Spirit of Dedication

The Caledonia Nordic Ski Club is run by volunteers; some of whom are very visible, while others work behind the scenes. The Spirit of Dedication Award is presented annually in the fall, to a member of the CNSC who has a tradition of involvement and dedication to the Club.

The Spirit of Dedication Award was created in memory of Mike Reid, who died in August 1995 at age 35. Mike was a Club member who was involved in all aspects of the Club. He organized races, participated in events, was an active volunteer and a mentor to young athletes. Mike demonstrated a deep commitment to Nordic Skiing and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. Nominations are received annually in the fall by mailing to Box 1243, Prince George, BC V2L 4V3.

Spirit of Dedication Award Nomination Form

1996 AWARD:Jim Weed

Jim has been actively involved with the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club for as long as the current members can remember, stretching back to the 1970's when the Tabor Ski Trails were the only Nordic facility in the Prince George area.

Jim has been the Trails Coordinator for approximately 20 years. Jim, along with Niilo Itkonen, was one of the spearheads in developing the Otway Trail System that opened in 1984-85. In fact it was Jim and Val who, while skiing from their home in Miworth to the week day skiing facility at Okanagan Helicopter, noticed the winter micro climate in the present location of the trails and set about obtaining tenure to develop a ski facility. With Jim's energy, drive, and coordination the Trail System at Otway has been cleared, surveyed and developed from 1.5 km in 1984-85 to the 30 km groomed today.

Skiers at Otway know Jim as the fellow who can make a few inches of snow ski like a few feet of snow with his excellent grooming skills.

Jim's work at Otway has encompassed more than trails.Niilo and Jim built the first day lodge. The day lodge has now been expanded but the original lodge structure still forms an important part of the Ski Center. Jim represented the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club and Prince George as a race official at the 1988 Olympics in Calgary and has presented trail-grooming seminars to operators in Western Canada. He has been an active fundraiser by organizing garage sales, book exchanges, evening potluck dinners and concession sales.

Jim has also been active in a number of other club functions including organizing the Masters and the Ski Touring Groups. Along with his wife, Val, he has taken club Ski Tour members to explore the Northern outdoors on skis. Without Jim Weed the Otway Nordic Center would not be the facility it is today!

1997 AWARD: Linda Piovesan

Here is what was written on Linda's nomination form:

"Linda has been a member of the CNSC since 1986, back when we were still the Hickory Wing Ski Club! During the first five years of her time on the executive, Linda was the Membership Coordinator. No easy task when all you had was a typerwriter(no computers then!). From there she took over the role of Treasurer, a position she has most diligently held since 1991. Linda keeps us in the black. Her careful financial planning has meant that we have been able to attain some very significant goals i.e. Piston Bulleys and an expanded lighting system. The job of treasurer is huge. Income tax, GST nightmares, insurance, payroll for our crew, CCBC, monthly statements, being audited. Linda has seen and done it all! Linda was the Chair for the Caledonia Marathon for three years. She attained her Level II Official's status to be Starter for the Junior National event held here in 1991 (Linda advanced to a Level III official in 1999), and since then has been the starter for almost every race held here(till 1997). Linda is a Jackrabbit leader, she helps with Biathlon events, is part of every committtee, and sometimes is the committee when no one else volunteers! Linda has organized the Ski Swap and has been on the Winter Action Trade Show Committee as a representative for the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. She has also been a key organizer in the Mad Hatter's Fun Relay and Ski Fest."

Linda passed away on October 18,2007.

1998 AWARD: John Paget

John has been an active member of our club since the days when we were still known as the Hickory Wing Ski Club. He began volunteering in 1988 as a ski instructor for beginner and intermediate adults and continued in this capacity for seven years. In 1989 he decided to add president to the list of things he was already doing for the ski club. During the time John held this position we saw many changes take place. Our first Piston Bully was purchased, the bid to host the Junior Nationals placed, trail preparations to homologate the 5 km and 7.5 kim trails were begun, and the mower was purchased for summer trail maintenance.

After a short break, John began a new career in 1993 as a Junior Racer's Coach. During his five years coaching he earned his CANSI Level II and NCCP Level III instructor qualifications, and left a lasting impression on the many young skiers he mentored. In 1998 John then turned his attention to the Masters/Adult Ski group, and continues to lend them his coaching expertise.

In 1995 John became more interested in trails, and what started out as a simple project became nothing short of an obsession with the stump grinder and mower!! For the next three years John developed an intimate relationship with every stump on our trail system. It is directly because of John and his crew's efforts that we can ski on as little as 14 centimeters of snow. This gives us one month of additional good skiing a year!

John is a participant and a volunteer at most of our club events, competitions, and of course, potlucks!!

