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For the First Time I feel Like Myself

Winter 2011

Soaring with Spirit, Building Community, Transforming Lives

“This is not a piece of pie, you know”. These were the words spoken to Eagle Mount volunteer, Cathy Oster, moments after she had been diagnosed with cancer. The statement was made by the German physician caring for her at the time, whose native language uses pie and cake synonymously. Regardless of what was said, Cathy’s life was about to change forever.

The road that led to her diagnosis was a long one. At the age of 36, while working as a physician, Cathy found a small lump under her tongue. It took two years of x-rays, biopsies, false analysis, and never-ending research, to discern that it was indeed cancer she was battling. Together with her husband, Sam, who is also a physician, and their three year old son, Spencer, she decided to proceed with the best treatment option available for her condition, and also the most dangerous. This involved radiation and having her tongue completely removed, giving her a 20% survival rate as

quoted by the medical staff. She was quickly exposed to the risk factors associated with this terrifying statistic and struggled with multiple bouts of pneumonia, additional life threatening surgeries, and mounting emotional distress challenging her will to live.

Seventeen years later, Cathy is glowing with life. She has beaten every survival rate statistic and life expectancy figure in the book and developed ways to carry on with everyday life that were thought impossible by other medical professionals. Unable to return to her private practice after losing

Flynn Murray grew up in Minnesota. Her family would take skiing vacations to Bozeman where she learned to ski at Big Sky Resort. When Flynn decided to go to college, it was a natural choice to choose Montana State University (MSU). She became a ski instructor at Big Sky while attending MSU to become a Civil Engineer. Flynn was an avid adventurer. She loved to ski, rock climb, mountain bike, run and water ski. And, like most Bozemanites, one of her best friends was her dog, Layla, a golden retriever. She was blessed with many friends who shared her passion of the outdoors and her little brother, Casey, had recently moved to Bozeman as well to do carpentry work. Life was wonderful!

On March 19, 2009, at the age of 23, life as she knew it changed forever. While driving home from Big Sky with her brother after a day of work and a late afternoon of skiing, Flynn fell

asleep. Her car went off the road and flipped over. Flynn couldn’t breathe and couldn’t feel her legs. She knew something terrible had happened. Fortune was in their favor; right behind them

on the drive home was an ambulance. She and her brother were quickly taken to Bozeman Deaconess Hospital. There she learned that she had fractured her Spinal

Cord between Cervical Vertebrae 6-7 causing paralysis from the upper chest down. Her brother was fortunate to sustain only minor injuries.

After three weeks at Bozeman Deaconess Hospital fighting off pneumonia, Flynn was transferred to Craig Hospital in Denver, Colorado. Craig is one of the best rehab hospitals in the country and where many Montanans go for rehab. Flynn’s parents took turns staying with her at Craig while she worked tirelessly at getting better. Daily visits from family and friends helped her to see the future. Her dog, Layla, was with her every day at (continued on page 6)

(continued on page 2)

Flynn Sit-Skiing

Cathy with Big Sky Kids camper and counselor, Brianna

“I live for being outside and the opportunities that Eagle Mount has given me are invaluable. I never dreamed that an organization was so

capable of pushing you to reach your limits. It is the most amazing organization.”

The Inspiration is Mutual

In this Issue Executive Director’s Report................... Flag Dedication........................................ The Power of a Horse............................. Get Out and Get Skiing.......................... Pat Whitlock’s 20 Years...........................

