A preliminary alpine race schedule has been posted to the online calendar.  Big Sky is currently on tap to host three sets of races:

• FIS SG/DH (1/26/09 - 2/1/09)
• Junior SG Qualifier (2/14/09 - 2/16/09)
• YSL Championships (3/13/09 - 3/15/09)

Please note that this schedule is likely to change as the season approaches.  The official Northern Division race calendar can be found here.

The Northern Division board is considering a proposal to limit YSL races (J4 and younger) to a single run.  Click here for more information.

As of this evening, we have seven open shifts. To volunteer to fill a shift, call Dave Bayless (406-581-3212). Even better, register with the BSSEF Shiftboard online volunteer system and sign up online for the shift that fits your schedule.  Click here to learn more.

BSSEF has teamed with Shiftboard*, a provider of online volunteer management solutions, to offer an easier way to learn about, plan for, and select opportunities to volunteer.  Right now would be a great time to register—we need volunteers to sell fireworks from June 26th through July 5th at the BSSEF shack in Big Sky. You can find a quick start guide here.

• Register online at http://www.shiftboard.com/bssef/ (or look for the "Volunteer Login" link on the left side of each page on the BSSEF web site).
• Once you receive your confirmation e-mail with your username and password, login and join the "Fireworks 2008" team.
• View your personalized calendar.
• Sign up for the shift or shifts in which you are interested.

If you have any questions, call Dave Bayless at 406-581-3212.

*Shiftboard offers its software solution to 501(c)(3) organizations at a deep discount.  The first year of BSSEF's discounted service fee has been underwritten by a sponsor.

You can now renew your USSA memberships for the 2008/2009 season online.  Click here.

Marjorie Knaub reported on last weekend's golf tournament in Big Sky:

The Big Sky Ski Team held their annual golf tournament on Saturday, May 31st at the Big Sky golf course.  The weather was on our side with a beautiful sunny day and warm, breezy temperatures.  Seven teams of four gave it their best in the scramble format.

The W Construction and Biggerstaff Construction team of Jeremy Wortman, Jared Biggerstaff, Kale Seis, and head coach Jeremy Ueland won first place with a low score of 59.  Second place was the Gallatin Riverguides team comprised of Bridget French, Graham Foster, Kris Shampeny, and Keir Gallik with a 64. Coming in a close third was the Knaub & Company sponsored team of Jeff Knaub, Zeth McAndrew, Bill Hickey and their ringer Shane Knowles with a respectable 7 under par 65.

Kristen Jenses from the Quackenbush team took home most of the special hole prizes with her longest drive and closest to the pin shots. Zeth McAndrew had the longest putt on number 9 with an amazing putt.

Thank you to our hole sponsors: Lone Mountain Sports ( 2 holes), W Construction, Quackenbush Building Company, Gallatin Riverguides, Bozeman Tree Service (Kraig & Megan Kempt), and Precision Fence (Brooks Emeny).

Thanks also to Sam and the crew at the Bunker for the great lunch, and Mark and the staff at the Big Sky Golf course for their generous support. The team raised approximately $2,000 and had a great time doing it!

To raise money, the BSSEF will sell fireworks daily from June 26th through July 5th.  On each of those days, we need adult volunteers to man the booth during afternoon and evening shifts:

• June 26-July 3: 10AM to 4PM and 4PM to 9PM
• July 4: 10AM to 3PM and 3PM to 8PM
• July 5: 12PM to 5PM

Please contact Dave Bayless at 406-581-3212 or by e-mail to volunteer.

This is a major fundraiser for the BSSEF, and it's fun.  So, please volunteer today!

Here's an alternative to the canceled Red Lodge ski camp from Roger Bay, head coach of the Bridger Ski Team:

The Northern Division will be combining with the Mt. Hood Academy again this year.  Dates: the J1, J2, and J3 session will be June 17th to June 25th. The BSF bus will most likely be travelling out there for the J1-3 portion. The J4 and J5 session will begin June 27th (arrival) with skiing from June 28th to July 1st . We will ski and depart on July 1st.  Cost is being worked out, Roger will let you know shortly. This camp will fill up fast, so please email Roger soon to reserve spots.

Per Ted McNamara (Program Director/Head Coach at the Silver Run Ski Education Foundation), the folks at Red Lodge International have made the painful decision to pull the plug on this summer's ski race camps at the Beartooth Pass.  According to Sherri Hale (Northern Division USSA Manager), there was substantial interest from Northern Division athletes, but, apparently, there wasn't enough out-of-region interest to make operations economically viable.

Tina Coyle is hosting a baby shower for April Ueland on Sunday, May 18, from 4:00PM to 6:00PM.  The gift theme for the shower is outdoor toys and books for boys age 1-3.  The shower will be held at Tina's house in Bozeman.  Please RSVP via e-mail.