Hunter’s Safety Education
Continued from page 8
Members who camp at Lost Lake Woods are charged $25 per night
for a 30-amp site, while our member rate is just $10 per night.
These comparisons are useful for a couple of reasons.
First, it is helpful – and indeed necessary – that we remind
ourselves that membership in Canada Creek Ranch Association is
a really good deal!
Second, we also need to remind ourselves that although the current
state of the Ranch is solid, constant attention is required to make
certain we remain on course.
It seems to be part of human nature to take the current state of
things for granted, as though they’ve always been this way and
will always remain this way. Reality is very different.
History has shown us that especially when “times are good” we
must remain vigilant and guard against complacency. Those of
you who have been members since the mid-1970s recall the cash
infusion of over $5 Million we received from the oil companies
looking to exploit our oil reserves. You may also recall that by the
early 1990s Canada Creek Ranch was insolvent – unable to pay its
operating bills. Virtually all the staff was laid off and the dining
room was closed. This is a cautionary tale for all of us.
The role of the Board, and of this Strategic Plan, is to make certain
our current good fortune is nurtured and cared for. If we continue
to focus our Goals on making the most of the opportunities we can
identify, and deal effectively with the challenges that we encounter,
the Association will certainly become stronger and more sustainable
over time.
And as members, you have even more important roles to play than
the Board.
Your first obligation is to become informed. Read the Strategic
Plan, the CCR News, and the other forms of communication that
describe what the Board is thinking and why.
Second, ask about items or actions you don’t understand or that
don’t make sense to you. Focus your thinking on what is best for
the Association and then ask questions based on that focus.
Third, become involved through volunteering your time and your
talents in positive actions to improve the Club. CCR could never
collect enough dues money or build a large enough operating
budget to continue offering all the activities or doing all the
research and communication work that currently goes on without
the volunteer efforts of many faithful members.
Success! All Hunter's Safety students were
able to follow a blood trail to recover their animal!
If you’re already an active volunteer, thank you. Keep that selfless
spirit focused on strengthening the Association. If you are a newer
member, or haven’t been actively involved on behalf of the Ranch
in a while – consider volunteering. There are countless
opportunities to serve your fellow members and strengthen CCR
for future generations. Consider a committee assignment or help
out at one of our many social events. You’ll not only be helping the
Association, but you’ll have the opportunity to meet and work
alongside other members who share your enthusiasm for our
Club’s welfare.
Thank You!
Thank you to Fred Calabro, Jack Schaible, Chuck
Thurston, Ralph Mayer, Sue Schymanski, Bill Olds, Bill
Hankes, Alice Abby and Sylvia Treadaway, CCR staff,
kitchen staff, Gil Olds for the Whitetails Unlimited hats and
especially Jane Gordon for being the backbone of the
program. Could not do it without all your help
We’re looking forward to the next 12 months with the anticipation
of positive results. We have fresh new management and a fresh
new Strategic Plan to guide our focus. On behalf of the Board of
Directors, here’s our sincere wish that each of you enjoy a healthy,
happy, and worthwhile year ahead.
Thank you again and congrats to all successful students.
Nancy Thurston
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