Lake

If you have any questions, please contact Mike Sells.

The T-shirts are finally in! I think they look great. If you have already paid for your T-shirt, you will be receiving it in the mail soon.

Susan Titshaw,
Secretary

PS It's never too late to pay your dues. If you need an application, you can get one Here!