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News and Information about the People and Programs of Ski for Light, Inc.
Skiing. Sharing. LearningThe 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.
"I love being involved in helping to put together something that gives joy to so many."
"People all over the country and the world believe in what we are doing."
"SFL is about much more than skiing."
I'm a journalist by profession, so -- I like surveys, and when it comes to telling a story, I know the power of a direct quote. One of my first tasks as Ski for Light President was a comprehensive poll of our volunteer leaders-current and recent Board members, plus a few others who lately have held positions of responsibility in the organization- conducted by Amy Brannan and Krista Erickson, heads of our Board Development and Elections Committee. We asked people to tell us why they devote so much time and energy to Ski for Light, working year- round and not just at our events; what they most enjoy; what frustrations or concerns they have; the challenges they see on SFL's horizon, and their hopes for the organization's future. Here's more of what our colleagues had to say:
"I love seeing the development of ski skills, partnership, and teamwork on the trails as well as off the trails."
"With so many moving parts, it always amazes me how seamlessly we can come together and work well for a mutual purpose."
"The joy of seeing someone get involved in the workings of a non-profit and realizing that they are part of a wonderful mission."
SFL leaders also shared personal insights from these pandemic times- two years of cancelled events, disrupted lives, departed friends. What have we learned that we might carry forward as a community?
"How resilient and positive this group is."
"Patience, perseverance, and the need to be kind to one another."
"Not to be afraid of trying new things."
"To use more technology to connect throughout the year."
"Virtual activities are a good way to attract new people."
And at the same time: "In-person connection is important!"
Yes to all this. I want to thank Amy, Krista, and everyone else who took part in the leadership survey, for giving me so much to think about, as I begin this journey as Ski for Light President; for stepping up again to serve alongside me, and for telling our story so well. I also want to thank Bonnie O'Day and her amazing Virtual Event team, who quickly changed tracks and brought us together online when our planned 2022 event couldn't happen safely (more on that next in this issue). Meanwhile, Mike Evelo, Tim McCorcle, and their team are already hard at work on our 48th Ski for Light International Event, set for Jan. 29-Feb. 5, 2023, at Snow Mountain Ranch, in Granby, Colorado; plans are also shaping up for SFL 2024, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. Won't it be wonderful to be back together again, skiing, sharing, and learning? Until then, I invite you to add your voice to these important conversations about what we're doing here at SFL, how we're doing it, and why it matters now-maybe even more than it did before the world turned upside down. I really do want to hear from you!
I also want to address something else that came up on the leadership survey, from many respondents: a desire for more transparency and general communication, especially around important things like where we hold our events each year, how we prioritize income and expenses, and how we express our values as an organization. I'll be hosting a series of SFL Chats on Zoom in the coming months, an open space for anyone in our community to connect with me and other SFL leaders, to ask questions, to share ideas -- We'll start with an "SFL Job Fair" on Wednesday, May 4, at 8 p.m. EDT, which will be a chance to match your interests and skills with current volunteer needs and future leadership opportunities. Look for the Zoom link soon via email announcement, or drop me a line at President@sfl.org if you'd like to attend. Hope you're all getting out and enjoying these longer, warmer spring days-off-season training begins now.
The Ski for Light Board of Directors was extremely disappointed that we had to cancel our annual International Event, yet again in 2022. We sprang into action, quickly contacting Snow Mountain Ranch, sending out refunds to registrants, and cancelling other contracts related to the event. We took a deep breath-and decided we COULD still share and learn if we organized another virtual event!
The remote gathering took place from March 23 to 25 via Zoom. Our new president, Julie Coppens, provided a smashing opener at the Wednesday night welcome session with her heartfelt rendition of one of my favorite Supremes songs, "Someday, We'll Be Together," singing, "Someday, We'll Ski Together!" Nancy Stevens presented a brief overview of the Ridderrenn, the Norwegian cross-country ski event, where the idea of SFL was born. We learned about the upcoming fitness and special interest sessions and heard a preview of Friday night's fabulous auction items. Past president Tim McCorcle presented the Bjarne Eikevik President's Award to those who have hung in with SFL during these difficult times -- all of us! We held two fitness sessions during the event. Marie Pacini, back by popular demand, presented Yoga 2, a more advanced version of yoga as a follow-up to the one she led last year. On Friday, Debbie Impiazzi offered a full body warm up session, and we followed it up with Core Strength and Balance by Betsy Fisher.