1999 AWARD: Jeff Bennett

The 4th recipient of this award, Jeff Bennett, is recognized for his untiring efforts in many areas: club executive for 15 years (including past president); ski school coordinator; club historian; and acting on numerous race committees. The Club is especially grateful for Jeff's work in creating Otway Nordic Ski Patrol. Jeff has been recognized twice nationally for his ski patrol work: receiving the 1996 National Appreciation Award & the 1999 Canadian Ski Patrol Award. Thank you Jeff for all of your efforts!

2001 AWARD: Fiona Coy and Jeremy Campbell

For the 2001-02 season, two outstanding individuals are being recognized for their contribution to the club - Jeremy Campbell and Fiona Coy.

Jeremy and Fiona have each received the award because, like Mike, they are involved in all aspects of the Club. They have organized cross-country and biathlon races, the adult ski camp and they participate fully in club events such as Recreation Mart, Open House and the Ski Swap. They also volunteer their time and expertise on the CNSC executive and in all fundraisers. They volunteer for trail work, range improvement and work parties. Jeremy and Fiona coach biathlon and cross-country skiing. They organize dry land training in the off-season, as well as off-season training trips to Mount Robson, Jasper and the Bowron Lakes. They have volunteered to coach cadet groups in biathlon, and have invited university students and adults to come and find out how much fun Nordic Sports can be. They are mentors for many young athletes and offer knowledgeable training plans to any youth interested. They continue to educate themselves in the latest research in coaching and athlete development. They are both working on their Level Three coaching certification. They both teach skiing with the CNSC ski school. Fiona volunteered to fill the vacant position of Vice President this year. They have just assumed the new club position of Youth Coach Coordinators and will be breaking new ground in this area.

Like Mike, they both have an enduring and deep commitment to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. They are truly worthy recipients of the Spirit of Dedication Award.

2002 AWARD: Bruce Bennett

The 2002 Spirit of Dedication Award was presented to Bruce Bennett. Here is what was written about Bruce on his nomination form:

"He deserves this award because I always see him out at Otway, helping out, coaching, encouraging skiers of all ages and abilities, running wax clinics, handing out cider at the Santa Ski, etc., etc. He has encouraged me a great deal personally, and is always full of expertise, advice, and encouragement. Plus his energy and enthusiasm are AMAZING. He is always promoting the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club through his actions and words.

He deserves this award because of his amazing enthusiasm and love for the sport of cross country skiing and the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. Whatever is going on, he seems to be involved, whether it is teaching, waxing, or on the loud speaker. He always has a smile on his face and is great with kids and adults. I have learned a lot from him."

Editor's note: Bruce has been volunteering for cross country and biathlon races for years; he has been the chief organizer for a number of the annual Skifests; he has served on the executive; he is a CANSI certified instructor and has been active with the Ski School for years; all this in addition to promoting the annual Beach party! Thanks Bruce!!

2004 AWARD: Cal Benson

Cal has been a member since the mid 1980's. He began volunteering in the mid 1990's as an official for races, helper at ski swaps and trail clearing. He began serving as the Junior Racers representative on the Executive in 1997 and has served as the website manager/email distribution list representative.

Cal was responsible for building the first and second generation Caledonia Nordic websites. He was also well aware of the need for member communication and despite opposition from some club executive members promoted and formed the email distribution list which has grown to nearly 900 members.

Fund raising was always high on Cal's list. The major funding for the light expansion and upgrade was achieved through Cal's fund raising with BC Gaming. The Ski Nationals Legacy--the Rotary Nordic Lodge--was achieved through his tireless fund raising and promotion of the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club. Cal also raised $3000 for trail improvements through Molson's Local Heroes. He served on the first finance committee.

Between 1996 and the mid 2000's Cal and Chris Hawkins were the driving forces behind bringing BC Cup races every year, the 2000 & 2002 Western Canadian Championships and the 2005 Nationals to Prince George. Both Chris and Cal held major positions for ten years and built a great competition and organizing committee for Olympic style events.

Cal has served on Cross Country Canada' s Events committee since 2000 and that is where he convinced the decision makers to bring the 2005 Ski Nationals to Prince George (it took 2 attempts). Cal served as Event co-chair for the Ski Nationals.

Cal also served as the top Official in BC between 2002-06 as chair of the Officials Committee for Cross Country BC.

2005 AWARD: Sue Bond

Here is what was written about Sue on her nomination form:

"She finds it impossible to say no and always has a smile on her face, a kind word to say and an ear for your concerns. She really has taken this club, its members, and her students (young & old) to heart.

P.S. I know she is a favoured teacher— there are many requests for Sue.

This person deserves this award because of her strong commitment to the club for over 15 years and always is willing to take on tasks

—10 years Masters Ski committee

—CANSI instructor— private lessons, group lessons, senior skiers, very involved with school ski lessons

—Organized ski school for 3 years

—Banquet and volunteer recognition coordinator for 2005 Ski Nationals

—Strategic Action Plan committee

—Helps organize social events

There is much more but I am not sure of the details. Sue has been an important part of our club and most crucial behind the scenes in this transition year with the new cabin, as our club moves to another level."

