Massanutten

 Adaptive Snow Sports

The much anticipated long chairlift ride to access the Black Diamond slopes provides time to ponder many questions. At the summit, the panoramic view is both breathtaking and helps to give perspective to the upcoming challenge.  Skiing well on a Black Diamond slope is a major accomplishment that takes practice, courage and commitment. Now let’s really put this into perspective.

Ryan Flynn, who is eight years old and blind, recently conquered this challenge by skiing “ParaDice,” a Black Diamond slope at Massanutten Resort in Harrisonburg, Virginia.

On January 31, 2010, Ryan and his twin brother, Joseph who has his sight shared this experience together with their father, Tom.  Prior to skiing the slope the group shared a snack at the summit and took in the awesome view.

According to Mark Andrews, Founder/Executive Director of the Adaptive Snow Sports program, “One of our goals is to provide adaptive snow sports experiences that can be shared with family or friends. We are always pleased when monumental accomplishments are achieved in the presence of loved ones. It doesn’t get any better than that!” 

Ryan and Joseph are now new members of the esteemed “Summit Club.”  This club, at Massanutten Resort, is for an elite group of individuals who have honed their adaptive skiing and snowboarding skills to the extent that they can ski/ride Black Diamond terrain at our mountain. Typically members of this club must be adaptive skiers/riders.  In this case, we made an exception for the twin brothers. Congratulations! 

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Safety is the top priority in all

Therapeutic Adventures programs.

In all we do, safety is paramount! Our approach to safety begins before any instruction or guide services are offered.  Safety requires proper attitude. . . Safety requires sound judgment. . . Safety requires planning and communication.

During the winter, inclement weather can make it difficult to travel to and from the location where adaptive instruction is offered.   It is imperative to acquire all the information you can in order to make decisions about how and when to offer or alter scheduled program activities. 

 As a service to our clients, Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. has links on it website to mapping and travel planning sites.  Please take advantage of this information when planning your travels to/from our scheduled programs.  SAFETY FIRST!

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Mark Andrews

Author, Director, Executive Producer

“The mountains are calling so I must go.” ~ John Muir

            One of the underlying messages in Meet Me At the Mountain is to follow your dreams! According the Andrews, this was my calling nearly 30 years ago when I started the Adaptive Snowsports Program at Massanutten Resort in Harrisonburg, VA - the first full service program in the Southeast.

            As Founder/Executive Director of Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. we have been an industry leader designing and providing unique adaptive outdoor programs (snow sports, water sports and wilderness adventures) for youth, teens, adults, seniors, Wounded Warriors and Disabled Veterans.   We have served more than 3,000 clients providing more than 5,000 adaptive instructional/guiding sessions and lessons!

            I am excited to also offer the MMATM – Education Project as an extension of this program.  Meet Me At the Mountain is dedicated to those individuals who have participated in our programs and similar programs across the country because it was inspired by what I learned from each of you.

            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. 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 we have 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)

            Many children’s books focus on educating the reader about one type of special need.  Using an interactive multi-media approach, the MMATM—Education Project was conceptualized and developed to educate you about how individuals with differing abilities often do amazing things to overcome life’s many challenges!

             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.

            The story begins when Emerald Eagle- The Spiritual Leaders drops a Braille note saying, “It’s snowing in the mountains.  Time to “Meet Me At The Mountain!” 

             Meet Me At the Mountain shows how our animal friends share an enduring bond of friendship and an affirmation of hope as they confront and overcome many obstacles. Throughout their adventure, the animals learn the importance of courage, determination, persistence, teamwork and independence.  This real climb to the top of the mountain is also “metaphorical climb” representing – life’s many challenges for persons with differing abilities. When they finally reach the summit, it is all they dreamed and more!  MMATM is a true testament to the power of resilience.

            The Meet Me At The Mountain (MMATM) – Education Project will help us to improve the quality of life of ALL persons with differing abilities – (physical and developmental) disabilities, chronic medical impairments, and other special health needs by helping them achieve independence in the outdoor environments where adaptive adventure activities are offered and enjoyed.