Registrants could participate in four interactive special interest sessions, including one offered by Larry Povinelli and Susan Bueti-Hill on Space Camp, one by Amy White and Bonnie O'Day on long-distance bicycling, one by Marie and Chuck Huston on the Great American Loop Boating Trip, and a very engaging advocacy discussion hosted by Marian Wildgruber. Each session had more than 50 attendees and many of them asked questions and participated in a healthy discussion after the presentation.
We closed the formal part of the 2022 virtual event with a live auction, organized by Judy Dixon and Bonnie Hartman, and moderated by Ron Stubbings. Thanks to our corporate sponsors and generous donations from our SFL supporters, we had a wonderful time and raised almost $7,000 for the organization.
What would an SFL event be without informal gatherings to connect with old and new friends? After the auction, we hosted three Zoom rooms, and I understand that conversation and conviviality went on well into the night.
I would like to thank the virtual event organizing committee: Julie Coppens, Judy Dixon, Karen Wood, and Melinda Hollands, as well as our Zoom aficionados Jim Denham, Judy Dixon, Tim McCorcle, Sheri Richardson, and Rick Moran. We could not have pulled this off without all of you!
Although this year's online program was a success, I sincerely hope I will not need to chair a virtual event committee next year! I would much rather ski, share, and learn in person!
It was a Ridderweek like no other I had experienced in the 25 times I have attended. There was the usual, wonderful skiing, and the camaraderie with Norwegian friends old and new, as well as with attendees from a variety of other countries. There were some new events, such as an outdoor opening ceremony, complete with music and dancing and fireworks. There was salmon, oh wonderful salmon in so many varieties at breakfast, lunch and dinner at the hotel. And, of course there was lots of attention and respect for our 100 year old blind skier, Charlie Wirth. There were interviews by Norwegian press, and by a board member of the Lions Club who announced that an award will be presented to Charlie back home. At the conclusion of one of the awards ceremonies, there was a wonderful surprise birthday party including cake and coffee, and featuring a presentation of a sparkly gold top hat and a Ridderrenn jacket, complete with shooting confetti. The festivities had been made all the more memorable with the usual, ceremonial performance by the members of the kings guard drum and brass corps, who then joined the audience in a rousing rendition of "Happy Birthday" to Charlie.
The SFL group was smaller this time than in some past years. Skier/guide pairings were: Linda Lynch, guiding Geri Feigelson; Kevin Whitley, guided by a Norwegian guide; Patrick McManus, who guided a British VIP; Anthony Nelson, guided by a Norwegian guide; Charlie Wirth, our birthday boy, guided by a wonderful student from the sports university, Elena Erlandsdottir, and yours truly, guiding the group. Silver medals were won by Kevin in Wednesday's biathlon, by Anthony in Thursday's 10K race for men, and by Geri in the women's 5K race the same day.
Back in Oslo after the week of skiing, we went sightseeing with our long-time tour guide, Lisen Wikant, who has been to SFL and to Ridderweek. She took us to the ski museum at Holmenkollen, to the ski jump, and to Vigeland Park -- the sculpture park. Lisen describes so well the sculptures and Gustav Vigeland's motivations behind his statues of people in all stages of life.
Then came the interesting part. I had located a place for us to be COVID tested prior to returning to the States. The U.S. requires that persons seeking to enter the country receive a negative test within a day of travel. Charlie had the first departure, so we went to Dr. DropIn for his test on Monday, March 21; the rest went on Tuesday, March 22. Charlie tested positive; of the 5 remaining of us, 2 tested negative and were able to fly home on Wednesday, March 23. The rest of us, who'd also tested positive, had bonus days in Oslo to do more sightseeing and to enjoy the beautiful city. And, we celebrated Charlie's 101st birthday on March 23. Thankfully, all the group showed few symptoms. We were required to spend 10 days there before travel, and to have a document of recovery from COVID, signed by a doctor, in order for us to return to the States. So, another visit to Dr. DropIn. Charlie flew home on Thursday, March 31; Geri, Patrick and I left Oslo on Friday, April 1. Geri and Patrick made it home. At my connection in Munich for a flight to Chicago, United Airlines decided that I was shy one day of the post-positive test, so I spent a bonus night in Germany before flying a convoluted route to Des Moines. This is life in the COVID era.
Despite the challenges in travel, once again it was a fantastic week in Beitostolen. It's hard to explain the beauty of the area, the great skiing, the friendly and supportive attention from everyone during the week. Oh, and by the way, when Charlie and Elena crossed the finish line on Saturday, the race day, volunteers and Ridderrenn leadership were there with 3 large balloons: 1 0 1 to celebrate his accomplishments of skiing and of living an active and sporty life!
The American Foundation for the Blind has announced that the 2022 recipient of the AFB Migel Medal is Dr. Judith Dixon.
