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Show Wed/Thurs/Fri, January 24-26, 2018 The Park Record High schooler, moguls skier Tess Johnson confirmed for Olympics JOHN LACONTE Vail Daily EDWARDS, Colo. — Local Tess Johnson received confirmation Monday, Jan. 22, that she has earned a spot on the Olympic team. Johnson, 17, is a mogul skier who has been in a tight contest this season to be one of four athletes named to the team. “I always believed that I could (make the team),” Johnson said Monday. “But, to be honest, it’s one of those things that you never think is going to happen until it does … I don’t have words to describe the feeling.” Among the first calls Johnson made when she heard the news was to her soccer coach, Vail native Sylvan Ellefson, who has also been through the test of trying to make it to the Olympics. Four years ago, Ellefson won nationals and came painfully close to making it to the Olympics, but fell just shy of being named to the Nordic team. “It’s been kind of cool living vicariously through her right now,” Ellefson said. Thankfully, Ellefson said, this time around he didn’t have to relive the sting of the near miss. “I remember when she told me that she was a moguls skier and she was trying to make the U.S. Ski Team,” Ellefson said. “It’s TANZI PROPST/THE PARK RECORD Tess Johnson races down Champion run at Deer Valley Resort during the women’s finals of the Visa FIS Freestyle World Cup moguls event Jan. 11. been fun watching her go from a kid trying to make the U.S. Ski Team, to a kid on the U.S. Ski Team trying to make the Olympics, to making the Olympics.” Next in that progression, Johnson will move into her new role as an Olympian trying to make the podium. And she has a good shot at it, too. In the final World Cup before the games in Pyeongchang, South Korea, Johnson finished in a career-best fourth place. “Honestly, her getting a fourth place is way better than any other place,” Ellefson said. “I’ve had enough fourth places in my life that have really made me want to go out and get it a little more. It’s definitely going to inspire her going into the next few races.” Ellefson said much of Johnson’s success – in skiing and soccer – is a result of her mental fortitude. “The strength of her psychology is almost like no athlete I’ve ever seen,” Ellefson said. It’s a big statement coming from a cross-country racer. “She overcomes a lot in the face of adversity,” he added. Johnson is a captain on her soccer team, where Ellefson said she’s well liked because she’s humble and kind. The team won the state championship in 2015 and 2016, and this year Johnson says she definitely plans on trying to obtain another state title with the team. In the mean time, though, Johnson also has high school to finish up. She is a senior at Vail Ski & Snowboard Academy. “It’s possible that I won’t be coming home until after March, after U.S. Nationals, so until then I’m going to try to do as much school as I can, on the road, which I know won’t be easy, as it never has been,” Johnson said. “But I’m kind of just trying to focus on the present as much as I can.” That zen-like attitude is wisdom that was passed on to Johnson from Ellefson, based on his own experiences four years ago. “I was happy I was able to share with her a little bit of what I went through before her last competition,” Ellefson said. “Getting to travel the world, be with friends, all while skiing competitively. For me, that was something I didn’t get to reflect on until after I found out I didn’t make it to the Olympics.” Johnson said in addition to Ellefson, her parents – locals TJ and Carol Johnson – as well as her coaches, Riley Campbell and John Dowling from Ski & Snowboard Club Vail, are the first people that come to mind when she reflects on how she got to this point. “But all of my coaches, all of my teammates, and everyone in the entire Vail Valley has been so encouraging and supportive, I’m so grateful,” Johnson said. Some of the petS at NuzzleS & Co. lookiNg for love These animals are available to be seen at the Nuzzles & Co. Adoption Center and Rescue Ranch. Our Adoption Center is open Monday through Friday from noon to 7 p.m. and Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. It is located in the Tanger Outlets in Kimball Junction. Our Rescue Ranch is open Monday through Saturday from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., and closed Sunday. The Rescue Ranch is located at 6466 N. Highview Road in Peoa. Twinkie Bently Lido Chevron Twinkie’s a happy 1-year-old Lab mix. He’s a high-energy boy who knows some basic obedience commands and loves to play fetch! He does best with more submissive dogs, and he will chase cats if they run. Bently’s a friendly, happy puppy! This sweet Shepherd mix is a little goofball who loves attention, and knows how to get it! He’d love an active and playful family that can keep him busy and help him grow up to be a very good boy! Lido’s a sweet Chihuahua who’s about 2 years old. She’s a little nervous at first, but warms up quickly. She may do well with a dog friend with proper introduction. Lido likes being carried, going for walks, and riding in the car. Chevron’s a 2-year-old Kelpie mix. This timid, sweet gal needs a loving, patient family to help her gain some confidence. With TLC, her personality will blossom! She’d need a slow introduction to see how she’d interact