Spring 2006
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.
Earlier this year the 31st annual Ski for Light week was held in Granby, Colorado. If you attended, you already know what a wonderful week this was. If you were not there, you missed something very special. We had lots of snow, wonderful tracks and trails, marvelous meals, new and fun activities, and the excitement of 75 first- time guides and skiers. What a wonderful combination, all brought together by the hard work and insight of Marion Elmquist and her entire event committee. Thanks for a job very well done!
Shortly after the Colorado event, I had the honor of accepting for Ski for Light an Access Award from the American Foundation for the Blind. AFB, a world leader in education, research and advocacy for blind and visually impaired people, presents the award to individuals, corporations, and organizations that are eliminating or substantially reducing inequities faced by people who are blind or visually impaired. This highly prestigious honor is in reality a tribute to the many people who worked to establish Ski for Light thirty years ago, and who put it on its path to success. Those of us involved today are benefiting from their foresight and vision. It is incumbent upon all of us to keep the organization on-track, and to set the stage for many, many more years of successfully changing lives.
All of us who knew her were extremely saddened to hear of the death on March 10 of Vicki O'Brien in a tragic traffic accident near her home in Wyoming. Vicki was one of the first people I met when I attended my first event in 1993. I can still recall how outgoing and bubbly she was about Ski for Light. She went out of her way to make me and the other first-timers feel welcome and a part of the SFL family. In 1998 Vicki was my guide during our event in New Hampshire. We had a great time skiing and laughing, and became even better friends. What a tragedy for someone so full of life and so young to leave us. Vicki had so much energy and ability and just an infectious joy for every aspect of life. Vicki, we will miss you, but will always remember the happy times that we had together.
In 1989, Vicki O'Brien attended her first Ski for Light International event in Bozeman, Montana. In her true spirit, Vicki jumped right in to the program. Vicki spent many years guiding, training guides and offering assistance in many ways. Vicki will be long remembered for her generous and loving spirit, her love of cross country skiing and her infectious smile.
Vicki O'Brien, long-time friend of Ski for Light, former guide and board member and member of the 1997 Ridderrenn team passed away on March 10, due to injuries in a motor vehicle accident. Vicki was traveling the pass from Driggs, Idaho to Jackson Hole, Wyoming, where she has lived for the past 15 years when a Ford F350 pickup hit a patch of ice and crossed the center line to collide head-on with her vehicle.
Vicki was born February 7, 1969 in Austin, MN. She had lived in Austin and Cottage Grove, MN, Jackson, WY and Victor, ID. She was President of the Board of the Animal Adoption Center in Jackson. She loved her animals and the outdoors.
She is survived by her parents Mary and Deral Mosbey of Lake Elmo, Minnesota and William O'Brien of Austin, MN; six siblings and eight nieces and nephews
In lieu of flowers memorial contributions can be made to the Animal Adoption Center to care for her animals at P.O. Box 8532, Jackson, Wyoming 83002.
Imagine for a moment that it is still winter, that your skis are easily accessible, and that you are planning your day on the trail! Welcome to the spirit of Ski for Light's 31st annual event, held in Granby, Colorado.
Event chair, Marion Elmquist and her entire committee made sure that this year's event contained all the magic that is so typical of SFL weeks. We had plenty of snow, great trails (except for those moments when Mother Nature rearranged them), good camaraderie, fascinating special interest sessions and diverse evening programming. Many tasted some good California wine at one of the special interest sessions; still others tasted winter by enjoying an evening sleigh ride and bonfire on the snow!
What made this year stand out was a number of "firsts." As was mentioned in the President's report, we had more first-time skiers and guides this year than we've had in a long while; this provided an extra challenge to those matching guides and skiers, and it also brought some wonderful new energy to the program.
We also enjoyed our first poker game on the snow. Hats off to those who organized this event and set it up so that everyone could take part, regardless of skiing proficiency level. SFL also hosted the Rumpa-Rally, which seems to be turning into an annual event, a sure way to test some team coordination while laughing uncontrollably.
But the big first at this year's event was the wedding between first-year guide, Rick Linstrom and first-year skier, Terri Bowen. SFL's own Dick Casey officiated most graciously, and we wish the bride and groom well as they embark on their adventure together.
