When I retired and moved to the Valley four years ago, I learned of AbilityPlus through several members of
the Mount Washington Valley Bicycling Club with whom I cycled. They spoke highly of the organization and
encouraged me to get involved.
At the time, I did not want to make a commitment for any volunteer group; I wanted to enjoy my free time, and after 30 years of middle school teaching, I needed a break from kids! Plus, as an average skier, I didn’t know if I would be a helpful volunteer.
However, last summer, I learned that AbilityPlus needed volunteers to help with a mountain biking program at Great Glen. So, I thought I would give this a try.
At the initial volunteer meeting Program Director Liz Wehmeyer was welcoming and encouraging to me and
the other volunteers. I felt that I could fit in. When the program started a few weeks later, I had so much fun with the kids who were all eager to get out on bikes or just walk the trails.
I worked with an experienced volunteer who towed a student in an adaptive trailer. As a helper, my
job was to ride along with Bill and the student and help in any way I could. It was great fun, especially when
the student yelled to Bill to "Pedal faster!" Clearly, he did not want me to catch up.
In November I attended the weekend orientation for all AbilityPlus ski volunteers. I was apprehensive about
how I could help, but again, Liz was so welcoming and all of the veteran volunteers were encouraging to me
and the other newcomers that I felt like I could be of service. I attended all of the training sessions, filled out
my commitment calendar, and waited for the season to begin.
This past winter I regularly volunteered with the after school programs at Cranmore and Attitash as well as helping during school vacation week and a few other days. I have great admiration for all students, both children and adults, who worked to overcome their personal challenges to pursue skiing. As an assistant instructor, I too faced many hurdles in learning how to deal with students who were physically and emotionally challenged. Not every lesson was a success, and I had difficulty
in handling some of the adaptive equipment. However, seeing the kids return week after week taught me a lot about determination and resiliency. If they could achieve success and have fun as skiers, then so could I.
If they could smile and get back up after a fall, I could too.
Working with this program helped me to gain confidence in my own skiing ability and seeing the smiles during
the lessons was the perfect reward.
Thank you, Liz and the AbilityPlus students for having a positive impact on my life!
Pat Higgins
Glen, NH