SFL Bulletin Fall 2000 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Phone: 612-827-3232 http://www.sfl.org From the President's Disk By Nancy McKinney The 2001 SFL International Week is just around the corner. Snow is falling in Green Bay and a lot of local volunteers are making plans to support our event as guides and extra support during the event. While plans are being made for this year's event, I am busy making plans for Ski for Light with regard to our Norwegian ties. The first thing being planned is my attendance at the U.S. Norway Forum in Washington D.C. the week of December 11. I look forward to meeting other people in the U.S. with ties to Norway as well as meeting people within the Norwegian Embassy. The Forum is a day long meeting attended by national leaders of organizations involved with Norwegian culture and heritage. The Forum will be followed by a Nobel Peace Reception. I will be hosted by Ski for Light friends in their homes and hope to see a bit of the Nation's Capital while there. It is an honor for SFL to be invited to this event and should be a good opportunity to meet with people that may be interested in what we are doing. The second set of plans I refer to are for the Ridderren. The Ridderren is to be March 25th through April 1st, 2001. If you are planning to attend the Ridderren, let me know as soon as possible. The event, as always, will be held in the town of Beitostolen. Americans that wish to participate in post Ridderren activities, will return to Oslo on Sunday, April 1st with a departure date back to the States of Thursday, April 5th. SFL is sending a team of two skiers and two guides and already I have the names of other people planning to attend. The Ridderren is a wonderful event and you will be sure to have a great time. Help me with my planning by letting me know soon what your plans are! Happy holidays to everyone. New Years Resolutions are not something that I have ever made, but this year I will resolve to turn my Bulletin Greeting in on time so that the editor doesn't have to chase me down! Peace to all, Nancy McKinney 2001 Ski for Light Green Bay, Wisconsin January 21-28, 2001. By Jeff Pagels Why come to Green Bay?? The main reason for wanting to bring the event here is the quality of the skiing. This is where I learned how to ski. For disabled beginner skiers it's about the best and friendliest environment around. Since I was able to become the fastest sit skier in the world on these trails, the difficulties can be tested by those who think they are great skiers. Ski for Light however is really a program for beginning skiers and most of the trails are going to excite those beginner skiers attending this event. We won't have to contend with bitter winds because we are in the woods. The trails are very, very wide, so kissing trees will almost be an impossibility. We are skiing next to a park with a natural zoo in it, so it will be very common to hear geese crying overhead, wolves howling and the elk bugling. We are going to have a professional waxing team every day to help with waxing skis with the right wax. Folks will go home with new knowledge about the art of waxing skis. For you sled hockey fans, we will have a sheet of ice right at the ski area, so additional travel won't be necessary. Native American culture is big here and some special evening programs will heighten our awareness of some basic Indian beliefs. We will understand the need to protect and respect the environment where we ski, and the importance of leaving a good legacy for the next seven generations. Also, we will practice respecting fellow humans no matter what, like folks with disabilities. We are staying in a brand new hotel and skiing at a site with a new ski shelter and state of the art trail grooming equipment. The airport is only 200 yards, yes yards, from the hotel. We want to add real meaning to saying that if I can do this, I can do anything. We want everyone to leave Green Bay saying "What is next? I am ready for anything anyone throws my way." I hope you will be joining me here in Green Bay for what is going to be an unforgettable experience. Silence is Golden That is if you are talking about the Ski for Light silent auction. Last year the Silent Auction raised $5,000. We, Jean and Gordon Larson, are coordinating the SFL Silent Auction this year, and are looking to top that figure. Craft items and works of art are popular contributions. Think about the use of a vacation home or a special trip. Perhaps your grandmother has an antique lying around that she won't miss. The items and services are displayed during the week of Ski For Light. As the closing hour approaches on Friday evening, the bidding gets really exciting. So, we hope you will donate to the auction, and bring those green backs to Green Bay to support the auction. Donated items can be shipped to Green Bay in advance. Mark packages with all of the following information: Radisson Hotel and Conference Center 2040 Airport Drive Green Bay, WI 54313 Hold for Ski for Light, Attn: Vickie O'Brien Arriving Jan. 18, 2001 Where in the World? 