[nfbmi-talk] Fw: MSFL 2010 Spring Newsletter
J.J. Meddaugh
jj at bestmidi.com
Thu Apr 29 04:36:42 UTC 2010
Yes, this sounds very interesting, and I immediately thought of you when I
saw it.
Hope it goes well.
----- Original Message -----
From: "Donna Posont" <donnabutterfly50 at gmail.com>
To: "NFB of Michigan List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
Cc: <donna at campt.org>
Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 11:56 AM
Subject: Re: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: MSFL 2010 Spring Newsletter
> Hey J j, Thanks for sharing the newsletter. I was going to put it on later
> because I would like to bring special attention to the part about blind
> birding in Detroit. The Detroit Audubon Society is getting something
> goingfor blind people interested in learning by heearing birds in
> southeastern Michigan. Pretty wonderful! Be blessed, Donna
> ----- Original Message -----
> From: "J.J. Meddaugh" <jj at bestmidi.com>
> To: "NFB of Michigan List" <nfbmi-talk at nfbnet.org>
> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 11:43 AM
> Subject: [nfbmi-talk] Fw: MSFL 2010 Spring Newsletter
>
>
>> ----- Original Message -----
>> From: "Kevin Ridsdale" <help at msfl.org>
>> To: "Kevin Ridsdale" <ksridsdale at msfl.org>
>> Sent: Wednesday, April 28, 2010 7:49 AM
>> Subject: Fw: MSFL 2010 Spring Newsletter
>>
>>
>>
>> Happy Trails
>> Michigan Ski for Light Newsletter
>>
>> Volume 4, Number 1
>> Spring, 2010
>> Editor’s note: We always need articles and ideas for the newsletter.
>> Anyone who would like to volunteer to send an article or information may
>> contact me:
>> ATTENTION: A. KEITH, NEWSLETTER EDITOR, at help at msfl.org
>>
>> President’s Corner, by Kevin Ridsdale
>> Visions 2010 is an opportunity for people to experience products and
>> services designed for people who cannot read print due to visual or
>> physical limitations. Visions provide these consumers with a hands-on
>> opportunity to try new low- and high-tech products.
>>
>> Visions 2010 will be held on Wednesday, May 12, 2010, from 10 am to 4 pm
>> WashtenawCommunity College, Morris Lawrence Building, Ann Arbor, MI
>> 48105.
>>
>> The Michigan Ski for Light Summer Boardmeeting will be held at the home
>> of John Root in Haslett, Michigan, on Saturday, June 12. For anyone
>> interested, there will be golfing at Hawk Hollow (Mini-Hawk par 3 course)
>> starting at 11 am.
>>
>> MichiganSki for LightClothing and 2011 Wristbands Are Available
>> Order through the website www.msfl.org
>>
>> MSFL Hoodies: $30.00, and add $3.00 for size 2XL or larger.
>> MSFL Sweatshirts: $25.00, and add $3.00 for size 2XL or larger.
>> MSFL 2011 wristbands: $2.00
>>
>> Pictures Online from the 2010 Michigan Ski for Light eventprovided from
>> Jim Ellickson and Bill Richards.
>> Link to Jim’s pictures,
>>
>> https://www.photoshop.com/index.html?user=Ellickson&galleryid=fc0df317208049b1bcac4a7a218de02f&wf=share&trackingid=BTAGC
>>
>> Link to Bill’s pictures,
>>
>> www.crvonline.org
>> 1. Go to Photo archives.
>> 2. Search for pictures.
>> 3. Catagory MichiganSki for Light (stay in the category).
>> 4. Search line 2010 MSFL gets all of the pictures.
>>
>>
>> The January 2011 Michigan Ski for Light eventwill be held on January
>> 14-16, 2011. Website registration will open on October 1, 2010. We have
>> MSFL DVDs free for anyone to use as fundraisers, and 2011 wristbands for
>> fundraisers, as well.
