Fall 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.
Welcome to the Fall Ski for Light Bulletin. In this issue you will hear about our upcoming 2006 event in Colorado, the many winter activities of the various SFL regional programs, the 2006 Ridderrenn in Norway, how to throw your hat into the ring for the upcoming election of SFL Board members, and how you can help improve future SFL events by participating in a new survey about our programs.
As I write this message, the weather here in Seattle has finally turned to the typical cool temperatures with rain that we are used to in this part of the country. But for much of the past summer it was abnormally hot here, and I know that many if not most of you had the same experience where you live. It really seems as if there is something to this global warming thing that we hear about. Last winter we had very little snow throughout the entire Pacific northwest. Our local regional program, the Puget Sound program, had to cancel five of the six scheduled day trips up into the mountains to Stampede Pass about one hour away. There just wasn't enough snow on which to ski. This was the first cancellation, I am told, in nearly twenty years. We are certainly hoping for more and better snow this year.
And that brings me to the subject of our upcoming annual event in Colorado. We have learned over the years that if there is going to be snow anywhere in this country it is going to be in the Rocky Mountains. Even when they have what the locals think of as a bad year it is still pretty good by any objective measure. So I can (almost) guarantee you that if you come to the event in Colorado this year there will be snow. Lots and lots of it, dry and fluffy with great tracks. So if you haven't already done so please get your application in, time is running short.
Please remember that almost all of our new guides and skiers first learn about Ski for Light from someone who has already been to an event. Word-of-mouth is what sells our program. Even if you yourself can't come this year, think about friends and acquaintances who might like what we do. You surely know of one or two such people. Give them a call and tell them about Ski for Light. Direct them to our website or to one of the applications coordinators for more information. This is what will keep us vibrant and energetic and growing into the future.
The survey that is currently being conducted is a very important project for Ski for Light. We want to do all that we can to improve future events, and to pick event locations that are enticing to you. At the same time, we don't want to make changes that most of you would find objectionable. Change just for the sake of change is counter-productive in most cases, so we want to be sure about what most of you like or don't like about the current program. This is true whether you have attended only a single event or you have attended all of them. Please take the time to give us your thoughts by completing the survey.
Have a great fall and winter, and I will look forward to seeing many of you in Colorado.
Before you know it, we will be packing our ski togs, waxing our skis, polishing those dancing shoes, gearing up to be Norwegian on Norway Night (after all, if the non-Irish can drink green beer and wear green on St. Patrick’s Day, we can wear Norwegian sweaters, eat lefse, and drink aquavit on Norway Night!), planning our strategies for the snow games
Think about skiing in Colorado’s fantastic snow under gorgeous blue skies, and great tracks, but FIRST, get your applications in.
The planning committee is putting together another great event, and you’d hate to miss it. So, don’t delay. Get ready to see old friends and make new ones and have a great time skiing.
You can apply on the SFL web site: www.sfl.org. Go to your section, whether it be VIPs, MIPs, or Guides for an application. Or, you can request an application directly by contacting an applications coordinator.
For VIPs, it’s Lynda Boose at lynda@sfl.org
For MIPs, it’s Jeff Pagels at jeff@sfl.org
For Guides, it’s Brenda Seeger at seegerb@hotmail.com
Don’t delay. The snow will be flying soon and we don’t want to miss a minute of skiing.
See you soon in Granby!
Some of the Top reasons why you should donate to the silent auction:
5. You always meant to get more involved with SFL but can't make the sunrise meetings.
4. It is easier than holding a garage sale.
3. What a great way to start thinking about SFL!
2. It’s tax deductible.
1. Without donations, there would be nothing to bid on!
Your Donations help make the Silent Auction fun and successful. Emphasis on fun. Donations in the past have ranged from quilts, to wine, to a weekend at a Bed and Breakfast, to chocolate. Use your imagination or just send some of that jam you made. This is one way that we have been able to keep costs for the event down from year to year.
