New CSIA course date – Saturday, January 28
New CASI training date – Saturday, January 21
CADS level 1 Agenda – Jan 13th-15th
New Volunteers taking CADS 1 training January 13,14 & 15th!!
Here is the AGENDA for the weekend.
Looking forward to a fun time with you all!
Free Skill Improvement
SKIMP stands for Skills Improvement. In recognition of the hard work and passion that our volunteers put into their activities at VASS, we offer opportunities throughout the season for our volunteers to improve their skills in many different areas, from improving their own skiing, to working with adaptive equipment, to getting a better understanding of disabilities. These are also opportunities to interact with fellow volunteers from across VASS in both learning and social settings.
The SKIMP sessions are on Grouse, and we ask that people meet outside the VASS hut for a 7:00 p.m. start. They can get their tickets at Guest Services and go up as early as they like. The session goes from 7-9 p.m.
Dates available:
Thursday, January 19
Friday, February 3
Wednesday, February 8
Friday, February 17
Wednesday, February 29 cancelled and replaced by Tuesday, February 28
You can register to any of those dates on line – SIGN UP
6 hours CSIA/CASI overview at Grouse – Sunday, January 8
Criminal Record Check is quick and simple using myBackCheck!
Criminal Record Checks are an important and mandatory part of our risk management program. As part of our commitment to safety and to making processes as streamlined as possible, we have partnered with myBackCheck.com so that you can get your criminal record check completed almost entirely online, and with results in 24 hours. TELUS works with technology-driven organizations to assist in bringing excellent solutions to the community, and myBackCheck.com is one of those solutions.
A speedy record check AND a donation in support of VASS !
Invite a Friend – Win an iPad!
As part of our new volunteer drive, VASS will be giving away TWO iPads! Every VASS member who recruits a new volunteer will be entered into a draw for one iPad, and the other will be the grand prize for the VASS member with the most new volunteers recruited. (another draw if tied) Don’t miss out – invite friends & family that you think would be great ski/snowboard instructors to join the VASS family!
To qualify, a new volunteer must enter your name in the “Has a VASS member referred you?” space when they register for VASS and then successfully complete the CADS 1 training.
Registration NOW OPEN for upcoming season!!
Well, the sun is going down sooner, the days are getting cooler and the leaves are beginning to fall! It looks like summer is done for another year – which means SKI SEASON isn’t that far away!!
We’d like to encourage all our VASS Volunteers to join us for a return to the mountains – it promises to be another fantastic season of fun and friendship (and playing on the snow too!!)
Both VASS & DSABC registrations are NOW OPEN – so please sign up early to let us know of your return to the program!
All participants must be registered DSABC member to cover the general liability insurance.
All new instructors must register and take the CADS level 1 training
To keep VASS inline with accepted practices at most volunteer organizations we are now requiring that ALL VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS (New & Returning) must also complete a CRIMINAL RECORDS CHECK. The CRC must be done by the police/RCMP where you reside.
In the CRC form, you will need this information:
Organization Name is: Vancouver Adaptive Snow Sports
Contact Name: Malouf Blanchard
Title: Executive Director
Phone: (604) 646-8277
Address: 125 A 1030 Denman Street, Vancouver, B.C., V6G 2M6
Include a copy of the “CRC Request for Volunteers” letter with your application to have the fee waived or reduced.
If you are a North Vancouver resident, the procedure is attached. These steps should be the same with the other RCMP in your municipality.
It will be completely confidential and all results sent to VASS.
Please begin this process right away so that Criminal Records Checks are completed well in advance of the VASS ski season. Training will begin at the start of January and the 2012 Ski program will run from the end of January into March.
INVITE A FRIEND!
VASS is limited in how many skiing opportunities we can provide primarily by the number of volunteers we have helping our programs – you are important to making VASS the wonderful success that it is. Please consider asking a friend, relative, co-worker or neighbour to sign up & join us on the mountains.
So invite a friend, register early, submit your Criminal Records Check documents right away, watch for the VASS newsletter, and check out our website and THINK SNOW!!
VASS Fall Newsletter Released!!
Here’s the second edition of the VASS Newsletter featuring lots of information about volunteering for the coming season
Be sure to check out the Invite a Friend contest where current VASS members can win one of 2 iPads by encouraging their friends to come and volunteer this year!! Again, much appreciation and a tip o’ the hat to Natalie Bruckner-Menchelli and Guy Wilson-Roberts of Go Media for their time and efforts in putting this edition together!
