Summer 2007
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 Summer Ski for Light Bulletin. In this issue, you will hear many of the details about our 2008 event to be held next February in Bend, Oregon. You will also hear about how you can get involved in the work of SFL, how you can throw your hat into the ring for a position on the SFL Board, how you can become a Life Member of Friends of SFL, and much more.
The 2008 event is a first for Ski for Light in many ways. For starters, it is the first event ever held in the great Pacific Northwest. I can say "great" because I live in Seattle, and I know from experience that those of you who have never visited or skied in Washington or Oregon are going to like it. This is also the first event, at least in many years, at a location that offers more than cross country skiing. Those of you who are downhill skiers, or who want to learn, will surely want to arrive early or stay late to take advantage of the Mt. Bachelor trail system.
One disappointment of sorts is that Mt. Bachelor does not have an adaptive ski program, meaning that blind/visually-impaired or mobility-impaired people who want to try downhill skiing do not have the opportunity to do so easily via the ski school at Mt. Bachelor. You will need to ask around to find a sighted guide who is experienced at guiding downhill skiers, but on this I need to add a note of caution. Ski for Light guides are well trained and experienced at guiding cross country skiers. They are not necessarily trained or experienced at guiding a downhill skier, and the two activities are very different. Please don't endanger yourself or someone else by assuming that you can just transfer your SFL experiences to the downhill trails.
Another first for the 2008 event is that the SFL information and application process has moved forward a bit into the internet age. When we first began offering online registration about ten years ago, we basically took the existing print information letters and applications and created an online version of those same documents. That is not the case this year. From the SFL home page (www.sfl.org), interested people can either follow a link that provides detailed information for prospective attendees, people who have never attended before, or proceed directly to a page giving concise information about the 2008 event. That page includes links to useful information about the Bend area, the Bend/Redmond airport, the event hotel and the ski area. There are photos of the hotel and ski trails, and maps of the trail system at Mt. Bachelor. Both pages, for prospective attendees and veterans, contain a link to a list of frequently asked questions. I think that you will like the changes and the new look, but this is definitely a work in process so suggestions are welcome.
This is an election year for Ski for Light, with 15 positions on the Board of Directors and all officer positions up for election at the Annual Meeting in February. If you believe in the SFL program and what it does for all who attend, please think seriously about running for a seat on the Board. As an all-volunteer organization with no paid staff, it is a working Board, meaning that each Board member is expected to chair or serve on at least one of the various standing committees of the Board. The only other expectation of Board members is that they attend each of our meetings, the tele-conference in October and the live meeting held just before the event. The SFL Bylaws provide details about the working of the organization, and they are available online under the "Important Organizational Documents" link. Detailed instructions for making your interest in running for a position on the Board will be contained in the Fall SFL Bulletin. If you want to know more before then, contact me or any member of the Board.
Have an active and enjoyable summer. I look forward to seeing many of you in Bend.
As most of you already know, the 2008 Ski for Light International Event will be held in Bend, Oregon, February 10-17. We will stay in Bend and ski at nearby Mt. Bachelor, which boasts both Nordic and Alpine skiing. The Ski for Light Planning Committee is already at work getting ready for our first International event to be held in the Northwest.
We'll go from a dearth of snow in New Hampshire to an embarrassment of riches at Mount Bachelor, where the average annual snowfall is 370 inches. The Mt. Bachelor Nordic Center has 56 kilometers of groomed and double-tracked trails, and just across the parking lot from the Nordic Center is the Mt. Bachelor downhill ski area. You might want to think about arriving prior to the event or staying after to take advantage of the Alpine skiing opportunities it has to offer.
Bend is a smallish town of 75,000 outdoor and sports-oriented people. The town itself is charming, teeming with boutiques, galleries, shops, restaurants, bars and brew pubs. It is a huge mountain biking region.
We'll have our usual lineup of skiing, special interest sessions, the ever-popular silent auction, raffle and talent show, Norway Night, and something new this year, a totally on your own "night on the town." Folks can team up and take the hotel shuttle to downtown Bend-just 5 minutes away-- and explore what the town has to offer. You can choose to take the night off and relax at the hotel, have a bite to eat at the pool-side cafe or at the bar, or just hang out in the lobby or your room.
The Riverhouse Resort Hotel has lots of amenities, including a beautiful, newly-opened convention center where we will take our meals and have our meetings and events. There are indoor and outdoor hot tubs, a heated indoor swimming pool, a fitness center, and a lounge with live music and dancing six nights a week.
I have skied at the Nordic area, and it is beautiful. The trails are wide and surrounded by trees set far beyond the tracks. There are some gentle trails and some more challenging ones, but our trail crew will come up with tracked routes that will be interesting and provide safe skiing for everyone.
