Fall 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.
Welcome to the Fall Ski for Light Bulletin for 2006. In this issue you will hear about plans for the 2007 annual event in New Hampshire, about the programs and activities of the various SFL Regional programs for the coming months, about how you can attend the Ridderrenn in Norway next March, and much more. It is certainly a busy time of year for Ski for Light, as the above list of upcoming activities will attest.
We are all looking forward with great anticipation to our New Hampshire event next January. As Event Chair Judy Dixon points out elsewhere in this issue, there is a lot to like about the site of the 2007 event. It will be our first event in the east since 1998, and only the sixth event out of our previous 31 held in this part of the country.
I certainly hope that you are planning to attend. If you haven't yet decided, let me share with you a bit more information about how this event will be different from most of our previous events, in a very positive way. You may recall that just about a year ago we conducted an online survey of the attitudes and thoughts about our annual events. We were looking for feedback and suggestions about what was good and should not be changed, what should be tinkered with just a bit, and what should be dropped. Your feedback was received in time to make many modifications to the old way of doing things for the 2006 event. I would include these items on my short list of event changes implemented in 2006. Breakfast was "better", with more options available each day. There were fewer morning meetings after breakfast. The ski day was longer for those who wanted to ski more. There were more special-interest sessions, on more topics. There was an activity outside of the hotel one evening (a sleigh ride and bonfire). We had hosts and hostesses at the dining room door every night to insure that everyone could hook up with friends for dinner. We gave every attendee a "recruiting kit" to take home with them, so they could spread the word about SFL to their friends and family. We found a better way to welcome and bring new attendees into the SFL family. We made Friday a fun day on the snow, with a picnic lunch and "poker race" for those who wanted to participate.
After the 2006 event we received many positive comments about the event in general, and about the program changes. Several of our veterans characterized SFL 2006 as the very best event, ever. All of this is to tell you that if you have not attended an event recently you should think about attending SFL 2007 very seriously. You will enjoy it I know, and we would love to have you there.
If you aren't yet convinced about applying, I have one final nugget of information that may sway you. When several of us were in North Conway last month making plans for the event, we stopped by Eastern Mountain Sports. One of their people, Otto, assured us that this will be an especially snowy winter in North Conway, because the squirrels are gathering more than the usual quantity of nuts for the winter, and they are growing bigger and bushier than normal tails. This is of course a certain predictor of a snowy winter to come. Can squirrels be wrong? Hardly ever. So get that application in while there is still time. I look forward to seeing you there.
For the first time in nine years, Ski for Light will be returning to the East Coast for its 2007 event. We are going back to New Hampshire in the heart of beautiful and historic New England with its covered bridges, village greens, and maple syrup. This is a great opportunity for all those in the Eastern part of the country who would like to attend a Ski for Light event close to home and at a nice low altitude.
The North Conway Grand Hotel is the same physical facility that housed us in 1998 but the hotel is under all new management. At our planning meeting in mid-September, we had the opportunity to meet the friendly staff and enjoy the hotel's hospitality of which the North Conway Grand is justifiably proud.
After the devastating fire shortly after our 1998 event, Great Glen Trails has moved its operations to an expanded, completely renovated facility across the road. The trails have been widened and upgraded as well.
In addition to skiing, there are many other activities being considered including sleigh rides, a local folk singer, and, contra dancing. don't forget, North Conway is the site of a large outlet mall so there's lots of opportunity for that most aerobic of sports, shopping.
Be sure to get your application in soon. We will almost certainly have a waiting list this year so apply as soon as possible.
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 LyndaB@sfl.org
For MIPs, it's Jeff pagels at jpagels@new.rr.com
For Guides, it's Brenda Seeger at BrendaS@sfl.org
Don't delay. The snow will be flying soon and you don't want to miss a minute of skiing and all the other fun.
See you in New Hampshire.
Mark your calendar for the 2007 Ridderrenn and join the "official team" plus others who go to enjoy a magical week of Norwegian skiing, camaraderie, friendship and Norwegian culture. It will be Week 12, March 18 to 24.
For those of you who have always thought about going to the Ridderrrenn and haven't yet, I encourage you to start saving your kroner, selling lefse as John Amundson does, or doing whatever you can so you, too, can experience the event that is responsible for the start of Ski for Light. It is always a fun SFL group; we get to tour Oslo afterwards with Lisen Wikant, an Oslo tour guide and a good friend of Ski for Light, who has been a guide both at SFL and at the Ridderrenn.
