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From left to right: Duane Lake, Chairman, OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Sam Howes, Chairman, OTIS FCU Supervisory Committee; Stephen Hamilton, Treasurer, OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Chris Bouchard, President/CEO, OTIS FCU; Darice Roy, CCUE, Vice President, OTIS FCU; Gary Desjardins, Vice Chairman, OTIS FCU Board of Directors; Ron Jacques, Spruce Mountain Board Member; Chase Morrill, Owner, Kennebec Cabin Company/Maine Cabin Masters; Spruce Mountain Board Members: Frank Coates, Michele Coates, Zack Hamilton, Justin Shink, Ashley Roy, Jake Letendre, and “Spruce Kids.”
OTIS FCU has donated $10,000 to Spruce Mountain Ski Area. The credit union’s donation brings Spruce Mountain closer to its goal of raising $25,000 to have Maine Cabin Masters update the ski lodge (“The Barn”). The renovation will include replacing doors and windows, updating the kitchen area, and converting the second floor into a usable space. Maine Cabin Masters is expected to begin the project in September and complete it by Christmas.
The partnership between Spruce Mountain and Maine Cabin Masters came together in an unexpected way. Last winter, when the Board of Directors at Spruce Mountain began planning for renovations, board member Ron Jacques shared how he knew Chase Morrill, owner of Kennebec Cabin Company and star of the popular TV show, Maine Cabin Masters. After speaking to Morrill about the renovation work, Spruce Mountain applied to the show for consideration. Their application was accepted and the Mountain agreed to raise $25,000 toward the project.
Regarding the decision to contribute to this fundraising effort, OTIS FCU President/CEO Chris Bouchard shared, “Spruce Mountain holds a special place in the hearts of the community and OTIS staff. Otis Mill workers not only founded the credit union, many also volunteered their time and resources to help establish Spruce Mountain Ski Area. Supporting Spruce in their endeavors helps ensure the Mountain can be enjoyed for generations to come. It’s what makes community, well community.”
After learning of OTIS FCU’s donation to Spruce Mountain Ski Area, Jacques stated, “Over the years, OTIS FCU has been a consistent supporter of the Mountain, not only sponsoring Free Ski Days, but also providing volunteers to help. Their financial commitment to Spruce Mountain Ski Area is truly amazing.”
Spruce Mountain is owned by the towns of Jay, Livermore, and Livermore Falls, and was established at its current location on Ski Slope Road next to the Androscoggin River in 1956. Skiing at Spruce Mountain has been a beloved pastime for generations of area residents. Those who have spent time at the slope are affectionately known as “Spruce Kids” and – as the local saying goes – “once a Spruce Kid, always a Spruce Kid.”
To learn more about Spruce Mountain Ski Area, please visit its website. Donations to support the renovation project can be made through GoFundMe.