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