February Newsletter



Upcoming Events

YMCA of the Rockies,

Estes Park Spring snowshoe trip

April 21-23, 2017

Cost: $20/person

Bring a game, musical instrument, and talent.

Diane Fitzkee, 351-8974

This event currently has a waiting list.

Spring Party

Sunday, May 21, 2:00 p.m.

VIBeS will provide grilled burgers and hot dogs

Please bring a dish or appetizer to share.

John Muzzipappa’s house, 531-6435

5730 Tomah Drive

Amber Sherrard,  225-892-3697

Elephant Rock Ride, Need drivers

June 4 fundraiser

John Ingham, 719-246-3575 

Rick Palmer, 719-597-5241 

Essential Oils 101

June 4, 2 p.m., Amber’s House

Amber Sherrard, 225-892-3697

A BIG THANK YOU to Volunteers and Supporters

By Lorie Whitehead

Monarch Mountain continues to support VIBeS by allowing us to ski free and get free rentals throughout the ski season.  Thanks to Leo Bush for making this happen every year!   Also thanks to Vail EpicPromise and Copper Mountain for grants of lift tickets to the Summit County ski areas. Lorie initiates the grant writing process.  Thanks to Sharon Boyd for tracking the Summit County lift tickets.  Thanks to Sharon and Melissa for the Breckenridge Trip. We appreciate everyone who captains the trips, organizes these outings and a big thanks to all our guides!!!  Multiple outing were planned this winter by Diane Fitzkee, Beth Ingham and Vicky Hulsey!  Our ski trips would not be possible without the help of these individuals and organizations. 

Elephant Rock Ride – Sunday, June 6/4 – Looking for volunteers

VIBeS will once again provide Sag Wagon support for the ERR this year.  Leo Bush has organized this event for the last 45 years.  Leo will be “on the road”  this year so John Ingham and Rick Palmer have volunteered to coordinate the event.  We need drivers!  Please contact John Ingham at johningham@, (719)246-3575 or Rick Palmer at rpalmer4487@, (719) 597-5241 if you can drive and support the bike ride the day of the event. 

We always need volunteers. With spring and summer coming up, we could meet for hikes and bike rides.

VOLUNTEER!!!

Here are some ways you may volunteer to help:

• Captain a trip (we’ll show you how).

• Help make phone calls.

• Suggest an activity.

• Host an event.

• Recruit new skiers or guides, hikers and bikers.

• Make presentations to your favorite organization.

• Ask for donations.

• Drive or coordinate rides.

Willing to Volunteer, Call any Officer or

Have a Question About VIBeS?

Email the HOTLINE: amythegun@

Cell phone: 719-337-0161

Small World Story and Possible Fund-Raising Event

By Beth Blakney

Melissa, Vicky, and Beth were skiing at Copper Mountain in April. On Sunday, they sat down for lunch next to someone who had guided for CSSB many years ago, Fran Freese, back when VIBeS was hiring shuttles to take the group to the ski slopes. She had skied with Michael Jones and several others we knew. She had also hosted a Pampered Chef party for VIBeS. Both Vicky and Marcia remembered the measuring spoons from that party.

***Now Fran is willing to host another party with 15% of the gross (I hope she meant gross, not net) sales going to VIBeS. Anyone feel like hosting a Pampered Chef party?***

On the same trip, Melissa picked out a table with just one lady sitting at it. When Vicky and I arrived, the lady said, "I know you, you are from VIBeS. I am Claudia with the Blazers." We had an enjoyable lunch with Claudia and then she headed back out to go skiing. She returned about 10 minutes later carrying a VIBeS vest. that she had found in the stall in the ladies room. Turns out one of us had left the vest in the ladies room before lunch. Claudia used the same stall and knew where we were sitting!

Colorado Springs Gazette Telegraph Article

March 26, 2017

About a month ago, journalist and a videographer joined VIBeS on a day trip to Copper.  A week later a photographer joined us on a trip to Breckenridge.  Vicky and Gary Hulsey, Beth Blakney and Amber Sherrard were featured. The on-line link is .

Yolanda Avila winner

One of our own makes City Council, District 4.

We are very proud that Yolanda made it to City Council where she will represent your views and needs. The following is an excerpt from the Colorado Springs Gazette article on April 4, by Jacob Rodgers.

A City Council newcomer with longtime roots in southeast Colorado Springs appeared poised for victory Tuesday evening in the three-way race for District 4.

