Volunteer Spotlight: AmeriCorps

The National Ability Center would like to say good bye to our current AmeriCorps Members: Michelle Schweiger, Erin Smith, Erica Peterich, Laura Erickson, Ben Hulin and Andrea Thompson.



These amazing individuals have been coordinating volunteers, teaching adaptive recreation and helping in every aspect of our center since October of 2010. Having already logged almost 11,000 hours of service between the six of them, they will be dearly missed. If you see them please take the time to say goodbye and let them know what their service has meant to you personally.

As one of the first four service members recruited by the National Ability Center, I can say that the year spent working within the Park City and NAC community is one that inspires. Every member has expressed how much the community support has meant, and how the “magic” keeps occurring to get everything done that needs to be done.

These six members will be closing out an era of AmeriCorps here at the Ability Center. Due to large cutbacks to the federal and state budget and increased competition (a total of 17 applications were received for Utah State’s AmeriCorps program, of which only 7 were approved for funding) the NAC’s AmeriCorps program will not continue in the upcoming year.



Over the last decade AmeriCorps members have made large strides towards leaving the National Ability Center with a sustainable volunteer community to maintain our programming. Many of our volunteers were introduced to the NAC and trained by AmeriCorps members. This year’s AmeriCorps member’s diligence has created one of the best trained, diverse and active groups of volunteers we have seen at the NAC. The solid base that the members will be leaving has provided us with a strong grounding to build upon in the days ahead. The NAC and the Utah Commission on Volunteers are confident that this base combined with a supportive community of volunteers and donors in Summit and Wasatch counties will enable us to continue high quality programs at the same levels National Ability Center participants and their families have come to expect. We hope someday in the future we will be able to welcome the AmeriCorps program back to the NAC and look forward to many of them in their continued participation with NAC activities and programs.

Thank you,
Kim Milikan
Program Manager – Adventure Learning Program & AmeriCorps

Summit Challenge

It was a great success. Thank you for all the riders, those of you who raised money, volunteers who helped make the day a success, vendors for coming to help tune bikes, food vendors for helping replenish energy after long rides, music after the event and the great weather. It was a fantastic day at the National Ability Center.



In the group of riders we had teams of cyclist from town who pulled and drafted with each other over the long 100 mile course, recreational cyclists who wanted a challenge on the 50 mile ride, hancycles, recumbents, tandem bikes and even those riding an event like this for the first time on the 15 mile ride. Overall everyone challenged their abilities and goals.







I think one of the biggest stories of the day was the story of Teague. Teague did the 100 mile course with one leg pumping in his recumbent bike. I saw Teague near the end of the 15 mile course at about 6:30 am. He had started before 6:00 a.m. bound and determined to make it the whole 100 mile course. He made it back to the NAC a little before 6:00 p.m. What a day for Teague. I can't even imagine what that hill was like coming back out of Heber City towards Kamas. He has my respect and it is neat to see in Teague's case and in the case of many adaptive athletes the goals that are set and then the accomplishment of those goals. I believe this is Teague's third attempt at the 100 miles and he did it. Way to go man!



We had nearly 400 riders this year. We had 40 adaptive riders and each and every person had a goal. It did not matter the ability or disability but it was the goal and the accomplishment of that goal at the end of the day.

Thank you for every person that made this event a success and we hope to see you all back out for Summit Challenge 2012.

If you would like more information on the National Ability Center and its programs and mission, visit discovernac.org

Bigger than Life

Last April Nicole Carollo made the decision to start volunteering in her community. After learning about the National Ability Center through a friend, Nicole decided to attend volunteer orientation and learn more about the organization. Having taught swimming lessons in the past, Nicole decided the Aquatics program was a great place to start her volunteer experience. “As a young child I was first terrified of the water, but soon after, it became my passion and I competed for most of my youth and young adulthood. I'm happy to get back to that and show others that swimming can be fun!” A year later you will find Nicole not only sharing her passion for swimming, but also belaying participants on our indoor climbing wall.

Discovering her own abilities has allowed Nicole the opportunity to grow not only in a volunteer position, but also a recreation enthusiast because prior to volunteering Nicole did not having any climbing experience. “Seeing the determination, persistence and courage from the people that come through the doors of the NAC to take on the climbing wall has been very inspiring”. Nicole is also very thankful for the time Kim Millikan set aside to teach her how to climb.

