SFL Bulletin Fall, 2002 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408-2648 Phone: 612-827-3232 Web Site: www.sfl.org General Information: Info@sfl.org From the President by Larry Showalter It has been a busy summer for Ski for Light, and an active one on many fronts. Those of you who attend the twenty-eighth annual SFL week in Anchorage will see and hear about the results of much of this activity. Event Chair Nancy McKinney reports elsewhere in this issue of the bulletin about plans for the week, but be assured that the week will be a memorable one. It will be great to be in Anchorage again, and to be located right in the heart of the city. The city will be alive with activity. In addition to SFL, Anchorage will be hosting the Fur Rendezvous Winter Carnival, the US Masters Cross Country Skiing Championships, and the start of the Iditarod Sled Dog race just before, during, or after Ski for Light. I hope that you will be there to share in all of the fun. Two elements of the event will be entirely new. First is that event attendees will be able to pay their event fee on-line with a secure credit card transaction. This may sound pretty simple, but the work required of Treasurer Judy Dixon to make it happen has been monumental. You can also donate to SFL now in the same way. People in the SFL Community have been asking for this for years, and we are happy that we can now make it happen. The other entirely new element of the week is that the annual Event Journal has been replaced with a more event-specific Program Schedule, while an entirely separate and new Annual Report document has been created. Laura Oftedahl has led this effort, made necessary by our need for a more formal presentation of Ski for Light activities for current and potential donors and supporters. The Annual Report will be available upon request to anyone who wants it, and we are hoping to put major portions of it on the Ski for Light web-site. As for the future, it is looking more and more likely that Ski for Light, 2004 will take place in Green Bay, Wisconsin. That was the site of the 2001 event, of course, and all who attended that hugely successful week will be glad to hear that we will be returning. Final plans will be confirmed and announced in the next issue of the bulletin. Ski for Light, 2005, our thirtieth anniversary year, is already scheduled for Granby, Colorado, and in 2006, we are hoping to take SFL eastward. We will keep you posted. I hope that each of you has an active and fun-filled fall and winter. If you aren't going to be able to join us in Alaska, or even if you are, you should check out the activities and events being sponsored by the various SFL regional programs. They provide a great way to get in shape and to be involved in an ongoing activity close to your home. I look forward to seeing many of you in Alaska. Ski for Light 2003 by Event Chair, Nancy McKinney Ski for Light 2003 is just around the corner! The Planning Committee has had its hands full organizing the 2003 Event. As it happens, we are going to be in Anchorage right after the Fur Rendezvous; on March 1 the Iditarod Sled Dog Race has a ceremonial start right through Russian Jack Springs; and the day of March 2nd is the Tour of Anchorage which offers 25k, 40k and 50k ski races. If you would like more information on any of these activities, check out the following web sites: Fur Rendezvous, February 14-23: www.furrondy.net Tour of Anchorage, March 2: www.anchoragenordicski.com Iditarod, March 1 Ceremonial Start: www.iditarod.com Meanwhile, I am really excited about the creative ways we found to integrate these activities going on in Anchorage. We will have our Race/Rally on Friday. Then on Saturday, we will have our Ski Tour, and will be able to see (and hear) the mushers going through Anchorage on their way up North. There are a lot of details to be taken care of, but with the assistance of the Planning Committee, I am sure that all will be ready for us on February 23rd! Now a word about SFL and credit cards. For those of you that know me, you are aware that I am a typical Scottish gal. The thought of losing money really bothers me. Therefore I think you will understand my one concern about Ski for Light accepting credit card payments. As you know, we are able to accept on-line credit card payments for donations and the International Event. This is a new arena for us. The good news is that many of you will find this not only convenient but also useful in terms of all of the credit card "give-aways". One thing to keep in mind is that every time someone uses a credit card, SFL is charged 2.3%. So what, right? Well, in