            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.  My purposeful choice of animal  characters, highlighting both subtle and obvious physicaltraits 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, disabled Veterans organizations and environmental organizations. First and foremost, the goal of the MMATM - Education Project is to achieve widespread national and international distribution of the Meet Me At The Mountain publications and interactive DVD. Moreover, it is imperative that we establish partnerships and receive endorsements from influential people and businesses that support our mission.  We need your help!

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“Ladies’ Night” supports local

women cancer survivors.  

On Thursday evening, December 3^rd Reines Jewelers of Charlottesville located at Shoppers World under the clock tower hosted an event displaying beautiful jewelry that seemed to sparkle and glisten with more eye catching clarity and purpose than ever before. Peter Reines and his staff graciously offered a fun and festive holiday event – where women were supporting other women – with the goal to help fund an important therapeutic event for women cancer survivors. 

Why?

 It is difficult to comprehend the complexity of emotions a woman must deal with when she is diagnosed with cancer.  You see, the woman of today tends to have several roles that occupy her time, her energy and her creative abilities.  These include: grandmother, mother, sister, aunt, spouse, friend, sole mate, teacher, coach, nurse, doctor, advisor, confidant, builder, and corporate professional, to name a few. And it is these important jobs that touch the hearts of so many!  That is why we must support her in these times of treatment, adjustment and healing.

Mark & Peter at Reines Jewelers - Ladies' Night

 Peter, a long time friend and supporter, approached Mark Andrews, Founder/Executive Director of Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. stating, “I want provide a special event to support the  annual ‘Spring Fly Fling’ - Fly Fishing and therapeutic retreat for women cancer survivors receiving treatment at the Martha Jefferson – Cancer Care Center.”  Women were invited for an evening of fun where they could enjoy some tasty holiday food and drink while making a “wish list” of jewelry in hopes that Santa will deliver the exquisite dream gift on Christmas or another special day during the holiday season. 

 In addition to hosting the event, Peter committed to making a donation for every woman who came to his store that evening.  Throughout the evening a special multi-media presentation educated the guests about the important benefits of the annual ‘Spring Fly Fling.

Serving    

 

Solution!

When a woman must find the courage and strength to keep going, to remain steadfast doing what she both loves and does best in life, it is important to support her on this journey!

At Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. and Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited, each Spring we are pleased to serve 12-15 women cancer survivors who are fighting the battle of their life with a “FREE” – that’s right, “ALL EXPENSES PAID” weekend Fly Fishing and Outdoor Retreat of “rustic elegance” and “therapeutic adventures.” We fondly refer to this event as the Spring Fly Fling. 

 Our women guests are housed in rustic cabins and have their meals in a wonderful lodge overlooking a mountain lake and surrounding woodlands.  Throughout the weekend the women are introduced to the following:  fly fishing, aquatic entomology and fly tying, massage, yoga, hiking, kayaking, solo time for reflection, music, campfires and signing, riverside and lakeside lunches, homemade gourmet meals and a special Saturday evening awards dinner.

 Events such as this one at Reines Jewelers make this and other important therapeutic programs we offer possible.  Our heartfelt thanks go out to Peter and his staff and all the ladies who came to make the evening such a big success!

**Mark you calendars for April 9-11, 2010 when we offer the 4^th ‘Spring Fly Fling’ - Fly Fishing and therapeutic retreat for women cancer survivors receiving treatment at the Martha Jefferson – Cancer Care Center.  For More information: www.TAonline.org  

 

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Ken Morrow is the Founder of The Adaptive Fly Fishing Institute (AFFI).  The AFFI is dedicated to the education and certification of fly fishing instructors, guides, medical professionals, educators, and other service providers in order to ensure the highest possible quality of service to the special needs community.

