Spring 2008
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.
Dear SFL friends,
As I write this note, my first as president of Ski for Light, I think back to my first Ski for Light in 1992 when I came as a newbie guide. I had been encouraged for four years to apply by Jeannie Mackenzie, whom I had met on a bike ride. I arrived in Granby, terrified. People don't always believe me when I tell them I'm a shy person, but I am. So, there I was with nearly 300 strangers and only one friendly face that I knew. And, I had never been around one blind person, let alone nearly 100. Well, it didn't take too long to figure out that most of the faces were friendly, and that I had fallen into good company. People went out of their way to be welcoming and to show a newcomer the ropes. From being blindfolded to learn a bit about hotel orientation, to the wonderful support of guide trainers, I soon felt part of the group, and I've never looked back. I think we can all relate to the lifelong friendships we've made. And I tell everyone I can about this great organization and that if they become involved, and if they let it, it will change their lives.
I want to welcome the new board members who were elected at the annual meeting in February in Bend, Oregon, site of the 33rd annual Ski for Light International event, and to thank those members who are going off the board for their hard work and dedication. You can find a complete list of outgoing and incoming Board members elsewhere in this Bulletin. Of course, I would hope that those who have left the board will continue their involvement in the various tasks that make our organization strong. I invite anyone who has attended SFL to contact me with thoughts and suggestions about how to keep making a good thing better.
As most of you know, one of the most important aspects of keeping SFL healthy and vibrant is raising money. You have heard before about our endowment fund, which will help ensure our future. But, there are always short term operational needs. The successes of our endowment fundraising efforts have, in a sense, stolen from our efforts to raise money for our day to day operational needs.
So, as you think of Ski for Light, and of all the fun and rewarding camaraderie and great skiing you experience at the International and the regional events, also think of what keeps us vibrant: Word of mouth recruiting of participants and guides, and bringing in the financial support that keeps us financially healthy. If you have suggestions on either front, please be sure to contact me. I look forward to seeing you all again in Provo, Utah in 2009.
The 2009 Ski for Light International week will be held in Utah, February 1-8. Attendees will stay at the Marriott Hotel in Provo, and will ski at Soldier Hollow, near Midway, Utah, home of the 2002 Salt Lake City Olympic Nordic events. Plan to fly to Salt Lake City, about a 45-minute ride from Provo.
Soldier Hollow has 31 kilometers of ski trails, practice tracks just outside the large ski lodge, and is in the Wasatch Mountain range. To check out the ski area, you can go to their website at www.soldierhollow.com.
More information on the upcoming event will be posted on the SFL website and in future Bulletins as the time gets closer. In the meantime, mark your calendars for what should be another great week of skiing.
Ski for Light 2008 was, for many people, one of the most challenging, inspiring and successful events to date. The event featured an amazing number of firsts: SFL's first event in the Pacific Northwest, a real first in terms of the hotel layout, and nearly sixty first-time attendees. Yes, there was plenty of snow, but there was also plenty of sunshine. So, when it was time for a break, skiers and guides could often be seen picnicking out in front of the lodge and soaking up the sun. When on the snow, many people found themselves more challenged by the hills, and for some, it was the chance to finally perfect that ever-illusive snow-plow; many skiers report their skill level improved in a way they'd not thought possible. Still others walked when the trail got too difficult; and many visually-impaired skiers had the chance to try out the sit-skis used by the MIPs. All this happened with a real spirit of fun, helpfulness and generosity. And special thanks go out to John Olnes for his work maintaining the course.
Back at the hotel, there were yet more challenges. As this hotel was divided into several buildings, many VIPs got to sharpen their mobility skills on walkways that were often icy. But everybody rolled with the punches, and there were plenty of guides and helpful volunteers for anyone who needed them. Hotel staff was friendly and helpful, and the food got a rave review.
All in all, this was a Ski for Light event that exemplified the true spirit of the organization - camaraderie, helpful and welcoming people, lots of challenge, flexibility, good humor and a kind of magic that is unique to each event. For many, this event gave new meaning to the familiar SFL motto: "If I can do this, I can do anything!"