Editor's note: You bet there is much more!

When we held the Ski Swap at the Knox United Church during the 1990s Sue organized it. Her participation goes back even further—she was phoning for volunteers when it was held in the basement of the old Civic Center!(how many people even know where that was?) She was an organizer as a Junior Racer parent in the 1990s, driving skiers to races around northern BC and was very active in the Jack rabbit program as well as a leader. Sue has been actively involved in the Ski School and on the executive for many years.

Sue has been a strong proponent and leader of the elementary school ski program,she organized ways of introducing students to the program such as grooming school yards so that future members of our club would be able to see the benefits of Cross Country skiing at an early age. A large part of this year's success of the program is due to her persistence over the years.

Sue has taken a very important role when volunteering for races. For many years she has been the starter, a very pivotal position in making sure a race comes off the way it should. She has been flawless in doing this task. She is a certified Level 1 official. Besides taking an official's position at Ski Nationals, she also organized the banquet—the club received sincere comments from seasoned coaches from Quebec and Alberta that our banquet was "the best Ski banquet they had ever attended."

Sue has been vice president and is mid way in her term as president. She has ensured that the programs at our facility are improved from the legacy left by Ski Nationals. She has championed the elementary school program and the program coordinator position. She has given selflessly to our club.

One of the most noticeable things about Sue is that when she takes on a task you can be assured it is done responsibly, totally, completely, and successfully—she won't rest until it is! Anyone who can start 360 skiers in an individual start race—one every 15 seconds during an hour and a half period deserves this award on that alone!

2006 AWARD: Tim Roots

Tim's nominator wrote:Tim volunteered as president of the CNSC Executive through those busy years of organizing/building for the Ski Nationals. At the same time he coached an upper level Jackrabbit group. During 2005, 2006, & 2007 he did a fantastic job of organizing the chocolate Race Series even while serving on the Executive as Past President. This guy is dedicated!

Tim became the master of the unsung tasks. "I will look after that" was often heard from Tim when something extra had to be done. In addition to working with Cal Tant on the Project Manager function during the lodge construction, Tim stayed with the project to make sure all the little things got finished after we moved into the new lodge. He got the well drilled (after two dry holes, they found water down the hill behind the equipment shed), spearheaded the landscaping around the lodge, and made sure the septic system was working. Tim also got the fire water tank installed so the fire department has 10,000 L of water available if we have a fire at the lodge.

Tim continues to be involved with helping improve the operations of club after his term as Past-President has ended.

2006 AWARD: Karen Peterson

Karen's nominator wrote:Karen has been an active volunteer with the club from the time it was the Hickory Wing Club and located at the old helicopter site and at the Tabor site. She helped with trail maintenance such as the willow cutting and before we had underground wiring she was involved with clearing of windfall off trails. Track setting using the snowmobiles was a big job that she assisted with. At the Otway site she set up the trailer and with a lot of perseverance put in a well and a septic system. As the first caretaker at Otway she was a valuable presence and asset with security and PR for our club. Few people know how many night encounters with potential vandals she tactfully and firmly handled.

Karen was proud of the partnership formed with AIMHI when the club decided to have cabin workers at Otway. They helped with ticket checking, selling day passes and keeping the cabin grounds tidy and safe. The fellows' success at Otway was in many ways due to Karen's foresight and behind the scenes efforts. Karen acted as a liaison and offered direction, structure and friendship. She also bought supplies for the small coffee shop we had at the cabin for a few years. Karen was one of the Lifetime members that had faith in our club and paid $1000 so that Mike Reid's plan for a new grooming machine could be carried out. Over the years, she has done many hours of grooming with that machine, assisting Jim when he was on holidays or during races or just helping share the load. Karen is involved with long-range planning as a member of the ski club and the Miworth horse community. She believes that cooperative sharing of trails on the Greenway between UNBC and Otway is an important goal and a win-win situation for all. Karen has also been involved with the trails committee for the CNSC.

Karen has volunteered in many capacities at all our races for the last 25 years--track setting, assisting with equipment setup, or volunteering on race days. She has been a World Masters Cross Country Champion and also raced extensively at the club level for many years. Karen was always encouraging people at races and promoting the positive aspects of our club and of CC skiing. Karen has helped with the Iceman competition since its inception and for the last 16 years has been a fun member of the Ski-to-Running transition zone. Karen loves to teach skiing and has maintained a level 2 CANSI for many years. She taught at night and volunteered on the weekends. She is always encouraging people to try cc skiing and many people have learned to love the sport through her enthusiasm and skilful teaching. Some might say she gently nags and bullies and nudges you forward but she does it with such humour that we all come back for more.