Pt 1 :: Making Room For Autism In Our Canoe - We Used To Canoe Too

Legendary environmentalist, author, artist and cartographer
Hap Wilson wearing the Six Degree Project scarf for
Autism Awareness and Acceptance - WAAD 2013
(April 2) in snowy Muskoka, Canada.
(Abbey supports autism too! Ruff ruff!)
photo credit: Andrea Turner-Wilson

Dig this: April 2nd is World Autism Awareness Day (WAAD) and April is also known to many as Autism Awareness Month.  This multiple part story/part guide, written in honour of The Six Degree Project (Autism Awareness Celebrity Campaign) and WAAD, is the tale (with tips) of how we got to the end of the portage with our son. With hopes to help raise awareness about autism and the extra challenge it brings to lives of many families, including ours; we also hope this Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe "series" helps to inspire other families to get out there and live their dreams as best as they are able - because even though, with autism, our lives are different - they shouldn't be less. Thanks to our family and friends who have shown their support and a special thank you to Hap Wilson for showing his support for autism awareness and acceptance. ~Fiona

Hey, we USED to canoe too!

When our son, Makobe, received his diagnosis of autism at the age of two, we really didn't realize just how much our lives were going to change. My husband and I had met and it didn't take us long to find that a mutual love and passion for paddling and the outdoors were not the only things we had in common. Soon, after an extended travelling trip to B.C., we were married. Two years later we had our beautiful son. Even still, our relationship and careers were built and shaped by the paddle sports industry. We lived for paddling. However we soon realized Makobe's autism, with his over-hyperactive behaviours and inability to self-regulate, had made it nearly impossible for us to continue our regular paddling and wilderness canoe trips as a family.

Indeed, we were not alone. Mike and I have met many families along our autism journey that had given up a beloved pursuit because it didn't fit in very easily with the demands and difficult behavioural issues that autism brought to the child and family. "Oh we used to canoe too!" was a statement I grew weary of hearing. I knew why, of course - it is difficult enough to get thru a normal autism day let alone try to take on the extra challenge of a wilderness canoe trip! Unable to plan for a paddling trip, we knew we were well on our way to saying something similar to our friends and family ourselves until we discovered the principles of ABA (Applied Behaviour Analysis) and decided we were going to be a family of paddlers - even if it took us years to get there.

And it did. Eight years, in fact. Eight years before our son was ready for his real first wilderness canoe trip. There were many tears and meltdowns along the way but each struggle and hand-drawn visual aid was worth every minute when we walked across that first portage - a huge transition for Makobe - with great success, a little giggle, and a big smile. The smile was his Dad's. The giggle was mine but the great success all belonged to Makobe.

So after years of practicing and planning, we had finally made it! Yet there was more to this journey than we realized. Yes, we had learned how to make room for autism in our canoe; but by doing so, we had also learned how to better make room for autism in our lives. With the help of visual aids, the proper teaching techniques, breaking the big skills down into individual skills before being taught as a whole, Dr. Vince Carbone's Verbal Behaviour (VB) protocols, plus lots of patience and creativity - we realized that our son could do anything he put his mind too with our support and encouragement. Not to mention the principles of ABA (and VB) can be applied anywhere - yes, even on a portage!


Start'em Young
So while much of the tactics we used and will be sharing are for families of children with autism or special needs, much of this approach could also be applied to paddling with any child, really. It is important to remember that how our parents spent time with us as children influenced our idea of comfort when we later became adults. The more positive time you spend outdoors, in nature, with your children (at any age) - the greater chance they will seek out the wilderness later in life and with their own children as their chosen pastime. Getting young children to feel comfortable and enjoy spending time in the the outdoors is important; and remembering our connection with Nature is paramount for our survival on this planet. Besides, getting your hands filthy with camp dirt and feeling your feet get wet in the warm summer waters of a fresh water lake - or the salty sea - is something that everyone should have the pleasure of experiencing in their lifetime. And when children see their parents enjoying an outdoor experience and simpler life-style, they do too. It is also important to remember whether the child has autism or not - there is always room in a canoe for fun!

Coming NEXT: The Journey Begins, Paddling at Home

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay in support of The Six Degree Project Autism Awareness campaign.

