THE PREZ SAYS -  APRIL 2022 EDITION 

THE PREZ SAYS -  APRIL 2022 EDITION 

By Bill Schwenterly - KSOC President

KSOC SPRING ELECTION MEETING

When: Friday April 29, 2022 5:00 PM, EDT
Where: 11600 S Northshore Dr. Knoxville TN

Join us at the Concord Yacht Club on April 29th at 5pm for our Annual Spring Election get together. It’s been a hard COVID year for us yet again, so we ask everyone who attends to be vaccinated. The Board will provide a main dish, salad, and desserts, as well as beer, wine, sodas, and water. Due to COVID concerns, we are not asking members to provide side dishes this year. We plan on setting up outside so mask wearing is minimized and social distancing is done with ease (bring a lawn chair if you want). Watch for an event announcement, and please RSVP to it so we will know how much food and drink to provide.

KNOXVILLE SKI & OUTING CLUB

OFFICER ELECTIONS - NOMINATIONS ARE STILL OPEN!

WE NEED YOU TO BE INVOLVED!

Officer Elections are scheduled to be held April 29, 2022 during our Annual Meeting at the Concord Yacht Club. With COVID-19 on the downswing, we hope to have our Annual Meeting in person at last! It will be so great to see many, many KSOC members there.

At present, here is our initial slate of Officer nominations.

President – Bill Schwenterly (this would be his third year)

Internal Vice President – Jennifer Emch (This would be her third year)

External Vice President – Carole Mustaleski (many years in this position)

Treasurer – Julie Stringfield (just started this position in January)

Secretary – Robyn Ulrich (this would be her third year)

These officers have been doing a great job, and KSOC is in great shape. But these people are not going to do this forever, so some of you out there could gain leadership experience and learn the skills necessary to make an organization and your career succeed. You can start easy by joining one of our committees and just putting in a little effort.

Nominations are open for other candidates.

We still need volunteers to serve on the Electoral Committee. The time needed is minimal, and these KSOC members help solicit candidates and run elections during our Annual Meeting. It would be great to see some of our wonderful members get involved for this short-duration task.

Thank you very much, and you can contact me to make nominations and to serve on the Electoral Committee at:

• Mary Anne Koltowich, Immediate Past President, kolsmithma@gmail.com

CRESCENT UPDATE

CRESCENT UPDATE

CSC Announces Dates and Location for the 2022 Fall Conference

SAVE THE DATES

Friday, October 28 – Sunday, October 30, 2022 are our conference dates. While this is Halloween weekend, these are absolutely the best rates we can get when compared to other weekends. We are pleased to announce preliminary plans for our 2022 CSC Fall Conference. Once again, we will be at the Glenstone in Gatlinburg, TN. The standard room rate is $109 + taxes. This is only a $10 increase from past years and represents a huge discount from normal Glenstone rates. There may be a few other type rooms available – Front Balcony, Junior Suite, and Executive Suite (sleeps 4 with two beds and two baths) depending on availability at reduced rates also. Be looking for details later on registration and schedule information. So hope we can get together and COVID is mostly behind us.

Mary Anne Koltowich, CSC VP and Fall Conference Coordinator

• • Mary Anne Koltowich, CSC VP and Fall Conference Coordinator

  Link to Crescent President's Update

Link to Crescent President's Update

KNOXVILLE SKI & OUTING CLUB

DISTANT TRIPS 2022

KNOXVILLE SKI & OUTING CLUB

DISTANT TRIPS 2022

By Carole Mustaleski

KSOC Finishes Another Successful Ski Season

At Big Sky Resort – Home of the “Biggest Skiing in America”

What a wonderful year this has been.  Our Trip Leaders did an excellent job of organizing their trips and were successful selling all spaces.  Of course, as is often the case there were last minute cancellations.  However, in many instances someone came along to take those “last minute” opportunities. We were fortunate to have good weather once we arrived at the mountains and everyone had a good time. 

