Please join me in supporting Adaptive Sports Partners of the North Country (ASPNC), a year-round nonprofit that facilitates sport, recreation, and wellness opportunities for people with physical, developmental, or cognitive disabilities.

Our team supports Taylor Baird as he seeks the 6,288-foot summit of Mount Washington on Sunday, August 1^st.  Taylor hikes in memory of Tom Norcott, one of the founders of ASPNC whose life was cut short in 2020.  Tom volunteered year-round and left a smile on the faces of anyone he worked with – participants and volunteers alike. 

Tom introduced me to ASPNC in 2011 when he asked if I would assist him in loading the Tandem Ski onto the lift so he could take out a participant who was recovering from a stroke.  After spending the afternoon as Tom’s assistant, I was hooked and my journey with ASPNC began. 

My personal quest is to continue to touch lives as I share my passion for the outdoors as a volunteer working with our participants.  I grew up with my Dad confined to a wheelchair unable to walk from the age of 16 when he was stuck with polio.  Dad was an inspiration as he never let his handicap prevent him from getting out and being active.  At the age of 69, Dad was the victim of a stroke that left him with speech aphasia.  Our family rallied and together learned how to augment our communication skills.  My Mom married into the role of caregiver and although soft-spoken, was the rock of our family.  My parents taught us that a handicap is simply a challenge to work creatively to overcome rather than a hindrance.

Please join me in supporting ASPNC as a tribute to Tom and the smiles he left behind and in remembrance of my parents and the inspiration they taught!