More information about the event, answers to your frequently asked questions, and easy-to-complete online applications are available now on our web site at www.sfl.org.
When you visit the web site, you'll discover more information than ever before for prospective first-timers. Please remember that most of our new attendees come to SFL as the result of personal recommendations and endorsements. Help spread the word by telling prospective attendees about SFL, and direct them to our web site. You will also find a Guide Recruitment flyer and the official 2008 News Release in the Media Center section of our web site.
I'm looking forward to joining you in Bend in February and to having a week of great skiing.
Happy Skiing!
I attended my first Ski for Light international week in 1999. I had heard about SFL initially from Annemarie Cooke at an AER conference in Golden, CO way back in Spring of 1994. Then, at my college friend Tanya Gullicks' wedding in VERY rural North Dakota some SFL stalwarts such as Nancy McKinney, Robb Rasmussen, Brenda Seeger and others encouraged me to show up in Anchorage. I indeed attended the event in Alaska and recall a couple members of the staff at the Hotel Captain Cook commenting on how, in contrast to many of the groups they hosted, SFL participants were so talkative.
There is no question that great conversation is one of the highlights of each Ski for Light week, nor is there any doubt that talking about our experiences at the event is the best way to attract new participants.
The time is now to get out the word about Ski for Light 2008! We will be trying a new venue which promises to be luxurious, and a new ski area that should attract lots of people. Please take some time to review the descriptions of both Mt. Bachelor and the Riverhouse Resort on the SFL web site and entice your friends, coworkers, acquaintances to join the SFL family for a fun-filled week next February! The time is now to parlay our propensity to communicate into targeted recruitment efforts! Thanks for your help in spreading the word!
And remember, we also need guides, mobility-impaired skiers and volunteers affectionately known as "worker bees." Yes, we do have an official recruitment committee, but in truth, recruiting is everybody's job; have fun with it!
If you have any questions about recruiting, or need extra materials you can't find on the
web, please contact the appropriate recruitment committee chair:
Guide Recruitment - Val Keever, chair E-mail: ValK@sfl.org Phone: (503) 566-3452
Mobility-Impaired Participant Recruitment - Dianne Brunswick, chair E-mail: DianneB@sfl.org Phone: (602) 504-3521
Visually-Impaired Participant Recruitment - Dave Thomas, chair E-mail: DaveT@sfl.org Phone: (303) 298-0672
If you have any questionsabout the Event itself, or you would like to request an application form, please contact one of the coordinators listed below:
Visually-Impaired Participant Application Coordinator: Lynda Boose Phone: (906) 370-7541 E-mail: LyndaB@sfl.org
Mobility-Impaired Participant Application Coordinator: Dianne Brunswick Phone: (602) 504-3521 E-mail: DianneB@sfl.org
Instructor/Guide Application Coordinator: Brenda Seeger Phone: (507) 274-5502 E-mail: BrendaS@sfl.org
Other Attendee Application Coordinator: Renee Abernathy Phone: (704) 263-1314 E-mail: reneabne@bellsouth.net Local Volunteer Coordinator: Val Keever Phone: (503) 566-3452 E-mail: ValK@sfl.org
In recent years the Silent Auction has become a highlight of each SFL event. Items of all types are donated for the auction each year by many people in the SFL community and by many of our corporate supporters. Auction items range from small to large, from inexpensive to expensive, from brand new to just a little bit used. It is great fun for the event attendees engaged in spirited and at times very competitive bidding, as well as a wonderful source of financial support for the event. If you have something that you think would be of interest and value to bidders, you don't need to wait until next January to send your donations to Bend. Items can be sent at any time to the address below. SFL Silent Auction c/o Bruce Meland 63603 Pioneer Loop Bend, OR 97701
If you have any additional questions, you may contact our Event chair, Marion Elmquist: Phone: (515) 279-3681 E-mail: marione@sfl.org
The Ski for Light Living History page on the SFL web site has recently been updated. I hope those of you who haven't read it will do so, and send any comments, corrections or additions for consideration. This is an ongoing project for the entire SFL family, so we would love your participation in it. Thanks and happy reading! .
Wedding Announcements
Congratulations and Mazeltov to the following SFLers who
recently tied the knot:
Sarah Huber and Ted Ellickson, who were married on May 19th on Mackinac Island, Michigan
Gayle Fox and Doug Sundberg, married on May 31 in Seattle, Washington
SFL skier, Christine Faltz, who was married on July 7th in New York. Her new husband, Gary Grassman, owns a convenience store in Manhattan; Christine was walked down the aisle by her 8-year-old son, and her 11-year-old daughter was her maid of honor.
Congratulations once again to the newly-weds; we wish them much happiness!