From first-time skier, Raychelle Thomas
Attending SFL was an amazing experience. I met a whole new family, and everyone understood what it is like to have difficulty seeing or with mobility and was able to anticipate our needs. It is hard in everyday life to get people to understand and just treat you normal, but at SFL, I was normal and everyone sees you for who you are and not for your disability. I never thought I would want to ski, not after growing up in Michigan and moving to a warmer climate in North Carolina, but now nothing could keep me away. I plan to become a life time member and be at every event I can. I have even got my children excited about it and they want to go to Boone, NC, and go tubing. It has given me a new family and a new way to bond with my teenagers. Thank you Ski for Light for opening up new avenues to me and for allowing me to do the one thing I love the most: helping others while I was there.
From first-time Vip Dr. O
This was my first time at Ski for Light, and I had an awesome time. I was looking for something that could fill something missing in my life, and I found it while I was in Oregon.
this kind of sport does much more than just give a person some fun. it helps with focus, setting short, medium, and long term goals. because of Ski for Light I will be working at getting into better shape for next year along with getting my balance down a little better.
When I was out there skiing, I could taste life throughout my body and soul, and I thank all of you who help put this on. I know it was a lot of work for many of you, but the work was worth it in the joy and love of life it gives to all -- not just the VIPs and MIPs, but the guides as well, because I believe they can feel the joy, love, and strength of life this gives to the person they are helping.
I thank all of you from the bottom of my heart.
From first-time guide, Holly Schmaling
There are not many times in one's life that the term life-changing can be used, but I feel it is entirely appropriate. This amazing community of Ski For Light welcomed me with open arms. My own feelings of trepidation were met with an excitement about the week to come that was unanimous among the veterans - skiers and guides alike. The positive energy was contagious!
During the week I was humbled by the courage of the skiers, inspired by their can-do attitude and humor in the face of adversity, inspired as well by the generosity of spirit of the guides, and challenged to broaden my narrow experience of the world.
By far the most rewarding part of the experience for me was the partnership I formed with my skier. Through the guide training and my skier's guidance, I learned how to verbally interpret the trail for her so she was able to "see" what was coming and respond accordingly, and together we met new challenges, took a few falls, overcame fears, gained some confidence, and just had a wonderful time skiing together.
The camaraderie of the entire group was wonderful. I feel I began some true friendships over the week and look forward to continuing to do so in the future. To become a part of this community and be able to contribute has been a very rewarding experience, and I hope to return many times in the years to come.
We hope to see many of you at our 2009 Event, where the hotel will be all under one roof, with no river in sight!
By Maya Jonas
I was so excited to be at my third SFL event, which was held in Bend, Oregon this year. When you are a VIP there aren't many places you can go to experience almost total freedom and SFL is such a place for me. My guides and I collected our skiing equipment and sat down to put our boots on. I thought the boots were a bit uncomfortable, but having sprained my ankle only two weeks before, I didn't think much about it. Unfortunately, as I skied kilometer after kilometer, my ankle became very painful and I could not put my full weight on it. We came back to the lodge and took my ski boots off. When I touched the ankle, it was inflamed and painful. I should have known better then to ski after only two weeks of healing time, but I thought it was fine since when I walked in my regular shoes I felt no discomfort.
I was frustrated! I couldn't believe that after traveling all the way from Toronto, Canada and waiting for this event with baited breath for a whole year and now that I was finally there, my ankle refused to cooperate! I mentioned to a fellow skier that evening that perhaps I should just pack up and go home since I obviously couldn't ski for the foreseeable future and he said: "why don't you stay and join the MIP group?" I thought what a great idea! I promptly searched out Dianne Brunswick, who was the MIP coordinator and informed her of my ankle dilemma. She was simply wonderful. The next morning, Dianne organized new equipment and additional guides for me. Dianne and Ted Ellickson, who was the other MIP coordinator, taught me how to ski sitting down on a sit-ski. What an experience! Can you imagine having to turn while sitting down and not being able to move your lower body at all? I thought it was bad enough to be a VIP; I never realized how much worse off being a MIP was. At one point I tipped over and started to unstrap my legs from the sit-ski and get out. Dianne saw me doing this and said to me that MIPs cannot simply get out of their skis by unstrapping their legs and standing up, so I strapped myself back into the sit-ski and let the guides right me up; and let me tell you, it was a well orchestrated maneuver. There is an old saying "walk a mile in someone else's shoes," well I sure skied in someone else's skis. I've learned a lot about the MIPs and how much heart they have.
