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Oregon Road Conditions & Cams Email Story to a Friend October 18, 2005 Ski-area association discusses youth programs By BILL KETTLER Mail Tribune PHOENIX — The Mount Ashland ski area plans to expand opportunities for young people to enjoy winter sports and learn about the mountains as part of its long-term expansion plan. Bill Little, the new president of the nonprofit, publicly-owned ski area said Monday that ski- area managers also will continue to refine the details of their expansion plan while opponents challenge the project in court. "It’s extensive and expensive work," Little said to a group of about 40 people during the Mount Ashland Association board of directors’ annual public meeting at D&S Harley- Davidson. He said ski area managers know they need to be fiscally responsible because they will be asking the public for money to build a new lodge, ski trails and other amenities that were approved by the U.S. Forest Service last fall. Little said the ski area has created a new position of operations manager to supervise the day-to-day business of the ski area. Jeff Hanson, the present general manager, will focus his energies solely on the expansion project. Little said a consultant recommended adding the new staff position because managing the ski area and supervising the expansion was too much work for one person. Advertisement Rick Saul, the ski area’s marketing director, described the mountain’s youth programs. He noted that the after-school ski program alone attracts 1,500 to 2,000 students annually, which makes it the biggest single sports program in Southern Oregon. Saul said students from 42 schools are involved in programs on Mount Ashland, and they come from as far as Roseburg and Yreka to learn about the outdoors and enjoy the snow. Development Director Ty Hisatomi said the ski area plans to raise $30,000 this year as part of its "Give a Kid a Lift" program, which provides financial support for children from low-income families who want to learn to ski or snowboard. Two veteran members of the board, Ron Roth and Pat Acklin, retired after eight years of service. Board members approved the appointment of Diane McKelvey of Ashland as a new member. Along with Little, new officers of the board include: Deborah Ameen of Applegate, vice president; Milo Yount of Gold Hill, treasurer and Kurt Austerman of Medford, secretary. Several opponents of the ski area’s expansion plan sat in the audience, but did not speak during the meeting. Opponents of the expansion project disrupted the group’s meeting two years ago, but they did not make an appearance Monday. A Phoenix police officer was on duty in the parking lot for the duration of the meeting. Hanson, on an optimistic note, observed that it has already snowed four times on Mount Ashland. Reach reporter Bill Kettler at 776-4492, or e-mail Ski-area association discusses youth programs ">[email protected] . Mail Tribune Home | Local News | Sports | Business | Obituaries | Life | Opinion AP News | Archives | Site Map | Community | Classified Copyright © 1997-2005 Mail Tribune, Inc. All rights reserved. Privacy Policy | Terms & Conditions | Website Feedback www.bingo.com Home Security Systems Trunks, Footlocker Distance Education Computer Security Cheap Website Hosting Discount Hotel Reservations dvd-r Online Pharmacy Myspace Home Equity Loans Windermere Van Vleet Deep Muscle Stimulator Sports Equipment Online Casino Reviews High End Computers Online Casino News Online Bingo Entertainment Guide Online Casino Fundraisers Student Loans Advertisement s