[4Alabama] SKI for Light International

Fri Jan 29 15:02:16 UTC 2021

Affiliate Members,

You may have noticed in an earlier Braille Monitor announcement about a
virtual 2021 Ski for Light International event this year, so this is a
reminder.  More than just the enjoyable physical activity, cross country
skiing has introduced me and many great people, and  these experiences have
greatly enriched our lives.  Because we are doing a virtual Ski for Light
event this coming Wednesday through Saturday, because it will give you a
chance to check out how both sighted guides and blind skiers participate
with no event fee this year, and because my good friend Dr. Bonnie O'Day
was selected to be the event Chairperson for this virtual event, I invite
you to register using the link below so you can check out some of the Zoom
sessions.  I am also attaching and pasting the program schedule. Come join
us!

Keep safe and here is the link if you wish to register:

2021 SFL Virtual Event Application

Larry Povinelli, Treasurer, NFB of Alabama

Ski Light past board member and participant since 2009.

Ski for Light 2021 International Event: Virtually Everywhere!
Schedule of Events
January 27-30, 2021

Welcome to the Ski for Light 2021 International Event: Virtually Everywhere!

Thank you for registering for the Ski for Light 2021 International Event:
Virtually Everywhere! The planning committee has been working hard to make
our virtual event interesting, fun, and memorable and to stay as true as
possible to our motto, “Skiing, Sharing, Learning.” Of course, we can’t ski
together, but you will have the opportunity to participate in some fun and
exhilarating fitness activities to get you in shape year-round and for our
in-person event in 2022. Additionally, we’ll have the opportunity to share
and learn through 12 special interest sessions and Zoom discussion rooms in
which you can reacquaint with old friends and make new ones. As we usually
do at our SFL live events, we’ll feature a welcome session, closing
ceremonies, and a fabulous auction fund-raiser to support our all-volunteer
program. We hope you will participate in and enjoy all of these activities.

The Event at a Glance

(All times listed are Eastern Standard Time)

On Wednesday at 9:00 a.m., we will kick off our fitness track with a brief
overview of our Focus on Fitness offerings, followed by a stretch class led
by Nino Pacini, as we usually do each morning at our live event. There will
be different fitness classes at 9:00 a.m. and 6:00 p.m. Wednesday through
Friday to start your day out right and learn some new fitness strategies.
Remember to tune in to our “don’t miss” welcome ceremonies at 8 p.m.
Wednesday evening. Then go to the Zoom Social to meet old and new friends
for casual conversation.

We have 12 special interest sessions, which will be held Thursday and
Friday evenings and Saturday afternoon. Most sessions will be live, last no
more than 60 minutes, and allow time for Q&A at the end of the session.
Many will incorporate video segments. Special interest sessions will be
posted on the SFL YouTube channel after the event. Skiers and guides new to
SFL won’t want to miss Thursday’s sessions featuring panelists describing
what you need to know to participate in our live events.

What would an SFL event be without our annual auction? Prepare to bid
generously on delectable sweets, interesting places to visit, homemade
crafts and other donated treasures on Friday evening. We’ll close the event
in our usual celebratory style with a virtual ceremony Saturday evening
featuring long-time friend and musician Jim Salestrom and comedian Amir
Rahimi. We’ll also be treated to some highlights featuring those who nailed
the fitness challenge. We’ll close with another Zoom Social to connect
again and share your event experiences.

