SFL BULLETIN Spring 1996 Ski for Light, Inc. 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55408 From The President by Nancy Rowan It is with great pleasure that on April 1, 1996, I assume the role of SFL President. When I began guiding at the Puget Sound Regional in 1981 I never would have guessed that someday I would be President of Ski For Light International. I have been involved in many capacities with SFL during the last eight years, and the Presidency is a role I accept with honor. However, SFL cannot be run by one person. There are many people that spend hundreds of hours working on SFL projects both at their home and at the event. Without this teamwork the event would be impossible to put on. I see my new role as a facilitator and look forward to working with the new Executive Committee and Board of Directors as well as the many skiers and guides that carry on the tradition set down before us. It is hard to believe that Spring is here when just a short while ago the temperatures were 30 below in South Dakota. Yet here it is, Springtime. As I look outside, the rain is falling and flowers are poking their yellow and blue heads up. My mind wanders to Norway and one last ski trip for 1996. In two weeks a group of twelve skiers and guides will embark on a journey to the 33rd Ridderren. The week in Beitostolen will include skiing competition and exposure to many people from all over the world. The trip to Norway is also a jump start on a new beginning for me with Ski For Light. I will return from Norway at the end of April and, at that time, planning for our upcoming activities will begin in earnest. Best wishes for a healthy Spring and Summer. I hope to hear from many of you with any ideas you have or if you plan on visiting the Northwest. SFL Board Elects New Members Using its new "Australian" balloting procedure for the second time, on January 26, 1996, the SFL Board of Directors elected nine new members. They are: Chuck Bell, Livermore, Colorado; Wendy David, Bellevue, Washington; Bjorg Dunlop, Earlton, New York; Claire Morrissette, Foxboro, Massachusetts; Vicki O'Brien, Jackson, Wyoming; Laura Oftedahl, Watertown, Massachusetts; Haakon Randar, Elm Grove, Wisconsin; Brenda Seeger, Westbrook, Minnesota; and Larry Showalter, Gahanna, Ohio. The Board also elected new officers at its annual meeting. They are: President: Nancy Rowan, Seattle, Washington; Vice-President: Jeff Pagels, Green Bay, Wisconsin; Secretary: Mary Mosbey, Lake Elmo Minnesota; Treasurer: Judy Dixon, Arlington, Virginia; and Directors-at-large: Jack Newbury, Boothbay Harbor, Maine and Lisa Wangberg, formerly of Blackhawk, South Dakota (now in military transition and soon to be in Goldsboro, North Carolina). The Immediate Past President is Bud Keith, Arlington, Virginia. Community News Married: On February 26, 1996, Bud Keith and Billie Jean Hill were married in Hawaii. Congratulations Bud and Billie Jean! Bringing Home the Gold: In late February, Dale Severson, a veteran SFL guide, won a gold medal at the U.S. Master's ski jumping championships for skiers 30-75 years old. He jumped 30 meters on the 45-meter hill to win the gold. AN SFL WINNER IN EVERY WAY! by Eileen Goff Kjell Skavnes attended his first SFL event in Squaw Valley as a guide in 1979. Known for his smile and outgoing manner, over the years Kjell has participated in fourteen events including this year at Spearfish. A native-born Norwegian, Kjell relocated to Rockaway, New Jersey where he is the owner of a Saab dealership. In his leisure time, Kjell is an avid alpine and Nordic skier and enjoys fishing, boating and water-skiing. Twice each year, Kjell opens his Vermont country home to a large group of participants from ABLE (Athletics for Blind Leisure Enthusiasts) for a variety of seasonal activities. Since 1981, Kjell has devoted a great deal of time to racing stock cars. Driving a 95 BMW M3, he became the first showroom stock driver to earn the title of "Overall Northeast Sports Car Club of America Champion". After Kjell took his eighth straight win of the season, he became number one in the 1995 points standings and was honored at an impressive banquet. Out of 580 drivers, Kjell was the only one who WON all eight races he entered in the 1995 NESCCA series. Kjell's skills, talents and competitive spirit have combined to make him a real winner, and SFL has benefited financially as the recipient of the winnings of his races. SFL Videos Still Available! Show your friends and family