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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.
Could you sum up the Ski for Light experience in just six words? This was my challenge to attendees of the 48th Annual SFL International Event, held Jan. 29-Feb. 5 in Granby, Colorado. And, no surprise, they crushed it.
From silly ("Hills, thrills, take spills, learn skills" - Barry Tulkki) to sentimental ("My annual seven-day family reunion" - David Fisichella) to spiritual ("Gliding on snow sets me free" - Jennifer Lowry), the skiers, guides and other volunteers who gathered at Snow Mountain Ranch, after two years of pandemic separation, shared six-word stories that pretty much said it all.
More gems:
"Shining sun, sparkling snow, ecstatic skiers!" - Jill Reider
"Epic faceplant. Laugh. Learn. Keep going." - Audrey Farnum
"First-time skier, forever SFL friends." - Naomi Panarella
"Challenge. Courage. Communication. Community. Commitment. Courtesy." - Ken Reider
"Forest fairies gilding through the woods." - John Driscoll
"Addicting, passion, community, happiness, learning, excitement." - Brian Armbruster
"Falling snow, friendly faces, family feeling." - Lars Johanson
"I came. I fell. In love." - Bob Norbie
"Memorable. Challenging. Exhilarating. Exhausting. Empowering. Appreciative." - Melissa Reyna
"SFL: Patience, kindness, acceptance, normalizing triumphs." - Carol Lubecki
"Finding the mountain ski by ski." - Erik Norbie
"Expanding our visions, cherishing our connections." - Ron Stubbings
"One week when blindness doesn't interfere." - Deni Elliott
"People/Friends that recharge my soul." - Kristen Johnson
"Teaches me to love myself again." - Terese Garcia
"Accepting, inspiring community with jovial greetings." - Kathy Kelly
"Winter outdoors, exercise, skiing, relationships, inspiration." - Rod Maccoux
And finally this, from Pete Dempsey: "Best blind date I've ever had!"
It would take many more than six words to properly thank our 2023 International Event chair Mike Evelo, vice chair Tim McCorcle, and the tireless volunteers who made it all happen, with incredible support from our Snow Mountain Ranch hosts (plus some help from the weather gods). We welcomed dozens of new friends to Ski for Light, including Lillian Goodman, visually impaired skier from Portland, Oregon, and recipient of the 2023 Jan Haug Award for an enthusiastic first-timer. Among the stalwarts, I was honored to recognize Tim McCorcle with the 2023 Bjarne Eikevik President's Award. Tim's contributions to Ski for Light over the years could fill several Bulletins, but I'll be brief here and say that I truly could not do this job without him.
In other happy news, our 2023 SFL Ridderrenn Team (which was supposed to be our 2020 SFL Ridderrenn Team... long story) finally made it to Norway, did us proud on the Beitostølen trails, and are now safely home. Congratulations to team members Nancy Stevens, Michael McCullough, Carl Lantz, Kent Moore, Charlie Wirth, Astrid Mullen, and their companions; and tusen takk to Marion Elmquist for again leading the group and making everyone's trip so memorable.
Meanwhile, I had the pleasure of joining some other SFL'ers in Hayward, Wisconsin, for my first experience of "The Birkie," the American Birkebeiner Ski Foundation's storied cross-country ski marathon. This year, thanks to the generosity of "ParaBirkie First Wave" donors Mike Evelo, Leslie Maclin, and Stan Smith, Ski for Light became the presenting sponsor of the ParaBirkie, an adaptive skiing pre-event that traces the final four kilometers of the Birkie course. We also participated in the goofy "Giant Ski" (our team... didn't win), chatted up dozens of potential SFL recruits at our Birkie Expo booth, handed out water and energy drinks at the famous "OO" aid station, and cheered on our racing friends. The unforgettable weekend ended, for Krista Erickson and myself, with a stop in Rhinelander, Wisconsin, to check out the beautiful snowy woods we'll be exploring during SFL 2024, set for Jan. 28-Feb. 4. Local ambassador Mike Evelo took us skiing and sledding, while keeping us safe from the terrifying Hodag (Rhinelander's ubiquitous mascot), and guiding us to the tastiest cheese curds.
Please enjoy all the winter adventures, or misadventures, captured in this issue of the SFL Bulletin! I hope our stories lift your spirits, as your support elevates us.
Last word (well, six words) goes to longtime guide Joanie Holcomb:
"Coming together, learning and laughter, joy."