The energy from NAC staff, together with the participants’ joy and enthusiasm, motivates Nicole to continue her support of the NAC. “Thanks to the staff at the NAC, I feel that I am part of something amazing and bigger than life.”

Summit Challenge and Participant Highlight

As the National Ability Center's Summit Challenge approaches on August 27, we would like to highlight a participant that will be riding with us on the 15 mile course. Richie has been a participant with us for a number of years. He is a regular at the Camp Extreme which is going on this week as well.



Richie has been riding with us this summer on our Tuesday evening bike rides. He rides a tandem bike with our cycling manager Evan or one of our interns Matt. It is always a blast riding with Richie. He is always singing on his bike and he is a blast to talk with during our rides.

Here is Richie getting ready to go climbing on one of the programs at the NAC.



If you would like more information about the Summit Challenge you can go to our website at wwww.discovernac.org

We are looking forward to a great event. Tell your friends about it and we hope to see many of you out for the 15, 50 or 100 mile ride.

Ava and the Equestrian Program

We had our annual Barn Party at the National Ability Center last Saturday. I was able to meet one of the participants who was picked to ride in the drill team that demonstrated their skills to the spectators that came and supported the fundraiser at the Barn Party.

Ava Jennings is a nine year old who has been riding for about three years with the National Ability Center Equestrian Program.

Her instructors describe her as very social young rider. She has a great smile and loves to talk about her favorite horse Playboy.

She has been working on her skills in walking with her horse through an obstacle course. Her next goal as she works with her instructors is to start trotting independently. Her instructors describe her as a master of arena etiquette and it was great to meet Ava last weekend.

Ava is pictured here with Michelle who is working as an AmeriCorps volunteer in the equestrian program and was Ava’s lead walker in the drill team. Ava did a fantastic job.

Volunteers Needed!

The NAC is looking for volunteers to help support the first annual Women Rock Triathlon! Thinking about trying one yourself someday? What better way to prepare for your first triathlon then working behind the scenes and seeing how it all works. Maybe you love to swim? We need swim buddies for athletes throughout the swim course.

You don't have to be a master triathlete or swimming to volunteer; we want everyone to join in on the fun! Bring your friends, family, and running buddies. Spend the day together at Rockport State Park and help make this race possible. If you would like to be apart of this exciting event on Saturday, July 2nd, please email volunteer@discovernac.org.

Thank you for your continued support of the NAC!

Laura Erickson, AmeriCorps

Volunteer Spotlight: Henny Muldowney

If you have ever walked into the barn on any given Monday night and heard a sultry voice singing along with the Dixie Chicks, you have been lucky enough to be in the presence of the lovely Henny Muldowney. She has been volunteering with the equestrian program for two years and always has a smile on her face. Henny is a volunteer with three of our equestrian programs; Therapeutic Riding, Hippotherapy, and Equine Facilitated Learning. When asked which program she enjoyed volunteering for the most, she insisted that she loves them all. Although the sparkle did shine in her eye when she talked about the EFL program, “The psychological interaction between the person and the horse is very beautiful.”

Henny has ridden horses in the past and thought that working with would be a way to be involved and volunteer. Henny said she chose the National Ability Center over other programs in the area because, "I think highly of the NAC and its unique and far reaching programs. I was also interested in the horse factor in regards to therapy.” When asked why she keeps coming back she laughed and said, “I like y’all! I love the staff and being here for the participants is important. The NAC has an important mission, and being able to contribute is valuable.” Henny continued to brush a horse and she mumbled, “I love the horse hair too!”

I Heart Camp Trailer by Libby Falck

One Step is a group that comes to the National Ability Center each winter to enjoy the skiing and snowboarding opportunities in adaptive recreation. Each One Step camper is an individual who has gone through or is currently going through cancer treatments. This was an amazing group of campers and counselors to work with at the National Ability Center in Park City, UT.

Libby Falck worked as an AmeriCorps volunteer last year. She is also a cancer survivor and is currently working on a documentary film about these amazing individuals. Check out the link to the trailer. These individuals have been able to make an impact on many lives and it was a pleasure working with them this past winter.

