MESSAGE FROM THE OUTGOING PRESIDENT, BARB RICHARDS

No organization is driven by one or two individuals, but is driven by many who give willingly of their time and talents. We are no different…..yet I’d like to take a moment to thank those who have made a positive contribution over the past two years. Here are some reminders of who they are and what they contributed to Prime Time Ski Club:

 

Terri Messer has written at least 12 articles for the Bethel newspaper promoting our club as well as informing their readership with a variety of ski topics. She then posted them on our website for your reading pleasure. Thank you Terri!  Ruth Marshman continued to be our Sunshine chair corresponding with those who were ill or recovering by sending greeting cards. Thank you Ruthie!  Bruce Marshman continued to be my “voice” or the Sergeant of Arms at 10:00 meet-ups, pot luck dinners, etc. Thank you Bruce!  By the way, these three individuals have said they will continue in their role during the next season and I’m sure Norine is breathing a sigh of relief!  The ever popular pot luck dinners during the ski season utilized the Grand Summit and the Jordan Grand owner’s quarters. A big thank you to Jack & Irene and Margie Breen for being our liaison with the Grand Summit Hotel.  And to Steve and Lee Smith who hosted – for the second year in a row – a bike trip during our Annual Fall Meeting. Thanks a bunch!

 

Your board made significant contributions throughout the ski season, and I need to recognize each of them:  Thanks to Betsy Kilkenny, our membership chair, who played a major role in attracting new members through conversations in the lodges and on the chairlifts. Through her efforts we added 15 new members and had a total membership of 146. I hope she continues to spread the word for us.  And to Jack, our Treasurer, for keeping copious records of multiple transactions along with monthly reports of actual versus budget, with the end result of keeping us on budget and in the black with reserves (and giving the club an EIN for the first time ever). Thank you so much Jack!  Suzie DuBois, Secretary and Social Chair, planned sooo many social events! To name but a few:  Game Nights during the ski season, a day trip to Bretton Woods, a Prime Time Ski Club Demo Day w/Sport Thoma, a Boot Fitting night with Adam – (except it snowed HARD), Retro Day as a connection with Go 50 Week, Our Annual Prime Time Ski Club Season Ending Dinner (or the prom – last supper), the 10th Annual Bar Harbor Trip with record attendance!  Kayak and biking events through the summer and one on Friday, and the Tapas Dinner just last evening, obtaining discounts and “deals” from various businesses sometimes exclusive to our members…. and interfacing with Sunday River for CORPORATE VOUCHERS!  I am exhausted just thinking about the effort Suzie exerts on behalf of the Prime Time Ski Club. Thank you Suzie. We are blessed to have your continued dedication!  And finally, Norine functioning as our V.P., was a copious note taker and recorder of every Board meeting — shared those notes within 3 days and always brought forth questions and solutions with all of the right verbiage!  I’m sure all of Norine’s input assisted us to stay on task and follow up as we’d promised. Her supportive role has prepared her well for the next step, and I’m certain she will provide great leadership this coming season.  Thank you, Norine, and I wish you all of the best for the coming year.

 

As a total group, the board twice recommended By Law revisions to the membership (and a third by law change codified a practice of granting free club membership to members who are 80 years and older), which were voted upon and approved. One was to re-new membership in the Fall rather than in December (with the objective to free up ski time for our Membership Chair once the season began).  A second was to elevate our Membership Chair to Board Member status.  This makes great sense allowing for 5 Board Members. These revisions are posted on our website under the “Join us” category and the membership application form has been updated.  We introduced Prime Time Ski Club logo wear, which will continue to be available. Remember, you do not need to purchase clothing from our supplier, but can have our logo applied to something you currently own at nominal cost.  We hosted the second new member luncheon, but turned the emphasis toward getting to know them. We plan continue this event as an après ski gathering this next season. More to come!

 

What we’d wanted to do next is to include some more recent photographs on the website, as well as potentially allow it to be interactive. As a subcommittee, Norine and Jack will interface with Denn to incorporate some fresh ideas, so I urge you to keep checking our website www.primetimeskiclub.com for new developments.  Some of us joined in on a 70+ Ski Club trip and had a fabulous time. I’ve requested brochures from their president, but they did not make it in time for our Fall meeting. I will have them by December so they will be available for all who have interest. There if a Quebec trip in March that sounds particularly interesting and affordable. Keep it in mind. So it has been a busy and full season of activity, yet your board has always been open to suggestions as to how we can make the club even more welcoming and more fun. Feel free to speak to any board member about anything at any time.

 

Finally, it has been my privilege to serve as your President since late January 2014. I have appreciated the support I’ve received and the patience you have given during a time of transition. I thank my fellow Board Members for their dedication and thoughtful deliberations. I believe we are

in an excellent position for a very positive fun filled season and I look forward to being among you.

Remember the reason we are members…..BE KIND TO EACH OTHER…..never ski alone…..always ski with friends……. and enjoy each and every day, as it is a gift.

Barbara