A proud member of the OC SKI CLUB for 40 years and active in several capacities each and every year. 

I withdrew running for VP for Organized Skiing as I believe in the idea that we need new people involved.  I would not have done so if I believed that Rich was not capable – but he is and I would like you to join me in offering him our support and any assistance he might need.    I would still like to continue in an advisory capacity by being a member of the Board of Directors.    We need the input & insight of newer members  but the Club also still needs to keep the mix balanced by also electing those knowledgeable of the Clubs management as we address the changing climate for social/sports clubs such as ours.   Ski resorts have demonstrated that they have diminished desire to accommodate groups as they have done in the past.  Our skiing committees continue to be creative as we shift to work within the new norms.   Our identity has shifted post-Covid and the Club needs both new people and those with extensive Club experience to formulate our next steps to keep our numbers strong and our membership engaged whether it’s skiing or off-season activities.  I am one of those seasoned leaders of the Club and I am still willing and able to assist.

Those newer to the Club may know me as the current Elections/Membership/ Volleyball Tournament/Volleyball League Chair, and Secretary.  Whether it’s going on trips or a non-skiing activity, I’ve always loved the camaraderie of the OC SKI CLUB members.  You will see me on the Sunday River trip most years – This annual trip was my personal project beginning in 2003 & I am so pleased to see that it continues to be a hit with our members who are looking for a great value and great ski experience

I’ve served the club as: All officer positions except VP for Skiing and as Chair of many, many committees including our largest Fundraising committee – Volleyball Tournament and my favorite – Alpine trips chair for a collective 25 years

I’ve been the organizer of many Fun Events: Co-Chair 50^th Anniversary Celebration Year, Lake George Boat Cruise(s), Wine tasting trips, Summer Picnics, Winter Carnivals (when we had 15 buses to Mount Snow), and the Canoe/Kayaking camping trip for many years.

I have been honored to be awarded the Bob Paley Spirit award in 2002 and the “Outstanding Member” award in 2004 and Lifetime Member in 2016.

I remain passionate about the Club and its members.   

Thanks,    Gail

Candidate’s Bio

I first joined the O.C.s’ after completing my applicant apprenticeship, something like 40 years ago. I had twenty years in and then took a twenty year leave of absence to do things other people only dream of, in all the lower 48 states.

I was first handed a picture of (4) certified O.C. Ski Instructors, including myself. Where are those other (3) guys?

I returned this past September, only to be informed that I was to be appointed as the New York Capital District Ski Council, O.C. Representative and Co-Chair of the O.C. Fund Raising Committee. “As long as you don’t just sit there” I have not.

” I thought you were going to go take over that Fund Raising Committee” Six months later and I can see why he felt that way. I want to commend Jill Hayes for hanging in there, but twelve years. Really. Why are we ordering (300) buttons, when we have a whole footlocker full of buttons. Why are we not ordering new Membership pins. Time to order more.

So far my assessment has led me to reactivate the O.C. sew on patch, which is depicted in all our brochures, with it’s authentic (3) pinnacle nordic symbol. It has now been deployed to Italy (24), Canada (38), going to Jay Peak (50).

I have reactivated the O.C. Snowboard Sticker (decal), which seems to be moving quite well, and can be seen on members skis in places like Mt. Snow (reggae party).

” As long as you don’t just sit there.” I was starting to raise a lot of money for the O.C.s’ via the sale of raffle tickets. I sold at a newcomer / applicant party and that party was good for $180.00.

Sales seem to have dropped off substantially after that because the woman who said “as long as you don’t just sit there” seems to have had some kind of a psycho neurotic reaction to me actually “showin um” how it’s done, when I got permission from the trip leader of the day / Alpine School Director, who was actually smiling,  the bus committee co-chair. “Your doing a great job.” I spontaneously began selling raffle tickets. The following week I had permission from the bus driver,the trip leader, and I don’t remember who else, to do the same thing, successfully.