The name of the video is listed below.

I Heart Camp Trailer

www.youtube.com

Contribute to this project at http://www.indiegogo.com/IHeartCamp Share your story by emailing LibbyFalck@gmail.com Visit our website at www.iheartcamp.weebl...

National Volunteer Week

This year the National Ability Center will be joining many programs nationwide to celebrate National Volunteer Week which is happening this week, April 10th – 16th! National Volunteer Week is a time to reflect on the power of individuals taking action in one way or another and to recognize these individuals and their collaborative efforts in helping make a positive impact in their community. Here at the National Ability Center we have many individuals who fit perfectly within this description, and in honor of this celebration, we will be sharing stories over the next 5 weeks of outstanding volunteers who have generously donated their time and energy in support of our mission.

What these along with many other individuals bring to the National Ability Center is invaluable and with that I would like to say thank-you. Thank you for the respect, dedication, and enthusiasm you share with our participants and for lending a hand wherever needed. Volunteers are involved in every aspect of our organization from assisting on lessons to taking photographs during programs and helping plan fundraisers throughout the year. We are very lucky to have such amazing individuals willing to set aside time out of their day to help make what we do possible. As an AmeriCorps I am very lucky and thankful to have the opportunity to work alongside these individuals and serve as a full-time volunteer at this organization. So on that note I would like to introduce our first volunteer spotlight, Kim Mann, who is involved with our Ski/Snowboard Program.

If you or someone you know would like additional information regarding volunteer opportunities or ways you can get involved with the National Ability Center, please email laurae@discovernac.org.

Happy National Volunteer Week, cheers!

Laura Erickson
AmeriCorps, Volunteer Coordinator

Volunteer Spotlight

Kim Mann’s vacation to Park City, UT is more than just an escape to the mountainous terrain and scenic vistas of the West. As an ex-ski patroller and practicing nurse in Chicago, it is a chance for her to put her professional knowledge and love of skiing to good use. Like many Park City skiers, her involvement with the NAC started after noticing one of our adaptive skiers out enjoying the same sport she was— just with different equipment. This combined with the desire to do something meaningful with her time while in Park City led her to become a volunteer. That first season Kim was only around for 2 weeks, but instantly became part of the NAC family. Five years later, she now returns for over 2 months. As if this were not enough indication of her dedication to our Ski Program, Kim consistently goes the extra mile by doing everything from assisting on any lesson we throw her way to attending advanced volunteer training clinics and filling the NAC Ski Center freezer with Hot Pockets and other goodies to keep the staff happy and well-fed. Her support of our mission and passion for working with the participants (especially those in Special Olympics) is undeniable. She treats everyone she encounters with the utmost respect, and her naturally energetic and hands-on approach to lessons makes her a valuable asset to our program

*Make sure to keep an eye out in the following weeks for stories from these outstanding volunteers-- Henny Muldowney, Tyler Israel, Nicole Carollo, and Amber Ohl.

NAC ski team in Alaska

The NAC Ability Ski Team recently returned from the USA Paralympic National Championships in Alyeska, Alaska. Racing in Alaska was a unique experience. Because of the radically different pattern of daylight, the lifts do not even open until 10:30 am and the snow does not begin to soften until after noon. Regardless, the race day still began at 9 am with ski prep and course-setting work to be done. Following the completion of course inspection, race runs typically did not start until 12 noon, with second run beginning at 2 pm or later. This made for some long and tiring days. Despite fog, snow, rain, and high winds during the first few days of the championships, all events were completed and we did get to see the sun and blue sky on the final 2 days. The order of events was Downhill, Super Giant Slalom, Super Combined (SG + SL in one day), Giant Slalom and Slalom.

Two shots of Alaska and the wilderness, mountains and sunshine.

Erik ("e-bay") Bayindirli of Turkey - Bronze in Super Combined, Giant Slalom, and Slalom

Arly ("chihuahua") Velasquez of Mexico - career best 4th and 5th place finishes in Downhill, Giant Slalom and Slalom

Teague ("tigger") Cowley of the USA - displaying his great Slalom skills until a spectacular crash took him out of the hunt for his second podium of the season
Tom ("shvedjik") Szwedo of Poland - gaining a lot of attention at his first US Nationals with two top 10 finishes.