Our final trip of the year was on March 12^th to Big Sky, MT to enjoy the fabulous slopes from wide groomed greens to the steep and gnarly.  And of course, there is always the spectacular view of Lone Peak standing guard over the resort.  The weather was cooperative and provided us with some fresh snow on several days.  We had one beautiful “Blue Bird Day” and several folks took time to ride the tram up to Lone Peak and take in the wide expansive view. This year we stayed in The Summit Hotel which is right next to the Ramcharger and Swift Current Lifts.  A very convenient and well-appointed hotel.  There are several excellent restaurants either in the hotel or in adjacent buildings. We had several new club members and members of other Crescent Ski Council Clubs on this trip, and all were having a good time.  We were joined by one delightful 12 year with his grandfather and mother.  How nice to have a young person on a club trip.  It has been a very long time since we had any youth on a trip.  Hopefully, we can change that in the future. 

Pictured: Pierce Smith & Doug Homolka 

Group Dinner

Big Sky Base

Ireland Here We Come

Fourteen members of the Knoxville Ski and Outing Club will travel to the Emerald Isle from April 4 – 16, 2022.  Our trip will take us to both the Republic of  Ireland and Northern Ireland to visit and enjoy the many sites on this island divided into two countries.  Ireland has a lot of history and is sure to provide a lot of interesting activities.  We will visit Dublin, Waterford, Killarney, Ennis, Enniskillen, Derry and Belfast.  Attractions include a  Dublin welcome dinner, Dublin city ride or walking tour, Kilkenny, Waterford Crystal factory, Medieval museum, Blarney Stone, Ring of Kerry, Killarney National Park car ride, Cliffs of Moher, Ennis Irish family visit, Donegal town visit, Inishowen Peninsula, Giant’s Causeway, Glens of Antrim, Belfast guided tour and the “Titanic Experience,” and a Ceili (Irish music, singing, and dance) in Belfast.  Some people are also travelling to London and Edinburgh as part of this trip. Watch for trip highlights in the May Fall Line. 

2022-2023 Distant Trip Update 

The Distant Trip Committee has been busy organizing trips for the 2022-2023 ski season.  We are well on our way to having a slate of trips to present to you in the next couple months. If you are interested in getting involved with this committee, please contact Carole Mustaleski at skigalcarole@gmail.com.

Season Passes Are on Sale Now

Wait to buy your passes until we have settled on our club trips for next year.  That is, if you plan to take advantage of our organized trips.  Whether you join a club trip or plan your own trips with friends, the Ikon and Epic Passes can save you a lot of money.  Ikon and Epic Passes are on sale NOW!

Ikon Passes for 2022-2023

Sports America sells these passes which provide some perks to you the purchaser and to KSOC.  So, skip the renewal offer which will come directly from Ikon and wait for a notice about purchasing from Sports America.  The price is the same from both Ikon and Sports America, but YOU get some perks when the purchase is made from Sports America.

Sun Valley and Snowbasin have made the switch to the Ikon Pass.  Zermatt and Chamonix are now on the pass.  Lots of options for pricing and places to ski. 

Here is the link for KSOC       www.sportsamerica.com/ikon-knoxville

Epic Passes for 2022-2023

Sports America sells these passes which provide some perks to you the purchaser and to KSOC.  So, skip the renewal offer which will come directly from Epic and wait for a notice about purchasing from Sports America.  The price is the same from both Ikon and Sports America, but YOU get some perks when the purchase is made from Sports America.

Here is the KSOC link to purchase Epic Passes through Sports America. 

 www.sportsamerica.com/epic-knoxville

It’s Springtime Again in East Tennessee

The Ten-Mile Greenway Needs Some Clean Up

Come lend a hand with some Community Service Work

Join us on Sunday, May 15, 2022, to “Spruce Up” the greenway 

Where:  Meet at the Gazebo at the end of Kidder Lane in Walker Springs Park

When:  Sunday, May 15, 2022

Time:  2:00 p.m. for 1.5 – 2 hours maximum

The turn out for this event in the fall was much better on a Sunday afternoon so we are trying it again.

