» News</h1> <article> <h1>Second Annual Kismet Cliff Run September 19</h1> <p>Heidi — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:55:11 +0000</p> <div id="attachment_1430" class="wp-caption alignright" style="width: 310px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-1430" href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2010/08/27/second-annual-kismet-cliff-run-september-19/kismet-cliff-run_gabe-sasha-carlswenson_9-09-2/"></a><p class="wp-caption-text"> 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</p></div> <p>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.</p> <p>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<em> </em>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 <a href="../join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/">http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/</a>. To register for the 2010 Kismet Cliff Run (and walk) please visit <a href="http://www.active.com/" target="_blank">www.active.com</a> 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 <em>6288</em> Sports in Gorham, NH. To receive a race registration form via snail mail please call 603-383-9928.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Regenerative Design & Edible Landscaping Presentation September 5th</h1> <p>Heidi — Fri, 27 Aug 2010 14:09:21 +0000</p> <div id="attachment_1405" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 188px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-1405" href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2010/08/27/regenerative-design-edible-landscaping-presentation-september-5th/web_ecr_chard01/"></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Ethan Roland of AppleSeed Permaculture studies and practices regenerative design in all corners of the world.</p></div> <p>Kismet invites the public to a FREE presentation by major <em>Caliente!</em> Silent Auction donor Ethan Roland of AppleSeed Permaculture on Sunday, September 5<sup>th</sup> from 6 to 8pm in the Legends Room at Eastern Slope Inn Resort, 2760 Main Street, North Conway, NH.</p> <p>Drawing from direct connection with nature, Permaculture gives us a set of principles and patterns for designing homes, businesses, and gardens that increase the health of the local ecosystem. Please join us for this introductory presentation on the abundant world of edible landscaping – from basic permaculture practices to specific fruits, berries, vegetables, and flowers that you can grow at your home. Join us to envision a low-maintenance landscape full of delicious food, and learn the first steps to creating it in your community.</p> <p>An AppleSeed Permaculture Plan for Sustainability will be a featured silent<strong> </strong>auction item at <a href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/caliente/"><em>Caliente!: An Evening of Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation</em></a>, October 23<sup>rd</sup> at Salyards Center for the Arts in Conway, NH. This donation valued at $4,000 will provide the auction winner an ecologically sustainable plan for the development<strong> </strong>of their home, farm, or property according to permaculture design principles. The plan focuses on<strong> </strong>permaculture land-use design to regenerate and enhance the ecological and agricultural health of the land.</p> <div class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 565px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Permaculture Design for abundant edible landscape.</p></div> <p>Ethan is a permaculture designer, teacher, and researcher based in the Hudson river valley. He studies and practices regenerative design in all corners of the world, from the wild apple forests of Kazakhstan to the tropical monsoon ecosystems of Thailand. Ethan builds resilience for local and global communities through the design firm AppleSeed Permaculture and is redesigning the field of higher education through the degree-offering institution Gaia Northeast. He holds an M.S. in Eco-Social Design from Gaia University, and blogs his research on and ecosystem investing and carbon farming at <a href="http://www.appleseedpermaculture.com/" target="_blank">www.appleseedpermaculture.com</a>.</p> </article> <article> <h1>Kismet in the Boston Herald</h1> <p>Janet — Wed, 18 Aug 2010 12:05:13 +0000</p> <p>Kismet students were featured in the Boston Herald recently, with a multimedia story by journalist/climber Nancy Lane!