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STRIDE News July 2010

Celebrating 25 Years!

'Strides for STRIDE' First Annual 5K a Huge Success!

STRIDE youth athlete with Phillips Hardware Moose at 'Strides 4 STRIDE' 5K event

Albany City’s Riverfront arena served as the site for STRIDES’s inaugural 5K Run, Walk, Roll community event.

The event, supported by Phillips Hardware, began at 8:30 a.m. in front of Corning Preserve Amphitheatre, and lead racers along the waterfront footpath. Over 200 participants were officially started in the race by US Congressman Paul Tonko, and for kids 5 and under, there was a 400-meter 'Tot Run'. Event Chair Jonathan Phillips, of Phillips Hardware Stores, and STRIDE volunteers organized a family event not to be soon forgotten. Major sponsors included Phillips Hardware, JJT Energy and SEFCU; other sponsors included Martin, Harding & Mazzotti LLP; Clearview Bags, Hannaford Markets, River of Life Church, FritoLay, Tri-City Rentals, County Waste, and Energy Insurance Brokers. The event raised nearly $10,000.

After the 5K and 1 mile team event, activities for family included Winn Huntley, DJ; clowns and face-painting; bouncy bounces, exhibitor’s booths, free popcorn and snow-cones, and live music provided by jazz ensemble ‘Five +1”. Watch for this amazing event next year!

Spring Programs Successfully Completed!!

Just as the heat of summer started sizzling, STRIDE’s swimming, bowling, and golf programs ended their spring sessions. The golf program ended with the traditional outing and BBQ at Burden Lake Country Cluband despite the warm temperatures, all 15 golfers displayed their new-found skills on the course. Bowling and swimming programs also had another successful season.

We thank Program Leaders: Winn Huntley (swimming), Gina and Brian Howard (bowling), and Kristen Kelly (golf) for the dedication, time, and ongoing enthusiasm to keep these programs running through the spring. Please look for these favorite programs to resume in the September. Fall dates are already posted on the website.

Dance program underway with new Teen leadership! Thanks to Lexi Gustafson for stepping up to take over the jazz dance program for the spring session held at Isabelle School of Dance. The popular Wednesday night program is continuing to be a hit with young STRIDE athletes who enjoy movement and music!

Eagle Scout Candidate Chooses STRIDE!

Mathew Sagan (rear) hands out trophies to Bike Camp riders.

Boy Scout Matthew Sagan, 17, of Johnstown New York has recently completed his Eagle Scout Service project. The project chosen was to collect old or used trophies, refurbish them, and donate them to athletes of non-profit organizations.

Attaining the rank of Eagle Scout is a very honorable achievement. Only about 4% of all boys who enter Scouts receive it. The service project, the final requirement of becoming an Eagle, must benefit the community or a nonprofit organization

In the collection stage of the project, Matthew collected 570 trophies. 40 trophies were then asked to be made for STRIDE’s “I Can Ride Bike Camp.” Each participant would receive their own trophy for completing the camp, and Matthew handed them out to each rider. Many of the parts of the newly formed trophies had been purchased. In order to do this, Matthew had to organize various fundraising events. The remaining trophies that were collected had then been cleaned and donated to various organizations. After achieving this rank, Matthew will be joining his three older brothers as an Eagle Scout. Working towards this goal since he was five years old, this is quite an accomplishment.

'Lose the Training Wheels' Bike Camp Rides Again …Hot and Sweaty!

After using specialized roller bikes indoors, riders graduate to the Union College track to ride two-wheels with volunteer runners.

Another successful year for 40 athletes who shed there training wheels to learn to ride a two-wheeled bike. Thanks to Union College, our venue host, Freihoffer Bakeries and FritoLay for lunches to feed our incredible 50 student volunteers who tirelessly ran with our campers. The week-long program was one of the hottest on record, but did not hamper determined STRIDE athletes.