2001 Ski for Light Radisson Hotel & Conference Center 2040 Airport Drive Green Bay, WI 54313 Phone: 920-494-7300 Web: http://www.radison.com/greenbaywi The Ski for Light Experience, and the Endowment Fund: Two Gifts That Keep on Giving By Gordon Larson The holidays are in full swing, and you and I are planning with great anticipation skiing together in Green Bay next month. Before we see you in Wisconsin, Jean and I announce with great pleasure our contribution of $10,000 to the SFL Endowment Fund. Those of us who skied together in Anchorage 1999, will recall the exciting evening when the Endowment Fund Drive was launched, appropriately so, by the wife of a former astronaut, Valery Anders! I recall thinking that evening that this was certainly an idea whose time had come, and was pure genius for the insurance it could provide toward keeping SFL alive and well into the distant future. Then, at our 2000 event, former SFL President Bud Keith offered his financial expression of appreciation. As you and I periodically assess what is of true and lasting value in our lives, we would agree that the SFL experience is really one of those unique and miracle-caliber activities that keep on growing and giving throughout the years. Read again the Fall Bulletin. The heartfelt articles by Brenda, Cara, Kari and President Nancy are such wonderful expressions of the priceless friendships and activities we share the year round! I'm a member of the Endowment Fund committee and well aware of the various ideas under consideration, as our chairwoman, Laura Oftedahl, keeps us on track throughout the year. As part of our vision towards raising that one million dollars over the next four years, the strategy includes approaching foundations, corporate sponsors, etc. Leading that strategy, without a doubt, is our own personal commitment to the fund. This is in keeping with a vital and basic premise of SFL, that of personal responsibility in the matter at hand. Remember as each of us starts the SFL week, forging a partnership of trust toward a common goal? The goal, that of puffing up a rather long hill, then terror turning to joy as we careen down the other side, mostly in control! Mistakes are made, and we sometimes fall. Then we laugh, dust ourselves off, and continue on down. Now tell me that doesn't translate to the rest of what you and I do in life! So, in the privacy of your chambers this holiday season, take some time and consider what you would want to leave as a monetary legacy to the SFL future. Do the math. Bits and pieces and gobs over four years adds up quickly! One idea that Jean and I have liked over the years is to give stock, which the receiving organization sells. They pay no taxes on the gain, and we realize the tax deduction. We will do that over the next four years with SFL, hopefully catching certain stocks going up the mountain! Thank you so much for taking the time to read and consider this. Have the best of holidays. We look forward to being with you and skiing with you in Green Bay! You can help to insure that the Ski for Light experience keeps on giving into the future by making a contribution of either cash or securities to the Endowment Fund. You may also wish to consider including a gift to Ski for Light in your last will and testament or adding SFL as a beneficiary to your life insurance policy. Many ways of giving, whether you do it now or later, have favorable tax implications for you, so be sure to discuss this with your tax advisor or attorney. Make sure that you tell him/her that Ski for Light is Registered with the IRS as a 501(c)(3) Tax Deductible Organization, Federal ID #51-0175938, located at 1455 West Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. Laura Oftedahl, Chair of the Endowment Committee, is also available if you wish to discuss your plans with her. Laura Oftedahl, 510-848-0008 Laurao@tsoft.com A REALLY BIG WAVE IN THE SNOW by Bud Keith In the early 60's, President Kennedy drew attention to the nation's need for a higher level of physical fitness. Also during the 60's, environmentalists drew attention to our nation's great outdoors and the joys and benefits of getting out into nature. In the early 70's, a series of national laws established civil rights for disabled people to have access to the physical environment and to participate with nondisabled folks in society. In 1974, the time was right for a Norwegian-born ski instructor to talk about teaching blind folks to enjoy cross country skiing in Colorado. He not only started talking. He wrote letters and made phone calls, and recruited other folks on both sides of an ocean to make his idea a reality. Olav Pedersen is a friend and a legend to us long time veterans of Ski for Light. While our memories and friendships are strong, they have had no physical location that others can visit. Now that has changed! Three years ago, on October 24, 1997 Olaf was inducted into the Colorado Ski Hall of Fame. This year, on