Amie Smith

Dear NENSA Community ~

The senseless killing of George Floyd, and so many others, has brought into sharp focus the injustice of inequality and race in our country and around the globe. These are long-standing problems and it is hard to know where to start to think about how we can be a part of the solution. As an athlete, coach, member, parent, or supporter of cross country skiing here in New England, the important thing now is that we actually do start. I challenge everyone, including myself and my family, to make one change towards good, towards a solution. After you have done that, then make another. Make it a pattern for positivity in this world.

Here are three simple things we can all do individually to start with:
1. Register to VOTE (if you are soon to be eligible or not yet registered) and then EVERYBODY go out and VOTE! Local and National elections, primaries and the big ones this fall.
2. Donate some of your time or resources to a cause that can help make a difference.  There are many out there doing a lot of important work ~ find one that speaks to you and get involved.
3. Educate ourselves. Education is a lifelong process. Right now, is the time for learning more from different voices than our own – about racism, diversity, biases, equality and inclusion – see BLM Resource List below for some ideas.

Here are three things NENSA is going to do:
1. We will write a Diversity & Inclusivity policy. We do have a Transgender Policy, and we are going to build on that to be sure it is stated that our NENSA mission is to be inclusive of all – no matter your race, religion or sexual orientation. Sometimes it takes a time like this to show what is missing.
2. NENSA is looking at long-term ways to make the New England ski community a more welcoming environment for people of color, and we will be looking at how our organization can support black businesses and institutions.
3. We will work to create more opportunities for BIPOC programing and partnerships within NENSA and our New England ski community.

Thank you all for joining us in this effort. As a community of endurance athletes who know the importance of getting the details right and working every day to achieve difficult long-term goals, I know we can make big difference.

Best,
Amie W. Smith
Executive Director | NENSA
[email protected]

BLM Resource List Tab on www.NENSA.net homepage:
This list has many great ideas of things to read, watch or listen to, and organizations to donate to. This is by no means a comprehensive list of all resources, but I invite you to start here, and if this is helpful, share these ideas with others. Thanks to all those who have helped pull this list together.

NENSA, and the entire national TD community is thrilled this award has been bestowed upon Jim, we only wish he could have been here to receive it – he would have been very honored. It it a double whammy that with the pandemic, US Ski & Snowboard Congress was virtual, so the annual dinner and gala where these awards are given out was cancelled too…another lost opportunity to honor Jim, even posthumously, with his life work. I want to share this letter with you all today, with some of the thoughts from his friends and colleagues, sent into U.S. Ski & Snowboard, for Jim’s nomination this year.

A letter from Tiger Shaw, U.S. Ski & Snowboard:
May 15, 2020

I would like to take this opportunity to congratulate Jim Rodrigues on having been selected to receive the 2020 Al Merrill Nordic Award, which is presented to the individual or group involved with any aspect of nordic skiing (cross country, nordic combined or ski jumping), who demonstrated an exceptional level of commitment, leadership, and devotion to excellence.
Each nordic sport committee submits a nominee with the final selection being made by the sport committee chairs. The committees were unanimous in recognizing Jim’s lifetime efforts.

The following was provided for the nomination:
“Jim was a current FIS TD for U.S. Ski & Snowboard, and has been for many years – working with colleges across the US, Canada and South America, on both cross country skiing and rollerski competitions.”
“Jim was planning to retire from his work as a TD and Chief of Competition, and mentor to all, this spring, when he died unexpectedly. But he still made some very major contributions to our Nordic ski community this past season, and even more importantly, in his lifetime.”
“His continued commitment to the annual NENSA TD & Event Organizer training, held the weekend of September 22 & 23. Jim’s presentations and perspective on all matters of TD’ing – as a mentor to our newer group of TD’s in training, and as a colleague to his TD friends, was always inspiring and appreciated.”
“Chief of Comp/Chief of Course for both the first ever Harvard Carnival (January), and for the NENSA Dublin Double Eastern Cup Races (February). A mentor to the Dublin School helping them improve and expand their trail system and start snowmaking there (this past year)”
“Chief of Stadium for the NENSA New England Bill Koch Festival held at Great Glen 2/29 & 3/1 – Jim was there with his dear friend Mouse (Dan Warner – TD for the event) helping him in any matters that needed to be done that weekend. We have no official Chief of Comp or Chief of Race for that Festival, but Jim was there all weekend doing whatever needed to be done, setting up the entire stadium, and helping with all the races.”
“Jim was packing his bags, on his way to be the TD in Lake Placid for a collegiate competition, when he died very unexpectedly.”
“Jim’s passing leaves a huge hole in both our New England Nordic Ski community, as well as with friends and colleagues from across the country, and beyond. We lost a great friend and colleague. Jim was a dear friend to so many. He worked for NENSA for many years as an Event Organizer, as well as a U.S. Ski & Snowboard FIS Technical Delegate official, Chief of Competition, trail designer, coach, mentor and friend to so many of us.”