As I write this, I am looking out at an 18 inch snowpack with a bright sun eagerly trying to melt it, but more snow is in the forecast. We definitely have an extended ski season in the Northwoods of Wisconsin this year. Looking out at the snow brings back magical memories of Ski for Light International Week 2023, and many of you have expressed how delighted you were to be back together. To me, the magic was how the three years without an event seemed to melt away as the Ski for Light family came together again! Mother Nature provided the main ingredient for a great week— SNOW! The snow and the weather were fantastic for getting out to enjoy gliding on the trails. Thanks to the great grooming by the staff at Snow Mountain Ranch, the tracks were awesome. Other than some of the area moose trying to take over the trails, everyone was enjoying a great week Skiing, Sharing and Learning.
After having a blast on the trails, many of you took in the great line up of Special Interest Sessions: The amount of talent out there in the Ski for Light family is absolutely fascinating, matched only by the degree of passion that came through as those talents and stories were shared. From the accomplishments on far away trails, to trips taken and the interesting hobbies many are involved in. After the afternoon activities, gathering for a sing-along, reuniting at the Skiing Moose Bar, and shopping for souvenirs, Norwegian chocolate, or other essentials at the Sales Room were high on the list of things to do.
Following a tasty dinner, the variety of evening entertainment was always a highlight: It Included dancing the night away, figuring out who did it, laughing and singing along with the Cowboy Poets and listening to the inspirational music of Nordic Daughter. The Silent Auction was a huge success as bidding wars for the donated items raised a lot of funds for Ski for Light! Thank you to everyone who donated many great items, making this another successful auction!
A big thank you to everyone on the planning committee and to all of you who volunteered your time in the months before and during ski Week. Your dedication made this event go as smoothly as could be expected.
Also, I can't say thank you enough to all the staff at Snow Mountain Ranch. You continually went out of your way to make our event a huge success! Yes, there were hurdles to work through leading up to the event, but you were always willing to work with us to make for a great week. The grooming of the trails was fantastic, the food was tasty, shuttle drivers were awesome, and your response to the many requests that came up was prompt and showed you really wanted to make us feel welcome during our stay with you.
From first-time MIP Scooter Hayes: "I had no idea what to expect when I signed up for my first Ski for Light event. Boy was I pleasantly surprised! All of the staff and volunteers were wonderful to work with. I met so many genuinely warm and caring people that made the week something I will never forget. Getting to ski during the snowstorm was like being in a snow globe. The beautiful evergreen trees covered with fluffy white snow were gorgeous. Something I don't see in Florida. My guide Ted was excellent showing me the ropes and giving me tons of tips and pointers on how to sit ski. I had so many laughs and wonderful times. The last dance was a blast! I can't wait to come back."
Guide Kathy Kelly fondly remembers: "My ski partner finishing his race strong, smiling and crossing the finish line nearly an hour faster than earlier in the week. And my attending the auction— always a display of SFL's generosity and creativity— and winning the bid on the flying pig hat! Yes, winning and carefully carting that little pig hat home, the flying pig hat, was exciting! Why? Because of the joy in finding the perfect gift for someone. John and I dance at the Flying Pig Studio; what could be a more appropriate gift? Erika, owner and instructor loved it, overcome by laughter as she donned it. A bit of SFL now decorates her Minneapolis studio."
From Yours Truly: I'd come down with a cold near the end of ski week, and didn't think it wise to hit the trails on the final, two days. Feeling a little down, I was laying low that Friday night. I remember opening the door of my room and standing out in the hall to listen wistfully to the jam going on in the Indian Peaks lobby. As Karen Burke's keyboards bolstered a chorus of voices harmonizing on beloved old songs, accompanied by makeshift percussion and Sarah's gorgeous fiddle, my rather heavy heart began to lighten and my spirit gentled for a moment. Even though I wasn't out there making music with them, I could still hear and take comfort from it. The sound reached out across the space, drew me in, and held me close. Hoping no one was passing just then and with a small lump in my throat, I whispered, "Thank you," and went back into my room.
Should I go or not go to Ski for Light? I wondered as the week drew nearer and nearer. It wasn't because I thought I wouldn't have a good time or that I was nervous. It was more that I had just started a brand- new job after graduating from college in June, and I knew that, if I took the week off work to go to SFL, I wouldn't be able to take off two weeks in July to be staff for an organization that I love; however, in the end, I thought, "what the heck." I had received a generous amount of financial assistance, I hadn't gotten to go to ski week last year because of COVID, and I was ready for a brand new adventure. Plus, my good friend, Nancy Stevens, has attended for many years, and I have heard how fun and inclusive the event is. I figured I was ready to take the chance.