STRIDE partners with Autism Society of America, Albany Chapter and Down Syndrome Aim High Resource Center to bring this program to the Capital District. It was our fifth year, and our seventh successful camp with kids coming from all over the Northeast to participate. Each biker receives a helmet, a bag of goodies, water bottle, and is instructed to purchase a bike or have their own bike fit properly during camp. At the conclusion of the week, each biker receives lauds and applause with a well deserved trophy!

Summer Sled Hockey Where the Ice Never Melts!

Capital District Sled Warriors don new uniforms and sleds this year!

The Capital District Sled Warriors have no rest…..they continue to grow and develop skills by attending several tournaments through the summer, such as the Erik Cole Dream Big Foundation (ECDBF) event July 31/August 1. The team has been traveling to several tournaments where the ice is open all year, and the new trailer hauls their gear made possible this year by a grant from Ronald McDonald Charities. Thanks to leadership of directors and coaches Tom & Kim Wilson, and equipment manager DonGallo.

Go Sled Warriors!

Camping Season Underway of the Hot Summer Sun!

Heading into August, STRIDE volunteers have already spent three long weekends in the woods with over 60 campers this summer. The July trip to Moreau Lake in Glens Falls was one of the largest trips ever, including over 45 campers and volunteers. Beach, beach, beach!!! Thanks to all the wonderful volunteers who spend an entire weekend in the woods teaching children about nature and adventure.

Next on the schedule for July is the adventure trip at John Dillon Camp in the upper Adirondack Park, led by Jake Bortscheller. The August trip for Thompson's Lake is full with a waiting list – but a few spots are left for the September trip. Call the office to sign up.

Welcome New Board Members!

At our Annual Meeting held June 15 at Moscatiello's Restaurant, we elected 3 new Board members to represent the executive branch of STRIDE.

Welcome Michael Perrotti, M.D., F.A.C.S. Unologic Oncologist- St. Peters Cancer Care Center, Albany, NY Dr. Michael Perrotti is a Urologic Oncologist at Saint Peter's Cancer Care Center, and is attending physician at numerous Capital Region hospitals. Dr. Perrotti is a familiar face to the STRIDE as a parent to youth athlete, Margaret. He and his wife Jane live in Glenmont , NY with their two children.

Welcome Robert Braverman, Attorney- Braverman Associates, New York, NY Robert (Rob) Braverman serves as the Managing Partner of Braverman Associates of NYC, a commercial real estate firm specializing in real estate law. Rob is also a volunteer adaptive ski instructor at Jiminy Peak, and has sponsored fundraising events for the Wounded Warrior program for STRIDE. Rob currently resides in Weston Connecticut with his wife Jane and twin sons, who are both ski racers.

And welcome back to long time supporter and former BOD member, Wynn Englisbe,
CEO - Englisbe Associates, Slingerlands, NY Wynn is the President and CEO of Englisbe Associates, Home Inspection Company of the Capital District Region. He has been an active leader in STRIDE as a ski instructor, corporate sponsor, and volunteer leader for over 12 years, and has served two consecutive terms on the STRIDE board from 2004-2008. He is a resident of Slingerlands, New York and lives with his wife Bobbie.

STRIDE Cares!

Jo-Ann Armandez-Lefeber throws out the first pitch at a recent Valley Cats game at HVCC.

Congratulations to Mary Sapp on the adoption of her daughter Zoey

Get Well wishes to Tom Gilbert after shoulder surgery

Sympathy wishes to Pat Carroll on the loss of her mother: Grace Kelly

Get Well Wishes to Wynn Englisbe after partial knee replacement surgery

Welcome to Susan Bernardi, new employee at STRIDE as Development Director!

Congratulations to Jo-Ann Armandez-Lefeber for her award at the Valley Cats Game for Individuals with Special Needs who achieve greatness. She got to throw out the first pitch!

Congratulations to volunteer Katie McIntyre, who received WNYT's '13 Kids Who Care' award for her innovative STRIDE dance program. The award was received at the capitol.

Partner’s in Education Program – Great Year for Special Students!

From archery to Zumba Dance and everything in between, inner city students from a Special Education class at Albrookin Vocational School in Albany got to experience -- from a to z—what they considered the opportunity of a lifetime as the result of a partnership between STRIDE Adaptive Sports and Albany City Schools in a program called ‘Partners in Education’.

