Ski for Light Bulletin News and Information about the People and Programs of SFL International Fall, 2003 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 I hope that each of you had a good summer. Here in the Pacific Northwest, summer seemed to drag on forever. The weather was consistently warmer than normal, with no rain at all for several months. So while it was a good summer in most ways, I wasn't sad to feel the arrival of the cooler temperatures of fall, or the return of the rains. Winter will not be far behind; in fact, snow has already started to fall in the mountains near here. The local trails will soon be skiable. It won't be all that long now before Ski for Light 2004 in Green Bay, either. Event Chair, Marie Huston, has filled out the roster of her event committee, and the many people that it takes to put on a successful Ski for Light event are already hard at work. Jeff pagels, our local Chair and a Green Bay resident, reports that he has been busy generating local support and working with Marie on some new and exciting aspects of the week. After a year like the one that we had in Anchorage in 2003, with a lack of snow and icy conditions, the people who attend SFL 2004 in Green Bay will really appreciate the wide, gently rolling terrain, and the abundance of the soft, non-icy snow that typically coats the area where we will be skiing. Tucked into a corner of Northern Wisconsin near Lake Michigan, and protected from the wind and temperature swings of other parts of the region by both the lake and the abundant forests, this area will be a joy in which to ski. If you haven't already applied you still have a bit of time to do so, but you will need to act quickly. The rosters are filling up rapidly. Elsewhere in this issue of the Bulletin you will find instructions for applying to attend the event. This is an election year for Ski for Light. Fifteen seats on the Board of Directors and all officer positions are up for election at the Annual Meeting to be held in Green Bay. I want to encourage any of you with a strong interest in Ski for Light to consider running for the board this year. We are an all-volunteer organization, and need a steady stream of new people, energy and ideas to keep the organization moving forward. Elsewhere in this Bulletin you will find more information about how to nominate yourself or someone else to the Board. If you want more information feel free to contact Elections Chair, Marion Elmquist, or any member of the Board. I hope that you have an active and enjoyable fall and winter, and that you will have the opportunity to get out on the ski trails. Whether or not you are coming to Green Bay, take a look at the many opportunities to ski presented by the various SFL regional programs. They offer a great way to get involved with a group that may be closer to your home, and they are a lot of fun. I hope to see many of you in Green Bay. Green Bay 2004 by Event Chair, Marie Huston Where can you howl with the wolves, ski with friends, dance the night away, and never have to do the dishes all week? Green Bay, Wisconsin at the International Ski for Light Event! Join us February 8-15, 2004, in Green Bay, Wisconsin! Together, we will ski on the awesome trails at the Brown County Reforestation Camp, listen to the wolves howling at the nearby local zoo, dance the night away and much, much more! We will be staying at the Radisson Hotel located right across the street from the airport. The planning committee is hard at work creating what will be a memorable event. This year's event will include things like "Wisconsin Night", a chance to play in the casino, and the opportunity to learn and perfect your skiing techniques on the best trails yet at Ski for Light. If you still haven't applied, it's not too late. Contact our Applications Coordinators or get on-line at www.sfl.org. Think snow, and I'll see you on the trails in Green Bay! >From the Recruitment Committees LEAVE NO VIP BEHIND! by VIP Recruitment Committee Chair, Suzanne Brown We are almost down to the wire--the deadline for VIP applications, both vets and rookies, is November 1st. Applications submitted after the deadline will be accepted on a space-available basis. We need to give one final push to our recruiting efforts for the 2004 event. Lynda Boose is standing by to receive those last-minute applications. You may contact Lynda via e-mail at: lynda@sfl.org or by phone at: (906) 250-7836. VIP applications can also be filled out very easily on-line at: www.sfl.org. Let's