Amie Smith

NENSA would like to thank Marty & Kathy Hall for the wonderful opportunity they have given to NENSA, and our ski community, with the Marty & Kathy Hall $10k Challenge!  Not only have they helped NENSA financially with a recent $10k donation, but they are also offering this additional $10k Challenge, which will support both individual athletes and the top school or club.  Their generosity will add a great challenge aspect to our competitions this year!

The $10k Challenge is split into two $5k awards ~ spreading their generosity over more programs and athletes:

#1:  $5000 will be awarded to the top school or club in New England based on the top 20 overall finishes (20 male & 20 female) for our potential Fall Rollerski races, four Eastern Cup weekends, and select Popular Races.  At the end of the season, the school or club with the most points will be awarded $5000 by the Hall’s.

#2:  $5000 will be used for FIS podiums – NENSA will be supporting a robust FIS schedule this season and, thanks to the Halls, awarding cash prizes to top finishers similar to past U.S. & Snowboard SuperTour events and current Nordique Canada FIS events. For the first four FIS races, December – February, this Challenge will offer $1250 per race which will pay out for podiums ($300/$200/$150 per gender).  While there is no national SuperTour series this winter, the Hall Challenge will offer our top New England based athletes much deserved monetary awards this season.

In the words of Marty and Kathy, “It is with great pride that we give these dollars to join the fray and journey to international success—we need help though—please join the battle!”  Thank you again to the Halls for these very generous donations!

If anyone else is interested in supporting NENSA, and our programing this winter and beyond, please contact Amie Smith, Executive Director, at [email protected] or 781-864-0545.

The Covid-19 pandemic poses significant challenges to NENSA’s 2020-21 winter event schedule. We are committed to hosting races and will make every effort to safely put on events in whatever form they might take. Our first objective is to ensure the health of our community in New England. Our second objective is to host our major events: Eastern Cups, Popular Races, U16 and Eastern High School Championships, the Bill Koch Festival, and Women’s Day as scheduled. To further foster excitement and an inclusive and community-centric atmosphere around skiing, NENSA will also be organizing some new fun season long challenges and goal-oriented activities. Skiers are encouraged to limit their travel and attend events that are within their region and state.

State and regional guidelines will dictate how we conduct events. We understand that the course of this pandemic, and thus the guidelines put in place to keep us safe, might not progress linearly. While the nature of competition will remain the same, we must operate our events in a manner that ensures the safety of all athletes, volunteers, staff and the communities in which our events are held until the end of the Covid-19 pandemic. Below you will find detailed information about different contingency plans – please note all of these outlines require that participants abide by the New England Cross Country Promise (NECCP) – failing to follow these guidelines may warrant removal from an event and jeopardizes our community and the entire event calendar. Our goal is to be transparent and keep our community informed and up-to-date on our evolving thoughts and plans. Please note participation may be limited by what state and/or county you are coming from and the duration of your stay (ie. day trips vs. lodging).

Eastern Cup Contingencies:

Plan 1 – Individual start distance races and spreading out start times by age group to minimize the number of persons physically at the venue at any point in time following Covid guidelines and NECCP. Competitors must complete an Event Health Screen form on Wednesday night including temperature check. Upon arrival at the venue competitors must pass a verbal health screen before unloading from their vehicle. Please note spectators will be limited (or restricted to their vehicles), there could be limited coach access to courses, there will be no indoor spaces provided by the venue, wax areas will be monitored for physical distance, and bathrooms will be assigned by state. Volunteer and event staff will be reduced in number. There will be no NENSA sanctioned mass start or sprint competitions this season. We respectively ask that all persons at the venue must wear a face covering and cover their mouth and nose at all times. Athletes/coaches must cover their nose and mouth in the start and finish area and if they are within 6 ft of another individual on course.

Beginning October 1st competitors will be able to purchase their 2021 race bib and an assigned timing chip to allow for a touchless registration and timing system. There will be no day of race registration. Registration refunds will be offered until 5pm on the Friday before the event. Results will only be published online and there will be no physical award ceremonies. Events will be recorded at several locations to help facilitate spectating and provide coaches with footage for reviewing performances.

Plan 2 – Alternate dates and/or venues – moving EC’s to February or early March when we could re-emerge from potential early/mid-winter quarantine and or venue closures.