</p> <p><a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100815reaching_for_the_top/srvc=loc&position=">Read the story</a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/galleries/index.php?gallery_id=4165&p=0">View the photos</a></p> <p><a href="http://bostonherald.com/mediacenter/index.php?start_media_type=video&start_media_id=1285&media_search=Kismet">View the video </a></p> <p><a href="http://www.bostonherald.com/news/regional/view/20100815reaching_for_the_top/srvc=loc&position="></a></p> <p></p> </article> <article> <h1>Summer 2010 Newsletter</h1> <p>Janet — Thu, 05 Aug 2010 11:04:12 +0000</p> <p style="text-align: center;">Check out the summer newsletter (the pdf should download when you click on the first page below):<br /> <a href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/wp-conten t/uploads/2010/08/Kismet-Summer-10-News.pdf"></a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Kismet Adult Adventure Program and Kismet Cliff Run</h1> <p>Janet — Thu, 29 Jul 2010 19:06:49 +0000</p> <p>Please join us late this summer and early this fall for two fun events:</p> <p><strong>Kismet Adult Adventure Program | Aug. 29 – Sep. 6, 2010:</strong></p> <p>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:</p> <ul> <li>Stay at Kismet’s student housing</li> <li>Enjoy home-cooked meals</li> <li>Choose from an ‘a la carte menu’ of activities or use the house as a base for your own adventures</li> <li>4 day or full-week sessions available.</li> <li><a href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-adult-adventure-program/">More info</a></li> </ul> <p><strong>2nd Annual Kismet Cliff Run | Sunday, September 19, 2010</strong></p> <p>A five mile race over beautiful Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges in North Conway, New Hampshire. NEW for 2010: A non-competitive walking division! <a href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/join-us/events/kismet-cliff-run/">More info</a></p> <p><a href="mailto:heidi@kismetrockfoundation.org">Email us</a> or call 603.986.9457 for more information on either event.</p> <p>We hope to see you there!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Thank you, Pequawket Foundation!</h1> <p>Janet — Wed, 21 Jul 2010 12:57:44 +0000</p> <p>Kismet received a grant from the Pequawket Foundation for 2010 Summer Programs. Thank you, Pequawket Foundation, for this and many previous years of support of our students!</p> <p style="text-align: center;"> <div id="attachment_1318" class="wp-caption aligncenter" style="width: 310px"><p class="wp-caption-text">Janet Bergman, Kismet ED (middle right) with David Brooks of the Pequawket Foundation, along with grant recipients from the North Conway Community Center and the Green Mountain Conservation Group. </p></div> </article> <article> <h1>We’re Underway!</h1> <p>Janet — Mon, 12 Jul 2010 21:59:26 +0000</p> <p>Day 1, Week 1. We climbed at the gym this morning, went for a hike at White Horse Ledge where we will climb tomorrow, then went swimming! Summer is officially here for Kismet!</p> </article> <article> <h1>Kismet’s 11th Program Season To Commence on the 11th</h1> <p>Janet — Wed, 07 Jul 2010 10:06:21 +0000</p> <p><strong>FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:</strong></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><strong>Kismet Rock Foundation Gears Up for Eleventh Season of Educating Youth Through Climbing</strong></p> <p><em>North Conway, NH – July 6, 2010 –</em> Nine eighth grade students from a half dozen schools in New Hampshire, Massachusetts and Maine will meet for the first time in the White Mountains of New Hampshire this weekend to commence the first of several summer weeks they will likely spend with Kismet Rock Foundation (Kismet) in the years to come. The organization’s unique programs focus on rock climbing as a platform for learning.</p> <p>“Rock climbing is a very multidimensional activity,” explained Sarah Garlick, Chairperson of the Board of Directors. “Our students develop athleticism, analytic skill, good judgment, focus, team awareness, relationship skills, patience, compassion, honesty, humility…the list goes on. And all of this is offered in a pristine mountain environment, surrounded by adult mentors and peers from diverse backgrounds and geographic areas. Our students’ time here is often transformative for them.”