To read all the parts to this story guide, click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe

To read our report from Makobe's first wilderness trip into Algonquin, please click here: Making Room For Autism In Your Canoe - A Trip Report

**Stim(s) or Stimming are the terms most used to describe a self-stimulatory behaviour or activity that is performed repetitively and usually to the alienation of others.  Examples can be screaming, hand-flapping, finger play, rocking, spinning, lining up objects, verbal behaviour, etc.

Of Badgers and Portageurs :: Canoecopia 2013

Badger® WaterColours at Canoecopia 2013
Photo by attendee Stephanie Rochon

Our second year at Canoecopia was another whirlwind of sales and smiles. Mike was happy to see all the familiar faces as well as many new ones too. Without Fiona, who stays home with Makobe (but really hopes to be able to attend next year if Badger is invited back again!), Mike is all alone in the booth for the entirety of the show. Thankfully, both this year and last, popular blogger Preston (from Portageur.ca) attended as well - offering to help out so that Mike was able to catch a break here and there while Preston closed sales and made himself otherwise available to people for questions and conversation (about canoeing and portaging, what else?!).

The calm before the storm -
the booth is ready for Canoecopia 2013.

At first, there was some confusion about our paddle shapes. Mike hadn't had a chance to review the Canoecopia Gazette/Show Guide but realized something was up when people were coming into the booth looking for the bigger bladed paddles. Thankfully Mike had brought some Diggers with him so those really hoping for the larger blade surface, over our more traditional shapes, were satisfied and left with an ash or cherry paddle of their preference. He later realized that the mention of a paddle that was a "tad larger" (in the show guide) had gotten everyone a bit confused but he was able to match up paddles to people's preferences without a problem once he knew what they were.

Mike, as it happens, was really excited for this show as both the Badger-Tripper and the BadgerTail were NEWLY redesigned this year for a more fluid paddling experience.

BadgerTail (top)
Badger-Tripper (bottom)

The BADGER-TRIPPER, a very effective and popular canoe tripping paddle, is based on our "slicy" modified ottertails. A hybrid paddle, we have taken our favourite aspects from the original BadgerPaw and Tripper designs and combined them into one. The result is an extremely fluid, quiet, and aesthetically pleasing paddle. This design is definitely a top choice for trippers - or those who spend most of their day in the canoe.

The BADGERTAIL paddle has a deep and wide blade with a lot of surface area to move large amounts of water but still sits deep enough to be a very effective rudder. Based on a traditional beavertail, the Tail is also great for prying strokes. By redistributing the volume of the blade, we have created a smoother paddling experience. With the bulk of the blade’s volume pulling in the deeper, more still waters - instead of higher up where the water is bubbling and gurgling from your stroke - the paddler's energy is conserved.

Mike was also excited to meet and see everyone again and to talk paddles and paddling. But there was another subject on his mind as well this year as he had brought with him a blue scarf from The Six Degree Project - which aims to get celebrities to wear their scarves in the name of autism awareness. We had already approached Kevin Callan - The Happy Camper (and Hap Wilson!) who (both!) agreed to help bring awareness and attention to autism for the next little while as totally willing participants.

Author and popular outdoor celebrity Kevin Callan wearing
a Six Degree Project Scarf in the name of Autism Awareness
in honour of Makobe & people living with autism every where!
photo credit: Portageur.ca

So this is where Portageur.ca comes in again as he was asked in an *urgent* message pleading with him to photograph Kevin wearing the scarf as he was running around the show. Preston, always a trooper, came thru with a flying spectrum of colours and tracked Kevin down for a shot and included Mike (Kevin's connection to autism is through Makobe) in a great photo. Thanks to Kevin Callan (The Happy Camper) and to our portage loving friend, for helping to bring autism awareness to Canoecopia this year!

A happy portageur and a happy paddler too.
Thanks for being such a great salesman Preston!

On Sunday, Mike was excited again to be able to present our Maple Pancake Pitch to those he shared breakfast with. Last year Mike brought down some Bow Jam with him but this year, the Canoe Trippers' Syrup proved to be really popular with the pancake eating paddlers.

Prepared by Yummies in a Jar located right here in Muskoka, we were more than delighted with the flavour of our specially made "pancake glue".

Our Maple Syrup was a favourite
at breakfast this year!

