Probably the hardest part of the sudden end of last ski season was missing out on the chance to say goodbye. Goodbye to that last grilled cheese sandwich, goodbye to that last run down Smokey, and goodbye to friends. Unfortunately it took away a chance to say a final goodbye to Frank Couzens. My earliest memory of Frank is feeling disappointed to find out we weren't related. At that young age I seemed to be related to most of Grosse Pointe, and with a name like that, Frank had to be a relative, right? I don't know what his official title at Nub's Nob was, but the closest I can think of was Frank was our Skiing Ambassador. When I think of Frank I don't see him skiing: I see him shaking hands and talking skiing in the locker room, shaking hands and talking skiing in the lodge, and shaking hands and talking skiing at the bottom of the Nastar hill. Also, he was a master at stacking chairs. He kept the lines moving fairly, filled every chair, and made everyone feel privileged to be there. Thanks Frank.
We also missed the chance to say goodbye to master ski patroller Dan Somalski and former ski instructor and ski school director David "Zetti" Kondziela. I would have let Dan take me on a sled anywhere (even down Twilight!), and Zetti was an instructor and boss with an amazing sense of humor that fit into any situation. These three men gave back to the sport in levels I can only hope for and they will all be terribly missed.
Saturday is the annual Open House at Nub's Nob. Don't go for the discounted season pass, the lift rides, the ski swap, or even the free food (which are all great). Go to say hello to friends you haven't seen for seven months. You never know when you may miss the chance to say goodbye.