>>
>> MichiganSki for Light Event 2010, by Lois Alexander
>> Michigan Ski for Light 2010 had just enough snow, lots of sunshine, and
>> an abundance of fun, fellowship, and laughter! Kathy Emig, retiring
>> president of MSFL opened the 35th year the event with warm words, "This
>> is like a family reunion. We are all a big family, including the
>> participants, guides, park services, and Lions Club. No one is a stranger
>> here." She noted that she did not know anyplace else you could go for a
>> weekend where everyone becomes so cohesive in two days. Kevin Ridsdale,
>> the new president, reported that this year’s event had 22 VIP (visually
>> impaired participants), 1 (MIP) mobility impaired, 30 guides, 10 worker
>> bees, and 30 folks housed at Westminster Camp where the CMU (Central
>> Michigan University) students stay.
>>
>> Everyone had great things to say about the weekend. Carol Ardis, from
>> Grand Rapids, a first time attendee worker bee, noted, "Its great! A very
>> positive experience. Everyone had fun! It was great watching the VIPs and
>> MIPs enjoying themselves. Everyone participated."
>>
>> Morgan Kuzava, a CMU student who had never skied before said, "I enjoyed
>> it a lot! I even learned to ski! I definitely want to come back next
>> year."
>>
>> Steve and Jeff Couch, twelve-year-old twins from Flushing, attended for
>> the first time. Donna Posont brought the twins, whom she met at Camp
>> Tuhsmeheta. On Sunday morning, Jeff revealed that his feet hurt, more
>> from dancing all evening that from the skiing! He was having such a good
>> time that he did not want to leave the weekend! His brother agreed,
>> noting that the whole weekend was awesome. Steve said, "The skiing was
>> stupendous!" Donna has attended MSFL for five years, and says it just
>> keeps getting better. She reported she had the most wonderful guides,
>> Jessie Campbell, and Mark Bassord (all the way from England), because
>> they helped her to visualize the beauty in the nature around them.
>>
>> Jim Carter, a guide from Diamondale, revealed that it is a great learning
>> experience for him. He used skills he learned last year to guide his VIP
>> this year. "I've met a lot of really nice people this week that I would
>> not have otherwise met."
>>
>> Nino Pacini from Grosse Pointe reports that he enjoys the networking and
>> meeting people from all over the state. He enjoys sharing information and
>> technology. His wife, Marie Pacini, conveyed that they have been very
>> involved in the MSFL International and want to get involved at the state
>> level. She said, "Michigan Ski for Light is just so cool. We want to make
>> sure it continues.” Both VIP's, they will be training guides at the
>> International Ski for Light in Provo, Utah, during the first week in
>> February. Nino helped train the guides this year at the MacMullan Center,
>> too.
>>
>> G. John Schmidt, a guide from Minnesota, has also been very involved in
>> the International Ski for Light. Attending the event at Higgins Lake for
>> the first time, he has previously been involved in 4 regional events in
>> the Black Hills area, and 4 events in Norway. John advised, "We all have
>> a message and obligation in life and we owe it to share and help others."
>>
>> John was attending as a guide to Ivonne Mosquera, also a first time MSFL
>> attendee, who is very involved in sports. She loss her vision at age 2
>> and has been participating in marathons and triathlons for several years.
>> As a matter of fact, Ivonne won the Gold Metal at the World Triathlon
>> Championship in Australia. She completes on the USA Triathlon team. Her
>> first Ski for Light was in 2005 at the International event in Granby,
>> Colorado. There, Ivonne won the Jan Haug award, given for a first time
>> participant that demonstrated the most inspiration. The prize was a full
>> set of skis that she uses now. Ivonne said that her favorite part about
>> MSFL was that it is such an inclusive and embracing setting.
>>
>> Michaela Root, the new MSFL secretary, has been attending MSFL for 16
>> years, since she was 8 years old. She indicates that the event has had an
>> impact on her since the time she was young. She says, "I get a lot of joy
>> out of helping people, seeing them smiling and giggling. This may be
>> their only time to get outside in the winter. It makes me happy."
