A Fond Farewell

by Tom Schaaf

This is my last President’s letter as Spokane Nordic prepares for election of new officers. I have had a great couple of years leading the board and working with (and for) all of you. I have been thinking back on my evolution from someone who showed up for Nordic Kids, Langlauf or for a day of skiing and took for granted that this stuff just happened.
    There is a tremendous amount of work that goes on behind the scenes even for a normal day of skiing, and we all need to thank Steve Christianson and his colleagues at Mt. Spokane State Park for the grooming, plowing, park maintenance and safety work they do.
    There are a number of folks who also need to be recognized: Trond and Alison Liaboe for their work with Nordic Kids; Art Bookstrom for his trail work; George, Matt and Jud for their work with the teams; John McCarthy (and many others) for organizing the Group Health Pursuit; George Momany for his work with the WRAC; John Hatcher for setting up the “Selkirk Challenge” every year; all of the folks behind the Langlauf race and Souper Bowl; the SNSEF Board; and a whole slew of folks who started the ball rolling thirty-some years ago.
    It is the good work of a lot of people that makes it possible for us to go out and enjoy a day of skiing. Thank them when you see them!
    - Tom is outgoing President of the Spokane Nordic Board