New England Regional Ski for Light

P.O. Box 52120Boston, MA 02205

617-999-9384 Web site: www.nersfl.org

Email address:nersfl@nersfl.orgWinter 2020 NEWSLETTER

Message from the President

Rounding past my first year as president, what's become abundantly clear is that New England Regional Ski for Light is all about you. You are the first time participant or seasoned adventurer, challenging yourself to reconnect with nature. You’re the hard working board member voting for a new day hike for Spring 2020, recognizing that folks want more! You are the donor of needed safety equipment, van rental funds, and door opening stipends. You are the trusted sighted guide sharing the trails who makes this all possible. Thank you! Let’s keep this momentum going!

Recapping August 2019, we had a wonderful, successful weekend adventure to the White Mountains in Bethlehem, NH, introducing rock climbing where all those who participated reached the summit and had a great time. A shout out to Linda Gibbons, first time climber, and Jessy Mabry, getting outside of the climbing gym for her first success on rock! In kayaking, we emphasized single kayaking and skill building with a hands on lesson. You can read Minh Ha's trip report in this newsletter where she said "I had a blast directing the boat on my own power and whim" and "I felt an overwhelming sense of accomplishment when we successfully traversed a difficult half mile of large boulders and slippery roots."

Late September we completed our Fall 2019 day hike in the Middlesex Fells where we met in Stoneham, MA, a mere seven miles from downtown Boston. The Fells was a great location and the weather could not have been better. You can read Cindy Wentz's account of high spirits, perfect weather, and a surprise birthday celebration in this newsletter.

Planning ahead for Spring 2020, we will head back to the more than 2,200 acres of the Middlesex Fells this time for a deep woods day hike adventure! Saturday May 16th, we'll be packing in our lunches and snacks, with further exploration of The Fells, near Boston nature reserve.

On January 10-13th 2020 we’re skiing and snowshoeing in one of the best locations in New England, 30 miles south of the Canadian border at the renowned Craftsbury Outdoors Center. Our usual late Winter trip will be happening March 13-15th 2020; two days of snow shoeing or classic skiing in the White Mountains.

Reminder - you can apply for our skiing, snowshoeing, and hiking trips as a participant or a guide on the trip applications page of the nersfl.org website.

Board elections for 2020 are gearing up! If you would like to take on a bigger role at NERSFL, we'd love to have you! This newsletter has the instructions for applying and details on the process. It’s wonderful to be a part of the Board; I'm proud of the diversity of the board. Board member David Deans is the chair of the Elections Committee - thanks in advance David for overseeing this important process and helping us get some new folks on the board!

At any time you are welcome to reach out and serve on a committee as a non board member such as John Campbell and Lew Lasher on the website committee, Jennifer Harnish, Cindy Wentz, and Bob Civiak who support safety checklists, snowshoe guide training, and the NERSFL newsletter. And last but not least - a hearty thank you to Sharon Ferris for help with trip planning. There are lots of ways to participate, and as I said at the beginning of this letter, NERSFL is all about you and your experiences with the outdoors and a fun group of people. If you're thinking about it, don't hesitate! We'd love to have you!

Susan Bueti Hill, NERSFL President

NEW MAILING ADDRESS FOR NERSFL

Please check double check the mailing address when you send in your trip applications this year – NERSFL has a new mailing address. It is:

New England Regional Ski for Light P.O. Box 52120

Boston, MA 02205

NERSFL BOARD OF DIRECTORS ELECTION

We are having an election next Spring to fill several open positions on the Board. This is your opportunity! We welcome participation of persons who will help to support our mission to provide opportunities for outdoor activities to persons with visual impairment. board duties include attending at least two board meetings each year by telephone conference call and serving actively in supporting committees throughout the year. The term of office for each board member is four years After which re-election is possible. The period for submitting nominations begins now. Nominations close March 11, 2020. All materials indicated below must be received by this time. You may submit a nomination for yourself and/or other persons. Each nominee must be willing to serve. 

Nominees, please submit your name, address, telephone number, email address and a brief biography, including what talents you will bring to the Board. Send this to David Deans, Nominations Committee chair, by March 11, 2020. David’s email address is guspadean@gmail.com. Please contact David with any questions you may have about this process. We look forward to your participation.

