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!
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.
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE:
Kismet Rock Foundation Gears Up for Eleventh Season of Educating Youth Through Climbing
North Conway, NH – July 6, 2010 – 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.
“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.”
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.
“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.”
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 28th.
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 p
ossible. 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.
After the summer programs wrap up, Kismet Rock Foundation’s fall calendar includes the 2nd Annual Kismet Cliff Run on Saturday, September 18th and Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation 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 www.kismetrockfoundation.org, email info@kismetrockfoundation.org or call 603-986-9457. Kismet Rock Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.
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Contact:
Janet Bergman, Executive Director
Kismet Rock Foundation
PO Box 1744
North Conway, NH 03860
(603) 986 9457
Gabe Flanders (Race Director) and Sasha Eisele (Kismet Board of Directors) present the golden shoe to overall race winner Carl Swenson after the first annual Kismet Cliff Run.
Full results from the race:
2009 Kismet Cliff Run Results
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Former Olympian Carl Swenson Wins First Annual Kismet Cliff Run
North Conway native Carl Swenson, a nordic ski Olympian, made it a memorable first ever Kismet Cliff Run as the winner of what more than one competitor commented is destined to become a classic race in northern New England. Carl’s time of 48:18 was the sole sub-fifty minute finish, ahead of the dead-heat second and third place finishers Eric Marshall (Rumney, NH) (51:58) and Jeff Arsenault (Rumford, ME) (51:58.3). In the women’s division, first place finisher was Lynne Zummo (Norwich, VT) (52:33), second Erica LaBella (Sugar Hill, NH) (60:03) and third Dawn Heinrich (Wolfboro, NH) (61:48). The youngest finisher was twelve-year-old Eva Bates (Intervale, NH) (73:04).
For the fifty Kismet Cliff Run participants, Sunday, September 20th was a perfect early fall day in the White Mountains of New Hampshire. With the first signs of fall foliage dotting the surreally beautiful landscape, clear skies and temperatures hovering in the 50’s, the conditions were a runner’s dream-come-true. The five mile trail race included a grueling Cathedral Ledge uphill (complete with rock climbers on the cliffs below) and some down hills which proved rather treacherous, judging from a few of the bloodied arms and legs that crossed the finish-line.
Delicious post-race burritos were provided by Kearsarge Cafe, followed by a raffle and award presentations. The raffle included gift certificates from race sponsor La Sportiva, a beautiful Cathedral Ledge photo panorama by Brian Post and items from Zimmerman’s and Eastern Mountain Sports. The creative Kismet Cliff Run trophies were once-beloved trail running shoes painted gold, silver and bronze and mounted on granite bases–destined to become another tradition along with the Kismet Cliff Run? Time will tell.
The Kismet Cliff Run was organized and conducted by volunteer Race Director Gabe Flanders as a fundraiser for Kismet Rock Foundation, a nonprofit organization based in North Conway, NH that provides educational rock climbing programs for disadvantaged youth. Special thanks to Paul Kirsch, the Livingstons, Dave McDermott and more than a dozen other race volunteers.
Next on Kismet Rock Foundation’s fall calendar: Saturday, November 7th is Caliente! A Night of Salsa Dancing to Benefit Kismet Rock Foundation in Jackson, NH. Also, Thursday, October 15th, is Fundraiser Night at Flatbread Company in North Conway, NH, when a portion of all pizzas sold will benefit Kismet Rock 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 www.kismetrockfoundation.org, email, or call 603-356-7738. Kismet Rock Foundation is a nonprofit 501(c)3 and all donations are tax deductible.
Twelve-year-old Eva Bates finishes the first annual Kismet Cliff Run, with Whitehorse Ledge in the background.
Kismet Cliff Run – Sunday 10:00 AM | September 20, 2009
A challenging, five mile race around beautiful Cathedral and Whitehorse Ledges in North Conway, New Hampshire. Come for the steep climbs and descents, technical singletrack, and stunning views, with approximately 1,100 feet of elevation gain. Starts and finishes at Echo Lake State Park. Great food from Matty B’s, prizes and raffle after the race. This event is USATF sanctioned, and part of the Eastern New England Trail Running Series.
