The Ski Life Blog

Once again the North Country Hardship Fund presents Wayne Stock at the Ski Bowl in North Creek. The annual, BYO, rain or shine, blockbuster fundraising event with free entry, auctions, raffles, food and non-stop music is on August 3 from 12 noon to 11pm.

The North Country Hardship Fund is a not-for-profit organization that started with a benefit in 2008 called Wayne Stock. The original event was designed to raise funds for Wayne Bukovinsky who needed help after a serious accident.

Before that time Wayne was living the life, part of a great community, surrounded by friends and family. He found the love of his life in high school. He joined the Navy, traveled abroad and raised two children. After leaving the military, he pursued the career of his dreams — a “Road Dawg” — traveling with major title bands listening to the music that came to define him.

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I like to mark annual milestones. One of my favorite benchmarks each year comes at the end of April. After the lifts close and before the bugs come out, I drive to our place in the Adirondacks, to perform an annual ritual: gettin’ in the wood for winter.

Almost invariably when I pass Gore on the way up, there are turns to be had. Also invariably I’m not distracted from the mission: to finish the weekend with one stacked and covered cord.

My job is really watered-down compared to any local’s true version of gettin’ in the wood. Our wood consumption is modest and our supply is often supplemented by deadfall from the winter.

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