future years, this won't be an issue, as SFL will be able to factor this into the cost of doing business. But for this year, as the opportunity came too late, SFL must absorb the extra cost. This means that if a large portion of people were to take advantage of this, we could lose up to 3 thousand dollars. So, if you want to charge, and the above bothers you, feel free to go on-line and make a separate donation to help us cover the costs of credit card use. Glad to see all of the applications coming in! Guides - apply now if you haven't; there are skiers hoping to be accepted!! I look forward to another fun and eventful year. Happy Fall to everyone, and please do contact me if you have any event-related questions. GUIDES NEEDED by Bjorg M. Dunlop We are, as always, looking for more guides for the upcoming 2003 SFL event in Anchorage, Alaska, and for future events. Please keep telling your relatives, friends, neighbors, co-workers, etc. about Ski for Light. Recruitment is more effective one-on-one; enthusiasm is contagious! Tell everyone about the great skiing in beautiful settings, meeting interesting people, fun apres-ski activities, terrific skiing, a great winter vacation away from it all, fun on skis, people wearing crazy tights; and don't forget the skiing! Post SFL information in health clubs, community centers, sporting goods stores -- wherever active people are likely to see it. Contact local ski clubs, hiking or biking clubs, Sons of Norway lodges -- they might be glad to have you come to one of their meetings and speak about Ski for Light for a few minutes. You never know where or when you might run into a potential guide. Wear your SFL T-shirts; people notice them, and often ask questions. A great opportunity for an impromptu infomercial! Encourage people to check our web site: www.sfl.org; it contains a wealth of information. Thank you; we'll see you in Alaska! Striding to Ski for Light by Cara Barnes In the spring of 2001, Bob Sarver agreed to meet the visually-impaired friend of a friend at the Seattle/Tacoma airport. Thinking he was just being helpful, Bob had no idea that a life-altering event was about to take place. The visually impaired passenger turned out to be a cross-country ski enthusiast traveling to a Ski for Light (SFL) event. Through their conversation, Bob learned about Ski for Light, its week-long event, as well as the ski programs sponsored by its many regional affiliates. That summer Bob checked out the Ski for Light web site and began to exchange e-mails with his new friend. By the end of the summer, Bob had decided that HE wanted to be a Ski for Light guide. There was only one problem -- he didn't know how to ski! Soon Bob was haunting local ski shops and chatting with co-workers about nearby cross country ski areas. When the first snow fell, Bob was ready with a new pair of skis and an avalanche of determination to achieve his goal. Bob's first days on skis were lessons in becoming intimately acquainted with the snow beneath him. Bob sat in the snow, slid in the snow and rolled in the snow, but never lost sight of his goal. As winter turned to spring, Bob found himself striding up hills, gliding by k markers and wondering if he was ready. The snow turned to slushy rain as Bob drove to the ski area to meet members from the Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light group for the first time. "Is this the Ski for Light group?" Bob inquired anxiously. "Yes it is!" replied a friendly voice. "Get your skis!" called someone else. Bob was then introduced to veteran guide Roger Young for some orientation and training. "The first thing you need to know is that we ski in the rain," Roger grinned. "And it WAS raining," recalls Bob. "It rained all day." Despite the spring rain there was plenty of good cheer on the trails as Bob learned the fundamentals of guiding from Roger and others. By the end of the day, he understood Ski for Light's "If I can do this, I can do anything" motto, and had promised to return. "It wasn't really like a skiing event," reflected Bob. "It was more like a bunch of friends getting together to ski for the day." Bob has now set his sights on participating in Ski for Light's 28th International Event in Anchorage, Alaska. After being guided to SFL through a chance meeting, Bob is now anxiously waiting for the snow and Ski for Light 2003. Silence is Golden That is, when you are talking about the Silent Auction. by Jean and Gordon Larson We are looking for lots of donations for this year's Silent Auction. Craft items and art works are always popular items. Think about donating the use of a vacation home or a special