make sure that nobody is left behind. And from Guide Recruitment Committee Chair, Bjorg Dunlop Ski for Light 2004 is less than four months away, and it is time to encourage your skiing friends and acquaintances to join us in Green Bay for a week of great skiing and other fun activities, both on and off the snow. Share your enthusiasm; tell everyone what wonderful experiences a Ski for Light week includes: a chance to meet many interesting people, do a lot of skiing, hang out in the hot tub and swimming pool, get plenty of exercise and fresh air on the ski trails, attend special interest sessions, share their love of skiing with a new friend, and, this time, we can even go to a casino in the evening! And don't forget to mention great skiing through beautiful, gently rolling terrain on wonderfully groomed trails. It truly is a week that has to be experienced to be believed! All the necessary information, and on-line application forms are available on the Ski for Light website: www.sfl.org. Applying on-line is easy and fast, and it makes things easier for the applications coordinators. Any interested guides who would like more information may contact Brenda Seeger, Guide Applications Coordinator via e-mail: brenda@sfl.org or phone at (507) 274-5502. Think Snow! Think Snow! Think Snow! Finally, any mobility-impaired skiers who still need to apply, you may also do so on- line at: www.sfl.org. If you have any questions, contact Jeff Pagels via e-mail at jeff@sfl.org or phone at (920) 494-5572. Upcoming Special Interest Session After a full day of skiing, Ski for Light offers a variety of ways to unwind and/or to enhance the whole experience. As you have already read, these can include hanging out with friends, rehearsing for the annual talent show, or attending one of the many special interest sessions. The special interest sessions are like mini workshops given by SFL participants; in these sessions, you can learn about all kinds of unusual things, or become motivated and inspired by some fabulous stories. If you are coming to Green Bay in 2004, here is an example of a special interest session you won't want to miss. Getting High In Africa by Jeff Pagels Listen to Jeff paint thousands of pictures with his words about his recent climb up Mount Kilimanjaro where he: Experienced the most difficult adventure of his life and also the most amazing culture of the friendly people of Tanzania. Had the support of the best team doctor one could hope for but still ended up in a third world hospital, Had to leave independence back in the United States but happily traded it for a team of partners that could do just about anything, Reached a record altitude for a wheelchair user off snow, but who cares? Is he going to keep doing these wild adventures? Never say never! For the full story and more, come to Green Bay, February 8-15, 2004. And for those of you who can't make it to Green Bay, or who just can't wait that long for the story, the Rainbow Expedition web site address is www.rainbowexpedition.com. News Update on the Ski for Light Silent Auction by Jean and Gordon Larson Station WISC in Green Bay reports today that Ski for Light, the world-class Nordic “ski and have fun” group, will meet in Green Bay in February, 2004. In addition to the skiing, one of the high-lights of this gathering is the annual Silent Auction! The silent auction has developed into a successful, stimulating event over the years, demonstrating the lively imagination and support of Ski for Lighters. The proceeds contribute to a more affordable week for all, and to general operating expenses throughout the year. In the past, people have donated a wide variety of items to this auction. They include original art, handmade quilts, wooden bowls and Nordic knives. Cabin rentals and Norwegian sweaters are also popular. Perhaps the only downside to the auction, if you can call it that, is the incurable addiction to Norwegian chocolate developed by certain individuals who shall remain nameless. (However, keep bringing that chocolate!) No donation is too large or two small. If you would like to donate an item, you may send it to: Ski for Light, Inc. Attn: Jeff Pagels 1400 Carole Lane Green Bay, WI 54313 Please ship all items by January 9, 2004. If you have any questions, or need to make other arrangements, please contact auction chairs, Jean and Gordon Larson via e-mail at thelarsons@yahoo.com or phone at (509) 448-2631. In other WISC news… February weather to be cold and snowy. The Pack is