How to Participate

All schedule times are Eastern Standard Time (EST). All sessions will take
place via the Zoom platform. Zoom links are provided after each session
description. You may also join any of the sessions by phone using the
following telephone numbers:

+1 312 626 6799 (Chicago)

+1 646 558 8656 (New York)

+1 301 715 8592 (Washington D.C)

+1 346 248 7799 (Houston)

+1 669 900 9128 (San Jose)

+1 253 215 8782 (Tacoma)

+1 438 809 7799 Canada

+1 587 328 1099 Canada

+1 647 374 4685 Canada

+1 647 558 0588 Canada

+1 778 907 2071 Canada

+1 204 272 7920 Canada

+47 2400 4735 Norway

+47 7349 4877 Norway

+47 2396 0588 Norway

Schedule of Events

Wednesday, January 27, 2021

9:00 a.m. Welcome to Focus on Fitness and Stretch Class with Nino
Presenters: Lauren Hein, Bob Hartt, and Nino Pacini

This is our first Zoom session and the kick-off for the virtual event’s
Focus on Fitness track.  You will receive a brief welcome introducing you
to Focus on Fitness followed by Nino Pacini’s stretch class with an
opportunity for Q&A after his workout. This session will also introduce you
to the sounds of an actual event.  So, learn more about Focus on Fitness
and get your blood flowing with Nino, our experienced SFL stretch class
instructor!

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

6:00 p.m. Core Strength and Balance
Presenter: Betsy Fischer

Join Betsy Fischer to learn how to strengthen those all-important abdominal
muscles and test the balance we all need for good mobility, including cross
country skiing!  Betsy is a SFL Board member and an experienced Guide.
She and her husband, Scott, hail from Alaska, where they teach skiing as
certified ski instructors. As with all fitness classes, clear a safe place
for your workout and wear comfortable clothes. Betsy is likely to make you
break a sweat!

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/85486299459?pwd=dUhOU2xQd3V1MGhCczlJOUpwTXh1dz09

Meeting ID: 854 8629 9459

Passcode: 009002

8:00 p.m. Opening Ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies: Scott McCall

Learn what it is like to attend an SFL event through comments from skiers
and guides and a brief history of SFL. We will present an overview of the
event, an introduction to the Zoom platform and other surprises.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86570913344?pwd=KzFGN2ptOXlGdWxmWmRWcUx4VVhydz09

Webinar id: 865 7091 3344

Passcode: 292568

9:00 p.m. Zoom Social

After our opening ceremonies at our live events, many of us gather in the
lounge or common area to say hello to old friends and meet new ones. We
couldn’t resist arranging the same experience. Stay in one Zoom room or hop
around from one room to another, just as you might move from table to table
in the lounge.

Ski Tip Saloon

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/99339908138?pwd=MjRKdHFSY3pMR3B5V3lEVDF4Sk0rQT09

Meeting ID: 993 3990 8138

Passcode: 654321

Tips and Tales Diner

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88513551232?pwd=OGJQUWpRc2JCNldTaWNrWklIaHZoQT09

Meeting ID: 885 1355 1232

Passcode: 553436

Snowplow Snack Bar

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/88666629993?pwd=K0NpWFNldFFiV04rcU50REp6d1UxUT09

Meeting ID: 886 6662 9993

Passcode: 164418

Skinny Ski Café

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82403919974?pwd=Yi9aYng5N2VRQUpyaVdoaGJjTFhPZz09

Meeting ID: 824 0391 9974

Passcode: 123456

Thursday, January 28, 2021

9:00 a.m. Accessible Yoga
Presenter: Marie Pacini

Yoga is everywhere and there are many benefits to a yoga practice. Have you
ever wondered whether yoga practice is for you? This class is for you and
all others who want a basic yoga class with clear verbal description. Our
veteran SFL participant and yoga instructor Marie Pacini will get you
limbered up and ready to start your day with time left over for some live
Q&A.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

6:00 p.m. Sport Cord and Leg Strength for Fitness
Presenter: Scott Fischer

In addition to toned up leg muscles and balance, experienced cross-country
skiers know that keeping your upper body and arms in shape is essential,
and that includes everything from a good ski to lifting that heavy crock
pot onto the upper shelf.  Whether you have ordered the Sport Cord
demonstrated in this class in advance (see Focus on Fitness page for
ordering information) or just want to learn more about how it is used, our
SFL guide and ski instructor Scott Fischer will show you how to improve
your arm strength for double poling and leg strength for the kick.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89022128964?pwd=WURIY013V2NNenowSEVlZXZOdERMdz09

Meeting ID: 890 2212 8964

Passcode: 908548

7:00 p.m. Thinking of Guiding at Ski for Light?
Presenters: Amy Brannan and Panel

This session is for any experienced cross-country skier who wants to know
more about what being a guide at SFL is like. Topics will include the guide
training program for new guides, the typical schedule of activities during
the week, your responsibilities as a guide for a blind or mobility-impaired
skier, expectations of guides and participants, and how you can learn more
about this amazing opportunity.