We are saddened to note the death of one of Ski for Light's staunchest supporters. JanSport President, Michael Corvino was killed on July 14th, when his vintage Dodge charger crashed into a tree near his home. Corvino, 46, had been President of JanSport, a major SFL corporate sponsor, since 2004; prior to this, he held many different positions at Vanity Fair, JanSport's parent sportswear and apparel corporation; and before that, he even played some professional football. He is described by those who knew him as an inspiration, a consummate people person and, according to one close friend, "the best manager I ever worked for." He is survived by his wife and two daughters.
After learning of Corvino's death, SFL President, Larry Showalter commented that "Mike was a wonderful, giving, caring man who will be missed by all who knew him or came into contact with him. He believed in Ski for Light, and was one of our strongest supporters. He last wrote to me a couple of months ago, after receiving our latest Annual report. He commented how wonderful it was to see photos of active, energetic people enjoying themselves so much in the out of doors.
I know that you all share with me this feeling of grief and loss, and join me in extending condolences to Mike's wife and two daughters."
by Bud Keith
On June 26, 2007, John Hogenson died in Minneapolis at an assisted care facility only four days after he moved there from his home. John was 83 and struggling with numerous physical problems.
John was involved at the very beginning of Ski for Light, helping to raise funds for the cause, and then, for many years, as a guide. His wife, Marge, who died nearly five years ago, was usually a collaborator with John in his behind the scenes effort. While he was out skiing, she frequently could be found working in our sales room or in the information room.
They became involved during the mid 1970's when the health sports concept was imported from Norway, an idea of using sports and fitness to facilitate the meaningful involvement of people with disabilities in the social mainstream. John and Marge took pride in their heritage to help ensure success. Skiathons were organized to bring national attention and to raise funds, and both John and Marge became organizers, housing visiting Norwegian skiers, and finding private homes throughout the Twin Cities for dozens of other skiers. Although John never took the spotlight, he was often the first to volunteer when hard work was required.
John and Marge were born of Norwegian descent in a small town in Wisconsin, and epitomized the American immigrant values of hospitality, hard work, and community involvement. At the church reception after his memorial service, I heard folks saying that they expected to see John walking around the room to make certain that everyone had what they needed, and they expected to see Marge behind the buffet table. I heard someone remark that Marge's recipes were the basis for most of the dishes.
In addition to their own involvement, for the tenth anniversary of SFL, John and Marge recruited their four sons to serve as guides.
Ski for Light owes a substantial amount of gratitude to these wonderful people, and owes much of its atmosphere of warmth and acceptance to the many years John and Marge shared with us. To know them was to be inspired.
More than 75 guides, participants and others serve on one or more of the various standing committees of Ski for Light each year. These people do most of the work necessary to keep our all-volunteer organization moving forward. The chairs and members of these committees all have one thing in common: a passion for the Ski for Light program and its goals. If you have this same kind of passion, why not volunteer your services in an area that interests you or in an area where you have some specific skills. The name and contact information for the chair of each Ski for Light committee is listed below. The recruiting and fund-raising committees are where most people first get involved, and where we need the most help, but any of our committee chairs would love to hear from you.
2008 Ski for Light International Week - Marion Elmquist, chair E-mail: MarionE@sfl.org Phone: (515) 279-3681
Guide Recruitment - Val Keever, chair E-mail: ValK@sfl.org Phone: (503) 566-3452
Mobility-Impaired Participant Recruitment - Dianne Brunswick, chair E-mail: DianneB@sfl.org Phone: (602) 504-3521
Visually-Impaired Participant Recruitment - Dave Thomas, chair E-mail: DaveT@sfl.org Phone: (303) 298-0672
Corporate sponsors - Wendy David, chair E-mail: WendyD@sfl.org Phone: (425) 643-0734
Endowment - Suzanne Brown, chair E-mail: SuzanneB@sfl.org Phone: (770) 438-0101
Foundations - Kathy Strahan, chair E-mail: KathyS@sfl.org Phone: (714) 524-7439
Annual Appeal - Chris Leghorn, chair E-mail: ChrisL@sfl.org Phone: (978) 927-5519
Publicity & Public Relations - Marion Elmquist, chair E-mail: MarionE@sfl.org Phone: (515) 279-3681
Ski for Light Bulletin - Vicki Post, chair E-mail: VickiP@sfl.org Phone: (415) 928-2711
Ski for Light Annual Report - Laura Oftedahl, chair E-mail: LauraO@sfl.org Phone: (510) 848-0008
Site Selection - open (contact Larry Showalter)
Risk Management - David Fisichella, chair E-mail: DavidF@sfl.org Phone: (508) 457-4725
Regional Liaison - open (contact Larry Showalter)
Sons of Norway & Norwegian Community Relations - Larry Showalter, chair E-mail: LarryS@sfl.org Phone: (425) 644-5663
Board Development and Elections* - Bud Keith, chair E-mail: BudK@sfl.org Phone: (703) 528-4455
Budget & Finance* - Nancy McKinney, chair E-mail: NancyM@sfl.org Phone: (206) 789-2173
Constitution & Bylaws* - Judith Dixon, chair E-mail: JudyD@sfl.org Phone: (703) 276-9191
Long-Range Planning* - Marion Elmquist, chair E-mail: MarionE@sfl.org Phone: (515) 279-3681
Please note: Membership in committees marked with an asterisk (*) is limited to members of the SFL Board of Directors.
