And then we have Bjorg Dunlop Who makes you go till you drop!

The Norwegian Marine Doesn’t mean to be mean

She just doesn’t know when to stop! Written by Charles Wirth, year unknown.

Memories of Bjorg First of all, I keep hearing her laugh in my head. Her laugh was something special--very sparkly and fun to listen to. I first met Bjorg in 1992 at the International Ski for Light event in Granby, Colorado. Our health coordinator at the time, Bob Norby, couldn't express enough that we must drink water, and a lot of it. Every time during dinner, at which time I sat with Bjorg just about every night, I would hear her say, "Every time Norby comes by, I feel like I have to pick up my glass of water!" Not only was she a wonderful and very thorough ski instructor and guide, but also she was a beautiful and very sincere person. She was the epitome of health and she was unstoppable! Her vivaciousness was something to behold and nothing held her back. May she rest in peace and, undoubtedly, she left an indelible mark in all of our hearts. Esther Levegnale The first time I met Bjorg was at the SFL International event in Utah in 2010. I'm not much of an athlete but I thought I'd try cross-country skiing with a sighted guide. Well, that didn't work out too well. Fortunately, I ended up having a good time anyway

because I spent most of the week snowshoeing with a few others. It was made clear, though, that we should be prepared to ski at future international programs. This is where Bjorg came in. We started talking on the bus to the ski area one day. She encouraged me to attend the SFL regional program in Northeast Pennsylvania where snowshoeing is also encouraged. I followed her suggestion--and the NEPA regional programs, both winter and summer, have introduced me to new friends and many

memorable times. Thank you, Bjorg! You will be missed by all of us whose lives you've touched and enriched. Dene Davis

I have fond memories of my interactions with Bjorg. What an energetic person who smiled a lot. My life has been enriched by knowing her. Jim Landis

I remember at my first sports for health you taught me how to knit. Alexandra Bradstreet

My happiest times were when we all hiked to the waterfall. Bjorg would be out there all dressed in hiking clothes, backpack, gear etc. and I just loved those group walks up the logging trail with conversations going on in each group. Bjorg just was the backbone of the activities. Always there, ready to go!!! I will deeply miss her strong loving presence and I know she will find a way to give us a sign that her Spirit is here – guiding us. With all my love, Joy Principe

It’s been hard trying to put my thoughts into words. Bjorg always seemed to have a quiet strength. I was surprised when she told me we were about the same height. She always seemed tall to me. If I have to pick one moment, I think of the patience she had with me trying to conquer my fear of going down a mild slope on the LOV property. This, ironically, was when she had the port in her neck for chemo years back. I also remember the warmth in her deep laugh. Linda Kirk

I was at my second SFL event in MN when I first met Bjorg. She hurriedly urged me to come to LOV the next summer to join in warm weather fun for a week, as she left to get to Cleveland to be with her family having learned of her brother’s death. I responded to that invitation and it led to twenty years of so much more than skiing. Bjorg was guide and roommate my second trip to Norway. She had become a friend and the week was great. Unfortunately, I still had the first pair of skis I ever had and they were a poor pair to do the 20 K race at the end of the week. Thanks to Bjorg, I struggled through it and when we were at the top of the last long downhill, I started down

with a whoop and those awful skis did the only thing they did well. I flew down hearing Bjorg calling me to slow down and trying with my poor skill to do it, we met at the bottom both upright and me gasping and her scolding and laughing and explaining to me about her (blank) skis which, she never thought to have to go very fast with me, were not up to her skiing abilities. We still had some more skiing to finish…the entire race took me 4 hours. We both got rid of the poor skis, and the hour after cleaning up and sitting there, her knitting and both of