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/92481824092?pwd=Sm5FcmttOU1Pd2NPZ1B2SzVNb1pqdz09

Meeting ID: 924 8182 4092

Passcode: 314816

8:00 p.m. You Don't Have to See to Ski: Attending Ski for Light as a
Visually- or Mobility-Impaired Skier
Presenters: Deni Elliott and Panel

This session will describe how the SFL program works for people with visual
and/or mobility-impairments. Topics include getting ready for the SFL week,
the typical schedule of on and off-snow activities, the pairing with an
experienced sighted guide, and expectations of both skiers and guides. Most
participants think of the SFL week as the one time each year when they are
“just like everyone else.”

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

9:00 p.m. Ridderrennett: Description and Highlights of Norway's Grand Dame
of Ski for Light
Presenter: Marion Elmquist

The Ridderrenn in Beitostolen, Norway, on which SFL is modeled, is the
largest cross-country skiing event for blind and mobility-impaired skiers
in the world. Founded in 1964, it annually attracts 800 or more
participants to the pristine mountains of Norway for a week of skiing and
other fun events. Each year, SFL sends a delegation of skiers and guides to
the Ridderrenn as representatives of the organization. Many SFL
participants often join the official delegation for the event and for
touring and sightseeing in Oslo after the event. Marion will describe the
week's activities in detail and explain how you can participate in a future
unforgettable trip to the Ridderrenn.

Zoom Link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89146645405?pwd=dExvUzgxOW9xbWtCUDFHekR0dWZHQT09

Meeting ID: 891 4664 5405

Passcode: 634961

10:00 p.m. Zoom Social: Tips and Tales Diner

Join your friends for an informal discussion of the first couple days of
the event.

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/96268921015?pwd=Q2x6QkMzMEp5ZkVZdUNOd1NGSTBldz09

Meeting ID: 962 6892 1015

Passcode: 123321

Friday, January 29, 2021

9:00 a.m. Stretch with Doug
Presenter: Doug Powell

Our second morning stretch class of the event gives you some different
moves for stretching and starting your day right.  Doug Powell, another of
our tried-and-true stretch class leaders, will lead you through each
stretch with good verbal description.  Bring a bath towel, belt or strap so
Doug can show you how to get a great leg stretch.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

4:00 p.m.  Guide Dog Training Schools Amidst the Pandemic
Presenters: Melissa Smith and Panel

Three Dog Guide Schools, Guiding Eyes for the Blind, Guide Dogs for the
Blind, and the Seeing Eye, will describe how their programs have adapted to
serving dog users during the pandemic. Topics include the impact of the
pandemic on in-person residential instruction vs. home training of
students, training of the dogs, changes in wait times for a trained dog,
shifts in the breeding programs, and extra efforts by the puppy raisers.
Come hear about the creative measures these schools have taken to adapt and
keep everyone safe during these challenging times.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

5:00 p.m. How to Bake the Perfect Rye Bread
Presenter: Jeffrey Abrams

Jeff, a blind baker, will teach you how to make a rustic rye bread from
scratch in your own kitchen. Starting with how to make sourdough, he will
talk about different types of flour, how to make a rye starter, mixing and
kneading doughs, proofing, shaping, and baking. Your mouth will be watering
as you virtually smell the bread baking!

