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,
It's always hard to write this note, talking up next winter's International Ski Week, in the sweltering Iowa heat and humidity, but, then again, maybe thinking snow will make me feel cooler!
As you know, we'll be returning to one of the best areas ever for cross country skiing, Snow Mountain Ranch Nordic Center, between Winter Park and Granby, Colorado. Those of you who have skied at Snow Mountain Ranch already know how great the trails are; and they should be even better this time around, because SMR has invested in a new grooming machine/track setter. One thing that will be different at this next Event is that we'll be staying at SMR, also, and we'll virtually be able to ski in and ski out of the buildings where we will be staying. You'll learn more about the event elsewhere in this issue from Event Chair, Theresa Montano, who is busily planning with her committee for the week's activities.
Most of you know of the death, after a long struggle, of long-time guide and guide trainer, Bruce Scharfenberg. A memorial service was held for him in early July in Detroit, and friends and family gathered to share their memories of Bruce. Bruce will be missed.
Soon I will be joining Corporate Sponsor Chair, Crystal Skahan, and Renee Abernathy and her dog Bianca at the Outdoor Retailer Show in Salt Lake City. For some years, an SFL team has worked the show to gather product donations from various sporting goods manufacturers. Those items are then placed in the SFL Sales Room, or go into the ever-popular Silent or Live Auction. Not only are the auctions a ton of fun, they typically raise several thousand dollars for the benefit of Ski for Light. Some of the generous donations have come from such companies as Birkenstock, Dansko, Life is Good, Marmot, Leki, Mountain Hardware, and very significantly, and in many ways, JanSport.
So, when you're shopping for outdoor gear, remember our corporate donors. And, of course, come to SFL ready to outbid your friends in both the silent and live auctions.
Okay, I've been thinking cool and snowy thoughts, so it doesn't seem nearly as hot-and I'm getting really excited to click into my skis and stride down the tracks. Come join the fun, January 30-February 6, 2011. You can apply online at www.sfl.org
See you in Colorado!
"Swish, swish!"
What is that sound? Is that the sound of me falling again in the snow? No, it is the sound of skis flying down the perfectly groomed trails at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado! Whether skiing on a sunny and beautiful Rocky Mountain day or under the billions of stars on the lit trails at night, you will hear that "swish, swish" sound along with guiding phrases, laughter, excited chatter and some hooting and hollering at the 36th annual Ski for Light event. One sound you won't hear at the SFL 2011 week is the sound of buses in the morning, waiting in the parking lot to drive us to the ski area. We will have the privilege of staying in the Snow Mountain Ranch buildings and of skiing from just outside the front doors right onto the trails.
Snow Mountain Ranch is nestled in the Grand Valley at an altitude of 8,750 feet (2,667 meters) in the heart of the Colorado Rocky Mountains. I promise you will know what a Rocky Mountain high truly is when you experience the beauty, serenity, fresh air and the skiing on the smooth, well-groomed trails.
We will have arranged shuttles for quick trips to the local market during the week for folks to pick up supplies and snacks. So, if you forget your sun block, sun screen or adult beverage, you can shuttle to the market and take care of business.
I have a fabulous event planning committee preparing the 2011 SFL week. We are striving to make the 2011 event one of the best ever! Committee members will keep you apprised of progress towards putting on another spectacular SFL event. They will also gladly accept any assistance you might wish to lend them between now and January 30, 2011.
Keep swimming and riding your tandem bikes, hand cycles and stationary bikes this summer to keep those muscles strong and your hearts pumping to prepare yourselves for the 2011 SFL week!
I couldn't be happier for our 36th annual Ski for Light week to be at Snow Mountain Ranch, Colorado. I am a native of Colorado and there is something to be said for that Rocky Mountain High. I cannot wait for all of you to experience it with me!!!
Get on line at www.sfl.org and fill out your applications.
I would like to remind all who recall the great times we had at SFL 2010 and who can't avoid SFL 2011 day dreaming during the dog days of August of a really simple fact. Despite the blistering heat of the summer months, you are the coolest ambassador to spread the word about our fabulous 2011 SFL International Week at Snow Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado. As you spend time with old and new friends at summer picnics, local chapter meetings, back to school events and fall conventions, please remember to share your enthusiasm and pass the word about SFL to all who are interested in expanding their horizons and enjoying a great week of skiing with you in the Rockies this winter.