Right from the beginning, I felt very welcomed and at home. There were so many very nice and helpful people from the Sons of Norway to accompany us to the shuttle waiting area and to assist us in getting to the restroom. It was the same once we got to Snow Mountain Ranch. Everybody was so helpful with getting my luggage and me to my room.
Nancy had texted that she had someone to introduce me to: That someone turned out to be my roommate, which was really funny. That was great because she was another skier around my same age, and we ended up really hitting it off. We are definitely good friends now.
Another funny thing that happened that night was that I met and got to know my guide, Susan, before dinner: We actually ended up sitting at the same table for the meal that night, which I thought was such a funny coincidence when they announced that we'd been paired as a team for the upcoming week on the snow.
The skiing was great! We had awesome weather and snow conditions. Plus we could ski from where we were staying, which was a great treat for me, as I don't get the chance to do that often. Susan and I hit the ground running. After getting my skis from the Nordic Center, we went to the skills sessions to brush up on some technique, as it was only my fourth time on skis. Once we got some good tips from Betsy, we hit and completed the 5 K trail. It wasn't long before we were doing the 10 K. I felt like I had a good grasp of the diagonal stride, but I was having some trouble doing the hills. I had an impromptu session with Nancy and after that, we were off to practice hills. What I really appreciated about Susan was that she was up for anything I wanted to do or practice. We had a lot of laughs and great in-depth conversations. Thank you so much, Susan, for being my guide!
In addition to the skiing, the off snow activities were also great. Nancy was doing a presentation, so I thought it would be good for me to go and support her. I knew some about her Switzerland bike ride from conversations we had had over the phone, but it was really cool to hear a really in depth presentation about it. I also enjoyed the singing circles. Nancy was leading the one on the second night, and I didn't want to miss that. I have heard her sing and play before and she is amazing. I am not a singer, myself, as I don't know a lot of the words to songs, but it was fun to just go and listen and sing when I could. On Thursday evening, I came out into the lobby and heard music playing. I decided that I would go and sit and listen for a while. Before long, it turned into a real jam session. I loved listening to Sarah Tyriver playing the fiddle. It was really cool, too, because we turned cups with beads inside them into percussion instruments. It was a lot of fun and I am glad that I went and stayed. I almost wanted to not go to dinner— but food was important, too!
At the end of the week, I came away with a couple of wins I had not expected going into the event. First, Susan and I took the prize in the Poker Run, which I thought was a fun and different event. It was a treat to win a nice CD and pair of socks. Second, I received the Jan Haug Award for just being my authentic self— and really enthusiastic about cross-country skiing. I want to thank Ski for Light from the bottom of my heart for this award— and for a brand new pair of skis. I am truly humbled and proud to have won this honor, and I also thank all of those who had a part in nominating me for the award. I will get good use out of the new skis, poles, and boots for sure.
I had such an uplifting experience, and I will definitely be back next year! Until then, I wish all my new friends a good year ahead!
I was really hoping for a better story to tell, but reality has forced my hand. First the good news. We had a very fun and successful SFL event this winter in Granby. The bad news is that our experience could be called a super-spreader event. All of us were fully vaccinated, and some of us were very good about wearing a mask while indoors as we tried to control the virus. During the week, I became aware of six individuals who developed symptoms and tested positive for the COVID virus. We isolated those six positive cases as soon as we discovered them, and minimized the exposures of those who had been in contact with those folks. We tested many more participants who were negative for the COVID virus, and there were several other respiratory viruses in circulation at that time. At the end of the week, I was feeling pretty good because six cases at an event with close to 250 people seemed like a good outcome.
That is until we started heading home and I got phone calls and emails reporting folks getting sick and testing positive in the few days after our event, including Lauren and me. By my count, we had about 50 people associated with SFL 2023 who came down with COVID, either while we were at Snow Mountain Ranch or in the week after returning home.
The dominant variant at the time was a new strain of the omicron version of the virus, and the data showed that the vaccines, even the newest bivalent vaccine, was only 50% to 60% effective against that strain for preventing an infection. The data also show that the vaccine was more than 90% effective at preventing severe disease and hospitalization. The good news is that, while some may debate how mild the symptoms were, as far as I know, no one needed significant medical care and everyone has recovered. This strain seemed to be more contagious, but less deadly than those that had come before.
