MONTICELLO, N.Y. – The forecast called for more clouds and a temperature of about 32 degrees on Sunday, February 7, but the 97 registered young skiers and their Plast families were treated instead to mostly sunny, blue skies and plentiful snow here at the Holiday Mountain Ski and Fun Park.
The popular annual ski outing is for younger Plast members age 6-11 years. For many of these youngsters, it was their first or second time on skis. The Magic Carpet beginner area proved to be an ideal place for these enthusiastic novice skiers, while some of the experienced skiers took advantage of the more challenging terrain that was serviced by a chairlift.
All improved their skiing skills that day, thanks in part to plenty of individualized attention offered by the ski instructors, and fellow Plast members Kiki Zinycz, Adriana Pidwerbetsky, Christa Kozak (Spartanky) and Andriy Kozak (Chornomortsi). In addition, participants had the option to achieve cub scout merit badges for skiing or winter fun.
Several weeks of preparation go into organizing this fun-filled day. Besides reserving the venue, the Spartanky volunteer a great deal of their time behind the scenes. Much appreciated badges were made by Lesia Magun, and Vira Myskiw was responsible for the task of registration. On the day of the event, one of the parents, Vlodko Artymyshyn and Lydia Prokop spent all day at the makeshift “command central” in the base lodge taking care of all of the paperwork. Christina Jancew Iwanik took beautiful photos of this memorable day.
Spartanky running the ski outing (from left): Kiki Zinycz, Adriana Pidwebetsky, Christina Jancew Iwanik, Natalia Danysh O’Connell, Lydia Prokop and Christa Kozak.
The day concluded with a bonfire featuring delicious s’mores, followed by a formal closing ceremony under the leadership of Natalia Danysh O’Connell.