The DeKalb Ski-Ears’ “kick-off meeting for the season,” will feature a $50 raffle, slide show and club exhibits, Vice President Mary Shott said.

The open house, at 7:30 p.m., Oct.19 at Matthew Boone’s restaurant in DeKalb also will feature a question and answer period for new members and the latest brochure will be distributed.

A reason to join the ski club is “to be able to travel with a group of people and to get package deals,” Shott said. Membership provides special rates on equipment, lessons, lift tickets and trips.

Informative presentations are given at every meeting, the third Thursday of every month at Matthew Boone’s at 7:30 p.m., for non-members. Some past meetings have revolved around skiing techniques and news of upcoming ski clothes and gear, Shott said.

The ski club offers weekend trips to Wisconsin and Michigan beginning in December. A trip to Utah or Colorado lasts for a week in March.

Cross-country skiing is also offered here and in southern Wisconsin, weather permitting, said Shott, who has been a member for eight years.

The Ski-Ears, however, is “not just a winter months’ club,” Shott said. “Although some members strictly care about winter skiing,” non-skiing events are featured year-round at minimal costs.

The programs include fashion shows, wine and cheese parties, movies, moonlight bowling, volleyball and softball games, hiking, picnics and miniature golfing.

An annual white water rafting extravaganza is another club feature. Recently, the Ski-Ears made a nine-mile canoe trip down the Fox River and had a picnic lunch on the riverbank.

A poker rally is one of the favorite events, Shott said. Members donate $5 and ride a bicycle, stopping every two miles for a card. Whoever has the best hand at the end of the rally wins the money.

Saturday, Sept. 23, the Ski-Ears will enjoy dinner and dancing at The Farm restaurant on Route 64. Happy hour begins at 6 p.m.

The group consists of approximately 70 members, ranging from 21 to 50 years of age. “It’s (the club) a real mix. The club provides good company and a variety of things to do,” Shott said. “Some of the members who are couples became couples through being in the club.”

The ski club welcomes everyone, 21-years old or older, skier or not. A membership costs $15 for an individual or $22.50 for two people at the same address.