Spring skiing is just weeks away, warm temperatures, outdoor lunches and apres ski parties.  A nice cap to an outstanding ski season. Our members have skied safely and well.  Just a great winter all around.

Our Sunday bus trip schedule has progressed flawlessly under the enthusiastic leadership of Marie Block. The closing curtain on this program will be the two-bus trip to Okemo and our world renowned tail gate party on March 28th. If you have not taken advantage of a club activity to date, this is one event that you should not miss.

The free ski/board lesson program has been well supported, thanks to the leadership and professional direction of co/chairs Brad Platt and Don Simmonds, and with the exceptional talent of Johnny Naungayan on snowboarding. I have received nothing but platitudes from parents and students alike regarding the skill and unique instructions received, plus Don Simmonds has volunteered to continue lessons on Tuesday nights as long as Mount Southington is in operation. Another successful program demonstrating the co-chairman's dedication to the MSC and skiing and boarding in general.

Our Monday night racers, skilled and dedicated as they are, were simply overwhelmed by the number of racers they were up against from larger clubs.  Joy Dutra, her family, Jim Roccapriore and Jane Moller deserve special mention for their tenacity and dedication to the sport.

Everyone that is awake knows that the economy of the USA is in the tank. This has had a severe impact upon our members and the week long trips the MSC has sponsored. Airline fuel charges and luggage fees have crippled our trips out west and put Europe out of reach. We, as a club, are going to have to take a longer view and sharpen our pencils. Contracting trips in May and June in the hope of locking in low prices for February and March of the following year, in my mind is a thing of the past, waiting until September, October and even November still six months out may be a better strategy for the future.

With all of the positive things going on with the MSC, you have to look no further than your dedicated officers, directors and committee chairmen and woman. They are the driving force of the Meriden Ski Club and they appreciate your support.  In this vein, I must inform you that I will not be seeking re-election as your President. You have elected me for four consecutive terms and entrusted me with your confidence to lead the MSC and act in your long term interest.  My success is a direct result of the Officers, Directors, Chairmen, and members working together for the continued forward progress of the club.  As much as I love this job and as much as I will miss it, it is time after four years to turn the leadership of this fine organization over to another runner in this marathon.

I have been known in my youth to stay too long at the fair, a time or two, but not now. The Meriden Ski Club is a living, breathing organization and will only be good with change and a dynamic membership. 

Thank you for your trust and allowing me to serve.

 

- Russ Hayden, President MSC