Every event takes a lot of planning and hard work; every event has its glitches and its highlights; in the end, every event is, in its own unique way, magical. This fact was underscored this year by the weather. We had a week of snow flurries and some wind, but on that final day, just in time for the race and rally, the sun appeared as if to say: "well done, Ski for Light!"
What might be a perennial guide’s definition of heaven? Ski for Light!
I experienced some trepidation as I drove out to Granby from my hometown of Lakewood, CO, but I pushed it to the back of my mind, and then forgot all about it as I was warmly greeted immediately upon entering the hotel, first by Cara Barnes, and then by Judy and her dog Terri, who escorted me to my room. Thank goodness Judy knew her way around, because I was completely lost in that building—and I thought I was going to be a guide!
The first full day was guide training and it proved to be central to my whole experience at SFL International, not only providing important sensory info about what it’s like to ski without sight and how to guide such a person, but also by providing me with a core group of guides with whom to hang out and compare foibles as new GIP’s, and with two experienced guide trainers from whom to get help. Then, that evening, with my heart pounding, I listened sooo carefully to hear my name with that of my skier… (what if I don’t hear my name? what if I can’t find my skier? what if I don’t like my skier? who’s it going to be?????) I can’t express the relief and joy I experienced upon hearing that I was matched with Cara Barnes, the very first person to greet me at SFL!!!
The week itself is a blur… Cara and I skied and skied and skied and chatted the whole time. Sometimes I actually remembered to guide her. And then there was the fabulous breakfasts (I loved that bread with cottage cheese!), the outstanding vegetarian dinners, the dancing, the socializing, the special presentations, the sleigh ride, the DANCING!!!! (Somewhere in there I forgot to sleep, but I made up for that at home afterwards.) The people I met at the event left me feeling so inspired, energized, and alive!!! I was hooked!!!!
Yep, Ski for Light, it’s heaven to me!
Editor's Note: The following is an excerpt from an article which appeared in the February 21st issue of the Norway Times.
For one week on the trail, guide spoke to skier and skier spoke to guide with clear instructions, clear questions, and no chitchat. As we skied together from Monday to Friday, we said less and less on the trail, for we had learned to ski smoothly in tandem. Side by side, we shot the downhill run with a tight curve to the left at the bottom, then double-poled down a long gentle descent. We herringboned side by side, our hearts thumping at the mountain altitude of 8750 feet. On some days we took off our sweaters, and on others we skied against a frigid wind sweeping snow into our faces. My skier, Graham Downie, was a journalist from Australia, so after a particularly good run, I would cheer, "Good run, mate!"
We made more friends, deeper friends, in one week with Ski for Light than we had during the whole rest of the year. We spent one magnificent week with People at Their Best, and it was wonderful. We reveled in the extraordinary spirit of that week. Even when we were exhausted, we were still patient, and helpful, and genuinely enthralled with the commotion around us.
Saturday, the final day of the week and the Great Race Day, was a day that beat most Christmases a hundred to one. We had skiers from about ten countries, and before the race began, we listened to the national anthem of each country. Then we set out pair by pair at half-minute intervals, some on a 5-kilometer course, some on 10 kilometers. Graham had rocket wax on his skis, made from the sparse fat in the haunches of a kangaroo. We cruised at our best pace, hit every turn, herringboned in high gear, and sprinted at the end. In all of my life, that may be the best ten kilometers I ever traverse on planet Earth.
Sunday was awful, for we had to return to the Nightly News and the clamoring emails. So many good friends, and suddenly they're gone. I treasure the pictures, and I am delighted when I hear the voice of a new friend on the phone.
For one week, our souls were reassured, for we saw how well we really can make it work. Thank you, Ski for Light.
FINALLY, THIS FROM VETERAN SFL GUIDE, ROBB RASMUSSEN
It was with amazement, and some pride that I watched skiers and guides at Snow Mountain Ranch this year. People, who years before, were shaky and hesitant on their skis, were now skiing and guiding with grace and beauty. And some who skied with speed and grace years ago, were now going much slower as their bodies aged, while enjoying themselves immensely. I was proud of this organization for developing and maturing. Ski for Light's ability to be warm and nurturing while teaching skiing skills is something to be proud of.