>>
>> Her father, John Root, has been involved in the organization for 33
>> years. He too reports that he enjoys people having a good time. He enjoys
>> seeing the VIPs and MIPs realize that they can do something like this and
>> sees the confidence they develop by participating in the skiing.
>>
>> Debbie Wahr, from DeWitt, MI, has been a participant for eleven years.
>> She proudly displays the pins from MSLF on her hat. She keeps coming back
>> because she loves to cross country ski and this is the only time each
>> year that she has a chance to do it.
>>
>> Bill Richards was one of the founders of MSFL. He still attends at age 82
>> and loves meeting everyone and watching the group have a wonderful time.
>> Bill had a great time talking with everyone telling stories, taking
>> pictures of the event, and sharing memories of the many events.
>>
>> MSFL is all about people and relationships. There is a great amount of
>> preparation for MSFL, as well as work during the weekend to make it
>> happen. We share in gratitude for all those who make the weekend
>> possible.
>>
>> BIRD ENTHUSIASTS – TAKE NOTE!
>> The following article concerns “birding” for the blind and visually
>> impaired in the Detroit area:
>> My name is Rochelle Breitenbach. I am a member of the Detroit Audubon
>> Society. I would like to know if you know of any blind or visually
>> impaired people (and friends/family) who may be interested in learning
>> about birding. It's a fun way to be outdoors while you are waiting for
>> snow! Migration and nesting season are fast approaching, so this is the
>> perfect time for beginners to learn and practice identifying songs and
>> calls of birds common to SE Michigan.
>>
>> Our plan is to schedule several listening/practice sessions according to
>> the availability of the attendees, and then go out into the field some
>> time in mid-May so they can show off their new skills. We frequently use
>> the Southfield Recreation Center for meetings and events, but there is
>> flexibility according to participant needs.
>>
>> I have focused on the blind and visually impaired because I believe this
>> is an under served population who would really enjoy a program like this,
>> but anyone is more than welcome to attend the sessions and outings. I
>> understand there may be transportation and other challenges, but I figure
>> one step at a time. First step: find interested people. Oh, by the way,
>> there is no charge for this program.
>>
>> For more information on the Detroit Audubon Society, you can visit our
>> website: www.detroitaudubon.org. Please call me with any questions and
>> for more info. Please also give my name and number to any potential
>> participants. Rochelle Breitenbach: home - 248 698 3549or cell - 586 202
>> 6498.
>>
>> Ski for Light International News
>> The 36th annual 2011 Ski for Light International Week will take place
>> from January 30 through February 6, 2011, in the Rocky Mountains at Snow
>> Mountain Ranch in Granby, Colorado. Snow Mountain Ranch, near Winter Park
>> and part of the YMCA of the Rockies, has more than 80k of wide and
>> wonderfully groomed trails.
>>
>> It is consistently rated one of the top Nordic venues in the country.
>> Seven previous SFL events have been held there, dating from 1992 through
>> most recently 2006, so you can tell from our return in 2011 that we have
>> had great experiences there in the past.
>>
>> New this year will be the lodging arrangements. We will be staying on the
>> grounds of Snow Mountain Ranch in their three hotel buildings. This will
>> allow attendees to ski from their hotel building right on to the trails.
>>
>> Come back to this site www.sfl.orgin July for more information about SFL
>> 2011, and easy-to-complete online application forms.
>>
>> KAYAK FOR LIGHT 2009
>> Char Kimball, a guide and an active member of the West Michigan Coastal
>> Kayakers’ Association, wrote the following article about Kayak for Light
>> 2009. Thanks to everyone who turned out for Kayak for Light this year!
>>
>> This was the 10th year that it was offered, and 32 guides showed up to
>> offer help to 24 participants. We had 30 boats on the water, and we want
>> to thank Lee’s Sporting Goods for the use of their boats as well as their
>> people.
>>
>> Chris Lee worked construction until 1992 when he joined the family
>> business that his dad started in 1954. When asked about his interest in
>> helping with Kayak for Light, he said he has always loved being outdoors.