what Ski for Light is all about. Or help make a good presentation about SFL a terrific one. Use the new Ski for Light video, which is about seven and a half minutes long. It was produced in 1995 with the assistance of Jim Salestrom, Colorado singer and longtime Ski for Light supporter. We also have additional copies of the Ski for Light 20th anniversary tape, produced by Lisa Wangberg. It's a wonderful memento and a documentary of the many people and places that have been part of SFL. Each of these tapes also is available in PAL format, which is the video format in Norway, Britain and some other countries. So, no matter where you are, Ski for Light can travel with you! The seven and a half minute tape in regular format costs $15; in PAL format it's $25 including air mail postage. The 20th anniversary video is $10; for PAL format, it's also $25 including airmail shipping. Order the tapes from: Annemarie Cooke 5 McAuliffe Drive North Brunswick, NJ 08902 Phone (609) 520-8079 E-mail acooke@rfbd.org To Bud (Remarks made by Bjarne Eikevik, SFL President 1977-1981, at the 1996 SFL banquet, Spearfish, South Dakota in recognition of the outgoing SFL President) Most all of you know that the concept and idea that led to Ski for Light came from the Norwegian blinded visionary, Erling Stordahl. His friend, Olav Pedersen, had been encouraging Erling to bring his idea to the United State. Erling was interested but he let it be known that he would only take his idea to the U.S. if it could become something of lasting value rather than a one-time event. In the fall of 1974, Olav prevailed and the first Ski for Light (or Race for Light as it was then called), was held in Summit County, Colorado in February 1975. Those of us who were involved at the beginning knew how to ski, but we knew very little about how to interact with blind persons. It became clear that in order to fulfill Erling's requirement of making his idea into something of lasting value, we needed our own visionary in this country. We found him and he found us at that first Ski for Light in Colorado. His name was Bud Keith, or as we know him today, Dr. Bud Keith. Elected to the Executive Committee of the newly-formed Ski for Light, Bud became our visionary and helped us sighted folks come to grips with the long-standing cultural misconception in this country that blind persons somehow were different. Through Bud's guidance, we came to understand and appreciate the importance of working with a person rather just working for a person. The working with is now a cornerstone of Ski for Light and it is the partnership that has created the Ski for Light magic. Bud went on to become President of Ski for Light serving from 1981 to 1988 and again from 1994 to 1996. Bud also played a major role in helping to establish the Vinland National Center in Minnesota which was another of Erling Stordahl's dreams. Our mutually beneficial relationship with Ridderrennets Venner in Norway has also been strengthened through Bud's leadership. In 1991, King Olav of Norway awarded Bud the St. Olav's Medal for his work in promoting Norway and Norwegian ideas in the United States. Brother Bud, if Erling Stordahl could have been with us this evening he might well have wanted to make this presentation to you himself because you are, to a large extent, responsible for having made Erling's idea into something of lasting value. On behalf of the Board of Directors and all of us in Ski for Light may I present to you this special plaque. And, on a very personal note, thank you Bud for taking a good thing and making it better. Going, Going but not Gone Ski for Light Auction '96 is on the move. Previous auctions, run by Tore Lund, have been the single biggest fund-raisers in our history. Pat Gabriel and JoAnne Jorud, with an able assist from Tore, are well down the trail towards a successful 1996 auction. Minneapolis/St. Paul site selection is being completed. Plans call for proxy bidding by those unable to attend, and we are exploring real time bidding over the Internet. A successful auction depends on two things, a range of interesting items to auction and willing bidders. Right now we need help gathering the items to be auctioned. individuals are invited to contribute single items, and we need at least three people to chair specialized search groups. Oenophilist--Wines are traditionally big. We need a knowledgeable person to help us find and characterize wines. Brewmaster--Beers from local brewers have become a