Plan 3 – Regional races within states in New England – states determine “Championship” Teams. We recognize that the naming of the New England Junior National Team and regional ranking are major goals of many junior competitors. Regardless of the shape our event seasons take, NENSA will make every effort to celebrate athletes as we normally do to ensure continuity and incentive to all competitors. In this vein it is important for all athletes, parents and coaches to understand that NENSA’s number one goal is to offer competition to our members and we need to work together to make it through this time of uncertainty.

Plan 4 – Events will take place over a nine day period commencing on the original scheduled date for the event. Competitors will register as normal and sign up for a timeslot to visit the venue to complete their race. Racers will wear their bib and use their own timing chips for identification. Courses, including timing implements, will be maintained and marshalled by NENSA and timing staff throughout the period. Results will be posted online and competitors will have 24 hours to file protests/corrections via email. Competitors are strongly encouraged to wear fitness trackers to monitor their efforts and ensure all competitors have skied the correct course.

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Popular Racing:

NENSA feels it is important to promote local and regional racing and encourage competitors to minimize the distances they travel this winter. Many popular races traditionally have race fields less than 100 competitors and by nature allow for less skier density at a venue. With over 20 events typically on the Zak and Club Cup calendar there are “local” options for most of our skiers. Competitors should carefully evaluate inter-state travel and are encouraged to be self reliant (ie. traveling with food and limiting restaurant and convenience store visits and use of lodging outside of their state).

NENSA will work with Popular Race organizers individually to gauge safety concerns and current willingness to host events. Many of the same considerations used for Eastern Cup and our Championship events are applicable to Popular Races. Alternative formats such as the rolling start used by the Long Haul Loppet last winter should be encouraged as they reduce skier density and have proven popular with competitors for convenience and now safety!

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Women’s Day, U16 Champs, EHSC, and BKL Festival: We have a detailed draft of contingency plans for each of these events that we are still fine-tuning. These plans will be published later this summer after we work out a few more details and integrate feedback from host venues.

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New Community Events: These events are in the beginning phases of planning and are subject to change but we wanted to give a glimpse of what we are cooking up. Stay tuned for updates!

State Passport – Get a Cross Country Center passport for your state and see how many you can check off during the whole season! Additional challenges might include skiing a certain number of kilometers at each Center or skiing all their open trails.

Ski for Ks – See how many kilometers you can log this winter individually, as a club, and as a region. Similar challenge with elevation gained. Can NENSA members collectively ski one million kilometers this winter?

NENSA Community Time Trials – Race 5k every week throughout the winter. Anyone can participate. Self-timed, or timed as part of your own club’s citizen race series, and reported to NENSA. Course must be a loop or an out-and-back. Participation leaderboards maintained by NENSA.

From Team USA: By Peggy Shinn | July 19, 2020

Forty years ago, Judy and Carlie Geer should have been walking into the Opening Ceremony at the Olympic Games Moscow 1980—the first sisters to ever row together in a double scull for Team USA.

It would have been the second Olympiad for Judy, the first for Carlie, who had never even seen crew until she had begged for time off from her camp counselor job so she could watch Judy compete in the 1976 Olympic Games in Montreal. In those Games, Judy had rowed in the coxed four, finishing sixth, and Carlie—wanting to keep up with her big sister—said to their dad, “I’m going to row in the next Olympics with Judy.”

Instead, they stayed home. They did not know at the time that they would stick with competitive rowing through the 1984 Olympic Games in Los Angeles, where Carlie would win a silver medal in the single sculls.

“I probably could not have told you right away that I was definitely going to keep training and racing for another four years,” said Carlie by Zoom from a cabin at the Craftsbury Outdoor Center in northern Vermont. “All I knew was I didn’t want to stop because I was loving what I was doing.”

Judy echoed Carlie’s thoughts. She has loved rowing ever since setting foot in a practice barge at Smith College in the early 1970s.

This realization—that they were rowing because they enjoyed it, not because they coveted Olympic or world championship medals—made the devastation of the 1980 Olympic boycott easier to digest. And the lessons learned have helped Judy guide her children in their athletic pursuits. Hannah and Emily Dreissigacker competed in the 2014 and 2018 Olympic Winter Games in biathlon, respectively, and brother Ethan also competed internationally in biathlon…read full article HERE

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.