What to Expect from and How to Handle Black Diamond Slopes

 

Terry McEnany, MD, dedicated more than two decades to the medical field, serving as a cardiovascular surgeon. After retiring, Dr. Terry McEnany pursued his passion for skiing by becoming an instructor in Aspen, Colorado.

All ski resorts in North America use a rating system to identify the difficulty level of a slope. There is no standardization in the system, so ratings vary by resort. However, a sign bearing a black diamond will always signify a more challenging terrain, which requires advanced skills. Up to three black diamonds may appear on a sign. Each additional diamond informs you that a trail needs more expertise to descend.

Steep and narrow are common characteristics of a black diamond slope. Additionally, they often contain more hazards, such as rocks, trees, and cliffs and tend to be less groomed. Travel down these trails with caution and use hairpin turns to have full control of your journey. Hairpin turns help with regulating speed because it involves positioning skis parallel to one another and perpendicular to the slope direction, also known as the main fall line of a hill. This slows speed by creating more resistance and allows you time to execute your descent the way you intend.

Call-In and News Programming on Wisconsin Public Radio

An instructor of snowboarding and skiing in Aspen, Colorado, Terry McEnany, MD, was a thoracic surgeon for several decades. Dr. Terry McEnany is also active in volunteerism, having coordinated Wisconsin Public Radio's (WPR) annual auction.

Broadcast live over some 30 stations, Wisconsin Public Radio consists of three programming services: the Ideas Network, the NPR and Classical Network, and the All Classical Network. Podcasts and streaming are also available.

The Ideas Network presents several shows in which listeners call in and interact with newsworthy guests:

The Larry Meiller Show provides gardening programming and environmental information, among other programming, from 11 a.m. to 12:30 p.m. on weekdays. Recently, Larry Meiller discussed winter's effect on insect populations and the allergy season.

-The Kathleen Dunn Show airs from 1 to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday. It specializes in objective discussion about current issues, with recent topics including presidential primaries and gun violence.

-The Joy Cardin Show, airing from 6 to 9 a.m. Monday through Friday, covers a variety of topics, ranging from responsible voting to products made in Wisconsin.                            

Eau Claire Community Foundation Benefits Many Good Causes

After serving for some 30 years a medical professional, Terry McEnany, MD, made a career switch to become a ski instructor in Aspen, Colorado. Dr. Terry McEnany also devotes time to charity and previously served on the grants committee of the Eau Claire Community Foundation (ECCF).

The ECCF provides a framework in which donors can build funds to support their favorite cause. It facilitates a simple way for interested citizens to make a difference in the Eau Claire, Wisconsin, area.

The foundation has made possible some 140 funds, valued at $10,000 to $1 million. Whether the funders are individuals, families, or organizations, ECCF invests the funds in one of its three investment pools. Every year, funds from one of these pools go toward grants for foundation members to use for their own purposes.

Donors can grow seed funds, which expand until they are large enough to make community grants. Starting one of these Acorn Funds costs as little as $500; donors then make tax-deductible contributions for about five years. Afterward, they are considered fully funded with $10,000 and can make grants.

Several types of funds are possible. Unrestricted grants can cover any intended purpose, while field of interest funds are matched to specific concerns. Designated funds provide continuous support for already-existing groups. Pass-through funds are intended for short-term purposes to meet a particular need.

Corporate or individual donors with greater resources can start funds for $1,500. These persons advise the foundation on the best use of the funds, and grant making begins at $25,000.                            

Preparing Skis for Summer Storage

Terry McEnany, MD, draws on extensive experience as a ski instructor with Ski and Snowboard Schools in Aspen, Colorado. There, Dr. Terry McEnany has advised skiers on topics ranging from safety and technique to off-season storage.

Before putting skis away for the long summer, it is important to thoroughly wash all parts with water and a soft brush. Owners should then fully dry the skis and inspect the level of wax remaining on the base. Some skiers choose not to apply wax if a coating remains on the ski, while others believe that a thorough wax without scrape and polish is important for proper ski protection.

Skiers should also carefully assess for any discoloration or cracking on the bindings. In general, most bindings will need replacement after five seasons or several hundred days of use. Those who set their binding settings at 7 or above may wish to lower the settings for storage to avoid pressure, though experts recommend making a visible note to re-set the number before use the following season. Skiers should then choose a location for storage where skis will not be exposed to heat and where no pressure is applied that might bend the skis themselves.