Yolanda L. Avila had garnered 2,340 votes - 41 percent of ballots and likely enough to unseat first-term incumbent Helen Collins.

"I really connected with my community," said Avila, crowded by supporters at her campaign party. "I saw them at the doors; I talked to them on the phone."

An advocate for improved mass transportation and services for the disabled, Avila said she relied on 200 volunteers to garner support.

Her first order of business: "Make sure we get our fair share of city resources."

Avila said the support she received was of a special brand - that of personal relationships cultivated over decades.

"It's like a family," she said of District 4. "My heart is completely in it."

Free 30-minute health coaching consultation

One of our newest members, Amber Sherrard, would like to express her gratitude for her experience in VIBES by offering each member of (both athletes and volunteers) a free, 30-minute health coaching consultation.  Amber is a registered dietetic technician, a certified health education specialist, and graduating with her masters in health promotion next month.  She is excited about sharing the gift of health and wellness to the community around her, especially to people that have made her transition to Colorado Springs so great!  Please email, call, or text Amber to schedule your free health and wellness consultation!

Essential Oils 101

Amber is also planning a special class for VIBES called “Essential Oils 101”. This will be an exciting time to learn about the amazing attributes of essential oils and get hands-on practice in incorporating them into your daily lives to dramatically increase your level of health and wellness.  The class will be on June 4th at 2:00 pm at Amber’s house.  Please RSVP by calling or texting her and so that we can set up transportation.

Amber’s contact info:

Cell (call or text): (225)-892-3697

Email: amber.livingwater@

Past Events Winter 2016-17

This past year there were several ski trips and two snowshoes (hikes?).

Shoe ‘n’ Soak

By Diane Fitzkee

The 48th Annual Shoe 'n' Soak became the first Hike 'n' Picnic!  The heavy snow in Woodland Park kept us from continuing to Nathrop, but we had a beautiful Snow Globe snow hike near Divide, followed by a picnic lunch in Woodland Park.

  THANKS so much to everyone who came on this trip, and for your positive energy with a change of plans. Special thanks to John Ingham, Craig, and Gordon for picking up folks and driving up the hill. Thanks to Lorie for recommending the beautiful park in Woodland Park where we ate lunch. Thanks to Gordon for spotting the porcupine tracks and two porcupines up in a tree!

  We missed those of you that couldn't make it due to illness or other obligations, and will plan see you at the Shoe 'n' Soak on the March 11th date. Mark you calendars.

  A special welcome to our newest Vibes participant--Amber Sherrard from Louisiana. She is an absolute sparkle to our group, and had many "firsts" on this trip! GO AMBER!!

  You guys are all amazing, fun, flexible, positive peeps, and I adore each and every one of you. Can't wait for our next adventure!!

[pic]

Amy A, Karlos, John

Shoe ‘N’ Soak March 11, 2017

John Ingham, Marcia, Lorie, Amy A. Amy G. Jourdan, Karlos, a brand new VIP and guide (Clyde and Duane) and me! The highlights were the hike (same one we did after the hot springs in August), the weather, and the company. We had Marcia sing her song for the new members, crazy stories in the hot springs about strange coincidences, and a stop In Divide for a drink. Perfect day! by Diane Fitzkee

[pic]

Front: Amy G, Marcia, Amy A., Lorie Photographer: John Ingham

Back: Clyde, Karlos, Diane, Jourdan, Duane

Breckenridge Ski Weekend 2017

The VIBeS ski crew enjoyed a beautiful weekend of Alpine snow skiing and Nordic skiing at Breckenridge and Copper Mountain from Friday, March 3 to Sunday, March 5, 2017. Participants included John Schwarz, Rick Palmer, Jourdan Peters, Becky Myers, Dean Myers, Beth Blakney, John Ingham, Gary Hulsey, Vicky Hulsey, Melissa Rose, Mike Rose, Dale Campbell and Sharon Boyd. The Gazette photographer, Mark, skied with the groups while taking pictures for an upcoming newspaper article about VIBeS.  

