SFL BULLETIN Spring 2002 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 Phone: 612-827-3232 Web Site: www.sfl.org General Information: Info@sfl.org From the President by Larry Showalter When I attended my first Ski for Light International event in 1993, I was struck, like so many first-time participants, by how unique this place was. As a newly blind adult, I had run the gamut of organizations and agencies of and for the blind. Ski for Light was very different from those other experiences. At SFL the emphasis was on ability rather than disability. Disabled people were treated with respect, dignity and as equals. My blindness was incidental, not the major characteristic that defined me as a person. I left that week with renewed self-confidence and motivation, and the feeling that I could conquer the world. Little did I think back then that some day I would be the President of Ski for Light. The thought of leading an organization that has made such a difference in the lives of so many would have been daunting. The responsibility still seems immense, but with the benefit of hindsight I now know that Ski for Light functions as it does because so many people, both disabled and able-bodied, are committed to its success. I take office full of optimism and hope for the future of our organization. I know that we will continue to collectively build on the success and work of those who came before us, and that we will continue to make Ski for Light an even better place. During the Ski for Light Annual Meeting held on January 29, 2002, officers were elected to serve for the next two years. In addition, several directors stepped down from the Board, and several new directors were elected. The newly elected officers and the full board roster are listed elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin. I want to thank departing directors Gordon Larson, Lisa Wangberg and Vicki O'Brien for their years of service on the Board, and to welcome new directors John Amundson, Duane Farrar, John Klemaseski and Amy Vogt. I also want to thank Nancy McKinney for her six years of excellent leadership as Ski for Light President and Bud Keith for his many years of service on the Executive Committee. Both Nancy and Bud are continuing to serve on the Board, and Nancy will continue on the Executive Committee as Immediate Past President. Ski for Light 2002 was, by all accounts, a huge success. More than 240 people joined us in Granby, Colorado in late January for a week filled with good skiing, food, programs and activities. It is not too early to start thinking about Ski for Light 2003 in Alaska. The event will run from February 23 to March 2, 2003. As in 1999, we will stay at the Hotel Captain Cook, and ski at nearby Russian Jack Springs Park, both right in Anchorage. Event Chair, Nancy McKinney, is already building her team for that event. Additional information and applications will be available on-line at www.sfl.org by July. Best wishes for a happy spring and summer. I look forward to seeing many of you at Ridderrennet next month in Norway, and/or at SFL 2003 in Alaska. Special Greeting to SFL from Brit Peterson Among those absent from this year's SFL event was long-time guide-turned-Mip-turned-helper, Brit Peterson. She had to cancel at the last minute due to illness. Brit has given so much of herself to Ski for Light over the years; she was sorely missed in Colorado. However, in her generous way, Brit sent a message which we are including here; a message which may help us all take the spirit of Ski for Light out into the rest of our lives. Brit offers some encouragement and some good questions for first-timers, and reaches out to everyone with her warmth and enthusiasm. She begins by honoring the father of Ski for Light, Olav Pedersen. You are the "engine" and the "heart" of SFL! Since 1979 you have been exactly 2 years ahead of me--we share a lot--birthday February 17--my father's name was Olav with a "v"--not "f"--we were both born in Norway--we live in the USA--far apart! We cannot remember when we first learned to ski--and we both love it! I am so fortunate to have caught "Skiforlitis", and we pass this addiction on to all of you: Vips, Mips, Gips and worker-bees! Why are you all here at SFL? Maybe you are because you have been influenced by former "old-timers?" You "first-timers": Was your courage to do this a big problem? I hope that you have become elated when you started to actually ski. But did you expect the scenery, the camaraderie, the happiness, exhilaration, the laughter, and don't forget those humorous HUGS--family HUGS! Did you think: "Why didn't anybody tell me about this before?" Olav Pedersen tossed a rock in the water--oops, SNOW--and the rings continue to grow! I salute all you newcomers for your courage! Now when you go home, tell your family, friends, even strangers, and don't forget your dog! Save your money and your annual leave for next year. Thank you for becoming a new member of the SFL family; you will be richly rewarded! See you in Anchorage! A BIG HUGE LEVIATHAN HUG FROM BRIT Reflections from a First-Timer by Kathy Strahan Life-changing events don't happen very often, but when they do, they're usually unexpected. This is what occurred for me while learning to ski in the beautiful Rocky Mountains of Colorado. Ski for Light was not my first experience of the great outdoors, but it was my first time skiing, and the first time in quite a while that I have pushed myself to the edges of my own capacity. First, I actually owe much of my inspiration to the commitment and efforts made by Richard Epstein, the instructor/guide assigned to me for the week. As you can imagine the first day was a wake-up call that set up my challenges for the week. I had to learn everything from managing to stay upright