Specifically, the Museum:

• Collects and preserves examples of ski equipment, clothing, art, and ephemera;
• Collects and preserves photographic records, films, and historic documents of skiing;

• Maintains a reference library of ski literature, including books and periodicals;
• 
Collects and preserves memorabilia of the 10th Mountain Division;

• Maintains an oral history library of notable skiers;
• Provides exhibitions about the history of skiing and its importance to social and economic development;
• 
Provides education programs for its community.

Meet Me At The Mountain is pleased to featured in the New England Ski Museum – Online Store (catalog and website – http://www.skimuseum.org/ ). As the mission of the MMATM-Education Project is: To Educate – To Challenge and To Inspire, it is only fitting that we partner with the NESM.

Adaptive Snow Sports are such an important part of the ski industry! More and more, resorts across the United States and abroad offer adaptive skiing and snowboarding for persons with differing abilities. For those adaptive athletes who desire to compete, the Paralympics and Special Olympics provide opportunities to test your skills.

The NESM in Franconia, New Hampshire celebrates the importance of skiing in our lives. You can show your support by becoming a member of the NESM. And, next time you are up in New Hampshire, it is worth a visit to the Museum. Check out their website.

On December 2nd, Mark Andrews presented the MMATM-Education Project to 100+ elementary school children (Grades 1-4) at St. Anne’s Belfield School in Charlottesville, Virginia.

After pointing out how everyone is different and unique, Andrews made the point – “It is my belief that each of us are blessed with certain abilities, gifts and talents…Our life challenge is to do all we can to further develop these skills and then to share them with others.”

Andrews went on briefly talk about his work with Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. sharing a short interactive keynote/powerpoint presentation highlighting a variety adaptive skiers with differing abilities (spinal cord injury, cerebral palsy, multiple sclerosis, spinal cord injury, lower extremity amputation, quadriplegia & paraplegia, as well as blind/visually impaired and deaf/hearing impaired). He shared how his 30+ years providing adaptive snow sports instruction provided the inspiration for writing Meet Me At The Mountain.

Andrews then spoke about being what he referred to as an Authorpreneur – writing, directing, producing and distributing – Meet Me At The Mountain. The first of its kind, Meet Me At The Mountain is a delightful and empowering story that creatively engages the reader using an interactive multi-sensory approach.

Many children’s books focus on educating the reader about one type of special need. Meet Me At the Mountain is the first book to highlight the extraordinary abilities of seven characters (Emerald Eagle/Spiritual Leader, Rossi Raccoon/Blind, Jean Claude Jack Rabbit/Deaf, Fiona Fox/Amputee, Big Max the Moose/Multiple Sclerosis (MS), Caitlin Cougar/Cerebral Palsy (CP), and Kodie Bear/Spinal Cord Injury (SCI) as they go on an inspiring quest for adventure.

Andrews states, “It was always my intent to produce this story in multiple formats so as to invite everyone to enjoy the important inspirational messages conveyed throughout this adventure. And now, I am pleased to report that with the help of my extraordinary team, we accomplished our dream! By that, I mean MMATM is available currently in six types of communications medium.”

Illustrated Print | Sign Language | Braille/traditional format | Print/Braille Version Music/The Story is sung by the Troublesome Creek String Band Recording for Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) – National Library – (members only)

After sharing the music version and sign language version with the audience, Andrews emphasized – Perhaps what is more compelling than the MMATM story is the fact that this project was made possible by a team of extraordinary professionals who donated thousands of hours of creative talents to produce the many formats.

