Spring 2005
News and Information about the People and Programs of SFL International
Skiing. Sharing. Learning
The mission of Ski for Light is to enhance the quality of life and independence of visually or mobility-impaired adults through a program of cross country skiing.
Everyone who attended the Ski for Light 30th anniversary event in Colorado earlier this year still has, I suspect, the warm after-glow that comes from a great experience. For the second year in a row, I heard people talking about how great the skiing conditions and trails were, and how this was undoubtedly one of our very best events ever. We had an entire week of great tracks, sunny skies and moderate temperatures. What a great combination that was for our 52 first-time guides and participants, as well as the 230 others who were there. Hats off to Event Chair Judy Dixon and her entire planning committee for orchestrating such a great week.
We are going to capitalize on all that Colorado has to offer our group by holding the 2006 event in the same location. We will once again be skiing at Snow Mountain Ranch and staying at the Inn at Silver Creek. The dates will be Sunday, January 29 to Sunday February 5, 2006, and the Event Chair will be Marion Elmquist. Applications and additional information will be available on the Ski for Light website by July.
You can help attract new guides and participants to Ski for Light by simply spreading the word. Every year we send press releases and event information to a broad range of newsletters, websites and cross country ski clubs around the country. Most of our new guides and participants come to the program, however, as the direct result of hearing about it from a friend or acquaintance. You will find information and tools on our website to help you in your efforts, and if you need something that you don't see there, let me know what you need.
Another way to enhance your SFL experience is by getting directly involved. We are of course an all-volunteer organization and need the help and involvement of many people in many different ways. Our biggest needs are for people to help with new guide and participant recruitment, and to help on one of the various fund-raising committees. We need people who can write, who can web surf, or who can stuff and address envelopes. If interested, let me know with an e-mail message to larry@sfl.org or with a phone call to (425) 644-5663.
It's also not too early to start thinking about running for a seat on the SFL Board of Directors. Directors serve four-year terms of office, and about half of the seats on the Board will be up for election in January. More information on this topic will be contained in the summer and fall editions of the Bulletin.
You can also help by supporting Ski for Light financially. We need to raise about $50,000 each and every year to keep the cost of our annual event affordable for all. If your circumstances permit, please consider making a tax-deductible donation to SFL. You can make your donation via credit card on the SFL website or by sending a check to the office address above. You can become a Friend of SFL or earmark your donation for the Endowment Fund, the Goodfellow Fund for the support of guides and guide-related activities, or for the general operating fund.
Thank you for whatever help you can give, and we welcome your participation in the Ski for Light organization.
Have a great summer.
For those of you who attended this year's Ski for Light Event in Granby, Colorado, this will be a sweet reminder of just how good it was. For those of you who could not attend, this will give you the flavor of the event, and will hopefully entice you to come join us next year.
As is often the case in Colorado, we had superb weather, great snow, great trails and lots of great camaraderie. As always, the hotel staff was great, and everyone there was made to feel more than welcome. In addition to nearly 300 attendees, SFL welcomed a record number of guide dogs, some 36 in all.
Every event features lots of fun, good humor, encouragement, and all the things that comprise the SFL spirit, and yet, each event is unique. Because this was the 30th anniversary, we were treated to daily doses of SFL history and inspiration, a concert by long-time friend of Ski for Light, Jim Salestrom, and many special tributes to some of the people who were instrumental in the founding and development of Ski for Light. The snow games returned, including the orange toss, the herringbone race, the distance glide, and the thrilling rump-a-rrally, in which a team of eight persons, each sitting on a saucer, tried to make it down a hill while all chained together. This last game led to such awards as male and female rump, and yes, even rump of the year; an honor, to be sure.
Every event seems to feature some amazing feat; this year, as the flu made its way through much of the group, guide/skier matches were changing hourly; the final pairing for the race/rally was accomplished with incredible graciousness, patience and flexibility.