Ski for Light currently has nine regional affiliates, smaller groups which host a variety of summer and winter activities. They have all been started by people who were so enthusiastic about their experience at an SFL Event that they chose to recreate their experience in a more local and intimate setting.
Many of the Regional programs are now in transition; for some, climate changes have forced them to adapt and expand their programs to include everything from snowshoeing to catskiing to hiking. Other regionals are in the process of building new leadership and dealing with changing logistics. Whatever their status at the moment, the SFL regional programs are an integral part of the overall Ski for Light experience, and they can only thrive if people stay involved and committed to them. To that end, we encourage you to take full advantage of the many regional activities, and to help them in any way that you can. If you live in an area which does not have a regional program, you are more than welcome to start your own.
So please do continue to support the regional groups, and if you have any questions about joining or starting one, you may contact Larry Showalter: Phone: (425) 644-5663 E-mail: LarryS@sfl.org
Meanwhile, check the regional round-up page on the SFL web site (www.sfl.org) for updated information and schedules.
The answer to that weighty question, in the world of Ski for Light, is easy to find. It is that over the years 276 people have chosen to show their commitment to the future of SFL by becoming Life Members of Friends of Ski for Light. Anyone who donates $350 or more to the Endowment Fund in a calendar year becomes a Life Member of Friends of SFL. This group has been our staunchest group of supporters over the years, and without them we would not be where we are today. The list of Life Members is on the SFL web site, in the "Donate to Ski for Light" section. We thank each and every one of them for the difference they have made and are making. If you are not already a Life Member, please consider joining. It would mean a lot to everyone and signal your support of the goals of SFL.
What is the ultimate monetary goal for the SFL endowment fund? Where are we right now in the process of reaching that goal? What will our endowment fund allow us to do next year that we have never been able to do before?
In 1998 the endowment fund for SFL was created. Seed money came from life memberships in Friends of SFL that had been collected over the years. The fund got its real kick-off the following year at the Anchorage event with a major gift from Valerie Anders.
We have now reached the one third mark in our journey to achieve our ambitious goal of one million dollars, and we are already able to reap significant benefits.
One of the purposes of building an endowment fund is to allow SFL to hold events at venues that have been heretofore unaffordable. This objective will be met for the very first time in February 2008 when we travel to Bend, Oregon for our annual event. Bend is a highly desirable area, particularly for skiers in training for national and international competition, for its high snow reliability, its variety of trail systems and its attractive accommodations which offer many extra amenities. Until now, this venue was out of our reach. We can now take advantage of this opportunity, thanks to the many donations we have received from the SFL community and from others who want to keep SFL alive and growing.
More good news about our endowment fund: In November 2006, Marsha and John Soucheray, along with help from local SFL family members, organized a fund raiser reception which was held at the historic Dove Hill House on Summit Avenue in St. Paul. Our success was twofold: we received generous contributions from our guests, and several of them showed a genuine interest in attending SFL as guides. In April, 2007, Ambassador and Mrs. Knut Vollebaek were our hosts at a beautiful reception held at the Royal Norwegian Embassy in Washington D.C. This gathering was highlighted by honoring Brit Peterson for her significant and ongoing support of Ski for Light. We will always be indebted to the Vollebaeks for their warm hospitality and their personal participation in our SFL program.
Finally, Laura Oftedahl has recently put the finishing touches on a brand new brochure that describes the SFL Endowment Fund, and which provides ideas and examples of how endowment gifts may be planned for the future. Complete details on all these opportunities may be found on our recently updated web site at www.sfl.org/ways.html. The complete endowment and gift planning brochure is available for downloading or viewing on the web site.
Yes, the SFL endowment fund is definitely on the move and is doing its part to make a good thing even better.
The Ski for Light Tracksetter Society honors and recognizes our special friends who have remembered Ski for Light in their estate plans. Anyone who has included Ski for Light, Inc. As a beneficiary in his or her Will or Living Trust becomes, if they so choose, a member of the Society. Ski for Light acknowledges membership and expresses gratitude with a commemorative certificate, a small gift of appreciation and an invitation to Tracksetter Society gatherings at the SFL annual event. If you have designated Ski for Light as a beneficiary in your estate plan and wish to be recognized and honored in this way, please let us know of your plans and wishes. And thank you in advance for your contribution to Ski for Light.
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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