Sixteen students from Ms. Stacy VanCott’s self contained HS class were afforded monthly activities , including skiing , archery lessons, and overnight camping. STRIDE CEO Mary Ellen Whitney and her staff of volunteers accompanied the students throughout the year in a multitude of activities to introduce them to world they may have never known existed. The program culminated with a trip to the High Ropes Adventure Course at Parson’s Child and Family Center, and then an overnight tent camping trip. Trophies and certificates were awarded. For these inner-city Albany students, it was the first-time exposure to experiences some young teens may take for granted.

STRIDE’s Partners in Education program is a chance for school districts to look closely at extra-curricular opportunities they are providing for their special education students, and whether or not they comply with Part 200 of the IDEA law which states that all students must have equitable opportunities. STRIDE assists by offering unique activities to students who need adaptive or special programming.

Save The Date!

“Moonlight Masquerade & Auction…a Ghoulish Affair”

Wolfert’s Roost Country Club

Dance Band by "Top Shelf'

October 30, 2010 at 6 pm

Seeking auction items now! Please help by contacting the office with your donated item!

STRIDE Support: May- July Donations!

We would like to take this opportunity to thank the following groups, sponsors and individuals for their financial

support since May 2010. Financial contributions make STRIDE Adaptive programs possible.

A. Charles Adams

Albany County Post Stroke Association in memory of Grace Kelly

Albany River Rats/ Booster Club to Capital District Sled Warriors

Lori & David Bartlett

Capital Bauer Insurance Agency

Clear Channel Christmas Wish Campaign

Laura Ciccolo in memory of Grace Kelly

Dan Coffey to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Charlie Dankowski Golf clubs for Golf program

Joan & Bernhart DeGiule

Michael Diacovo to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Darlene & George Dikeman in memory of Grace Kelly

Disabled Sports USA Chapter Grant in support of our programs

Douglas Eberle - Allstate Giving Campaign

Mr. & Mrs. John J. Ferguson to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Freihofer-Bimbo Bakeries for bike camp and CampSTRIDE

Frito-Lay for bike camp and CampSTRIDE

Jeff Frame to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dennis & Gemma Galliher

Margarita Garcia -Allstate Giving Campaign

Geralyn O’Reilly

Kevin Glasheen to the 25^th Anniversary Celebration.

Virginia Goatley to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Salvatore Graziano - Allstate Giving Campaign

Hannaford - for Camp STRIDE

Karen Herman in Honor of Pete Herman’s birthday

Ed Horn – State Farm Companies Foundation Match program

Angie & Jeff Isaacson to support white water rafting

Teri Kleinmann to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Janet LaFay - Allstate Giving Campaign

Susan Lundberg to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Dr. Robert McCabe to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Eileen Mack in Honor of Memorial Day

Main Care Energy for Camp STRIDE propane

Gary Masline to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

NYSUT Employees Outreach Network – dress down day donations

Ethel R. Noiseux to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

John Nigro to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Geralyn O’Reilly to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Emilio & Lynn Pennachia to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Jane & Michael Perrotti

F. Robert Shea to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund
Peter Stephens - Allstate Giving Campaign

William & Karen Telovsky in Memory of Dave and Marisa Clark

Linda & Richard Tepper to the DHC Memorial Fund

“The Girls” – Heather, Jen, Kerry, & Lynn in memory of Grace Kelly

Jim & Judy Thompson to the DHC Memorial Scholarship Fund

Denise Tune

Robert & Lori Uerz to honor the wedding of Julie and Tim Marion

Laurie & Ed Walsh to support the bowling, swimming and white water rafting programs.

Wojeski & Company CPA, in memory of Grace Kelly

*If you have made a donation and your name is not listed, we apologize for the error. Any omission is purely accidental. We appreciate every donation and couldn’t function without your support and generosity.

P.O. Box 778, Rensselaer, NY 12144 Phone: 518.598.1279
Email: info@stride.org Website: www.stride.org

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