What can we do in the future to prevent such an outbreak? That is a million-dollar question, as some of the people who were always wearing masks during our time in Granby still came down with the illness. Masks help, but are not a perfect protection. Requiring everyone to be vaccinated, I am sure, kept our numbers smaller than they would have been without that rule. Some folks have advocated testing everyone, but the public health data does not support that approach, as someone could be carrying the virus and test negative one day, be spreading the virus the next, and be symptomatic the following day. Testing everyone, every day, is impractical. None of the people I know about came to our event with symptoms, but there may have been someone who came having had a recent close exposure to someone positive. That is a high- risk situation and we need to remind people to not come if sick or having had a recent close exposure.
COVID is not going away, and I don't know what variant and infection pattern will be with us next winter. There may be clues as to ways to control and reduce exposure to the specifics of next year's version, but at the moment, they remain hidden. The planning committee and I will be in contact as the year progresses to see if there is something specific we can do to reduce the number of folks that get sick at SFL.
I do want to say in closing that the mental health benefits of coming together and skiing are very important, and need to be weighed against the risk of the other illnesses we might contract.
Join Marian Wildgruber, Michelle Curtis, and Bruce Creager twice a week for 45 minutes of Zoom Fitness! We're continuing the audio recorded strength-building classes by professional trainers on Thursdays and Sundays at 6 pm Eastern, 3 pm Pacific time. Please email Marian at Mwildgruber@comcast.net or Michelle at Octapus72@gmail.com, if you'd like to try it out, for the Zoom link. You can come and go as you're able, it's a great way to stay connected and stay in shape!
Fourteen skiers and guides traveled to Norway in March to participate in that wonderful ski week in Beitostølen, Ridderweek, which culminates in the actual Ridderrenn, a 20 kilometer race. The team of four that was selected to attend the 2020 event was finally able to make it after the week was cancelled in 2020 and 2021 because of the Covid pandemic. The team decided on caution and opted not to go in 2022, so they were excited to finally ski in Norway. Charlie and Astrid were added to the team, so it was six. The six team members were VIPs Nancy Stevens, Michael McCulloch, and Charlie Wirth; guides were Kent Moore, Carl Lantz, and Astrid Mullen. The rest of the group were VIPs Marian Wildgruber, Kevin Whitley, and Sheri Richardson, and guides Anne Dal Vera, Ingrid Stammer, Patrick McManus, Peggy Malloy, and yours truly.
We were greeted by snow in Oslo, somewhat unusual for the time of year, but the reports of plentiful powder in Beitostolen were true. The tracks were deep and firm, which made for wonderful skiing. Most days were sunny until race day, which was snowy and windy, but the racers were undaunted and reported a good race. Nancy won gold in Wednesday's biathlon and the Ridderrenn. Sheri reported that her "Ridderrenn experience and overall trip to Norway were fantastic! As I heard, the hotel accommodations and food were excellent, especially if you like salmon and other fish as much as I do." Michael said that the trip "exceeded all my expectations. The skiing was beyond excellent on most days. Even more memorable for me were all the social gatherings and meeting many skiers from the 11 different countries." Ingrid thought, "Being in Norway with the SFL group was a unique opportunity to meet inspirational people. Through their joy of cross-country skiing, they taught life lessons in kindness, endurance and service." Charlie celebrated his 102nd birthday by skiing 5 kilometers, and was serenaded by the audience and King's Guard singing Happy Birthday to him during the afternoon awards ceremony on Thursday. Charlie and his guide from last year and part of this year, Elena Erlendsdottir, were featured Monday after Ridderweek on television in Norway's version of "Good Morning America."
Before we went to Beitostølen, several folks were able to do some sightseeing in Oslo on Friday and Saturday, visiting the WW II Resistance Museum among other things. Back in Oslo the Monday after the event, we toured the Vigeland Sculpture Park with our long-time guide, Lisen Wikant, enjoying her descriptions and interpretations of the sculptures. We also visited the Fram and the Kon Tiki. Unfortunately, the ski museum is closed for renovations.
All in all, it was a wonderful week of skiing and socializing in a beautiful part of the world.
Mark your calendar for the 49th annual Ski for Light International Week, which will be held from the evening of January 28 to the morning of February 4, 2024, in Rhinelander, Wisconsin. We will be skiing on the Northwoods Nordic Trails through tamarack bogs and pristine forests of hemlock, only a short ride from where we will be staying at the Quality Inn and AmericInn hotels.