We only made up a few bottles of this novel, but very delicious Canadian pure maple syrup, however we are definitely going to be getting more soon due to it's deliciousness and popular demand (we got a more than a few private inquiries from family and friends who would like to try it after seeing it posted on Facebook and those who did try it want MORE!).

If you are are wanting to try some yourself, send us an email or drop us a line via our Facebook page.

At the end of the breakfast, full of pancakes, Mike was ready to greet the last day of the show and was soon on his way home. But not before he made lots of new friends and made sure that many of his Badgers had found new paddling families.

Copy of the label on our (imaginative) Maple Pancake Pitch.

Thanks to everyone who helped to make Canoecopia 2013 another great success for Mike and Badger Paddles. We were even honoured by Canoe & Kayak Magazine by being picked for their Best In Show list (we just found out ourselves!). So thanks to you all for helping us become the Badgers we are today. Paws up to everyone! And paddles up to everyone too!

Badger® WaterColours make Canoe & Kayak's Best In Show list!

Special thanks to Preston (Portageur), Stephanie, Kevin Callan, Darren & family, Roch, Scott, David, Seaward Kayaks,  Jerry Vandiver, Jeff Fitch and his very lovely wife, the very happy lady paddlers Donna and Joan, as well as Lou,  and the Kayak Sailors, and the nice lady who let Preston make a sale -  plus many more who helped to make Canoecopia so much fun for Mike again this year. Hope to see you all next year (when I hope to be able to come too)! ~ Fiona

Testimonials - Getting To The Heart Of It

We have received many heartwarming emails from paddlers over the past few years about their Badger® paddle(s). Some even ended up serving as testimonials. Some of these testimonials make us feel pride in our work and relationships with other paddlers, others have wowed us, a couple have made us smile, one or two made us laugh, and the most recent messages received actually made us tear up with emotion!

It may sound a little weird to think that a customer testimonial could make a business owner laugh or get all teary eyed, but it happens! Especially when we put so much thought and effort into each paddle and what (in our case Badger®) our business stands for.... when each thing we do or make contains so much of us, ourselves. It becomes.... well.... it becomes very personal. For us, there really is a piece of ourselves in every paddle we make. So, yes, sometimes a person's reaction can evoke pretty strong emotions for an artisan. I can say this because I speak from experience. It really means a lot to us when our customers, clients, and friends, share their experiences and thoughts with us about Badger®.

Here is a small collection of those testimonials and messages that fall into some of the categories referred to above:

Read Sean Smith's full review here:Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com

We first were wowed by the great and lengthy review from The Fatpaddler. We felt really lucky to have made it onto ( author and paddling adventurer) Sean Smith's radar. As fans of Sean's, and followers of The Fatpaddler blog, we were really excited to see our paddles in the hands of someone "down-under" and a welcomed part of Fatpaddler's web-based chronicle. (Besides writing the popular blog, Sean also wrote a book depicting his near-death experiences, his struggle within the abyss of depression, and finding his way out again with the help of taking up paddling and the support of his new and loving family. It is inspirational and a "must read"!)
Read Sean Smith's full review here: Badger® Paddles Review - Fatpaddler.com

But then... We were wowed again when we received this testimonial from Hap Wilson, artist, author, environmentalist, photographer and the Eco Trailbuilder, himself! Both Mike and I had read Hap's work and used his Temagami Guide book (the "bible" for canoe tripping in Temagami, ON) for years, and were in awe of his powerful history, his fascinating life and his impressive accomplishments.

"In this age of 'techno-gear' you don't often come across any hand-made products that really stand out. Badger Paddles is the exception. ... Every avid paddler needs a 'real' paddle, and I love my Badger" ~Hap Wilson

Read Hap Wilson's full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

We were just this past week also given another surprise testimonial from Hap Wilson, this time by way of an illustration to be published in his new Trans Canada Trail Path of the Paddle Guidebook. One of the scenes decorating the iconic map for the Maukinak Trail actually depicts two Digger paddles! WOW!

Take a look here: Maukinak Trail Map ~ Hap Wilson - Eco Trailbuilders.

Also... Mike Wenholz sent us a testimonial message a while back, and it made us smile really big!

"I bought a Sliver in cherry, and really like the paddle.  It's the first otter tail-style paddle I have owned.  I have been learning to paddle the canadian stroke, knifing the paddle back through the water on the recovery, often keeping the paddle in the water the entire stroke.  This paddle has made learning this stroke much easier.

