About Kroka Helper Angels

This year we want to acknowledge some of the people who have faithfully worked with us for many years and shaped the school to be what you know as Kroka

Hugh Landis: Handyman Virtuoso When you see something beautiful being built at Kroka it is most likely Hugh’s job. The equipment barn, the Big Yurt’s kitchen cabinets and benches, and the map case in the office are just some of the examples of Hugh’s fine carpentry. Hugh can fix everything from trailers to water pumps and he is always there for us - to create the most “out of the box” design, to fix the leaking roof or to give a hand with leading a program. Hugh is the father of Ezra, Owen and Walker, all Kroka climbing program graduates. Hugh and his wife Terry live on a homestead in Jaffrey, NH, where they have raised four children.
Carol Raynsford: Fairy of the Songs Very few of us knew how to sing when we came to Kroka. We all sing beautifully (and more in tune) now, largely thanks to Carol Raynsford. Mother of Kroka Graduate James Duesenberry, Carol is a wonderful singer and teacher. Over the years she has volunteered her time and talent to work with Kroka teachers helping us to develop our voices. The Kroka Song Book and CD are also Carol’s work.
Rupert Zinn: Printer Extraordinaire Rupert has owned and run Zinn Graphics for the past 21 years, but he’s been doing print work for close to 50! He’s done everything from hand setting cut blocks to the modern digital format. As he says, the only press he hasn’t worked on is the Gutenberg. Since the very beginning, Rupert and his wife Honey have been working with Kroka, printing everything from our big brochures to our holiday cards. When Misha first approached Zinn Graphics to do a job, Rupert was immediately struck by Misha’s enthusiasm and charisma, and saw a formula for success. He has always helped Kroka by offering fair prices and working with environmentally friendly inks and papers. Rupert says, “It has always been exciting to work with a new business and watch it grow like Kroka has. Thanks for the opportunity to be a small part in your venture and success.” Thanks to you, Rupert, for being a good friend and partner over the years!
Bahman Mahdavi: Web Guru Bahman is a man of many talents. In addition to being a computer wizard, he is an amazing musician. He plays with a group called BroadBand, which you might be lucky enough to catch at some local venues if you live in the area. Originally from Iran, Bahman has traveled in places from Paris to Alaska, before finally settling down in Newfane, where he and his wife Johanna Gardner (a Kroka teacher) raise their three children. About eight years ago, Dede Cummings (see Graphics Queen) introduced Bahman to Misha, who was looking for some work to be done on the Kroka website. It was an auspicious meeting. Bahman has been keeping us technologically tied-in ever since, Johanna has been a lively addition to the Kroka staff, and Kroka has found a home sharing Bahman and Johanna’s land! Bahman enjoys working for Kroka Expeditions because the people “are the coolest people I have ever met. Friendly, generous, fun and interesting…I really appreciate the “leaving a light footprint” philosophy of all of Kroka’s undertakings, and I’m glad I can help spread that vision.” Thank you Bahman, for helping us get the vision out there digitally!
Dede Cummings: Graphics Queen Dede has been working for Kroka for approximately ten years. During that time, she has seen how well the organization has grown — from the persepective of the graphic designer. She says, “I love watching the growth and meeting new Kroka people; one thing is for sure, they are all still committed to the idea behind the organization — that of sustainability, nurturing creativity, and love and reverence for the wilderness.” Cummings is hoping to hike the Long Trail next summer with Johanna Gardner. The trip will raise funds to send to Darfur, through the organization SaveDarfur.com. She is an avid hiker, reader, and nordic skier with 3 almost grown kids. Dede and her family live in West Brattleboro on Bonnyvale Hill in a house her husband, Steve Carmichael, built himself. Their big news is the solar panels they recently installed and all their hot water comes from the sun.