BVSA Sets Open House

Although its name reflects one of the activities that it offers, the Brandywine Valley Ski Association (BVSA), a not-for-profit organization, invites its members to meet year-round to enjoy a variety of outdoor sports, including biking, hiking, kayaking and golfing. The ability to ski is not a requirement to join the group.

BVSA will hold an open house for new and prospective members on Wednesday, Sept. 7, at 6:30 p.m. at the Thorndale Inn, 430 Bondsville Road, Downingtown.

"There will be a presentation from the president, who will give a history of the club, and the activities chairman will give us an idea of the things that we do," said Tim Noonan, a member of the activities committee. "There will also be a slideshow of past events."

New members will also learn about the club's affiliation with the Eastern Pennsylvania Ski Council (EPSC). "BVSA is just one chapter of the broader Eastern Pennsylvania Ski Council, which includes 39 clubs throughout Pennsylvania, Delaware and Maryland," Noonan said.

The open house will also include drawings for free memberships for new members only and a display of photos of past events and trips.

Upcoming outings planned by the club include full moon kayaking at Marsh Creek State Park on Saturday, Sept. 10, and a horseback ride on Sunday, Oct. 23, at a location to be determined. Ski outings planned for 2023 include trips to Banff, Alberta, Canada; Niseko, Japan; Greek Peak Mountain Resort in New York; and Killington, Vt.

BVSA members are asked to pay an annual fee, with separate prices for couples, families and individuals. In addition to a monthly newsletter that lists club activities, members receive reciprocal membership to the EPSC and the National Ski Council.

The club, which was established in 1975, currently has 300 registered members. "There is a core group of 100 members primarily from throughout Chester County, but we do draw from throughout the region, including Montgomery County and some people in Delaware County and Lancaster County," Noonan said.

BVSA meets on the first Wednesday of each month from September through May at the Thorndale Inn. Guests are welcome.

"Some people come early and have dinner and there is a business meeting at 7 p.m., which is required by our charter," Noonan explained. "We have a treasurer's report and a report from an EPSC representative, and we go over upcoming activities. Sometimes there are fun events or a speaker, who will talk about biking or exercises for skiing, or (there will be) bingo. At Christmastime, there is a gift exchange."

Members are invited to propose other outings and trip destinations. "We have people with broad interests," said Noonan. "That has led to the things that we do when we branched out from skiing."

For additional information about BVSA, contact Noonan at 484-680-8435 or Tim.Noonan@FoxRoach.com. More information is also available at http://www.bvsa.wildapricot.org.