The boards decision over this woke response to my not just sitting there, will over the next 64 years cost the OC 1 M

Candidate’s Bio

Matt Fabrizio – I am a Niskayuna resident who joined the club in 2010 to find friends who ski, renew my enjoyment of skiing and learn to snowboard. I am a former President (2 terms) and Board member (3 terms) of the Out of Control Ski Club. I took my first weekend ski trip with the club and currently enjoy frequent weekend ski trips and an annual trip out West. I have always been committed to finding ways to grow the club and offer ways to attract new members. I have enjoyed volunteering to support the club in different ways and encourage others to do the same, it’s a great way to meet new people and try something new.

Candidate’s Bio

I have been a member since early 2000’s, served as President, Secretary, Bus co-chair, Family chair, as trip leader on numerous trips, and also represent the Club on the NYCD Ski Council for several years.  I even was able to bring my children into the Club.  I realize that if this Club is to continue, we need to recruit younger members.  This year, I served on the Board, was Family Chair, Council representative and coordinated Alpine Buses with Barbara Sorrell.  I plan to again serve on the Family and Bus committees as well as volunteer for the Volleyball Tournament, Spring and Winter Expos, and the Golf Tournament.  One big change Barbara and I have made is to combine the Nordic and Alpine buses.  Now XC is able to run buses to their resorts because they ride the same bus as Alpine.  The resorts are near each other, and this makes both groups more capable of filling buses. Please elect me to the Board so I can continue to serve this wonderful Club.

Hello!  My name is Josh Nixon and I am running for a seat as a Member of the Board.  I joined the club in 2019 and I am an avid XC and Downhill skier (I’m still working on my mediocre  Snowboarding and Telemark Skiing!)  The OC is a volunteer organization and I am and have been deeply involved in running other organizations and I felt this was a good time for me to step up and become more involved with the OC, hence my run to be a Boardmember.

My past volunteer experience started as a Boy Scout, running through many positions until l ultimately ran my boy hood troop as the Junior Assistant Scoutmaster, When my son started as a Tiger Cub I became the Den Leader, transitioned with him to Boy Scouts and held various positions until I became the Scoutmaster of  Troop 4070 Saratoga Springs for almost four years.

I am currently a member of the Saratoga Lake Sailing Club, which is also a non-profit all volunteer organization (Member since 2007) and since my retirement (34+ years of science teaching) I have had the time to step up and volunteer with several projects vital to that club.

I see that our members are the key to keeping the club strong and we need to dig into what would entice more members to attend meetings, go on more trips with the club, and have fun!  Which of course is why people join the club, to meet people, and have fun in the snow.

To that end:

I would like to see a fully implemented system for XC ski members to get together “locally” and fully utilize the many FREE XC trails available to us.  Hopefully this will help keep people skiing/bonding and increase participation with our XC skiers.

I would like to develop more off season activities such as hiking, Kayaking, canoeing, biking and any other suggested activity to promote camaraderie and interactions with club members year round to increase contacts and social interactions within the club.

I would like to survey members on ways to increase member participation and increase membership

I’ll close with this, I had a great time on the 3 day trip to Whiteface and the recent trip to Mont Tremblant and the Winter Carnival!  I have also been on several wonderful bus trips.  KUDOS to those that ran those trips/events!  The fact that there are 15 members running for ten Board seats tells me that the club is still thriving.  Most volunteer organizations, like the ones I mentioned, would be envious of having that “Problem.”  I would ask for your vote so that I can contribute to a very active and successful club!

Thank you for your consideration,

Josh Nixon

Candidate’s Bio

The candidate’s Bio will be posted once it is received from the candidate 

Publications

The Publication committee shall be responsible for publishing, editing, and processing all
CLUB publications.

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PayPal Administrator

The PayPal administrator shall be responsible for maintaining the Club’s PayPal account, make
deposits to the Treasurer and distribute the accounting of the deposits to designated committees.

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NYCDSC Rep

The NYCDSC reps shall consist of the representative or representatives to the New York Capital District Ski Council (NYCDSC) and shall represent the CLUB at their meetings.

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Membership

The Membership committee shall maintain records of membership as provided in this
Constitution and By-Laws. The committee is responsible for the creation of the annual membership cards, Child ID cards, and the generation of membership reports as requested by the Board and other committees. The committee is responsible for the collection of dues which are remitted to the Treasurer to be deposited into the CLUB banking account.