During the week, there are the usual fun activities such as the talent show, award ceremonies with the ruffles and flourishes of the King's Guard horns and drums, dances, music, the auction that raises a great deal of money for the RRV, and the annual reception that SFL hosts for our RRV hosts and Norwegians who have attended Ski for Light.
You can ski 2 or 5 or 10 kilometer tracks during the week to practice for the 20 kilometer Ridderrenn race on Saturday. There is a biathlon during the week and also a 5-kilometer race for women or 10-k for men. Friday is the Erling Stordahl cup race, a by-invitation race, and picnic day where you can have Norwegian sausages wrapped in lefse.
If you have any questions about the Ridderrenn, you can phone me at 515-279-3681, or contact me by e-mail at MarionE@sfl.org. I will also have a special interest session during SFL week in New Hampshire.
Hope to see you in Norway!
While the squirrels in the East gather nuts in preparation for winter, we at Ski for Light are beginning to gather donated items for the 2007 Silent Auction. If you've been to Ski for Light, you know that this auction is a highlight among evening activities. In this single event, you can take care of a lot of shopping, enjoy some fast and frenzied competitive bidding and bring in a lot of money for Ski for Light.
What to donate? Think about items that might interest this diverse SFL crowd! Some of the more popular types of donations include sweaters and jackets, chocolate, artwork, get-away vacations, outdoor gear, jewelry and more. So check your closets and family attics for possibilities; in addition, don't forget to let others around you know that you are looking for interesting items for this creative and exciting fund-raising event.
If you do have items to contribute, you may bring them with you to New Hampshire. You may also ship your items in advance to the following address:
Craig Gray 255 Pine Point Road Scarborough, ME 04074
If you have any questions, or need a little more information, please contact our event chair, Judy Dixon at: JudyD@sfl.org
Thank you, and we all look forward to sharing in the bounty!
Ski for Light is in need of help from someone who is familiar and proficient with software packages like Adobe Illustrator. Several times a year we need to combine text and photos into an appealing layout that is suitable for press releases, recruitment flyers, or advertising. At the moment we are relying on volunteers outside of the SFL community to do these jobs, but in reality they sometimes just don't get done at all. Do you have the necessary software and computer skills, plus the time and desire to help? If so please write or contact Publicity Chair Marion Elmquist at (515) 279-3681 or MarionE@sfl.org.
If you are over age 70-1/2 and have a traditional IRA from which you must take annual minimum distributions, you may be able to take advantage of new tax legislation that was enacted as part of the Pension Protection Act of 2006. You can now make charitable contributions directly from your IRA as part of your required minimum distribution. The donation won't be counted as taxable income to you, and it doesn't matter if you itemize or not. You can thus support organizations about which you care (like Ski for Light), while saving on your tax bill. If this idea is of interest to you, please be sure to consult your tax professional to learn the full details of the new regulations as they apply to you.
This Just In: Late-Breaking News!
Duane and Elizabeth Farrar celebrated the joyous arrival of their twin daughters, Iris Elizabeth and Camilla Samantha, on Monday, October 23 in Boston. Iris, weighing 5 pounds and 8 ounces, arrived at 9:44 AM EDT and was followed three minutes later by Camilla, weighing 4 pounds and 15 ounces. Mom and the baby girls are all healthy and doing fine. Duane says that while it is unlikely the twins will make a cameo appearance in North Conway, anyone passing through Boston on their way to or from SFL is invited to stop by and meet them in person. Duane and Liz can be reached at: 234 Arlington Street Watertown, MA 02472 E-mail: DuaneF@sfl.org
Bruce Scharfenberg
Our thoughts and prayers continue to go to long-time SFL guide, Bruce Scharfenberg, who, after many months of tests, was recently diagnosed with a very rare blood disease, amyloidosis, which has affected his heart. Fortunately, the rest of his organs are healthy and untouched by the disease. As many of you know, Bruce is now home after spending some seven weeks at the Mayo Clinic where he underwent some grueling chemotherapy and stem cell therapy. He is now beginning the slow process of rebuilding his energy, and will return to the Mayo Clinic in December to see if the amyloid is in remission.
For the moment, Bruce's spirits are very good, but he says his energy is still very low. The treatment itself, not to mention the disease, is very hard on the body, but, according to Bruce, because of his good health and active life style, he has a lot in his favor as he goes through recovery.
Bruce says the high point of the whole ordeal has been the overwhelming support he has received from family and friends. This includes some 50 pounds of cards and letters, care packages and more; Bruce says all the support and love kept him going on the hardest days, and still moves him very deeply.
