Before heading out on a much needed vacation, Anja Whittington's Outdoor Pursuits II (OPII) class ventured down to Big Rock in Mars Hill for some lessons in downhill skiing. If you remember from before, OPII is the same group who had a crash course in cross country skiing at Aroostook State Park a few weeks ago. The Thursday afternoon session at Big Rock was led by Mark Shea (left, wearing orange). Mark is the Marketing Manager/Snow School Director at Big Rock, and an alumnus of the University of Maine at Presque Isle! He currently teaches adventurous individuals how to ski, as you can see from these awesome photos!




[ABOVE Clint Carter, student at UMPI, "If you’re not falling you’re not trying hard enough..."]

On a scholarly note...
Leah Finnemore, Senior Recreation and Leisure Services student, has been involved in a research opportunity through the Maine Policy Scholars program. As the 2009 scholar from UMPI, Leah has had the opportunity to research and discuss an issue that is facing the State of Maine today, which is Fiscal Responsibility for Backcountry Evacuations. For an overview of the project, watch Leah's interview with WAGM by clicking on the link below!
LEAH FINNEMORE ON WAGM WITH LAURA THOMAS

As part of her research, Leah has created an online survey for recreation enthusiast across Maine. Take a few minutes and fill out the survey, which is completely anonymous; we welcome your feedback!
RECREATION RESEARCH SURVEY 2010

Many of you are familiar with UMPI's Nordic Ski Coach, Alexei Sotskov. In his first year at UMPI, Alexei has set the team off on the right foot at the beginning of Carnival season (called "Carnival" races because they are a combination of Nordic and Alpine competitions), and we are wrapping up the season with the Williams Carnival this weekend and next weekend at EISA Championships, held in Middlebury, Vermont. Since February 9, however, Alexei has been coaching the New Zealand XC Ski Team at the 2010 Olympics in Vancouver! To stay updated on this amazing adventure of Alexei's, check out the blog he is keeping...
ALEXEI GOES TO VANCOUVER 2010


Thanks for reading, and happy recreating!

Does it feel like January was here one moment and gone the next?
I have been back to UMPI for a month, as of tomorrow, and I can't
believe how fully scheduled the beginning of this semester has been.
Thankfully we have had a perfect blend of winter weather to accommodate our
winter sports, such as skiing and snowshoeing.

COMING SOON:
*Dr. Anja Whittington will be teaching a 16 hour Wilderness First Aid course in April. The course cost is $100.00 and covers the two day event, as well as certification fees. For more information, please contact Anja at (207)768-9537 or through email at anja.whittington@maine.edu!

As for lately-I thought I would highlight some of the recent activities students have been taking part in, both on campus and throughout Aroostook County...


*Dr. Anja Whittington and her Outdoor Pursuits II class hit the trails at Aroostook State Park on Thursday, January 28. The class, 8 individuals total, spent the afternoon cross country skiing throughout the park's various trails. On another note, the class also participated in some impromptu sledding! Check out the photos below, provided by class member Kaitie Sprangers (pictured, yellow shorts).

*Amanda Morin and UMPI's Outdoor Adventure Program International (OAPI) spent last Saturday with Heywood Kennels in Stockholm, Maine...check out the photo and the link below!
http://www.bangordailynews.com/detail/135887.html