Our stretch of the Greenway goes from Walker Springs Road to Bridgewater Road.  Come out and enjoy the spring weather and maybe even see some wildflowers as we clean up the collected trash along the greenway. Let’s show our Volunteer Spirit and provide some community service to help keep our greenways clean.  The more people we have, the less time it takes.  This is a great chance to visit with people as you “wander” along with your grabbers, bags, and waterproof gloves.  And yes, waders too if you decide you want to play in the stream. 

This is a popular stretch of Greenway in the Cedar Bluff/West Hills area.  We receive many thanks from people along the way.  Our efforts are appreciated.

Directions:  I-40 west to Gallagher View Road Exit, turn right.  Go past Sam’s and take the second left onto the second Walker Springs Road intersection.  Take first left onto Kidder Lane and go to the end where there is a small parking lot for Walker Springs Park.  Kidder Lane is next to Walker Springs Apartments.

Travelling eastbound, take the Walker Springs Road exit and turn left.  Go to the end (second traffic light) and turn left onto Gallagher View Road.  Take next left onto Walker Springs Road (again).  Take first left onto Kidder Lane and go to Walker Springs Park at the end.

Please email:  Carole Mustaleski at skigalcarole@gmail.com for questions or to register.

HOPE TO SEE YOU THERE!

Photo Credit: Jeannine Dunn - November clean up. 2020.

HIKING EVENT WITH TENNESSEE TRAILS

By Tom Cressler

These hikes are sponsored by the Tennessee Trails Association and Knoxville Ski and Outing Club. This joint sponsorship of hikes has been to the benefit of both groups and provides more flexibility for hikes and leadership of the hikes.  

The hikes are described below – be sure to bring a face mask even if you have been vaccinated. We want to do everything we can to not catch the virus or to not spread it to our families and friends.  

We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other weather appropriate clothing, a snack, a drink and a camera.  

Hike River Bluff Trail – Norris Dam, April 2, 2022:  We will park at the trailhead on Dabney Road and hike the lower section of the trail along Norris River, less than two miles each way.  The walk along the river is relatively flat. Where we will turn around the trail goes up the bluff to make a loop.  Some may want to walk the loop.  The total distance, about 4 miles, is about the same either way. The hike difficulty is rated as easy.  We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other appropriate clothing, a snack, something to drink and a camera.  

Perhaps we can get this virus under control but until we do remember to wear your mask when you cannot maintain a social distance e.g. carpooling. Having the recommended shots, washing your hands, and wearing masks are your best means of defense and assisting in reducing the spread of the virus to others.  

We will meet at Ingles Market, 215 Cedar Lane in North Knoxville, leaving at 9:15 am. You may meet us at the southeast end of the Wal-Mart parking lot at the I-75 / State 61 intersection near Norris, leaving there at 9:45 am. Round trip distance from Knoxville is 62 miles, from Ingles, 44 miles and from Wal-Mart, 8 miles.  

If you want to meet us at the trailhead take I-75N to exit 122; turn right on TN-61; about 1.4 miles turn left on to US 441 and proceed across the dam; turn left on to Dabney Road, the first road on the left after the second hair-pin turn, staying left, going downhill, to the parking area.  

After the hike plan on stopping on the way back for a meal and refreshments.  For specific information about the hike please call Tom before April 1^st at 865-588-5622, leave a message or send an email to cressler@utk.edu.  

Apr 9: Hike trails in Norris Watershed and Norris Dam State Park you've likely not walked before. Go from Hi Point Trail off Upper Clear Creek Road in the watershed, intersection to Lakeside Loop Trail and then left onto Lakeview Trail, both in the state park offering views of Norris Lake far below.  

There's a shortcut -Scenic Cove Trail - that intersects with Hi Point Trail. Turn left and you're on the way out. Otherwise, stay on Lakeview until you hit Hi Point Spur Trail. You end up at High Point - the watershed's highest point. Take High Point back to the road. It's either 3.8  or 5.4 miles.  