</p> <p>The organization serves well functioning, underprivileged students who might otherwise ‘fall between the cracks’ of their highly stressed public school systems. By developing their potential, Kismet prepares students to positively contribute to their communities and their culture throughout their lives.</p> <p>“We will serve more students than we ever have before during this, our eleventh season,” added Garlick. “And we are very pleased to add Gorham NH to the list of public schools we’ll serve this summer.”</p> <p>Kismet also serves public schools in Bartlett and Manchester NH, Portland ME and Boston MA, offering students one week per summer of programs for up to four years. The first session of students arrive in North Conway on July 11, with programs running through August 28<sup>th</sup>.</p> <p>Valuable contributions from the Evenor Armington Trust, the Great Circle Foundation, the Kendall C. and Anna Ham Charitable Foundation, the Nelson Charitable Foundation, the Pequawket Foundation, the Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Foundation, the Stare Fund, and a community of individual and business donors make the program season possible. Kismet also thanks the following businesses for 2010 program support: Black Diamond Equipment, Mountain Hardwear and Montrail, Nike, Inc., SOLO and Sterling Rope Co., Inc.</p> <p>After the summer programs wrap up, Kismet Rock Foundation’s fall calendar includes the 2<sup>nd</sup> Annual Kismet Cliff Run on Saturday, September 18<sup>th</sup> and <em>Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation</em> on October 23. The Power of Three Campaign is still active, with all first time donations being double matched by the Great Circle Foundation and the Nelson Charitable Foundation. For more information about these events, to make a donation, volunteer or learn more about Kismet Rock Foundation and its climbing programs for New England youth please visit <a href="../">www.kismetrockfoundation.org</a>, email <a href="mailto:info@kismetrockfoundation.org">info@kismetrockfoundation.org</a> or call 603-986-9457. Kismet Rock Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.</p> <p style="text-align: center;">###</p> <p>Contact:</p> <p>Janet Bergman, Executive Director</p> <p>Kismet Rock Foundation</p> <p>PO Box 1744</p> <p>North Conway, NH 03860</p> <p>(603) 986 9457</p> <p><a href="mailto:janet@kismetrockfoundation.org">janet@kismetrockfoundation.org</a></p> </article> <article> <h1>Another Fun and Successful Flatbread Co. Fundraiser for Kismet Rock Foundation with The Blue Ribbon All-Star Band as Special Guests</h1> <p>Heidi — Thu, 27 May 2010 13:28:34 +0000</p> <p>Kismet’s Flatbread Company Benefit last Tuesday, May 18th was well attended with nearly 100 pizzas sold to help Kismet Kids continue climbing. Besides the great cause and delicious food, the big draw of the evening was The Blue Ribbon All-Star Band, a roots rock band from the Lakes Region of New Hampshire, which volunteered to entertain diners for a good portion of the evening. Kudos and thanks to talented band members Brendan Dowd, Chris Candito, and Steven Cooney. Nickie Sekera was the lucky raffle winner of a black and white sailing themed Craig Davis photograph at the event. Thank you to all the new and returning Kismet supporters who made it out to Flatbread and of course, we all appreciate Staci Blair and her staff at Flatbread Co. for making the evening possible.</p> <div id="attachment_1262" class="wp-caption alignleft" style="width: 310px"><a rel="attachment wp-att-1262" href="http://www.kismetrockfoundation.org/2010/05/27/another-fun-and-successful-flatbread-co-fundraiser-for-kismet-rock-foundation-with-the-blue-ribbon-all-star-band-as-special-guests/blue-ribbon-all-star-band-flatbread-5-18-2010/"></a><p class="wp-caption-text">Blue Ribbon All-Star Band members Brendan Dowd, Chris Candito, and Steven Cooney </p></div> </article> <article> <h1>May E-News: New Executive Director, Power of Three</h1> <p>Janet — Thu, 20 May 2010 10:56:08 +0000</p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href=" http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs006/1101457263643/archive/1103365120647.html"></a></p> <p style="text-align: center;"><a href=" http://archive.constantcontact.com/fs006/1101457263643/archive/1103365120647.html">Read our most recent e-newslettter</a></p> </article> </main></body></html>