TRIP REPORTS

2019 Summer Trip ReportWritten by Minh Ha

In early 2019, I promised myself to reconnect with nature and my own sense of well-being. I’ve known of New England Regional Ski for Light for several

years, but due to school, health issues, and general life commitments, I never truly looked into any of the trips as a resource. However, a friend mentioned the summer hiking trip in Bethlehem, New Hampshire, and it piqued my interest. As soon as I spoke to NERSFL President Susan Bueti Hill, and she shared with me that we would be doing a hike as well as kayaking and tandem bicycling, I knew this was the perfect opportunity to rekindle my very neglected relationship with the outdoors.

When we arrived at the quaint little Wayside Inn on Friday afternoon, Susan gave me a tour of the rooms. I almost cried with joy when she showed me the balcony and my little window nook where I could hear the rushing sounds of the Ammonoosuc River. There was nothing more relaxing or more soul-satisfying than being able to fall asleep to the soothing roar of the water below my window. No cars, no trains, no garbage trucks to disturb me at the crack of dawn with bangs and crashes!

On Saturday morning, before the start of our adventure, Susan told us to make the hike anything we wanted it to be. This was our opportunity to explore our surroundings, to touch interesting leaves and trees, or to seek out peculiar scents--the more pungent the better. I knew that I definitely did not want to smell anything gross! But this sentiment resonated with me.Personally, I wanted to focus on everything my body was telling me. I wanted to center all of my attention on simply enjoying the present, and to leave all of my daily worries and anxiety behind.

As my wonderful guide and I climbed the trail at the Franconia Woods, we expertly navigated the sometimes treacherous terrain. We stepped over railroad ties and exposed roots. We skirted around muddy puddles as we both took in the unique smell of fresh air around us.

I felt peaceful yet invigorated. I paid close attention to the burn in my muscles—ouch! My calves! I was aware of the thick layer of humid air and sweat dampening my skin, the rough terrain under my boots, and the distant rushing of the river to our right. I listened as the conversations of other hikers mingled with the jingling of dog collars.

Most of all, I felt the overwhelming sense of accomplishment when we successfully traversed a difficult half mile of large boulders and slippery roots without once falling! We had a lovely lunch by a waterfall, and then we virtually flew on our trek back down the trail. Although my poor abused toes

were screaming in my boots, I couldn’t stop smiling as I had so much fun putting my body through its paces.

On our final day of the trip, I opted to do kayaking and tandem biking. We all got a crash course on the mechanics of a kayak before we set out on the lake with our own individual kayaks. I have kayaked at various camps as a teenager, but this was my first time doing it solo. I had a blast steering the kayak on my own power and whim, with very minimal assistance from guides who let me know when to turn. I was on a liberating power trip!

Afterwards, I enjoyed a lovely, leisurely tandem bike ride where we coasted downhill with a couple tough uphill climbs thrown in for excitement. Needless to say, after this weekend, there was not a muscle in my body that did not protest. Despite that, this was the most relaxing, centering, and fulfilling time I’ve had in a while.

I would be remiss if I didn’t thank my hiking guide for being so patient and kind, and for sharing his life story with me. Our wonderful conversation made the minutes and miles fly by, and it was one of the highlights of my weekend.Last but not least, a huge shout out to Susan for being the most welcoming, genuine, and sweet caretaker the entire trip. She made sure that my first time participating in NERSFL went smoothly, and she made me feel like I was a valued member of the group for years and years. There was not a part of the weekend when I didn’t enjoy myself. I can’t recommend doing an NERSFL trip enough. I look forward to coming back in the winter to test my balance in the snow!

2019 Fall Day Hike Trip ReportWritten by Cindy Wentz

Saturday Sept. 28 dawned sunny and warm - but not TOO warm. It was an ideal day for the New England Regional Ski For Light annual fall hike. Apparently I wasn’t the only person wanting to be moving in the outdoors as approximately twenty other eager hikers showed up to Middlesex Fells, Stoneham, Massachusetts. One of us, Minh Ha, was celebrating a birthday. A relative newcomer to NERSFL, she brought along a whole entourage of her friends. In addition, one other new blind hiker and a few new guides joined the group. Rounding it out were about 8 of us veteran NERSFLers.

Although the Middlesex Fells is relatively close to Boston, it wasn’t hard to feel like we were in the country as we tromped along a trail that bordered Spot Pond. An hour and a half and a few miles later, we returned to picnic tables to eat our bag lunches and socialize. Isn’t it amazing how good a mundane sandwich can taste when eaten outdoors after getting some exercise? Of course the homemade chocolate chip cookies that NERSFL President Susan Bueti Hill provided certainly increased the culinary pleasures of lunch. Who knew that baking was in her job description?