If you would like any assistance in preparing information about SFL or following up with others who express interest, feel free to contact me: via phone (703) 845-3436 or e-mail harttb11@comcast.net
Thank you for all your efforts, and we look forward to welcoming your friends and acquaintances to Ski for Light in Colorado!
Editor's Note: Remember that the guide recruitment and Mobility-impaired recruitment committees also need your help as we continue to bring new people to the SFL experience. So as you talk with family, friends and even strangers, don't forget to take along all three recruiting hats, and do let the committees know if they can assist you in any way; thank you again for all your efforts.
As I wrote in the spring Bulletin, I was really excited about my upcoming trip to Norway.
Now, post- Ridderrenn, all I can seriously say is "WOW"!!
It was an amazing and elegant experience. I loved witnessing the passion the organizers had preparing for an event of this magnitude. It was wonderful to get to know some of our Norwegian friends and spend time with them in their country. The ski conditions were fabulous, the accommodations perfect and the salmon was delicious!
I skied with Bob almost every day and worked on technique and confidence. I've taken a couple of spills in the past few years that have compromised my confidence so between Bob and Marion we worked on that. I also had tremendous support from our Norwegian friends who offered up advice and ideas to work through my challenges over a beer or two, maybe three.......
The Ridderrenn week consists of various races participants can choose to compete inor ski recreationally in the "tour" class. The Tuesday "Mountain Race" was for expert technical skiers. It was 25kilometers Of very steep, rocky technical terrain at an expert level where participants had to carry 3 kilos of weight in their backpack while maneuvering with their guides through the difficult course. Wednesday was the Biathlon which was a 5K with two stops for shooting the laser audio tone guns. Each stop the ski racer shoots 5 times attempting to hit the bullseye. I am happy to report, after much practice during the week, I hit the bulls eye 10 times out of 10 tries, however, time is a factor and that can always be improved.
Thursday was the 10K race and Friday was downhill race and outdoor BBQ where the Norwegian soldiers were busy serving up burgers and hotdogs or as we say in Norwegian "polse".
The volcano erupted the Wednesday of Ridderrenn week and on Friday under a completely blue and clear sky, sporadic snow like flakes of ash landed on us. Never a dull moment during the week! Our Norwegian SFL friends were tremendous and incredible all during the week. I always had a friend to talk to, dance with, have a beer together and share some good laughs. In Oslo, we enjoyed touring the city with our SFL Norwegian friends and I am forever grateful for that opportunity to learn the history, and explore the beauty of the city. The only part that I did not like, was leaving Norway. I plan to return next year with a couple of my best girlfriends. Do you think we should contact the Norwegian authorities to warn them now? Smiley!
Thank you SFL for sending me to Norway. I love the work I do for Ski for Light and will continue my efforts to volunteer my time. It is truly a labor of love for me and now the Ridderrenn has stolen my heart too.
I had a great time skiing at the Ridderrenn this year and can't wait to go back. Ridderweek began this year on April 12, which was the latest start ever for the event. However, there was still more than three feet of snow on the ground at the Health Sports Center in Beitostolen, where we skied. Cold nights made for hard and fast tracks every morning. Bright sun and temperatures reaching into the 40s by mid-afternoon made for delightful spring skiing as the tracks softened up.
We had a small, but energetic group of participants at the Ridderrenn this year. I guided Theresa Montano all but one of the six days of Ridderweek. She was great fun to be with. As a beginning skier, she was no threat to win any medals, but I shared her joy at hitting all ten targets in the biathlon and in skiing 10 k for the first time during the week and again in the big race on the last day. She made great strides (pun intended) during the week, despite the changeable conditions that are not easy for a beginner. During my day off from guiding, I ventured into the mountains above tree line with Brook Yates. The icy hard tracks and 30 MPH winds made for a challenging outing. It was a unique and exhilarating adventure.
