The Fernie Nordic Society (FNS) held their annual general meeting (AGM) outside in the sunshine near the half-constructed warming hut at the head of the society’s trail system on Sunday, July 19.
Society president Megan Lohmann happily reported on the successful year the FNS had undergone, particularly the leap in membership from 388 to 573 registered members.
“The 2014/15 season was by far the Fernie Nordic Society’s most significant season,” said Lohmann. “The growth of the club is a testament to the growing interest in Nordic skiing in the community and the interest in our excellent trail system.”
Last fall, the society installed a bridge over Lizard Creek (dubbed the Teck Bridge due to the mining company being the primary sponsor) that creates access to an additional five kilometers of trail that was also built in the fall.
Lohmann also cited the Jackrabbits program reaching capacity and the society’s racing team bringing home the Kootenay Cup after participating in all seven of the series’ races.
“It really is an incredible achievement for such a young club and I think it really put us on the map in the eyes of other nearby teams,” she said.
Future projects for the society will include new trail building in August as well as new directional signage to be introduced in the fall.
In the upcoming year, FNS also conceded having to raise prices of its membership.
“We’ve been talking a lot about the sustainability of the society, as our Resort Municipality Initiative funding does run out in the next year. We can’t be guaranteed to be given money for our grooming so we’re
looking at ways to develop ourselves in a sustainable way,” said Lohmann of the increase which bumps children membership from $35 to $40, adult costs from $45 to $55, and family pricing of four from $110 and $12 per additional child to $130 and $18 per additional child.
Costs for the Bunnyrabbit, Jackrabbit, Track Attack and ski rental programs will also remain the same at $55, $65, $70 and $45, respectively.
“If there are any concerns about the raise in prices, though it has been approved by the board, we are open to hearing from our members,” she said.
Member and AGM attendee Jikke Gyorki responded, “I think we all understand the need for the price raise and I support the board’s decision. The value your pricing continues to provide, especially for families, is unparalleled,”
In a call for candidates, the outgoing FNS board was carried into the next year entirely by acclamation. The only minor change in the lineup was the Director of Coaching titled being renamed to Chief of Racing and Programming in order to create more structure and future related positions in the society’s racing department.
The current board consists of President Megan Lohmann, Treasurer Matthieu Corriveau, Secretary Mel Fleishacker, Chief of Racing and Programming Clark Weber, Director of Trails John Shaw, Director of Communication Sam Sedlowsky, Director of Membership Annie Duciaume and Director of Race Team Development Jeff Williams.
The vacancy for Director of Events/Fundraising remains open.
Following the AGM, attendees of the meeting enjoyed a complimentary dinner of pork on a bun, a variety of salads and homemade desserts.