First-time skier, John Hollenbach offered this reflection:
"I had one of the greatest times of my life. My wife, Judy, also had a great time being a dog-walker. I can't thank the guides enough for giving up their time and money, just to share what they love with VIPs and MIPs. What a wonderful gift! I just hope they also received something from me. Thanks again!"
Chiffon Gray, another first-time skier, wrote that she was both encouraged and motivated by her experience at Ski for light. Upon her return home, she immediately joined a hiking club, and will soon have her first experience hiking.
SFL's program for mobility impaired skiers continues to flourish and add to the magic of the week. Program co-ordinator, Jeff Pagels offers a couple of highlights, excerpted here from a recent email to program participants.
"The thing that jumped out at me is the teamwork all displayed. I can remember in the early years, me alone in the wax room, late in the night, waxing and scraping skis. Then Marie helped me for many years, which was NOT a bad thing! But this year, when everybody pitched in, Wow! Did we get the job done quickly!"
"The first-time skier that stands out in my mind is “Quiet Princess” who you might know as Laura. Behind the speech difficulty, (or is it my disability in understanding?) is a very smart and dear lady. Her ability to take really nasty spills and come up smiling and laughing, and her expression when she flew across the finish line on race day are priceless memories.”
So, thank you and hats off to all those who helped keep things running smoothly, and who helped make this event one of the best ever, even for those who couldn't escape the crud!
Ski for Light 2005 produced several first time experiences for me. Not only was it my first experience of spending any length of time in America, but it was also the first time that I had attended such a large scale event for people with disabilities. I must confess to feeling somewhat nervous about this before I arrived, which was chiefly the result of a horror story passed on to me by a friend who spotted a large group of blind children in an American theme park. They were holding on to a rope in one long line, which seemed to be considered the most efficient method for guiding them through the park. Was this how things were done in America? Would someone be trying to make me ski in the midst of one huge, roped-up blind train? As bizarre and frankly dangerous an image as this conjures up now that I have actually seen cross country skis, I will admit that ridiculous questions of this nature did go through my head before attending the event. Come to think of it though, have I just invented a possible highlight for next year’s Snow Games? The ‘blind ski train’ event could turn out to be just as much fun as the Rump-a-rally!
Imagine my relief, then, when I actually arrived in Silver Creek and very quickly caught on to the Ski for Light philosophy. I found everyone to b extremely natural, and nobody was rushing to offer help when it was not necessary. On the other hand, if a little assistance was needed to find a particular person or location, someone always seemed to be available to help out. I found this approach so refreshing - and became so accustomed to it by the end of the week - that I was actually taken aback when I encountered a check-in agent in Denver Airport who insisted on communicating with me through my sighted guide. Certain people in the world could definitely benefit from a few lessons on the SFL attitude!
Since returning to Scotland, I have been trying to tell people exactly what made Ski for Light such an amazing experience. Was it light-headedness from the high altitude that gave me the ‘feel good factor’ all week? Perhaps it was the sun that seemed to shine continuously while we were skiing. Maybe it was the discovery of a new sport that I could definitely become hooked on. Or was it possibly the many fantastic, funny and interesting people that I met and spent time with throughout the week? I think I can say that it was a combination of all these factors that made this week so great for me.
There is no question that I am now addicted to cross country skiing, and I am determined to knock some time off my 10k race next year. Is a 20 minute improvement a little too ambitious?! I have already been encouraging other people to come along to next year’s event. If I can keep their enthusiasm going, there may be a Scottish invasion in 2006!
At our recent SFL International Week in Colorado, it was my extreme pleasure to share some of the rich history of SFL - the people and events that have helped build our wonderful program.
It was not possible to name all the people who have made contributions, so I tried to showcase people who have excelled in their service. I overlooked the name on my braille list of someone who has been a quiet but immensely important member of our leadership for more than 20 years, JoAnne Jorud. JoAnne was on the SFL Board for perhaps a dozen years, was the SFL longest-serving Secretary, and co-chaired one International Week. For many years she regularly went to the SFL office to pick up, sort and distribute our mail. In recent years she has been a vital member of our financial management team, documenting and depositing checks. As a guide she hasn't missed a year since she began in 1982.
