The Gant did a terrific job of providing great appetizers and liquid refreshments – all of course part of our fantastic Party Package.  Most of us skied Snowmass on Sunday and although cloudy – had great new snowfall but we had to hurry back to Aspen for the Super Bowl Party!     Somehow we managed to cram everyone in our condo – albeit it was a tight fit. Tommy Baer & Tony Arthur collaborated on preparing the football pot (although Tony got some remedial training) and the quarter ending winners were:   Don Averitt; Debbie Tolson; Bob Cox & Nell Graham.    Most were rooting for Green Bay but not Cinde Cotten or Daniel Borowiak – both who hale from Pennsylvania.   Debbie was especially happy because she is a Wisconsinite!

We had our annual “lunch at Bumps/Buttermilk” on Monday and group picture.   George Kelly had previously announced that there would be a surprise “cash” award to one of the members who showed up – unfortunately for Pat O’Rourke – he didn’t get the word and missed the lunch and also $20.00 – but we told George not to worry as Cinde & I probably blew our budget anyway and needed the cash.

Tuesday was more snow – in fact so much snow that most of us took the day off and enjoyed Aspen and started preparations for the Progressive Dinner Party on Wednesday.    And even though some didn’t ski – the hot tub was still patronized in anticipation of  fresh powder!    Unfortunately, George took a tumble in all that powder and broke his wrist.    He later claimed that he determined someone would get injured on this trip – so he volunteered to be the “fall guy”.   Pun intended.   George had to have surgery on his wrist and they had to repair with plates & screws so this was no small injury.   Thankfully, no one else was injured and while in pain – George still managed a smile and a song.  

The Progressive Dinner party was a hit!   Our chefs were the best ever.    Marilee Piot, Irmgard Arthur & Anna Laczkowski were the “in charge” hostesses for our dessert which was spectacular.     Also high on the marks were the fabulous appetizers prepared by JoAnn Cox, Jane Chance, Marlene Heineman, Vicki Fontaine, Carol Arthur & Susan Dreska.    Not to be outdone were the salad “condos” with chefs Pam (O’Dell) Doane, Charlotte Saunders, Barbara Averitt and Debbie Tolson providing the culinary delights.     Helga Sims prepared her fabulous Shepherd’s Pie – with “sous chefs” Lois Gallagher, Cinde Cotten and yours truly.   Our California crowd (Helene Redsun, Star Fenn & Judi Lamberti) prepared fabulous chicken which went was devoured the minute it was placed on the table.    Disclaimer:  I know some of you guys must have helped prepare these dishes – but it wasn’t very clear to this author that any guy actually cooked/prepared . . .  what’s with that?

On to the Races  . . .  We had a great turnout with 38 racers.   Marlene Heineman did a terrific job as this year’s Race Director.   A special thanks to David Tanner for assisting with “herding the cats”.  Congratulations go to our new DSC Ski Champions this year are Helene Redsun and Allan Drabinsky!!  We’ve already started working on these California DSC members to be officially honored at the Changing of the Guard Party.  Our Advanced Trophy Winners are JoAnn Cox and David Tanner.  Finally, Ernie Blake Awards went to Marlene Heineman & John Rediger.   There were 23 Nastar Medal Winners with Platinum going to John Rediger; Gold to Bob Cox, Al Moore, David Pennington & Johnnie Walker.   Silver winners were Don Averitt, Tommy Baer, Allan Drabinsky, Marlene Heineman, Judi Lamberti, Helene Redsun & Jim Roche.   Bronze winners were:  Tony Arthur, Cinde Cotten, JoAnn Cox, Stan Crossman, Pam Doane, Andrew Laczkowski, J.J. Lowe, Alan Manewitz, Jim Piot, Betty Schlackman & David Tanner.   We also had one “first ever racer” – Ira Archer – way to go Ira!!!   And, a special thanks to Johnnie Walker for honoring us gals with roses for an early Valentine’s Day present.  

After our fabulous Award Banquet and another great day of skiing, the following had the “legs” to go out and dance!  There was more than one night of dancing – just ask Marianne Cannon or Nancy Sutton.   But Friday night dancers included – Marlene Heineman, Linda Hayes, Nell Graham, Marianne (of course), Johnnie & Jan Walker; Don & Barbara Averitt, Bob Cox, Al Moore, Vicki Fontaine, JoAnn Cox, Anna & Andrew Laczkowski, Tommy Baer and fiancée Jane Chance; Nancy Sutton, Connie Carey, Carol Cresswell, David Jones & Debbie Tolson. 

All in all, we had a fabulous time and so enjoyed the camaraderie, the skiing, the parties & the new and lasting friendships that we created!     One final note – our California group is on the hook to set up a Napa Valley trip to include tennis, golf and of course great wine sometime in 2011.   

A special thanks to Cinde Cotten for being such a fantastic co-trip leader with me.   It was a pleasure working with her and being a part of this great DSC tradition.   Special thanks also to Scott Doane who did a fantastic job of photography at our Awards Banquet. 

Betty Schlackman