Through his work providing adaptive fly fishing programs down in El Paso, Texas and in other parts of the country, Ken became aware of the work Mark Andrews of Therapeutic  Adventures, Inc. was doing to provide similar such Adaptive Fly Fishing Programs in Virginia.  In November of 2009, Ken contacted Mark and asked him to serve on the AFFI Advisory Board. According to Andrews, “It is important to provide greater access to adaptive fly fishing all across the country. I am honored to serve on the AFFI Advisory Board.  I will do everything that I can to support promote the mission of The Adaptive Fly Fishing Institute.”

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The weekend of November 20-22, 2009 many Rainbow Trout were caught and then released back to their natural environment at the annual ADAPTIVE ANGLERS ON THE FLY - Fly Fishing Camp for Disabled.

Therapeutic Adventures, Inc.  a non-profit 501 (c)(3) charitable education organization and Thomas Jefferson Trout Unlimited (TJTU) teamed up to offer the six annual event that served persons of all ages with differing abilities.

Check out the segment on:

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On Saturday, November 14, 2009 Meet Me At The Mountain- (MMATM) was honored to share the front window of the New Dominion Bookshop (NDB) with internationally acclaimed author, John Grisham.  The NDB located on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall is  a favorite of Mr. Grisham.  NDB carries John Grisham’s many books and always displays his newest release, currently Ford County. Read more »

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On Thursday, November 12th Rick Daniels and Jane Foy interviewed Mark Andrews on the 1070 WINA News Radio Morning Show. Jane asked,  tell us about your your new children’s book?

Mark stated, MEET ME AT THE MOUNTAIN (MMATM) - is an interactive multi-sensory adventure developed to educate others how persons with differing abilities (blind, deaf, amputee, multiple sclerosis (MS), cerebral palsy (CP), and spinal cord injury (SCI) paraplegia often do amazing things to overcome life’s many challenges.  

Jane asked, what makes the project unique?  Mark went on to explain that MEET ME AT THE MOUNTAIN was possible because he worked with an extraordinary team of professionals (artist, band, interactive media specialist, sign language interpreter, and braille transcription specialist) ALL who volunteered and contributed thousands of hours to make the project a success.

Mark shared with Rick and Jane how the MMATM - Education Project is the first of its kind, to highlight multiple types of special needs and the first to be produced in  every communciation format. - Interactive DVD - Music Version, Interactive DVD - Sign Language Version, Illustrated - Print,  Traditional Braille Format, Illustrated/Print Braille Format, and, most recently, as produced in a format used by Recording For Blind & Dyslexic (RFB&D).

Mark state that he was scheduled to present his MMATM - Education Project and do book signng at New Dominion Bookstore on the Charlottesville Downtown Mall, Saturday, November 14th at 11:00 AM

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SUNDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2009

At New Dominion    Bookshop at 11 a.m. Saturday, Mark Andrews will sign anddiscuss his new book “Meet Me At The Mountain.”

The unique concept uses different formats such as a
printed version and interactive DVD, a sign language version
and even a illustrated Braille version to show how people with different abilities can do amazing things to overcome challenges.

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Therapeutic Adventures, Inc. was selected as beneficiary of the proceeds raised from this TNF Speakers Series event. To show appreciation, Mark Andrews (Founder/Executive Director) wanted to do something special.

Mark presents Kit with MEET ME AT THE MOUNTAIN (Book & Interactive DVD)

MMATM highlights how persons with differing abilities (blind, deaf, amputee, multiple sclerosis, cerebral palsy, and spinal cord injury) often do amazing things to overcome life’s challenges. These animal friends work together to climb and then ski a mountain.

“You see, as Kit is the first person (male or female) ever to climb and then ski down from the summits on each of the highest mountains on all seven continents, she knows better than anyone else about importance of: following your dreams, friendship, commitment, trust, teamwork and courage.”

These qualities are just part of the important message conveyed in my new interactive multi-sensory adventure MEET ME AT THE MOUNTAIN. In addition to being a world class extreme adventure athlete, Kit is also the mother of two young daughters.

“It is only fitting that Kit, have MEET ME AT THE MOUNTAIN to share with her family. Thank you!”

Discover your disABILITY through adventure!

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