Hey, I’m gonna be on television!” Brian Arsenault called to his mom last Wednesday at Black Mountain. An independent television producer was shooting a program on Maine’s winter delights. Featuring 12 sites in Maine, it will air on Fox “very soon,” according to Craig Zurhorst.

Brian’s mother, Lisa Arsenault, once a volunteer, is now manager of Black Mountain’s lodge. She, Craig (marketing and development), Jeff Knight (outdoor operations) and Kim Powers (accounting) are the team charged with running the ski area.

Andy Shepard, Maine Winter Sports Center director, says they are “very capable. I’m really excited about the group managing” the area this year.

As I met with Craig and Lisa one day last week, Craig eyed the video shoot on the slopes and Lisa was fielded questions from other staff. Despite the distractions, their message came through loud and clear: Black Mountain is thriving, and it’s exciting – and fun – to be working there.

Why not! “No two days are the same,” Lisa said.

“I love it here,” added Craig, who came on last October.

Making Black Mountain of Maine self-sufficient is challenging. But Craig and Lisa radiate confidence. All they need right now is SNOW.

All last week, young skiers from all over – Freeport, Portland, the River Valley, Bethel, Turner, Oxford Hills, Cape Elizabeth – were all over the trails and the lodge.

Lisa’s sons Brian (MVHS ’08) and Joe (MVHS ’06) work part-time at the mountain. Her husband, Bob, takes his vacation days to coincide with Black Mountain’s events calendar. He is one of dozens of volunteers whose hard work complements the staff’s labors.

“We can’t give the volunteers enough credit,” Lisa said.

I caught one, Marie Boudreau (50 years of volunteering) talking with the young coach of the Cape Elizabeth high school team. “We get to know them all,” she said.

Black Mountain Magic – mix of young and old, essence of tradition and innovation. Or, as the legend on the plaque honoring donors reads: “…commitment to the tradition of yesterday and the vision of tomorrow.”

A legion of Chisholm Ski Club members will manage a full calendar of Nordic and alpine competitions again this season. The Sassi Memorial races Jan. 21 and 22 are coming up fast.

Coming up even faster: Black Mountain and Brian Arsenault on Fox TV – “check your local listings.”

Linda Farr Macgregor and her husband, Jim, live in Rumford. She is a freelance writer and the author of “Rumford Stories.” Contact her at [email protected].