Also, while battling significant whitecaps that were coming from two directions (across the lake and down an angling bay) the length of the paddle made it possible for me to keep us headed in the right direction with speed by reaching out wide to steer us through the angling waves." ~Mike Wenholz

Read Mike's full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

Scott's made us smile big too, we love when people feel the strength of our paddles:
“I've used the paddle on some trips. I must say I love it!
It's solid, sturdy and it produces power.
 I had little trouble fighting the current of the Vermilion River.” ~ Scott H.

We definitely felt a sense of pride when we read the following comments from Roger Parnis:

Photo credit: Roger Parnis

"Hi Fiona and Mike, I just got back from a 3 day trip to Little Trout Lake and I wanted to let you know how impressed I was with the paddle you made for me. The oil rub on the handle and shaft make it grip wet or dry. This was the most important feature to me. I found I had more power and control over the canoe than my previous paddle. The glossy finish on the blade looks great on my wall too! So it's the best piece of gear I've bought in a long time. Thank you." ~ Roger Parnis

But then there was the Angelina testimonial from Marcus:

"Had a new paddle arrive this week,a Badger Paddles Sliver. Shape wise it's an elongated ottertail,the timber is cherry. It's the Angelina Jolie of the paddle world,very long,very lean and totally sexy!! Using it is an absolute joy,very easy to move through the water,very slick it made underwater recovery very very easy.I was also surprised at the speed I managed from it." ~M. Grose

Marcus Grose's testimonial came at the same time that Angelina Jolie was in the news for sticking her leg out from under her highly split dress at the Oscars. There was even a Twitter account made for it called @AngiesRightLeg. So we couldn't help but laugh out loud when we read Marcus' comment regarding the association between the sexy Angela Jolie and our paddles! Right away the wacky thought of Angelina's famous right leg becoming a paddle came to mind. I (Fiona) sent Marcus the image (see the Angelina picture on left) for a laugh after receiving his email. I still smile when I think about that "very long, very lean and totally sexy" Badger paddle leg and the wonderful testimonial Marcus sent us. Thanks Marcus!!!
Read Marcus' full testimonial here: Badger® Paddles Customer Testimonials

Another great review came from Nige Ayers (founder of the Simply Canoe and C-wav) complete with pictures which can be read here: Badger Sliver In The U.K. Thanks again Nige!

But the one unexpected testimonial that made both of us (Mike and I) actually tear up was this message just recently received from Ian. He took note of all the things that matter most to Mike and I as paddlers, paddle-makers, and outdoor enthusiasts:

“there's a lot of ideas about paddles out there -- i'm just advocating for things as i see 'em -- i notice little things, the subtle thickening of the shaft just before the blade, fine edges on the sides, stoutness still at the blade end, a well grained wood in a solid serviceable, not show-room-gloss finish, -- i see a lot of over-engineered laminate and composite paddles, or the clever and finely finished furniture grade pieces...i mean, they are nice, and i appreciate them for what they are -- but there is an elegant functional simplicity to (my) badger paddle that really works for me -- i wouldn't mind hanging it on my wall or snubbing off a rock in mild moving water mid-expedition. one the fantastic things about canoeing is the intersection between simplicity, aesthetic, and solid functionality and the badger paddle hits it dead centre...then factor in being able to banter 'bout paddle-stuff at a show with the paddle-maker...that's almost master-card priceless...” ~Ian Hanna

This hand painted ambigram paddle also came
with a laser engraved sparkly blue peace sign and
a personally written message to "Saffyr" from her Uncle's
own hand. This ambigram says "Saffyr" one way and
"Peace" when looked at from another angle.
Besides being one of Fiona's most favourite
commissions ever, it also led to a very cute
and personal video message that us Badgers will never forget!

But, truly, when all is said and done, one of our most favourite paddler portageur testimonials ever, came by way of a personal "surprise" video from Preston of Portageur.ca* starring his sixteen year old paddling and portaging niece Saffyre (a.k.a. "Saffyr" - belonging to the next great generation of paddlers portageurs) whose thankful smile stole our hearts, made us laugh, made me (Fiona) shed a tear, and helped us become truly aware of how thankful we are for being able to connect with such wonderful people like "Saffyr Peace" and YOU!