The story was written using a musical rhyme scheme to captivate the reader. According to Andrews, my purposeful choice of animal characters, highlighting both subtle and obvious physical traits as well as interpersonal leadership attributes, helps to educate the reader about the unique abilities of the characters. Barb Wallace, the illustrator, uses a watercolor medium with breathtaking landscapes and beautifully detailed animals. In the Music version (DVD), Dick Harrington and the Troublesome Creek String Band, playing Old Time Music with a wonderful melody actually sing the story – helping to the characters come alive. In the Sign Language version (DVD), the story is told by Peggy Westfall, a Sign Language Interpreter using unique interactive Quicktime video segments. Steven Collins uses creative interactive media and layout design help to give life to Meet Me At The Mountain. With help from Ricki Curry, the MMATM story has been transcribed and produced in a standard Braille version and a Print/Braille version. And most recently, we are pleased to announce that Meet Me At The Mountain is featured in the Recording for Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) national library.

You see, the important messages conveyed in Meet Me At The Mountain, need to be shared! Our target audience is individuals, families, homes, schools, libraries, hospitals and rehabilitation centers, Wounded Warriors – Disabled Veterans organizations. Andrews shared with the group how the net proceeds from the sale MMATM products (1) provide scholarships, and (2) support 1% for the Planet helping environmental organizations.

In Closing, Mark shared the following – “My message for you today…that which makes each of you different is what makes each of you unique and special. Find your Passion! Do those things that you care most about and that give you joy…Follow your dreams! Whatever they are…Go For It! Don’t Give Up! Share those dreams with the people you care most about.”

Upon reflection, Andrews reveals, “The kids were very inquisitive and asked many wonderful questions! It was a fun to be with such a nice enthusiastic group.”

The beautifully illustrated children’s book (produced in watercolors by artist/illustrator, Barb Wallace) captures the unique abilities and indomitable spirit of the characters. On the interactive multi-sensory DVD, Dick Harrington and The Troublesome Creek String Band sing the story with a wonderful melody and engaging instrumental music, and Steven Collins brings the characters to life using creative, interactive computer graphics. The DVD also reaches out to deaf and hearing impaired individuals using a visual/interactive sign language format. The DVD also contains definitions to educate the reader about different terms used in the story.

Meet Me At The Mountain celebrates how individuals with differing abilities work together and go to great heights to achieve extraordinary feats. As you accompany Emerald Eagle—the spiritual leader and his six animal friends, Rossi Raccoon—blind, Jean-Claude Jack Rabbit—deaf, Fiona Fox—amputee, Big Max the Moose—multiple sclerosis (MS), Caitlin Cougar—cerebral palsy (CP), and Kodie Bear—spinal cord injury/paraplegic, you will go on an inspiring quest for adventure that changes their lives and most certainly will change yours! The reader will also learn the importance of friendship, courage, teamwork and perseverance in order to overcome life’s many challenges.

Produced in six different formats, this inspirational story will be enjoyed by everyone!
Interactive DVD – Music Version | Interactive DVD – Sign Language Version | Illustrated – Print Version | Standard Braille Version (custom made) | Illustrated Print/Braille Version (custom made) | Recording for Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) National Library

The MMATM-Education Project presentation was well received by all who attended the SRC meeting.

Thank you, Mark, for attending our State Rehabilitation Council meeting yesterday and for presenting your innovative, multi-formatted “Meet Me at the Mountain”. You are a gifted person who has generously shared your talents. We very much appreciate the opportunity to learn about your work and accomplishments with “Meet Me at the Mountain” which highlight individual abilities…When you spend so much time with a project you can easily get the lofty idea of getting published. So, I can appreciate how much satisfaction you have received for your efforts.

Sincerely in behalf of SRC,
Charlie Downs

The SRC is a group of individuals, most of whom have disabilities, appointed by the Governor to work on behalf of people with disabilities by serving as a source of advice, information, and support for the Commonwealth of Virginia’s Department of Rehabilitative Services’ vocational rehabilitation and supported employment programs. The SRC constantly is searching for ways to communicate with DRS consumers, other people with disabilities, and those who support them.

Mission

The mission of the Virginia State Rehabilitation Council, in partnership with the Department of Rehabilitative Services, and in collaboration with advocacy groups, consumers and their families, is to ensure quality services for Virginians with disabilities to achieve meaningful employment, self-sufficiency and independence.

