Forbush Corner Nordic 2020-2021 Season Summary
Thu, Aug 12, 2021 - By Todd Hubbard
Highlights
The 2020-2021 season was a challenging one for Forbush Corner with many unexpected events, both good and not so good. We started the second season as a non-profit with the weight of the pandemic hanging over us. This was uncharted territory, and no one quite knew what to expect. After the unexpected closure of the ski season early in March of 2020, we continued to work on the off-season projects and hope for the best in the Fall. We were able to complete a number of repairs to the shop which included updating the bathrooms, painting, and changing the outside ski locker which allowed us to make adjustments to facilitate better social distancing and traffic flow inside the shop.
A positive impact from the pandemic was the economic grant that we received to help with related costs to the pandemic. The grant, along with money from the Bob Thayer memorial fund and Forbush Corner Nordic, allowed us to invest in a Yurt. The Yurt was a huge success and was helpful in allowing for social distancing. We were just able to finish the yurt prior to the first big snowfall.
The ski season itself was a huge success. We saw many weekends where the parking lot was filled to capacity. Many families were out enjoying the outdoors due to the pandemic and it had a positive impact on the sport of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing. We saw a huge increase in rentals, trail passes and sales. Hopefully this will continue into this season and beyond as people discover the joys of skiing.
It was difficult to implement all the Covid-19 protocols, but it was worth it in the end. We did not have any exposures to our staff or volunteers. We were able to implement protocols to allow people to enjoy skiing without having any interactions with staff or at least very limited interactions. Many of these changes were positive overall, and we plan to continue using some of these approaches next season. I personally enjoyed not having even a cold this past winter!
One of the biggest highlights of the year was the purchase of our new PistenBully 100 groomer. It was made possible by a generous gift from Frank Nizio and Linda Allen and funds from Forbush Corner Nordic. We still owe a significant amount to pay off the groomer, which led us to develop our first capital campaign. We were also approached by our neighbor to the south about buying his 80 acres. We decided to roll the land purchase into the groomer loan and rolled out our first shot at a capital campaign. So far, the campaign has been going well with $63,000 in donation, over a quarter of our total amount of $200,000.
Overall, the season was a positive one. The snowmaking loop was again a beneficial asset to have in the early season. It gave us the distinction of being the first ski resort, even for downhill, to be open for skiing this past season. We are extremely thankful for everyone that supported us this year. It is exciting to see the potential in Forbush Corner Nordic that will soon become reality because of all our generous supporters.
Financials
Revenues
| Grants | $10,000 |
| Donations | $62,478 |
| Sales | $81,398 |
| Rentals | $12,759 |
| Trail fees | $82,873 |
| Misc | $2,925 |
| Total | $252,433 |
Expenses
| Operating expenses | $88,776 |
| Repairs | $10,527 |
| Capital Outlay | $120,795 |
| Human resources | $16,290 |
| Total | $236,388 |
Cash Assets
| Savings | $70,000 |
| Capital Campaign | $63,000 |
| Checking | $26,000 |
| Total | $159,000 |
Debts
| Groomer loan | $185,000- final payment due Dec 2024 |
| Property loan | $ 74,000- final payment due Jan 1st, 2023 |
*The capital campaign will continue to help pay off these debts.
New Projects for 2021-2022
- Complete unfinished projects in the yurt.
- Seed the snowmaking loop
- Widen the trails for the new groomer
- Paint the pole barn door and trim
- Secure land purchase contract
- Secure new snowshoe trail with the DNR
- Secure widening of the Weary Legs segment of the Pines loop with Hartwick Pines management to allow the new groomer access.
- Complete Green trail “Quick Dip” bypass.
- Fall work bees to prune trails
Directors
Howard Hansen- President
Todd Hubbard- Secretary
Ann Wagar- Treasurer
Larry Damic- Director Mario Kennedy- Director
Mission Statement
To promote social welfare through the enjoyment and appreciation of the natural environment and promotion of activities that emphasize healthy, family-oriented winter outdoor sporting activities.
Donations
We are registered with GuideStar and with the state of Michigan.
Contributions can be made through our website, through an individual’s charitable mutual fund, or by check. Checks should be made out to Forbush Corner Nordic and mailed to the following address.
Forbush Corner Nordic PO Box 118
Gaylord, MI 49734
989-889-2843
Donors
Thank you to all our generous Donors. Thank you for your continued support and trust to make Forbush Corner Nordic even better.
Anonymous supporters
- 27,500
- 10,000
Gold Level
- Frank Nizio/Linda Allen
- Ann McCarthy/Casey Kern
- Margaret Palardy
- Ernie Brumbaugh/Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh
- Ann Wagar/Mike Bourassa
Silver level
- Paul/Simona Drake
- Robert Thayer Memorial Fund
Bronze Level
- Chris Dandeneau
- Bill/Dea Danly
- Carole Mueller-Brumbaugh
- Mat/Nancy Reeves
- Barb Wade
- Keith/Mary Frame
- Bryce/Paula Dreeszen
- Tom/Ivy Schwartz
Sponsor Level
- Luke/Margo Noss
- Bill/Jen Delaney
- John Kruger
- Leslie Maclin
Friend Level
- Lisa Markley
- North Bound Outfitters
- Jerry Gillissen
- Thomas Sisung
- Robert Vancl
- JD Werk
- Carol Poenish
- Robin Luce
- Kathy Conway
- William Kaltz
- Paul Kellerman
- Robert Pettibone
- Vincent Call
- Judith Hitz
- Kurt/Marilyn Schmid