The 2007 Ski for Light event will take place in the White Mountains of northern New Hampshire, from Sunday, January 21 through Sunday, January 28, 2007. We will stay at the North Conway Grand hotel in North Conway, and ski at Great Glen Trails in the Pinkham Notch section of the town of Gorham.
The Event Chair for this event will be Judy Dixon. During the next few months she will be putting together her committee for the week. If you are interested in a position on the committee let her know with a message to judy@sfl.org. You will find more information and applications for the event on the SFL website www.sfl.org by early July.
Finally, after weeks of high anticipation, the official Ridderrenn team and the rest of the large American contingent (27) converge Saturday evening, March 25th in the lobby of the Bondeheimen Hotel in Oslo Norway! We all journeyed so very far and we were ready to hit the town and enjoy one another with our very first celebration of the Ridder-Week over Norway’s national favorite cuisine: Pizza! That night we rested in Oslo in preparation for a four-hour long bus trip the next day to a charming little mountain town called Beitostolen where we spent the week skiing in the forty-third Ridderrenn. I told everyone to “pinch me” because I couldn’t quite believe Jim and I were walking the streets of Oslo and so far away from our home back in Southern California.
I wish I had the time to expand on every highlight of the adventure we had. The sounds, the people, the food, the indescribable feeling as the finish line was crossed after the completion of every race. The chitter chatter of so many different languages and the delight of turning to a stranger from a country such as Denmark and hearing that they can switch smoothly from their language to English and be able to communicate beautifully with me. Of course we skied a lot! Laughed a lot! Ate a lot! Shopped a lot! We thrilled every time to the majestic sounds of the royal trumpeters at special award ceremonies.
The main focus of the Ridderrenn is three competitions culminating with a 20K on Saturday. The Biathlon is the most unpredictable of the three because it’s a combination of target shooting, and skiing. At this event, the skier gets two rounds of shooting, five shots per round. So first there is a 2K loop, and then the skier must negotiate off the course to a mat for the first round and lies prone with skis on to find the target with a laser gun. Skiers have a pair of headphones to hear special tones as their guide to finding the target. Then the skier scrambles up and back on to the course for another 2K and then back to the mat for another round of shooting. The final short loop is skied over the finish line. The penalty for a missed shot is one minute added to the skiers overall time and so with ten shots, the skier can potentially accumulate up to ten minutes. Clearly, the volatile nature of these factors can create very surprising race results.
My guide, John Amundson and I really had fun with the heart-pounding sprints of the short 2K. Then the mad rush off the course through a crazy gauntlet of obstacles to the mat so I can take my what turned out to be off-target shots, and then back to the course etc. Admittedly I didn’t practice the ski-shoot combination enough, and so I added ten minutes to my time, but, surprisingly, my elapsed time was the fastest American time. Of course, this dubious accomplishment didn’t earn me a medal. But, it sure got me a lot of ribbing from everyone that night. So, perhaps I can conclude that I’m a bad shot, but there may be a future for me in mad dashes over short distances. Ha ha!
In regard to awards, our American group brought home 7 medals this year! Carole Soule, three gold. Wendy David, one silver and one bronze. And Charlie Wirth, one gold and one silver.
After the conclusion of the event, most of us returned to Oslo for several days of more celebrating, shopping, and touring. One memorable afternoon was spent in the delightful company of the US ambassador and his wife, enjoying a really lovely tea at their beautiful, impressive residence in Oslo.
As I look back, it’s wondrous how this kind of event is so completely engaging. You really get swept away by the intense activity level and lively energy of so many people, all of us united in the common goal of participating in the Ridderrenn. As a participant, you get so involved that The event itself becomes a temporary career. Every upcoming element of the event absorbs your awareness and concentration. It’s as if nothing else exists outside the next ski competition, or the next reception to get dressed up for. You really don’t think of home until the day before you’re scheduled to leave and it’s important to get out your itinerary to refresh your memory of the flight times.
So, of course, I’m back home, and the luggage has been unpacked, the ski equipment is stowed away until next year. And yes Jim and I brought home some wonderful mementos: All the yummy Norwegian chocolate. The beautiful Norwegian sweater I found in Oslo. The brand new skis Jim and I look forward to using next season. But, I know that it’s much, much more than this. What I appreciate most are the mementos that are not tangible and therefore, so much more difficult to share. Like the special moments with friends. The gratitude to SFL for the opportunity and the special recognition of myself, and the other three Ridderrenn team members. And, the bit of the tremendous Norwegian spirit I witnessed which I think will always connect me to Norway. Finally, I truly hope this account has been able to capture a little of this extraordinary trip, and that it will inspire others to ski at the Ridderrenn, where it all began.
