Warren Cook, General Manager of Saddleback Mountain, was keynote speaker at the CVOA annual meeting. (Dan Cassidy photo) The Carrabassett Valley Outdoor Association, held its annual meeting and dinner Saturday, March 28 at the Sugarloaf Golf Club. Officers and Board members were elected.

Officers for one year include: Peter B. Weston, President; Nancy Perry, Vice President; Sandy Jamison, Secretary; Sherie Packard, Treasurer; and Don Fowler, Clerk. The Committee also provided a slate of nominees for the CVOA Board of Directors.

Consistent with the bylaws, the officers and the immediate past president, Neal Trask, are all included as members of the Board of Directors for the duration of their term. Additional nominees for the board, and the term of their membership include: John McCatherin and Barbara Briggs, one year; Harvey Packard and Cynthia Pernice, two years; Kathy Gagne and Bonnie Stagers, three years.

Neal Trask was presented the organization's first lifetime membership in recognition for his efforts in establishing and developing the shooting range and for his significant financial support to CVOA.

John McCatherin was also presented a lifetime membership for his eight years as secretary, secretary of the range committee, leader of multiple trips and events and helping to increase the size of CVOA to over 500 members.

Don Fowler, clerk of CVOA, introduced Warren Cook, General Manager of Saddleback Mountain as keynote speaker. Fowler told the large gathering that Cook was very instrumental in Sugarloaf's growth. "Warren was directly responsible for getting the SuperQuad built, along with many other trail developments," Fowler said.

Cook spoke about his several years as owner/general manager at Sugarloaf/USA. He left Sugarloaf after 11 years at the helm to pursue a career change, but his passion lured him back to the ski industry last year.

As general manager of Saddleback, Cook is spearheading the purchase of Oquossoc Cove on Rangeley Lake that will make the mountain and the town of Rangeley, a true four season resort area. The expansion includes increased real estate activity with plans to presell an 80 rook condominium hotel near the base lodge of Saddleback, replacing the Rangeley double chair with a new quad; planning the installation of a new quad chair in the Megalloway area of the mountain.

"We're out to dazzle and amaze our guests," Cook said. "We're building bridges in Rangeley. Saddleback's business this year is up over 25 percent in skier visits."

Cook has a sign in his office that echoes his passion about Saddleback and the Rangeley area, that reads, "Come ski for the winter and stay for the summer."

Ski and ride safely. Use your head and don't forget to wear a helmet. It may save your life.