Photo Gallery - Skiing on the Mountain
A Senior Moment
AREA SENIORS ARE GOING DOWNHILL
Do not let the term catch you off guard, when we talk about this group of Senior’s. Bill Runner, 72, a Shavertown resident is enjoying his down time, going downhill, skiing that is. The News had the privilege to meet him and this vivacious group of fourteen at Jack Frost Ski Resort in Kidder Township. The bunch are in the prime of life, their ages range from fifty to seventy-five years young. Last, Wednesday marked the second day of the Senior Ski Clinic. The event was hosted by the Area Agency on Aging for Luzerne and Wyoming Counties. Retired Investment Banker and now a Jack Frost ski Instructor, Runner heads the team of instructors who will conduct the clinics. “We are the Jack Frost Geezers it’s a un- official name, but that is how they refer to us, we don’t mind a bit.” Runner explained the program, “the ski clinics are free and open to anyone older than 
age fifty five. We started this year on January 9th and will run through March 5th, excluding February 20th. The seniors meet on Wednesday mornings at 10:00 at Jack Frost. Participants are required to purchase a lift ticket as well rent ski equipment if they do not own their own.” The senior ski club is in its third year for meeting at Jack Frost. Runner has been skiing for about forty years.
They carve, cruise and take time to gape! If you are not ski term literate then add that to the list of things these Seniors may have over you. There were no mashed potatoes at Jack Frost Ski Resort as these skiers take part in the Wednesday clinics. We respectfully display their age to prove you are never too old to play in the powder. Pictured Left to Right: Vince DiDonato – 53, Kim DiDonato – 50,Michael Patrylo – 55, Maureen Barnitz – 66, Jacki Olsen – 66, Felix Rushinski – 62, Oscar Teed – 74, George Hobensack – 67, Simon Saba – 75, Buzz Johnson – 69, Bob Ashton – 60, Bill Schlosser – 71, Harry Barton – 66, Bob Keiser – 68. Instructors Right to Left: Bill Runner, John Barnitz, Joe Yozviak, Marlanne Patrylo, Steve Kager, Ed Darrow |
He recalls, “My first time was on wooden skis as a kid in Japan, and I had no lessons. I did not take those until 1969 at Pocono Manor. I enjoy giving lessons now, I find women make good students, they listen, the Men they just want to go, and speed is all they are concerned with.” He continued, “I was certified in 1977 with the National Ski Patrol, working long hours that turn to long nights, if anyone is going to get hurt it is going to be at the end of the night.” Pat Terry, Director of the Snow Sport Learning Center made it clear, “The seniors can ski safely here and have a good time doing so. They are in their third season with us. We offer a club atmosphere for them where they can enjoy being together. Conditions are great today and it is beautiful out, they should have a great time.” The clinics are open to all levels from novice to expert.
The group of mostly retirees was made up from some locals; from Snow Ridge, Pocono Lake, Split Rock, and Wilkes Barre others came as far as Wilmington Delaware and Downingtown. We found Felix Rushingski, 62 from Mt. Top and Oscar Teed, 74 from Split Rock standing in line together, never did find out if the pair had anything to do with the original Odd couple, we could not get a straight answer from either of them.
The slopes blanketed with snow, temperature in the 30’s and the sun breaking through the clouds, they appeared to be ready. With six instructors, the odds were favorable only two skies per instructor. Runner expounds for us, “We will take the group off to the left here and down the trail, and then we will split up according to each skier’s ability.” Runner informed us later, he took a married couple who attended the outing for the first time, Vince & Kim DiDonato from Collegeville. He told us they did the intermediate slopes and finished with a slow run down an expert slope as requested by DiDonato. The group finished early afternoon.
To get involved with this program you can contact the Area Agency on Aging at 822-1158 ext 3312.