One morning we went off track and skied at Tumalo Falls. It was not a tracked course but a beautiful hilly terrain. Because I was a new MIP and an old VIP, I fell and fell and fell. I wore out so many sets of guides. Not one of them complained; they were all very encouraging and generous with their muscles trying to keep me upright on the very bumpy terrain. At the end of the morning, Tumalo Falls was very aptly renamed the Maya Falls. I would have never chosen voluntarily to be a MIP/VIP; however, having experienced it, I would not have missed it for the world. It taught me a lot about human tenacity and the SFL spirit. Thank you everyone for making my SFL week an experience I won't forget anytime soon. See you all next year in Utah!
The 2008 Ridderweek rolled out like many previous ones, with unbelievably good skiing conditions, the spirit of joy and fun on the trails, and sense of competition during the biathlon, 5 and 10 K women's and men's races, and the final 20 kilometer Ridderrenn on Saturday. Saturday's conditions were nearly perfect, with solid, well-groomed tracks, and sunny skies. The SFL group was 26 this year, the largest in recent memory, with 6 MIPs, 4 VIPs and plenty of guides to go around. Perhaps the biggest challenge for two of the guides was not receiving their luggage-at all. They were two of the thousands who traveled through London's Heathrow airport's newly opened Terminal 5 who waited days and weeks for news of their baggage.
The group brought home some gold, silver and bronze souvenirs from the various competitive events during the week.
Dianne Brunswick brought in a first place in the biathlon; Lynda Boose took a second, and Linda Mumford and Jeff Pagels placed third in their categories.
In Thursday's 5K for women and 10 K for men, Dianne came in first in her category; Linda Mumford and Lynda Boose took seconds.
And finally, in the Ridderrenn, Dianne took a first, and Linda Mumford a second, and Lynda Boose a first, again, in their respective categories.
The four Ski for Light team members were VIPs Linda Mumford and John Hollenbach, and Guides Doug Boose and Dale Severson. Here are some of their thoughts about the week:
John Hollenbach says, "It has often been apparent to me that if I had not gone blind, I would not have taken up cross-country skiing, but to think that now I have had the opportunity of a lifetime to be able to ski in Norway, the holy land of cross country skiing, almost seems like a dream. What I'm impressed with is the total commitment of all the people of Norway to pull this event together to enable blind people, as well as those with other disabilities, to do the sport of cross country skiing. I would encourage folks to make the trip."
Dale Severson, reflecting on the week, said, " This is the epitome of a cross country ski area and it is much appreciated by me to be chosen by SFL to be one of the delegates.
The atmosphere and people have been most accommodating and helpful to make this a very exciting week."
Doug Boose states that, "I am proud to represent SFL at the Ridderrenn. This is my third Ridderweek, and I am still impressed by the warm welcome the Americans receive in Norway. Everyone here is so friendly and helpful. We live far apart, but we share the love of skiing.
"John and I had to remind ourselves that this is real instead of a dream. It is so wonderful gliding through the beautiful mountain scenery."
Tusen Takk!
Ridderweek 2009 will be Week 13, March 22-29. Mark your calendars.
During the recent annual event in Bend, four long-time supporters of Ski for Light were honored for their financial generosity to the organization. Valerie Anders, Liv Markle, Jean Replinger and Kjell Skavnes were each presented the Brit Peterson award. The award goes to individuals whose cumulative lifetime giving to the organization is in excess of $25,000. It is named in honor of Brit Peterson, who was the first recipient of the award last year.
Valerie Anders became acquainted with SFL back in the seventies when Bud Keith first journeyed to Norway to visit the Ridderrenn. At the time, her husband, former astronaut Bill Anders, was the United States Ambassador to Norway. Valerie and Bill attended Ridderrennet with Bud, and they became fast friends. They attended SFL in 1981, and again in 1999. Valerie got the SFL Endowment Fund off the ground with a gift of $25,000, in Bud's honor, during the 1999 event. She has continued to support SFL with subsequent gifts to the fund.
