Race Director Gabe Flanders, Kismet board member Sasha Eisele and Kismet Cliff Run overall race winner Carl Swenson holding the golden shoe trophy after the inaugural race in 2009. photo by Brian Post

This year’s Kismet Cliff Run is slated for Sunday, September 19 at 10:00am in Echo Lake State Park, North Conway, NH. A benefit for Kismet Rock Foundation, the 5-mile trail race will follow last year’s inaugural route, including a grueling Cathedral Ledge uphill and some nasty downhills. Kismet Cliff Run event sponsor LaSportiva is donating a range of prizes, including gift certificates for trail running shoes, a jacket, hats and travel mugs. Local La Sportiva Rep Doug Madara is also offering this special challenge to racers, “If last year’s course record of 48:18 is beat, LaSportiva will make an extra donation of $200 to Kismet Rock Foundation!” Prizes are also being donated by Eastern Mountain Sports and Mountain Hardwear. Matty Braun’s Kearsarge Café will be providing post-race California-styled burritos. Race founder and volunteer director Gabe Flanders has created innovative recycled trophies for Kismet Cliff Run race winners- retired trail running shoes painted metallic colors and mounted on “granite” bases.

Out of last year’s field of 50 runners, the first to cross the finish line was nativeson and Olympian Nordic skier Carl Swenson with a time of 48:18, also the race’s only sub-fifty minute finish. New this year for the race will be a noncompetitive Walker’s Division, with the same route as the runners. Registration fee for runners and walkers is $20. For a race route description, please visit http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/. To register for the 2010 Kismet Cliff Run (and walk) please visit www.active.com or pick up a registration form at one of the following Mount Washington Valley businesses: Eastern Mountain Sports, International Mountain Equipment, Ragged Mountain Equipment, or Kearsarge Café in North Conway and Altitude 6288 Sports in Gorham, NH. To receive a race registration form via snail mail please call 603-383-9928.

Kismet Adult Adventure Program  |  Aug. 29 – Sep. 6, 2010:

Join us in our majestic White Mountains playground for an end-of-summer adventure that supports Kismet’s programs. Beginning immediately after the close of our 2010 program season:

• Stay at Kismet’s student housing
• Enjoy home-cooked meals
• Choose from an ‘a la carte menu’ of activities or use the house as a base for your own adventures
• 4 day or full-week sessions available.
• More info

2nd Annual Kismet Cliff Run  |  Sunday, September 19, 2010

A five mile race over beautiful Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges in North Conway, New Hampshire. NEW for 2010: A non-competitive walking division!  More info

Email us or call 603.986.9457 for more information on either event.

We hope to see you there!

Many thanks to Anne Skidmore for use of these images

Kismet Rock Foundation volunteers MIKE LACKMAN, PHIL THALHEIMER, NICKIE SEKERA and board member BRIAN POST worked the silent auction tables and were on hand to answer questions about the organization.

Quality climbing hardware and soft goods were donated to the silent auction, which raised more than $1,700  for the Kismet student scholarship fund.  Thank you to those sponsors: JULBO, ICEHOLDZ, LOWA, OUTDOOR RESEARCH, PRINCETON TEC, ASOLO, PETZL CHARLET, SCARPA, MAMMUT, MOUNTAIN  HARDWEAR, PATAGONIA, LA SPORTIVA, and BLACK DIAMOND.

Adding to an already memorable evening, Jim Shimberg, a longtime friend of Kismet, presented a check for $2,500 to establish a KISMET INTERN ENDOWMENT FUND, in memory of Jonny Copp, Micah Dash and Wade Johnson. Jim ‘passed the hat’ for nearly a year, collecting contributions from $1 up to $500 to create the fund. Kismet is honored to carry on the memories of those three men who were so loved and are so missed with this very special fund for Kismet graduates.

Contact Kismet to learn more about the fund.

Our gratitude and appreciation goes out to Ice Fest event directors Sarah Garlick and Anne Skidmore for a successful weekend, and of course to Rick Wilcox and Brad White of IME/IMCS for making the event possible.