Download the application form (with additional information)
View and/or register for the Kismet Cliff Run on Active.com
Kismet Cliff Run press release
As we celebrate our 10th year of service to New England youth, we are taking the opportunity to recognize many of the volunteers and donors who have made our work possible. For our first installment, we meet Janina Lamb, creator of Kismet’s logo and one of the organization’s founding board members. Here is her story:
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My presence at the beginning of Kismet Rock Foundation was directly related to my friendship with Mike Jewell. It was his baby, and I got on board (in every sense of the word) to help out. I’m not ‘a climber’ though I experienced enough climbing under Mike’s wing to understand its power and beauty: physical prowess and grace independent of speed or competition, serious interpersonal communication and responsibility, serious interior personal communication and responsibility, and intense natural beauty. (As an artist I always wished I could be tied into the side of a cliff for several hours so that I could make paintings of the rocks)
Love those rocks.
For me, being on Kismet’s founding board was a learning experience in the raging glory of boards and organizations, a situation I mostly try to avoid. As is often the case, the biggest challenge for a group of people in creating something together is the group of people. And yet a group with a common goal has a view and vision that is vastly superior to a one-angle view.
I don’t remember all the permutations of the name search, except that the name Prism Rock Foundation was being seriously considered until everyone decided it sounded too much like Prison Rock. The name Kismet came to Mike in a kismet-like way.
I felt that the logo arrived in a kismet-like way also. As the artist/graphic designer person in the group, I took on that job, and I don’t even remember the ideas I was playing with before I arrived at a logo idea which resonated. That is pretty much how the logo design process works . . . you muck around in a big field of ideas until the right idea floats down from the heavens into your lap. At which point you still have to refine it, but you have grasped the heart of it.
I’m amazed, and not at all surprised, at how successful Kismet has been and continues to be. It was clearly a heartfelt impulse for many people at the start, and that mojo has carried forward to this day. It has benefited not only the young people for whom its benefits are intended, but everyone who has come into contact with it, and Mount Washington Valley itself.
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Janina Lamb has called New Hampshire home since she arrived here in 1972. It was lasting love at first sight. She has spent her time since then raising five children, using words and pictures to communicate, and looking out the window at old granite hills made
ever new by changing light and weather.
Through her business, Lamb & Lion Studio, she helps people express themselves and their projects in words and pictures, and she expresses herself with a line of posters, note cards and bumper stickers. One of these days, you will be able to get lots more information by going to her website, www.lamblionstudio.com. Until that happy day, if you would like more information about Lamb & Lion Studio, please email info@lamblionstudio.com.
Kismet Rock Foundation Welcomes Three New Board Members
Board expansion kicks off capacity building phase as Kismet prepares for its tenth year
November 17, 2008, North Conway, New Hampshire – Kismet Rock Foundation (Kismet), a New Hampshire based educational non-profit, recently welcomed Sasha Eisele, Brian Post and Chris Graham to the growing board of directors.
“We are excited about the new energy Sasha, Brian and Chris will bring to the board,” said Ted Wroblewski, President of the Board. “Their individual talents will be immensely important in the coming year as we build capacity to expand the reach of our programs.”
Sasha Eisele, a consultant specializing in fundraising, marketing and organizational development strategies for growing non-profits, comes to Kismet with a passion for young people and the outdoors. A graduate of Maine College of Art, she followed her interest in creative problem solving and community development to the non-profit sector. Sasha lives with her husband Erik in Glen. “I am thrilled to have the opportunity to put my skills to work for Kismet,” said Eisele.
Brian Post, a professional photographer, has worked with Kismet in many areas over the years; as a program volunteer, a member of the event committee and by contributing pro bono photography and website administration. “As a person that has benefited greatly from the rock climbing experience, I think it’s important to give back and pass that experience on,” said Post. “Kismet’s mission is important to me because not all students have positive educational and recreational opportunities in their lives. These opportunities can have a profound positive effect on them.”