So a heartfelt thank you to all of our paddling friends who have taken the time to write to us and tell us how much they genuinely dig their paddles. Everyone of you has impacted our lives and business in a way that we will be forever grateful for. Thank you. No really... THANK YOU!!!

Written by Fiona Westner-Ramsay

*Scroll to near the bottom of this Portageur.ca blog posting (Christmas gift ideas) to read the short back story on this very special paddle for his very special paddling niece.

The Twelve Days of Muskoka - Christmas & Holiday Local Gift Guide :: Day 9

We really dig living in Muskoka. The area is home to many beautiful iconic features and creatures that have come to help symbolize Ontario and Canada as we know it. But one of features that we like the most is how inspiring it is to live amongst the many artisans and crafters - that have made this land of rock and water their home - as well the smaller businesses that have come to be part of the personality and character of the Muskoka we have come to know and love. Thus Twelve Days of Muskoka, inspired by Suburban Tourist's Twelve Days of Holiday Gift Giving, is meant to celebrate these people and their businesses as well as introduce you to some new gift giving ideas and remind you of some old favourites.

The Ninth Day of Muskoka Christmas & Holiday Gift Giving Guide
Hap Wilson - Adventure, Art & Books

Hap Wilson stands with a painted
Digger honouring Kirk Wipper.

Another great example of the truly extraordinary people who make Muskoka their home is Hap and Andrea. Hap Wilson is a renowned Canadian naturalist, canoe tripper, author, illustrator and photographer. He has published numerous Canadian canoe route guides and books about wilderness life and just recently, along with his amazing wife, took on participating in the exciting project to link to The TransCanada Trail by way of canoe routes. A friend to Badger Paddles, Hap and his most beautiful wife Andrea Turner-Wilson, live in the Muskoka area (when they are not too busy with their many passions and projects that is!).

So basically, if you have traveled the Temagami area (or the Missinaibi, Coulonge or Dumoine rivers) there's a very good chance that you used one of his guide books. Beautifully illustrated, Hap's books became a wilderness route bible to many. While he has travelled far too many miles to count, Hap has always shared his experiences with us along the way through his writings, teachings, sketches, paintings, and photographs.

Thankfully, Hap's iconic artwork is available for purchase at select galleries or by contacting him directly. Visit his current website: www.eskakwa.ca/ or see a selection of his books available for purchase via Amazon here: Hap Wilson Books. Any one of his beautifully illustrated guide books would make for great winter reading as you plan and dream for next season's adventure - as a gift for a friend or well.... even yourself. For the record: We have several books of his in our own personal collection but are truly hoping to get our paws on an original Hap Wilson someday ourselves. And... Hap Wilson's artwork has always been an inspiration to Fiona.

One of the many guide books available,
authored, illustrated, and compiled by Hap.

Badger Your Friends Contest Winners

When we checked the number of "Likes" on our Facebook page just before midnight last night, we couldn't help but dig what we saw. We made it to 1000 "Likes" just in time for the close of the contest!


Thanks to all the Badgers who spread the word about Badger® Paddles - and helped to bring even more paddling Badgers to our sett on Facebook. 1000 Badgers! Now that has got to be the largest "Badger Clan" ever!!!


However, while you all deserve to get your paws on some prizes, we could only pick 5 randomly chosen winners. And they are:

First Prize Winner: Melanie Buckle

Second Prize Winner: Ray McCullough

Third Prize Winner:  Gayle Bellemare 

Fourth Prize Winner: Jason Funk 

Fifth Prize Winner: Nathan Miller

All winners have now been contacted by email. Once again, thanks to everyone for their amazing participation in our contest. And for letting us badger you about it!!!

For those Badgers who did not win this time around, thanks for your efforts and remember....who knows what the next Badger® Contest will bring!?!

Thanks to our contest sponsors: Algonquin Outfitters,
Hap Wilson, and Jerry Vandiver
Full prize descriptions for each winner can be found below.

NOTE:
First Prize Winner will receive:
One Badger Canoe Paddle and Badger Paddle Sock (value $135 or less). Plus one Opeongo Day Fishing/Paddling Trip complete with Water Taxi (value $85 CAD or less). (prize pack value: $225 CAD or less) Plus one Algonquin Outfitters sticker and one Badger Paddles sticker. 