Trail map can be found at: http://www.cityofnorris.com/id336.html  

Meet at 9:30 a.m. in front of Norris Middle School - across from The Commons. It's about 4 miles too Upper Clear Creek Road. More info: Bob Fowler 865-315-2266  

Hike Emory Gap, Panther Creek, Judge Branch, Frozen Head State Park, April 16, 2022:  Join us on a flower hike in the Cumberland Mountains.  We will park at the end of Flat Fork Road hike a portion of the Panther Creek trail and the entire Emory Gap trail to the falls.  On the Panther Creek trail we will go about 1.75 miles and gain about 250 feet, turn around and go back to the Emory Gap trail, losing about 200 feet.  The Emory Gap trail to the falls is about 1.0 mile and gains about 300 feet.  At the falls we will turn around and go back to the parking area, losing about 350 feet.  The total distance for this hike is about 4.5 miles.  If time and energy allow we will relocate and take a second hike on the Old Mack and Judge Branch trails.  This second hike is about 3.3 miles and gains about 300 feet by the turn around point.  All of the distances and elevation changes are estimates based on a topo map.  If we take both hikes the total distance is about 7.8 miles which is about average of most of our hikes. The hike difficulty is rated as moderate. We recommend shoes to wear to and from the hike plus sturdy hiking shoes, other weather appropriate clothing, a snack, a drink and a camera.  

Perhaps we can get this virus under control but until we do remember to wear your mask when you cannot maintain a social distance e.g. carpooling. Having the recommended shots, washing your hands, and wearing masks are your best means of defense and assisting in reducing the spread of the virus to others.  

We will meet in Oak Ridge at Books-A-Million, 310 South Illinois Ave, meeting in the parking lot nearest Illinois Ave.  We will leave at 9:00 am. Round trip distance from Books-A-Million is 43 miles.  

After the hike plan on stopping on the way back for a meal and refreshments.  For specific information about the hike please call Tom before the 15^th at 865-588-5622, leave a message or send an email to cressler@utk.edu.  

Apr 30  White Oak Sinks in GNPNP. We'll begin our hike at School House Gap trailhead entrance. We'll hike to the sinks and make our way to where the bat cave is located. There's much to see in this area including remnants of old homesteads and beautiful flowers. After taking in the sights, we'll make our way back to our cars for a total of approximately 5 miles. This hike is rated easy with very little elevation gain and good for all skill levels. Let's meet at Browns Creek Shopping Center parking area in Maryville (close to the Sonic) at 8:00 am.  We expect to be at the trailhead  about 9:00 am. Don't forget to bring water,  snacks and $$$ for carpooling.  Please preregister for this hike with Rosie at rosemary_l@hotmail.com or 865.985.9144.  

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NOTICE: Effective February 2, 2021, the NPS issued a statement about mask wearing, "Face masks are now required in all NPS buildings and facilities. Masks are also required on NPS-managed lands when physical distancing cannot be maintained, including narrow or busy trails, overlooks and historic homes."

NON-SKI OUTING EVENT

By: Jo Vaccaro

Non-ski Outing Event:  Dogwood Arts Spring Featured Garden

Saturday, April 9, 2022 at 10AM at 2705 Riverside Dr. (five-minutes from downtown)

GATOP (God's Answer To Our Prayers) is the private garden of Dr. Alan Soloman and Andrea Cartwright.  It is included in the Smithsonian Institution's Archives of American Gardens.  It features  many hundreds of botanical specimens, as well as numerous water features and large marble outcroppings.  Complimenting this unusual garden are stainless-steel, iron, bronze and stone sculptures.  One of the sculptures is a marble loaded wagon pulled by two mules and manned by two brothers, Homer (1) and Homer (2),  and is adjacent to a blacksmith shop.  This site also features one of Knoxville's oldest marble quarries.  The 18 acre property has 11 acres of gardens.  It is very hilly but has a number of benches where one can sit and rest and will take approximately 1 1/2 to 2 hours to meander through.  There will be Master Gardeners and other volunteers to answer any questions.  I was told that we should be lined up at the gate to the parking lot no later than 10 am which is when the garden will open.  It is first come first serve and a $5 donation is suggested.  Look forward to seeing all interested members.

Photo credit: Cynthia Moxley; https://bluestreak.moxleycarmichael.com/2014/08/01/gods-answer-to-our-prayers/; August 1, 2014.

KSOC RACE TEAM 2022

By Ramon Davila