Please give JoAnne a ringing round of applause.
To continue our living history project, a document will soon appear on the SFL web site, www.sfl.org, in the history section. It will be entitled "Year by Year". The document is an attempt to develop a detailed history of SFL, event by event. There will be a link for each of the 30 years and at the bottom of the page that link brings up will be another link for you to supply additions or corrections. Your comments will come directly to me, and I will make modifications to the master document. With a lot of participation by those of you whose memories need expression, we hope to have a written SFL history to share at next year's event. Hopefully this project will truly become a living document incorporating the thrills and memories of many who have experienced the magic of SFL.
My 3rd year as a Guide for SFL once again renewed my respect for the VIPs and MIPs and their willingness to put their 'bodies, so to speak, in the hands of folks like me, who can't quite get right from left. When I spoke of my days at Snow Mountain Ranch to friends back home, they all commented on the level of trust it must take for the VIPs and MIPs to explore the outdoor trails on sit-skis or x-c skis AND to then take direction or help from the Guides. I sometimes wonder that I don't get complaints from my skiers when, after five separate occasions, I announce a curve to the 'right' only to be gently corrected: "No, Fran, this is a curve to the left!"
The story I'd like to share involves my trip back to Colorado a week after SFL. I joined eleven other backcountry skiers and headed for a weeklong hut-to-hut trip in the 10th Mountain hut system. Let me describe what this entails. First we drove 1-½ hours to reach the trailhead for Betty Bear Hut. Each of us donned a backpack loaded with sleeping bag, personal warm clothing, at least 1 breakfast or dinner for 12, camera, first- aid and emergency parts of equipment, and in my case another smaller backpack for day use. Needless to say, the weight, which included 2 quarts of water, made an impression on my mind and my body. I was wearing heavyweight leather boots and a pair of telemark skis that weigh at least 3 times more than my x-c boots and skis.
The start of the journey kept us on a snow-covered mountain road for 4 - 5 miles that gradually added elevation and led us to the final 1-½ mile trail UP to the hut. This first 4 - 5 mile section challenged me due to snow that kept accumulating on the bottoms of my skis, thus forcing me to pick up each ski rather than glide. In order to trudge up the very last section, we all fastened "skins" on the bottom of each ski. These attach in the front and with a glue type action, fasten onto the entire bottom of each ski. The bottom of the skin is a type of plastic that allows one to walk up snow-covered hills without slipping and sliding. (At least that's what's supposed to happen!)
This is where my Ski for Light experience gave me an unexpected gift. The trail was surprisingly steep with sharp curves, icy surfaces mixed with deep pockets of snow. I got scared! My skins were not allowing me to walk up as hoped and I was struggling with the weight and balance of the cursed backpack. At one point I managed to take off one of my skis and then hobbled on one ski with my other foot sinking to the knee. In hindsight I'm reminded how when I get psyched out, my clear thinking becomes quite muddled! Eventually I took the other ski off and found my progress even more incredibly slow and awkward. (By the way most of the other group members were well ahead of me by now!) This was a ¼ mile section that probably took me an hour.
Comfort and encouragement arrived in the form of a friend who came up behind me, on both of his skis! I realized the only way to sensibly travel up this trail was on two skis, so I managed the feat of again getting into skis. It took an hour more to traverse the icy, steep, curved trail and I managed it by repeating a mantra "Trust, trust, trust, trust, trust". My plea of trust to myself was to accept that my equipment could work as designed and that if I relaxed I could indeed continue the upward journey.
As I recited my mantra, I continued to visualize my SFL friends who spent all week long trusting me and all the other guides. Thank you Ann, Harvey and Stan. You have each given me a gift that money can't buy. I made it to the hut on courage I gained as an SFL guide.
