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December, 2009
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Environmental Traveling Companions Newsletter
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Dear ETC Friend,,
It's almost the New Year!
As we wrap up 2009 and look back, we offer a heartfelt thanks to you. Without our amazing community of volunteers, participants, and donors, we would not be able to accomplish... well, anything! You are the reason that more than 2,100 people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth are able to challenge themselves on ETC's educational outdoor adventures every year.
Thank you, for helping ETC to continue giving the gift of adventure. Read on for more opportunities to have your own adventures, out on the waves or in the snow with the ETC crew! And if you're still working on your holiday gift list, it's not too late to surprise a loved one with an ETC trip gift certificate.
Speaking of adventures, ETC's Gourmet Storytelling Trip in November was one to write home about. Huge props go to Malcolm Margolin of Heyday Press, Annie Somerville of Greens Restaurant, and Armando Quintero, Naturalist, for volunteering their time and talents to create a delightful and delicious occasion. Don't miss next year's trip!
From the ETC News Room: Davido Crow, ETC's River Program Manager, tied the knot with longtime river volunteer, Lindzy Bivings, this fall. As I write, they are enjoying a tropical honeymoon in Barbados! Jenn Porreca, our Executive Assistant, celebrated her marriage to Mike Boo this summer. Kristi Grotting, ETC's Outreach and Winter Program Manager, and her new husband, Alex, just set sail on their 26-foot boat for Baja and adventures beyond. We wish them all the greatest of happiness on their new life journeys.
We are thrilled to introduce our new winter program manager, Lissie Kretsch, as she jump-starts our Cross-country Ski Program. With copious amounts of snow already falling on the mountains, we are eagerly looking forward to our first winter trips!
With warm  wishes for a Happy and Healthy Holiday Season, Diane Poslosky
ETC Executive Director
P.S. You have one last chance to win a stunning LeMond Touring Bike, in excellent condition, vintage 2001, with all brand new components. Thanks go to ETC volunteer Walt Raineri for his generous donation! See below for more details.
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Environmental
Traveling
Companions
accessible outdoor adventures for people with special needs
www.etctrips.org
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Last Chance to Win
A LeMond Touring Bicycle!
Tickets: $20 each. We are only selling 200 tickets to local supporters. Just think - if you buy 10, you have a 5% chance of winning!Drawing will take place on December 22
Buy your tickets now!
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Give the Gift of
an ETC Adventure!
Gift Certificates are available for all ETC trips. All proceeds from benefit trips go to ETC's scholarship fund for people with disabilities and disadvantaged youth.
See below for dates and details.
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Yosemite XC Ski Hut Trip
Glacier Point, Yosemite | March 19-21
Experience the magic of Glacier Point and the spectacular vistas overlooking Yosemite Valley. A 10.5 mile ski trip on intermediate groomed terrain will take us to our cozy stone & log cabin lodgings. We will have a dining area, sofas surrounding a wood stove, indoor lavatory facilities and a heated sleeping area.
On our layover day, you'll be able to explore the area, or just relax with a good book & enjoy the quiet of winter.
$400 includes lodging and meals. Scholarships available to people with disabilities.
For more information, or to sign up, please contact
Lissie (415) 474-7662 x 19
winter@etctrips.org
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Baja Sea Kayak Adventure
Isla de Espiritu Santo, Baja Mexico | April 3-10
Beautiful beaches, warm water, abundant
wildlife, and local Mexican culture will leave you exhilarated and
inspired. Join us for a glorious week of paddling along the spectacular
shoreline of Espirito Santos and snorkeling with baby sealions.
$1400, includes two nights in a hotel,
scrumptious meals, kayaks and guides. Sliding scale scholarships
available for people with disabilities
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Full Moon Dinner Paddles
San Francisco Bay | April - November
Schedule a private trip for a group of eight or more. Launch from Sausalito in late afternoon for a sunset paddle to Sam's Anchor Cafe in Tiburon and enjoy a sumptuous meal with your group as the full moon rises over Angel Island. After dinner, we launch our kayaks again for a magical paddle home under the light of the full moon. Our experienced guides will lead you safely through the darkness for unforgettable views of the Golden Gate Bridge and the San Francisco skyline.
Price: $135 includes paddle and dinner
Call for dates or make one of your own.
For more information, please contact:
Allison (415) 474-7662 ext. 13
kayak@etctrips.org
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ETC's Youth LEAD Fellowship
ETC's Youth Fellows are making things happen this winter! Be on the look out for their "Carry a Cup, it's Cool" project, motivating youth to become proactive about reducing their garbage and becoming wiser stewards of the earth. The fellows will be selling snazzy reusable cups to their peers and to the ETC community.
We are also really excited about the Fellows Baidarka boat-building project. This will be an exciting opportunity for our students to learn about the rich tradition of kayak building and the history of the Aleuts presence on San Francisco Bay in the 1800s. This fabric on frame boat will be joining our kayak fleet, and the fellows will share an enticing living history module with guides at our up and coming Volunteer Appreciation Party in late February, date to be announced soon.
ETC's 2010 Youth LEAD Summer Dates
· Co-Ed Adventure: sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, organic farming, and expedition backpacking
24-day: June 17-July 10
· Young Women's Adventure: sea kayaking, whitewater rafting, organic farming, and expedition backpacking
21-day: July 19-August 8
· All Abilities Adventure: sea kayaking and whitewater rafting - this is an inclusive course that integrates teens with and without disabilities
12-day: August 3-August 14
If you know of any outstanding youth candidates, please send them our way! ETC's Youth LEAD courses are life-changing experiences, and make an amazing gift for a young person in your life!
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Welcome Lissie to the ETC Family!
Meet our new Winter Program Manager, Lissie Kretsch:
I am happy to
introduce myself as the new Winter Program Manager. In 2005 I was hired as an ETC winter intern. An immense amount of snow
that winter, coupled with adventurous skiing, hearty snowball fights, and deep
belly laughter in the cabin sealed my relationship with ETC. Since
my (w)intern season, I've lived in
Yosemite and China, teaching with the Yosemite Institute and playing in the
mountains and rivers.
Our new guide spaces are filling fast, but if you (or someone
spectacular you know) is interested in volunteering, don't hesitate to call or
email me. I look forward to all
of you joining me and our new interns in Bear Valley and Calaveras Big Trees this winter.
Happy trails,
Lissie!
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