Polish Community Center

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,and the blessing of the Secretary of the O.C. Ski Club. “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.

Fred Haefeli – Board of Directors

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
• 3 years as Co-Chair for the Alpine Bus Committee
• The last 6 years as Marketing Director
• Part of the Ski Instructor committee for 25 years
• Working as the coordinator for the Club with Warren Miller Movies
• Active participate for the yearly Snow Expo
• Annual Golf Outing leader for 10 plus consecutive years

This past year I started getting more active with Club activities after a short break. Items that I, along with many others, help improve was the website, Facebook presence and starting an OC Google calendar for events & buses. Also, this year I took over the duties of publishing the LiftLine newsletter and getting out the weekly informational email blasts.

Candidate’s Bio

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

Cross County

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

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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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Mike Furdyna

Volleyball League

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

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Gail Marotti- Hossan

A proud member of the OC SKI CLUB for 36 years and active in several capacities each and every year. Those newer to the Club will know me as a current Membership Co-Chair, Volleyball Tournament Chair, Volleyball League Co-chair, and Board Member. 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, Secretary, VP for Admin, Board member, Trip Leader, House Chair, Elections Chair, Trips Chair, Finance Chair, Webmaster, Public Relations Chair, Parliamentarian, Membership Chair, Volleyball League Co-Chair, and Volleyball Tournament Chair
Remaining passionate about the Club and its members, as I have met so many people and have had so much fun over the years, remains one of my top mantras.!

Activities & Entertainment

The A&E committee shall plan and conduct all CLUB social activities, such as parties, the Annual Picnic, Happy Hours, and Summer Activities

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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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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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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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Racing

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

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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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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Publications

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

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Erin O’Brien

 ” Hello friends! I have been asked to share a bio for our website. It is hard for me to put myself out there, but I will give it a try!
First tidbit about me and my love of skiing- I have been skiing since before I was born! My mom skied a few times while she was pregnant with me, so that is how that happened! I grew up skiing at Gore. My family was there every weekend that there was snow on the ground! It was a great way to spend winter weekends, although there were many days that I wanted to sleep in instead of getting up for the trek up north.
It was my parents who got me to finally become a member of the club in 2000. I had been an applicant for many years, but never moved on until then. I had fun skiing with my parents with the club. My dad became a convert to riding the bus. I think that the beer on the ride home helped!
Since becoming a member of the OC Ski Club, I have volunteered my time in several capacities. Now I am in my second term as VP of Administration. It is also the second time that I have held this position. I am looking forward to the upcoming ski season and socializing with all of my ski club friends, both on and off the slopes! ”

Cynthia Ward

I joined the OC Ski Club in the mid-1990s. As I was born and bred in Cleveland, Ohio, when I moved to Albany, I had no family or friends here. That changed after my first trip with the OCs out west and the many subsequent week-long, weekend and day bus trips I have enjoyed over the years. Also rewarding has been volunteering for the volleyball tournament every year and for most of the club’s committees and events and serving the club as president, VP of both administration and skiing, secretary, and on the board. Each interaction with the club has increased the number of my friends and enhanced my social life in a city where I was once a stranger. Best of all has been the improvement in my skiing ability due to my participation in the OC Snowsports School, first as a student and now as an instructor. It is such a joy to share my passion for skiing and to help others have more fun on the slopes. I would recommend the club to anyone for the opportunities that are available for friendships and fun on and off the slopes.

Jim “Mash” Wagman

Jim “MASH” Waugaman. Member since ’69, former: committee chair, board member, vp, president.
Most memorable ski trip – Czechoslovakia ’72. Also Bob Healy SSC trips to Aspen. Helped start coed volleyball at pcc with best team ever- Jungle Rules.
Biggest tragedy – loss of Single Ski Club.

Jeff Kenton

First became part of O C Ski Club in 1967 while attending Siena College.Renewed membership in 1989,appointed Snowsports School Director in 1990.Served as Vice President of Organized Skiing,President,Entertainment Chair,House Chair,Snow Expo Chair,and I have run a few trips.The main reason for joining the club is the friends you will make and they will always be there to ski with you. LET IT SNOW !!!!!

