To say that 2025 was a busy one for SWC would be a gross understatement. I hope you availed yourself of one or more of the Club activities. I would like to thank every member of the SWC Board for the work accomplished in 2025. Not to make anyone feel guilty - well maybe a little - but with a membership of over 1000 members there is a group of the most hard working people I have ever had the honor of working beside who donate 100’s of hours from their personal lives, throughout the year, to create and support all of the benefits that every member gets to enjoy.
Past President Dorie Valenti, Vice President Brenda Streed, Secretary Elyse Loughlin, Treasurer Don Streed, Mohawk Valley Hiking Club Bill Simmons, Northern New York Paddlers Ed Greiner, Vice President Activities Bill Romania, Director Bill Schaefer, Director Carl Sanner comprise the Board. In addition to their formal titles there are many other areas that Board members actively engage in as a result of positions which remain vacant.
Now comes a bit of guilt and a sincere request for your consideration.
One unfilled position is Alpine Chair. That position works with the VP Activities to plan, schedule and coordinate all things alpine and includes attendance at NY Capital District Ski Council and New Jersey Ski and Snowboard Council meetings. My thought is that if you enjoy ski trips, early season ski clinics and researching skiing discounts this position is perfect for you.
Another unfilled position is Nordic Chair. There are many members who prefer nordic skiing and snowshoeing but we have no one currently heading up activities in that area.
There is also a vacant position entitled Clubhouse Chair. Don Streed and Bill Simmons have been covering that position for the past 2 years and I’ll be honest about a couple of things. This job is not for the faint of heart. Required is a strong commitment to the ongoing coordination of contractors, maintenance and improvements to the Clubhouse and scheduling of the talented and generous volunteers who regularly assist with jobs of every category. Additionally, both Don and Bill would like to play more and work less. If you have any inkling that you might be appropriate for one of the above mentioned jobs please email me at: kjsimmmons951@gmail.com and we’ll talk.
Currently our Board is weighted very heavily in the senior citizen category so it would be good for SWC if we could establish a more youthful contingency to carry on the good works that began in 1932.
Included in this Chatter is a list of items completed from the fire inspection list, compiled by Don Street (volunteer of the year). Much more interior and exterior work needs to be completed through the coming weeks, but so far it hasn’t been disruptive to Clubhouse rentals.
While I’m on the Clubhouse topic let me allude to a few situations that have come to our attention:
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Adding a member friend to a room, who didn’t make a reservation. If you didn’t make a proper reservation don’t just assume you can join another group. How will you pay for that after the fact??
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Switching rooms when you see a vacant one? For obvious reasons this causes problems for someone else.
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This is my favorite…NO PETS ALLOWED. Not ever. This includes your dog, cat, ferret and emotional support peacock. Not ever.
As you can imagine, all of these reminders have come about as a result of observed improper usage of the Clubhouse.
One final item: I have the NY Capital District Ski Council stickers available to any member who asks. Email me if you need one to take advantage of discount days. Check our webpage for a list of those discounts.
That’s it for now.
Karen