P. 2P. 3P. 4P. 4P. 5

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2009-2010 Participant and Volunteer TotalsProgram Vol. Hours Volunteers ParticipantsAdaptive Ski – Alpine (Bridger Bowl) 5,284 243 121Adaptive Ski – Alpine (Big Sky) 1,118 21 39Adaptive Ski - Nordic and Snowshoeing 680 33 37Adventure Days 520 33 19Aquatic Therapy 5,122 351 738Therapeutic Horseback Riding 6,783 365 184Big Sky Kids Spring Fling Weekend 564 83 83 Camp Braveheart 1,956 67 29 Adventure Camp 5,355 215 39 Young Adult Retreat 561 45 8Horticulture 40 8 17Ice Skating 238 35 43Cycling - - 10Saturday Night Out 188 47 47Total Program Statistics 28,146 1,538 1,397

In the news, 2010 was a year of disasters. A year of earthquakes, pollution, terrorism, mistrust, and failure. A year to be kissed goodbye with one eye open, so as to be ready to duck whatever last catastrophes it might hurl.

But here at Eagle Mount, it was a year of adventure, inspiration and generosity. A year to be treasured, savored and bid farewell like an old friend we’d like to see again.

Let’s face it. There’s no way you can read Flynn’s story, or be hugged by Cathy Oster, and fail to be inspired by their courage. Or watch Pat Whitlock teaching a swim class – for the millionth time – and fail to smile. Or feel the excitement of a group of kids getting ready to go camping, riding, rock climbing, hiking, or ziplining and fail to whisper a prayer of thanks for the kindness of donors who make it all possible.

For me, in my first year at Eagle Mount, 2010 was a year of important lessons. Mostly, they were lessons I learned from people whose abilities are different from my own. I want to share some of those lessons with you:

1. Never pass up a good adventure. Next year, you probably won’t remember the things you accomplished sitting at your desk, but you will remember the thrill you felt when you challenged yourself to try something new.

2. Be inspired by everyday miracles. Celebrate the small gains, be thankful for the things that make you different from everyone else, grow your own view of what is possible. Know that all the flowers of all

the tomorrows are waiting inside the seeds you plant today.

3. Live generously. I’m not talking about money here. Share your gifts – your abilities, your joy, your friendship – with those around you. Your generosity really will come back to you a hundredfold. And slowly, bit by bit, the world will become a more generous place.

For Eagle Mount, 2010 was a year of growth. Thanks to the courage of participants, the generosity of volunteers

and donors, and the dedication of the staff, our programs flourished. The statistics and pie charts you see below might look dry to you, but they represent the struggles and the triumphs of real people.

Eagle Mount is different from other nonprofit organizations, just as the people we serve are different from other people. While the average nonprofit earns about 75% of its income from fees, our fees constitute only 9% of our revenue. All the rest comes from kind and generous donors who are inspired by our mission. We are like the proverbial bumblebee that should not be able to fly at all…but don’t ever tell us that!

For 29 years, Eagle Mount has thrived with an impossible “business model,” thanks to General and Mrs. Mathis whose undying faith in the Lord and in the goodness of humanity inspired the generosity of a whole generation. The lessons they taught us—lessons in faith, patience and humility—are the best lessons of all.

Here’s to 2011, and all the adventures, inspiration and generosity it may bring!

A Year of Living Adventurously

Mary Peterson is Eagle Mount’s Executive Director and invites your feedback at maryp@eaglemount.org.

Mary Peterson

There are two ways to live your life. One is as though nothing is a miracle. The other is as though everything is a miracle.-Albert Einstein

Programs 78%

Development 8%Administration 14%

Expenses Fiscal Year 2009-2010

Revenue Fiscal Year 2009-2010Individual Donations 32%Foundations 24%Special Events 19%Program Income 9%Newsletter 8%Grants 4%Sales/Merchandise 3%Interest Income 1%

Eagle Mount’s 2009-2010 Operating

Budget$836,590.16

her tongue, she joined the Otolaryngology, Head and Neck Surgery department as a volunteer and enjoyed helping other cancer patients cope with an experience similar to hers.

It was in 2006 that Eagle Mount was first introduced to this incredible woman. Cathy and her “guys” had recently moved from Memphis, TN and had made Big Sky their home, when Cathy made a friend who volunteered for the Big Sky Kids program. It only took a few stories about Camp to convince her that she belonged at Eagle Mount. Over the past four years, Cathy has volunteered with Big Sky Kids, Therapeutic Horseback Riding, Ice Skating, Skiing, and Swimming. In addition to this priceless time spent with our participants, she also sponsors a child and parent to attend Big Sky Adventure Camp each summer, and houses a family during Spring Fling.