All donations are accepted and can be sent to:
Carlos & Maria's Cooper Creek Square, Suite 236 Winter Park, CO 80482 ATTN: Ski for Light
Or at least ski in Norway and try to ski like the Norwegians.
The 2006 Ridderrenn will be held in Beitostolen, Norway, March 26 to April 2. Join the official team of two visually or mobility-impaired skiers and their guides and enjoy the spectacular experience of cross country skiing where it all began, in Norway. As many of you already know, the Ridderrenn is the model for Ski for Light. During Ridderweek, you can try your hand at skiing and shooting in the biathlon; ski a 5 or 10-kilometer race, watch the Erling Stordahl Super Cup and picnic on special Norwegian sausages wrapped in lefse, and top it all off on Saturday with the 20 kilometer Ridderrenn. During the week, there are lots of opportunities for socializing and getting to know our Norwegian hosts and to sample lots of Norwegian food.
After Ridderweek, the group spends several days touring in Oslo with our long- time tour guide. Among the sights we’ll visit are Holmenkollen, the ski jump and wonderful ski museum; the Resistance Museum, which chronicles Norway’s involvement in WWII; the Vigeland Sculpture Park, and more. Usually, the U.S. Embassy hosts a lunch or tea for us at the Embassy or a residence.
If you are interested in attending or would like more information, please contact Marion Elmquist, SFL Vice-President via e-mail at marion@sfl.org or by phone at 515-279-3681.
A former blind participant and a long-time Friend of Ski for Light, William (Willie) F. Reckert died on April 1, 2005 of congestive heart failure. Willie was 77 years old at the time of his death, and last attended Ski for Light about 15 years ago. He was a closed microphone transcriber for the U.S. Department of Justice in Washington, DC, and was the person who discovered the infamous 18-minute gap in the Watergate tapes back in the seventies. He died one year and one day after retiring from a fifty three year career.
Willie's will included a $40,000 bequest to Ski for Light, earmarked for the Endowment Fund. When he informed us of his plans several years ago, Willie stated that SFL had been one of the most meaningful experiences of his life. He included Ski for Light in his will as his way of thanking the organization for all that it had done for him. He earmarked his bequest to the Endowment Fund to help ensure that the program remains available for future generations. Willie, you are missed by all who knew you, and we thank you for your generosity and thoughtfulness.
SFL guides, Keith Keever and Valerie Morrissette were married on September 22nd on a headland out over the Pacific Ocean. Keith's brother, Kent was best man. To get to the headland, they had to hike in about a mile through the woods, which Val did in a wedding gown and heels; Keith and Kent did it in full kilts. Keith and Valerie met at Ski for Light two years ago, and the rest, as they say, is history. Congratulations, Keith and Valerie; we wish you both much happiness.
No, this is not the first mountain Jeff has summited, but this climb marks the end of a ten-year quest for the top of this mountain. Mt. Bross stands 14,173 feet high, and is located some twenty miles south of Breckenridge, Colorado.
Jeff first attempted this mountain back in July of 1995, accompanied by, among others, newly-weds, Scott and Brenda bertrand, who postponed their honeymoon to join him. After about 3 yards up the mountain, Pagels got a rude awakening; namely, that he couldn't make it up these mountains in his sports chair without serious help from his friends. Despite some amazing teamwork, the summit eluded the group, as it did once again, on a second attempt in 2004.
But late this summer, with better equipment, more time, and Jeff's continued determination (not to mention a willingness to take a battering in the effort), Jeff made it to the top under his own power.
After a surprise bottle of champagne lugged up by one of his teammates, followed by a grueling descent on a hand cycle mountain climber with no shocks, Pagels declared himself ready for the next adventure, whatever that might be.
Congratulations, Jeff; keep up the good work and the adventurous spirit!
Are you interested in Running for Election to the Ski for Light Board of Directors?
