Marina enjoys soccer at the FritoLay Sport Complex event!

On Thursday, August 19^th, nearly 70 STRIDE athletes and members of their family, along with sales managers and employees of the Frito-Lay Distribution Center, participated in Frito-Lay’s first ever “Family Fun Night” held at the company’s headquarters in Clifton Park, NY. The inaugural event was designed as a way for Frito-Lay to give back to the community, and especially to demonstrate its commitment and willingness to support young athletes with disabilities.

As part of the evening, Frito-Lay provided a BBQ dinner, distributed goodie bags and t-shirts, and afterward rented the Sports Complex in Clifton Park, where everyone participated in activities together, such as playing cooperative games, frisbee, wiffleball, and soccer.

Jackie Motyl, Eastern NY Administrative Assistant for FritoLay was the event coordinator. “The evening achieved everything we hoped it would. Everyone had a wonderful time, and it was great to see employees interacting with athletes. It was a perfect way for our company to become more involved with one of our local organizations” said Motyl. FritoLay’s logo says ‘Good Fun’ and that’s exactly what everyone had.

Skipper Corsi teaching helmsmanship at New Rochelle program on the Long Island Sound.

Submitted by Skip Parry

STRIDE sailors took to the waters of Saratoga Lake this year, our fourth at SLSC, with an additional twist on volunteerism – the support of Wounded Warriors in addition to our own STRIDE tried and true – Pete Corsi, LJ Whitney, Bill Morash, Mac McEvily, my kids: Nick, Alex, Caroline and Cameron, and friend, Ercan Kilic. Junior sailors with various challenges ‘sailed’ through a 5 week progression from fuzzy fledglings to beautiful swans. They worked through 4 Monday nights of safety essentials: knot-tying, basic seamanship, boat handling and sailing; independently, and as teams, for fun, and sport; culminating in a final regatta filled with many little victories for kids who are typically, and easily, overlooked. It was sheer joy to watch them translate their knowledge to cooperative efforts on regatta day. Never underestimate the presence of a trophy to stir the competitive spirit! The STRIDE Cup has been sailed for the last three years on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend where we invite our sister school from New Rochelle, NY to participate.

Five New Rochelle families joined the competition. Our biggest struggle was Hurricane Earl. While we waited for the wind to wane, we rigged the Opti’s, reviewed boat parts and wind signs. Donovan, whose wheelchair does not slow him down a bit, had never paddled a kayak before, and is prone to ataxia, an imbalance condition brought on by his neurological challenges. His sense of accomplishment was displayed in his smile, which was almost as exciting as his bullet in race 2!

To watch these spirited athletes find their place, advancing from nerve wracked neophytes into competent little boat handlers is a near-miraculous transformation. Another one of this season’s highlights was the addition of two Wounded Warriors who not only contributed their time, but also found themselves benefiting as well. Michael Abbatello, a Marine Corps battle veteran who served in Afghanistan, has probably seen more than his share. But we challenged him and he met the call, easily coaching his team to a third place finish in the regatta. In the end, we all took line honors- children, parents, grandparents, friends, family and the SLSC - enriching the community with a willingness to pull our STRIDE Special kids into a light that even Hurricane Earl could not extinguish.

Thanks to SLSC STRIDE Sail Alumni/Volunteers!

In a collaborative partnership, STRIDE, Stratton Veteran's Administration in Albany, and Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute (RPI) inTroy,NY will develop a weekly adaptive shooting program and is opened to the community of individuals with physical disabilities ages 14 and up, including our local military veterans. STRIDE has applied for a grant to assist in the structural modification to make the facility open to all shooter athletes who have physical disabilities. This will include some major functional modifications which include adaptive tables and chairs for ten shooting positions; approximately 3 new rifles and adaptive equipment to accommodate all types of disabled shooters. We have received word that the grant has been approved and waiting for permission to announce it!

Last month, a national magazine called 'Challenge' printed an article about Kyle Otto, our Adaptive Shooting Paralympic hopeful. With RPI as our partner, we can hope to make Kyle’s dream, and the dream of others, a reality!