Those of us who skied together in Anchorage 1999 will recall the exciting evening when the Endowment Fund Drive was launched, appropriately so, by Valerie Anders, the wife of a former astronaut! I recall thinking that evening that this was certainly an idea whose time had come, and was pure genius for the insurance it could provide toward keeping SFL alive and well into the distant future. Then, at our memorable 25th SFL in 2000 in Colorado, former SFL President Bud Keith offered his own generous financial expression of appreciation to the Endowment Fund, keeping the effort on its feet and in the tracks to the top.
As part of the vision towards raising one million dollars over the coming years, the Endowment Fund committee strategy includes approaching foundations, corporate sponsors, etc.
Leading that strategy, without a doubt, is personal commitment to the fund. The fund is receiving donations primarily from individual donors. This is in keeping with a vital and basic premise of SFL, that of personal responsibility in the matter at hand.
As you and I periodically assess what is of true and lasting value in our lives, we would agree that the SFL experience is really one of those unique and miraculous activities that keeps on growing and giving back to all of us throughout the years.
Remember as each of us starts the SFL week, forging a partnership of trust toward a common goal? The goal, that of puffing up a rather long hill, then terror turning to joy as we careen down the other side, mostly in control! Mistakes are made, and we sometimes fall. Then we laugh, dust ourselves off, and continue on down. Now, tell me that if that doesn't translate to the rest of what you and I do in life!
In the privacy of your chambers this spring, get comfortable, pour yourself your favorite drink, and take some time and consider what you would want to leave as a monetary and lasting legacy to the SFL future. Do the math. Bits and pieces and gobs from each of us over the years add up quickly! Can you believe that at present we have over $260,000 in the Endowment Fund!?
One idea that Jean and I have really liked over the years is to give shares of stock, which the receiving nonprofit organization sells. The organization pays no taxes on the long-term gain, and we realize the tax deduction. We have done this with SFL, and have caught certain stocks going up the mountain, in tracks set right alongside those of our Endowment Fund! If this idea appeals to you, please feel welcome to contact us for information at 509-448-2631 or thelarsons@yahoo.com.
Thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider this. Have a wonderful year, and we look forward to skiing with you in 2007!
Have you ever heard a llama hummmmm? Listened to the early morning call of the Western Tanager? Been close enough to the stars to feel the rumble of thunder beneath your feet? Ever feel the freshness of an afternoon rain shower upon your cheeks? Are you seeking a challenge that could be the highlight of your outdoor experiences? Then read on as Trekk for Light just might be for you!
Trekk (that’s what we all call it) is a 7-Day summer Sports for Health program run through Colorado Ski for Light. The 10th anniversary Trekk will be held August 4- 11, 2006 in Fort Collins, Colorado and the Rawah Wilderness located about 60 miles west of the city. The program is a cross between backpacking, day hiking and car camping. Our program consists of two days training and preparation including introduction to llamas / llama packing, setting up and takedown of a mountain camp, food preparation and developing hiking skills between guide and VIP . These two days will also allow time for each participant to acclimatize at base camp with an altitude of 8500 ft. This is followed by 5 days of packing with llamas in which we will cover over 22 miles of rugged trails while crossing an 11,300 ft. mountain pass on our truly unique adventure.
Interested? Then come spend 7 days making new friends while mastering the art of saddling llamas. Take time to enjoy a lazy afternoon picnicking at a high alpine lake or discovering fields of mountain wildflowers with delicate smells that overwhelm the senses. Breathe crisp, clean, and as fresh as you can get mountain air for 6 wonderful days while developing mountain skills that will last for a lifetime.
Trekk is looking for both visually impaired participants (VIPs) and sighted guides for this annual summer Trekk. This 7 day, all inclusive program costs $450 with some limited scholarships available for first year participants through the COSFL Board. Note: travel to and from Fort Collins not included. Group equipment (tents, stoves, cookware, etc) is provided through the program. Detailed personal equipment lists will be available to participants or upon request.
