Greetings,
This week there has been many
reminders about the anniversary of Hurricane Irene. Today, August 28 is the actual day of this
historical event in Vermont and Okemo history.
To say this was unexpected would be true. I recall that day as being one to waking up
to some rain and being mindful that we were expecting 3-4 inches of rain. What
we got was closer to 8 inches of rain.
There was so much that was
happening that Sunday. Getting to Okemo
in the morning, it was obvious that there were problems developing and things
were happening quickly. Roads were
washing out, water was going through buildings in the base area, pumps stations
were being inundated and we were witnessing a crumbling of roads and bridges. There were many Okemo staff that came into to
help the situation and others would have if they could get in. By the time the
seriousness of the situation was evident, many roads were washed out and travel
was virtually impossible.
Okemo was lucky. By the time the
water had receded, we were looking at damage of between $300 - $400,000. Our marketing and lodging offices had been
flood damaged and we also received some damage to roads, parking lots, some
golf course bridges as well as other drainage culverts. Many in Vermont suffered far worse. Some of
our staff lost their homes, many had flooded basements or roads and still
others were without power or access for over a week.
They say during this type of
life challenges, the good always come out in humans. This was so evident after
Irene. Neighbor helped neighbor, those
who could donated money, food and equipment. Roads were made passable, culverts
repaired and hugs were given. Okemo
staff rallied around each other to help those who were left with so little. Okemo held the next Jackson Gore Music Series
and over $15,000 was raised in donations and supplies. Okemo guests were
calling asking where they could donate clothing or food as they had seen the
photos of water charging down Main Street.
On this one year anniversary of
Hurricane Irene, I wanted to take the time to thank all of you who stepped up
to help those Vermonters in need. Your
support was greatly appreciated. I also want to thank the entire Okemo
staff. What you all did to help others
and put Okemo back together after Irene was notable and so very much
appreciated. The long hours and extra effort as we headed into the winter
season were tough on everyone, but the work was done and when winter came,
Okemo was ready. Thank you very much.
Bruce Schmidt
Okemo GM
