From: Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation (RXCSF)

Contact: Bob Witkowski, 585-770-3974, bobski50k@aol.com

Date: 20-Dec-05

Subject: RXCSF Incorporation and Status Highlights

We proudly announce that the new Rochester Country Ski Foundation has now been formally Incorporated in NYS as a non-profit 501(c)(3) corporation. The RXCSF Founding Officers signed the official Articles of Incorporation on Thursday, December 8th, with NYS registration occurring on the 9th. Our final remaining formation step is the attainment of IRS confirmation of our non-profit/tax deductible contribution status, which is currently in process.

The mission of RXCSF is to (for the Greater Rochester NY area):

1. Provide a structure for the development of cross country ski recreation, sport, and racing for all ages and abilities.

2. Improve access to safe well maintained cross country skiing trails and facilities, primarily those of local parks, as needed to support development of the sport. Such progress entails expanded and enhanced trail development, including, but not limited to improvements in skier safety, snow grooming, track-setting, and better reporting of snow conditions.

3. Promote public awareness of and encourage participation in cross country skiing to support development of the sport, for example, through the distribution of a newsletter and the offering of clinics and other training programs open to the general public.

4. Serve as the coordinating organization for cross country skiing in the Greater Rochester New York region, and to both establish and expand already present links to regional, state, and national entities

RXCSF will accomplish this mission by leveraging a combination of existing XC Ski-related organizations plus internal functions. The following organizations will coordinate actions with RXCSF and have members serve on the RXCSF Board of Directors:

· Rochester Nordic Ski Club

· Genesee Valley Bill Koch Youth Ski League

· Monroe County High School XC Ski Racing League

· Western NY Biathlon Club

· Rochester Orienteering Club

· Genesee Valley Nordic Ski Patrol

RXCSF is creating new Committees to facilitate growth in the following areas:

· Trails and Facilities Development

· Ski Education; Instruction, Coaching and Race Officiating

· Skier and Ski Racer Development; XCRochester Team

· XC Ski Events Management

Although the 2005/2006 ski season can be considered our formative year, with better things to come, we have already been busy! In addition to finalizing our mission and legal status, we have completed or are planning the following actions:

· Membership and Donations: We have already grown to 130 members and raised over $10,000! Donations have come from individuals and local organizations including The Highlander Bicycle Tour, Park Ave Bikeshop, The Ski Company and Adair Law. Members benefit from discounts at Park Ave Bikeshop and Tri Running & Walking.

· Ski Expo & Sale Highlights: Our annual November event saw over $30,000 of XC Ski equipment sold, educational programs well attended, and a record number of families and children sign up for Bill Koch Youth Skiing!

· Educational Programs: In addition to the Ski Expo, we have conducted a Ski Wax Clinic in conjunction with Park Ave Bikeshop and initiated semi-formal ski training sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays (see our website www.xcrochester.com for more info). Still to come are our first annual Holiday Ski Racing Camp at Harriet Spencer Rec Area (26Dec05), an On-Snow Ski Technique Clinic w/ Park Ave Bikeshop (15Jan06), and Ski Demonstrations and Instruction at the Mendon Ponds Park Winterfest (22Jan06). Plus more TBA!

· Trail Development and Grooming: We have been VERY BUSY in this area! Accomplishments to-date include procurement of a snowmobile and grooming implements, completing a new trail and delivering a trail development proposal to NYS Parks for Harriet Hollister Spencer Recreation Area in Canadice, and working with Monroe County Parks to put in place a grooming plan for Mendon Ponds and other parks starting on January 1^st. Actions still to be taken include the launch of the RXCSF Grooming Team and working with Mendon Ponds to address trail safety and usage issues. We plan to accurately measure and map existing ski trails in the area.

· XCRochester Ski Racer Development and Team – We have launched our Race Team for local and regional competition. Next steps include awarding USSA Junior Olympic travel grants, working with Heritage Christian Services’ Special Olympic Ski Team, and launching a year round ski training program for all ages and abilities.

· Events: RXCSF will be hosting Empire State Games/Junior Olympic qualifier races on 21 & 22 January, plus a citizen ski race at Cummings Nature Center on February 11^th; open to all skiers! Try it!

· Website: We have an interim website operating at www.xcrochester.com. We are working to develop and maintain a modern, active and up to date website. Our site will include current trail conditions for local and regional ski areas, along with ski news, educational materials, key web links, and other information useful to all Rochester-area XC Skiers.

Looking to the future, we have even more ambitious goals. These include eventually having a local facility with lights and snowmaking to assure optimal access to XC Skiing, running a large-scale Ski Marathon/Participation Event, expanding Youth Ski programs, and in general making Rochester known as a “XC Ski-Friendly Town”!

Hopefully this information helps all to better understand the goals and status of the Rochester Cross Country Ski Foundation. Parties with questions, comments or interest in membership or donation to RXCSF are asked to visit our website or contact any of the Board Members listed below.

RXCSF is founded on the premise that a collaboration of Government, Business and Individual/Family Skiers is not only possible but essential to secure the local future of XC Skiing. We Can Do It…But We Need Your Participation! JOIN TODAY!

RXCSF Board of Directors

Bob Witkowski, President (bobski50k@aol.com)

Dave Valvo, Vice President, Skier Development & Events Leader (drdave@frontiernet.net)

Joe Ricci, Secretary, Trails & Facilities Leader (jricci2@rochester.rr.com)

Lee Mahood, Treasurer (lmahood@cnyti.com)

Ruth Hayes, President Emeritus (gammu@juno.com)

Brian Lilly, WNY Biathlon, Education Leader (nmubiathln@hotmail.com)

Mark Maas, RNSC Ski Club (canoe64@frontiernet.net)

Eric Barbehen, ROC Ski-O (eric@johnmyersphoto.com)

Jim Elllis, GVBKYSL Youth Skiing (jimellis@avoncsd.org)

Tom Adler, GVNSP Ski Patrol (tomadler@frontiernet.net)

Anna Gorbold, Monroe County High School Racing (anna_gorbold@pittsford.monroe.edu)