by Joann J. Ordille

On Nov. 21, our club hosted our most successful booth at the NJ Ski Council Jamboree.  Membership Recruitment Chair, John Strauss, reported that our booth was very popular, because we "brought our own party."  We had 12 people staffing our booth.  Our "fresh, young partying face" attracted a lot of attention.  Larry Goldberg, who took admission fees at the door, helped the momentum by suggesting to everyone that they be sure to check out our booth.  The group decided to bring some snacks next year, because only beer was served.

The  success of the Jamboree effort was seen at our meeting the following Tuesday where we held our traditional Thanksgiving Party. Six new people from the Jamboree joined us, along with many other first time guests brought by our members.

From left: Holly Dressler and Adrian Maas, Party Co-Chairs, start off the party season with a great Thanksgiving Celebration.

A photo essay is available.

John Strauss brought six additional people from his company, many of whom had joined us for a work weekend during the Fall.  Gary Meier and Neil Keough also brought first time guests.  The guests had a variety of fascinating backgrounds including a member of the professional alpine patrol at Mountain Creek, a nordic skier, and a PGA golf pro.

John Strauss with two of the many first time guests he inspired to join us at the Thanksgiving Party.

Excitement was high amongst first time guests and long-time members for our Thanksgiving party is a great kickoff for the upcoming ski season.  Friendships were renewed and skiing plans were made as everyone enjoyed turkey, stuffing, and all the fixings.  Bill Sevidio's homemade cranberry sauce was a great hit, and the desserts were particularly sumptuous. Perhaps the most enthusiastic diner was Darek Nawrocki who tackled both a leg of turkey and a heaping dish of dessert.

Clockwise from left: In foreground from left to right, Tom Lau, John Lambert, John Adamson, and Jan Zymroz lead everyone to the feast. Dareck Nawrocki shows us how to east while from left to right, Tom Lau and Jim Deak chat in the background. From left to right, Carol Reznikoff, John Lambert, and Mark Anderson celebrate together.

We were also pleased to celebrate with John and Alice Zimnoch who soon thereafter had twins.  We congratulate them, and wish them and their children the very best.  We all find ourselves looking forward both to ski season, and to the great parties that Holly and Adrian have planned for the rest of the year.

Congratulations to John and Alice Zimnoch on the birth of their twins!

Thanks to Tracy Dragos and Joann Ordille for the photographs.