Seated: Florence Watt (Chair), Matthew Deans, Celia Yette, Jim Rothrock, Sandra Cook, Toney Lineberry, Charles Downs
Second Row: Kathy Maybee, Karen Gregory-Williams, Cherie Takemoto, Donna Kay Graff, Danny DeBoer, Karen Baugh
Members Not Shown: Charles Benagh, Gregory Coleman, Stephanie Colorado, Shannon McManus Jones, Sarah Liddle, Marianne Moore

Our 8th Annual – ADAPTIVE ANGLERS ON THE FLY – Fly Fishing Camp
was held November 18-20, 2011, the weekend before Thanksgiving. Our Adaptive Anglers had an awesome weekend. We were blessed with beautiful weather, great fishing, wonderful home cooked gourmet meals, fabulous volunteers/adaptive guides, and great fellowship – at the Moormans River, the rustic Montfair Lodge, and at our annual lakeside campfire.

Chubby & I want to express special thanks to our partners at Montfair Resort. We also want to thank all our wonderful TJTU Adaptive Guides who, again, volunteered and shared their passion for fly fishing with our Adaptive Anglers. We are grateful to Charlotte Cole & Teresa Andrews for providing transportation support to help two of our Adaptive Anglers, coming from
Northern Virginia, and Waynesboro.

We appreciate the pre-camp medical support we received from Martha Leamman, a Social Worker and Kerri Cooper, a Nutritionist both who work at UVA Medical Center. They both helped us coordinate the special health related needs that would have to be addressed for one of our new Adaptive Anglers.

Special thanks to Teresa, Greg Leffler, Kevin & Donna Markey for preparing such great food throughout the event.

Thanks to Chris Wharam for his care keeping the lodge warm and toasty with a great fire stoked up in the fireplace all weekend.
Our campers enjoyed cruising the road next to the Moormans on the fourwheeler – Gator. Thanks to Greg & Leah Leffler for efforts to make this possible.

Throughout the weekend, we had eighteen volunteers (18) who provided two-hundred ninety-three (293) service hours.

We had eleven (11) Adaptive Anglers and seven (7) family members attend camp.
72% of our Adaptive Anglers have attended this event two or more times.
18% of our Adaptive Anglers were new this year.
18% were youth/teen.
18% were females.

Thanks to all the Adaptive Anglers for attending this annual event (Creed, Ciara, Pat, Jimbo, Chris, Kenn, Robert, Steve, Robbie, Tripp, Joseph). We also want to thank the families and caregivers who helped to make this event a success.

It is wonderful to have so many of our Adaptive Anglers return year after year. We are pleased that this annual event is something that everyone looks forward to attending.

The group all enjoyed an outfitters stream side lunch on Saturday. After lunch, Kevin Markey allowed our Adaptive Anglers to get up close and personal with his two Harris Hawks. Sharing his passion for the sport of falconry is a favorite
for everyone.

Saturday evening we had our annual campfire & awards. Along with the tradition of having Chubby read “The Bridge Builder” poem, campers took time to reflect on and share things that they were thankful for the weekend before Thanksgiving. Campers were provided with special Adaptive Anglers T-shirts and TA hats. Thanks to Blue Ridge Graphics for your continued support of this
event.

It was great to have the Pat “Welk” Baugher and her new spouse, Donald come from Maryland to join us. (see Blog Post – Joyous Day for TA). We introduced Donald to fly fishing, so he now has another outdoor activity that he can enjoy with his new bride.

We were pleased to help Steve Fetrow celebrate his birthday on 11/19. Along with a B-Day cake, Steve was given a special trout hat to help him go stealth when working the river to catch more fish. Robbie Thomas had a great weekend outdoors that included shooting an eleven (11) point buck Saturday morning before coming to the camp and then catching some trout.

Throughout the weekend our Adaptive Anglers also enjoyed the company of our three camp dogs – Chester, Henry & Huckleberry.

Throughout the weekend, our Adaptive Anglers caught then released back to the Moormans many beautiful trout.