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Marketing

The Marketing committee shall publicize CLUB activities, handle all relations with the press,
other news media and other ski-related entities

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History

The History committee shall be responsible for the collection, inventory and care of CLUB
memorabilia and artifacts. It shall keep and make available logs of such history

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Facilities

The facilities committee shall be responsible for coordination of CLUB activities and needs with the facility the CLUB contracts with to hold meetings and conduct business. It shall negotiate contracts on the CLUB’s behalf, and schedule the facility for all meeting dates. The facilities committee shall also inventory CLUB properties, supervise and provide for storage of properties and provide the CLUB with written record of all inventory.

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Ambassadors

The Ambassador committee shall greet new and prospective members to CLUB meetings and
assist in making them feel welcome to the CLUB

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Fund Raising

The Fund Raising committee shall conduct the fund-raising activities of the CLUB at all meetings; specifically, but not limited to: “50/50”, raffles and the sale of CLUB merchandise sold for fund raising.

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Finance

The Finance committee, which reports to the President, shall be responsible for the preparation of an annual budget, which shall be presented to the membership for approval. To comply with accepted internal control practices regarding separation of duties, the reconciliation of all bank statements for all accounts held by the Club shall be the responsibility solely of the chair of the Finance Committee. In addition, the Finance Chair shall bear the responsibility of the reconciliation of all finance reports submitting at the conclusion of each event or the fiscal year. The Finance Committee shall be responsible for securing an independent audit of the CLUB’s finances each fifth fiscal year, beginning with the 2009-2010 fiscal year.

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Family

The Family committee shall coordinate the activities of the Club families, work with other
committees offering family events, and report to the respective Vice President when such
activities fall under their purview

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Elections

The election committee shall solicit prospective candidates from the CLUB
membership and shall conduct the CLUB elections

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Cross County

The Cross Country committee shall organize and conduct all CLUB cross country trips
and activities.

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Racing

The Racing committee shall conduct all CLUB racing activities and shall coordinate with the
Alpine Day Bus Committee.

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Snow Sports Instruction

The Snow Sports Instruction committee shall arrange and conduct all snow sports
instruction and will coordinate with the Alpine Day Bus Committee

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Volleyball League

The Volleyball League committee shall organize and conduct the CLUB summer volleyball league

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Website/Social Media

The website/Social Media committee shall be responsible for publishing, editing, and processing all Web related publications including, but not limited to, the Webpage, weekly information email, and special notification emails

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Audio/Visual

The Audio-Visual committee shall maintain and set up the Club’s audio/video
technology at Club meetings and events as requested by the officers

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Alpine Trips

The Alpine Trips committee shall organize and conduct all CLUB multi-day Alpine ski trips

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Alpine bus

The Alpine bus committee shall organize and conduct all CLUB single-day alpine ski trips,
and coordinate with all appropriate committees.

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I have been active with the club since 2011 and a member since 2013. The first two years were a bit tentative as we (my wife Lauren and I), didn’t know anyone and we were not sure if a ski club was something we wanted to do. After riding on a number of bus trips, we changed our minds and loved the comradery, the people, the parties, the fun, and the devotion to skiing everywhere. What a club! Based on this start, I feel that I would best represent new members, how they look at the club and how to make sure they keep coming back – along with their friends.

I feel that I would bring a fresh perspective to the board, lending support to great programs as well as binging new ideas and energy into how to build our membership. We need to reach out to younger people in a way that would make the club appealing and be willing to embrace change to enable that. “If you always do what you always have done, you are going to get what you have always gotten”.

With regards to experience, my professional experience is in communications and marketing, professional video productions, large event producing & directing, and sales. I’ve owned my own business for over 25 years and will bring that experience to help work within any board decisions needed. For the club, I’ve worked recruiting new members at 2023 & ‘24 Snow Expo and have been active in previous Warren Miller recruitment/ awareness efforts.

I have also held other board positions in the following organizations:

• Schenectady Arts & Entertainment
• Light & Power Productions
• VisComm Communications
• Capital District Center for Independence

Thank you for your consideration and hopefully, your vote.