I am so sorry for this loss.
Sincerely,
Tiger Shaw President & CEO

https://conta.cc/2W8Oozb

The New England Nordic Ski Association (NENSA) seeks to find a dynamic, outgoing individual to be our next full time Youth & Introductory Program Director. This individual will be responsible for NENSA’s Youth programming, including the New England Bill Koch League and Festival, the Nordic Rocks for Schools program, Bill Koch League coach and parent trainings, U16 and Eastern High School Championship events, the New England Women’s XC Ski Day, and summer programming. This person should be familiar with NENSA and the New England Nordic ski scene. If interested, please read more below:

Youth & Introductory Program Director:
This position will directly manage NENSA’s Bill Koch League and Nordic Rocks programs and position NENSA as a central resource for the New England youth skiing community. The ideal candidate will bring a high level of collaborative energy to work with the Competitive Program Director to promote and have a presence for all ages at selected Popular races, with State team leaders to put on U16 and EHS Championships, and with the BKL District Chairs to put on the BKL Festival. Applicants should be incredibly self-motivated and able to work independently from home. This role requires strong, inspired leadership with a synergetic spirit to galvanize and work with our Nordic community. This position will work closely with many community stakeholders including venues, event organizers, clubs and the NENSA staff team. Lively and instructive engagement with potential and existing NENSA sponsors and contributors is another job requirement. The Youth & Introductory Program Director is an empowered position, requiring energy, vision, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask, in advancing NENSA’s youth and introductory programs.

Duties include but are not limited to:
Establish NENSA as the go-to resource for youth skiing information, events, and resources for the northeast region.
Providing leadership, education, instruction and guidance to District Chairs, coaches, club leaders, event organizers, parents, and athletes.
Work closely with the BKL Committee and Juniors Committee to facilitate communication in support of and between the youth ski clubs of the region and the broader community, and the State Team Leaders and coaches involved with U16’s ane EHS.
Support a wide base of parent-volunteers and club leaders focused on building an inclusive community through club visits, workshops, and parent trainings.
Manage all of NENSA’s youth programs, including the annual Bill Koch League, the New England Bill Koch Festival, and the Nordic Rocks for schools’ program.
Oversight and coordination of all aspects of New England Women’s XC Ski Day, U16 Eastern Championships, and Eastern High School Championships.
Collaborate with NENSA Competitive Program Director on Coach Education initiatives.
Work alongside and with the Competitive Program Director to fulfill and advance all NENSA summer programming including rollerski races, clinics, coaches education and camps.
Manage community communications via email, social media, and via regular newsletter as well as maintaining the youth program sections of the NENSA.net website.
Collaborate on additional community building programs, events, and projects, as part of the NENSA staff team.

Additional Key Priorities, including, but are not limited to, the following:
Work closely with NENSA staff and Board of Directors.
Maintain program-specific content on NENSA website.
Engage NENSA’s Bill Koch League, Women’s Day and Juniors Committees.
Obtain or have a US Ski & Snowboard Coach Certification of L100 or higher (which includes SafeSport certification and background checks) by start date.
Obtain Technical Delegate Certification  (this fall with NENSA).
Track and share relevant news and updates via NENSA.net and social media.
Assist NENSA Executive Director with writing grant applications pertaining directly to youth programming.
Other duties as assigned as being part of the NENSA staff team.

Qualifications:
Bachelor’s Degree.
Familiarity with the New England cross country skiing community.
Excellent written, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills.
Ability to lift and carry 50 lbs.
Comfortable working on a computer, including proficiency with Microsoft Excel, Word, PowerPoint, Google Docs, WordPress, and NEON (will train).
Savvy social media user with demonstrated ability to effectively use Facebook and Instagram to help tell the NENSA story.
Demonstrated ability to work in a fast paced multidisciplinary team environment.
Must be eligible to work in the USA.
Must have a valid driver’s license and vehicle.
Passion for the sport of cross country skiing and the ideals of the NENSA mission.