back. Cheese prices are holding steady. Details on the 8th. Call For Nominations This is another election year, and we are now looking for candidates interested in serving on the Board of Directors of Ski for Light, Inc. Ski for Light is governed by an elected board that is composed of up to thirty members, including guides, VIPs, MIPs and others. The term of office for board members is four years, with about half of the board positions up for election every two years. The SFL Board is a working board. This means that each board member is expected to chair or serve on at least one standing committee; members must also be involved in either the annual SFL International Event, or in the financial development efforts of the organization. Anyone may nominate one or more persons, including him/herself, to the Board. Nominations must include the person's name, address and phone number, and a short biographical sketch that describes the candidate's involvement with SFL. Send your nominations to Marion Elmquist, Chair of the Elections Committee, no later than December 28, 2003. E-mail: marion@sfl.org or Mailing address: Marion Elmquist 310 Foster Drive Des Moines, IA 50312 If you have questions about how the SFL Board operates, or about the responsibilities of board members, talk to any current board member. If you have specific questions about any aspect of the nomination or election process, contact Marion herself via e-mail at marion@sfl.org or phone at (515) 279-3681. The election will take place at the Annual Meeting in Green Bay on Friday, February 6, 2004. We hope to hear from many of you. Ski in Norway! Ridderrenn 2004 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 at Beitostolen, Norway. 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 2004 Ridderrenn are March 21-28, 2004. If you are interested in attending, or wish more information, please contact Marion Elmquist, SFL Vice- President, via e-mail at marion@sfl.org or phone at (515) 279-3681. SFL Regional Spotlight by Vicki Post In each issue of the Bulletin, we will turn the spotlight on one of our nine Regional programs. These regional groups were established by people who were inspired to recreate their own SFL experiences in a more local and intimate setting. It is our hope that you will enjoy their stories, and that you will support them in their efforts. Colorado Regional Ski for Light by Dave Thomas Can you imagine skiing on freshly-fallen snow in just a T-shirt while the bright sun pours its warmth on your back? Or, can you imagine traversing the rugged terrain of the Rocky Mountains as high as 11 thousand feet in mid-August only to find yourself standing on a patch of the white stuff? These images are not the province of fantasy, they are the reality of the Colorado Regional Ski and Trekk For Light! Participants have come from all across the United States and even from abroad to enjoy cross country skiing and wilderness backpacking at their finest for many years, and I am writing to you to invite you to do the same. The Colorado Regional Ski For Light, held in Granby, allows skiers at all levels of proficiency to enjoy the nearly 150 kilometers of trails at Snow Mountain Ranch. The 2004 event will be held Friday, January 23 through Sunday, January 25. We will be skiing from right outside the luxurious twin YMCA cabins where we will be lodging. The skiing is fantastic, the food is delicious and the socializing is unbeatable. For additional information and application materials, contact Dave Thomas at (303) 298- 0672 or e-mail him at yourdama@ecentral.com. Some participants might consider hopping the short flight from Denver to Rapid City, South Dakota Sunday evening to attend the 25th annual Black Hills Regional. (See Regional Round-Up for details.) Others have been known to extend their visit to Colorado and have made arrangements with guides they know to do some additional cross country skiing, and/ or to enjoy the fabulous downhill skiing at nearby Winter Park or at the other world-renowned resorts in our beautiful state. The Trekk For Light is the Summer event that attracts outdoor enthusiasts to Colorado. This week-long backpacking trip through the North-central Rockies offers participants the peace and serenity of wilderness trekking, as well as the opportunity to learn about llama-supported hiking. That’s right! Llamas are the third member of each team. On the Trekk For Light, a llama accompanies each visually-impaired participant and guide, carrying up to 80 pounds of camping