GMC headquarters in Waterbury were full of enthusiastic friends and supporters of the Catamount Trail who traveled from near and far to attend the 32nd annual meeting of the CTA on November 14th. Following a midday gathering of Trail Chiefs, attendees made their way upstairs for positive reports on the health and stability of the organization, amendments to bylaws to reflect the incorporation of chapters, overall trail status, and appointments within the board of directors.
Two familiar faces were honored at this year’s annual meeting for their dedication to the organization as long time supporters and members of the board. Jill Aspinall, who has served 2+ terms and 7 years of service, is stepping down from the board. We thank Jill for her energized commitment to the CTA! Chances are, if you recall ever having gone on a memorable CTA tour, you have Jill to thank. Rich Larsen announced that he will be stepping down as chair of the Board of Directors. Rich has seen the CTA evolve through the years, and remains one of our most dedicated supporters with 32 consecutive years of membership! As chair of the Board of Directors he has been instrumental in navigating the shift to inclusion of chapters within the association. Rich will remain on the board until his term ends, and we expect to see him donning his new hat-scarf-mitten-bear throughout this season and beyond.
Dorothy Wallace-Senft was recognized as volunteer of the year for her involvement in our Ski Cubs youth xc-ski program. Dorothy got many young skiers out on the trails around Bennington this past year. Her photos of happy faces swathed in winter garb and xc-ski artwork created by enthusiastic kids are a testament to the time and enthusiasm Dorothy put into developing this opportunity for students in southern Vermont.
After the business side of things, Pavel Cenkel gave an engaging and thought provoking presentation on his 150 mile run across Iceland and the relationship between athletes and the environment, the sustainability of our activities, and the ecological impacts and responsibilities we all share. His photos of Iceland’s stark beauty only served to enhance his message.
The evening was rounded off with a social hour with everyone enjoying good conversation set against the backdrop of the wintery Vermont artwork which covered the walls of the GMC. Thanks to all of the artists who donated something to our art show and raffle, and to everyone who supported the CTA by bidding on a piece to take home at the end of the evening. A heartfelt thanks to the Green Mountain Club for hosting us, all of the artists who donated to our art show, Dostie Bros frame shop for prettying up some art, Pavel Cenkel for a wonderful presentation, and for everyone who made the trek out to the annual meeting. Overall, we had a great turnout and were pleased to see many new and familiar faces show up and take part in our Annual Meeting this past weekend. Here’s to another successful year of the Catamount Trail!
