CARIBOU – The Maine Winter Sports Center announces the addition of 2002 Colby Graduate, Melissa York, to their staff as a Community Development Coach. “Melissa comes ideally suited to work with the Maine Winter Sports Center and our Healthy Hometown programs,” said MWSC Vice President John Farra. “She is an inspiring female role model for young women in Maine and we are excited about the impact she can have on our State.”
An outdoor enthusiast since childhood, Melissa grew up in Suffern on the outskirts of New York City where she ran cross country and track and skied on Suffern High School’s downhill team. She also ran cross country for Colby College, where she graduated in 2002 with a degree in biology. Melissa moved to Portland to work in environmental education and started cross country skiing. An avid athlete, she ran in the Mayor’s Midnight Sun Marathon in Anchorage, Alaska as part of the Leukemia and Lymphoma Society’s Team in Training program, and continues with a very active lifestyle.
As a Community Development Coach, Melissa will be a resource to communities looking to establish new outdoor recreation programs including nordic and alpine skiing programs. She will also provide continuing support for those looking to enhance existing programs.
Melissa hopes to stimulate grassroots efforts to engage children and families in healthy lifestyles, including “learn-to-ski” and “learn-to-shoot” biathlon clinics, developing recreational trail systems and engaging more community members in the four-season use of the world-class Nordic venues in the County: the Nordic Heritage Center in Presque Isle and the 10th Mountain Center in Fort Kent.
“Melissa continues a long tradition of excellence on our staff,” said Andy Shepard, President of the MWSC. “I continue to be honored by the extraordinary quality of young men and women who have committed to our mission.”
For more information about MWSC community outreach programs, outdoor recreation opportunities at the Nordic Heritage and 10th Mountain Centers or about upcoming special events, contact Melissa or any of the MWSC staff at 492-1444.