AFB is a national nonprofit that champions access and equality, and that stands at the forefront of new technologies and evidence-based advocacy. They address the most pressing needs of people with vision loss and their families, breaking down societal barriers, and promoting broad, systemic change. Like Helen Keller, AFB's most famous ambassador, they are committed to creating a more equitable world for people with disabilities.
The Migel Medal is the highest honor in the blindness field. Since 1937, it has been awarded annually to honor someone whose dedication, achievements, and life work have significantly improved the lives of people with vision loss on a national level. The roster of past recipients is an honor roll of professionals in the blindness field.
In her professional life, Judy has, for more than 40 years, worked for the Library of Congress, and, for most of those years, was the Consumer Relations Officer for the National Library Service for the Blind and Print Disabled. For many years, She has also been heavily involved with the Braille Authority of North America and with the International Council on English Braille, serving as president of both organizations for several years. She has also authored an impressive 15 books on various aspects of technology and accessibility for people who are blind. All of these have been published by the National Braille Press.
Judy's involvement with and contributions to Ski for Light are comparable in scope and duration to the above listed professional accomplishments. She has attended every single ski week since the third annual gathering in 1977. In the '70s and '80s, she was a competitive skier, and was a member of the 1980 U.S. Paralympic Team. She has been a member of the SFL Board of Directors for more than 40 years. Judy is currently SFL Secretary, and, during her time on the Board, has held every elective office at least once. She has also served as Chair for eleven annual events. Her contributions to SFL are extensive and numerous, and cover every aspect of the organization's structure and governance. More broadly, she has worked for many years to keep SFL connected to and well-positioned within the entire community of organizations of and for the blind.
Ski for Light congratulates Judy for being honored by AFB with the 2022 Migel Medal. We also thank her for her service and her many contributions to SFL over the years!
Ski for Light, Inc. is an all-volunteer organization managed by an elected Board of Directors. Between meetings of the full Board, the business of the organization is managed by an Executive Committee composed of the six board officers. Unless a vacancy is being filled, Board members serve four-year terms and officers serve two-year terms. During the recent 2022 Annual Meeting of the Board, elections were held for about half of the twenty-five Board seats, as well as for all six officer positions. We welcome new Board members Marie Huston, Karen Ishibashi, Amy White, and Kevin Whitley. For their past service, we thank outgoing Board members Renee Abernathy, John Elliott, and Lauren Heine. We also welcome new President Julie Coppens, Vice President Krista Erickson, Secretary Judith Dixon, and Treasurer Tim McCorcle. We give special thanks to outgoing Executive Committee members Brenda Seeger and Marion Elmquist: Brenda served for nearly 20 years in several, alternating capacities as Secretary, Treasurer, or Director-at-Large. Marion served for more than 20 years as President, Vice President, Secretary, or Immediate Past President.
Here is the full Board roster for 2022 to 2024.
Executive Committee
Julie Coppens, President - Cincinnati, OhioDirectors
Cara Barnes - Eureka, CaliforniaDirectors Emeritus
Leif Andol - Huron, South DakotaHonorary Director
Ron Stubbings - International President of Sons of Norway, Minneapolis, MinnesotaThe first Saturday, we had to cancel: High risk of avalanches, doubts about the ability to complete the entire season, and COVID's continuing to create havoc around the globe had all given us pause that week. After that, though, it was all systems go as the Ski for Light Puget Sound Regional managed to pull off a very successful 2022 season!
It was spring skiing for the most part this year -- sunny and warm. Every time I thought the snow would be all gone for the next trip, Mother Nature would generously serve up a bit to cover up the old and icy stuff! We started off quite rusty and out of practice, due to lack of skiing last year and to the shortened event the year before that. everyone seemed to forget some little things, such as standing in the tracks instead of stepping out when stopping, standing right at the bottom of a hill, not mentioning little branches sticking out or occasional, scant debris in the tracks, etc. but we got quite good at it again. The only problem was -- It was the end of the season! We had 2 new skiers and a guide joining the program this year, and they are already planning on returning next winter! We also had 3 people who found out about us quite late in the season and, instead of training them, we invited them to come ski, share, and learn.
Congratulations to Erling Berg! Not quite as advanced in years as Charlie Wirth, but he is our oldest (90+years) and longest serving member (since 1976), and I do mean serving. From guiding countless skiers over many years to building and maintaining our ski trails to working on fundraising, even to playing a large part in building the ski lodge that we've been using for lunch and breaks, he does it all with beautiful modesty. Our vice president, Doug Sundberg, received permission from the Forestry Department to rename one of the trails in Erling's honor, so we commissioned a new sign that's about 24 inches long by 10 inches high, on Spanish Cedar wood carved in black letters. It reads in three lines:
Erling Berg(Skog Vei is Norwegian for Forest Loop). Next to that is a Norwegian Flag, a blue cross over a white cross, off center on a red field.