national craze. We need a knowledgeable beer aficionado to help collect interesting items in this area. Silent Auctioneer--A silent auction will be part of the evening. We need someone to take charge of gathering items for this special function. We would also like individual contributions in these and other areas. Categories of specific interest are specialty foods, sports or theater tickets, exercise or ski equipment, dining out, resort or vacation, Scandinavian items, crafts, and home or personal accessories. Gift certificates are also welcome. So loosen up your dialing finger, or get out the word processor and help gather items for Auction '96. Items can be shipped to: Ski for Light Auction 1455 West Lake Street Minneapolis, MN 55416 For information or to volunteer contact: Pat Gabriel 495 Birmingham Street St. Paul, MN 55106 (612) 774-4671 or JoAnne Jorud 3940 Hubbard Avenue N. Robbinsdale, MN 55422 (612) 533-7415 Let's all make Auction '96 a great success. Summer Activities Canoeing and Rafting: Does a canoe trip or a whitewater raft trip interest you? If either one does, then get ready! These trips are being planned for this summer. You must act now because space is limited and reservations will be handled on a first-come basis. The canoe trip will be on the Mississippi River in Northern Minnesota. You will paddle 65 miles through the pristine headwaters of the Mississippi. Itasca State Park is the starting point with Lake Bemidji the destination. This is a combination canoe and camping trip. Evening programs around the campfire will tell about the area and the people who once inhabited the region. The entire trip will take 6 days and will take place the latter part of June. The estimated cost is $100 which includes everything except personal items and transportation. The Rocky Mountains of central Idaho is the site for the raft adventure. You will raft on the Main Salmon River which is known as the "River of No Return". It's grand scenery, history, big waves, hot springs, hiking, diverse wildlife and giant sandy beaches make this canyon one of the most magical in the country. You will get wet while traveling 80 miles in the 6 days on this class 3+ rated river. You will have plenty of time to relax, to fish or to do off-river exploring. The Main Salmon River is perfect for a first-time whitewater rafter who is comfortable with outdoor camping. Each night you will make camp alongside the river. Richard Epstien, an SFL guide, will be your trip leader and he will be accompanied by other licensed river guides. The trip dates are July 31-August 7. The cost of this trip is $750 which is a great discount. Optional expenses may include air taxi service from/to Boise and sleep gear and tent rental. Firm commitments to participate in either of these river trips must be made by May 15th. If interested or to ask questions, contact: Dick Ashley 738-B South 15th Street Arlington, Virginia 22202 Phone (703) 892-9082 Sail for Light A five-day sailing workshop is scheduled for Wednesday, September 11 to Monday September 16, in Boston, Massachusetts. With support from Boston's Community Boating Inc., Courageous Sailing Center, The Carroll Center for the Blind and individual Boston area sailors, the event will include; sailing and rigging lessons in both small and large sailboats, a picnic sail around the Boston harbor islands, participation in a Charles River sailing race and local sightseeing activities. In addition, Sail For Light will join with SailBlind Reggatta participants in an awards banquet to be held next to the U.S.S. Constitution. The SailBlind program is sponsored by the Carroll Center for the Blind and will be holding its annual regatta this same weekend. Racers in this program have been competing both nationally and internationally against other blind sailors. This will be a great opportunity for visually impaired individuals to try sailing and also get a chance to talk with some experienced blind sailors. Space is limited, and all participants must be capable swimmers. The exact cost for this event has not been determined, but will be approximately $450. This cost will include lodging, meals, ground transportation and boat rental fees. If interested, contact Amy Bower or David Fisichella at 508-457-4725 or e-mail: slrdave@aol.com or amy@pandabear.whoi.edu for more information. Fun and Magic on the Slopes by Deborah Kendrick Spearfish, South Dakota--Magic and miracle are the subject of conversation in this most unlikely