  The Jacuzzi at the Lone Pine mountain home was once again a huge success, as well as Dale's gourmet Pasta Bar on Saturday evening. John baked a flavorful Carrot (Birthday) Cake for dessert and the group sang "Happy Birthday" to Beth. You would be amazed at how quickly the Carrot Cake leftovers disappeared for breakfast the next morning.  The group played fun card games and "Catch Phrase" after dinner. They enjoyed yummy breakfasts and packed delicious lunches to enjoy at picnics at the slopes. Sitting on chairs on the beach at Peak Seven was delightful. On Friday afternoon, John Schwarz was so excited about going on his annual trip to Breckenridge. I know soaking in the Jacuzzi for hours, the opportunity to improve his number of ski runs for a weekend and a Hoosier Pass picnic are a highlight.  John had a fun time skiing with guides, Ellie and Erin, at the Breckenridge Outdoor Education Center (BOEC). He crushed his snow ski number of runs record with 12 ski runs on Saturday. And, he earned a gold medal at the race course on Sunday. We are so proud of John and his victories. Dale and Sharon took John to Hoosier Pass for a picnic on Sunday to celebrate his achievements (view pictures).

  Many thanks to Melissa and Sharon for being co-captains again for the annual Breckenridge Ski Weekend. We appreciate the weekend participants for shuffling to fit the group into five vehicles (maximum number for the driveway) and thank Dale for shuttling the skiers to and from the ski slopes. Thank you to Sandi and Roger for the generous donation of their mountain home. Also, thank you to Epic Promise Foundation-Vail Resorts and Copper Mountain Ski Resort for donating the lift tickets for the trip.

  Join the VIBeS ski fun at Breckenridge next ski season.

 

By Sharon Boyd, VIBeS Volunteer and Guide, March 10, 2017

Copper Mountain Ski Trip

By Beth Blakney-Ingham

It was a very cold day but Amber rode the chairlift for the first time and skied several runs. We also had a reporter from the Gazette along with us so you can expect to see an article some time in the next couple of weeks.

[pic]

Gary and Vicky Hulsey, Done Allred, Amber Sherrard, Beth Blakney, John Ingham

Snow Sisters Rock

[pic]

Diane Fitzkee, Marcia Wick, Amy Abourezk, Pam Vandenbos, Vicky Hulsey, Lorie Whitehead

Not pictured: Beth Blakney, Jenny Walford

Three performances this year bringing in more than $1400!!! If you missed them, you missed a great song based on Train’s “Hey Soul Sister.” Plus Marcia singing to her dog, Vivienne.

AND our BNOTS (Best Night of The Season) for funding……drum roll please……$501. Thanks to a very generous donation from Dee & Joe Fairbanks.  YAY!!!  Excellent!  Snow Sisters RULE!!! -Lorie

FACEBOOK

A big thanks to Jenny Walford who is keeping us current and posted on Facebook: Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of Colorado Springs (VIBeS) Facebook group

VIBeS has a Facebook group! If you have a Facebook account and would like to join the group, then please enter the name of the VIBeS group in the search field on Facebook. You can copy and paste the name of the group in the search field on Facebook: Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers of Colorado Springs (VIBeS). Press the enter key and you should see the name of our group with some thumbnail photos. Click on the name of the group and then click on the option, "Join Group" and a message will be sent to the admin of the group to approve your request.

Please note the group is set to private in order to provide a safe place to discuss all issues related to VIBeS or to discuss questions and issues important to group members. This ensures that trolls are not in the group. That is why the admin of the group needs to approve all member requests.

If you are already a member of the group, you can request to add your friends and family who support VIBeS to our group page. On the right side of the VIBeS group page, enter the name of the person you want to add in the "Add Members" field. Select their name when you see their Facebook name and profile photo. It will send a message to the admin to confirm the request.

Or if you prefer, you can send a message to Jenny Walford on Facebook with your request to be added to the group or to request any family or friends who are VIBeS fans to be added to the group. Jenny is also available for any questions you may have about the Facebook group page.

If you aren't on Facebook, but would like to be a member of the VIBeS Facebook group, then please consider opening a Facebook account. You can keep your info on Facebook at a minimum if you aren't into it - just use the account so you can join the VIBeS group. You must be on Facebook to join the VIBeS Facebook group.

The VIBeS group page belongs to everyone. Any member can write a post, swap news, share photos, link to an article you find interesting, ask a question, or add a comment to someone else's post. The more participation we get from the members will help customize the group page to meet your needs and reflect the coolness of all the VIBeS members. Please join the group and help make this page a community of support for all the awesome VIPs, guides, friends, and family of VIBeS!

Dr. Don is not so sure ski season is over . .