This is, of course, a way to honor Erling, inadequate as it seems. He is a most valued friend.
I couldn't be more grateful for all this group's volunteers who jumped in whenever and wherever they were needed! On the second Saturday, there weren't enough participants to justify spending $1,350 for a rental bus, so our volunteers gladly used their personal vehicles to transport skiers. On our final Saturday, there were more skiers than guides, so I shouted out for help and WOW! They re-arranged their schedules to be available! Cheers to all these outstanding folks! Their commitment and unrelenting spirit is greatly appreciated!
Speaking of the last Saturday of the season, we were able to gather for our traditional potluck to celebrate. Besides knowing how to have fun on the slopes, this group sure knows how to put on a potluck -- all sorts of delicious foods and drinks, and what a feast!
I would like to thank all our participants for diligently and religiously following the COVID safety guidelines, including masking on the bus and in the ski lodge. I was grateful for not having to deal with the problems that the airlines have. To our knowledge, The Puget Sound Regional is the only adaptive X/C skiing program in the world that meets six Saturdays each winter, from January to March. We can be found at https://skiforlightpugetsound.azurewebsites.net or e-mail skiforlightpugetsound@gmail.com.
The Ski for Light community mourns the passing of the following three people:
Suzanne Brown, a participant at 25 Ski for Light events, passed away on December 21, 2021 at the age of 83. She last attended in 2012. Suzanne was a long-time member of the SFL Board of Directors, serving as Vice President and as the first chair of the Endowment Committee. Among her many accomplishments were the creation of the current SFL mission statement, and the organization of numerous endowment fund-raising house parties around the country, generating significant financial support for SFL. Suzanne was on the 1997 Ridderrenn team, and received the Bjarne Eikevik President's Award in 2007. Those who remember Suzanne recall her as a beautiful lady; she was always dressed to the nines, and she was as beautiful inside as she was outside. And she was truly a lady.
Daniel Beckman, a guide at 24 Ski for Light events, passed away on January 23, 2022, at the age of 73. He last attended in 2020, and was a member of the Ridderrenn team in 2019. Dan was a physician and worked quietly in the background at each SFL event in whatever way he could help. He was a husband, father, physician, mentor, educator, athlete, explorer, and ultimate adventure seeker. Dan touched so many lives in unbelievable ways. Those adventures took him across the globe, from guiding visually-impaired cross-country skiers at SFL and in Norway to sea kayaking and captaining sail boats in the Caribbean, all while creating lifelong friendships with people from all walks of life. In spite of these accomplishments, Dan was a modest, principle-based, selfless man who never sought any acknowledgement for his many successes.
Suzanne Pedersen, the widow of Ski for Light founder Olav Pedersen, passed away on December 13, 2021, at the age of 78. Suzanne attended many SFL events in the early years to help get the organization started. In her private life, she was a teacher and actress, and she enjoyed entertaining SFL participants at the events she attended. A resident of Breckenridge, Colorado for more than 40 years, she moved back to her Pennsylvania hometown after Olav's passing in 2004. Well known for her eccentricities as well as for her flamboyant and irrepressible personality, Suzanne was a lively and colorful figure worthy of comparison to some of the larger-than-life characters she played on stage.
Each of these people was instrumental in the growth and evolution of SFL, and will be sadly missed.
It was a rare, beautiful late-winter Sunday morning. The day before had seen rain, then sleet and finally snow in New York City, leaving a slushy mess. But upstate an hour or so, we'd heard that there was a decent cover -- an amazing thing, because although we'd planned this for a few, previous weekends, the timing and weather had just not cooperated. This was different.
Dan Shefelman, a longtime friend whose last Ski for Light was in 1999 in Anchorage, picked me up just after 9:00 am at my apartment building on 108th and Broadway in upper Manhattan. We put our skis in the back of his station wagon and Inga, my yellow lab dog guide, went in the back seat. We were off -- after a stop at the Harlem Biscuit Company, on Frederick Douglass Boulevard and 113th Street in a small storefront that transforms into a supercharged speakeasy called 67 Orange Street at night. We grabbed fluffy biscuits stuffed with egg, cheese and pork sausage and were on our way, heading over the George Washington Bridge and up the New Jersey Palisades on the west flank of the Hudson River.