trip. Perhaps your grandmother has an antique lying around that she will never miss! A special treat will be some items from Ray Charles that Kathy Strahan has solicited for our Silent Auction. Jeanne MacKenzie has also created a lovely oil painting, to be used either for the auction or a raffle. Prints of this painting will be available for purchase in the sales room. The items and services will be displayed during the week of Ski for Light. The exciting countdown and final bidding take place Friday night. So, donate those items, and bring those gold nuggets to Anchorage to support the Silent Auction!! If you would like to ship your items to Anchorage, you may send them to: Viking Hall c/o John Olnes 8141 Brierwood Anchorage, AK 99518 If you have any questions about shipment, contact John at: Phone: (907) 562-2794. Questions about the auction itself should be directed to Jean and Gordon Larson: Phone: (509) 448-2631 or E-mail: thelarsons@yahoo.com. Reflections in Memory of Peter Young Peter Young, a visually-impaired skier from England, died this past summer of cancer. Peter attended SFL from 1999 through 2002, and he hoped to be back with us in 2003. We will miss him greatly, but we can count on Peter to be with us in spirit. Reflections from SFL President Larry Showalter Peter was a remarkable man. He wasn't remarkable because he was a world-class skier; he wasn't remarkable because he was a world-class skier who was blind; he was remarkable for the way he just attacked life. He made the most of every moment, and drew all of those around him into his enjoyment. He had a way of making friends instantly, and if you knew Peter, you undoubtedly have memories of your times with him to treasure. Ordinary and extraordinary times that were enhanced by the way Peter included you, or by the way you saw him reach out to someone else. -- Memories like Peter re-hydrating in the bar with a circle of people around him after skiing. -- Memories like Peter approaching the finish line of the race course in Granby in 2000, well ahead of his nearest competitor, and the grace with which he accepted that he had made a wrong turn and would have to re-trace his tracks. He still won the 10k, as he always did. -- Memories like Peter giving his 10k trophy that year to his friend, John Novotny, who was too ill to race, and who would not live out the year. -- Memories like Peter saying in Norway earlier this year, "Don't worry about me, mate, I'll beat it." In the weeks that followed, Peter couldn't beat the cancer that ravaged his body. But somehow you just know that if anybody could have beaten it, it would have been Peter Young. From his long-time friend, Ken Bodden Those of you who met Pete later on in his life couldn't imagine a hugely overweight, bombastic kid who thought he could take on the world single-handed. His local pub was The Moby Dick, a name which he aptly inherited. Then imagine persuading us to give up the booze and get really fit!!! We trained, got fit, spent hours out in the trails being drilled in the technicalities of Cross Country skiing; then yes, to the bar. Pete was central to the development of others who came to Norway to try skiing, and would encourage anyone to take part at whatever level they could. Ttrue to his own experience, he loved the tryers and adored the winners. He is at rest in one of his GB Cross Country ski suits, and a warm-up jacket to boot. I have numerous fond memories of Pete and stories of plenty to tell. Some are best not printed, and others are funny and best told in a sit -com environment. He will be somewhere out there in the trails, and I will raise a glass or two in cheers for those great times together and our love for each other and for life. A Toast from Bud Keith I knew him for more than 20 years, and watched him grow from a rash, raw talent to an accomplished athlete. Hey, Pete! You skied a good race. Much of your life was a struggle. Thanks for showing us that a lot of hard work and determination can make a difference. As the snow flies and we think ahead to the upcoming ski season, I raise a toast to you. You did what many of us only dream of doing. So thanks for the memories, and here's to you, Peter! A Great White Water Rafting Opportunity Come and join the Main Salmon River adventure. A limited number of spaces are available for this white water raft trip. The trip is from July 31 to August 7, 2003. A $200 deposit is necessary to reserve your spot. The deposit should be sent by December 15, 2002. To make your reservation or for further information contact: Dick Ashley, E-mail: dickashley@juno.com or Phone: (703) 892-9082. Ridderrenn 