Erik is pictured on the far right.

Red, White & SnOH My Goodness!

Dear NAC Friends,

Oh my goodness! How do I begin to say thank you to all of you!? When I hit my pillow late Saturday night I felt like we had just won the Super Bowl, a Grammy, and the James Beard Award all in one weekend!

Red, White & Snow began with the Library Tasting at St. Regis Deer Valley. Volunteers were in place early, the room was warm, inviting and a perfect kick-off to a fantastic weekend! The event staff and chef at St. Regis went beyond the call of duty with the food and presentation. We were all touched by the personal commitment to the National Ability Center from each vintner as they arrived in Park City. Parallel Napa Valley hosted a wonderful welcome dinner for our vintners at the home of Bob Franco in Deer Crest following the Library Tasting. Many thanks to all for the gracious hospitality.

Friday morning began with a great start as vintners joined us at Deer Valley to ski with our local Paralympic and Olympic "Legends", NAC participants and volunteers in typical Utah sun and snow. Skiing was followed by beautiful wine and food pairing for an unbeatable lunch at the St. Regis’ Astor Terrace. Chef Chip McMullin from the St. Regis went above-and-beyond with outdoor grills and action stations. Everyone enjoyed the sun, new friends and outstanding vino! Many thanks to our set up and break down volunteers and efforts by the fabulous behind the scene team of Kristi and Ric!

Friday night, private dinners were held in 17 different homes around Park City. Chefs and vintners planned menus and pairings for weeks. Our dinner hosts worked tirelessly preparing their homes for an exciting night of excellent food and wine. Dinner coordinators Rachel & Rob Alday and Hilary Reiter worked for months coordinating each home, chef and vintner. Many thanks to all of you who worked so hard to make each dinner a memory for those who attended and to those who reminded us throughout the night of the mission we were all gathered to support. The Gala Saturday night sold out two weeks prior to the event, which was a positive foreshadowing of things to come the night of the gala. The night started off with an amazing silent auction. Amy Tisovec and Grace Gorton lead our silent auction and pushed unrelentingly on the entire committee to collect quality items. The Silent Auction brought in record numbers thanks to their efforts!

The Race for the Cause theme created an energy throughout the night that began with Paralympian, Chris Waddell, and was carried by the Fighter Jet Top Gun lot, followed by an outstanding and heartfelt presentation by the Barber Family-and specifically young Sarah Barber. Sarah won the hearts of every person in the room and showcased in-person the NAC mission in action. Many thanks to the Barber Family for their participation and passionate support!

Click on the photo to see Sarah's story

Following the Barber presentation, the floor was opened up for the Sponsor-a-Child portion of our auction. Auctioneer David Reynolds could not shout out the paddle numbers fast enough. I have never seen generosity, compassion and love flow as freely as I did at that moment. The NAC has so many needs, so many programs that need our support, and so many resources in order to keep our operations moving. I wept with joy knowing these monies were so needed and would be well-utilized. Many thanks go out to those who donated during the auction. We were all touched not only by the large numbers but the smiles and the energy with which you gave. Thank you.

There were so many behind-the-scene volunteers that made the three days of events a huge success. The Red, White and Snow Executive Committee stayed on task, followed up and stood with all of us to the bitter end to ensure a strong finish.

Again, thanks to all of you for your compassion and giving hearts!

Rena Webb
Development Manager
renaw@discovernac.org

2011 Halti Ability Ski Challenge

If you weren't at Park City Mountain Resort with us yesterday, you missed out!

We had a great time at the 23rd Annual Halti Ability Ski Challenge this weekend. With twenty teams and nearly 200 people participating as skiers, snowboarders, volunteers and other supporters, this year was a great success!

We've uploaded nearly 200 photos to a public album on ourNational Ability Center Facebook page. Check out the album, tag yourself and your friends.

The Halti Ability Ski Challenge was also featured in the Salt Lake Tribune. There are more photos there if you'd like to see more!