Changes announced at September 13th AGM
At the AGM on September 13th a few changes were made to the VASS Board.
John McCulloch and Kay Fulford have stepped down from the Board but will maintain their relationship with VASS. Our thanks and gratitude to John and Kay for their years of service and continuing support to VASS.
Anne Bethune remains as President and Patrick Stafford-Smith has replaced John in the role of Vice President.
Returning Board members include Trevor Skutezky, Sandy Millar and Ken Ross, as Directors at Large; Mark Jackson as a Director at Large and Secretary; and David Blaiklock as Treasurer.
Joining the Board this year are Liisa O’Hara, Dan Moscrip, Tom Mooney and Mark Porter as Directors at Large.
Bios currently being updated at http://www.vass.ca/board-of-directors/
1st VASS Newsletter Released!!!
We are proud to present Issue #1 of our VASS Newsletter – the Summer Edition! The newsletter will be published 4 times a year with a Fall Edition in the works for October.
Much appreciation and a tip o’ the hat to Natalie Bruckner-Menchelli and Guy Wilson-Roberts of Go Media for their time and efforts in putting this edition together!
If you have information or a VASS related story you think should be in future newsletters please send it to dan@vass.ca.
We hope all our VASS friends are having a terrific summer!!
A good time for all was had at the Annual Year End Volunteer Party!
A demonstration of the elegant bowling style of board member Mark Jackson!
It was an opportunity for socializing and a fun night of bowling for all the VASS volunteers at the Varsity Ridge Bowling Lanes on April 30th. The annual party is also an opportunity to celebrate the exceptional commitments made by all the volunteers throughout the 2011 VASS ski season.
This year a good turnout found a selection of refreshments, a successful night of bowling and acknowledgement of the contributions made by many of our volunteers.
Special Thanks go to Fadi Asfour and Elic Chan for their efforts in organizing the evening!
Mark Hopkins wins Comeback Award
Congratulations go to VASS skier/instructor/racer Mark Hopkins who received the “Comeback” award at the April 5th North Shore Sport Awards! Mark (in red) is shown here with Mason Gratto from award sponsor Twist Conditioning.
Congratulations to Cory Duhaime!
Special Olympics British Columbia has just announced that Cory Duhaime, one of our Blue Streaks – our VASS Race Team – has been selected to its Alpine Ski Team to compete in Special Olympics’ National Winter Games in Jasper, Alberta, in March 2012. The National Winter Games are held every four years and are the qualifying races for Special Olympics’ World Winter Games to be held in Pyeongchang, South Korea, in 2013. Cory qualified for this selection at Special Olympics’ Provincial Games in Kelowna in March 2011, where he won Gold in the top division in each of the Slalom, Giant Slalom, and Super Giant Slalom races. “I started training and racing with VASS in 2008, hoping that it might help me get to the National Games. Thanks to my coach Roy Sperling for helping me get there and to all my teammates on the Blue Streaks too”, Cory said after his selection was announced. “I still have a lot of work to do and I’m already looking forward to training with the Blue Streaks next year”. We wish Cory good luck as he sets his sights on Korea 2013.
Year End Volunteer Party- Saturday April 30, 2011 from 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Our Annual Year End Party will be taking place on Saturday, April 30, 2011 from 7:00 – 930 p.m. at Varsity Ridge Bowling Lanes, in Vancouver. Food will be provided and there will be a cash bar.
Come and enjoy a fun night of bowling with VASS.
Click here for directions:
http://maps.google.ca/maps?hl=en&tab=wl
Join us for a fun-filled evening which will celebrate YOU: For all the exceptional volunteer commitments you have made towards VASS. To RSVP, please email info@vass.ca so we have a sense of how many people will be attending. Hope to see you all on Saturday, April 30, 2011
Date: Saturday, April 30, 2011
Time: 7:00 – 9:30 p.m.
Location: Varsity Ridge Lanes
2120 W. 15th Avenue, Vancouver
Purpose: TO CELEBRATE the AMAZING VASS VOLUNTEERS of 2011!
Anne Bethune: Call to Action for the 4th Vass Challenge Cup
Dear VASS Member
This is a call to ACTION!! We need ALL VASS members rally and support our only major annual event – the VASS Challenge Cup on Thurs Mar 10th!
