by Tom Hakala
We have been working on a few ideas that we think will help Bruce Ski Club members connect this season. There are also events that we hope will reach out to the community beyond our club.
First of all, we have set up a Facebook Group called ‘Bruce Ski Club Friends’. You can find the group by going to Facebook and type in Bruce Ski Club Friends. A Facebook group is different from a Facebook page in that everyone who has joined the group can make comments, contribute photos or stories to the main page. The idea being that if you would like to go skiing, but would also like to meet up with other skiers at a particular time, you can post it on Bruce Ski Club Friends and hopefully other people will see it and meet you.
It is also a place to post ideas or ski conditions or just post your photos of your day on the trails. To take part in this group, all you need to do is go to Facebook (you need to be a member or join), then type in Bruce Ski Club Friends and under the photo on the left you will see ‘JOIN’. Just click on JOIN and you will get a notification that you are now a member.
As I mentioned last issue I am compiling a database of adults that wish to improve their skiing and members that are willing to give a few lessons. Since then I have had a few more members come forward to offer their expertise on skiing technique.
Here is what we have so far:
- Heidi Tones – is the mother of National Ski Team member, Julian Smith, and she is willing to help you improve your skiing if you donate to Julian’s travel fund. You can reach Heidi at: 519-534-3222 or email: smith.tones@gmail.com.
- Marlyn Suke – is the Coaching Coordinator for Georgian Bay Nordic Ski Team and Marlyn will give you a lesson if you make a contribution to Georgian Bay Nordic. You can set up a lesson with Marlyn at 519-374-4227 or email her at: mpsuke@gmail.com.
- Dr. Don Eby – I would be happy to provide free advice and or mentoring to anyone interested in pursuing a passion for long course loppets. I have completed the Canadian Ski Marathon four times, the long course Gatineau loppet about 12 times and last year was recognized as a ‘master’ (completing 10 long course loppets in 10 different countries) by the World Loppet association.I think having a list to match people is a great idea. 519 371-2720 (H) or 519 373-2535 (C) or email: d.eby@sympatico.ca.
- Barbara Gray – My qualifications: Level 2 NCCP, Level 2 Officials course, St Mary’s Nordic ski team coach x 5 yrs, and Jackrabbit coordinator and instructor( many years). I’m not interested in compensation as I just like spreading the fun of Nordic skiing. email: bmulroy@sympatico.ca.
This information will be posted on our Facebook page and website later. If you wish to add your name to the list, email me at: hakalathomas@gmail.com.
Next we have added another local X-C ski area to our roster of “Ski Exchange Clubs” This one is The Beaver Valley Nordic Ski Club. The exchange will go from Feb. 2 to 8. The Nordic club is located above Beaver Valley Downhill Ski Club at 153 Windy Lane Drive (Next to the Keg). For more info, go to: www.beavervalleynordicskiclub.ca.
Lastly, World Snow Day is on Sunday, January 19th this year. Again we plan on opening the trails at Sawmill to the general public … that is, if the weather co-operates! If you recall, last winter we had to cancel twice because of terrible storms. Keep your fingers crossed.