To the Editor:

It is with immense gratitude that the Bethel Outing Club (BOC) extends an enormous thank you to the community at large for making this year’s ski and snowboard sale the best yet. Over $11,000 was raised to help fund outdoor people-powered activities for the local youth. The money raised is earmarked for Nordic equipment to keep more than 50 young skiers on the snow. With more families participating in the Bill Koch League Festival each year, the BOC will be able to provide additional resources to those needing assistance to make the trip to Rikert Outdoor Center in March 2024.

Was it the recent snowfall? Holiday spirit? Not sure, but the community came together not once but twice. After the tragic loss of life in the mass shooting in Lewiston the sale was rescheduled.  We have much to be thankful for.

Thank you to the vendors: Aker’s XC Ski, Carter’s XC Ski, Bob & Terry’s Ski & Sports Outlet, Plymouth Ski & Sport, Raisin’ Heel, True North Adventureware, Barker Mountain Bikes and Winter Kids. It is not easy to pack up your store and reassemble it for the weekend. The effort does not go unnoticed.

Thank you, Gould Academy, for once again allowing us to take over the field house. It was a busy weekend on campus and your willingness to reschedule is greatly appreciated.

Thank you, Telstar, for letting us use the many tables required to set up for a sale of this magnitude, and Jerry Bernier and crew for getting them to the sale. Your support is invaluable.

Thank you, Bethel Area Chamber of Commerce, True North Adventureware, and Gould Book Store for providing the hundreds of tickets necessary to keep track of the gear sales.

Thank you, Charlie Reiss, for the use of your Bethel Kitchen Design truck. Your generosity is boundless.

Thank you to the Southams, Jeff Newsom, and Jonathan Goldberg of True North Adventureware for the use of your barn space. Letting us store gear and sale fixtures is huge, as is your commitment to the success of the sale.

Thank you to community friends and neighbors for donating and consigning your gear. It feels good to have outgrown, gently-used equipment find a new home.

Thank you to all the amazing, dedicated members of BOC who make this sale happen each year. Nancy Babcock, Sarah Southam, Fred Call, Bruce Pierce, Chris Barstow, Beth Hodgdon, Eric Boyle-Wight, Julia Reuter, and Jim Reuter, your organizational skills and manpower are impressive.

Thank you to the very long list of volunteers. The event could not take place without you. You are the secret to our shared success. Beth Allen, Laura Allen-Tummon, Jax A., Stephanie Baker,  Dave Bean, Richard Bell, Kathi Burke, Carlie Casey, Becky Clough, Betsey Cooper, Katy Crooker, Nate Crooker, Will Curran, Loraine Duclos, Paul Duclos, Chelsea Eaton, Nancy Eaton, Robin Gorrell, Norm Greenberg, Lauren Head, Megan Heon, Gary Inman, Grayson Jones, Katie Casey, Alex Kerney, Jamie Leclair, Leonard Lyndon, Michelle Melaragno, Claude Muff, Lucas Peterson, Suzanne Pierce, Kristin Powell, Jill Rathburn, Robert Raymond, Julie Reiff, Joyce Roma, Pat Roma, Leslie Rowse, Jim Ryan, Amy Scott, Becky Secrest, Martha Siegel, Kirk Siegel, Drew Smilack, Lee Smith, Steve Smith, Ann Speth, Peter Southam, Tracyn Thayer, David Walker, Paula Weisburger, Kathleen Willis, Tracey Wilkerson, Marita Wiser, Yuhiro, and also heeding the call, Robin Zinchuk.

A special thank you to the youth of the community for giving back, Northstar volunteers led by Justin Bondenson- Noah Cunnington, Szimon Lee, Meshis Lee, Stetson Miller, and Azaria Alccide.  Many other amazing youth volunteers, some of whom have been on the receiving end of the Bethel Outing Club programs, showed their support, – Mariah Baker, Maisy Baker, Rosie Barstow, Evelyn Burnes, Abe Crooker, Cecilia Crooker, Osie Heddon, Elsie Heon, Grady Hewson, Savi Patel, Lucas Peterson, Reece Pierce, Mallory Raymond, Tess Smith, Lillian Smith, Billie Weisberger and Althea Weisburger.

And, just as the last of the shoppers depart and the energy of the volunteers is waning, into the Gould Field house swoops Mahoosuc Search and Rescue! Thank you for taking the time to break down the many moving parts of the sale and return the pieces to the barn for next year.

Thank you all and forgive me if I have missed someone. So wax those skis, sharpen your edges, and get going on your snow dance!

Sincerely,

Colleen Raymond

Volunteer Coordinator