When asked why she does it, she explains that it satisfies her desire for “loving, learning, and service,” adding that she gets “so much more back” than what she gives. She reflects on a moment at Camp where in the midst of a massive water fight at Chico Hot Springs, a camper props herself up on the poolside, quickly empties the water out of her prosthetic leg, and promptly returns to her water weapon laughing the entire time. This is one of the many stories she recalls that confirms to her that “you don’t have to explain anything” when you are with Big Sky Kids. Everyone is experiencing the same journey.

Cathy rarely, if ever, takes credit for any of the amazing accomplishments she has made in her life. However, those of us here at Eagle Mount, as well as her beloved husband and son, can attest to the extraordinary strength and compassion she shares with the world and the hundreds of lives she has touched throughout our programs. She maintains a quota of ten hugs per day, no matter what, and continues to magically transform quality of life with each one.

Written by Lisa Batzler, Big Sky Kids Director

Cathy (continued from page 1)

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Lessons From Eagle Mount’s Early Years

Eagle Mount started in 1982, and was carried through its early years by the dedication and vision of Bob and Greta and the many volunteers and contributors who worked with them. I was fortunate to become part of the Eagle Mount board in the early 1990’s, and have some perspectives to offer from that point in time.

That time period was a very critical one for Eagle Mount. Eagle Mount was really starting to grow but was facing many challenges. One of these was to move Eagle Mount from a primarily faith based group to a more secular organization. This was necessary as many of the foundations and other donors who have supported us through the years have limits on what they can do with faith based organizations. At the same time Bob and Greta wanted us to make certain that the true meaning and spirit of their original organization was not lost. It took a lot of discussion, soul searching and, yes, even some argument, but we were able to bridge that gap and keep the original spirit alive in the new organization.

At the same time Eagle Mount faced many other challenges. The programs were growing, we had more and more potential participants, but our revenue stream was both irregular and inconsistent. In short, while great opportunities to serve were presenting themselves we weren’t sure how we were going to be able to pay the bills and stay alive. At that time the Executive Director left and things were in disarray. Fortunately we had a strong board with a lot of business experience to tackle the problems.

This is where Bob and Greta’s message of faith and trust come in. Things were tight enough that we spent a good deal of time at our board meetings just deciding what bills we would pay and whose bill could wait another month. Not a good place to be when trying to instill faith and confidence in the

community and prospective donors. We went through a period when board members were loaning money to Eagle Mount to meet payroll and expenses, and each time we thought we were at or near the end Bob would find us just enough money to get us by.

As business people we looked at the situation and could see that the obvious solution was to cut back on the programs and serve fewer participants while we stabilized ourselves. Bob and Greta would not hear of that and told us to just have faith and they would find the money. Bob demanded that we keep taking in new participants and expand the programs and told us that he would make the rounds of his military friends and contacts and make this work. Essentially he was asking us to trust him as we jumped off the cliff. We hesitated, but Bob and Greta are both persuasive and persistent, so we held our breath and took the leap. Sure enough, just as Bob predicted, each time we came to the point of no return he would come up with some new donors. Bob and Greta never took any credit nor sought any accolades for their work. Rather, they found their satisfaction in the power of their gifts. It was a lesson to all of us of the power of faith and humility.

So I thank Eagle Mount for giving me this opportunity to say thanks to Bob and Greta Mathis for all they have done and for the lessons in faith and humility they have taught us all. I’d like to end with a message to them both, which is a paraphrase of some words from the greatest poet of our time, Bob Dylan.

May God bless and keep you always, may your wishes all come true,

You have always cared for others; now let others care for you.

