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. “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

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…

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

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:  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

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! ❄️⛷️

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.

Steven Ford

I joined the O.C. Ski Club in 2015 to find folks that shared my passion for skiing. The club has given me countless memories and many new friends. I’ve skied all over the northeast on the club’s Sunday buses, participated in the Quebec, Jay Peak, and Sunday River trips, and undertook several European adventures with the club. Most recently I lead the 2024 trip to Val di Fassa, in Canazei, Italy. When not skiing, you can find me on a golf course or mountain biking.

Lauren Harrington

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.

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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Volleyball League

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

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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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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 !!!!!

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.

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.