Hello all,
Bill Henderson here. This is the first of my updates for the new winter season, so a bit rusty. If you are new to Sky Tavern, my position is as the executive director which means I worry about all things nonprofit, all the programs, and am the garbage guy during the season. That way if you have an issue you know where to find me. But mostly it means my life is all about getting everyone involved and moving in the same general directions to make Sky Tavern work. All 3000 of you. To do that I really need to have a chat every so often.
I don’t write ads, have way too dry a sense of humor, and only know one person that may be more sarcastic than me. That said, you should know I will do anything for Sky Tavern and especially for the kids. My family is deeply rooted in snow but that’s a story for another time. I try to update you a little deeper than other emails, sort of like we are having coffee together. Read it, don’t read it, totally up to you. After this, my babbling will just be a link included in the general emails. Some people like Alicia's to the point emails. Others want to know every detail and maybe the backstory. What I will try to give you. I try to not make it boring since that is one thing Sky Tavern has never been, boring. There is always a lot to talk about, at times things may need a little more explaining and I do not want anyone to miss anything. Time to strap on your helmet for the season. Dropping.
Ski Swap sales and how it works. We don't really swap anything. Its a sale. Old term for a start of winter tradition.
Ski Swap is really a ski sale. We have vendors that come in and set up in what was the Spirit Store down by Sams Club. They bring everything you would need for winter from clothes, helmets, goggles, gloves, socks, skis, and boards. Some is new, unsold equipment from the last few years, some is used. All is a great deal. Come shop.
That is half of the sale. The other half is private party sales. If you or your neighbor has anything related to winter, skis, boards, coats, sleds, or what have you, and you want to sell it, this is how it works. Come down Thursday from 10 until 7 or Friday from 10 to 5 and put it in the Swap. We tag the item, log it in a book, and put it out on the floor to see if anyone bites and buys it. If sold, Sky Tavern takes 18% as our fundraiser and you get the rest. Fair warning here. If the skis are too old, we can’t sell them as anything other than art projects. Bindings have a life and once past a certain age, no one will work on them. We have people that know the answer to yes or no on if a binding passes this test. Figure about a 10-year lifespan.
Getting the Band Back Together
Ski Swap is a fundraiser for the program, but it is also how we all get back to working together. 99% of the adults making Sky Tavern happen are parents with kids in the programs. Between school and other sports, a family’s time is pretty well taken up these days. We have always seen that around the first of November is when it is Sky’s turn to get Mom and Dad’s "spare time" and come help. One reason why Ski Swap is when it is and why it is so important. It is time for everyone, new and old to come and start working together.
There is a sign-up link below to come help, but the real world is we need help Thursday during the day to tag gear, Friday all day for the same plus helping the vendors get set up. Then on Friday night and Saturday, we need help with sales. Sunday is clean-up. Show up and help. Show up and spend a few dollars. This group is not big on formalities. Don't worry about the list. We are getting going. Come hang out with all your new friends. Just get involved!
We even have food trucks and a bounce house showing up. It is not a bad way to start the ski season!
Last season's Ski Swap