us enjoying a glass of wine, we appreciated the sun and slight breeze coming in our open window. I learned a lot that day, not all of it ski instructions. Some years later, she and I were skiing down the logging trail in some of the best snow condition I ever experienced at LOV when Bjorg stopped me and we listened to a little black-capped Chickadee singing his heart out, perched on a bush by that tumbling stream next to the hill. Our pleasure at the end of a very satisfying ski was dashed as we learned from those in the bar that the space shuttle had not made it back to earth safely. So many memories, Bjorg was my guide one fine hiking day in NH and as we went up we commented on how loose the nice flat rocks were. We enjoyed time at the top, eating our lunches, visiting, explaining to other hikers what this group was all about and finally we started back down. It was always our habit to trade partners so that we would all get to know each other even better. As it happened, however, Bjorg and I walked together down. As we hit those rocks, we got more and more silly about rocking down those rocking rocks. I hope it helps to know that so many others are smiling, crying and remembering our times with your Mom and Grammar. I haven’t even touched on all the times she went so far to help me out of a bind. Once my train was too late getting into Albany to make the train to Boston, Bjorg came and gathered me up and took me home for an overnight till I could continue. She and Barry and Louise waited for another train delayed 4 hours in Buffalo, so we could all drive up to Craftsbury as Bjorg announced periodically that the temperature was dropping as we were rising in that great old Volvo. As I think back, maybe the walks during a week at LOV, out early in the mornings or even the strolls out from the lodge after supper just to share the time together in a place that will always bring her close to me in my thoughts shall be my gift to you. Carole Soule

Bjorg and I were skiing down the logging road. She said tips left and I moved tips right. She said again tips left. I moved right. As you know the logging road is a narrow trail with a steep trough on its sides. Eventually after disregarding her 3rd tips left command, my right ski slipped into the trough sending me into an upside down position on my back facing Bjorg, skis tangled. One arm pinned underneath me. I could not move. When I asked Bjorg to help me, I got no response. She was laughing so hard that she could not speak and no sound came from her. She later explained that she was bent double in hysterical laugher at my unique position. I started laughing as well. We eventually untangled me and finished the run. The story seemed to get funnier every time she told it to someone in the bar. Sigmund Kay It was January 2007, and the International Ski for Light was held in Conway, New Hampshire. I was Bjorg's roommate. We had returned from a wonderful day of skiing when another guide, her name escapes me... unfortunately... came running into the room and was telling us about a factory near the hotel, where they made fleece garments for L.L.Bean, Land's End and a few other sports stores. Outside this factory there were several dumpsters, which were filled with what the factory workers called "scraps". The workers at the factory encouraged people in the area to come and help themselves to these "scraps", ... this way they could avoid the cost of removing it. So, the tree of us hopped in Bjorg's car, and took off. We must have been a sight, if anyone would have seen us... We laughed about it later, there we were, three "sophisticated" ladies from Ski for Light, standing up side down in the dumpsters, and pulling out a lot of rather large pieces of different colored fleece. After a while, we drove back, and put all the fleece on one of the beds in our room, called another guide, Jean Larson, who also sews, and all of us shared what was there. The laughter and fun we had, was indescribable, and it was then and there we dubbed ourselves: "the dumpster diving divas". The name stuck for a while, and we talked about what we had made with the fabric over the years.. I think Bjorg made a lot of hats, colorful, and oh, so warm. Astrid Mullen

Bee-org Several years ago, Ed Kenlon brought a friend along who had been in Viet Nam and lost his right leg just above the knee. He had a prosthesis and wanted to try both the 'sit ski" and regular skis. He brought his teenage son, probably 17 or 18, along to help him. The son thought he would be with a bunch of "old fuddy-dutties", so he brought a bunch of DVD's to watch while his dad was out skiing. Well Bjorg would not have any if his sitting around all day, so she told him to get some skis and boots and that he was going to learn to ski (one reason we sometimes referred to Bjorg as our Norwegian Marine). He took to the skis like a duck to water, and in no time he was out there every day skiing or playing with the rest of them. He had a nickname for Bjorg, "Bee-org", with the emphasis on the "Bee" followed by a descending "org", similar in cadence to a foghorn. It was a loving nickname, and it stuck. So for the rest of the week, he referred to her as Bee-org. The son later told us about the DVD's and his original plans, but had to admit that he had not watched one DVD, and that he had fun with these "old fuddy-duddies". From then on, on occasion, we would call Bjorg "Bee-org", and she would smile and laugh recalling the incident when she got that nickname. My Sister Bjorg had a very good friend, Elizabeth Dougherty, who she had roomed with at both Ski for Light International and NEPA Ski for Light when Elizabeth was younger. I first met Elizabeth on my first NEPA Ski for Light trip. Her dog at the time, Joy, a loving Golden Retriever, Elizabeth, and I became good friends. At the time Elizabeth was 86 I