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82913783278?pwd=d1Y0aGtwZzhER0tVZUFOM0Fmb3lEQT09

Meeting ID: 829 1378 3278

Passcode: 294583

6:00 p.m.  Using an Exercise Band
Presenter: John Elliott

Whether you just want to get out in the snow and have some fun, or train
hard like a Paralympian, strengthening your legs, hips, core, shoulders and
arms can make your cross-country skiing experience safer and more
enjoyable.  John Elliott will show you how a small, lightweight,
go-anywhere exercise band can keep your muscles toned and flexible wherever
you go.  In addition to being one of our former ski trail coordinators,
John is an experienced SFL guide, physical fitness guru and co-author of
the many conditioning options detailed for novice, intermediate and expert
skiers in “SFL Getting in Shape for Cross Country Skiing,” which can be
accessed here: https://www.sfl.org/events/fitness/

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/93080560146?pwd=YWVpV0s0MXp4V1k2NmhWdGh5OWRTdz09

Meeting ID: 930 8056 0146

Passcode: 289557

7:00 p.m.  No Road, No Powerline, No Mortgage: Living a Self‑sufficient
Lifestyle in the 21st Century
Presenter: Marvin Liewer

Marvin lives in a log cabin, which he built with pine logs, iron tools and
hard labor. He has a small solar power system for electrical power. He
heats and cooks with firewood and is able to grow most of his own
vegetables and hunts and fishes for some of his meat. A newspaper reporter
compared his life to that of Henry David Thoreau in his book Walden. And
when the work is done for the day, he straps on his skis and revels in the
fruits of his labor.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

8:00 p.m. Live Auction!
Auctioneer: Ron Stubbings

Prepare to bid generously on tasty treats, travel excursions, hand-made
crafts and other donated treasures. See the list of auction items
distributed just prior to the event and bid against other attendees as you
would at the live event.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/81410621871?pwd=S09zTWtRd2JQMlg0RXg0TWlKd0k3QT09

Webinar ID: 814 1062 1871

Passcode: 125394

10:00 p.m. Zoom Social: Tips and Tales Diner

Join your friends for an informal discussion of your auction steals!

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/97109775111?pwd=aEdPVTFUckZCY1lvYlhNVC9SQ0w1QT09

Meeting ID: 971 0977 5111

Passcode: 123456

Saturday, January 30, 2021

2:00 p.m. Erling Stordahl, Blind Visionary and Inspiration for Ski for Light
Presenter: Einar Bergh

The idea of teaching blind people to cross‑country ski began in Norway in
the 1960s with a blind Norwegian musician named Erling. Erling loved to
cross-country ski, and often skied in the forests using just the echoes off
the trees to keep him safely on the trail. He discovered that skiing in the
tracks left in the snow by tracked military vehicles was a far easier and
safer way for him to ski and wanted to teach blind people to cross-country
ski using similar techniques. His work led in 1964 to the creation of the
Ridderrenn. Come hear Erling’s story and be serenaded with some of his
original music.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

3:00 p.m. A Beginner’s Guide to Scandinavian-American Vaudeville.
Presenters: Peter Holbrook and John Ofstehage

To immigrants of the 19th and early 20th centuries, arriving in America
might have seemed like stepping onto an alien planet. Surrounded by
unfamiliar sights and people with strange customs, it's no wonder that
homesick immigrants would be drawn to entertainments featuring familiar old
songs, jokes and dramas presented in their native tongue. Come be
acquainted with vaudeville and this largely forgotten chapter of the
immigrant experience of the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83466302595?pwd=eFhkYll4d3hwMU1seVFtTElPSCtTdz09

Meeting ID: 834 6630 2595

Passcode: 817673

4:00 p.m. Completing the Ironman: One Lingering Effect of a Nasty Car Crash
Presenter: Dave Wilkinson

Dave, who is totally blind, was in a 4‑car pileup that totaled all vehicles
and left him with two broken vertebrae in his neck. This crash left him
feeling vulnerable. To combat this, he decided to complete the 2019
Louisville Ironman 10 months after his crash. He will outline his path to
Ironman, some of the technical challenges encountered in making it happen,
and some of the incredible people in his support crew who helped him to
succeed.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

