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Notes From the President....

Happy June to all. This Chatter is full of information, photos and reviews of activities and enhancements taking place within SWC. Bill and I were in attendance at the Spring Work Weekend at the Clubhouse and truly enjoyed meeting some members for the first time and, of course, working with old friends, as well.  I sound like a broken record, but can’t adequately express my appreciation for the effort put forth by so many individuals in support of SWC.

 I like to keep active, and benefit from having a goal to keep myself off the couch. Running has never been my thing, but I can walk very long distances, even out walking our dog. To be fair, he’s aging and recently had surgery. To make it fun I have participated, in recent years, in 5K’s held near our home which always have a fund raising purpose. Last week, as I was nearing the end of the Sloughter 5K our 8 year old grandson, who had completed his run, returned to me with encouragement to run the final distance. My time was not spectacular, but it was pretty great to have him running beside me. And it was for a good cause. Two of our grandchildren will be running, and I’ll be walking, in the 5K to benefit STRIDE June 12 at Jennings Landing in Albany. This is another personal motivator and a great way for SWC to support STRIDE. Added bonus…..there are snacks at the end.

Karen

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UPDATE: New Reservation Software

The implementation of the new software is on schedule, and should be completed by May 31, with user testing planned for June 2024.  Full launch to all members will be available after major features are tested. Members will be invited to sign up for one of the planned ZOOM learning sessions on making a reservation.

There are several process changes to make booking easier, and keep the volunteer workload balanced. Here are some of the changes to keep in mind:

BOOKINGS
When a member books a room, they receive a confirmation email which contains a link to cancel or modify the booking if needed.  (In the prior system, you could not modify an existing reservation.)  

Ten days prior to arrival, you will receive a Guest Agreement email reminding you of the booking, and asking you to confirm agreement with SWC booking policies.  It also asks for identification of the vehicle you are parking in the lot (e.g. make, model and color).  (This is nice to have as a security feature if we are trying to identify who is there).

You must complete the Guest Agreement in order to receive the Pre-arrival email containing your personal door code. (The Pre-arrival email is scheduled to be sent 2 days prior to arrival). The door code is valid from 3 PM day of arrival to 11 AM day of departure.  This door code is auto-generated; there are no longer any "permanent door codes".  (This automated door code is just like the process used by VRBO).


TIMING OF RESERVATIONS
Bookings can only be made up to two (2) days in advance. The club has always said "No walk-ups", meaning you should not be able to join today and also immediately book a room.  The simplest way to implement this, is to set the window for making the booking.  This will mean that members will need to plan ahead if there is a snowstorm coming.

Bookings cannot be made more than 6 months in advance (180 days).

VOUCHERS
Vouchers are now called Gift certificates (GC).  When booking a room, the member can only enter one (1) gift certificate against the cost of the booking.  We can issue the GC in denominations of $40, 80, 120, 160 or 200. There will be a separate article and instructions on how to use these.

OTHER
For now, the sign in at the podium will remain as a paper system, but we are looking into a simple, digital solution to give us real-time answers on who is present at the clubhouse.

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Clubhouse Work Weekend Report

We had a great time at the fall work weekend.  There was a long list of things that needed doing and we had time for some things we didn’t know needed doing that got done anyway.  The Clubhouse is only as good as the volunteers make it and they have earned a big Thank You from all our members.  If you see one of them, thank them for their time and labor to improve the house and facilities.  The team of Dan Fillingim, Tony Calvagno, Lat Schmidt, Barry Cain, Jim Foley, Bill Romania, Bill Kornrumpf, Don Hoffmann, Deb Hoffmann, Bill Simmons, Karen Simmons, Brenda Streed, Donald Streed worked like rented mules to quote Don Weeks of WGY radio fame.  It seemed we had somebody who knew what needed to be done no matter what the task was.  The tasks ranged from finishing the new gas fired fireplace wall to building a sound proofing wall in the loft to painting the attic room 31 walls to cleaning up after all the hammering and sawing was completed.  Tony even knew the phone number for the Kidde smoke alarm help desk and was able to install a new wireless alarm to replace one that had failed in the fireplace room.  The team started arriving Thursday at noon and kept arriving till Friday when the whole team was there for the group photo.  The workers were all well fed with Bill Romano, Bill and Karen Simmons and Don and Brenda Streed preparing the meals.  

The photos show the work in progress at varying stages of completion.  I was too busy with my chores to get very many photos of all the different tasks.  Sorry about that.

Remember, there will be a fall work party and the task list will be long while we get the Clubhouse in shape for the Winter season.  It’s a good time to socialize with new and old friends while working on the many projects. 

submitted by Bill Kornrumpf          

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Hosts Needed

We have scheduled a number of hosted weekends at the clubhouse this year, and are looking for volunteers to host. If you are new to hosting or haven't hosted in a while, John and Ellen Bidell are hosting a "Welcome to the House" weekend, October 24-27, as an orientation for hosts and those who haven't stayed before.  

Hosts prepare meals (with help) and organize tasks for the weekend, and earn vouchers for future stays. Take a look at the list below and pick a weekend to host at the clubhouse. Can't host but still want to be part of the fun? Mark your calendars to make your reservations for one of the hosted weekends. 