For additional information or questions about the trip contact James “Patch” Patchell at jmpatche@yahoo.com or 970-402-5832 or Kristen Anderson at javagal8703@yahoo.com.
Hope to see you there!!!
The results of the survey about the Ski for Light program that was conducted last year are now available on the SFL website www.sfl.org or by going directly to www.sfl.org/findings.html. You will find four Microsoft Word documents that you can either view or download. The first, the Executive Summary, is only four pages long. The other three documents, on the annual event, site locations, and attracting participants, range from about 15 to more than 40 pages.
The reports represent the views and suggestions of the 110 guides and participants who took part in the online survey. The suggestions and findings were extremely helpful in fine-tuning many aspects of the 2006 event in Granby, and are being actively used as an aid in our search for future sites and in constructing future recruitment plans. Many, many thanks to those of you who participated.
The following is a listing of the summer activities offered by some of our nine regional affiliates. These programs offer a way to continue the SFL experience and keep fit during the summer months. We encourage you to take advantage of these opportunities when you can.
New England Regional Ski for Light August 25 - 28, 2006 Craftsbury Outdoor Center Craftsbury Common, Vermont Cost: $230, includes meals and double-occupancy dorm room. There will be hiking, canoeing, kayaking, swimming and possibly tandem cycling. Contact NERSFL after mid-April for information on additional Summer and Fall day hikes. 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 Sports for Health July 23 - 30, 2006 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, Pennsylvania Hiking, tandem biking, swimming, canoeing and other activities. Cost: Approximately $425 per person, double occupancy. Singles & triples also available. Contact for guides: Joan Chelsen Telephone: (718) 477-7477 Email: ladyvikin@aol.com Contacts for participants: Donna Goodman Telephone: (410) 730-9430 or Sigi Kay Telephone: (201) 327-5493
Ski for Light is managed and governed by an elected Board of Directors, while the affairs of the organization are managed between meetings of the full Board by an Executive Committee of the Board. Members of the Board serve four-year terms of office, with approximately half of all Board seats up for election every two years. All officers serve two-year terms of office.
During the recent Annual Meeting of the SFL Board ten people were elected to the Board. Re-elected to additional four-year terms as Directors were Judith Dixon, Marion Elmquist, Duane Farrar, David Fisichella, Marie Huston and Bud Keith. Also elected to the Board were new members Jennison Asuncion, Val Keever, Chris Leghorn and John Olnes.
The Board also elected officers for the next two years. Re-elected were President Larry Showalter, Vice-President Marion Elmquist, Secretary Brenda Seeger, Treasurer Judy Dixon, Director-at-Large Suzanne Brown and Director-at-Large Duane Farrar. The Executive Committee is comprised of these six officers plus the Immediate Past President, who is currently Nancy McKinney.
Congratulations to all of those elected to the Board and/or officer positions. Our thanks for their many years of service go to departing Directors Scott Bertrand, Amy Brannan, Bjorg Dunlop and John Klemaseski.
The new Board roster follows.
Ski for Light, Inc. Board of Directors 2006-2008
Larry Showalter, President, Bellevue, Washington Marion Elmquist, Vice-President, Des Moines, Iowa Brenda Seeger, Secretary, Westbrook, Minnesota Judith Dixon, Treasurer, Arlington, Virginia Suzanne Brown, Director-at-Large, Smyrna, Georgia Duane Farrar, Director-at-Large, Watertown, Massachusetts
Jennison Asuncion, Toronto, Ontario, Canada Cara Barnes, Eureka, California Dianne Brunswick, Glendale, Arizona Art Bunn, Fort Collins, Colorado Wendy David, Bellevue, Washington Ted Ellickson, St. Johns, Michigan David Fisichella, Falmouth, Massachusetts Marie Huston, Winter Park, Colorado Val Keever, Salem, Oregon Bud Keith, Arlington, Virginia Chris Leghorn, Beverly, Massachusetts Nancy McKinney, Seattle, Washington Laura Oftedahl, Berkeley, California John Olnes, Anchorage, Alaska Robin Smithtro, Louisville, Colorado Kathy Strahan, Brea, California David Thomas, Denver, Colorado Deborah Wiese, East Lansing, Michigan
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
Go to SFL Bulletin Page Go to SFL Home Page