5:00 p.m. How to Climb a Mountain
Presenters: Jeff Pagels and Doug Wakefield

Jeff, who is mobility-impaired, and Doug, who is totally blind, will
describe their mountain climbing adventures over the years. They will
describe the planning, adaptations, and teamwork necessary to make mountain
climbing a reality for people with disabilities and discuss how these
techniques may be used to take on the challenges of everyday life. Come
learn from their engaging presentation.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 9372

6:00 p.m. Hiking the Classic Inca Trail to Machu Picchu, Peru
Presenter: Michael McCulloch

Michael McCulloch, a retired visually impaired NASA engineer, would like to
bring you along on an incredible journey. The 4‑day trek along the Classic
Inca Trail to one of the new Seven Wonders of the World, Machu Picchu,
Peru, is just under 27 miles and scales two nearly 14,000‑foot mountain
passes. The appeal is the stunning combination of Inca ruins, magnificent
mountains, exotic vegetation, and extraordinary ecological variety.
Michael, age 64, is the oldest blind person to hike this amazing and
demanding trail. The inner strength and determination Michael displayed in
overcoming the personal and physical obstacles he encountered on his
journey will empower you to get out of your comfort zones, take on new
challenges and see that all things are possible.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/82587743135?pwd=T3RoQzlaN2hUMFZCNFBZY21makFSZz09

Meeting ID: 825 8774 3135

Passcode: 533182

7:00 p.m. Dragon Boating for Life and Laughs
Presenters: Susan Mazrui and Lisa Harkins

This session will describe the lifelong benefits of Dragon Boating,
including ways to participate competitively or recreationally. This will
include a 30-minute presentation by veteran Lisa Harkins and relative
newbie Susan Mazrui, followed by audience participation and Q&A. This is an
activity easily shared by both visually impaired and sighted participants,
so bring out your virtual paddles and join us in the boat!

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/83485570880?pwd=ZnFkMUFoVll2UWJXaCtOdWdLUDdVUT09

Meeting ID: 834 8557 0880

Passcode: 272001

8:00 p.m. Closing Ceremonies
Master of Ceremonies: Julie Coppens

We will feature our dear friend and country music legend Jim Salestrom, who
will bring some much-loved music to our closing ceremonies. Comedian and
natural-born story-teller Amir Rehimi will provide us with a few laughs.
We’ll hear who aced the fitness challenge and recognize folks who are
critical to making SFL a reality.

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/89967870986?pwd=ai9ZUFNIN0hRblN0aXlxV21SdmlnUT09

Webinar ID: 899 6787 0986

Passcode: 567358

9:30 p.m. Zoom Social

Say good-bye to your SFL friends, old and new, and make plans to reconnect
next year at the 2022 SFL International Event.

Ski Tip Saloon

Zoom link:
https://zoom.us/j/91908365333?pwd=ZGZuMDRqSjY5N2xIcEk0NUp1WEl6QT09

Meeting ID: 919 0836 5333

Passcode: 654321

Tips and Tales Diner

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86913552198?pwd=TFM1MDZPMVlYU29tSXFUNE4zSGxhdz09

Meeting ID: 869 1355 2198

Passcode: 337365

Snowplow Snack Bar

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/9372724553?pwd=R0xzMG1tU1o4NndOazdnQWd6RGQzZz09

Meeting ID: 937 272 4553

Passcode: 7323

Skinny Ski Café

Zoom link:
https://us02web.zoom.us/j/86195754563?pwd=RHB0akRqOVlIapiTXpLdEUzd3RrUT09

Meeting ID: 861 9575 4563

Passcode: 123456

See You Next Year!

-- 

Sandre *T.*,

 *Membership Coordinator*

Alabama National Federation of the Blind

PH: 205-767-9547  or TEXT ONLY:  669-200-1632 (1NFB)

*nfbal.membership at gmail.com <nfbal.membership at gmail.com>*