May you build a ladder to the stars, and climb up every rung,

And may you stay, forever young.Thank you Bob and Greta

Written by Steve Barrett

The Bozeman Noon Rotary and Eagle Mount held a flag dedication ceremony honoring founders General Robert C. Mathis and his wife Greta on November 29th. A fully lit flagpole had been donated and installed by the Bozeman Noon Rotary in honor of General Mathis’ service as a Rotarian. True to the Rotary motto, “service above self,” Bob and Greta founded Eagle Mount in 1982 to provide therapeutic recreational opportunities so that people with disabilities could experience the joy and freedom that able-bodied people sometimes take for granted. Today their dream has grown to touch the hearts of over a thousand participants, countless volunteers and a myriad of people across the country.

The dedication ceremony organized by Eagle Mount’s AmeriCorps*VISTA Alyssa Bostian included many members of the Bozeman community with a presentation from Sheriff Jim Cashell, Eagle Mount Board President Paul Brunswick, and former Board Member Steve Barrett. The flag installation was motivated by Bruce Thesenga, Rotarian, Veteran and Eagle Mount participant and Eagle Mount Equestrian Director Maggee Harrison who shared a vision of honoring those who have served our country with a permanent flag waving over Eagle Mount. We would like to share Steve Barrett’s words that were spoken that day to honor Bob and Greta.

New Flag Honors Bob and Greta

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It is a beautiful, sunny, unseasonably warm day in late October. Hundreds of geese are flying south overhead, and I know the fall riding session will be ending all too soon. As I leave the barn I stop to say good-bye to a group of riders and their families who are enjoying the sunshine and the camaraderie of being at Eagle Mount. I thank them for their hard work and encourage them to come back in June to continue pursuing their goals. We all agree it’s sad that the riding program has to shut down for the winter, because the value

they receive from riding cannot be replicated in the gym or their physical therapists office.

The fact is, no other recreational therapy replicates the human gait like TR. The rhythmical movement of the rider’s body while mounted improves flexibility, balance and muscle strength. Riders with learning and developmental disabilities are challenged to work on visual and auditory processing, problem solving, sequencing, verbalization and communication skills during their riding sessions. Riders with spinal cord injuries report both physical and emotional benefits from their time on the horse – being ambulatory and independent while improving their core strength is extremely beneficial to their quality of life.

In the past year, our therapeutic riding program has grown by almost

50%, providing more than 900 safe, effective and fun lessons for 184 participants. At the heart of the program are 360 volunteer leaders, sidewalkers, barn captains and managers, as well as five extraordinary volunteer instructors who are certified by North American Riding for the Handicapped Association (NARHA). Eagle Mount is one of 200 NARHA Premier Accredited Centers in the world. Only 25% of NARHA member centers achieve Premier status, certifying that they uphold and maintain the best practices of the industry. Eagle Mount’s partnership with NARHA is a win-win for our riders, volunteers and horses.

In addition to one and one-half human staff members, the program also has 17 dedicated, four-legged staff members who receive room, board, shoes, and medical care. Each member of Eagle Mount’s herd of 15 horses and two miniature horses is carefully selected and rigorously trained to meet the needs of our riders. The horses range in age from 8 to 20 years and in size from 14.1 hands to 15.3 hands. They are maintained on hay and mineral supplements throughout the year and receive concentrated feed during the summer and fall “working” session. They are de-wormed twice a year, have annual vaccinations, are shod or trimmed every 5 to 6 weeks and have their teeth checked regularly and floated as necessary. Several of them that suffer from chronic neck and back issues receive chiropractic and deep tissue massage treatments. The cost to maintain one horse per year is $2,700. ($225/month). Eagle Mount is devoted to these horses who supply this unique therapy to our participants and acknowledges the generosity of the local veterinarians, farriers, feed producers, clinicians and horse enthusiasts in our area. How thankful we are to all of you!

As we enter 2011 the Equestrian Program is well situated to continue to provide our riders with the support they need to reach their goals of physical fitness and improvement of the quality of their lives through recreational therapy. The potential of this program to serve the equestrian community as an educational resource is limitless.