As we continue to attract many returning as well as new Adaptive Anglers, it is safe to say that the structure of this multi-generational fly fishing camp and “rustic slumber party” is well received.

Stay well until the next time we are fly fishing together. Blessings to you all over the upcoming holidays.

For more information about our ADAPTIVE ANGLERS programs, please contact us.

The 2012 OSEP Project Directors’ Conference was held July 23-25, 2012, at the Marriott Wardman Park Hotel in Washington, DC. 

Special Education Project Directors’ from around the country were in the nation’s capital for the annual OSEP conference. In addition to highlighting the 35th Anniversary of Individuals with Disabilities Education Act (IDEA), attendees were exposed to a number of wonderful presentations and sessions highlighting innovative projects and research as well as all the great work being done by special education professionals all across the country.

In addition to addressing “best practices” in the classroom, the conference provided information about the importance of quality leisure time for persons with special needs. Newton Piper, a colleague who works with Renee Bradley, Conference Chair, OSEP introduced her to Meet Me At The Mountain, an interactive multi-sensory adventure. The MMATM-Education Project is the first of its kind book & DVD, produced in multiple formats, inviting persons with all types of special needs to share in the adventure. Newton and Renee thought the video would be appropriate to share during the conference. The Meet Me At The Mountain-DVD was shown twice during the conference while participants ate lunch, networked and socialized.

The beautifully illustrated children’s book (produced in watercolors by artist/illustrator, Barb Wallace) captures the unique abilities and indomitable spirit of the characters. On the interactive multi-sensory DVD, Dick Harrington and The Troublesome Creek String Band sing the story with a wonderful melody and engaging instrumental music, and Steven Collins brings the characters to life using creative, interactive computer graphics. The DVD also reaches out to deaf and hearing impaired individuals using a visual/interactive sign language format. The DVD also contains definitions to educate the reader about different terms used in the story.

Meet Me At The Mountain celebrates how individuals with differing abilities work together and go to great heights to achieve extraordinary feats. As you accompany Emerald Eagle—the spiritual leader and his six animal friends, Rossi Raccoon—blind, Jean-Claude Jack Rabbit—deaf, Fiona Fox—amputee, Big Max the Moose—multiple sclerosis (MS), Caitlin Cougar—cerebral palsy (CP), and Kodie Bear—spinal cord injury/paraplegic, you will go on an inspiring quest for adventure that changes their lives and most certainly will change yours! The reader will also learn the importance of friendship, courage, teamwork and perseverance in order to overcome life’s many challenges.

Produced in six different formats, this inspirational story will be enjoyed by everyone!

Interactive DVD – Music Version  |  Interactive DVD – Sign Language Version |  Illustrated – Print Version | Standard Braille Version (custom made)  |  Illustrated Print/Braille Version (custom made) |
Recording for Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D) National Library

According the Renee, the MMATM-Education Project was well received. “We are so glad you shared this project highlighting a creative way to present material in multiple formats.” Renee, commented that several professionals who work in the “sensory fields” were “very intrigued.”

One of the most joyous life events is a wedding.  The Rite of Holy Matrimony – when man and woman make a loving commitment of themselves to each other by their solemn pledges, and have declared the same before God and witnesses – is a beautiful and emotional event for all who participate and share in the occasion.

On Saturday October 1, 2011, my wife, Teresa and I had the pleasure of attending the wedding of Patricia Ann Welk to Donald Ellwood Baugher.  The beautiful Lutheran Church Of The Redeemer in Baltimore, Maryland was filled with well wishers who all were honored to share the event with the newlyweds.

Over the past 15 years, Pat and I have become dear friends and we have shared many Therapeutic Adventures together.  Pat is an avid and accomplished Mono-skier, and bi-skier who has challenged herself by skiing at resorts all over the US and in Canada. The time we spend skiing together on the slopes at Massanutten are some of my fondest days.  Pat also has been active in our ADAPTIVE ANGLERS ON THE FLY – fly fishing programs.  She has caught many nice trout over the years!  I also have enjoyed sea kayaking and camping with Pat.

