Last year set the tone for 2021, with cautious optimism and reshuffled priorities shaping New Year’s resolutions. While there’s some uncertainty hovering around 2021, Green Mountain Club staff are excited for new ways of connecting, new adventures, and new energy. Join us in pursuing these resolutions and let us know what you aim to achieve this year.
In 2021, we hope to reconnect with our communities in person.
“I miss volunteer workdays and look forward to getting out with GMC members this spring to get the trail ready for hiking season,” says Mike DeBonis, executive director. “2020 was the first year since I started working at GMC [in 2014] where I didn’t get out to visit our Long Trail Patrol (because we didn’t have trail crews). I would always come away from these visits having learned something new, gaining a fresh perspective, or just being reminded how much hard work goes into maintaining the Long Trail system. This summer I look forward to visiting caretakers and trail crews at all the backcountry sites.”
“I hope the Visitor Center can open in some capacity this summer, so we can enable more people to get outside,” says Amy Potter, Visitor Center Manager. Potter also plans to spend time outside with her toddler. [GMC temporarily closed its headquarters to help slow the spread of COVID-19. Check our website for more on our COVID response.]
We’re also going to hike more (obviously).
“I am hoping to spend at least a week backpacking with my wife and kids again,” says Operations Manager Matt Krebs. The family backpacking started as multi-day trips over a decade ago with his two oldest children. Last year, he managed three different trips with his now 15-, 13-, and seven-year-old kids. This year, Krebs hopes to complete some of the Long Trail’s 88 side trails and a few of New England’s highest 100 peaks.
Director of Field Programs Keegan Tierney also plans to hike with his family. In 2019, he completed Appalachian Gap to Lincoln Gap with his partner and two children. In 2020, they hiked from Middlebury Gap to Lincoln Gap. This year, Tierney says his eight- and 11-year old are ready to try southern sections of the Long Trail. “I’m excited to have them see Stratton Pond and the Stratton Fire Tower.”
Hike more with us! Get started with these winter hiking tips.
We’re embracing lifestyle changes.
“I’m looking forward to getting to know everything the GMC has to offer, from the amazing volunteers and members to inspiring outdoor adventure speaker sessions, and more,” says Communications Manager Chloe Miller, who started working for GMC in December. “I’m looking forward to hiking and learning as much of it as I can on weekends, and I’m really curious to try backcountry skiing and skinning for the first time.”
“This year I want to ski one hundred days. Last year I got up to about 60, but got cut off mid-season because of the pandemic. Also, I’m applying to grad school, but that’s not nearly as fun of a goal,” says John Plummer, group outreach and field coordinator.
We’re also prioritizing self-care.
“My goal for this year is to actually take a lunch break and go for a walk every day,” says Alicia DiCocco, director of development and communications. “Outside of my colleagues, what I miss most about working at the Green Mountain Club is the location. Typically when I am in the office, I walk the Short Trail, which is essentially a mini version of the Long Trail behind our office. I always loved being able to escape into the woods and stand near running water and crunch through the snow on my lunch break.”
“March 2020 felt like driving high-speed into a brick wall, with all the aftermath,” says Angela Hilsman, GMC’s newly hired communications coordinator. “It highlighted the importance of slowing down. This year, I’ll focus on my own wellbeing and encouraging others to do the same. More walks, meditation, dancing… 2021 is all about flow, and I’m loving that energy.”
What are you looking forward to this year? Share your New Year’s resolutions in the comments!
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