place for either to happen. My new friend, John Klemaseski, and I are talking about the multiple meanings of both and he laughs when I say, "We are in the midst of magic and miracle right here." The event is the 1996 Ski for Light International, a 21-year-old program brought from Norway to teach blind Americans to cross-country ski. Many for the first time, some for the tenth. We are computer geeks or fitness fanatics. We range in age from 18 to 80, but we are all here for one reason: We believe that you don't have to see or walk to enjoy the thrill of cross-country skiing or the beauty of nature. The first night, each blind or wheelchair-using participant is paired with an instructor/guide who has no discernible disability. That first dinner may well be the last time for seven days any of us gives disability a thought. It's not that we never talk about blindness or wheelchairs or solutions to problems those circumstances pose. But any sense that disability renders a person less-than or inferior is completely absent from this temporary microcosm in South Dakota. There is no sense of charity or caretaking either just a genuine spirit of loving life. In the real world, we are physicians, lawyers, bus drivers, mountain rangers, etc. Here we are simply "skiers" or "guides". At home, we speak English, Norwegian, or Japanese, but here a smile, a touch, or the sound of another pair of skiers shushing past us on the trail cements quick and permanent connections. When we wind up quarantined for three days out of six, kept from skiing by wind chills dipping to 60 degrees below zero, the magic of Ski for Light shines again as the talents of so many human beings are whipped into an amazing smorgasbord of special interest sessions and fun. John, my guide, tells me that the blowing snow makes it impossible to see even the cars just outside our hotel, and shows me the pile of snow that has blown in through a crack, the thick frost covering panes of glass. It doesn't matter. Instead of being disappointed, we choose from origami or self-defense taught by our friends from Japan, conversational Norwegian or Norwegian folk dancing led by friends from Norway. There are sessions on the Internet, rock-climbing, mountain climbing, water aerobics, and wine-tasting, not to mention impromptu games of volleyball, ping-pong or Scrabble. Pat and Stan Smith, visually impaired skiers from Delaware, have shipped and set up a talking dart board that attracts sufficient interest for a Talking Dart Tournament late Friday night. My roommate, Laura Oftedahl, works for WGBH-TV in Boston, and calls her employer to ship a dozen DVS videos -- popular movies with a narration track added to describe visual elements. They play continuously in the lounge. At night, dances range from country to disco, where Jeff Pagels with his wheelchair may well be the hottest dancer on the floor. But the real magic escalates on the last day when it is announced at breakfast that today the temperature may be a soaring single degree above zero, and WE WILL SKI! The day is a glorious one, bright and clear, and I want the trails to go on forever. On a familiar and gentle stretch of trail, John closes his eyes and I guide him for a change laughing as I ski slightly ahead, shouting information about the terrain as I feel it beneath my skis. Anything is possible this week, it seems, as we hug the birches, pick up pine cones, practice herringbone and glide. It is possible because the sun is bright, the tracks are good, the snow is right, and it is possible because a kind of spell has been cast over us all that says, at least while we're in the land of Ski for Light International, we are all equally capable, lovable, alive. Discrimination rooted in fear and mean-spirited one-upmanship cannot be found in this place. No matter how many things we accomplish, there are some things we cannot do without the help of another human being, and the spirit in which that enabling is offered means everything. The miracle, I should have told John, is this simple paradox: Because you are here, enabling me to ski, you are giving me an incredible gift; and yet, because the magic of Ski for Light is what it is, you believe I am giving you one. [Reprinted with permission of the author as it appeared in the Cincinnati Enquirer, February 11, 1996.] SFL Bulletin is published four times a year by Ski for Light, Inc. Editor: Judy Dixon 1101 N. Stuart Street Arlington, VA 22201 Phone: 703-276-9191 E-mail jdix@loc.gov