See photos from last year’s Ice Fest auction and slide show!

WHEN: Friday February 5, 7 pm WHERE: Cranmore Family Fitness Center (climbing wall) Thanks to International Mountain Equipment/Mountain Climbing School for making Kismet the silent auction beneficiary once again. Last year the auction raised more than $2,000 for Kismet’s education programs. Don’t miss this line up of events on Friday. Bid high and bid often! 7:00 PM: Doors open, silent auction begins. A climbing rope, ice climbing boots, backpack, jackets and more will be up for bidding from the Ice Fest sponsors. 100% of proceeds goes to the Kismet Rock Foundation scholarship fund. 7:30 PM: Steve House keynote slide show, followed by the 2nd Annual Indoor Dry-Tooling Face Off with MC Freddie Wilkinson. Also look for a special presentation to Kismet from long time friend of the organization, Jim Shimberg. Cost: $10 at the door Clinics are still open! Visit the IMCS website or the Ice Fest Blog to learn more.

]]> http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2010/02/01/feb-5-mwv-ice-fest-silent-auction-to-benefit-kismet/feed/ 0 http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2009/12/01/caliente-photos/ http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2009/12/01/caliente-photos/#comments Wed, 02 Dec 2009 00:54:57 +0000 Brian http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/?p=939 A selection of photos from the 2009 Caliente! event. Thanks to Bruce Raymond for taking these!

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Dutch Bloemen Winkel is a floral design studio with a reputation for high quality, ingenuity and personalized attention. Owner Carrie Scribner will work with you to create unique and stunning floral designs that reflect your style and work within your budget. In addition to flowers, they offer a wide range of other services like tent and ceiling decorations and rental of urns, arbors, and vases.

Carrie will provide friendly and honest support from the planning stages through the day of the event (we know this from experience!). Check out this video about the shop and its services.

Many many thanks to Carrie and Dutch Bloemen Winkel for your Gold Level sponsorship of Caliente!

Check out the unique and generous businesses supporting Kismet Rock Foundation and Caliente!

Cafe Noche, located in Conway, New Hampshire, is owned by Thomas Kugel and proudly offers quality, authentic, delicious Mexican cuisine in a festive, fun and colorful atmosphere. Serving lunch and dinner 7 days a week. Cafe Noche will be serving up some tasty, signature dishes for Caliente!
www.cafenoche.net

Mount Washington Valley local Doug Madara represents some of the best names in the climbing industry: LaSportiva, Metolius, and Sterling Rope. Look for him at climbing events throughout the country or at one of the many local crags located in the Mount Washington Valley.
www.sportiva.com
www.metoliusclimbing.com
www.sterlingrope.com

Fryeburg Veterinary Hospital is a comprehensive facility that offers a wide variety of goods and services to it’s clients and their pets. With six veterinarians on staff, qualified technicians and a helpful reception desk, Fryeburg Veterinary Clinic is committed to you and your pet’s health and road to recovery. Check them out online for a full listing of services, staff, photos, and client education.
www.fryeburgvet.com

Mountain Top Music Center’s mission is to enrich lives and build community by providing inspiring music education and by offering performance and listening opportunities throughout the Conway, New Hampshire area. For a complete listing of classes, concerts, and art exhibits check out Mountain Top Music on the web.
www.mountaintopmusic.org

Mountain Yurt Yoga – Practice yoga with certified instructor Martha Davis in a peaceful setting on 30 acres on Allen Mountain in Denmark, Maine. Check out their blog to learn more about Mountain Yurt Yoga, Martha, and her motivation and philosophy for teaching and practicing yoga.
www.mountainyurtyoga.blogspot.com

Skt Ambitions, LLC

Sky Ambitions, LLC owned by Dave & Kristin Karl, representing outdoor gear companies: Petzl, Sea to Summit, Adventure Medical Kits, OBoZ Footwear, Ambler Hats, Julbo Eyewear.
www.petzl.com
www.seatosummit.com
www.adventuremedicalkits.com
www.obozfootwear.com
www.amblermw.com
www.julbousa.com

Belray Asset Management – Passionate about managing money in a conservative manner, Belray’s goal is to provide you with a great investment experience. Located in Greenwhich, CT, Belray is a Registered Investment Advisor with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).
www.belrayam.com

One of my favorite things about living in the Mount Washington Valley is the ample selection of great, independently owned restaurants. I consider them one of the Valley’s finest assets, after all, who doesn’t like food?