think. As she became less active, we would sit and talk while the others were out skiing or playing. I think she was about 93 and we were playing shuffleboard on the indoor table at LOV. Her fingers were quite arthritic, and she had trouble holding the puck and sliding it down the board in a straight line. She kept pulling it to one side. I tried my best to coach her, and when she did practice strokes, she looked pretty good. But, alas, she kept pulling the puck to one side. After one frustrating shot I told her "Now listen to me Mom". Well that stuck, and from then on she referred to me as her son. She always said that Bjorg was her daughter. So

that made Bjorg and me brother and sister. After that, when we would first meet, Bjorg would greet me with "Hi brother". I would reply "Hi sis". I old Bjorg that I did not think I could have picked a better sister. I am, by the way, an only child. Ken Mullen

We remember skiing with Bjorg and Kari in Wells, NY at Lapland Lake, one of Bjorg's favorite places. We also remember sitting around the nice fireplace in her beautiful home up there. Louise: I remember rooming with Bjorg during one of our hen hikes at Sandie Page's home in Maine. One night we were reading before bed and Bjorg turned off the light and she apologized and I said I didn't need it because I was reading braille and we both laughed. Barry and Louise Wood

Of course I'll remember Bjorg's fantastic hiking skills. Whether at LOVE or on a Hen Hike her knowledge of trails and her ability to follow them was amazing. But even more impressive to me was her knitting ability. She was kind enough to unravel a mess I had made if an afghan I was working on. No problem for her! I watched her knit Christmas stockings to donate to a church sale. She just chatted and worked and completed several in a week. And she created the most beautiful complex designs as though they were simple. I'll miss a great hiker, a phenomenal knitter and one of the best guides ever. Sandy Mack

I don't have any particular memories of Bjorg, but the thing I remember most about is, not even by accident has she ever patronized or pitied us because of our blindness. In fact whenever I was in her presence, she made me forget that I was blind! That's the greatness in this wonderful warrior. She truly accepted people at face value! This one really hurts. Frank Senior

Bjorg Marianne Dunlop and SFL/SFH are synonymous. Bjorg brought to SFL/SFH an enormous range of skills and feelings. She honestly in my opinion loved the participants and wanted them to be successful. She was incredibly astute at evaluating each participant with whom she guided. She evaluated their physical capabilities and emotional strengths. She was both the Norwegian Marine to the Max and Florence Nightingale all wrapped into one! Her own physical strengths in skiing and hiking and anything she did spoke for themselves. These abilities and capabilities allowed participants to become empowered so that they could achieve their goals and then some. When a participant had a question about something she would analyze the problem and develop a solution and presented the solution in a quick and understandable way so that the participant could implement any changes necessary. This would often result in the participant being able to achieve more than what they believed they could. Bjorg was my first instructor in Cross Country Skiing. This was January 2002. Having never been on CC skis, one of our first tasks was to traverse the side of a hill from left to right as we were making our way to a flat piece of ground where there were ski tracks. Needless to say one of my first tasks was to put my weight on the left side of the skis in order to get to the point where we wanted to be. For someone who’d never skied before this was very daunting but we accomplished the task. After arriving at this flat area, we proceeded to ski around the oval for what seemed to be an interminable amount of time. About an hour and a half into our session as I am trying to master the diagonal stride, Bjorg asked me if I would be going to SFL International in about 10 days. I replied in the affirmative and then Bjorg made a rather startling comment to me. She announced to me that I would do the 10K race at the end of the week in Colorado. Of course I ground to a halt, turned and asked her if I could try what she was smoking! Bjorg in turned startled by my comment “What do you mean”?? I proceeded to tell her that I’d be lucky to complete 3K’s each of the two days that I’d be in Vermont. She informed me that I’d have 5 days of skiing practice in Colorado prior to the 10K race rally. At that point I asked her about the 9200 feet of elevation...She said, “Don’t worry about it!” All right for you to say lady you were probably born with little tiny skis on your feet. At that point we both laughed and she gave me a hug. This little vignette/memory is classic Bjorg Marianne Dunlop.... My second year of skiing Bjorg informed that I hadn’t forgotten very much and was I ready for the event in Norway. She was my guide in Norway and between the two of us we managed to win a medal with 22 countries participating and more than 900 participants and guides. I have to say Bjorg gave me something special. Which I will never forget and will always be indebted. She will be missed by all that knew her and those that never had a chance to meet her.... With love and gratitude, Jay Kronfeld

