May Beach Meeting Report
Well it is finally here, the start of what we are all hoping is going to be another banner year here at Solair. We took a real beating this winter but we have weathered the storm, luckily with no major catastrophes. We have been spending the better part of the spring repairing all of the cosmetic issues that developed because of the violent winter but I am comfortable in saying the repairs have been completed. This past winter saw record snowfall in camp causing many problems including having to close the camp on 2 separate occasions due to icy roads, an unprecedented event that I am sure none of us would want to happen again. With the help of several hearty souls, we made it through the winter a little battered but definitely not broken.
Because of this, we are somewhat behind schedule but catching up quickly. This winter has seen many improvements including the most obvious, our new Pavilion enclosure. The new decks are nearing completion and the store has been completely revamped. We now offer many new items including many of the most popular over the counter medicines, sun screens, bug repellents, as well as a large selection of food items. Our rentals have been upgraded with new mattresses, sheets and pillows. We have upgraded the bathroom in the community center with new sinks, counter top and faucets as well a new toilet paper dispensers and soap dispensers. The outer baths also got new toilet paper and soap dispensers as well as a fresh coat of paint on the floors.
Today I am proud to announce that we will be going live with our new website. We all felt that there was a lack of security on the site so we have increased security by having you register and chose your own password. We have worked long and hard to modernize the website and I urge all of you to register and start checking out all that is on there. We have updated the pictures and added many new ones and most importantly, we have done away with as much close-up nudity as we could. The idea is to show how beautiful Solair is without the need to have nudes in the pictures. We spent many hours putting together pictures that showed our campground including the buildings and the tent sites as well as a wonderful history section. Our amenities are spelled out in words and pictures in such a way that anyone looking for a campground like ours will know exactly what we are like. The site is an interactive site with dropdowns as well as click here for more sections and all board reports as well as other communications can be posted instantly.
I would like to take a moment to thank Dick W for all his hard work on the website over the years. From what I understand the website was dead in the water when Dick took it over and revamped the entire site. Dick worked long and hard getting it functional and up to date and I for one appreciate all that he has done. Dick has decided to step down as the primary web master because of both personal problems as well as wanting to see new blood take it over. He will remain an advisor and will assist our new web master Bill G. In a little while Bill will be doing a tutorial on the big screen to show all of you how to register as well as walk you through the new design and features. Bill has spent many long hours putting together what you will soon see is a profession web site that we all believe will bring many people into the camp. I would like to thank Bill for his hard work as well as Judy F, Dave C and Bob N for all the hours they spent taking and going through pictures for Bill. Finally I would like to thank Barb N and Jo Anne for all their contributions in making this web site what it is.
Lastly, along with the many events that Barb has planned, we will be going to the AANR Convention in New York this August to make our plea to have the 2012 AANR East Convention here at Solair. Anyone who would like to join us on our mission to bring home the convention, please let us know as soon as possible, the larger the contingent the better.
Thank you and enjoy the summer,
Respectfully Submitted,
President Paul
Pool Deck Update and Camp Clean Up
With the help of several hard working individuals yesterday, we made a huge leap forward towards our new pool deck. We were able to put in all the piers for the deck, 12 in total. It was a tough, dirty job but with the help of Bert and the big camp machine as well as the strong backs of Dave C., Tim B., Ron F., Lee P. and Bill G. we were able to get it done. Now comes the fun part, construction. In the next couple of weeks we will be starting and completing the new deck, and it will be a show place. As always, we will need help to make this happen, so watch your emails for dates and times.
In the meantime, Next Saturday, April 16, will be our official camp cleanup date for 2011. There is lots to do and it will be a perfect opportunity to get a head start on your work share before the season starts. The more the merrier so please contact me or the office to let me know if you can make it.
Also, don't forget the new flower garden, which is now going to be the first welcome that our visitors and guests receive once they are on the grounds, so let's push it over the top. All green thumbs welcome, so come have some fun while beautifying Solair.
Finally, next Saturday P&C Director Tom has scheduled Doc Rob to come in with his auger to put in the fence posts for the back fence. I am not sure what his plan is and will ask him this week when he returns from his much need vacation, so update will follow.
Happy Spring to Everyone,
Paul
Spring Update
Good Morning Everyone,
After a very long, arduous winter, that pushed our equipment and our staff to the brink, I am cautiously optimistic that we have turned the corner. This winter brought us relentless snow storms and record amounts of snow, but finally, spring is just around the corner. The clocks have sprung forward, the Crocuses are starting to come in and there is warmth in the air. Soon our gate will be open for another magnificent season in Solair, a season I am hoping will be even better than the last.
We have been diligently working during the winter at Solair to make improvements throughout the camp. From small things like upgrading the toilet paper dispensers and soap bottles to large changes including a new secure gate that slides open and offers us both privacy and security. We have also upgraded all of our rentals with new mattresses and box springs, pillows and linens. We have made repairs to the shower floor and the hot tub walls and by the time the camp opens we should have new sinks, faucets and counter top in the community center bathroom. We are finalizing negotiations on the much needed pavilion enclosure and are hoping to have the sides installed by late spring or early summer. Finally, we are in the process of upgrading our pool furniture with 25 new lounge chairs for around the pool as well as several other items. One of these items, a bistro set with 4 stools and a table, will be on display in the library this weekend and I would like your opinion on whether or not to bring 5 more sets in for the summer. We are considering these because they offer additional seating and table space but do not require as much area as a table and chairs. There will be a clip board on the table for you to make comments on. As you can see, it has been a busy and productive winter.
With all of that, we still have more to do before we open and I am planning another “barn raising” weekend, possibly 2. On the agenda to be completed by May 15 is a new 1000 square foot deck on the hot tub side of the pool, a smoking deck on the parking lot side and finishing the fence down the back road of our property. Additionally, we will need to turn on the water and do general cleanup and setup of the grounds.
I am currently compiling a list of folks who would be willing to help. We need people skilled in carpentry and laborers to help them. We will be looking for cooks to prepare the meals and runners to deliver drinks, food, and supplies. We will also be accepting donations of money or food to keep our workers fed and hydrated. As before, the management will be putting on a camp wide dinner to celebrate our camp and the people who make it great. We have done this before, and I am confident that we can do it again.
Please forward me your name and your work preference. Also, any equipment that you may be able to bring to the party such as post hole diggers or power augers, saws, screw and nail guns and other carpentry tools. We will need coolers, plastic and paper ware and vehicles for running. I am looking to do this in April and because of the unpredictable weather that is usually in April we will have to play it by ear on the dates. It would also be helpful to know if any of you are available during the week.
Lastly, we are looking for someone to spearhead the plantings in the rock garden. Any donations of plants will be greatly appreciated and the office will commit $200 towards the purchase of plants. Please let the office know what you need.
We have a great year coming so let’s start it off with a bang. I am hoping to see many of you come out to join in the fun as we all work towards an even better Solair.
Sincerely,
President Paul