Second Prize Winner will receive:
Hap Wilson’s newly re-published Temagami - A Wilderness Paradise book - signed by the author. Plus one Badger Paddle Sock (prize pack value: $50 CAD or less). Plus one Algonquin Outfitters sticker and one Badger Paddles sticker.


Third Prize Winner will receive:
A signed by the artist copy of Jerry Vandiver’s paddle songs CD titled: True and Deep - Songs for the Heart of the Paddler, and one Badger “Profits of Paddling” T-shirt (prize pack value: $40 CAD or less) Plus one Algonquin Outfitters sticker and one Badger Paddles sticker.


Fourth Prize Winner will receive:
One Badger “Profits of Paddling” T-shirt. Plus one Algonquin Outfitters sticker and one Badger Paddles sticker. (prize pack value: $35 CAD or less).


Fifth Prize Winner will receive:
One Badger Paddle Sock. Plus one Algonquin Outfitters sticker and one Badger Paddles sticker (prize pack value: $25 CAD or less).

Thanks again to everyone who entered!


And a special Badger thank you to all of our contest sponsors including, Algonquin Outfitters, amazing artist, author and trail blazer - Hap Wilson, and the ever talented Jerry Vandiver. We are sure that our contest would not have been near as much fun with out you. We dig you all very VERY much! 

Badger® Your Friends Contest

Since starting our Badger® Paddles... for those who dig the water page on Facebook, it's following has steadily grown. And we want to celebrate that growth with all of you "BADGERS" with a Badger® contest! Help us get over a 1000 "Likes" (we are at just over 700 presently) for your chance to win. The contest rules are simple - all you have to do is suggest our page (on Facebook) to your paddling friends (so they become "BADGERS" too!) and then email us the number of friends you suggested should "Like" our page in the subject line or body of an email. That's it! Full details and prize package descriptions can be found on our website here: Badger® Your Friends Contest.

EMAIL YOUR ENTRY TO: badgercontests@me.com

An example entry could look like this:
____________________________________________

From: Your Name Here [mailto: your email address here]
Sent: Tuesday, February 29, 2012 8:55 PM
To: badgercontests@me.com
Subject: Badger Your Friends Contest

I told 22 friends to like Badger Paddles.

____________________________________________

So just tell your paddling friends to "Like" us on Facebook for your chance to win - just don't forget you have to like us too!

We have some great prizes to give away too. Like a Badger® Paddle - value $130 or less - (with an included Badger® Paddle Sock), an Opeongo Day Fishing/Paddling Package from Algonquin Outfitters - value $85 ---- or choose Badger® gear if you can't make it to Algonquin. Plus we are giving away a copy of the newly re-published Hap Wilson's Temagami canoeing, kayaking and hiking guide book: "Temagami - A Wilderness Paradise". And it's signed by the author too, with a little drawing included to boot! Plus a signed CD of Paddle Songs by the very talented and celebrated Jerry Vandiver, plus Algonquin Outfitter stickers, Badger® T-shirts and more!

Jerry Vandiver's CD is full of songs for paddlers and campers alike.
A signed copy of his CD will be one of the great prizes available.
Fiona's favourite is "Under The Same Sky" What's yours?

Signed by the author, Hap Wilson also included a cute
sketch of a Badger® Paddle too.

Our "Profits of Paddling" T-shirt will also be a prize.

Another great prize from Algonquin Outfitters:
Departing from the store at the South end of Lake Opeongo,
a short water taxi ride will bring you to some of
Lake Opeongo's choice fishing holes. The Water Taxi will
return at a predetermined time to pick you back
up and return you to the base after a day of reeling in the big ones.
Click here for a full package description.

We will pick 5 random winners from our emailed entries when we reach 1000 "Likes" (after March 30, 2012*) or on April 30, 2012   - which ever comes first (see our website for full contest details and dates).

For a full list of Badger Your Friends Contest prize packs plus contest rules, visit our website. (www.paddlesock.com/socks/Badger_Your_Friends_Contest.html)

Good luck getting some of those prizes into your paws!!!

* Note: Draw will not be held before March 30, 2012 regardless of meeting our “Likes” goal (or not) due to the logistics of collecting of the “signed copies” of some sponsored items for this contest. If we do not meet our goal of 1000 “Likes” for our page on Facebook as of April 29, 2012, then winners will be chosen on (or around) April 30, 2012 and announced shortly there after.