with these long flat things on my feet, then go up a slippery hill? Oh yeah, and these poles are used how, and for what? It was quite a day. Proper use of the ski poles was a big hurdle for me, and I believe this to be a common challenge among other Vip participants. I don't usually walk while swinging my arms as the diagonal stride requires. But fortunately for both Richard and me, I do have good mobility and good balance; this gave me a good head start in getting over that hurdle. To tell the truth my biggest challenge was not lack of fitness. It was lack of trust, and a tendency to be impatient when learning new skills--especially on slippery snow. This is where Richard's commitment and style of teaching became so critical. When I tried to complain about the numerous new skills I had to learn, he would ask me to find the strength within and just do it! Even if the technique seemed foreign. I had to re-educate everything; body, mind, spirit etc. I spent a lot of time overcoming preconceived notions about learning to ski, concerns about what I thought were physical limitations and of course fear. It's safe to say that in facing a very steep learning curve, I had to face myself as well. By Wednesday we both knew we were finally on the same page. A deep mutual respect grew between us after I began to trust Richard and commit to spending the week learning to ski and trying to ski with great technique. Anyone can manage to move along haphazardly on their skis, however, Richard insisted upon using proper technique and I am glad because now I have a firm foundation on which to base more and more skiing experience. Well, I finally did it! I competed in the rally on Saturday and for the first time Richard and I skied the whole 5K course. You have to understand that I spent much of the week trying to get my act together and so distance was not an immediate goal during most of the week. Turns out skiing the 5K was a piece of cake. During the rally Richard and I were rewarded by the compliments I received on good technique. We surpassed our predicted time by 24 minutes! Actually, my ultimate reward is my memories of the wonderful people I met and with whom I still maintain contact. When all is said and done, Ski for Light is a really good fit for me. Now that I am back home, I have renewed my commitment to fitness, and to being a stronger person. I especially want to strengthen my ability to persevere when things get tough. In skiing, I learned that just when you think you can't get up that hill, you need to focus your mind and push on; otherwise, all your prior efforts are for not--a good lesson for the rest of my life. And oh yes, I'm practicing swinging my arms when I walk. I'm interested in supporting the SFL organization so that others can find this kind of experience and opportunity through fitness. However, be prepared because it has to be a crash course crammed in to one of the most wonderful weeks of your life. See you in Alaska! Staying Connected There are a number of ways to stay in touch with the SFL family. First, you can check the web site regularly for updated information about SFL. There, you will also find the SFL e-mail directory. If you are not yet listed in that directory and you would like to be, send your e-mail address to Judy Dixon at: judy@sfl.org. Ski for Light also has its own listserv where people share information about fitness-related topics. In general, this is not a list with a lot of traffic, so if you subscribe, you will not be bombarded with e-mail. In the past, people have gotten answers to such questions as: "What kind of waxes should I have in my kit for starting out on waxable skis?" Others have asked for suggestions on skiing downhill, hiking with a guide dog and more. To subscribe, simply send a note to Judy Dixon at: judy@sfl.org. To those of you who have already subscribed, we have experienced some technical difficulties of late; as a result, both the listserv and the web site have been down. However, we do hope to have them up and running again by the time you receive this Bulletin. Thank you for your patience. Help Wanted Ski for Light is an all-volunteer organization that relies on the work of many people. Are you interested in helping? If so, here is a sampling of specific jobs and tasks with which we need help. If you have the time and ability to pitch in on these jobs, or if you have other skills that you think could be of service to SFL, contact Larry Showalter by E-mail: larry@sfl.org or Telephone: (425) 644-5663. 1. SFL Bulletin print edition editor: format, have printed and mail about 500 copies, three to four times per year. 2. Computer surfers: surf the web for sources of funding and sources of guides. 3. Database programming: MS Access programming help needed. 4. Fund-raising mailings: mail merge address lists and funding requests once or twice a year. 5. Grant writers: prepare funding requests to two to three foundations per year. Start Recruiting Early by Suzanne Brown By now most of us have put away our ski gear for the summer, but for many of us, happy memories of our very successful 2002 event in Granby are still making us smile. Although our Anchorage event is still many months away, it's not too early to begin spreading the word to potential new Vips about the magic of Ski for Light. There is no doubt that word-of-mouth is the most effective means of advertising our program. Of the 37 first-time Vips who applied for the 2002 event, an overwhelming 27 of them reported that their first contact with SFL was from a veteran Vip or guide. The information and personal enthusiasm that you share with prospective Vips is really what gets their attention. It's not too early to be on the lookout for new Vips who could share in "that old SFL magic"', just as you