This friendly town has lots of stories to share, so let's start with the one you must know in preparation for next year's SFL event— the legendary Hodag! Deep in the woods near Rhinelander, Wisconsin, lurks a mysterious, ferocious, and mischievous beast called the Hodag. The Hodag is a bright green, hairy animal that measures seven feet tall and 300 pounds, with white horns, menacing tusks, bright yellow eyes, vise- like jaws, sharp claws, and a trail of white spikes down to the tip of the tail. Rumors of Hodag pranks, sightings, and other close encounters circulate daily. You can view rare footage of this reclusive creature skiing at Rhinelander Welcomes SFL (At the link there is a video of a bright green Hodag cross-country skiing through the forests and hills of Rhinelander. The message at the end of the video says, "49th International Ski for Light, Ski-ya in 2024 Rhinelander, Wisconsin, Home of the Hodag.")
More details about the 2024 International Week will be published in the summer and fall editions of the SFL Bulletin, with applications for the event available online in mid-to-late July. General information about the International is available at www.sfl.org If you are interested in joining the planning committee, please reach out to our Event Chair, Marie Huston at mtn9000girl@aol.com
Come ski with Ski for Light (and the Hodag) in Rhinelander, Wisconsin!
December 1992:
"Oh my God! This is so cool!" I holler to my adorable Billy boy.
"What?" he hollers back.
"This is awesome!" I cry with joy. The feeling of total freedom flows through me! I'm astonished at how unhindered I can move through the tracks of snow my lovable husband is creating just for me!
"You like it, eh?" I hear him say above the jingle of bells he attached to his poles earlier this day.
"I do, I do!" I insist, feeling the ground sliding beneath the telemark skis strapped to my feet.
Splat.
"Ouch!" I yell, laughing at the face full of snow now covering my head.
"Whoops! Sorry!" Bill calls. "You okay?"
I brush off the flecks of evergreen speckling my cheeks. Still laughing I say, "That's one way to get me to wash my face."
Chuckling, Bill stops and apologizes. "I forget those branches snap back when I push through them. I'll be more careful. They can really sting!"
"I'll vouch for that!" I agree, pulling some tissues from my pocket to wipe the excess snow off my chin.
"Ready to keep going?"
"Yeppers!"
"Okay, now there's that big hill we have to get up. The best way is to turn sideways and sidestep up."
"Okay," I say, a bit hesitant as I have no experience climbing the big Groscap hill on skis. It's hard enough with no snow.
With great effort, we eventually make it up the hill. I continue following Bill across the top of the bluffs of the Canadian Shield that runs along the North Shore of Lake Superior.
"Hey, can we stop a minute?" I call.
"You tired already?" Bill teases.
"I'm just really hot." I explain. "I gotta unzip my jacket and take this hat off."
"Be careful!" he warns. "Even though ya work up a sweat, doesn't mean the air ain't still close to zero. Let's just rest a bit and listen to the sounds of nature while you cool down."
I hear Bill's bells approach. The glide of his skis is barely audible as they are cushioned by nature's fluffy comforter. I can feel his presence as he stands a ski length away. Together we listen. The frozen lake and blanket of snow that ices this wilderness for miles create a deafening silence that is louder than the unforgiving waves that pound the shoreline in summer. For a moment, I'm certain we are the only living beings on the Earth. I search my mind for words to describe this awesome void of nothing, yet filled with everything.
"Ain't it amazing?" Bill whispers.
"Beautiful!" I agree in a voice matching his. I feel our hearts touch and fill with joy. I am now certain I know freedom.
January 2023:
"This is amazing!" I hear the voice of the young man from Texas.
"Pretty cool, huh?" Roger, the ski guide says.
"I've never felt snow before," the first voice says.
"Well, take off your skis and I'll let you really feel it." Roger offers.
I'm smiling as I witness a multitude of first-time cross-country skiers experience the joy of moving freely through the snow. All of us are either visually impaired or totally blind. About 20% of the 120 Ski for Light participants are first timers, many from areas that never get snow.
"Oh my god!" the Texas skier yells. "I didn't know snow could go up to ya'll's waist!"
Roger and I are laughing. I'm gathering Roger guided the Texan into the off-track banks.
For 8 days, I emerge myself in the comfort of a world that is totally set up for blind cross-country skiers. Snow Mountain Ranch is huge, with multiple lodges, mess hall, pool, tubing hills, and miles of groomed ski trails. Shuttle busses loop through the grounds at frequent intervals. For those who prefer walking, all paths are equipped with audible directional signals.