Kelly Barlow

1) When did you join the Club? 2018
2) Why did you join the Club? I was looking for new ski buddies and to take some ski trips with friends.
3) Did you know anyone in the Club before you joined? I met Chrisdin Dier hours before my first meeting. She talked me into going on a ski trip to Utah so I went to my first meeting and joined the club.
4) How many overnight ski trips have you taken with the Club? A dozen or so.
5) What is the most outstanding memory of Club events do you have? There are so many! I would have to say the Smuggs family trip 2019. This was the first trip I took with the club. I brought my son, we only knew a handful of people from taking day buses on the weekends for a few weeks. Everyone welcomed us with open arms, my son played and hung out with the other kids and had friends to ski with too. It was incredibly fun and inclusive, I knew I had found the family I had been searching for.
6) What is the funniest happening while a Club member? So many funny memories, it’s really hard to pick.
7) Why do you recommend this Club to friends? This club is so welcoming, they become family quickly. There are activities and ski trips all year long. Endless supply of ski buddies, all walks of life, all unique and full of life in some way. I love this club!
Anything else you like to add?

Judy Franze Tewey

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”.

Sylvia Haefeli

I joined the Club in 2001 when I planned to retire from teaching after 30+ years. I skied as a kid at Pico, my home mountain. I knew no one in the Club but learned about it at the Northeast Ski Expo. I had spent 50 years competing with horses and was ready to take up another sport. Since then I have led many trips out West as well as Europe. Met my current husband on a chairlift when skiing with the Club on day buses to local mountains in Vermont and New York. Now my daughters and their families joined the Club. One daughter met her husband in the Club.

Mark Wilder

I started skiing in the winter of 1986-87 and very soon found out about the OC Ski Club. I joined right away started playing Volleyball with the club and then going on day buses and trips the following season. Both the value of the lessons provided by the club and the social aspect has been incalculable to me. I have been treasurer, trip leader, board member president and a volunteer at many events. I am currently serving as president. I have travelled to many, many destinations to ski in Europe, Japan and all over the US and Canada-all thanks to the OC Ski Club!

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.

Dr Treat

https://www.drtreat.com/
Get care all year round or get treated
right when you need it.

Meghan Ruby

1)When did you join the Club? Signed up as an Applicant in October 2004, finished membership requirements in January 2005
2)Why did you join the Club? A friend told me that they had a ski school so I figured I’d still be able to teach skiing. Additionally the discounted lift tickets and having someone else do the driving was a big lure.
3)Did you know anyone in the Club before you joined? I did not, because I had only moved to Albany a few months before joining.
4)How many overnight ski trips have you taken with the Club? At least 10 – Several “Lessons and Luxury” weekends, Jay Peak (when Hotel Jay was still standing), New Hampshire (in 2015) and 3 times to Sunday River
5)What is the most outstanding memory of Club events do you have? Winter Carnival at Mount Snow around 2008. We had a lot of fun with the games during Happy Hour in The Snow Barn like the “frozen t-shirt contest”. The first person to thaw out their t-shirt enough to put it on was declared the winner.
6)Why do you recommend this Club to friends? You can (or at least used to be able to) ski a lot more for a lot less, have someone else do the driving to the mountains, get tips/lessons in skiing and snowboarding for free, and meet new people to ski with who might then become some of your closest friends!

Greg Bockis

This is Greg’s 11th year with the OC Ski Club and second year on the board. During his first season, he improved from a blue to a double diamond skier thanks to the club’s amazing instruction. Past OC positions include Publications Chair, trip leader for Jay Peak and Crested Butte, and has provided multiple mega-mixes for the OC party bus. On the slopes, you’ll most likely find him skiing the trees. Off the slopes, Greg lives in Delmar with his wife, Krissy (OC Volleyball League) and works as a graphic designer for a wine and spirits distributor.

John Wimmer

Hello everyone. In an effort to make the Club’s website more personable I would like to add your profile photo and a short Bio of you. This would be on the Board of Director webpage. I believe having your photo will help newer members to recognize our Board members. A short Bio will let members get to know you better and also help newer members or want to be members know why this Club is awesome.

Lynda Heaney

Hello there! 👋 I’m your go-to outdoor adventure enthusiast 🏔️. I treasure the thrill of sliding down snowy slopes 🎿, the serenity of boating in the Adirondacks, and the adrenaline rush of maneuvering speedy snowmobiles 🌨️. So, let’s go out and make the most of what Mother Nature has to offer! When I’m not exploring the outdoors, I’m usually spending time with friends or cooking up something new in the kitchen. 💜Happy Adventures! ⛷️