Brunch Meeting and Annual Elections

It's time once again for our Monthly "Sunday M.A.S.S." Brunch Meeting and boy do we have an important one this time.

Our 501(c)3 application has finally been approved by the IRS. We're the real deal, now! We'll have some info on that at the brunch as well as where we go from here.

Also, two of our Board of Director's terms are expiring (Gina and Milo), and we'll be either re-electing them or voting in replacements for one or both. Whomever gets elected will be starting a 3 year term.

If you would like to vote, you must be present at brunch and up to date on your $20 annual membership dues. Those not up on their dues, or simply not interested in becoming a paid member at this time, are still welcome to attend brunch, observe the process, and participate in the rest of the discussions. You just can't vote for any directors. Anyone not yet a member who would like to become one may do so immediately before the elections. Just give Gina your dues and she'll give you a receipt and add you to the list. If you are a member but aren't sure when your membership expires, Gina will have your info and will be able to renew you if necessary. Also, remember that your dues are tax deductible.

Everything kicks off Sunday, October 3rd, at 10am at the Stone of Accord Meeting Room, 4951 N. Reserve. This might be a good one to arrive early for. Also, remember that we can seat up to 32 people in the meeting room (yes, really), so don't leave if it looks crowded. If for some reason we really do fill up the room and you would like to vote, just make sure Jon knows you're in the restaurant and he'll make sure you get included in the process, somehow. If you're not sure where the meeting room is, just ask the hostess when you come in the door and she'll get you to the right place.

Lastly, I'll also be accepting during brunch any contributions anyone would like to make towards a Missoula Downtown Association gift card I'll be purchasing for our attorney, without whom the 501(c)3 approval would never have happened, and who did it all for free. Unlike donations to M.A.S.S., contributions toward the gift card are not tax deductible and should be made separately.

Feel free to RSVP to the event on Facebook (not required).

"I Voted" photo (c) Kate Sumbler.

Snow Fun At Big Sky

Bozeman Freethinkers Aleksi and Kate are organizing the first of two "play in the snow" weekends in Big Sky, MT and are inviting members of the Missoula Area Secular Society (plus friends, family, and fellow-travelers) to join in the fun, December 4th and 5th.

Aleksi welcomes everybody to stay at her spacious house in Big Sky for this fun-filled weekend! You DO NOT have to be a good skier, in fact you don't have to ski at all; just come and spend some time relaxing in the mountains with some great people. Good skiers are welcome as well, of course :-)

If you'd like to ski, you should buy a $50 Frequent Sky Card from Big Sky Ski Resort ***before 9/30/2010*** (it goes up to $90 if purchased 9/30-10/31, after which it's not available). This card will get you a free ski pass for the weekend. Info on this card:
http://www.bigskyresort.com/Activities/Winter/Season_Pass-Sky_Card/Frequent_Sky_Card.asp,

This info page has a link to purchase the pass online. Think about it: $50 for even one day skiing at a world class ski hill is a Big Savings, since a daily lift ticket at Big Sky is $77 online/$81 at the window. Another Freethinker weekend is planned for April during another "free ski" weekend that you can use the card, so if you plan to attend both events and ski, then the card is an even better deal.

If you're inclined toward cross-country skiing, Aleksi's house is located on the XC trails for http://www.lonemountainranch.com/. There is a $15 fee to use the Lone Mountain Ranch trails.

On Saturday night we'll find an inexpensive local restaurant that can handle all of us.

The joint Bozeman/Missoula camp-out this past summer was a big success, and a splendid time was had by all who attended. These ski weekends should likewise be terrific opportunities to have fun hanging out and hobnobbing with like-minded heathens and heretics. So come join in the merriment this winter at Big Sky. Be there or you will be forced to listen to a loop of Rush Limbaugh all day on Xmas day. This means You.

As the date gets closer, the Missoula group will organize a carpool/caravan and directions to Aleksi's house will be given out then. RSVP on the Facebook group is recommended.