My very first year at the regional SFL was in 2001. Some readers here may remember my telling the story how Marilee "hood-winked" me into attending. Nevertheless, while the thought of going cross-country skiing with the blind was totally against my will, collected my courage, grabbed my camera and found my way to Sherman, Pennsylvania using only paper maps. After the event, I came home with a new understanding of the acronym "VIP," many new friends, and a bunch of pictures. Scrolling through the photos, which are described by default in the text, you will come upon a nice portrait of Bjørg. She was my first and best cross-country ski instructor. Her wisdom was sage. Here are few that I recall: My first day on skinny skis: B - Have you ever been on roller skates? Me - Yes B - Cross-country skiing is like that but it doesn’t hurt as much when you fall down. My first day of learning how to guide: Me - What do I do if I fall while I’m guiding my skier? B - Get up. But, really, you should not fall in the first place. During a conversation about skiing in Norway: Me - When did you learn to ski? B - Um, when I was… Well, let me see… Oh, I don’t know. I can’t remember. I just always did. Thirteen years later during our first visit to Sky Lake. Marilee and I ski off into the woods and fall into some very deep snow. We were stuck, laughing hysterically, and just flopping around in the snow like a couple of rag dolls. Bjorg comes upon this scene with her skier. B - Hey! You shouldn’t be over there. Me - <Laughing> We're stuck. B - Of course you’re stuck. Put your skis on. Me - But I was trying to help Marilee up. B - < sighs while slowly shaking her head. > Okay. We’ll check on you later. But put your skis on! (And skis away with her blind friend.) Ed Kenlon

My memories of Bjorg are all good. She was a no nonsense motivator! Whether you were a guide or a participant, Bjorg kept us moving! If there was snow to ski on; or warm sunshine to hike with; then there was no reason to be inside sitting and not making the most of the day! We loved her straightforward approach to life. She was an inspiration to us all! We will miss her. She will be remembered. JoAnn Rhode

I got involved with NEPA Ski for Light Regional in 1986. I don't remember if Bjorg was there that year but she probably was. I loved her Norwegian heritage that she shared especially Norwegian Glogg and pickled Herring! Bjorg was always so enthusiastic, told it like it was, you had better keep up to her pace, and truly embraced the SFL/SFH family. Her smile and laughter was contagious! No snow? No problem let's walk the ridge trail a few times, down the road to Harris Farm and come back out at the top of the hill!! She will always be our Norwegian Marine! Rest In Peace dear friend. Allison Holder

Bjorg was my first roommate at Sports for Health in 1994 (or was it 95? Not important). I arrived at LOV, having never interacted with any visually impaired persons, on a one to one basis. She was very easy to talk to about my questions, helping to put me at ease for the week’s events to come. Her guidance was a big part in my returning the following year, and the year after, and after that….. I haven’t missed a summer yet. When I took over running the summer program, I relied on Bjorg a great deal as one of my “go-to “ guides. Thank you Bjorg, for your guidance, your wisdom, your humor, your presence. Joan Chelsen My first real meeting with Bjorg was in 2003 at the Pennsylvania Regional when Bjorg reminded me that I had slept at her house! Indeed, she was right - both of us belonged to Sons of Norway and the Nordic drill team, of which I was a member, had a few years

earlier installed the new officers of her lodge and been put up for the night! At the end of the week Bjorg had gotten me hooked. Besides the regionals at Land of the Vikings, nine Internationals and five Ridderrenns followed, at all of which we were roommates. It feels so empty without her. One summer we also happened to be in Norway at the same time, both of us visiting our respective brothers and she, in addition, introducing her last grandchild, Ashley, to Norwegian ways and culture.

