Tribute to Marty Mait

Friend, Volunteer, Instructor/Guide

Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU)

Marty assisting adaptive angler with fly tying

On Saturday, July 10, 2010 some of us from Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) attended a memorial service for our friend Marty. It was an honor to be included in this celebration of Marty’s life.  He was truly a remarkable man who touched the hearts of so many. 

We will all miss, Martin Benjamin “Marty” Mait, our dear friend, fellow angler, instructor/guide, and supportive volunteer.  Marty loved to share his passion for fishing with others.  He was an active member of Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) for the past ten years. 

Marty always looked forward to and enjoyed helping with the fall ADAPTIVE ANGLERS ON THE FLY – Fly Fishing Camp for Disabled and the Spring Fly Fling – Fly Fishing Retreat for Women Cancer Surviviors.  He was a wonderful instructor/guide who would graciously share his knowledge, wit and experience to help others find the pleasures he so enjoyed when fly fishing.

Whether it was casting instruction, fly tying or streamside guiding, Marty would quietly offer to be wherever he was needed to help. When we were seeking financial donations to support our adaptive anglers, Marty was the first to provide a scholarship to help those in need.  And he continued to do so every year we have offered the programs. 

We all still laugh every time we reminisce and think about planning the 1^st Spring Fly Fling – Fly Fishing Retreat for Women Cancer Surviviors.  At our pre-event orientation the night before the event was to begin, we were outlining all the logistics and responsibilities for the weekend.  Just before we finished, Marty quietly raises his hand and asks, “These are all women who have never fished before, right?”  “Yes, that is correct.”  “We want them all to enjoy there day on the river, right?”  “Yes, that is correct.”  “Well then, what are your plans to address any needs if the women need to use the bathroom?”  

 “Oh my God, Thank you for that insight!”  Marty smiled as he quietly left the meeting.  In less than twenty-four hours we constructed what fondly would be referred to as “Rustic Elegance” our Adaptive Streamside Latrine.

Marty providing streamside instruction at Spring Fly Fling

Marty made so many contributions to Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited. H e will always be remembered for all his service to the organization, especially all that he did to support our adaptive fly fishing programs.  In memory of Marty, TJTU is establishing a “Marty Mait – Adaptive Angler Scholarship” for those who require financial assistance to attend our camps. 

Martin “Marty” B. Mait, Lieutenant Colonel, United States Army, Retired, 76, of Charlottesville, Virginia, died on Friday, May 14, 2010.

Lieutenant Colonel Mait served 21 years of active service in the Army, during which he served two tours in Vietnam, a tour in Korea, and a tour in Germany. He received the Legion of Merit, two Bronze Stars, and the Air Medal. After his military career, he served the Commonwealth of Virginia for 19 years with the Department of Criminal Justice Services; including 10 years as Deputy Director. His service was recognized by the Virginia Senate May 1994 in Senate Resolution No. 103. Following his state service, Marty continued his service to his community as a member of the Fluvanna Planning Commission.

Among his many interests, Marty (AG4DN) was a long time member and State Government Liaison of the Albemarle Amateur Radio Club, a member and Secretary of the Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited Chapter, a 50-year member of the Freemasons and a member of the Civil War Preservation Trust.

Born in Brooklyn, New York, Marty graduated from City College of New York with a BA. He would go on to receive a Masters in Public Administration from New York University and a Masters in City Planning from the University of Virginia.

He is survived by his wife of 56 years, Lila Cohen Mait of Charlottesville, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, Russell B. and Barbara S. of Chesterfield, Virginia; a son and daughter-in-law, Joseph N. and Elisabeth A. of Bethesda, Maryland; a daughter and son-in-law, Leslie S. Mait and Scott M. Milkovich of Glen Ellyn, Illinois; six grandchildren, Sonja Bauer, Alex Mait, Rachel Milkovich, Simon Mait, Leon Mait, and Nick Milkovich; and a sister, Eleanor Curtis of Gainesville, Florida. He had a special fondness for his two dogs, Rocky and Blue.

A celebration of Marty’s life will be held at Westminster Canterbury of the Blue Ridge in Charlottesville, Virginia, 2 p.m. Saturday, July 10, 2010.

Memorials may be made to Trout Unlimited, Civil War Preservation Trust, or a charity of your choice.

Respectfully Submitted

Mark A. Andrews

Founder/Executive Director

Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.

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At the SFF — we strive to “Catch & Release” our Passion for Fly Fishing. We want to provide the women cancer survivors with a special weekend of “Rustic Elegance.”

 I am pleased to report that we had 41 volunteers who contributed an astonishing 567 hours of volunteer service to the 2010 Spring Fly Fling — Women’s Fly Fishing and Therapeutic Outdoor Retreat.

 I am pleased to report that we had 41 volunteers who contributed an astonishing 567 hours of volunteer service to the 2010 Spring Fly Fling — Women’s Fly Fishing and Therapeutic Outdoor Retreat.

