Rock'n Rolling for Autism ---Dover, NH

There have been different ways of expressing how meaningful some of the Rolling For Autism adventures have been. Dan has said that there are stories that he will tell his grandchildren. My sister, Sue, says that there are memories that she will take to her grave but that her grave may come sooner as a result of RFA due to her worrying about the skaters for 54 days! I was fortunate to travel with the RFA group during parts of their journey in NJ, NYC and New England. The afternoon at Dover was a special time amid a journey with many highlights.

My husband, Neil and I arrived in Dover about an hour before the skaters scheduled arrival. Folks were busy setting up, and I offered to help at a booth that was distributing T-shirts from every state in the US. These T-shirts were the result of the efforts of Austin Fisher who worked with his mother at contacting every governor, requesting a state T-shirt. While passing out shirts, I got to meet some of the families from the Dover area, many of whom were associated with the Easter Seals Autism Network. I was told of the effect that autism can have on a family, a school and a community.

Members of the community had brought all kinds of delicious food, both homemade and donated by local businesses. There were booths with games and information. The Ashmont Station Band set a festive note. There was excitement in the air as we anticipated the arrival of the skaters. Folks gathered at the edge of the park as the police escort car came into sight followed by Dan, Sean, Jason, Carson and Elaine amid cheering and music from the band. The skaters were introduced and given a cake and gifts. They then made their way into the crowd greeting people, playing games with the kids and having their photos taken with many kids wearing the state shirts. Skater, Jason Ortalano played baseball with a group of kids. The skaters chatted with family members and were down at eye level visiting with the excited kids. Some of the skaters were interviewed by the local paper. The media attention has helped to create awareness of autism, its impact and the need for services and support.

We were delighted to see friends and family of all ages, some who had driven a distance to be at the event. It was a windy, cool August day, far different from the blistering heat the skaters encountered as they skated through the south. We donned jackets and hoodies. Elaine was asked to show her very bruised upper leg and Carson could be seen stretching his injured knee. This was the last stop before the final two skates and the finish at Kittery, Maine. The skaters were intact, a bit road weary, but still full of enthusiasm. Ginny Johnson, the lead singer in the band asked a young boy if he would like to sing on stage. With much encouragement he ventured forth and joined Ginny in singing a John Denver song, "Country roads, take me home..." It was the home stretch; after many roads, time to think about home.

We would especially like to thank Viki Gayhardt of Raymond Easter Seals who organized this wonderful event. We express appreciation to Patti Rawding Anderson, Program Director at Easter Seal's Family Place. Additional thanks go out to Jen Fernald and Dawn Brady of Dover Easter Seals. Thank you to Sherry Paplaskas of Raymond Easter Seals and Krissy Caster of the Autism Society of NH for the social story and signs. The day would not have been the same without the great music of the Ashmont Station Band. We were deeply touched by generous financial donations to Rolling For Autism. It is impossible to name all the people who donated food, and time to organizing such an event, so here's a big THANK YOU to everybody who came with such energy and spirit.



Lini Marcotte Tatar
AKA Ben and Dan's Mom