A short drive away, we racked up another mile or two to combat those post-lunch yawns and lethargy. This time we had a choice of the ‘Heart Healthy Trail’ (otherwise known as the fire road) or the ‘Crystal Springs Trail’ (a bona fide hiking trail. Either choice or a combination of the two was the ‘right’ choice. On a day as spectacular as we had with such a spirited group, it would have been difficult NOT to enjoy oneself.

Susan did make reference to the possibility of organizing a spring hike in 2020 in addition to our traditional fall hike. I know I am looking forward to it! Until then - hope to see you on the snowshoe and cross country ski trails this winter.

NERSFL Winter 2020 TRIPS

CRAFTSBURY OUTDOOR CENTER

January 10-13, 2020 Craftsbury, VTThe Craftsbury Outdoor Center offers cross-country skiing, and snow shoeing right from the lodge, with trails for all levels of skiing or snow shoeing. Trip includes 3 nights lodging, double occupancy with hall baths, and great food. All meals beginning Friday evening through Monday lunchtime are included. Trail passes are also included.

Cost: $290. Payment for the Craftsbury trip must be received by December 1, 2019. Additional $20 late registration fee will be charged if payment is received after December 1, 2019. Sign up ASAP as this trip will fill up fast so to reserve your space – mail your check and forms as soon as you receive the newsletter!

On Saturday evening at Craftsbury we will be holding our fun silent auction

with our own NERSFL auctioneer. Be sure to bring unused items, items you can solicit from your favorite merchants, donations from family and friends or cash donations. Once again this year we are going to have the 50/50 raffle following the auction. Don't forget to bring your dollars to purchase auction items and participate in the 50/50 raffle as this is our only fund-raising event during the year. All money received from our auction will go towards the cost of van rentals, the purchase of radios and financial assistance for VIP’s and guides to attend events.

THE WAYSIDE INN

March 13-15, 2020 Bethlehem, NHThis venue offers spacious double rooms overlooking the Ammonoosuc River.

Price includes 2 nights lodging, ski and snow shoe passes, 2 breakfasts, 2 lunches and Saturday night dinner at the Wayside.

Cost: $215. Payment must be received by February 1, 2020. Additional $20 late registration fee will be charged if payment is received after February 1, 2019. This trip will also fill up fast so mail your check and forms in ASAP to reserve your spot!

Come and cross-country ski or snowshoe at Bear Notch and/or Bretton Woods. Both venues offer all levels of cross country skiing and snow shoeing in the White Mountains of NH.

MIDDLESEX FELLS Day HikeMay 16, 2020 Stoneham, MA

Join us at 9:30 a.m. for a day hike at Middlesex Fells in Stoneham, MA. This day hike will offer an easy hike on a paved path or a moderate hike with roots, rocks and some climbing. Bring snacks, lunch, and plenty of water. For the moderate hike wear hiking boots. This is yet another day event you don’t want to miss if you have not been with us in the past. Cost is $10.00. Full payment due by May 1, 2020.

NERSFL 2020 Event Policies

Payments and Refund PolicyPlease make payments by check made out to New England Regional Ski for Light and mail to NERSFL, P.O. Box 52120, Boston, MA 02205. NERSFL does not accept credit cards and Paypal at this time.

For all events, early application returns will assist in planning for adequate guide and transportation matching. Don’t miss out on our events as space for our trips fills up quickly! If for any reason you need to cancel your reservation for the weekend trip, $25 of the trip cost is nonrefundable. The balance may be refundable in part minus charges incurred by NERSFL from the vendor. We will do our best to assist you to find someone to take your place, but it is ultimately your responsibility to find a replacement.

NERSFL President and Treasurer make all trip arrangements. No one should contact the venues regarding lodging or with questions about a trip. Call President Susan Bueti Hill at 617-999-9384 with any questions or information needed regarding events.

Financial AssistanceFinancial assistance is available to participants and guides who cannot afford to pay the full cost of a trip. Up to three-quarters of the cost of a trip may be subsidized. In order to be considered one must submit a letter with the event application by December 1 for the January trip and February 1 for the March trip. The letter should contain total monthly or yearly income with expenses and other related information to demonstrate need. You will be notified by telephone within ten days from receipt of your application if you will be receiving financial assistance.

FormsEnclosed is a trip application to complete and return with your payment. Health, Liability, Guide, and Participant forms can be downloaded from our website: http://nersfl.org or mailed to you in hard copy at your request. All forms must be filled out, signed, and returned before you can participate in an event.Payment for the January weekend is due by December 1, 2019.

