Okemo Sunday March 30 2025

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

Doug Harrington

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.

John Wimmer

I joined the OC Ski club in fall of 2022. This has allowed me to ski with a whole new group of people and make new friends. Also, it has been a great experience to ski out west in Colorado, Wyoming, Idaho, and British Columbia. I always make sure I volunteer to help out with our fundraising such as at our volleyball tournament as well as help promote our club such as at the ADK Ski Expo. I retired earlier in 2022 where I spent most of my career in manufacturing working in the accounting and finance area. I volunteered as Treasurer for the club beginning in June 2023 and look forward to serving this year to finish out three- year term…

Kate Karlok

Hello all you Out Of Control Ski Club fans and members. I joined the ski club on November 12th, 2023 at the Ski Expo in Albany after hiking with friends who encouraged me to join. My parents plopped me in a pair of skis at the age of 7 (1968) at Bousquet’s in the Berkshires. Many of you may have already been in this fantastic ski club back then. I’ve heard lots of great stories, especially on the bus rides.

After skiing throughout my childhood and taking lessons at Mt. Tom in Holyoke Mass, I worked at the Ski Haus in East Longmeadow Mass and Mt. Tom in my early teens and 20’s. Then off to Atlanta Georgia as a ticket agent for Eastern Airlines for 3 years and then to Albany where I settled and became a Flight Attendant for 15 years. During the late 80’s, while flying I worked part time at the Phoenix Ski Shop (now High Adventure).

After getting married, and raising two boys, I was very involved in the Parent Teacher Organization for many years. Not only did I volunteer for school functions and activities but also volunteered to clean houses for cancer patients and families who had lost a loved one. In the mid 2000’s I earned a NY State Certificate as a Home Health Care Aide and cared for my mother for over 6 years.

Most recently I have been selected to head up the entertainment for our club and I put together my first Holiday Party on December 7, 2024 that many of you graciously attended. The next function coming your way is the Installation Party at Normanside on May 2cnd 2025. Mark it on your calendar.

My hope, if I’m nominated to the Board, would be to draw new members, young and seasoned, to take advantage of our great ski club trips and ski school with private lessons offered as I did. It’s worth every penny and more to join so tell all your family, friends, co workers and Uber drivers too!

Come join us where “The Fun Is Never Over”!

Sincerely,

Kate Karlok

Josh Nixon – Board of Directors

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

Gail Marotti- Hossan

Gail Marotti-Hossan: A proud member of the OC SKI CLUB for 39 years and active in several capacities each and every year. Those newer to the Club will know me as the current Elections/Membership/ Volleyball Tournament/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: President, Treasurer, VP for Admin, Board member, Trip Leader, House Chair, Elections Chair, Trips Chair, Finance Chair, Webmaster, Public Relations Chair, Parliamentarian, Membership Chair, Volleyball League Assistant, and Volleyball Tournament Chair.

I’ve been the organizer of many Fun Events: Co-Chair 50^th Anniversary Celebration Year, Lake George Boat Cruise, 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 would like to continue to serve the club in the capacity of Secretary for another term. I am asking that you vote for me!

I remain passionate about the Club and its members. I have met so many people and have had so much fun over the years! If we haven’t met yet, please – let’s do so!!! I’d like to hear what you want to experience in your membership with the Out Of Control Ski Club!

Thanks, Gail

Most Members will know me since I have been an active Member for 25 years. Times flies when you are skiing! I ask for your support again as I am looking to sit on the Board of Directors. I believe that the Club still needs to attract more members and younger people. Activities are getting closer to what the Club experienced before the pandemic. So, we need to get the word out that the OCs are BACK!

Here is a list of positions I have held for the Club which I think helps me be an informed Board Member. 3 years as VP for Skiing, Board Member from 2011 to 2019 (some as VP for Skiing), now a current Board Member just last year, 3 years as Co-Chair for the Alpine Bus Committee, The last 7 years as Marketing Director (Organizing the Liftline with help from Linda Mickles plus getting the OC Facebook group page started), The last 2 years as Webmaster, Part of the Ski Instructor committee for 25 years, Helping out for the yearly Snow Expo which is where we recruit new members, Annual Golf Outing leader for 12 plus consecutive years

I would truly appreciate your support.

Rich Livsey

My name is Richard Livsey, been a member of the OC’s Ski Club for 16 years and presently sit on the board. What makes me a good candidate for this job; I have run my own successful business, Brunswick Electric, Inc. for 39 years, making tough decisions on the everyday operations. I have also sat on other boards, most recently the Northeastern Subcontractors Association, (NESCA). The largest subcontractor group of its kind in the United States. My involvement started as an Alternate Director of the Electrical division, Director, Secretary, Treasurer, Vice President and President of the organization. I presently sit on the ESSA board, which is our state affiliate of NESCA which meets twice a year.

Our biggest challenge for the club is to bring in new younger members. I plan on listening to the members and bring new ideas to keep the OC’s a club members can continue to appreciate its value. I hope to win your support for another term on the board.

Richard Livsey

Sylvia Haefeli

I am currently and will again next year be working on the Bus Committee and the Family Committee. I have held many jobs from President to a bus leader with the Club. I am a doer, a person who loves to be involved. I want to stay involved as I owe the Club for all it does for me. I love the trips; we go on several every year with my husband Fred. We are just home from Bolton Valley. The camradie one finds in the Club is what makes this organization so vital. Even my children are members. Hopefully the grands will be part of it when they are of age. That is how this Club continues to grow and prosper, generation to generation. Sylvia Haefeli

Judy Franze Tewey

Hi fellow OC members. Returning to the Albany area after nearly 30 years, I sincerely wanted to meet new people and find new activities to get involved with. Now as a non-skier, my dear friend Cynthia Ward, quickly helped me to find my niche as a Board Member and Chair of Monthly Happy Hours. The OC’s offer endless opportunities to meet people and share your talents with the vibrant and diverse club, even as an “OC-no skier”. I greatly enjoy the camaraderie of our members. I continue to run the Happy Hours, which is a fabulous way to meet new people and stay connected with our members.

Lynda Heaney

Hello, fellow ski lovers! I’m Lynda Heaney, and since joining the OC Ski Club in 1999, I’ve been carving up the slopes and spreading the fun one run at a time.

When I’m not on the slopes, you’ll find me cherishing time with my family, especially my grandkids who keep me on my toes! I also love to trade my skis for a boat, go camping at the lake, zip around on my snowmobile, or dig my hands into the garden soil.

I thrive on being active and engaged with our club—I’m the one at meetings who’s always ready to share a laugh and a good story. If you’re looking for a VP who’s passionate about skiing and family, then look no further! Let’s make this season the best one yet! ❄️⛷️

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