Let me add that Day 1 for me was the only crack in an otherwise incredible exploration of beauty, quiet, 3 plus feet of snow, star-filled skies, and wonderful friends. Just as I look forward to the next SFL adventure, I'm anticipating the next backcountry challenge and know that I'll trust more, right from the start!
SFL guide, Julie York Coppens, and her husband, Bryon, are delighted to announce the arrival of another SFL guide in training, Elsie Olivia Coppens. She was born on the afternoon of January 5, weighing 6 pounds, 14 ounces, measuring 20 and 1/2 inches, and showing an early aptitude for the diagonal stride. Mom, dad and baby are all doing well. Congratulations, and welcome to the world, Elsie!
Flanked by SFL guides Wally Milbrath and Tom Meyer, SFL skier, Robin Smithtro completed her first marathon on February 12th—a 42 km (26 mile) classic ski race in Mora, Minnesota. The Mora Vasaloppet is the second largest Nordic ski event in North America. Robin was the only blind skier among the nearly400 skiers registered for the classic ski event.
Robin reported, “This was the longest distance I have skied continuously and I was very pleased with my time of 4 hours, 15 minutes. My goal was simply to finish the race upright, so it was extra special to come home with a third place award in my age category.”
Tom Meyer challenged Robin to the race after they skied together at SFL 2004, offering to serve as her guide. Wally, who guided Robin at this year’s SFL event, decided to join Robin and Tom in the team endeavor. Wally skied in front monitoring skier traffic and terrain changes and serving as a beacon for Robin to follow. Tom skied alongside providing verbal instructions. “Everyone around us was very supportive and I really enjoyed the camaraderie of this small town event. I’ll surely do it again and am seriously looking at doing the longer and harder American Birkebeiner in the next year or two.”
Congratulations, and keep it up, Robin!
SFL guide, Bob Civiak, is receiving an award from the Alliance for Nuclear Accountability for his work reducing wasteful spending on nuclear weapons. Civiak is a Physicist and former budget examiner for the Department of Energy's nuclear weapons budget at the White House Office of Management and Budget. He will be honored in a ceremony in Washington D.C.; congratulations, Bob!
In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of our nine Regional programs. These regional groups were established by people who were inspired to recreate their own SFL experiences in a more local and intimate setting. It is our hope that you will enjoy their stories, and that you will support them in their efforts.
In this issue, we travel to Michigan to salute the Michigan Regional Ski for Light.
It is one of the coldest crispest weekends of the year; the snow sparkles like diamonds; your skis glide along perfectly-groomed trails, and your heart is warmed by all your friends around you – you would likely be part of the Michigan Ski for Light event, held on the third weekend of January every year. The event includes a Friday-night bonfire, the Saturday night talent show and dance, plenty of good food and camaraderie; but for six-year guide Ann Keith, the highlight is the skiing. Participants ski two days in what Keith describes as a pristine part of the Northern Michigan woods in Roscomon, Michigan. Meals and lodging are at a nearby conference center, and all day long, the Roscomon Lions Club shuttles skiers back and forth, sometimes by bus, and sometimes, by hay wagon. The event concludes on Sunday with a race/rally, followed by a song written especially for the Michigan regional.
The idea for the Michigan regional began in 1978, when a few people, including members of the Sons of Norway, began teaching cross country skiing to students from the Michigan School for the Blind. But the actual program called Michigan Regional Ski for Light began in earnest in 1981, and has continued to grow ever since. The program now welcomes approximately 50 skiers each year, including some with mental disabilities. The focus of this regional is on recreational skiing; skier, Cheryl Wade says while she prefers endurance skiing, others are happy just to ski around the parking lot.
But everyone benefits from the ritual aspect of this regional. According to Wade: "It is one of those things that is as predictable as your favorite kind of pie!" And, she ads: "There is a real kind of joy in that."