with other pets. Squash Finn Marilou Beeker Squash is a big and beautiful buff tabby Domestic Shorthair. He’s 4 years old and loves to be around people! Squash is outgoing and social, and he will be a wonderful addition to any loving home that’s in need of an expert snuggler! Finn is a gentle and friendly Lynx Point Siamese mix. She’s about 9 years old. Finn is a mellow cat who enjoys relaxing and lounging in the sun. She may be considered a senior, but she is has lots of love and snuggles left to give! Marilou’s an affectionate middleaged Domestic Shorthair with a beautiful dilute tortie and white coat. She’s a sweet cat and is always up for a good ear scratching! She’d be happiest in a peaceful home with her favorite person. Beeker’s a 2-year-old Snowshoe mix with a beautiful coat and bright blue eyes. He’s shy but sweet, and gets along well with people and other cats. Beeker would be happiest in a quiet home with his people. WaNted: voluNteerS These Organizations are looking for volunteers. If you would like to include your group in this section, please email information to copyeditor@parkrecord.com. Please limit your entry to no more than 75 words Habitat for Humanity of Summit and Wasatch Counties Habitat for Humanity invites you to build sustainable, healthy, affordable housing as a ReStore volunteer. Do you love to tinker and fix things? Are you looking for a regular volunteer opportunity that’s fun and makes a lasting difference for local families? Immediate opportunities include cashier, merchandising and customer ambassador roles. For information, call 435-658-1400 or visit habitat-utah.org. Help Eliminate Alzheimer’s The Alzheimer’s Association’s Utah Chapter has many opportunities for volunteers to raise awareness and promote community events. Areas of particular need are community education, outreach, research, social media, public policy, communications and development. Positions can also be created depending on interest and passion. Many positions are virtual. Please contact Ronnie Daniel, executive director: rdaniel@alz.org. Holy Cross Ministries Holy Cross Ministries has openings for volunteers in both the school readiness program (3- to 5-year-olds at St. Mary’s White Pine Canyon from 8:15 a.m. to 3 p.m. Monday through Thursday) and in after-school homework sessions at Parleys Park, Jeremy Ranch and McPolin Elementary schools, which run 3-5:30 p.m. Monday through Thursday. School readiness will benefit from persons willing to read and work at small group centers. Please contact Miriam Garcia (mgarcia@hcmutah.org) for information on the school readiness program. Contact Franz Montalvo (fmontalvo@ hcmutah.org) for information on the after-school programs. The Hope Alliance The Hope Alliance is looking for volunteers to process eyeglasses for the vision program. These eyeglasses will be distributed to some of the poorest communities throughout Peru, Guatemala and other impoverished areas, supporting multiple vision campaigns. Volunteers can work at The Hope Alliance’s Park City office during office hours Monday through Saturday. For information, please call 435-333-3334 or email info@thehopealliance.org. Jeremy Ranch Elementary Jeremy Ranch Elementary School offers an excellent senior volunteer opportunity. Reading tutors are needed to mentor young readers throughout the school year. This is a rewarding experience and you will receive more than you give. No experience required. We will train you and provide a positive, fun atmosphere. We need you for this wonderful purpose-filled work. Contact Barbara at 801-699-5158. Kimball Art Center The Kimball Art Center seeks dedicated volunteers in a variety of areas at its largest fundraiser of the year: The 47th Annual Park City Kimball Arts Festival on Historic Main Street. Volunteerwill have the chance to give back to the community while enjoying an environment of art, cuisine and music. For information about available positions, responsibilities and benefits, please visit ParkCityKimballArtsFestival.org/volunteer or contact volunteers@kimballartcenter.org. The Mega Genius Supply Store Ready to make a difference in the lives of local students? The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is looking for a few interested adult volunteers to support students in grades 2-12 with homework at our quirky, free after-school tutoring program. Hours are flexible. Beginning Oct 2, tutoring happens Mon-Thurs after school until 5pm at 435 Swede Alley. Learn more by calling Stacey at 435-655-8252 or emailing ssayers@parkcityinstitute.org. Orientation and training required. Join us in this fun and fulfilling work. Find us on Facebook. The Mega Genius Supply Store & IQ HQ is a project of the Park City Institute. National Ability Center The National Ability Center is seeking volunteers for the Summit Challenge, Utah’s largest ride for cyclists of all abilities. The Summit Challenge is a fully supported road ride of 16, 52 or 102 miles through the scenic mountains and valleys of Summit and Wasatch counties. To sign up, visit SummitChallenge100.org/ volunteer. Volunteers interested in cycling, bike maintenance, archery, water sports, climbing and more are always needed on a weekly basis Monday through Saturday. Email volunteer@ discovernac.org to get started. B-7 Introducing... 435-645-7139 www.marketatparkcity.com Please look for our insert in today’s paper! |