Frank Abissi

Grand Rapids, MI

Birthday: July 20

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Frank Abissi commented on John and Janet Ruiz's blog post Woodstock, Aug. 15-18th, 1969...Were you there?

"Oops. I already posted in this thread, sorry?"

Frank Abissi commented on John and Janet Ruiz's blog post Woodstock, Aug. 15-18th, 1969...Were you there?

"I was there, 12 years old. I told my parents I was going camping with some friends in Kent Connecticut and instead we went to Woodstock. I drank my first quart of beer there, tossed my cookies for what seemed like an eternity. Saw my first naked…"

Frank Abissi commented on John Richeson's blog post The Sky is Falling! Or "Mal-Pak" Remnants for Sale?

"Very well said Ric Cox."

Frank Abissi commented on John Richeson's blog post The Sky is Falling! Or "Mal-Pak" Remnants for Sale?

"I remember it seemed like every week we got a new and improved MAL oak list. I had everything on the list once and was so proud of myself then we got another list that had some weird stuff on it that I had never heard of. I remember also the grief…"

Frank Abissi commented on W. Scott Higdon's blog post To All

"Lena and I are sad to hear this, I am really glad we have the return to look forward to when we will all be back together. I would run into him from time to time here in GR and it was always like a breath of fresh air to see him. Would you keep me…"

Frank Abissi left a comment for david r. bedard

"Hi Dave:
God's great love and blessings to you. Lena and I live under the bridge in Grand Rapids. We have been here since 1985 and will probably be here for quite a few more. God is doing great things for us here If you ever come out to visit the…"

Frank Abissi replied to John Richeson's discussion In Memory of Kas Mancini Anderson

"I cried the day I heard she fell asleep. I am so thankful for the return of Christ, I just wish I didn't have to wait so darn long for it to occur. Kas and I were WOWs together in 1981/82. We changed the world by shouting out God's Word. She was one…"

Frank Abissi left a comment for Jeff Stanley

"Hey Jeff, I just looked at your pictures were we all that young once? WOW!!! I can't wait till we are all tougher again when the Lord returns
Lena and I send our love to you."

Frank Abissi left a comment for Anne C. Richards

"Hi Anne,
God bless you, It's been too many years. I've been to Maine a couple times in the past years (Katahdin). Next time I'm up there I'll call you. Hey, My Niece, Katie Gassman, is a med school student in Maine. I'm not sure exactly where, maybe…"

Frank Abissi left a comment for David Bailey

"God bless you my Brother. Have a wonderful day on your Birthday. Remember the chats we had back in Emporia so many years ago? I do and they were some great times."

Frank Abissi replied to Ric Cox's discussion What to bring

"You have to realize that I work in a "recreational" setting as a mountain guide. My clients as far as I am concerned are my only priority. If i wasn't a hard ass every peak I've gone to would see me forfeiting my ascents with my clients to help…"

Frank Abissi replied to Ric Cox's discussion What to bring

"I've been in the mountains have seen people unprepared so many times it's frightening. A few years back I was climbing a 20,000 foot peak and at base camp one morning There was an idiot on the rope team ahead of us that was wearing jeans and a…"

Frank Abissi replied to Ric Cox's discussion What to bring

"I still have my MAL pack. I would never use what I have in it or the pack itself for that matter but It's still packed in the attic and ready to go. I think that I could put it into a museum."

Frank Abissi left a comment for Mike and Lisa Tracy

"Hi Mike and Lisa,
Hey I would love to get your song of the week. My Email is Frank@higround.com if you need it.
Glad to hear your still in Iowa."

Frank Abissi left a comment for Nancy Louise Kegley Moran

"Happy Birthday to you Nancy. You are the apple of God's eye!"