As we drove, Dan occasionally reported on the snow -- and it didn't sound great. "Not much," he would say. "Maybe an inch." We kept going hoping things would change. They didn't. We decided to cross back over to the east side of the river, and things -- meaning snow -- began to look up. We passed a shimmering white golf course in Garrison, N.Y., which houses a major Buddhist institution. But we wanted to ski, not meditate. Or maybe skiing was how we planned to meditate. Dan thought that the golf course looked promising, but we chose to pursue something more intrepid. When we hit Beacon, a picturesque town in the foothills of the Catskill Mountains about 90 miles upstate, we found a promising trail head and parked. As we were getting ready to pull out our skis, a local passerby told us that the trail was quite rocky and that he didn't recommend it for skiing. He suggested we try Fahnestock State Park, a 15-minute drive away. We got there, pulled through an open gate and readied our skis. Inga bounded about happily. The moment we clicked into our skis, though, a voice called from a distant building, "You can't ski here," it intoned. "We're closed." "Yeah? But the gate's open," responded Dan, incredulous that on this lovely day in mid-March, with plenty of snow to ski on, a haven for cross-country skiing would choose to close. "Can't we just ski?" I shouted. "There's no one here." "We're leaving here in 20 minutes," the voice said, "and we'll be locking the gate. You won't be able to get your car out." There was nothing for it but to step back out of our skis and move on. We drove around a bit, looking for a third way, and finally decided that the golf course in Garrison was our best bet.
Along the way, Dan suddenly pulled over. "There are some kids with a bake sale on the side of the road to benefit Ukraine," he explained. And yes, a small gaggle of children somewhere between eight and 12 years old, stood behind tables heaped with delicious treats, including cookies iced with the blue and yellow of the Ukrainian flag. Did I say hot chocolate? We grabbed two cups of that and some appropriately crumbly lemony cornbread and were back on our way. We were more than three hours into our quest, but still game. At the golf course, our only companions were a flock of noisy geese, who did their best to scare Inga. She didn't seem impressed and loped around us as we hit the trail -- or skied between holes. The snow was soft and powdery, the sun was shining and the wind was calm. "Track right," said Dan. "Tips left ten degrees." The Ski for Light guiding techniques he'd learned at the tail end of the previous century were firmly lodged in his brain. We glided over gentle hills and fairways. Inga rolled over for a belly rub now and then. The geese were quiet. The whole place was quiet. Even the traffic on the highway nearby softened as we skied. The magic was back. At last it was time to put away our skis and drive back to the Big Apple, knowing it is unlikely that there will be another such trip this season.
Dan claims he's on for Granby next year. This was a special Sunday -- it's been 25 years since my very first SFL in 1997, at Cragun's Lodge in Brainerd, Minnesota. I was 42 then .You do the math. I felt the community and the love of Ski for Light from my first evening there, and it's been with me ever since. I never thought that cross-country skiing would be a key to my future, but I am so glad I was wrong. I wasn't able to go to Wyoming in 2020, and had expected to go to Granby this year. Just grabbing a couple of hours for the first time in three years doesn't sound like much, but it proved to be magical. Ski for Light is always there for me, and, I believe, for anyone who has discovered this entrancing and enchanted world. And oh yeah -- did I mention that I managed to somehow leave a ski boot back in the snow at the Garrison Country Club & Golf Course? Don't ask me how -- I'm just talented like that! Anyway, I know it's there, holding a promise of adventures to come.
Ski for Light, Inc. is loosely affiliated with eight regional organizations around the United States that share our name, but are independent organizations. They are located in New England, Northeast Pennsylvania, Michigan, South Dakota, Colorado, Montana, Northern California and Washington. Each group holds one or more local winter events that include teaching and guiding visually- and mobility-impaired adults in cross-country skiing. Some of the groups also offer other outdoor winter activities. Several of the organizations have summer programs as well, usually including hiking and similar outdoor activities. Most of the regionals have been at least partially inactive during the COVID pandemic, but all of them are now starting to emerge with new programs. Check out the offerings of each organization by following the links to each of their websites found on the regionals page of the SFL website at www.sfl.org/events/regionals.
Our thanks go to the following companies that have provided products or services to help support Ski for Light. Many of these companies have stood behind us for years - and we're grateful. Be sure to think of our friends when you're gearing up for your next adventure.
Beyond Coastal/Chums Sun Care * Borton Overseas Travel * Crazy Creek * Darn Tough Socks * Haiku * Kuhl * Lodge Cast Iron * MODL Outdoors * MountainSmith * Nite Ize * Ruffwear * Spyderco * Wallaroo Hat Company
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Andrea GoddardThe deadline for the Summer 2022 Bulletin is July 1, 2022. We look forward to hearing from you.
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