Bruce's challenge, at this point, in his own words is: "To be disciplined enough to get off the couch and do what exercise I can!" And if all goes well, Bruce plans to drive with his friend, Fred Sheppard, to New Hampshire in January to visit "all his Ski for Light friends." Bruce quips: "Don't think I'll be skiing, but I could teach a clinic or two as long as I don't have to do anything!"
So, Bruce, we wish you the best possible complete recovery; you are a gift and an inspiration to all of us! We'll hold that vision of you joining us in January!
In the meantime, if you wish to get in touch with Bruce and his wife, Jill, you are welcome to do so: Bruce Scharfenberg 721 Finn Street Hancock, MI 49930 Phone: (906) 482-6412 E-mail: scharf@chartermi.net
Nancy Stevens
Congratulations to SFL skier, Nancy Stevens who chalked up a first by racing in her first
triathlon in a foreign country. In September, Stevens successfully completed the 2006
Lausanne International Triathlon Union World Championships in Switzerland, and she did
it with her usual indomitable spirit.
Guided by fellow Glenwood resident Helen McQueeney, Stevens swam 1.5K in Lake
Geneva's chilly waters, biked 40K through Lausanne's hilly landscape and ran another 10K
to complete the race in 3 hours, 18 minutes and 36 seconds.
Stevens, as she has in most of her other triathlons, raced as the only entry in the blind
women's division. Although there were an estimated 40 other disabled racers, few were
blind. There were two other American blind men racers that Stevens was excited to
compete against; she beat one of the men's teams by more than 12 minutes.
Nancy's biggest challenge in the triathlon was finding a tandem bike to use in the race; her
own bike couldn't be disassembled for the journey. She did finally find one some 60 hours
before the race; the chain came off during the race, but that problem was easily solved, and
the rest is history.
Stevens is focusing a lot of attention on organizing a triathlon camp for the blind and
visually-impaired in March of 2007.
Way to go, Nancy!
James and Linda Mumford
Hats off to SFL skiers, James and Linda Mumford, who continue to distinguish themselves
as rowers. Recently, the two took part in two different regattas - one in Philadelphia, Pa;
the other in Princeton, NJ. James came home with a gold medal in each regatta; Linda
wasn't far behind.
And apparently, they are just getting started!
So, does the couple that rows together stay together? James laughs. "Linda wants to row
until we reach the age of 104 and then we'll call it quits." That's another 51 years, a solid
run for anyone.
Judy Dixon
On October 21, Judy Dixon was elected Chair of the Braille Authority of North America.
This organization is the standards-setting body for matters related to the uses, teaching, and
production of braille in the United States and Canada.
Congratulations, Judy!
What: Join us for a fun 3-day instructional camp aimed at introducing visually impaired
women and sighted guides to the sport of triathlon. Participants will be introduced to basic
swim, bike, and run/walk skills necessary to complete a sprint triathlon. Sighted guides and
blind athletes will learn the fundamentals of swimming together with a bungee cord, riding
together on a tandem bicycle, and running together with a tether. The camp will conclude
with a mini-tri on Sunday morning.
Who: The camp is open to any adventurous blind or visually impaired women who have a
desire to learn the sport of triathlon. In addition, we invite any courageous sighted women
who wish to give the gift of guiding to a visually impaired woman. We encourage any
visually impaired women to recruit and bring their own sighted guides.
Basic Requirements: We ask that participants be in good health and complete a physician
consent form and waiver prior to camp. In addition, we ask that participants have
elementary skills in swimming, biking and run/walking. By this we mean, you will be most
successful at this camp, if you are able to swim 2 lengths of a pool freestyle, ride a bike if
you are a sighted guide, able to ride a tandem if you are visually impaired, and be able to
walk/run a mile under 20 minutes.
When: April 19-22, 2007
Where: Glenwood Springs, Colorado
Participants are invited to stay at the Hot Springs Lodge and Pool directly across from the
world famous Glenwood Springs Hot Springs. Training classes will be held at the Hot
Springs Athletic Club and in the Hot Springs Pool.
Why: Tri it, you'll like it! Whether you're looking to be a recreational triathlete or compete
at the world championship level, this camp will help build a team of supportive women who
want to make fitness and health a lifetime goal.