gear, and all for just a handful of cornmeal a day! The 2004 Trekk For Light is scheduled for Friday, August 6 through Saturday, August 14. Don't miss the fun! Regional Round-Up Ski for Light's nine regional programs offer many different opportunities to enhance your SFL experience, and we encourage you to take advantage of them. The following list includes all upcoming winter activities for 2004, plus dates and information for Trekk for Light. Happy planning! Black Hills Regional Ski for Light 25th Anniversary January 25 - 29, 2004 Deer Mountain Ski Resort, Deadwood, South Dakota Cost: $190 (Scholarships are available) Web site: www.bhskiforlight.org Phone: (605) 341-3626 Contact: Don Theye E-mail: artpimp1@rap.midco.net Colorado Regional Ski for Light January 23 - 25, 2004 Snow Mountain Ranch, Granby, Colorado Contact: Dave Thomas 2714-A Stout Street Denver, Colorado 80205 Phone: (303) 298-0672 E-mail: yourdama@ecentral.com Trekk For Light 2004 Llama supported week-long backpacking trip in the North-Central Colorado Rawah Wilderness, August 6 - 14, 2004 Contact: Art Bunn, President 3248 Silverwood Drive Fort Collins, Colorado 80525 Phone: (970) 229-9119 E-mail: albunn@earthlink.net Michigan Regional Ski for Light January 23 - 25, 2004 Ralph A. MacMulllen Conference Center, Roscommon, Michigan Web site: www.msfl.org Contact: Jim Ellickson 810 West Park Street St. Johns, Michigan 48879 Phone: (989) 224-8288 E-mail: ellickson@voyager.net Montana Regional Ski for Light March 24 - 28, 2004 West Yellowstone, Montana Cost: $248 pp./do.; $360 pp./so.; $90 pp./single day Contact: Ed Durbin Phone: (406) 538-7151 E-mail: tedurbin@midrivers.com New England Regional Ski for Light Cross Country Skiing/Snowshoeing January 9 - 12, 2004 Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Craftsbury Common, Vermont February 27 - 29, 2004 Royalty Inn/Great Glen Trails, Gorham, New Hampshire Web site: www.nersfl.org Contact: NERSFL P.O. Box 2170 Brattleboro, Vermont 05303 Phone: (781) 667-9270 E-mail: info@nersfl.org Northeast Pennsylvania Regional Ski for Light January 25 - February 1, 2004 Land of the Vikings, Sherman, Pennsylvania Contact: Bjorg M. Dunlop Phone: (518) 731-8741 E-mail: bjorgmd@aol.com Puget Sound Regional Ski for Light January 10 & 24, February 7 & 21, March 6 & 20, 2004 Trollhaugen Sons of Norway Lodge, Erling Stordahl Snow Park Stampede Pass, Washington Cost: $60 for the season Contact: Maida Pojtinger Phone: (253) 631-7904 E-mail: rmpoj@aol.com Sierra Regional Ski for Light March 13 - 15, 2004 Tahoe/Donner Cross Country, Truckee, California Saturday cross-country ski day trips for adults and children: January 10, February 7 & 21, 2004 Tahoe/Donner Cross Country, Truckee, California Web site: www.srsfl.org Contact: Betsy Rowell Phone: (916) 362-5557 E-mail: montbets@pacbell.net Wisconsin Regional Ski for Light January 23 - 25, 2004 Wisconsin Lion's Camp, Rosholt, Wisconsin Contact: Bev Helland 10168 Amber Trail Edgerton, Wisconsin 53534 Phone: (608) 884-4955 E-mail: bhelland@madison.k12.wi.us Ski for Light Canada February 9 – 15, 2004 Kamloops, British Columbia Web site: http://members.shaw.ca/sflcanada Contact: Annar Jacobsen, President Phone: (250) 523-2403 E-mail: annar@telus.net SFL Sponsors Please remember to support our corporate sponsors whenever you can. Jansport Bison Designs Bushnell Canine Hardware Cascade Designs Chuck Roast Columbia Cool Pooch Crazy Creek Dahlgren Devold Dreamsacks Eagle Creek Grabber Granite Gear Hog Wild InSport Isis Jytte Mau Mountain Hardwear National Geographic Maps New Hall's Wheels Optic Nerve/Mountain Shades Polarmax Princeton Tec Salomon Thor-lo How's your format? The Ski for Light Bulletin is available in ink-print, on audiocassette or via e-mail. If you would like to change the format you are currently receiving, please send your request to Judy Dixon at judy@sfl.org. Also, please let us know if you change your address. With each issue of the Bulletin, a number of copies bounce back to us; this can get expensive, and it takes us extra time to track people down. So again, please help us keep our data base up to date. Thank you. 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, 2004. We look forward to hearing from you. Ski for Light, Inc. is a registered trademark. All rights reserved. Editor: Vicki Post E-mail: vickip@sfl.org Layout and graphics: Eija Jacobsen E-mail: frmetoyouny@hotmail.com Electronic version: Duane Farrar E-mail: duane@sfl.org Special thanks to: Judy Dixon E-mail: judy@sfl.org