Conditions:
This is a remote position that requires the ability to work and communicate regularly and effectively from a remote home office.
Frequent and extensive regional travel in and around New England.
Work will often be done outdoors, in varying and winter weather conditions.
Must be able to work weekends aligning with NENSA programming.

The Youth & Introductory Program Director is a full time salaried position. Salary for this full time position is $37k – $45k commensurate with experience. Benefits include paid vacation, a Health Care Stipend contribution, a matching IRA fund, and travel expenses. This position reports to the Executive Director. Start date is negotiable, but we seek to fill this role as soon as possible. Interested candidates should send a letter of interest, resume, and three references by no later than May 1st, 2020 to Amie W. Smith, Executive Director via email at [email protected]

Dear Nordic skiing community,

The respirators that many of us own to keep us safe while waxing skis, like the one in the attached photo, are now of great use to our healthcare industry, which is in desperate need of personal protective equipment (PPE). Just as these respirators keep us safe while waxing skis, they can now help keep our frontline healthcare workers healthy as they battle COVID-19.

I have been in contact with two PPE coordinators at two Boston hospitals. They are both accepting used respirators similar to the one in the below photo. I expect that many other hospitals are accepting other models of air-purifying, half-face respirators as well. I encourage you to reach out to your local hospital to gauge their interest and need.

If you have a respirator and are willing to donate it, see this spreadsheet. It details instructions for donating to two Boston hospitals, as well as instructions on how to find other hospitals, across the nation, that would be happy to accept your respirator.  (See the “How to Donate” tab at the bottom of the Google Sheet. This spells out the basic how-tos.)

Additionally, please mark your donation down on the spreadsheet so that we can track the Nordic ski community’s contribution to this crisis.

Let’s spread the news and amass as many donations as possible, as quickly as possible! Please share with your teammates, coaches, clubs, Nordic centers, and anyone else who you think could be of help.

I recently relocated to St. George, Utah, where I’m working as a community health worker.  I’m enjoying the beautiful outdoors out here, but I am missing New England’s colder winters!  I hope all are staying active, healthy, and sane through this crazy time.

Best,

Jacob Meyerson

Harvard Skiing Alumnus

Cambridge Sports Union Alumnus

Concord-Carlisle High School Ski Team Alumnus

Above: the image of a respirator that I sent to 2 Boston Hospitals.  They will accept similar respirators as well.

Dear NENSA Members and Community,

As we are being whiplashed to change our routines and way of life during this global crisis, I hope you are staying safe at home and keeping your health. Or if you are in the front lines of providing medical care and essential services, a heartfelt and grateful thank you for all that you are doing.

Yesterday, like many states, Vermont Governor Phil Scott instituted a stringent Stay Home/Stay Safe order with only essential businesses like grocery stores and gas stations to be open. My hometown of Stowe, usually bustling with locals and tourists alike enjoying the finale of spring skiing is eerily quiet. Restaurants are in high gear to ramp up take-out, retail stores are closed and/or upping online sales and service. Though there is no lawful penalty for leaving your home, the governor stated people are only allowed out for procuring groceries, medications, gas AND for outdoor health pursuits like walking and CROSS COUNTRY SKIING.

The governor endorsed what is NENSA’s mission: to sustain a vital and active cross-country skiing community throughout New England. And that is what we want to keep on doing. With the bombardment of 24/7 negative and anxiety-provoking news, the hour or so each day when I get outside is a joyful and calming respite. I encounter other people sharing that pursuit and socially connect from a respectful 6 feet away.

So how does NENSA plan ahead for the next year with so much uncertainty? Well we are still making plans to offer our programs and events but with full awareness that we need to be nimble and ready to adapt to changes both at home, nationally, and at the global level. In the coming weeks, the staff will be creating fun challenges and video messages for the NENSA community to engage in. And as with every non-profit: membership dues, fundraising and sponsorships are how the organization survives, so there will be communications asking you to renew your membership and to participate in our annual fund drive.

Why NENSA? The year 2020 marks our 25th anniversary since first incorporating in 1995. The growth, influence and impact the organization has had over the past two and half decades is remarkable: from the success of developing Olympians, Super Tour racers, and college standouts to nurturing beginning skiers to overseeing the popular Citizen and Marathon series.