Ski for Light is governed and managed by an elected Board of Directors of up to 30 guides, participants and others. The Board is a working Board, with each member expected to take an active role in some aspect of the work we do. About half of the seats on the Board will be up for election next January. If you are interested in knowing more about the duties and responsibilities of Board membership, and more about the process for applying, please contact Nancy McKinney, chair of the SFL Board Development and Elections committee, by December, at nancy@sfl.org or (206) 789-2173.
You can help improve future Ski for Light events by taking a few minutes to give us some feedback about things we're doing well and things we can improve. The survey can be completed on-line at www.sfl.org/survey.html. Please note that special care has been taken in preparing this survey for the web, so that it is very usable for persons using screen readers.
If you don't have internet access you can request a print copy by calling (612) 827- 3232. Remember, your suggestions can help to make a good thing better.
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 northward to Big Sky Country and Montana Regional Ski for Light.
Picture yourself about 7 thousand feet up in the heart of some of this country's most spectacular mountains, skiing along superbly-groomed tracks while you chat with people you've known for years! You might find yourself doing some shopping at a local gift shop in West Yellowstone, or you could be shooting the breeze with locals at a nearby bar.
This is some of what happens at the Montana Regional Ski for Light.
Each year, Montana Ski for Light holds a three-day event; this is usually held in late February; Monday through Wednesday are ski days; Sunday and Thursday are travel days. For the last five years, the event has been held at West Yellowstone. Participants stay at the West Yellowstone Holiday Inn and ski at the Rendezvous Ski course, just one block away. The resort has some 50 kilometers of groomed trails and is host to many international ski teams. According to Montana Ski for Light President, Ed Durbin, this resort offers dependable snow and consistently well-groomed trails for beginning and advanced skiers, no matter the weather in the rest of Montana.
This regional was first founded in 1980 by Hans Stokken and Bill Larson, who attended Ski for Light in 1979. The two managed, after that first year, to raise money to continue their regional, but they failed to find skiers. However, the regional was rejuvenated in 1989, after Ski for Light held an event in Bozeman; it has continued without interruption since then.
This is a smaller regional with an emphasis on fun, friendship and flexibility. There have been as few as 9 skiers, and as many as 18, with a maximum possible of 25 skiers. According to Ed Durbin, President of Montana Ski for Light, the smaller number helps to maintain the spirit and intimacy of this regional. It also makes it a little easier to find enough guides. And here is where flexibility helps. Durbin says that guides come when they can; hence, skiers could end up with a new guide each day. Some guides may even be recruited at the last minute, pressed into service for an afternoon when there is a need.
The event follows a general routine, but even that is changed when necessary. Most years, skiers are on their own for two days, then, on the final day, those who wish can participate in the race/rally. However, last year, there was no race/rally, as they couldn't find a timekeeper. But, says Durbin, "We all had a lot of fun skiing!"
Skiers of all ages are welcome; however, skiers under 18 years of age must be accompanied by an adult. While the regional primarily serves skiers in Montana and Wyoming, Durbin says out-of-staters are most welcome. In fact, he says, some years, out-of-state participants have outnumbered locals.
If you do wish to explore this regional, Durbin says you can extend your stay to include some downhill skiing at a nearby resort, or other activities such as taking a snow coach to visit the Old Faithful Guiser.
In addition to its winter program, Montana Regional Ski for Light also hosts a Trekk for Light, usually held the second week of August. This is gentler than the Trekk held in Colorado; participants establish a base camp in the Little Belt Mountains; from there, they then go for three day-hikes, with the longest being about 8 miles. The group rents a cabin, and the group enjoys outdoor grilling and cooking and, according to Durbin, the same friendly and intimate atmosphere of the winter event.
This Regional has 4 executive officers and three Board members. Durbin says that like most regionals, most of the work is done by a few people, and he would very much like to see more Montanans get involved with the running of the organization. So, he continues to recruit new skiers and guides, in hopes they will share his enthusiasm. What keeps him coming back year after year are the many friends he has made, and the excuse to play in the great outdoors.
For more information about both events, and to experience his enthusiasm, you may contact Ed Durbin:
Phone: (406) 538-7151 or Email: tedurbin@midrivers.com.