>> He was a scout, liked backpacking, kayaking, and canoeing. He loves the
>> water. Besides that, he said, “It beats doing paperwork!”
>>
>> Rocky and I had the pleasure of interviewing some of the participants in
>> this year’s Kayak for Light. Most of them came because of their
>> involvement with the Commission for the Blind. Here is what we learned
>> from this very interesting group of people:
>>
>> Alex, 22, is from Flint. This was her first time kayaking and she stated,
>> “It was fun! I want to come back.” When she is not kayaking, she enjoys
>> playing music.
>>
>> Chris, 30, was also here as a first-timer. People told him he was a
>> natural at kayaking. “I love it!” he said. He writes short stories and
>> poetry.
>>
>> Jessica, 33, is from Holland. “It’s fun!” she said. She did not want to
>> come out of the water.
>>
>> Osman, 19, is from Hastings where he will be a senior this year. “It was
>> so cool!” he said about his first time kayaking. He is on the wrestling
>> team, runs track and plays glow ball.
>>
>> Norma, 41, is from Sterling. Although this was her first time in a kayak,
>> she has canoed, gone tubing, and rafting. She said it felt good and she
>> really liked it. Now her daughter, Skye, aged 19, can guide her.
>>
>> Kristin, 17, is a junior at Coopersville High School. It was her first
>> time and she thought it was pretty cool. “It’s less tiring than canoeing”,
>> she said. She likes to read and listen to country music. She sings in her
>> school choir.
>>
>> Kim, 23 and Diana, 26, are sisters. It was their 2nd time kayaking. They
>> both agree that it is enjoyable. They also enjoy playing music, reading
>> books and camping at state parks.
>>
>> Sherry, 48, is from Kalamazoo. She has been to Kayak for Light for the
>> ten years that it has been held. “I’m a dare-devil”, she said. “Fast is
>> good.” (Rocky said it takes 2 guides to keep up with her). She plays goal
>> ball (the ball has bells in it). This year she even went skydiving. “It
>> was awesome!”
>>
>> Geri, 53, is from Farmington Hills. She is attending for the 4th time.
>> She came with her son Jason and his girlfriend, Kaitlin. She says she
>> will try almost anything. She participates in Ski for Light, rides tandem
>> bikes, and is looking for a kayak partner on the east side of the state.
>>
>> Rich and Nancy Newman came along to help guide. They have been
>> canoeing/kayaking for 50 years. Rich said Nancy would not marry him until
>> he bought a kayak. Their youngest son, Bill, has been kayaking since he
>> was 3 and has written 2 Guidebooks for Sea Kayaking.
>>
>> David and Hunter Halley, from Richland, attended the WMCKA Symposium and
>> heard about Kayak for Light. They have tandem kayaks so they decided to
>> come and help guide. Hunter really enjoyed it and said, “It was a piece
>> of cake.”
>>
>> Tim and Jackie are from Kalamazoo. They work for The Commission for the
>> Blind as the Activity Center Directors. They love their jobs, applying
>> what they learn at the center. They are both legally blind and serve as
>> role models for their students.
>>
>> Bill and Anne Keith have been organizing the Kayak for Light for 10
>> years. We are thankful for their hard work and dedication to this event.
>> Ken Nesbitt, who is both a WMKCA as well as a G.L.A.C. member, has become
>> the co-chair of this event, along with the Keith’s.
>>
>> Kayak for Light will be held this year on Saturday, July 10, 2010, from
>> 10 am to 4 pm at the same location: Ramona Park, Portage, Michigan. Lunch
>> will be provided.
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>>
>> ----- Forwarded Message ----
>> From: Kevin Ridsdale <ksridsdale at yahoo.com>
>> To: msfl <ksridsdale at msfl.org>
>> Sent: Wed, April 28, 2010 7:41:09 AM
>> Subject: MSFL 2010 Spring Newsletter
>>
>> Best regards,
>>
>>
>> Kevin S. Ridsdale
>> Ph: 248-210-3154 cell
>> Ph: 734-513-5423 home
>>
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