2003 The Ridderrenn is the Norwegian event on which Ski for Light is modeled. It is a larger event than SFL, attracting up to 1,000 skiers and guides for a week of fabulous skiing in Beitostolen. Each year Ski for Light sends a team of skiers and guides to represent our organization, and many others from the SFL program attend on their own. The dates for the 2003 Ridderrenn are March 30 to April 6. If you are interested in attending or wish more information please contact Marion Elmquist, SFL Vice-President, at: E-mail: marion@sfl.org or Phone: (515) 279-3681. Regional Round-Up Black Hills Regional Ski for Light Dates: January 26-30, 2003 Deer Mountain, Deadwood, SD Cost: Approximately $180. This includes: Four days of cross Country or downhill skiing for blind/visually-impaired or physically disabled persons, Ski equipment, lodging, noon meals, 2 evening meals, and awards banquet. Transportation can be provided from Rapid City. Stipends may be available. For additional information contact John Gould: Black Hills Regional Ski for Light PO Box 37o7 Rapid City, South Dakota 57709 Phone: (605) 341-3626. Colorado Ski for Light Dates: January 24-26, 2003 Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, CO Cost: $100. partial scholarships are available to FIRST TIME skiers AND guides. Contact: Dave Thomas Phone: (303) 298-0672 E-mail: yourdama@ecentral.com Michigan Ski for Light Dates: January 24-26, 2003 North Higgins Lake State Park Contact: Jim Ellickson Phone: (989) 224-8288 E-mail: ellickson@voyager.net Web: www.msfl.org Montana Ski for Light Dates: March 12-16, 2003 W. Yellowstone State Park Cost: $248 Out-of-staters Must provide their own transportation to the Park Contact: Ed Durbin RR 1 Box 1610 Lewiston MT 59457-9711 Phone: (406) 538-7151 N. E. Pennsylvania Ski for Light Winter Week Dates: January 26 to February 2, 2003 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, PA Cost: $315 per person, double occupancy Contact: Bjorg M. Dunlop Phone: (518) 731-8741 E-mail: bjorgmd@aol.com Puget Sound Ski for Light Dates: January 11 and 25, February 8 and 22, March 8 and 22, 2003 Contact: Maida Pojtinger Phone: (253) 631-7904 E-mail: rmpoj@aol.com New England Regional Ski for Light Dates: January 9-12, 2003 Craftsbury Common, Vermont Cost: $175, double occupancy and February 7-9, 2003 Bretton Woods Mountain Resort, New Hampshire Cost: $130, double occupancy For both trips, please contact: NERSFL Attn: Sandie Page, Secretary PO Box 2170 West Brattleboro, VT 05303 E-mail: spage929@yahoo.com Sierra Regional Ski for Light Dates for day trips: January 11, February 8, and February 22, 2003 Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Truckee, CA These trips are open to adults and children. Contact: Betsy Rowell Phone: (916) 362-5557 E-mail: montbets@pacbell.net Dates for weekend: March 8 - 10, 2003 Tahoe Donner Cross Country, Truckee, CA Lodging provided at Best Western Tahoe Truckee Inn Cost: $165 with your own skis, or $195 if you need skis This trip is for adults only. Contact: Julie Lisenby Phone: (916) 362-5759 E-mail: julis823@pacbell.net Wisconsin Regional Ski for Light Dates: January 22-24, 2003 Wisconsin Lions Camp, Rosholt, WI Contact Bev Helland Phone: (608) 884-4955 E-mail: bhelland@madison.k12.wi.us Ski for Light Canada Dates: February 10 ­ 16, 2003 Castlegar, British Columbia (2.5 hours north of Spokane, Washington) This is their 25th anniversary event. Contact: Annar Jacobsen Phone: (604) 826-4559 E-mail: annar@telus.net Web site: http://members.shaw.ca/sflcanada List of 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 How's your format? The Ski for Light Bulletin is published in ink-print and on audio-tape cassette. Each issue is also distributed via e-mail to those who have requested it. Would you prefer the e-bulletin to what you are receiving now? You would receive each bulletin sooner, Ski for Light would save a few dollars, and you might have a version of the bulletin that you like as well as or better than what you are receiving now. If interested in changing to the e-bulletin format send your request to Judy Dixon at judy@sfl.org The SFL Bulletin is published three times a year. 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: E-mail: vickip@sfl.org Address: 1849 Clay St. #2, San Francisco, CA 94109. The deadline for the spring Bulletin is March 15, 2003. We look forward to hearing from you. Ski for Light, Inc. (tm) is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Editor: Vicki Post E-mail: vickip@sfl.org Layout and Graphics: Brenda Seeger E-mail: brenda@sfl.org Invaluable special assistance: Judy Dixon E-mail: judy@sfl.org