Thanks to our sponsors of this year's event, as well. Without the participation of great companies like you who give back to the community and believe in our mission, we would not be celebrating our 25th anniversary as an organization. Most importantly, we wouldn't help the thousands of people whose lives are touched each year through our programs. Thank you for all you do for us and for our participants. You do make a difference, and you should be proud of that. Thank you to Halti Skiwear, Del Taco, Flippin' Burgers, Audi, Not Normal Printing, Clockwork Cafe, Walmart, Atomic, Park City Mountain Resort and Monster Energy Drinks for your sponsorships and support.

If you haven't already, Like us on Facebook to learn about the lives we're changing

every day.

We look forward to seeing everyone again next year for the 24th Annual Ability Ski Challenge!

One Step 2011

Chicago's One Step at a Time works specifically with children who have survived cancer and children who are still battling cancer. We worked with 30 students this past week. It was an amazing week working with this group and teaching students beginning to very advanced steps to skiing. We had students on mono-skis and bi-skis, and other students were stand-up skiers. The final banquet was a great time of stories and laughter about the week as a whole from the students and the instructors perspective. These students made an impact on me, and I am sure their outlook on life rubbed off on the people they came in contact with. Until next time One Step, keep your outlook positive and make the world we live in a better place as you have showed us all this past week.

Here is a slide show of some of the activities that One Step participated in last week. See you all next year.



-Ben
NAC AmeriCorps Member

MD Anderson Slide Show

Here is the MD Anderson group from Texas and a slide show of their experience. We had a great time with this group in early January. The group took part in everything from standard stand up skiing, sit skiing, cart skiing, three track skiing and four track skiing.



We look forward to this group coming again next year. If you would like more information about the programs that you see in this slide show, please visit our website at www.discovernac.org

Cancer Survivors from South Hit the Slopes (again!)

Cancer survivors from M.D. Anderson Cancer Center (MDA) in Texas joined the National Ability Center for a week of skiing, snowboarding and winter recreation last week. MDA has been bringing cancer survivors to the National Ability Center since 1989. Last week 12 people came to learn how to ski/board or perfect their skills on the mountain.

The individuals who came through M.D. Anderson went through treatments at the hospital. Some of the treatments have involved the individuals losing a limb in their fight with cancer. I talked to some of the group members, and they have not let the fact of a lost limb or cancer slow them down. They are instead stepping forward and taking advantage of the adaptive ways to stay on the mountain.

Most individuals went three-tracking, which means they ski with one ski and hold outriggers on their arms for balance and steering. A few individuals skied on the bi-ski, which involves sitting in a bucket seat while using the outriggers for balance. I also saw one person on our new KartSki. This is a rig that uses handles that are attached to the ski to steer while in a sitting position.

Hayden is nine years old and lost his leg a year-and-a-half ago. Hayden and his instructor, Amanda, where sitting on the bench outside the National Ability Center and Hayden did not want to be done for the day. Amanda explained to him that once you start skiing, it is good to end the day on a good run and give your body rest in order for you to be ready to tackle the next day of skiing. Hayden really wanted to stay out and ski the night away. It was neat to see his desire to keep learning and practicing to get better. I later heard that Hayden is continuing to get better, and he never seems tired.

The group will be skied for a full week before returning home to the South. Look for pictures on our Facebook page next week to see the group and the things they enjoyed here in Park City.

Happy New Year!

The snow is falling fast in Park City, and our programs are in full swing during the winter months. The National Ability Center's Ski & Snowboard Center is gearing up for Session II on January 9th. The equestrian program started Winter Session II today.

If you know of individuals who would benefit from participating in our programs please refer them to our website at www.DiscoverNAC.org.

We thrive thanks to our great volunteers, so if you have an interest in volunteering please let us know and we'll give your more information. Look at www.DiscoverNAC.org for a list of programs where you might use your talents to benefit individuals with disabilities who participate at the National Ability Center.

I would like to ask for some help in this new of 2011. I am looking for stories about participants, volunteers or even stories from the staff at the National Ability Center. I would like to highlight some of the individuals that participate in programs or make our programs possible. If you have a funny, serious, or inspirational story that you would like to share, please e-mail me at benh@DiscoverNAC.org. I am working on making this blog something that highlights individuals and a place we can learn about the people we work for and with. I look forward to hearing and posting some great stories in the coming months.

Thank you for your help, and Happy New Year.

-Ben
National Ability Center
AmeriCorps Member