Frank Abissi left a comment for marshall cheek

"Hi Marshall, God's blessings to you. It's great to hear your still out there. Love to you from Lena and Me"

More…

Location

Grand Rapids, MI

Birthday:

July 20

Way Corp group(s) I was in

11th

Where I live

Grand Rapids, MI

Married or Single

Married

About Me

Lena Nardone and I were married right after Graduation in the Corps Weddings.Lena and I are blessed with two wonderfilled boys (Andrew 30 and Paul 27), Dog - Pearl and are still hanging out in Grand Rapids. I work a whole lot but really love what I do and Lena comes with me quite often on my trips. I just can't get enough of the deep things of Gods Word. Life is Good. I was ordained to the ministry of God's people on January 10th 2010. My latest project is consulting new climbing wall setups, Helping to write a book for climbing wall instructors and I am also working as an expert witness on court cases involving climbing. I am having a blast. December 12th, 2009 I completed the world record for the most number of feet climbed on artificial climbing walls in a 12 month period, 251,040 feet or 47.348 miles of vertical. The previous record was 110,000 feet in one year. In June of 2014 I graduated from North Western with a M.Th in Biblical studies and Roman culture. I then completed my Th.D in Biblical Philology in December of 2014.The following year I began a very intense program and received my Ph.D in Biblical Philology with a minor in Biblical Studies. I graduated for what i am hoping to be the last time in December of 2015.

My Interests

Still reading the Bible (It's my favorite book). I retook up Banjo playing. In my spare time I'll watch a movie or mess around in the garden with my black thumb. Lena and I bought some land on Owls Head Mountain in the Adirondacks (Keene NY) We hope to put a cabin on it sometime soon and later retire there. In July I attempted to climb the Eiger in Switzerland. We reached a height of 1300 feet above the Eiger windows (about 12,000 feet) I am going back in the Summer of 2016 I am returning to give it another try. If you look on line you will see the Eiger is the most dangerous mountain in the world to climb.

Employment or Career

Mountain Guide, Rock Climbing Gym Owner, Professional Rock Climber, I also am the owner of a company called Emergency Care Training Services LLC. which teaches CPR and First Aid to groups. I am trained as a high rope access technician and do such things as fix clocks on sky scrapers, Light bulbs on cranes. and removing parts of buildings that can only be reached from the outside of the building. The name of my main business though is Higher Ground Rock Climbing Centre Ltd.

Music I Like

James Brown is some of my favorite. I also like classic rock, bluegrass (But I hate country music). My son Paul is an extremely fine concert violinist so I have gotten to enjoy classical. Right now Bob Dylan is playing on my iphone. Lena and I got to JAM with Rusted Root the beginning of August 08. It was really great, lots of fun and the absolute height of my musical career. I have been taking Guitar lessons for the past 5 years, playing mostly Bluegrass.

Books I Like

Just too many too recount here.

Television I like

The BIG knob has always gotten my attention. I especially like to watch anything with a lot of action, like Criminal Minds or Bear Grylls (I am sure he and survivor man make this stuff up as they go). So if anyone wants to stop by sometime I am home (which isn't too often) We can both grab a root beer and watch something with our feet up. Don't forget to bring the chips and dip.

Movies I like

On my days off, which are very rare I like to go to the movie store and find a couple new releases, Eat Potato Chips and Onion Dip and generally make myself into a real slob. My favorite movie of all time is Ishtar with Warren Beatty and Dustin Hoffman. It got the worst ratings I think of all time but it's stupid enough to make sense.

Sports Teams I like

I used to work in Professional Baseball as a Human Resource Director. I saw 170 games of baseball one summer. I don't watch or go near baseball at all any more. DETROIT PISTONS My favorite team though is the "Higher Ground Youth Climbing Team".

Website 1

https://www.higround.com

Website 2

https://www.RockandIceClimber.com

My Email Address:

Frank@higround.com

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Comments

Hank Altheide July 8, 2008 at 4:26pm

Hi, Frank!
What a treat to hear from you. As I peck out these words on my keyboard it just occurred to me that today is July 8 and that on this same date in 1983 we walked across the stage in Kenyon Auditorium. My, how time flies when you're having fun! It is obvious from your photos that God has richly blessed your life and I am happy to know that you are still serving Him. Love to you and Lena
Bonnie Bailey July 1, 2008 at 5:17pm

Hi, Frank and Lena.