Chris Graham has been teaching for 20 years, and currently teaches Art at Gorham Middle High School. His outdoor education experiences also led to the development of an Adventure Arts course he now teaches there, which introduces students to the art of rock climbing. Chris hopes to focus his contributions to Kismet in the areas of program development, fundraising and media projects. He lives with his wife and three children in North Conway.
Kismet’s current board, under the leadership of Chair Ted Wroblewski, and newly elected Vice Chair, Claudine Safar, extends its sincere gratitude to long-time board member Cheryl Rocheleau, who recently stepped down from service.
Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive and multi-dimensional education in technical rock climbing. To observe a program day, learn more about the plans for expansion, make a donation or to get involved as a volunteer, please email Mike Jewell, call 603.356.7738 or visit us online at www.kismetrockfoundation.org.
Kismet's newest board members: Brian Post, Chris Graham and Sasha Eisele
The Great Circle Foundation made a significant contribution to the New Hampshire based nonprofit Kismet Rock Foundation (Kismet) recently, joining other donors for a remarkable eight week total of nearly $40,000 in contributions.
The news came in the weeks following the Board of Directors’ decision to initiate an organizational expansion process.
“The Great Circle Foundation has displayed great vision in their decision to support Kismet during a transition year,” says Ted Wroblewski, President of the Kismet’s Board of Directors. “During this time of growth, a new major donation has incredible impact. Their contribution, along with news of several other major donations these past few months, lends leverage as we prepare to offer the value of a Kismet education to twice as many students in the near future.”
Kismet Rock Foundation, which operates in New Hampshire’s Mount Washington Valley, offers educational rock climbing programs to children with limited financial means from around New England. The unique program provides a multiyear extra-curricular education, focused on rock climbing, to children as they progress through their teens and into adulthood.
“Kismet Rock Foundation is offering a unique and important educational program,” says Jeannine Weinberg, Director of the Great Circle Foundation. “We were very excited to find an organization that gives underprivileged children an experience that will impact their confidence and their future and that they will always remember.”
The Great Circle Foundation’s contribution was earmarked for direct program support, as were recent significant contributions from the Robert and Dorothy Goldberg Charitable Foundation and the Nike Factory Store Community Grant Program. Other contributors making up this summer windfall include the Evenor Armington Trust and the Nelson Charitable Foundation, both long-time supporters of Kismet, and the Chairman’s Committee To Support Youth Activities. Alberto Alesina and Susan Adler and Brian and Carolyn Irwin earmarked their contributions for Kismet’s capacity building and expansion process.
“On behalf of the Board of Directors, and the students whose lives continue to be enriched by our program, we thank these benevolent individuals and Foundations for their generous support,” says Wroblewski.
Kismet’s final summer program week, reserved for students scheduled to graduate from the program, is
underway now in North Conway, N.H.
Kismet Rock Foundation seeks applicants for a newly forming Advisory Board. To learn more about this, or about other volunteer or donor opportunities, contact Janet Bergman, Project Director, via email or 603.986.9457. Visit www.kismetrockfoundation.org to learn more about Kismet programs or see images of students in action from this summer.
Kismet student Chelsea Laguerre took to the stage for a solo singing performance at the Kismet Jubilee. Photo by Brian Post
‘A Night to Remember’ for All in Attendance
Sixteen year old Kismet Rock Foundation student Chelsea Laguerre welcomed the crowd at Cranmore Mountain Resort this past Saturday with a phenomenal solo singing performance. Played at the end of the cocktail hour, she silenced the room of about 120 attendees, who enthusiastically applauded her before dining on the White Mountain Cider Company’s spread of delicious food.
“Chelsea’s performance was one of the evening’s highlights,” said Brian Irwin, MC for the evening and also a Kismet Board member. “Her confidence on stage was incredible, as was her voice. We’re very lucky to have such a passionate student in our program.”