The Big Sky's the limit!
The nine regional programs offer many different opportunities to enhance your SFL experience, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Some offer year-round activities. The following list has been updated for Winter 2006 and includes contact information for each program as well as for Ski for Light Canada and Ski for Light Japan. Happy trip planning!
Black Hills Regional Ski for Light January 22 - 26, 2006 Deer Mountain Ski Resort Deadwood, South Dakota Cost: $190 Web site: www.bhsfl.org P.O. Box 3707 Rapid City, South Dakota 57709-3707 Telephone: 605-341-3626 Email: info@bhsfl.org
Colorado Regional Ski for Light January 20 - 22, 2006 Snow Mountain Ranch Granby, Colorado Contact: Brenda Bertrand 12284 West Tennessee Avenue Lakewood, Colorado 80228 Telephone: 303-986-6714 Email: bertrand@denveronline.net
Michigan Regional Ski for Light January 20 - 22, 2006 Higgins Lake, Ralph A. MacMulllen Conference Center Roscommon, Michigan Come help celebrate the 30th anniversary Web site: www.msfl.org Contact: Jim Ellickson 810 West Park Street St. Johns, Michigan 48879 Telephone: 989-224-8288 Email: msfl@msfl.org
Montana Regional Ski for Light March 5 - 9, 2006 West Yellowstone, Montana Cost: $300 per person, triple occupancy; $332 double occupancy; $480 single occupancy. Price includes meals and four nights lodging. Participants should plan to arrive on March 5 and depart on March 9 Contact: Ed Durbin Telephone: 406-538-7151 Email: tedurbin@midrivers.com
New England Regional Ski for Light January 6 - 9, 2006 Craftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury Common, Vermont Cost: $210 February 24 - 26, 2006 Royalty Inn/Great Glen Trails Gorham, New Hampshire Cost: $130 Web site: www.nersfl.org General Information: P.O. Box 2170 West Brattleboro, Vermont 05303 Telephone: 781-667-9270 Email: info@nersfl.org
Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light January 15 - 22, 2006 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, Pennsylvania Cross-country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, hiking and other activities Contact for guides: Bjorg M. Dunlop Telephone: 518-731-8741 Email: bjorgmd@aol.com Contact for blind participants: Barry and Louise Wood Telephone: 201-868-3336
Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light January 7 & 21; February 4 & 18; March 4 & 18, 2006 Trollhaugen Sons of Norway Lodge, Erling Stordahl Snow Park Stampede Pass, Washington Cost: $60 for the season Contact: Maida Pojtinger Telephone: 253-631-7904 Email: rmpoj@aol.com
Sierra Regional Ski for Light March 11 - 13, 2006 Tahoe Donner Cross Country Best Western Truckee Tahoe Inn Truckee, California Saturday Day Trips for children and adults: January 7 & 21, February 11, 2006 Tahoe Donner Cross Country Truckee, California Web site: www.srsfl.org Contact: Betsy Rowell Telephone: 916-362-5557 Email: montbets@pacbell.net
Wisconsin Regional Ski for Light January 20 - 22, 2006 Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, Wisconsin Contact: Bev Helland 10168 Amber Trail Edgerton, Wisconsin 53534 Telephone: 608-884-4955 Email: bhelland@madison.k12.wi.us
Ski for Light Canada February 6 - 12, 2006 Kelowna, British Columbia Application Deadline: December 15, 2005 Web site: http://members.shaw.ca/sflcanada Contact: Barry Nelson Telephone: 604-463-8777 Email: barrynel@telus.net
Ski for Light Japan Dates pending Web site: www.sflj.org Contact: Toshiaki Aomatsu Email: info@sflj.org
A year by year history of Ski for Light is now on the SFL web site. You can read what's there, delight in the stories and memories they bring, and suggest changes or additions. Go to www.sfl.org, find and click on the SFL History page, and then click on the Living History link and enjoy yourself.
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