Written by Maggee Harrison, Equestrian Director

Appreciating the Power of the Horse to Change Lives

Get Out and Get Skiing!A year ago, Eagle Mount

received an email from the Central Cross Country Ski Association (CXC) offering to donate three Nordic sit skis to any recreation therapy center that could use them. The goal:Get people out skiing! Eagle Mount gladly accepted the sit skis and, with local help from Nordic Ski Source, outfitted them with skis, bindings and poles.

In November, Eagle Mount joined with CXC, the United States Paralympics team, and the United States Biathlon team to offer a free Adaptive Sit Ski Clinic at the West Yellowstone Ski Festival. Skiers, coaches and volunteers from around the United States worked alongside the US Adaptive Cross-Country team members to discuss ski techniques and equipment innovations. Bozeman had five skiers participate at the event including two novice skiers.

With the sit ski donation, Eagle Mount provided a pilot sit ski program that started in December with five participants and five volunteers. The cross country ski program has had sit skiers participate in the past, but with increased equipment and interest we

were able to offer a specialized six-week sit ski program at Riverside Golf Course followed by a seven-week program at Bohart. The flat terrain of Riverside is ideal to build strength and endurance before continuing to Bohart for the remainder of the season.

Eagle Mount now has four sit skis for program use and offers them for individual use during the ski season. The recreational opportunities that sit skiing can provide are ageless and limitless. School-age children also enjoy

the benefits of getting out in the winter by participating in the Bohart Ski School Programs. Eagle Mount provides a sit ski and a staff member who enables students to ski with their class.

This is yet another example of how a gift to Eagle Mount changes many people’s lives. We could not offer any of these amazing programs without the community support that is so freely given. Thank you CXC, Nordic Ski Source, West Yellowstone Ski Festival, Riverside Golf Course, Bohart Cross-Country Ski Center and most important, our volunteers.

Written by Leslie Dominick, Cross Country Ski Coordinator

Skiers, Neal and David in West Yellowstone

Bruce with volunteers, Sandee, Fred and Gretchen

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Pat Whitlock has been the Aquatics Program Director at Eagle Mount for twenty years, celebrating her anniversary on March 5th. She started at Eagle Mount taking a part time summer program and turned it into a year-round program utilizing many hotel pools in the valley and eventually managing Eagle Mount’s own pool. Not only did she work with local hotels to use their pool facilities, she also worked with the community to involve more participants.

Pat grew up in Iowa, one of three children. She graduated from the University of Iowa with a degree in Physical Education and was married for seven years while working at the University of Iowa Hospital as a secretary. After her divorce she moved to Douglas, Wyoming and worked as a PE teacher

before deciding to move to Bozeman to be closer to her grandparents, Verda and Frank Shriver. She decided to go back to school and earn her Masters Degree at Montana State University. While getting her Masters, she became a swim instructor

for the University’s Young at Heart (YAH) program. One of her class participants was Eagle Mount co-founder, Greta Mathis. When an opening became available at Eagle Mount, Greta encouraged Pat to apply and Kristi Wetsch, Pat’s longtime friend, turned Pat’s resume in for the position.

Former Eagle Mount Executive Director, Linda Griffith, states that when she was first hired, everyone “felt the anticipation at the thought of Pat coming on board. Her credentials and experience were impressive and we were excited about aquatic therapy becoming the first year round program at Eagle Mount. Pat exceeded my expectations right from the start. Her sense of humor enlightened the staff meetings and her calm, supportive presence as the leader of the aquatics program foretold her success.”

Pat was promised that within two to three years, Eagle Mount would build a pool in which she could run the program, but that would actually take seventeen years. At first,

the program was held at the Bobcat Lodge, which has become condos, located next to the Pizza Hut on West Main Street. Most of the participants at the time were men with traumatic brain injuries and were residents at Evergreen. While they were in the pool, their wives would head over to Pizza Hut and have an impromptu support group. From there the program grew to include pools at the Holiday Inn, Comfort Inn, GranTree Inn, Wingate, and The Super 8 in Belgrade. Bob and Greta Mathis’ personal pool was also utilized for the infant and toddler swim classes.