The event, sponsored by RE/MAX Presidential-Drummond & Drummond and Badger Realty, attracted climbers and non-climbers alike from as far away as Pennsylvania.
After dinner, Michael Jewell, founder and director of the program, formally announced the organization’s expansion plans. The board has contracted a consultant for the project and plans to expand programs and serve additional geographic locations within the coming two years.
“This year is a turning point for Kismet,” said Irwin. “We’re expanding our curriculum, restructuring our organization to accommodate its growth and are more excited about the future than ever before. The Jubilee was the perfect place and time to make our new developments public to our most avid supporters.”
‘Volunteer of the Year’ awards were also presented to Ted Wroblewski, Brian Post and Ruthann Brown, all of whom have demonstrated outstanding commitment and passion for the Kismet mission. Three Kismet students, including Ms. Laguerre, spoke of their experiences with the organization as did Gary Hunter, a long time Kismet supporter from Manchester, one of the organization’s three service areas.
A successful silent auction including unique gift packages, flight tours, art work, climbing gear and more kept bidders busy, bringing in about $4,000 for this summer’s rock climbing programs.
The Kismet Rock Stars, consisting of Mr. Jewell, Ms. Laguerre, Mary Bastoni, Molly Campbell, Zebulon Jakub, Mike Jewell, Alain Comeau, Tony Iorfino and Mitch Scher, then took the stage for a set of dance music that had everyone out of their seats.
To learn more about or get involved with the long term plans of the organization, contact Janet Bergman, Project Director, at 603.986.9457 or janet@kismetrockfoundation.org.
Kismet student Josh Lee with founder and Director Mike Jewell. Photo by Brian Post.
The event committee extends its deepest gratitude for the long list of sponsors and donors who made the event possible:
Anne Skidmore Photography
Attitash Resorts
Badger Realty
Bear Notch Ski Touring Center
Becca Van Fleet Pottery
Bouret Photography
Brian Post Photography
Chinook Cafe
Christopher Noonan Oriental Rugs
Chuck Roast
Conway Historical Society
Cranmore Mountain Resort
Creative Expressions (Wanda Allen)
Debony’s Healthy Hair
Dutch Bloemen Winkel
Frechette Tire Co.
Front Side Grind
Finn Goodwin
Jerry Handren
Amee Hinkley
Horny Toad
Horsefeathers
Inn at Thorn Hill
Robert Irwin
Isis
Laura Johnson
Julbo
Lupine Pet Collars & Leads
Mammut (Eric Seifer)
Margarita Grill
Maui Jim
Museum of Science, Boston
Nereledge Inn
New England Aquarium
Renan Ozturk
Kris Pastoriza
Philbrick Photography
Polartec LLC
Randy Rackliff
Ragged Mountain Equipment
Kate Renner
RE/MAX Presidential-Drummond & Drummond
Rock & Ice Magazine
Saco Bound
Harrison Shull
Jim Siverts
Snowflake Inn
Sterling Rope
Stonehearth Open Learning Opportunities
T. Murray Wellness Center
The UPS Store North Conway
Urban Climber Magazine
Laura Waterman
Clint Willis
White Mountain Artisans Gallery
White Mountain Puzzles
Rick Wilcox
Wild Things, Inc.
Wildcat Service Station
About Kismet Rock Foundation: Based in North Conway, NH, Kismet Rock Foundation enhances the physical, intellectual and emotional development of well-functioning but economically disadvantaged children by providing access to the immense value of a comprehensive education in technical rock climbing. Kismet currently offers programs to students from Boston, MA, Manchester, NH and Bartlett, NH.
The Kismet Jubilee at Cranmore Mountain Resort. Photo by Brian Post
Read Jim Fennell of the Union Leader’s weekend column, which highlights Kismet’s popularity with Manchester students…and Director Mike Jewell’s difficulties in choosing scholarship recipients.
Thank you to Alex Drummond and Jim Drummond of Drummond & Drummond Real Estate and RE/MAX Presidential North Conway, who recently became Sustaining Sponsors of the 2008 Jubilee!
