Good Evening,
The RollingForAutism Team spent this past weekend in the Big Apple, and as predicted...things got a little "bonkers."
The weekend started Friday evening with a party at Manhattan's Bar XII. Arranged by several RollingForAutism Team Members and Bar XII, the night was an enormous success. Through the combination of Bar XII's drink specials, cover charge, and generous patrons, nearly $1300 was raised in just a few hours. More important, everyone in attendance had a great time, and the night gave our skaters and workers an opportunity to mingle with old friends and meet new supporters. Not to mention enjoy a great night out in an amazing city.
After a skate through Queens, the rollingforautism team was lucky enough to have two amazing supporters and friends, Guido and Lenny, invite them all out to a fantastic dinner in one of downtown Manhattan's trendiest restaurants, Botino. Lenny and Guido treated the 25 or so RollingForAutism skaters, family and friends in attendance to one of the best dinners and most memorable nights of the trip. After closing down the restaurant, most of the crowd Migrated with Guido and Lenny to a hip piano bar in the East Village, where we had the pleasure of listening to the artistic stylings of RollingForAutism's most talented performers, Carson Strang. With a unique rendition of our country's Star Spangled Banner, Carson was the hit of the night.
The weekend ended with a skate into Southern Connecticut for a trip to the Bridgeport Zoo. Luckily for the skaters whom were unable to shower between their skate and the zoo, their scent was overshadowed by the animals. We'd like to take the opportunity to thank the animals of the zoo for making our stay more pleasurable.
Briefly, thank you to Guido, Lenny, Jenkins, Calabros, Mrs. Silvestri, Bar XII, and Francis Scott Key.
Cheers,
Dan T. and Vicki K.
Sunday, August 12, 2007
Friday, August 10, 2007
Good Morning America
Hi friends,
A lot has happened over the past two days.
We woke up at 4am Wednesday morning for our largest media appearance to date, Good Morning America. Excited and a bit nervous, we packed into Aunt Linda's car for a wild ride through a storm into Manhattan. I was unaware of my aunt's Nascar-like driving abilities as she dodged lightening bolts and hydroplaned her way through New Jersey and into Times Square.
We were greeted at the studio by our RollingForAutism PR princess, Amanda Silvestri. Over the course of the trip, Amanda has been extremely instrumental in arranging many media appearances. Visibly nervous and excited for our big day, Amanda lead us into the studio where we took a seat next to "The World's Tallest Man." As RollingForAutism's shortest skater, I felt even more vertically challenged seated next to the 7'8" monster.
Our appearance was brief, but effective. We skated circles around the shows 4 hosts, as they spoke of our efforts. Footage was shown of us skating on the road from North Carolina, and our website was linked to ABC's.
Immediately after the appearance, we decided that we missed an opportunity to create additional attention. If Streich had fallen on the set, tripping Diane Sawyer...our media exposure would've increased drastically. Regardless, our website received tons of hits from across the country immediately after the show, and donations continue to come in at a steady pace.
Our week ended with a barbecue last night with families from the New Jersey area impacted by Autism. Special guest appearances were made by New Jersey Devil Hockey Players, and foot long hot dogs and burgers were donated by Sodexho. A good time was had by all.
We owe Linda and Mark a huge thank you for their hospitality. It takes two brave and generous souls to host 12 college students.
Party at BarXII in NYC tonight. Hope to see everyone out!
Cheers,
Dan T.
A lot has happened over the past two days.
We woke up at 4am Wednesday morning for our largest media appearance to date, Good Morning America. Excited and a bit nervous, we packed into Aunt Linda's car for a wild ride through a storm into Manhattan. I was unaware of my aunt's Nascar-like driving abilities as she dodged lightening bolts and hydroplaned her way through New Jersey and into Times Square.