Ski season over?! It can’t be! We haven’t had race weekend yet!

Surely it’s not too late. If Monarch is closed we can at least still go to Salida and keep up the tradition of terrorizing one of the hotels and sloshing all the water out of the hot tub.

Then again, maybe we can enjoy the highlights of race weekend without even making the trip.

Let’s see, there was the Thai food tradition. There are plenty of Thai restaurants in Colorado Springs. I’m sure they will welcome our karaoke box and musical entertainment . . once . . . maybe.

First, to get to the Thai restaurant we had to engage in the usual chaos of who’s riding with whom in which car and will they all fit or do we need another car . . . I’m still amazed we never left someone at the motel wondering where everyone had gone . . . or maybe we did and still do not realize it.

Saturday evening some folks at the hotel would migrate to someone’s room and engage in recitations of VIBES lore and quaffing of libations. For this replication exercise let’s all just go to Lorie’s house this coming Saturday night. Surprise Lorie!

Sunday morning there was the traditional line to get registered for the race and get bibs, along with the choreographed chaos behind the table. A similar experience can be had at the local driver’s license bureau.

There were the prizes . . . which everyone received . . . many of the prizes being coupons/gift certificates. Snag a bunch of Sunday papers and some scissors, have a coupon cutting party, and mail them out to the Snow Jets and Blazers membership roster and we could effectively replicate the prize tradition.

Now, what’s missing? . . . Oh yeah, the race! But hey, as evidenced by the above list of traditions, maybe the race was not the biggest thing after all. Maybe the highlight of those magical race weekends was the people and comradely. And as seen on the several trips this season, VIBES still has that, whether at South Side Johnny’s or in a donated condo.

Race or no race, the usual suspects have selflessly organized another successful ski season, the VIBES musical repertoire has yet another addition to its long list of greatest hits, the bonds among VIBESters remain intact, and VIBES got great coverage in the Gazette.

All in all, not a bad season, leaving us ready for summer hiking and biking. Maybe we can race down the hiking trails to make up for the missed ski race . . . and you thought skiing was dangerous! --Dr. Don

- 2017 CALENDAR -

The 2017 Summer Calendar is almost empty. Think about an activity you would like to do and become a trip captain!

Contact the trip Captain or Email amythegun@ to sign up for trips, to arrange for a ride or find a guide, equipment and gear.

|EVENT |DATE |TIME / LOCATION |CONTACT |

| | | | |

|YMCA of the Rockies |April 21-23 |Weekend, Estes Park |Diane, 351-8974 |

|Spring Party |May 21, 2:00 p.m. |5730 Tomah Dr. |Amber Sherrard, 225-892-3697, John Muzzipappa, |

| | | |531-6435 |

|Elephant Ride Fund Raiser |June 4, all day |Need drivers |John Ingham, 719-246-3575, Rick Palmer, 719-597-5241 |

|Essential Oils 101 |June 4, 2:00 p.m. |Amber’s house |Amber Sherrard, 225-892-3697 |

|VIBeS | |

|A fun group with interesting people. Become an active member now. | |

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Who To Contact

President

Amy Gunning

719 337-0161 (c)

719 632-3679

Secretary

Victoria Hulsey

719 548-0754

Treasurer

Lynn Fleharty

719 641-8848

Director of Communications

Dean Myers

719 578-9268

Director of Programs/Logistics

Leo Bush

719 481-2304

Director of Skier Recruitment and Orientation

Jeanette Fortin

719 265-1083

Director of Activities/Programs

Diane Fitzkee

719 351-8974

Director of Finance/Grants

Lorie Whitehead

719 687-6409

Website

Susie Nulty

nulty@

Newsletter

Marcia Wick/Jule Wolf/

Janet Rose/Jenny Walford

651-2221

Inside

VIBeS

Vol. 17/ No. 1

Spring 2017

A Publication of VIBeS –

Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers

of the Colorado Springs Community

.

HOTLINE

amythegun@

VIBeS Supporters

Thank you to our community sponsors!

Black Diamond Sponsors

The Ski Shop

Monarch Mountain Ski Resort [pic]

[pic] Vail Resorts Echo Foundation

Pikes Peak Community Foundation [pic]

Verizon Foundation

Blazers Ski Club

SnoJets Ski Club

FREE MATTER

FOR THE BLIND

VIBeS

Visually Impaired and Blind Skiers

of the Colorado Springs Community

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