Waterville Valley Foundation Blog

Monday afternoon, hundreds gathered along Valley Road in a solemn tribute to Marc Paul Decoteau as his family returned home.

I have been thinking a lot about the nature of small communities the last few days.  It seems to me that we feel things very deeply, whether the strength of friendships or the pain of a sudden loss.

This afternoon, several hundred people gathered under a cold sun and waited hushed, with flags in hand, for the Decoteau family to come home.  Every segment of the Waterville Valley community was present, from Marc Paul’s childhood and high school friends, to the entire Waterville Valley Elementary school, to a large contingent from the ski area.  I think it is safe to say everyone who could be there, was.

As the family drove by, I found myself wishing there was more that I could do to ease their pain, but hoping that this simple gesture of respect and fondness by so many concerned people let them know that they are far from alone.

In the 36 hours since my friend stopped me in the liftline and said, “Did you hear?”, I have been constantly struck by how deeply we all feel the loss of Marc Paul Decoteau.  Mike Aronson managed to give voice to my own sorrow and frustration this afternoon when he said, “We all feel like we’ve lost our own child.”  I saw so many friends from town today; everyone is in shock, and everyone is terribly saddened by our loss, but also deeply concerned for Nancy, Mark, Maddie and Andrew.

On Tuesday evening,  there will be a Pot Luck supper from 6-8 pm in the Community Room at the Waterville Valley Recreation Center. This is a community get-together to support the  Decoteaus,  who will be attending.  Please call the Rec Center at 236-4695 to sign up and let them know what you are bringing.

It is somehow fitting that I received a note tonight from Donna Devlin of Theatre Under the Stars. Marc Paul was a mainstay of their early productions, and they have changed their website to a tribute to Marc.  Please visit their site and share a memory of Marc.

Theatre Under the Stars Website

I know this summer, as the sun falls behind Mount Tecumseh and the Theatre Under The Stars actors take to the stage, I will think of Marc and wish he was there on the lawn, laughing with his friends and enjoying the show.

One aspect of being part of a small, tightly-knit community is how profoundly we all feel the loss of one of our own.  The Waterville Valley Foundation board of directors wishes to extend our deepest sympathies to Nancy and Mark Decoteau and family.  No words can adequately express our sorrow, or our appreciation for all you do for our community and for all you have given.

It’s been a day, a week, a year of ups and downs for us all.  As I write this, it’s 1 degree outside, with the wind whipping several inches of fresh snow around like a dervish — and this four days after warm rains pummeled the snowpack.  The economy, too, has had its ups and downs, with a two-year gut-wrenching slide in every market, followed by a dramatic run-up in 2009.   2010 is starting out with volatility in all things… weather, politics, economy.  All in all, it makes you long for firmer (or perhaps snowier) ground to stand on.

It’s gratifying to report that, in our small community, the Waterville Valley Foundation continues to find that firm ground.  As of this week, well over fifty donors have stepped forward to support our annual fund, giving generously in spite of the unpredictable economy and recent market volatility. Their kindness allows the Foundation to continue supporting the things that make Waterville Valley unique.  We sincerely thank these supporters for their generosity.

It’s full-on stick season in the Valley now, and a lot of folks are taking a few weeks to catch up at home before the start of ski season.  In a couple of weeks, the guns will light up on High Country, and in 29 days, we’ll be back to what we love, that which brought most of us to Waterville Valley in the first place.

For those of us anxious for our first turns, yesterday was a nice treat.  We awoke to a cold, wet morning down on the Valley floor — but there were a couple inches of fresh snow above 2500 feet!

Debbie Auger took this beautiful photo of the first snow of the season on Wednesday October 22nd

When I think about the things that make Waterville Valley unique, this view, on a cold fall morning, with fresh snow on the mountain and the infinite promise of a new season about to start, certainly makes the list.

I hope you had a chance to join in the fun on Sunday, October 19th for the annual Waterville Valley sashay.  Breaking with history, today’s weather was nearly perfect for the event, with crisp fall air but lots of bright sun.  Dozens of residents, weekenders, and guests met at the Waterville Valley Golf Clubhouse for appetizers, then enjoyed an afternoon of strolling, dining, and conversation in three historic locations:  at the gazebo on the fairway, at the quirky but fun Stone Tower, and finally, at the venerable (and recently renovated) gazebo on the site of the old Waterville Inn by the Tennis Center.

The fare was sensational — for me, the highlight was Bonnie Nigrosh’s wonderful lobster bisque — and the company even better.   On this first weekend of stick season, with the air cool and a light breeze, the warmth of community (and a thoughtfully placed firepit) were much appreciated.

The Waterville Valley Foundation proudly supports the preservation of the Valley’s gazebos, which are a unique and historic feature that celebrates the slower pace of life here in the Valley, where taking the time to stop and visit with a friend just seems like the right thing to do.

– Andy Knight

Greetings, and thank you for visiting the Waterville Valley Foundation.    We appreciate your interest, and hope you will fill free to contact us if you have any questions about the Foundation, the organizations it supports, or about life in and around Waterville Valley, New Hampshire.