Pat was known to have a car full of toys and drive around the valley in a wet swimsuit and wet hair so she could make it to the next class on time. She would often joke about how she made her living going Hotel to Hotel, taking her clothes off. Linda Griffith remembers one instance when she was leaving one motel pool to travel to another motel pool in the middle of winter. Her still-wet hair actually froze solid as we walked to her car. “When I remarked on it she said, with a laugh, ‘Yes, it happens a lot. I have to be careful not to touch it or it might break off and leave a bald spot.’ More seriously, Pat suffered through several bouts of bronchitis and pneumonia during those years.” Linda

commented.Kristi adds, “Pat is a caring person with a

huge heart who loves to help people. She is an advocate for those who need a little extra help. She doesn’t enable them; she has the ability to know what is possible and pushes them to be their best. She knows how important it is to have fun but also makes sure that safety is the priority.” With safety in mind, Pat has been an advocate for American Red Cross CPR and First Aid training and teaches and encourages everyone to be current with their training. You never know when it might come in handy. In 1997, Pat was awarded the Spotlight Award from the

Five Rivers Chapter American Red Cross for saving a little boy’s life while standing in line at Osco Drug. Over the years, she has been instrumental in saving the lives of two more people, one in the water and one in a traffic incident.

In 2002, one of Pat’s dreams came true; she carried the Olympic torch during the torch run in Bozeman on its way to Salt Lake City for the Winter Olympic Games. Someone had nominated Pat for how she helped to change other people’s lives.

Over the years, Pat also implemented Golf and Horticulture programs at Eagle Mount. It was during the Golf program that Pat noticed that the shy participants would gain amazing confidence. One of young men would strut up to the hole as if he were Tiger Woods and hit the ball. It didn’t matter if the ball went 100 yards or 100 inches, to the participants, they had succeeded. For Pat, it is not about the disability it is about the person!

Written by Heather Collins, Development Coordinator

Pat Whitlock Celebrates Years20

Please join us in celebrating Pat’s 20 years, with a potluck

at Eagle Mount on March 4th at 3:00pm!

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Eagle Mount’sFounders

Greta and Robert C. Mathis, General USAF(Retired)

Board of DirectorsDavid Barbisan

Janis Barrett, SecretaryLarry Bowman

Paul Brunswick, PresidentRobin ChoateBruce Combs

Gordon DavidsonLauren Goeddel

Kari LocatiMike McCormick

Sandee MillsJohn Murdoch

Sue Pederson, Vice PresidentDrew Seibeneck

Karen ThornburgMike Unruh

Dick Walter, TreasurerBarb Weas, Past President

StaffMary Peterson-Executive DirectorKim Bankert- Bridger Ski Assistant Lisa Batzler- Big Sky Kids Director

Alyssa Bostian- AmeriCorps*VISTAAdam Brindle- Big Sky Ski Assistant

Cheridan Bryant- Saturday Night Out Director

Heather Collins- Development CoordinatorPat Dean- Bridger Ski Assistant

Leslie Dominick- Ice Skating and Cross Country Ski Coordinator

Dana Eklund- Equestrian Assistant Maggee Harrison-Equestrian Director

Megan MacNichol- Equestrian AssistantKatie Mayernik- Aquatics Assistant Caroline Pihl- Big Sky Ski Director

Diana Proemm- Bridger Ski Director/ Adaptive Sports Director

Scott Steen- Bridger Ski AssistantJen Rohweder- Administrative AssistantAnne Weidenbach- Aquatics Assistant