The program is located on the campus of RPI in the basement artillery of the Mueller Fitness Center, on Saturday mornings from 10:30 -12:30 under the leadership of nationally ranked coach Chuck Meyer. Please call our office for more info.

Halloween in August night with the kids donning their Halloween costumes.

Sunny warm weekends for dozens and dozens of kids and volunteers made all seven of the 2010 tent camping trips a huge success. But one trip shines above all - imagine a pristine Adirondack lake, lean-to cabins by the water, the call of loons on the water., and no sounds but those of nature all around you.

Now imaging having to lock your food in bear boxes, carrying all your belongings and water one half mile to your camp, because there is no electric or running water nearby, and no relief from bugs as you sleep in the open. This is what brave adventure campers do ever year as they spend a weekend at the John Dillon Camp near Long Lake in the Adirondacks, just 2.5 hours north of Albany. This year’s trip was “men only” led by Jake Bortscheller, and Doc Furlong. Saturday was a picture perfect day at the Long Lake beach, and campers swam, and went for scenic seaplane rides.

Other special memories for the season include adding a Camp Chef to our list of volunteers. SGT Tracy Evans (retired), one of STRIDE Wounded Warrior Alumni has stepped up to the plate to volunteer at nearly every trip as head cook and bottle washer. He loves the kids – but not half as much as we love having KP under control at all times!

Our 'Halloween in August" night had our kids (and adults) making and donning Halloween costumes and then trick-or-treating in the Park, followed by an outdoor Halloween movie.

Many thanks to all the volunteers and committee members who made it a tremendously successful summer of memories!

One STRIDE's newest members to our Honorary Board Dr. James P. Furlong.

It is with great excitement that we congratulate Dr. James P. Furlong and wife Laurie as STRIDE’s newest members to our Honorary Board, which was voted on at STRIDE’s Board Meeting on Monday, September 13^th. Laurie and Jim have served as staunch supporters and unwavering volunteers to the organization, their tireless efforts including working on numerous planning committees, serving on our Board of Directors and as Adaptive Ski instructors, as well as volunteering for Wounded Warrior weekends and camping programs. The donation of their time, efforts and resources has been invaluable and immeasurable and we are grateful to be able to honor them for their service and dedication. Please visit our website for their Biographies.

CONGRATULATIONS!

• To volunteer retirees: Frank Ninavaggi; Marcel Chaine; Jim Morris; Jake Bortscheller
• To Cameron Ebersold on achievement of Eagle Scout
• To volunteers Danielle & Brian Wright on the birth of their son

SPEEDY RECOVERIES

• To volunteer Jake Bortscheller after eye surgery
• To Mary Ellen Whitney’s mother Peg Snelson, congestive heart failure; and her father Charles Snelson, deep vein thrombosis clot

OUR CONDOLENCES & DEEPEST SYMPATHY

• To the family of STRIDE Athlete, Brian Conway
• To the family of Jiminy Peak Supervisor, Annie Hill

“Moonlight Masquerade & Auction…a Ghoulish Affair”

"FALLING" INTO STRIDE's FALL PROGRAMS & EVENTS

Like the leaves falling from the trees, it’s that same time of year when seasons change and programs begin. There is so much happening this fall that you won’t want to miss! Be sure to check the STRIDE calendar at for program additions, start dates and schedules.

For more information or to register, contact Debbie Ebersold at debersold@stride.org

Sat, 9/25: Bowling Program, Spare Time Lanes (Latham) 10am-11:30am

Sat, 9/25: Bowling Program, Spare Time Lanes (East Greenbush) 11:30am-1pm

Wed, 9/29: Tennis Clinic ,Albany Tennis Club (Ridgefield Park in Albany), 4pm & 5pm sessions

Sun, 10/3: Swimming Program, East Greenbush YMCA (East Greenbush) 11am-noon

Sun, 10/3: Sled Hockey Practice, Albany Academies Ice Rink, (Albany) 2:45-4:15pm

Fri, 10/8: Learn to Dance Program , Isabelle School of Dance (Castleton) 6:30pm

Fri, 10/29: Halloween/Harvest Ball Teen Dance , Columbia HS (East Greenbush) 6:30-9:30pm