One of my dearest friends, I am so very excited for Pat and Donald.  I wish them a lifetime of blessings and joy together.

Mark

On Wednesday, September 22, 2010, thousands of local individuals, students, and business professionals donated a day of service as they participated in hundreds of projects which were part of the annual Thomas Jefferson United Way – Lawrence E. Richardson – Day of Caring.

Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. (TA) and Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) hosted twenty-seven (27) caring professionals from local businesses and community organizations—SRA International, Volvo of Charlottesville, and The Senior Center. These committed volunteers helped to make a positive impact on the quality of the Moormans River Nature Area.

The “Catch and Release” section of the Moormans River is maintained by Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited with support from Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. A Moormans River Runs Through It – Disability Access Project was a natural progression to our existing “PATHS TO HAPPINESS” and John Kostanecki Memorial Trail.

TA & TJTU offer many unique adaptive educational programs, camps and therapeutic retreats which benefit persons with a variety of differing abilities and special needs. Because the Moormans River is used for important programs and projects – (ADAPTIVE ANGERS ON THE FLY, Spring Fly Fling – Serving Women Cancer Survivors, and Operation Freedom Outdoors – Serving Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans), we are always working to maintain and improve accessibility, as well as the environmental quality of this wonderful natural resource.

This crew of volunteers did a fantastic job! It is amazing how much work can be accomplished when a group of twenty-seven individuals work toward a common goal. With over two-hundred and six hours (206 hrs.) of volunteer labor donated, we are very pleased with the improvements made to the existing trails, the addition of new access trails and the construction of dams that were added to enhance trout habitat.

Thank you for supporting our efforts to provide important disability access and environmental beautification to the Moormans River!

On Wednesday, September 21, 2011, eighteen (18) volunteers from the University of Virginia – School of Engineering and Applied Science and the CFA Institute provided more than 115 hours of quality service, sweat equity, and good old fashion hard outdoor work! New trails were created, existing trails and paths were cleaned up, and the aquatic habitat was enhanced by constructing some natural dams and new pools in the stream to help trout thrive.

These ongoing improvements help TA & TJTU with the many unique adaptive educational programs, camps, therapeutic retreats and guided trips which benefit persons with a variety of differing abilities and special needs. These include: (ADAPTIVE ANGERS ON THE FLY-Fly Fishing Programs for individuals with Disabilities, our Spring Fly Fling – Serving Women Cancer Survivors, and Operation Freedom Outdoors – Serving Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans).

Sincerely,
Mark Andrews
Founder/Executive Director
Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.

James “Chubby” Damron
President
Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited

TEAM RIVER RUNNER is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable organization with chapters all across the nation. Our mission is to provide adaptive paddling programs as a means of health and healing for our Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans.

In a nationwide effort to show our support, TEAM RIVER RUNNER chapters all across the nation – from sea to sea – participated in “United We Paddle” events as a means of remembrance and to show our support for all the people who were impacted by the events of 9/11.

The TEAM RIVER RUNNER – Blue Ridge~Shenandoah Chapter sponsored a Paddle/Picnic at Walnut Creek Park in Charlottesville, VA. We were blessed with a beautiful day on the water, great food, and fellowship. We had 19 participants at our event.

We are grateful for all the opportunities to spend meaningful time on the water with our country’s wounded warriors, disabled veterans and their families. Thank you to all who the individuals and families who attended. Special thanks to our instructors, our volunteers and the businesses who supported us making our “United We Paddle” event a big success!

Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. participates in Virginia Wounded Warrior workshop at Augusta Health, September 9, 2011. TA shares how their adaptive outdoor programs benefit our Wounded Warriors & Disabled Veterans. A invitation was extended to attend the TEAM RIVER RUNNER — Blue Ridge~Shenandoah Chapter 9/11 United We Paddle – Remembering 9/11 paddle/picnic event at Walnut Creek Park.