Payment for the March weekend is due by February 1, 2020.

Physical Condition and Guide Pre-RequisitesTo attend a NERSFL trip you must be willing to actively participate in all athletic events as either a VIP, guide, or guide in training. Anyone in good physical condition can expect to complete these activities. If there are any questions about your ability to participate, we will be happy to discuss them with you. In questionable cases, the decision to participate will lie with the participant and his or her physician. Participants must take responsibility for their own health-related issues at events. If you are interested in attending an event as a guide, please be assured that training in guiding a visually impaired person is available at events. However, it is expected that guides have prior experience and skill with hiking, kayaking and biking. Everyone’s enjoyment will be enhanced by any measures taken to improve physical fitness and stamina before the event. All persons attending events including guides and visually impaired participants must be at least eighteen years of age.

More information about participating as a guide or as a visually impaired participant can be found on our website, http://nersfl.org or requested by sending an email to nersfl@nersfl.org or by calling 617-999-9384.

TransportationTransportation to events is a shared responsibility. We will make every effort to have transportation available by carpooling. Guides are encouraged to let us know if you are willing to drive and how many passengers you can take. All passengers are expected to contribute towards the cost of gasoline and tolls. REMEMBER - take into consideration the high price of gas when paying your drivers!! If you are coming to an event from out of town, do not make travel plans back home on public transportation prior to 7:00 pm on the final day of an event. We cannot guarantee a return to transportation centers prior to this time.

Guide DogsAlthough guide dogs are welcome on trips, there are restrictions that may affect your participation in some activities. You must not contact staff at venues where we do activities, or lodging operators to ask them to check on guide dogs left unsupervised. Dogs are not allowed in boats and are not allowed on many ski or snow shoe trails. When outdoors at an event, Guide

dogs must be on leash at all times. On the last day of an event, after checkout time you will be responsible for attending to your dog. Please consider this when deciding whether or not to bring your dog.

The information about event policies can also be found on our web site, http://nersfl.org . Please contact us if you have any questions about them.

Please consider making a donation to NERSFL. Donations can be made to The Helen and Nario Brenes Scholarship Fund and/or The Jordan Family Memorial Fund.

We are a tax exempt not for profit 501C3 organization. Any donations to NERSFL are tax deductible and greatly appreciated! These donations allow us to cover the cost of van rentals for summer and winter trips, provide financial assistance to guides and VIPs to attend events who otherwise would not be able to participate, purchase new radios, and other costs incurred by NERSFL. If you have any other suggestions for fund-raising opportunities, please contact us!

Winter 2020 Trip Application Name_________________________________________________ Address________________________________         Phone: (H) ___________  (W)_____________  (C)____________   

E-mail _______________________________________ I am a guide_____visually impaired participant______I need transportation to the event/s________(yes or no)I can offer a ride to # _____ passengers ___to and ____from the event. I wish to attend the following event/s.  Enclosed is my payment for:____ Craftsbury Outdoor Center, Craftsbury, VT         January 10-13, 2020$290 plus additional $20 if received after Dec. 1, 2019 ____  The Wayside Inn, Bethlehem, NH             March 13-15, 2020$215 plus additional $20 if received after Feb. 1, 2020

_____ Fall Day Hike, Middlesex Fells, Stoneham MA ($10) May 16, 2020

In addition to this trip application, please complete the NERSFL Event Form if you have not already done so for the current calendar year (new forms needed for 2020 trips!) and mail it to the address located on the form. All forms can be found on our web site at nersfl.org/appforms.html. ___ Enclosed please find my donation of  $______ to the Helen & Nario Brenes Memorial Fund for financial assistance to VIPs or $ ____ in memory of Joanne Jordan’s father for financial assistance to guides.  We are a tax exempt not for profit 501c3 organization. 

____ I am interested in writing a trip report and/or in taking photographs for NERSFL.

Detach and mail with payment to:NERSFLP.O. Box 52120Boston, MA 02205

NERSFL Board of DirectorsSusan Bueti Hill, President

Esther Levegnale, Vice PresidentKari Anne Dunlop, SecretaryDonna Paterson, Treasurer

David Deans, DirectorMargaret Gaffney, Director

Maurie Hill, Director Joan Holcombe, Director

Barry Wood, Director

New England Regional Ski for Light Free MatterP.O. Box 52120 for the BlindBoston, MA 02205