September 30, 2000, Olav was also inducted into the U.S. National Ski Hall of Fame. With these two ceremonies, his name and that of Ski for Light have become legendary in American skiing history. Both inductions are recognition well deserved! Although Olav has never been an officer of Ski for Light, he has received more recognition than anyone else in the organization. His skill was to find plenty of willing supporters to turn his dream into reality. Olav has often talked about making waves or ripples in the snow. Like a man who throws a stone into a pond, Olav has been able to watch the ripples spread for 25 years. Olaf has been called "The Father of Ski for Light." Earl Woods, father of Tiger Woods, has just published a motivational book entitled "Start Something: Any Kid Can Make A Difference!" Thanks again "Father Olav," for what you started. You and your kids certainly have made a difference in the lives of thousands of folks. SFL "Family" News Jeff Pagels is recovering from a very invasive but nonmalignant tumor. He's training hard and hopes to be skiing in Green Bay. Three-time guide (Reverend) Robin Thomas, from Meredith, New Hampshire was married on Saturday November 4th to John Soller. They are unable to attend SFL 2001 in Green Bay, but they promise to be at a future event. So, what else is happening in the SFL "family"? We see each other only once a year, so share what is happening in your life--marriages, awards, major recreational successes, graduations, or babies. Send your news along to SFL Bulletin editor Laura Oftedahl, e-mail Laura@sfl.org, 1290 Bancroft Way, Berkeley, CA 94702. Sounds like an add for the U.S. Army, right? Not so! It's Trekk For Light 2001, August 10-17. A challenging weeklong llama supported backpack trip in the exhilarating Rocky Mountain Rawah wilderness area. For applications and/or further information contact: Art Bunn 3248 Silverwood Drive Fort Collins, CO 80525 970-229-9119 albunn@earthlink.net Regional SFL Programs: Colorado SFL Regional 2001 March 2-4, 2001 Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, CO. NEW for 2001! Group lodging at Snow Mountain Ranch in cabins sleeping up to 50 people. So, make your reservations early! Cost for the weekend is $100. Partial scholarships may be available. For applications and information for guides, contact: Ron and Yvonne Barton 7068 S. Lafayette Way Littleton, CO 80122 303-798-2755 Visually Impaired participants, contact: Petra Janes 303-321-2646 Mobility Impaired Participants contact: Brenda Bertrand 303-986-6714 Black Hills Ski for Light January 21 ^Ö 25, 2001 Deer Mountain, Deadwood, SD Contact: John Gould Tel: 605-341-3626 (8:30 AM-5:30 PM, Weekdays; 9:00 AM-2:00 PM, Saturdays) Also conducts year-round seasonal activities. (N. California) Sierra Regional Ski for Light March 10-12, 2001 Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Truckee, CA Cost: $135 with your own skis; $160 if you need skis Contact: Betsy Rowell Tel: 916-362-5557 Email: betsy@unlimited.net Michigan Regional Ski For Light January 19-21, 2001 Contact: Bill Richards Tel: 517-224-8285 Email: wpr1@juno.com Web site: http://my.voyager.net/ellickson/ Montana Ski for Light March 21-25, 2001 West Yellowstone, MT Contact: Ed Durbin Tel: 406-538-7151 Email: tedurbin@mcn.net New England Regional Ski for Light January 5-7, 2001 Craftbury Common, VT March 2-5, 2001 Royalty Inn and Great Glen Trails Gorham, NH Tel., 508-660-9270 E-mail: nersfl@juno.com Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light February 4-11, 2001 Contact: Bjorg M. Dunlop Tel: 518-731-8741 Email: bjorgmd@aol.com Ohio Regional Ski For Light January 12-15, 2001 Punderson State Park, Newbury, OH Contact: Leah Noble Tel: 513-242-4232 Email: leah.noble@fuse.net Web site: http://www.greenapple.com/~peacock/acbo.html Seattle (Puget Sound) Ski for Light Dates Pending Contact: Maida Pojtinger Tel: 253-631-7904 Email: MPOJ@aol.com Wisconsin Regional Ski For Light January 19-21, 2001 Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, WI Contact: Beverly Helland Tel: 608-884-4955 Email: bhelland@madison.k12.wi.us Ski for Light Canada February 12-18, 2001 Saskatoon, Saskatchewan Web site: http://mypage.direct.ca/a/aac/index.html Ski for Light is a member of Outdoor Recreation Coalition of America and is very grateful for support from these corporate sponsors. JanSport, Bolle, Bula, Camelbak, Cascade Designs, Crazy Creek, Devold, Eagle Creek, Grabber Performance Group, Granite Gear, Jytte Mau Designs, Malkerson's Cycle-Wyld, Nordic Gear, Optic Nerve, Pearl Izumi, Power Bar, Princeton Tec, REI, Rocky Mountain Sunscreen, Silver Creek Lodging, Sound Environment, Telepath, Texaco, Thorlos, TRAVEL! ADVENTURE!, SFL Bulletin is published three times a year in April, August, and November. The SFL (event) Journal is published in January, and is distributed at the International Week, as well as mailed to people on the Bulletin mailing list. Editor: Laura Oftedahl E-Mail: Laura@sfl.org Layout & Graphics: Lisa Wangberg E-Mail: Lisa@sfl.org