Instructors:
Nancy Stevens; Blind triathlete, and ITU Short Course World Champion Nancy Reinisch:
20 year triathlete, USAT Level 1 Coach, Sighted Guide Carol McCurry: Marathon Runner,
Sighted Guide Judy Haynes: 20 year triathlete, Swim Coach, Personal Trainer Wendy
Caldwell: 10 year triathlete; Sighted Guide Helen Mcqueeney: Personal Coach; Sighted
Guide Members of the Roaring Fork Women's Triathlon Team
Cost: $250 per participant which will include lodging, food, and training.
How: Send your application and check payable to: Nancy Stevens: 814 Minter Avenue,
Glenwood Springs, CO 81601.
For more information contact Nancy at: nstevens@sopris.net or Call (970) 945-2171.
The nine regional programs offer many different opportunities to enhance your SFL
experience, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Following is the list of
regional activities for this winter, plus information about the programs of Ski for Light
Canada and Ski for Light Japan. Happy trip planning!
Black Hills Regional Ski for Light January 21-26, 2007 Come join us for our 28th annual
Black Hills Regional Ski For Light event. Ski daily at the Terry Peak Ski Area. Both
Alpine and Nordic skiing are offered to the blind, visually impaired, and physically
challenged. All skill levels are welcome from beginner to experienced skiers. Lodging is
in Deadwood, SD. Evening activities are centered in this historic western town.
Transportation is provided between Deadwood and the ski area. Cost: $190 Telephone:
(605) 341-3626 E-mail: info@bhsfl.org Website: www.bhsfl.org
Colorado Regional Ski for Light February 2-4, 2007 Snow Mountain Ranch Granby,
Colorado Contact: Brenda Bertrand at (303) 986-6714 or
E-mail:bertrand@denveronline.net
Michigan Regional Ski for Light January 19-21, 2007 Higgins Lake, Ralph MacMulllen
Conference Center Roscommon, Michigan Contact: Jim Ellickson at (989) 224-8288 or
E-mail: msfl@msfl.org Website: www.msfl.org
Montana Regional Ski for Light February 25-March 1, 2007 West Yellowstone, Montana
Cost: $312 Contact: Ed Durbin at (406) 538-7151 or E-mail: tedurbin@midrivers.com
Website: www.sflmt.org
New England Regional Ski for Light January 5-8, 2007 Craftsbury Outdoor Center
Craftsbury Common, Vermont Cost: $230 March 2-4, 2007 Royalty Inn/Great Glen Trails
or Bear Meadows, New Hampshire Cost: $140 Telephone: (781) 667-9270 E-mail:
info@nersfl.org Website: www.nersfl.org
Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light January 14-21, 2007 Land of the Vikings,
Sherman, Pennsylvania Cross country skiing, snowshoeing, tobogganing, hiking and other
activities. Cost: $395 Contact for guides: Bjorg M. Dunlop Phone: (518) 731-8741 or
E-mail: bjorgmd@aol.com Contact for blind participants: Barry and Louise Wood Phone:
(201) 868-3336
Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light Six day trips during January, February and March from
Seattle via chartered bus to the Trollhaugen Sons of Norway Lodge, Erling Stordahl Snow
Park, Stampede Pass, Washington. For dates and cost, contact Doug Sundberg: Phone:
(206) 297-7579 or E-mail: svensun@juno.com
Sierra Regional Ski for Light March 10-12, 2007 Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area and
the Best Western Inn, Truckee, California. Come join us for our 15th annual cross country
skiing and snowshoeing event for adults only Saturday Day Trips for children and adults:
January 6 & 20, February 10, 2007 Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Area Truckee,
California For more information, contact Betsy Rowell: Phone: (916) 362-5557 or E-mail:
montbets@pacbell.net Website: www.srsfl.org
Wisconsin Regional Ski for Light January 19-21, 2007 Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt,
Wisconsin Contact: Bev Helland at Phone: (608) 884-4955 or E-mail:
bevhelland@yahoo.com
Ski for Light Canada February 5-11, 2007 William Watson Lodge, Kananaskis, Alberta
Deadline for registration: December 15, 2006 Contact: Barry Nelson at Phone: (604)
463-8777 or E-mail: barrynel@telus.net Website: http://members.shaw.ca/sflcanada
Ski for Light Japan Dates pending Contact: Toshiaki Aomatsu at info@sflj.org Website:
www.sflj.org
TRI IT CAMP FOR WOMEN A Workshop for Blind Athletes and Sighted Guides
by
Nancy Stevens
REGIONAL ROUNDUP
Ski for Light, Inc.®
1455 West Lake Street
Minneapolis, MN 55408-2648
Phone: 612-827-3232
www.sfl.org
General Information info@sfl.org
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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