September 26 - 29	Leaf Peeping Weekend (Bill and Karen Simmons)
October  24 - 27	Welcome to the House (John and Ellen Bidell)
November (TBD)	Fall Work Weekend (Bill Kornrumpf)
December 5 - 7	Early Ski Clinic (Bill Romania)
December 30 - Jan 2	New Years Eve
January 17 - 20	Martin Luther King
February 14 - 18	Presidents Week (John and Ellen Bidell)
March 14 - 16	St. Patricks Day
April 11 - 13	Last Hoorah Weekend

OTHER IDEAS

Golf Weekend

Bike Weekend

Cross Country Weekend

Happy Hour Hiatus

John and I are traveling Iceland and Norway for the first half of June, and the picnic is in July. We will start back up with happy hours in August.

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Special Stride Fundraiser

SWC wants to make our membership aware of a special fundraising event in the Capital region for STRIDE.  STRIDE Adaptive Sports is a non-profit organization providing educational support services instructing physically and mentally challenged youth and adults in various sports, including skiing. 

STRIDE is sponsoring a Superhero Edition of Strides 4 STRIDE 5k/2k Run, Walk and Roll on Wednesday June 12 at Jennings Landing, Albany.  The event kicks off at 5:00 PM with bib pick up, followed by an exhilarating run, walk or roll for a great cause.  Thanks to Common Roots Brewing, everyone with a race bib will receive a complimentary beverage post-event.

The registration fee is $25 per person, a small investment that goes a long way in supporting STRIDE's 18 adaptive sport and recreation programs.  Here is the public link to the registration page if you are interested in participating. 

Hope to see you there!

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SWC Picnic is Around the Corner

Saturday, July 13 at Thacher Park

The annual SWC Picnic is scheduled for Saturday, July 13 at Thacher Park in New Scotland.  We have reserved the Horseshoe Pavilion from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.  We will provide hamburgers and hot dogs, and ask that you bring either a side dish or a dessert to share. Last year, we had about 60 members join us. 

In addition to plenty of food, there will be opportunities for hiking and horseshoes. Bring a yard game or two to keep the fun going.  Sign up at swcweb.org under Events. This event is free, but remember to bring money for parking.

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We have open spots for Steamboat!

New members will receive a 1 year membership...

Steamboat Colorado March 8, 2025 thru March 15, 2025   Steamboat Ski Resort, located in Steamboat Springs, Colorado, is renowned for its world-class skiing and genuine Western charm. Known as "Ski Town, U.S.A.," Steamboat offers over 2,965 acres of diverse terrain, catering to all skill levels from beginners to seasoned experts. The resort is famed for its "Champagne Powder," a unique, light, and fluffy snow that provides an exceptional skiing experience. Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Steamboat boasts a variety of winter activities including night skiing, snowshoeing, and hot springs. The resort's vibrant après-ski scene, with its cozy lodges, bustling bars, and gourmet dining options, ensures a memorable experience both on and off the slopes. Steamboat's rich history, coupled with its friendly, laid-back atmosphere, makes it a beloved destination for families and adventure seekers alike. What Is Included: 7 Nights Lodging at The Ranch Airport Transfers Air Travel Group airfare from Albany (ALB) to Hayden (HDN) on United Social Events Optional Add-Ons Include: Travel Insurance Discounted Lift Tickets Private Bedrooms SWC Members Have First Priority Full Package Price $2,475  Sign Up Needed by August 1  Deposit Schedule: At Registration $500 Sept 1, 2024     $500 Nov 1, 2024      $500 Jan 15, 2025     Balance Due

For more information SKI TRIPS

Paddling the General Clinton Regatta on the Susquehanna River

By Kim Greiner

So I have a few bruises, blisters, abrasions, and a little sunburn, but it was worth it! 

The Bainbridge Chamber of Commerce has hosted the General Clinton Regatta every Memorial Day weekend for the past 62 years with many kinds of races from the Generation Gap to Scout races and sprints, as well as the highlight of the weekend, a 70-mile endurance race. Northern New York Paddlers has had a mixed relay team for many years, as well as both men’s and women’s teams back when they existed. We often have many of the same members of the 10-person relay team, but NNYP’s team had two new people this year and they finished 6^th out of 19. An excellent result! The course is run in five legs (starting in Oneonta and ending in Bainbridge). A person can run more than one leg, but it cannot be consecutive. There must always be a male and a female in the stock aluminum canoe. Each leg of the race varies in length (2.5 – 9 miles), type of water, and obstacles.  Exchanges are a bit crazy as quite a few boats arrive at the same time with people jumping out and the new team jumping in. A great spectator opportunity also!

It has been 16 years since I participated in the “70”. I had a great opportunity to paddle in a C-4 (four-person canoe) with three amazing women. The weather started out great (cool and overcast) in the morning, but the last 30 miles was sunny and quite hot. The course starts on picturesque Otsego Lake in Cooperstown and runs to General Clinton Park in Bainbridge. The first 40 miles has a lot of very technical water that becomes very challenging and can be quite dangerous in places. Three dams (Cooperstown, Goodyear Lake, and Oneonta) must be portaged around, another physical challenge as paths are narrow, wooded, muddy, uphill and down, but thankfully short. We are extremely grateful to our pit crew who resupplied our drinks and food at various intervals. Even being a pit person can be grueling as concern for getting to the location on time, hiking or paddling in with all the right stuff, plus extras, presents quite a challenge. Most paddlesport races are divided into gender and age groups. The C-4 Stock Endurance Class is not, so our team of women (ranging in ages from 40-80) were in the same ranking as the other teams (mixed and men’s).  Despite that, we were very proud to finish 5^th out of 6 with a time of 10:47:18. Yup, nearly 11 hours of paddling! Any wonder why the bruises, blisters, abrasions and sunburn?