I hope you served carrot juice with those hamburgers you were grilling. I don't know if you remember, but I first tasted carrot juice at your home in Des Moines and am still making it on my Green Star juicer. Yummy!!

Nice to hear from you.
Vickie Fleming Ashby June 30, 2008 at 1:49am

Hey, Frank!

How's the training going? I am thinking of you and praying for you as you prepare for adventure.
We just returned from a family fishing trip to Colorado; the most fun thing was hiking in the mountains together, and picking our way up a steep muddy slope to work over to where the snow was, and skiing down on our butts. Even the 9-year-old worked up some serious speed. Pretty pedestrian, but we had a blast. We are easily amused in my family. This week, we are laying floor, cleaning house, and painting walls. Oh, how the bubble has burst! Somehow the memory of the fresh air in the mountains lingers over the reality of the plaster dust.

You are very fortunate to have "adventure" as part of your job description! Enjoy! Love, Vickie
John Lynn June 28, 2008 at 3:58am

Hi Frank,
Blessings to you and Lena et al. Thanks for your note. Christine, aka Dr. Norton, and family are moving 7/14 from Denver to San Marcos TX where she will be a professor at TSU. She is carving quite a niche for herself in the wilderness therapy/experiential education/clinical social work field, though she hasn't done any climbing lately. My grandchildren are now 5 (Mahalia) and 3 (Will). Your climb sounds like a big deal. Elizabeth and I are well. Off to teach this weekend in Wheaton IL. No plans for GR any time soon, as we are sticking fairly close to home this summer with the exception of a teaching weekend in Boston Aug. 2-3.
Have a bleseed day. I love you.
John
Kas Mancini Anderson June 28, 2008 at 1:59am

Yo Frank,
Paul and I left several messages. We have been wanting to hang out with you. When you get a spare moment call I would like to share with you my visit to see Marilyn. I went during Spring break and had a great time. Talk to you soon. I am home for the summer with a few side trips to Philly, Boston and Chicago.
Love you,
KAS
susan cahoon June 28, 2008 at 12:54am

Hey Frank, What a blessing to hear from you.....no, I have no plans to head to Michigan but my son is moving to Chicago in august....I imagine that's still pretty far away.....You look great and your picture brings back so many memories and many miracles....including that you are ALIVE and well!!! What a time we had together. Life changes so quickly every day but I thank our Father that He is constant and loving and continues to shower us with mighty miracles and wonders. If you ever feel like chatting, give me a call. My number is 401-383-5479. I would love to. Be peaceful in our Father's rest. Much Love, Sue
Stacia (Harman) Fine June 6, 2008 at 12:19pm

Hi, Frank! I remember two very educated people who chose to teach the Bible and clean houses. Think I helped once, even. Checked out your website and it's good to see you haven't lost your energy or unique sense of humor. Nice to hear from you. Hello to Lena.
Vickie Fleming Ashby June 6, 2008 at 10:33am

Hi right back at you, Frank! Two hours a day! Lordy, your abs won't be insulated for long, and I'm betting that it's pretty thin insulation at the moment! Go for it, Man. You'll be on the cover of some cool climbing magazine before you know it.
At the moment, Michael's big adventure is refinishing wood floors, along with staying up all night last night for a 25-hour experiment. The floor's pretty good for abs (wax on, wax off), and the lab allnighter is great for re-creating that red-eyed just-did-a-big-wall panache. They're planning their next big "stupid thing," but I've no idea what it will be. You're going to do Grandmother's Purse, right? How many people will be along with you?

Be safe, and have fun. We mortals are cheering wildly for you! Love, Vickie

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Michael L. Steenbergen11th May 18, 2008 at 12:15pm

HI Frank,God bless you! It is good to be reconnected with The corps.
Fay (Famularo) Taylor May 2, 2008 at 1:33pm

Lena and Frank---Hello to you!!! It's a joy to begin to reconnect with you and many others. Professional Rock Climber? Wow? Do you do a beginner's class? Hey, our MAL packs are in the basement, but I think the cobwebs have now made them a permanent part of the basement wall. Love this virtual Corps Week!