Liv Markle attended her first SFL event in 1980. She had known about Ridderrennet while growing up in Norway, and had heard of SFL after immigrating to the U.S. After attending her first event, she was struck by how much the program affected the lives of those who attended, and decided to do all that she could to support it. Since that first event, she has hosted holiday SFL fund-raising parties in her home in Indiana nearly every year, while also continuing to guide at most events.
Jean Replinger Has attended every SFL event as either a guide or worker-bee since her first event in 1980. A college professor in Minnesota, Jean found that SFL combined many of the things she valued in life: teaching, helping others and fun in the out-of-doors. She decided to do what she could to make the benefits of the SFL experience available to others, and over the years has sponsored about 40 attendees. She has also supported the program annually with significant gifts to the general operating, Goodfellow and/or endowment funds.
Kjell Skavnes emigrated to the U.S. from Norway back in the early seventies. He first attended SFL in 1977, and has guided at most events since then. For more than a decade, he transported skis and equipment to and from each event, and handled ski fitting for participants. For many years he also donated his earnings from competitive sport car racing to Ski for Light, and flew the SFL flag on each of his cars.
Please join us in thanking each of these people for all that they have done for Ski for Light over the years. They truly have made a difference, and it is greatly appreciated.
The Ski For Light Event (because of its activities, mission and participants) has been a precious gift to me personally, as it embodies and models many things I value in life: - being outdoors in winter, specifically cross country skiing in the countryside - teaching others the skill so they can have that love and freedom as their own - sharing with a population that might not otherwise be able to know of this wondrous sport - spending a week with a wonderful group of people who appreciate sharing and playfulness.
Equally, it has been a precious "gift" that I could give my students and friends for whom cross country skiing plus generosity and sharing with others is a natural pleasure, as it is for me.
It is a gift that keeps on giving ... and multiplying. Over the years, SFL has accepted 49 people it has been my privilege to recommend and/or financially assist. I am thrilled for those I've recommended who have been able to and have chosen to return repeatedly. The 45 who were guides racked up 200 guide years, i.e. some returning as many as 16,18 and 19 years. This exemplifies SFL is a "gift that keeps on giving" and that there is a "multiplier effect."
I am especially proud and pleased that many have assumed leadership roles in SFL over their years in attendance. They gave their gift and served with their own distinction. Some of many examples ... ... many followed in my footsteps, serving on the Board of Directors, in being Event Coordinators. One helped me write and re-write the original Guide Training Manual. Several followed in my footsteps as Guide Training Coordinators, many served (& continue to serve) in the large cadre of Guide Trainers. As I was selected to attend Ridderennet in Norway in 1983, several have been selected in later years. As I was awarded the first Ridderrennets Venner's Vandrepremie (Presidential Award) in 1985, two of these people have now also received it. One helped design the fine SFL logo we use today. One designed and oversaw the development of the film on SFL history. One helped with filming and appeared in the SFL training film, etc. It's as Bjarne Eikevik, early SFL president used to say, join in, be safe and "make a good thing better."
- It's about giving a gift to a receiver, who becomes the owner of that gift in such a way they can "give it on".
So, I thank my lovely friend Brit Peterson for making such an award possible and, as I accept this precious award, it's really not about what I've given; it's about what I've received and been able to give others. - I wish to commend those to whom I've introduced the SFL gift because of what they have done with that gift. AND I wish to commend SFL for the gift it is to each of us.
Ski for Light is managed and governed by an elected Board of Directors, while the affairs of the organization are managed between meetings of the full Board by an Executive Committee of the Board.
During the recent Annual Meeting of the SFL Board 16 people were elected to the Board. Re-elected for additional terms as Directors were Cara Barnes, Suzanne Brown, Dianne Brunswick, Wendy David, Laura Oftedahl, Brenda Seeger and Larry Showalter. Also elected to the Board were new members Renee Abernathy, Julie York Coppens, David Fisk, John Hollenbach, Scott McCall, Linda Mumford, Kevin Rich, Crystal Skahan and Brook Yates. Elected as Director Emeritus was Raymond Bud Keith.
The Board also elected officers for the next two years. Elected were Marion Elmquist as President, Suzanne Brown as Vice-President, Judy Dixon as Secretary, Kevin Rich as Treasurer, and Scott McCall and Brenda Seeger as Directors-at-Large.