The Michigan Regional is especially eager to recruit more people who have never skied before, and like most of the regionals, is now interested in bringing in new blood and new ideas. And, according to skier, Cheryl Wade, this regional will stop at nothing to get skiers to the weekend.
Many who take part in the regional also participate in Kayak for Light, sponsored by the West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association; they say it helps keep friendship going year-round.
For more information about the Michigan regional, please visit their website at www.msfl.org.
The following is a list of summer activities, either offered or supported by the SFL regional programs. They offer an excellent way to stay fit, have fun, and continue to enjoy the SFL spirit. We encourage you to take advantage of them.
New England Regional Ski for Light Maudslay State Park Walk Newburyport, Mass. Sunday, May 15, 9:45 AM Cost: $10.00 donation is appreciated
Join us for an easy to moderate five to six mile walk on fairly smooth trails and wooded roads. The trails pass an old mansion with gardens, go through green and hardwood forests and run along the Merrimack River. Meet at the parking lot at 9:45 for a 10:00 AM departure. Parking fee is $2.00. Wear sturdy walking shoes and bring a lunch and water in a backpack.
Blind Stokers Tandem ride Lincoln, Mass. Saturday, June 25, 9:00 AM Cost: $10.00 donation is requested to cover expenses
The ride will begin at the Commuter Rail Parking Lot in Lincoln. There will be both 30 and 45 mile options that will follow through Lincoln, Sudbury, Concord, and Carlisle. Cue sheets will be provided. Questions? Contact: Mark Remaly, (781) 391-2943, Email: mremaly@comcast.net.
Hiking & Canoeing Weekend New Hartford, Conn. August 19 – 21, 2005 Cost: $195.00
We will be staying at a lovely B&B in New Hartford (with overflow lodging at another B&B across the street.) New Hartford is a picturesque town with interesting shops. We'll hike on nearby trails with an option to canoe or possibly even go tubing. Trip includes two nights lodging, two full breakfasts, two lunches and Saturday evening dinner.
Mount Auburn Cemetery Tour Cambridge, Mass. Saturday, September 10, 10:15 AM Cost: $10.00 donation is appreciated
Arrangements have been made for a guided 90-minute interpretive walk. After a short welcome from our Interpretive Programs Guide, we will walk along the paved roads and some footpaths, stopping at places of interest. There are over 700 species of trees, many shrubs and flowers, graves of renowned persons and a 62-foot castle-like lookout tower and more. Public transportation is available. Meet at the Visitors Center at 10:15 for a 10:30 welcome. Lunch will be held afterwards at a nearby establishment.
Middlesex Fells Hike Stoneham, Mass. Saturday, October 1, 9:30 AM Cost: $10.00 donation is appreciated
This is a five or six-mile hike, on some moderate to challenging trails. Good hiking boots are required. Bring a lunch and water in a backpack. Many enjoyed this hike last year. Meet at the Sheepfold Parking Lot in Stoneham at 9:30 AM for a 10:00 AM departure.
For more details , please visit the website at www.nersfl.org.
Kayak for Light Saturday, July 9, 2005
This summer we will be having our sixth Kayak for Light with the West Michigan Coastal Kayakers Association. For more information, go to: www.msfl.org/kayak.html.
Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Sports for Health July 24 - 31, 2005 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, Pennsylvania Hiking, tandem biking, swimming, canoeing and other activities. Cost: Approximately $425 per person, double occupancy. Single and triple rooms are also available. Contact for guides: Joan Chelsen Telephone: 718-477-7477 Email: ladyvikin@aol.com Contacts for participants: Donna Goodman Telephone: 410-730-9430 Sig Kay: Telephone: 201-327-5493
Trekk for Light 2005 Llama supported week-long backpacking trip in the North-Central Colorado Rawah Wilderness, August 5 - 12, 2005 Contact: Art Bunn, President 3248 Silverwood Drive Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 Email: albunn@earthlink.net Telephone: 970-229-9119
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