Among the "musts" was a stay at the cabin she loved so much and I was privileged to spend a wonderful weekend there with them. Bjorg has clearly played a big part in my life for which I am grateful. I miss her sorely. Gunvor Satra

I met Bjorg in the summer of 1999 when I went to Sports for Health for the first time. Other than attending The Seeing Eye to get my guide dogs Tippy and Nettie, I had never traveled alone as a blind person, much less gone on vacation without my family. Being in an unfamiliar environment filled me with trepidation. At dinner the first night the guide/participant pairings were announced and Bjorg and I were assigned to each other. I was the only diabetic at the program that summer and Bjorg received a first-hand education in helping me do blood tests and deal with low blood sugars. Ever vigilant, Bjorg kept close tabs on me, advising me when she thought I needed a snack or when I should take a break. Many of the activities at Sports for Health, such as kayaking and shooting, were new to me. Like most first-time participants I was eager to try everything and I wanted these things documented to show my family. Bjorg took pictures of me taking part in all the events throughout the week. When our week together ended, I began counting down the days until the winter program. I was both floored and delighted when Bjorg and I were partnered once again. I had only been on skis once before and I was sighted at the time. I'll never forget what Bjorg said the first morning when she saw how over-dressed I was, "Are you wearing all that?" As we began skiing I warmed up quickly and found myself removing multiple layers of clothing. Bjorg's response was, "I warned you." Later I learned that I was far from the only person who shed layers. Because I didn't have skis of my own, Bjorg loaned me Kari's boots and skis each winter from then on. Every morning and afternoon that first winter I put on Kari's skis with a good deal of help from Bjorg and with the expectation that I would fall which, of course, I did. Then both Bjorg and I would laugh hysterically. At my request, with my camera, Bjorg would then photograph me lying in the snow with an ear to ear grin on my face. After the first fall each morning and afternoon, I relaxed, loosened up and thoroughly enjoyed myself. What I hope to express by sharing these reminiscences is that knowing Bjorg was both a joy and a privilege which I will always treasure. Donna Goodman

Whether we were walking down a road or hiking through the woods, there was something peaceful about walking with Bjorg. At each program I'd ask her to save me a walk and she always did. I remember one time in particular at Sky Lake Camp. On Saturday, the last day of the program, I was about to go out with one of our day guides when Bjorg approached and said, "I haven't walked with Donna yet". I felt honored. As in demand as she was, Bjorg always found time for me. I'm not a fast walker but Bjorg never seemed to mind slowing her pace to match mine. I think that's because she liked me and she knew I was doing my best. Bjorg often picked participants up at the bus station in Binghamton. One fall weekend while in the back seat of her car, I touched a bag containing a cozy afghan. Bjorg said she made it to raffle off at a Ski for Light event. I bought a chance and when I didn't win, Bjorg asked me the color of my couch and she made me one. For me, this afghan, which has kept me warm for the past few years, is a tangible symbol of the warmth of Bjorg's laughter and the warmth of her heart. Donna Slivoski

AlthoughIhavemanymemoriesofBjorg,themostnotablememorieswerethehikestoandfromthewaterfall.Everyonewasawarethatshewasalwaysready

andontime,sotherewerenoslackersinherpack.Slackingwasnotanoptionandyouknewit.Butstill,everyonewantedtobeinherpack!