They have recognized the importance of this type of therapeutic outdoor retreat and want to do what they can to support women who are actively confronting the challenges associated with cancer.  The adaptive outdoor activities (fly fishing, kayaking, and hiking) that are a function the weekend retreat have been found to have positive healing benefits.

Quotes from participants:

Cathy and I are still on a “natural high” from our wonderful weekend. 

 Great fun with the girl band “Sweeter than Whiskey” even though it wasn’t beside the campfire.

 The environment of Montfair Resort is perfect for the retreat as it took most of us out of the safety of our own world and gave all of us the same “starting point”.

 The Moormans River is such a beautiful setting, very easy for beginners to use.

 I am thankful for everyone’s part in feeding me, but some of us are not used to eating that much or that well. I enjoyed all of it.

 The guides were so patient and willing to help all of us. They are an awesome group of folks who in some cases have met and overcome challenges in their lives too.

 Learning to tie flies with “Bear” was super. It was great that he took the time to share his talents with us.

 I especially liked meeting other women who have made similar journeys in their discovery and recovery from cancer.

 Learning to fly fish was awesome, but you never gave us the cure for being bitten by the fishing bug!  Teaching us a skill that we otherwise might have not been exposed to was great.

What did you like best about the Spring Fly Fling retreat?

The beauty of the setting (both at Montfair and on the river).

 The enthusiasm of the guides in sharing their knowledge.

 Being pampered while also being treated like a capable and independent person (rather than a “patient” or a “survivor”).

 I was struck at dinner the first night by the fact that all of us (at least everyone around me) found it hard to believe that we weren’t supposed to be doing the work (as opposed to being “guests”). Being a pampered guest is one of the nicest aspects of the experience, but it’s rare for women to experience it at all (and, when we do, we are usually paying for it, as with a pedicure, etc.).

 I enjoyed the people, the fishing, hiking, bonfire, food, fellowship, the site and the relaxation. We had, I thought a wonderful group, all volunteers and thanks to you for the time and energy it takes to put something like the Fly Fishing Outing together, and many thanks to the persons who funded the event.

 Thank you and your family for organizing such an awesome experience.  I can’t wait for our reunion!

 Blessings to everyone who helped make the event possible and wonderful!

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 WOMEN’S COMMITTEE

ALL OUR WONDERFUL VOLUNTEERS!

 Martha Jefferson Foundation

Ray Mishler

Susie McConnell

Montfair Resort

David & Leora Sheridan Vincenti

Therapeutic Adventures

Caleb Andrews

Jeff Andrews

Mark Andrews

Teresa Andrews

Zach Andrews

Bill Henry, BRMS

Gil Hines, BRMS

John Holden, BRMS

Greg Leffler

Madison House

Huong Pham

Danielle Murashige

Margaret Beckwith

Will Nyce

Gloria Chou

Ankit Sundoram

Rebecca Reiter

TJTU Vols

James Chubby Damron

Roger Sprouse

Donna Markey

Kevin Markey

Tim Brooks

Sarah French

Jim Richardson

Larry Gannon

Mike Brinkac

Nancy Brinkac

John Staley

Adam Dean

Joe Malloy

Eank Behs

“SWEETER THAN WHISKEY”

Susan  Rosen

Judy Chaudet

Megan Orwig

BLUE RIDGE ONCOLOGY NURSES

Victoria Brunjes

Mary Beth Revak

Mina Ford

Lynn Murray

**Donna  Markey

Carmel Nail

Gary Maloney

MJH – MASSAGE THERAPISTS

Becky Getz

Carol Blake-Scott

 SPRING FLY FLING – Alumni

Sandy Awad

Kay Barquin

**Sarah French

Delphina Rodriquez

Mary Ward

*We apologize for any errors or omissions;

information was pulled from Volunteer Sign-In Book

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The 2009-2010 Adaptive Snowsports season was amazing!  With all the natural snow that came our way, we give thanks to the Farmers Almanac and to “Mother Nature” for blessing us with unprecedented conditions.  

The slopes were covered with so much natural snow, the skiing and snowboarding were the best they have ever been in our 30 years of operation.  

Our wonderful, enthusiastic staff of volunteers brought many smiles to the faces of our clients and their families. We are very pleased with the great progress made by our all who participated in our program.  (For more details, request to check out our annual report)

We had our annual Independence Cup and Celebration of Independence on February 28^th. This event is always great fun and highlights all the hard work and accomplishments made throughout the season.

We continued to offer instruction through the last weekend in March.  

SEE YOU NEXT WINTER ON THE SLOPES!

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On April 1, 2010 Mark Andrews spoke to a class of occupational therapy students at James Madison University in Harrisonburg, VA. 