There is a sighted guide for each visually impaired person, or VIP, for short. They have all been instructed in how to guide both on and off skis. The Snow Mountain Ranch staff have also been educated in how to assist VIPs, so there is no condescending or do-gooder energy in this arena of full acceptance.
"So, where you from?" I ask the person I hear sitting down across from me. Some of us are taking a break from skiing to eat lunch.
"I'm from Denmark."
"Awesome! I visited Copenhagen a long time ago."
"Ya, I live near there," my new friend tells me.
He is one of several skiers from other countries. Along with Denmark, skiers hale from Canada, The U. K., and Norway. Thirty-nine states are represented and include Florida, Kansas, New Mexico, the Carolina's, Virginia, and of course, Texas-- places where snow rarely, if ever, touches the ground.
"You wanna try the 5 K yet , Geri?" Gary, my sighted guide asks. Gary is from my home state of Michigan. As my assigned guide, we've spent a lot of time together this week. At 75, he's 4 years older than I am and is fit as ever.
"Oh, I wish I could, but the 2.5 K is about the best I can do for now."
"That's fine. You just look so comfortable on skis and you're beating your time from yesterday." Gary tells me.
"Actually, I'm feeling so happy I can do this much. It's a little disconcerting when I think of the crazy all-day skiing I did years ago, but until I get that surgery on my back, my leg starts to go numb at about 2 K. and I don't want to push it too hard." I explain.
"I get it." Gary assures me. "You're doing good for skiing with a numb leg."
"What a drag it is getting' old." I sing, mocking my declining body.
"Hey, Charlie!" Gary calls as we slide out of the tracks and onto the area in front of the ski lodge where we store our skis during the week.
"It's Gary." My guide tells Charlie.
"Oh, Gary, Hi."
"Hi Charlie," I say, "I'm Geri, Gary's charge."
"Oh, hi Geri."
"How's the skiing?" Gary asks Charlie.
"Oh, it's okay, but I wish I could do the 10 K. All I seem to be able to do is the 1.5 K."
"I hear ya." I say to Charlie. "I was just telling Gary how I use to be able to ski all day and now I'm only able to do the 2.5 K."
"I know." Charlie says a sadness in his voice.
"Charlie!" Gary says a hint of scolding in his voice. "If I can stand up when I'm your age, let alone ski, I'll be darn lucky!"
"I guess so," Charlie says.
"So how old are you now Charlie?" Gary asks.
"I'll be 102 in March."
"Holy ta-moley!" I exclaim. "You're almost 102 and you're skiing? That's amazing."
"Ya, I guess so." Charlie says, sounding very unimpressed.
It's the last evening of the 8-day event. The awards banquet has begun. The winners of the 10 K race are announced. The fastest skier completed the run in 48 minutes. Other awards are given for various achievements, with Charlie receiving the most committed skier award. Everyone cheers long and hard for this amazing man who radiates love for skiing, for fellowship, and for commitment to life: He humbly receives his award, thanking Ski for Light for creating such an amazing event.
As I sit amongst my blind and sighted companions, I feel tears rolling down my face. My heart is swelling with joy for the camaraderie we share. just as I'd known 31 years ago on the top of the Groscap Bluffs, I know I am always home as long as I feel love, joy, and freedom within my heart. Old sayings are often true. Home is definitely where the heart is!
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 winter events that include teaching and guiding visually- and mobility-impaired adults in cross-country skiing. Many of them also offer summer programs, ranging from single-day hikes to week-long adventures. To check out the offerings of each organization for this year visit their respective websites, all linked from the Regionals page on the SFL website 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.
Black Diamond * Beyond Coastal/Chums Sun Care * Borton Overseas Travel * Darn Tough Socks * Haiku Bags * Kuhl Clothing * Lodge Cast Iron * Ruffwear * Spyderco * Wallaroo Hat Company
The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. It is available in ink-print or via e-mail. If you wish to change formats, please send your request to: info@sfl.org
The current as well as past issues of the Bulletin are also available online at www.sfl.org/bulletin. In addition to an online edition that may be read in your browser, you will find a downloadable pdf version of the current issue.
For future Bulletins, remember that your contributions and feedback are always most welcome. You may submit articles as e-mail or as a word or text attachment. Send all items to:
Andrea GoddardThe deadline for the Summer 2023 Bulletin is June 15, 2023. We look forward to hearing from you.
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