Bjorghadsuchknowledgeofthefloraoftheregion.IlovedherdescriptorsandhowshewouldencourageotherstoseethebeautyinthenaturearoundLandoftheVikings.Whetheritwasourtimehikingalongtheloggingroadorrestingbytherockslisteningtothelighttrickleofwaterfromthefalls,Bjorgwassharingthebeautyofit.Eachyearandeveryhike,shehadanewtakeonhowtheflorachangedandsurvived.Whethershewaspickingatasoftfuzzyflowerorrunningamangledstickalongthegroundtotellit’stale,itwasobviousthatshelovedtoshareanything

sheknew.Iwouldmarvelattheeaseinherteachings.ShewasStrong;yettender…Disciplined;yethumorous….Determined;yetopen.

LovedbyAll,LovinglyFearedbyMost,ButmostofAll…shewasourstrengthandinspiration.

Youwillbeforevermissed.TrishChelsen

For years, Kathy Shelton and Jack Newbury, all three of us classmates at The Seeing Eye, urged me to come to nepa ski for Light. "You know I don't like to travel any more, I'm not comfortable in big groups, I don't know how to talk to strangers..." About 20 years ago, they decided they had had enough of my excuses. Jack literally came down to Princeton and dragged me into the city by my long hair and onto the Binghamton bus, dogs, skis, backpacks and all. Lucky for me, Bjorg was my first guide, and in those days, we were up and out and skied until sunset. By the end of the week, we headed partway up the logging road, adding a few more yards with each pass. On our last run, we were so engrossed in conversation that we didn't pay attention to how far we had gone the time before, and found ourselves up at the waterfall. "How in the world am I going to get down from here?" I said, panic setting in. "Well," she said, "we're going to ski down." I was terrified and frozen to the spot. "Put your hand on my arm but hold on to your pole," she told me, and down we went. She stayed right beside me until I felt confident enough to go on my own. Needless to say, I had a wonderful time and have only missed one winter since. The following year I matched one of my high school student volunteers with Ruth Harrigan, a quadriplegic national tennis champion and we became friends. I called Ruth to tell her I was going to be going off on my cross country ski vacation and told her all about our program. She thought it sounded really exciting and asked if she could come along. "Why not," I said. "My brother will be driving, so that should work." When I hung up I thought, "why not? omg, this is a program for blind people and I just invited someone with a physical disability? Now what am I going to do?" I called Bjorg to tell her what I had done; figuring she would help me find a way to let Ruth down easy, but her response was "tell her to come. I'll bring the sit ski." Bjorg set the tone for each of us to be a welcoming presence for any new person who has joined our group. I was so happy to be returning to lov this winter, but as soon as I walked in, it hit me hard. I missed Bjorg's cheerful greeting, her warm hug, and delightful laugh. She loved our stories, our triumphs, our music, and our dogs, and she taught me to knit the Norwegian way, which she joked was the "right” way. Joan really nailed it when she said, "we have lost our north star." But we must keep the program going in her joyful and giving spirit, hopefully finding some new, and perhaps younger people to enjoy the beautiful outdoor space and the warm camaraderie we offer each other. Sue Tillet

Bjorg and I were roommates a number of times during Ridderweek and always had a good time, and shared conversation and a glass of wine after a day of skiing. Dick Casey was a shared friend, and we laughed about how he would ply us with scotch at the end of SFL weeks to encourage us to help him pack his very full suitcase for his trip home to New York. I really treasured the 3 or 4 days Dick Ashley and I spent with Bjorg at her cabin near Fagernaes. What spectacular days of skiing we had. Highlights were when we almost lost Dick, a VIP, on his way to the outhouse, and the end of a ski day when we were facing an icy and fairly steep downhill. We were concerned about how Dick would do on that, when along came a snowmobile with a couple of Norwegian guys. They offered to take Dick down the hill on the snowmobile. They put Dick in the driver's seat. The expression on Dick's face was one of pure joy. And then, there was the day, in Beitostolen, when the weather looked nasty. It was gray, and damp and windy. I decided to stay in the room and get some work done, not all that excited about skiing in those conditions. Viking Bjorg said, "heck, I'm going out to ski!" About 10 minutes later, she returned to the room and said, "I'm not going out in that weather! It's nasty!" So, even Vikings give in sometimes. I miss my SFL friend and Ridderrenn Roomie very much. Marion Elmquist