have. More specific information will be available later, but for now, please refer those interested to our web site at www.sfl.org. Or share a copy of this Bulletin with them. Veteran Vips are SFL's most effective ambassadors. So get out there and spread the word! SFL Family News We welcome a new addition to the Ski for Light family. Scott and Brenda Bertrand announced the early arrival of their daughter, Megan Lee on Saturday, February 23. Megan weighed in at 5 pounds 3 ounces. Congratulations to Scott and Brenda; and welcome, Megan! Congratulations, also, to SFL guide, Jody Burcham; Vip, Mary Hiland; and Mip, Jeff Pagels! All three helped carry the Olympic torch on its route to Salt Lake City. Way to go, all three of you! Regional Round-Up Ski for Light's many regional affiliates offer a variety of outdoor activities; this is a great way to build on your initial SFL experience, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. Sports for Health, July 28 to August 4 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, PA Hiking, biking, swimming, canoeing, etc. Contact: Allison Holder E-mail: sports4health@aol.com A Day of Kiacking, July 13, 2002 The Ionia State Recreational Area Sponsored by the Western Michigan Coastal Kiacking Association Contact: Jim Ellickson Phone: (989) 224-8288 E-mail: ellickson@voyager.net Black Hills Regional Ski for Light Camping, boating, water skiing, fishing Dates: July 19-21, 2002 Lake Angustura This is a program for both blind-visually impaired and physically disabled persons. Cost: $20 per person, meals and equipment provided Bring your own swim suit and sleeping bag. transportation from Rapid City can be provided. Canoe trip, September 6-8, 2002 Niobra River, near Valentine, Nebraska camping and canoeing Cost: $20 per person. Meals, canoe and paddle, and tents are provided. Transportation from Rapid City is available. For additional information contact: Black Hills Regional Ski for Light P.O. Box 3707 Rapid City, SD 57709 Phone: (605) 341-3626. Trekk with Llamas in the Rockies Colorado Ski for Light will run its seventh annual Trekk for Light llama trek in the Rawah Wilderness this coming August 16-24. Visually impaired participants and sighted guides are encouraged to apply. As in previous years, the Trek will take 12 visually impaired persons, 12 sighted guides and 15 llamas who will serve as pack animals. Both hikers and guides must be in good physical condition--working out to prepare for the Trek is a must! The groups will cover several miles each day over rocky terrain and at altitudes from 8,400 to 11,300 feet. Because of the nature of the terrain we are not able to accept mobility-impaired participants. The cost of the Trekk will be $450 per person. All interested guides and hikers are encouraged to request an application from Art Bunn at: 3248 Silverwood Drive, Fort Collins, CO 80525, or Phone: (970) 229-9119, or E-mail: albunn@earthlink.net. Deadline for receipt of applications is April 2, 2002. Sierra Regional Ski for Light launches a program for kids It began in earnest one year ago, when two teen-agers, both members of a ski team, asked to be trained as junior guides. They recruited eight of their friends to join them. They received the same training as the adult guides, and are learning some valuable lessons in leadership, responsibility, and service. With their help, SRSFL has now put 12 children on the snow. The kids have been delighted, and are planning to come back next year for more. Keep up the good work! If you would like more information, you may contact Betsy Rowell: Phone: (916) 362-5557 or E-mail: montbets@pacbell.net. Ski for Light Board of Directors 2002-2004 Executive Committee: Larry Showalter, President, Bellevue, WA Marion Elmquist, Vice-President, Des Moines, IA Brenda Seeger, Secretary, Westbrook, MN Judith Dixon, Treasurer, Arlington, VA Jeff Pagels, Director-at-Large, Green Bay, WI Deborah Wiese, Director-at-Large, E. Lansing, MI Nancy McKinney, Immediate Past President, Seattle, WA Directors John Amundson, Marshall, MN Scott Bertrand, Lakewood, CO George Bianculli, S. Chatham, MA Suzanne Brown, Smyrna, GA Robert Buchanan, Columbia, SC Arthur Bunn, Fort Collins, CO Wendy David, Bellevue, WA Bjorg Dunlop, Earlton, NY Duane Farrar, Malden, MA David Fisichella, Falmouth, MA Marie Huston, Winter Park, CO Raymond (Bud) Keith, Arlington, VA John Klemaseski, Lino Lakes, MN Laurinda Lacey, Bethesda, MD Claire Morrissette, Foxboro, MA Laura Oftedahl, Berkeley, CA Amy Vogt, Fort Collins, CO Judy Wilkinson, New York, NY Fund-Raising is a year-round event One of the many goals of Ski for Light is to remain viable and affordable for years to come. There are now a number of ways you can help make this goal a reality. These include membership in Friends of Ski for Light, patronizing our corporate sponsors, recruiting new sponsors or giving to the Ski for Light Endowment fund. For more information, see our web site: www.sfl.org. You may also contact the Ski for Light office at 1455 W. Lake Street, Minneapolis, MN 55408. SFL Sponsors Please remember to support these corporate sponsors whenever you can. Jansport Backpackers Pantry Bison Belts Bolle Bushnell Crazy Creek Products Feathered Friends Gekko Gear Grabber International Granite Gear Hind Jytte Mau Kelty National Geographic Maps New Hall's Wheels Optic Nerve/Mountain Shades Patagonia Pearl Izumi Planet Dog Polarmax Power Bar Princeton Tec Rocky Mountain Sunscreen Silver Creek Lodging Thor-lo The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. It is available in print, on cassette, via e-mail or on the web at www.sfl.org. To receive the e-bulletin, send a message to Judy Dixon at: judy@sfl.org. Editor: Vicki Post E-mail: vickip@sfl.org Layout and Graphics: Judy Dixon E-mail: judy@sfl.org