Tracey Wheeler- Finance DirectorPat Whitlock- Aquatic Director

Eagle Mount Bozeman6901 Goldenstein LaneBozeman, MT 59715

(406)586-1781Fax (406)586-5794

www.eaglemount.org

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Craig, seeing her through her good and bad days, a constant support for her. After four months in the hospital, Flynn returned home to Minnesota with her parents. While in Minnesota, Flynn knew that she needed

to get stronger and more independent. She longed to move back to Bozeman. Her brother had stayed in Montana and was living in Helena helping an uncle. Bozeman was where Flynn’s life was and she was ready to get it back. During that winter, she decided to visit Bozeman and contacted one of her good friends, Bridget Tanner, who at the time was the director of Eagle Mount’s Bridger Bowl ski program, about skiing. Flynn was familiar with Eagle Mount through Bridget and was eager to get back on the ski hill. Bridget stated that,

“Everyone was amazed how well she did for having such a high injury” and even Flynn was surprised how much fun it could be to ski easy runs, runs that she would have never considered previously. That first day on the mountain skiing with her friend and brother, Flynn was back in her element. Skiing was much different than before, but she was relaxed, happy, laughing, and for the first time since the accident she felt like herself again. She knew how much she had liked to ski but now she knew how important skiing actually was to her life.In August 2010, Flynn finally returned home to

Bozeman permanently. “Bozeman has always felt like home, the scenery, the outdoors, my friends, and the community. Eagle Mount says a lot about this community. To have such an amazing organization in this town, when most huge cities don’t have anything like this is phenomenal.” Flynn is also thankful for her friends. “They have stuck

by me and have gone above and beyond extending themselves to help in every way possible.”Last summer, Casey assisted Flynn in joining the

Eagle Mount hand-cyclists in their weekly rides. Not only was this a way for Flynn to get outdoors, but the group, consisting mostly of people with spinal cord injuries, was a great support. “I was able to talk to them about situations which they had previously gone through and share ideas and talk about injury specific situations. It was like a support group and I gained so much information.” Last November, Flynn headed down to West

Yellowstone for the adaptive sit-ski clinics and instantly was hooked. With the help of her friends and equipment from Eagle Mount she has learned a new way to go trail running. She has become independent on the trail with the sit ski and enjoys the trail rides which allow her to once again romp through the woods with her four legged friend, Layla. “She

can run free and I am able to once again enjoy the peacefulness of the winter trails.”Looking to the future, Flynn has returned to

school and hopes to eventually teach College English. She has also set her goals on getting in the pool to strengthen her upper body and to conquer the mono-ski. She is grateful for the opportunities that Eagle Mount has given her. “I live for being outside and the opportunities that Eagle Mount has given me are invaluable. I never dreamed that an organization was so capable of pushing you to reach your limits. It is the most amazing organization.” We tend to think that you, Flynn, are the amazing one!

Written by Heather Collins, Development Coordinator

Flynn (continued from page 1)

Save the Date! Western Rendezvous

June 11, 2011

Crystal BallNovember 12, 2011

Aquatic - 5 foot square noodles • Water toys • Inflatable balls • New swim goggles • Big Sky Kids - First Aid bag/box • Ladder Golf • Rain jackets/ponchos • Wheelchair with foot rests •

Equine - Waterproof sheets • Fleece square coolers • Vet wrap • Donated dental services • L’Apogee saddle • Large adult & small child Western saddles • Ski - Engraving/Etching electric tool • 4 Motorola hand held radios • Aluminum shovel • 2 Visual Impaired ski specific headset radios • Blocks of ski wax

• Spool high visibility webbing (1”) florescent yellow & orange, and red

Wish List

We would like to welcome our new staff:Caroline Pihl is the Director of Big Sky Ski program and Adam Brindle is the Assistant Director.

Diana Proemm is the Director of the Bridger Bowl Ski program and new Adaptive Sports Director. Leslie Dominick returns as the Cross Country Ski Coordinator. Dana Eklund will continue as the Equestrian Assistant Director. Cheridan Bryant is now our Saturday Night Out Director.

Linda Griffith has left her position as Senior Advisor at Eagle Mount to become the Chair of the Board of Directors of the I Am Third Foundation.