Last year 5 people raised the majority of the funds. Can you imagine EVERYBODY got into ACTION (10 minutes only to forward an email to your family/friends requesting sponsorship)? YOU can make a difference!
We would love to have EVERY VASS MEMBER INVOLVED by attending the event and sending an email to friends requesting sponsorship!
If you are unable to attend the event then we suggest that you ask your friends/family to support your passion for VASS by donating to the event under the Donate Now button at www.vasscup.ca.
The process is easy……..DO THIS NOW ~>
1) Go to www.vasscup.ca and register
2) Send an email to your friends/family by clicking on “Manage your profile” ~> ”Send emails” OR send an email to friends in your words and have them go to www.vasscup.ca ~> “Sponsor a Racer/Volunteer” or “DONATE NOW”
See you on March 10th! Thank you for being part of our amazing VASS community!
Anne Bethune
VASS, President
VASS Challenge Cup 2011 Update
Dear VASS Supporter / Friend / Volunteer / Student
You are receiving this email as you are on our database for having participated in the VASS Cup in the past, having shown an interest in participating, or having volunteered for VASS this year / in past years. If you don’t wish to receive these updates through to March, please reply “unsubscribe” to this email.
The VASS Cup is gaining momentum again, and looks set to be a great day on the slopes of Grouse Mountain on 10th March this year – just six short weeks away!!
We have refined the format so that there will be the familiar “race” again this year (3 able bodied racers teamed with a disabled racer) down a simple course on the Cut – two runs, and the prizes going to those who match their two times most closely……..some race…….the emphasis one FUN, and laughs, and getting to know each other! For those who don’t want to “race” you can enjoy the sledge hockey, or zip trek, or just cheer your friends along…
There’s a banquet lunch, silent auction and other prizes to end the day too!
It’s VASS’ major fund-raiser for the year, and thanks to the help of Grouse Mountain, and our sponsors, almost all the funds raised go to VASS from the day. It’s the only way we can continue to run our programs, buy adaptive equipment, and train volunteers.
So if you’re thinking of coming out, and haven’t yet signed up – please do so now!! Go to http://www.vasscup.ca and sign up as a Racer or Volunteer and send out your emails to your friends’ family and other who might sponsor you, or have an interest in joining us. All are welcome who want to support VASS.
Remember – the day costs us per head to orchestrate, and we are therefore asking everyone who signs up to raise $150 in pledges…..not so difficult if you send out to friends etc. you’ll be surprised how many happy to chip in for a good cause.
If you can’t make it and want to make a donation anyway, please go to Donate. Tax receipts issued for anything over $25.
More later – see you there!!
Free Skills Improvement
SKIMP stands for Skills Improvement. In recognition of the hard work and passion that our volunteers put into their activities at VASS, we offer opportunities throughout the season for our volunteers to improve their skills in many different areas, from improving their own skiing, to working with adaptive equipment, to getting a better understanding of disabilities. These are also opportunities to interact with fellow volunteers from across VASS in both learning and social settings.
The SKIMP sessions are on Grouse, and we ask that people meet outside the VASS hut for a 7:00 p.m. start. They can get their tickets at Guest Services and go up as early as they like. The session goes from 7-9 p.m.
Dates available:
Friday, January 21
Wednesday, February 2
Thursday, February 17
Tuesday, March 1
Monday, March 14
Wednesday, March 30
You can register to any of those dates on line – SIGN UP
VASS fund-raiser event: 4th VASS CHALLENGE CUP at Grouse Mountain on Thursday, March 10, 2011
Come out and join us for a memorable day on the slopes of Grouse Mountain. Ski or snowboard in a fun “race” teamed with a disabled athlete – or just enjoy the mountain activities including zip-trek and sledge hockey before a gourmet wrap up banquet.
Please follow the simple links to sign up for the event as a racer or volunteer. Or click on the following links to make a donation to a registered racer or volunteer. VASS needs your support to help make this annual event a huge success. Every donation and pledge is appreciated 100 times over!
About The Challenge Cup
Teams of 3 skiers/boarders will be matched with an athlete with a disability for a fun race. Your day will include:
- An all day lift pass to ski/snowboard
- Access to zip-trek and/or Eye of the Wind
- A fun race and sledge hockey
- Morning refreshments and banquet lunch
- Award, auction and prizes
Registration is limited and will sell out fast!