The Executive Committee is comprised of these six officers plus the Immediate Past President, Larry Showalter.
Our thanks for their many years of service go to departing Directors Ted Ellickson, Nancy McKinney, Kathy Strahan, Dave Thomas, Robin Van Lant and Deb Wiese.
All new board members and officers assumed their duties on March 2nd. Congratulations to all of those elected to the Board and/or officer positions. The new Board roster follows.
Ski for Light, Inc. Board of Directors 2008-2010
Marion Elmquist, President - Des Moines, IA Suzanne Brown, Vice-President - Smyrna, GA Judith Dixon, Secretary - Arlington, VA Kevin Rich, Treasurer - S Hamilton, MA Scott McCall, Director-at-Large - Atlanta, GA Brenda Seeger, Director-at-Large - Westbrook, MN Larry Showalter, Immediate Past President - Bellevue, WA Renee Abernathy - Dallas, NC Jennison Asuncion - Toronto, Canada Cara Barnes - Eureka, CA Dianne Brunswick - Glendale, AZ Julie York Coppens - Charlotte, NC Wendy David - Bellevue, WA Duane Farrar - Watertown, MA David Fisichella - Falmouth, MA David Fisk - Post Mills, VT John Hollenbach - Perkasie, PA Valerie Keever - Salem, OR Chris Leghorn - Beverly, MA Linda Mumford - Sun City Center, FL Laura Oftedahl - Berkeley, CA John Olnes - Anchorage, AK Crystal Skahan - Durham, NH Brook Yates - Breckenridge, CO
The Ski for Light program has been around for nearly 35 years, touching the lives of thousands of visually and mobility impaired participants, as well as our sighted guides, and a growing number of volunteers. We want to insure that SFL is here for many more years. And so, the SFL Board established an Endowment Fund in 1998 with a $1 million goal. We're at $350,000 and growing.
In addition to becoming a Life Member in SFL, another way to give to the Endowment Fund is by making a planned gift to Ski for Light, such as including a bequest to SFL in your will or living trust, or including SFL as a beneficiary of your life insurance policy. A number of us have done so, and were welcomed into the new Tracksetter Society at the 2008 event in Bend, OR.
The Ski for Light Tracksetter Society honors and recognizes special friends who have remembered Ski for Light in their estate plans. SFL acknowledges the membership and expresses gratitude with a commemorative, framed print of antique Nordic skis from the Ski Museum in Oslo. I'm proud to have received the first one of these unique pieces of art. Members are also invited to a special reception at each annual event, and if they so choose, will be listed in the SFL Annual Report. The first members welcomed to the Tracksetter Society in Bend are listed below.
We would like to hear from anyone who has made Ski for Light a beneficiary in his or her estate plans. Of course, we'd also like to hear from anyone who wants to make a cash gift to the Endowment. For more information, a brochure about the Tracksetter Society and endowment fund is on the SFL website: www.sfl.org, click on "Ways to donate", then "SFL Endowment and Gift Planning Brochure". The brochure is also available in print from the Ski for Light office.
Tracksetter Society
Anonymous (1) Larry Behne David & Janie Brown Suzanne & Joe Brown Wendy David Marion L. Elmquist Eileen Goff Bud Keith Mary & Ken Kozy Laura Oftedahl Larry Showalter Kathy & Jim Strahan
As part of its mission, Ski for Light encourages people to enhance their SFL experience by participating in other outdoor recreational activities. One way to do that is through one of the nine regional affiliates.
All of the regionals offer a wide variety of winter activities; a few offer some summer fun as well. For the most up-to-date information on their upcoming events, please see the regionals page of the SFL website at www.sfl.org.
As of this moment, only one regional is offering a summer program; we hope many of you can take advantage of it.
N. E. Pennsylvania Regional Sports for Health
July 20 - 27, 2008 Land of the Vikings, Sherman PA Hiking, tandem biking, swimming, canoeing and other activities. Cost: $505 per person, double occupancy. Singles & triples also available.
Contact for guides: Joan Chelsen Telephone: (718) 477-7477 Email: ladyvikin@aol.com Contacts for participants: Donna Goodman
Telephone: (410) 730-9430 or Sigi Kay, Telephone: (201) 327-5493
Email: lucellekay@gmail.com
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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