Since our group was so small I was able to spend lots of time with several of my old and new Norwegian friends as well as other international attendees, many of whom I have met at SFL events. I made lots of new friends and recruited hard for SFL. Don't be surprised to see more Danes and a few Czechs show up at Snow Mountain Ranch. As usual, the food and accommodations in both Oslo and Beitostolen were fantastic. Since my hotel and airfare were paid for by SFL, I was able to afford an ample number of the $10 beers at the hotel in Beitostolen. No kidding - Norway is expensive. Thank you Ski for Light for sending me and thank you Marion for doing a great job in leading our delegation again.
The dates for next year's Ridderweek are April 3-10. And even if you aren't chosen to represent SFL, remember that you are always cordially invited to join the SFL contingent, ski your heart out, eat and eat and eat, and take in all the magic Norway has to offer. Stay tuned for more details, or if you can't wait, feel free to contact Marion Elmquist via phone (515) 279-3681 or e-mail mlelmquist@aol.com
Long-time and much-loved guide, Bruce Scharfenberg, age 61, died on June 11, 2010 after an heroic battle with Cardiac Amyloidosis. Bruce fell to an aggressive infection and passed away in the hospital in Marquette, Michigan, just a stone's throw away from the ski trails. He will be missed by all.
According to SFL President, Marion Elmquist: "Bruce gave much to SFL. He was a gifted guide, a guide trainer, and one of the most beautiful cross country skiers I have ever seen.
Even after he was unable to attend the SFL international event, Bruce continued to contribute, and in 2009 one of his paintings was a prized item in the SFL live auction."
His long-time friend, Fred Sheppard sent these reflections just after his death: Bruce had an incredible intellect, and a sense of humor to go along with it. His art education was extensive, and his ability on skis has never been bettered at SFL. But, as his roommate for many years, I will always remember him for his gentle-hearted pranks, most of which I got blamed for! I look forward to raising a toast in his honor the next chance we have to be together. We will be building a ski trail in his honor, and if one day his dream of having a SFL in the Upper Peninsula of Michigan comes true, may we all get a chance to reflect on this unique loving character on skis in the land that he loved.
And finally this reflection from VIP Ken Bodden: Bruce was my guide at the SFL International week in 2003 in Granby where I experienced the numerous facets of this great person. We skied well together and exchanged many pranks, though I very soon learned that I could not compete with him on his own, never mine throwing Fred Sheppard in to the mix! We talked passionately about the political complexities of the world, and shared some great social time together with other friends. And as for his laughter! That was enough to laugh about.
We both shared affection for our mutual friend Peter Young who sadly died in the Summer of 2002, and I can never forget the love and strength that Bruce gave freely to me, never more so than on the evening I learned that my friend Marianne Huijben from the Netherlands who was at SFL, also was suffering from the effects of cancer. Through the sadness and pain of it all, he gave light and comfort. He truly was a diamond!
"My man's got it made.
He's gone far beyond the pain.
And those who must remain
Go on living and loving just the same."
Bruce is survived by his wife, Jill, and his children; Grant, the youngest-ever life member of Ski for Light, and Hannah, who has inherited his artistic talent. Bruce will be sorely missed by the SFL community and all who knew him.
We recently learned of the deaths of VIP James Wu and guide Frank Kozumplik. Both were living in Florida, and both were life members of Friends of SFL. James applied for the 2010 event but had to cancel. He attended three events, the last in 2007. He died at the age of 78, but because he was a leap-year baby, he often told people that he was only nineteen and a half. He was an inspiration to all who knew him
Frank became a life member in 1994, and last attended in 2000. He was 83 years old at the
time of his death. During his lifetime, he not only guided many a visually impaired skier at
SFL, he was a devoted Lion, winning many of that Service organization's highest awards.
He was dubbed the "million-dollar salesman" during his years working for Aeroquip, loved
traveling, flying, skiing, languages and more. His daughter,
Erica McCaul, was a VIP participant in Provo this year; she sent this reflection:
"My Dad truly loved SFL, often spoke fondly of his memories with various skiers and guides, and encouraged me for many, many years to attend... I'm glad I finally took his advice, as I, too, cherish each year with SFL. Also-- and especially for a Floridian!!-- my Dad had quite a collection of ski gear, both downhill and cross country. As it's not feasible for me to ship it all to the SFL auction, and since I don't think there will be much of a market for it in central Florida, I will soon be posting a list of skis, boots, and outerwear which I'd like to offer for the cost of shipping plus a small donation to SFL."