- If you are an individual racer, we will assign you to a team.
- If you already have a team of 3, please enter your team name in your VASS Cup profile, when you register.
- Your sponsorship pledges will cover your entry fees, lift passes, lunch and prizes.
- There is a cost to VASS for every participant. Please take this into account when raising your pledges, $150 minimun is our expectation.
- We also need volunteers on the day to assist with coordinating the event and helping the disabled athletes.
- Volunteers can raise sponsorship pledges (same as racers) to cover costs of the day and help VASS.
- There is a cost to VASS for every participant. Please take this into account when raising your pledges, $150 minimun is our expectation.
VASS fund-raiser event – Cruise Lottery
Thank you all for your support at the Cruise Lottery on November 24, 2010. Congratulations to the winner – Lee Mounsey
By buying the tickets you helped VASS raise $1705!
We will organize another Cruise Lottery on March 3, 2011 at our 4th Annual VASS Challenge Cup so please check back.
Thanks again to all of you,
North Shore Ski and Board – Annual Buy Night
On Wednesday, November 10 from 6:00 p.m. to 9:00 p.m.
Receive all 2011 ski and board gear at 20% off Regular price - SEE industry_buynight_flyer
New date for the Volunteer Info Night – Wednesday, December 1, 2010
VASS students depend on VOLUNTEER INSTRUCTORS to provide their weekly lessons. If you have not yet reviewed this year’s VASS PROGRAMS don’t hesitate! We invite you to see how we are working towards making the mountain more accessible to students by providing a wider variety of options on the mountains.
On Wednesday, December 1, 2010 from 6:00 p.m. to 8:00 p.m. an information night is scheduled at Café Barcelona – 1049 Granville St, between Nelson and Helmcken, Vancouver.
You will learn more about VASS and how to become a qualified instructor.
If you can not make the information night, you can still become a volunteer – our new web site will provide you with a lot of information at http://www.vass.ca/volunteer
The first thing is to obtain your Disabled Skiers Association of British Columbia (DSABC) membership for insurance purpose and to obtain some preferred rates and discounts on lessons and lift tickets at participating mountains throughout the province – Sign up HERE.
When you have obtained your DSABC membership then you can sign up to become a VASS ski / snowboarding instructor – sign up HERE.
Two CSIA / CASI courses are scheduled for the season 2010/2011: The first course runs on Sunday, December the 12th and the second course on Saturday, December the 18th.
Two CADS Level I courses are scheduled for the season 2010/2011: The first course runs on January the 7th, 8th, and 9th and the second course on January 14th, 15th, and 16th.
VASS always needs talented volunteers off the mountain slops to help in various areas of fundraising, marketing, volunteer management, website, equipment, coordination of social events, etc…Please email info@vass.ca to express your interest.
It is a busy time for everyone, but your commitment now will ensure that we have adequate Volunteer Instructors for our 2011 students.
To All VASS Students with Interests in Racing
The VASS Racing Team – known as The Blue Streaks – are looking for new members!
- -all disabilities welcome!
- - training Thursday nights and Saturday 8am – 2pm.
- - all racers must be able to ski intermediate runs at an intermediate pace without stopping.
- - The team travels to 3-4 races within BC – Whistler and more
Come join the excitement of the world of alpine ski racing! Check out the race program web page at www.vass.ca/race-program and our blog at www.vassbluestreaks.blogspot.com or call Michael at 604-943-7612.
VASS fund-raiser event – Cruise Lottery on November 24, 2010
Tickets are still available!
Winner receives his/her choice of a 7-day Holland America cruise to Alaska, the Caribbean, the Mexican Riviera, New England, or a $2000 credit towards another cruise.
The odds of winning are pretty good (1 of 250), that this is being made available to members and their friends and family.
A ticket cost only $20!
The winning ticket will be drawn on Wednesday, November 24, 2010 at Cafe Barcelona – 1049 Granville Street Vancouver, B.C, V6Z 1L4 - Buy it HERE to support our programs.
The winner will be contacted by phone or email, so you don’t need to be available on the draw date to win the cruise.
Here is a link for more information on the prize, http://www.cruiselottery.com/cms2/index.php?page=how-cmsms-works
