Mountain Times- Volume 48, Number 51: Dec. 18-24, 2019

The Mountain Times • Dec. 18 - 24, 2019 LOCAL NEWS • 3
Vermont
Adaptive names
2019 volunteers
of the year
More than 400 highly-trained volunteer instructors
make Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports’ mission of empowering
individuals with disabilities possible. Out of that
dedicated pool of volunteers, Vermont Adaptive program
coordinators recognized this year’s four Volunteers of the
Year at off-snow trainings this fall, according to a Dec. 16
news realease.
Liz Mead of North Chittenden Andrew Kimpton of Winchester,
Massachussetts and Greg and Carol Lothrop of
Milton, were named 2019 Volunteers of the Year, a tribute
in honor of Jim Hutchinson, a Vermont Adaptive volunteer
who left a legacy of empowerment to people of all abilities
and commitment towards supporting the organization.
“Each year, there are a few individuals that shine,” said
Tom Alcorn, senior program coordinator at Vermont
Adaptive. “These folks are involved year-round with
Vermont Adaptive in exemplary ways. They each represent
the organization as a whole. We’ve had years where a dozen
individuals were recognized and years where one single
person stood out the most. Jim Hutchinson was the most
dedicated volunteer
Vermont Adaptive
or any organization
could hope for. I
know he would be so
proud of our accomplishments
in what
we have built over
the past years.”
Mead was nominated
for her love
“These folks
are involved
year-round with
Vermont Adaptive
in exemplary
ways,” said Alcorn.
and commitment to the Vermont Adaptive family and the
success of all of her students. “She brings her vast experience
with her children on the slopes and outdoors to our
programs every day and is a supportive and caring mentor
to everyone she works with,” said Alcorn. “Her support at
our special events year-round has been invaluable and
you would be hard pressed to find her not helping her fellow
volunteers and staff members. The commitment she
gives to our Special Olympics athletes and school groups
has made for some amazing successes and plenty of fun
times on the bike path, water and snow.”
The power couple of Greg and Carol Lothrop have been
volunteering with Vermont Adaptive for a combined 16
years. As a veteran and veteran spouse, they have made
a lasting impact with the organization’s Veteran Ventures
program. They also coach on Sundays with the Vermont
Adaptive Race Team at Bolton Valley. “If you are ever in
need of some great and wonderful crockpot food and
cookies you can find this couple at Bolton Valley with the
veteran crew every Thursday,” said Alcorn.
Kimpton’s patience, consistency and determination
set the bar high as he volunteers his time throughout the
year with a commute from Boston to the Mad River Valley
to teach at Sugarbush Resort. “He has taken the initiative
to bring his skiing to greater levels and increase his
knowledge for equipment-based lessons,” said Alcorn.
“He is very willing and highly able to lead lessons in almost
all areas of our winter programming. His willingness and
flexibility to help with any lesson contributes to his ability
to lead lessons with ease while making the participant feel
comfortable, safe and able to enjoy the time on the slopes.”
To volunteer at Vermont Adaptive, candidates must
participate in off-snow and on-snow training each year
and commit to a number of days on and off snow. For more
information, visit vermontadaptive.org/get-involved.