Ski for Light has nine regional affiliates which offer a wide variety of outdoor activities. Many have completed their summer programs and are now planning their upcoming winter fun, but there are still a couple of outings scheduled if you find yourself in the area. Please continue to support these regionals whenever you can, and don't hesitate to do some recruiting for SFL while you're there.
Regional Fall Activities
The New England Regional Ski for Light chapter still has one event for this fall:
October 2, 2010
Middlesex Fells Reservation, Stoneham, MA
Join us beginning at 9:30 a.m. for a day hike at the Middlesex Fells in Stoneham/Medford
MA. This day hike will be easy-moderate. Bring snacks, lunch and plenty of water.
Cost: $10 Full payment due by September 17.
More information can be found on our web site http://nersfl.org, by calling (781) 667-9270 or via e-mail to nersfl@nersfl.org
The following is a more complete listing of the various Ski for Light committees and their current active members. If you aren't listed here, but feel called to help out, please contact the appropriate chairperson; they will surely welcome you with delight. Thank you to those of you who are already giving so generously of your time and talent to help.
Standing Committees Roster 2010 - 2012Annual Appeal - Suzanne Brown and Scott McCall
Board Development and Elections - Judy Dixon, Doug Boose, Bonnie O'Day
Budget and Finance - Larry Showalter, Renee Abernathy, Scott McCall, Doug Boose ex-officio
Constitution and Bylaws - Wendy David, Renee Abernathy, Tim Byas, Scott McCall, Larry Showalter
Corporate Sponsors - Crystal Skahan, Renee Abernathy, Marion Elmquist
Endowment - Suzanne Brown
Foundations - Bonnie O'Day, Judy Dixon, Larry Povinelli
Guide Recruitment - Brook Yates, David Fisichella, Leslie Maclin
Long-Range Planning - Scott McCall, Suzanne Brown, Julie Coppens
Mobility-impaired Participant Recruitment - Dianne Brunswick and Heather Hall
Publicity and Public Relations - Richard Epstein, Cara Barnes, Duane Farrar, Peter Slatin
Regional Liaison - Duane Farrar
Risk Management - David Fisk, Celeste Lopes
Site Selection -Heather Hall
Ski for Light International Week Planning -Theresa Montano
Ski for Light Bulletin - Vicki Post
Sons of Norway and Norwegian Community Liaison - Marion Elmquist
Visually-impaired Participant Recruitment - Bob Hartt
Website and Communications ad-hoc - Julie Coppens and Laura Oftedahl, Judy Dixon, Marion Elmquist, Andres Gonzalez, Heather Hall, Larry Showalter
Guide Training manual ad-hoc - Scott McCall, Amy Brannan, Doug Boose, Bob Civiak, Judy Dixon, Marion Elmquist, Mary Hiland
You can now follow Ski for Light on Twitter. Learn all the latest happenings in short, timely "tweets" by following skiforlight on Twitter. Ski for Light's name on Twitter is skiforlight. That's Ski for Light written in all lowercase characters and all one word.
See you on Twitter.
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.
Jansport; Birkenstock USA LP; Blue Ridge; Canine Hardware; Columbia Sportswear; Dansko; Fox River Mills; Granite Gear; Hog Wild; Injinji Footwear; ISIS for Women; Katie's Bumpers; Larabar; Leki USA, Inc.; Life Is Good; Marmot; Mountain Hardwear; Pacific Cornetta; Park's Sportsman; Running Funky; Terrasoles; Timex; Utilikilts
Editor: Vicki Post
Layout and graphics: Bjorg Dunlop
Electronic version: Duane Farrar and Larry Showalter
Special thanks to: Fram Lodge #3-564, Sons of Norway
The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. It is available in ink-print, on audio cassette, or via e-mail. If you wish to change formats, please send your request to bulletin@sfl.orgFor future Bulletins, remember that your contributions and feedback are always most welcome. You may submit articles as e-mail or as a word attachment; if you do not have e-mail, you may send a typed article through the mail. Send all items to:
Vicki Post
vickipost@earthlink.net
1849 Clay St. #2
San Francisco, CA 94109
The deadline for the fall Bulletin is October 15, 2010. We look forward to hearing from you.
Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved.
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