It seems there is always a place to go depending upon my taste for the day; I’ve found myself at the Bangkok Cafe more times than I count after a day of climbing. Or at Chef’s Market for lunch and Flatbread for a little post-work social hour and some healthy, organic flatbread pizzas. It’s a wonder I even make to the grocery store sometimes. You can imagine how pleased I was when I found out the above mentioned will be providing some signature hors d’oeuvres for Caliente!

They aren’t the only ones though, the often bustling May Kelley’s and Delaney’s Hole in the Wall will be there. And to beat the November cold, Frontside Grind will be providing coffee (arguably the best in town) and the award winning, ever-popular White Mountain Cider Company will have hot cider and doughnuts on hand.

The Shannon Door pub and Wildcat Inn & Tavern (with assistance from Horsefeathers) will be contributing a great selection of appetizers from the Jackson side of the Mount Washington Valley.

But could it really be Caliente! without some south-of-the-border flair? Nope, so of course Conway’s Cafe Noche will be there for all of you who prefer a little spice in your life. I hope you will join us for Caliente! and share in the experience of enjoying some of the best food the Mount Washington Valley has to offer.

Shaunna Richard – Kismet Event Coordinator

October 28, New food news: Look for tasty treats from the Shovel Handle Pub and Whitney’s Inn in Jackson…and some homemade items from Kismet volunteer chefs and bakers, including a birthday cake for Kismet (10 years old this year!), sushi, and a secret pumpkin flavored dessert that involves cream cheese filling.

Many MANY thanks to Anne Skidmore and the rest of our amazing events committee for getting out there to rally all of this wonderful food for you to eat on November 7 at Caliente!

For over sixty years, Black Mountain resort has added the perfect family adventure destination to the heart of Jackson, NH. Nestled above the quaint town center, Black Mountain is a great place for beginner to advanced skiers. Those who would rather enjoy a book by the fire, can head to The Whitney Inn or find a great meal at The Shovel Handle Pub. In the warmer seasons enjoy horseback riding adventures of all sorts.

If you are planning a special event, Black Mountain can offer you a fabulous space for up to 300 guests with activities galore in a magnificently beautiful setting.

Kismet Rock Foundation is thrilled to host their 10th anniversary celebration, Caliente!, at Black Mountain. Thoughtful and knowledgeable staff, flexible scheduling and the friendly atmosphere made planning the organization’s largest annual event a real treat. Come check out Black Mountain on November 7th during Kismet’s grand event or book a vacation when the snow flies. You will not be disappointed.

Thanks to Black Mountain for supporting Caliente! and Kismet Rock Foundation.

Check out Black Mountain today at www.blackmt.com!

If you’ve seen our brochures, notecards, or our Caliente! invitations you’ve seen his work. Stephen is the think-tank behind Rovettidesign, a graphic design, photography and interactive/web design company based in Madison, NH. Aside from being a totally awesome guy, Stephen is a totally awesome designer committed to providing you with the best possible work at price that you’ll like. His style is clean and straightforward, providing a product that is both streamlined and engaging. Check him out on the web at www.rovettidesign.com and while you’re there be sure to sign up on his mailing list for a chance to win 500 free business cards…awesome!

Many thanks to Rovettidesign for supporting the upcoming Caliente! event as a Gold Level Sponsor.

Some samples of Stephen Rovetti’s work:

Caliente!:

Outside of Kismet Rock Foundation Brochure (photos by Rob Vandegrift):

Inside of Kismet Rock Foundation brochure (photos by Rob Vandegrift and Brian Post):