 For the first part of the class, he spoke about the Adaptive Outdoor Programs (adaptive skiing and snowboarding, adaptive sailing, adaptive kayaking and canoeing, adaptive fly fishing, adaptive camping and backpacking, as well as adaptive climbing) that are a function of the services provided by Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.  “The students were very inquisitive and had very good questions.”

 The second half of the class Mark shared Meet Me At The Mountain -his new Interactive Multi-Sensory Adventure.  After explaining the purpose of the MMATM-Education Project, Mark told the students about the process he went through to write and produce this unique children’s book and DVD, which is now available in six formats:  

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) 

 “The students were very enthusiastic and engaged in the presentation.  I am very pleased with the favorable response I received after sharing the MMATM Illustrated Book and Interactive DVD.  The clapping, the cheers, and the wonderful questions were an affirmation of support.”   

Thank you! 

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On March 31^st, 2010 the Martha Jefferson Hospital — Women’s Committee presented Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. — a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable education organization with a check in the amount of Three-Thousand Dollars ($3,000) to help support the 4^th Annual – Spring Fly Fling – Women’s Fly Fishing and Therapeutic Outdoor Retreat for Cancer Survivors receiving treatment at the Martha Jefferson — Cancer Care Center.  

Those present from right to left include: Ray Mishler, Vice President of Development-Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation; Susie McConnell, President of the Martha Jefferson Hospital Foundation - Women’s Committee; Mark Andrews, Founder/Executive Director of  Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.; James “Chubby” Damron, President of  Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited; and Victoria Brunges, Martha Jefferson Hospital – Cancer Care Center Coordinator.

 According to Andrews, “This financial support will help us to provide the important services that we offer to the women who participate in this annual event.  We are very grateful that the MJ – Women’s Committee understands the value of this event as it relates to the physical, social, emotional and spiritual healing of women cancer survivors.  Having opportunities to learn new life skills associated with fly fishing and other outdoor activities is important. When women have a chance to share a respite weekend with other women who are on the same journey to overcome the challenges associated with cancer, it is beneficial for all who participate. We want the women to have an enjoyable weekend of ‘Rustic Elegance’ with opportunities to try things that they have never done before.  Thank you for making this possible!”  

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Vice Commandant, Carlton Crenshaw

Each month, the Bradley T. Arms Marine Corps League Detachment 1256, consisting of approximately 20-30 of our country’s finest heroes who served in WWII, the Korean War, Vietnam, Iraq, Afghanistan and other recent conflicts meet at the JAG School in Charlottesville, Virginia.  Under the direction of Commandant, Stephen Streep and Sr. Vice Commandant, Carlton Crenshaw these retired Marines gathered on Thursday, March 18, 2010 to honor Mark Andrews as “Person of the Year,” recognizing his 30 years of work with the Paralyzed Veterans Association, the Defense and Veterans Brain Injury Center, the Wounded Warriors project, and other Disabled Veterans and their families. Read more »

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SPROUT FILM FESTIVAL

Culture!          Disability!          Talent!

“Making the Invisible Visible”

 Meet Me At the Mountain, the first of its kind interactive multi-sensory adventure, was a “BIG HIT” at this year’s Sprout Film Festival.  Mark Andrews, Author, Director and Executive Producer introduced MMATM, the opening movie for each of the three shows for this year’s festival.  Thursday, March 11^th   there was a 10am matinee performance at new Monticello High School Performing Arts Building. Friday, March 12^th a matinee performance and a 7pm evening performance were provided at the Martin Luther King – Performing Arts Center at Charlottesville High School.   Read more »

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This is the 3rd in a Series – Enjoy!

On March 2^nd, Josh Sundquist served as the keynote speaker to launch the development campaign for the new Children’s Hospital at the University of Virginia. As a former patient and long time advocate for the quality, life-saving care he received at UVA, Josh used his gifts as a motivational speaker to challenge the audience to support this important cause. 

 Josh, a cancer survivor who lost his leg due to Ewing’s Sarcoma, battled back in his early years of rehabilitation learning to three-track ski (skiing on one ski with two handheld outriggers) at Massanutten Adaptive Snow Sports, in Harrisonburg, VA. Several years and thousands of hours of dedicated commitment and hard work helped Josh to complete his goal of making the United States Paralympics team.  Wearing the uniform for “USA” and competing for his country in the 2006 in Torino, Italy was a lifelong dream comes true.  Read more »

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 This is the 2nd of a series.  Enjoy

 Passion for Skiing –  Making Tracks to Paralympics Dream

 by Joshua Sundquist

Eleven years ago when I was first learning how to ski, my instructor Mark Andrews told me “the slope always looks steeper from the bottom of the mountain.”  I was ten years old and I’d only been an amputee for about six months.  My head was still bald from chemotherapy, but I really wanted to learn to ski.  It was one of the few sports I could still do now that my leg had been amputated. Read more »

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