NENSA for me is hope for the future when I see BKLers mature into amazing adults with solid core values. NENSA for me is the relationships I have developed with mentors and heroes. NENSA for me is the conduit that I can use to provide what I have learned to teach others. NENSA for me is the privilege of working with our supremely creative and smart staff people. NENSA for me provides incentive to do the best I can with my ski interests because there are other people there to share commitment and support. As we commemorate the past 25 years, let us celebrate what the pursuit of cross country skiing means to all of us.

Carol Hillman Van Dyke
NENSA Board President

Wednesday March 11th dawned bright and sunny in California, and our New England Team athletes were excited and ready for SPRINT DAY!  Our age group coaches were calming nerves and going over last minute race strategies as our wax techs were making some super fast skis for our team.  At the end of the day, Team New England won the sprint day, and we had some really great results and two new National Champions (Nina Seeman of SMS and Trey Jones of GMVS!), as well as 13 All American’s (top 10) and 21 of our NE athletes finished in the top 20 that day.  Congrats to all our racers!  Top 20 Results here below.  Full sets of results on www.xcjuniornationals.com  And, PHOTOS from the official JN Event Photographer can be found HERE.

U16 women:  3rd place Sofia Scirica, CSU juniors, 7th place Ava Thurston, MNC, 12th place Evie Walton, CSU juniors, and 16th place Emma Charles, Mt. Blue High School

U16 men:  1st place and National Championship to Trey Jones, GMVS, 2nd place Fin Bailey, SMS, 9th place Cormac Leahy, Craftsbury Nordic, 11th place Clint Macy, Dublin XC, and 20th place Nate Livingood, Gould.

U18 women:  1st place and National Championship to Nina Seeman, SMS, 7th place Quincy Massey-Bierman, Craftsbury Nordic, 13th place Adrienne Remick, Craftsbury Nordic, and 21st place, Camille Bolduc, Craftsbury Nordic (after a disappointing fall in the semis).

U18 men:  2nd place to Will Koch, SMS, 9th place to Finn Sweet, Craftsbury Nordic, 13th place to Jack Christner, Frost Mountain Nordic, and 18th place to Jack Young, Craftsbury Nordic.

U20 women:  2nd place to Abigail Streinz, Craftsbury Nordic, 4th place to Rose Clayton, MNC, 6th place to Ingrid Miller, independent, and 7th place to Laura Appleby, CSU juniors.  Fun note:  all 4 of our NE U20 women placed in the top 7!!

U20 men:  20th place Bjorn Westervelt, Craftsbury Nordic

Dear NENSA Community ~

This past week has been a tumultuous one to say the least. We lost a great friend and colleague, Jim Rodrigues a week ago. Jim was a dear friend to so many here in New England, and beyond. He worked for NENSA for many years as an Event Organizer, as well as an FIS Technical Delegate official, Chief of Competition, trail designer, coach, mentor and friend to so many of us. Outside of skiing, Jim was a master builder of rock. I am grateful to have one of his stone birdbaths in my yard. So much disbelief and sadness in his sudden passing. He will be sorely missed. Here is a link to his obituary: https://www.legacy.com/obituaries/ledgertranscript/obituary.aspx?n=james-rodrigues&pid=195706942
NENSA plans to have a proper celebration of Jim and his life, as soon as we are able to gather again as a large community.

This past week also brought unique challenges and hardships to many of our junior athletes, as organizers across the country had to cancel several major competitions in light of the COVID-19 Pandemic. EHS Championships was cancelled outright, our New England JN Team was sent home from Truckee, CA, after only two of our four races, and our EISA NCAA teams were sent home after only one day of racing. Not to mention the cancelation of the WC in Minneapolis. These are huge disappointments for our athletes who have trained hard all year to get to this point in the season. The resilience shown by everyone involved has been truly remarkable. Everyone in the NENSA community has a lot to be proud of!

I hope everyone takes this time to prioritize family, their own health, and the health of everyone in our communities. Please practice social distancing, and follow the recommendations of the CDC and the community in which you live. We all need to be a part of the solution to flatten the curve. We have an amazing ski community, and we will ski again, but for now we must all hunker down and get beyond this virus.

Our staff looks forward to sharing the accomplishments of our New England athletes these past few weeks, and we will highlight them in the upcoming edition of KickZone. We also look forward to celebrating the life and many accomplishments of Jim Rodrigues with a gathering once it is safe to do so. Jim told friends that when it was his time to go, he wanted a party instead of a funeral – complete with a Mariachi Band – so please let us know if you know of one here on the East Coast!

Be well everyone –
Best,
Amie

Amie W. Smith
Executive Director | New England Nordic Ski Association
[email protected]