We were greeted at the studio by our RollingForAutism PR princess, Amanda Silvestri. Over the course of the trip, Amanda has been extremely instrumental in arranging many media appearances. Visibly nervous and excited for our big day, Amanda lead us into the studio where we took a seat next to "The World's Tallest Man." As RollingForAutism's shortest skater, I felt even more vertically challenged seated next to the 7'8" monster.
Our appearance was brief, but effective. We skated circles around the shows 4 hosts, as they spoke of our efforts. Footage was shown of us skating on the road from North Carolina, and our website was linked to ABC's.
Immediately after the appearance, we decided that we missed an opportunity to create additional attention. If Streich had fallen on the set, tripping Diane Sawyer...our media exposure would've increased drastically. Regardless, our website received tons of hits from across the country immediately after the show, and donations continue to come in at a steady pace.
Our week ended with a barbecue last night with families from the New Jersey area impacted by Autism. Special guest appearances were made by New Jersey Devil Hockey Players, and foot long hot dogs and burgers were donated by Sodexho. A good time was had by all.
We owe Linda and Mark a huge thank you for their hospitality. It takes two brave and generous souls to host 12 college students.
Party at BarXII in NYC tonight. Hope to see everyone out!
Cheers,
Dan T.
Tuesday, August 7, 2007
Rolling at the Timothy School
Yesterday we had the privelege of visiting the Timothy School located in Berwyn, Pennsylvania. The Timothy School specializes in educational programs which address the strengths and needs of each student in the areas of cognitive, motor, communication, social and sensory development. Although the school serves children diagnosed with autism or pervasive developmental disorders (PDD), our day with the students was all about having fun and putting the children first.
Upon arrival the RFA team met the enthusiastic staff and watched a touching video about the various programs offered at the Timothy School. After this informative meeting the RFA team once again menatlly prepared for an afternoon of skating. However, this skating session was unlike the physically gruelling, mentally challenging skates endured by the team over the last six weeks. Upon entering the gym and meeting the students, our sore legs, blistered heals, and fatigued mental states quickly disapated. As we helped the children strap on their rollerskates and pads we quickly realized that our personal ailments took a back seat to these truelly remarkable kids. Their excitement filled the room and before we knew it they were flying around showing the RFA team what real skating is all about. They smiled when they learned that they could succeed at propelling themselves around the gym. They laughed when they realized it really didn't hurt that bad when they fell. They smiled again when they understood that they had the ability to get up after they fell and try again. Most importantly these children transferred their energy to our staff and reinforced our belief that children with autism are just that, children, and that autism does not define them. What defines them are their heart warming smiles, their unique ability to touch those around them, and their individuality. Our day at the Timothy School flew by and it was hours before any of us began to think about the hundreds of miles left to skate as we make our way to Maine. Thanks to all the members of the Timothy School staff for giving us the opportunity to interact with your wonderful students, we look forward to working with you and your organization in the very near future.
Just a reminder that we will be making our national television debut tomorrow morning on Good Morning America between 830 and 900 a.m. We look forward to encouraging viewers across the nation to get involved with autism and support our cause. We look forward to all of your comments on how we did!
Oh no, Barry Bonds just hit number 756 to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, let's hope we don't get bumped from tomorrow mornings show in light of this new milestone in sports history...oh well, I'm off to bed before tomorrow mornings big show.
Blessings-a-plenty,
Carson S.
p.s- Happy 65th wedding anniversary to my grandparents Lois and Fred Heinlen...I appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you guys after our trip!
Upon arrival the RFA team met the enthusiastic staff and watched a touching video about the various programs offered at the Timothy School. After this informative meeting the RFA team once again menatlly prepared for an afternoon of skating. However, this skating session was unlike the physically gruelling, mentally challenging skates endured by the team over the last six weeks. Upon entering the gym and meeting the students, our sore legs, blistered heals, and fatigued mental states quickly disapated. As we helped the children strap on their rollerskates and pads we quickly realized that our personal ailments took a back seat to these truelly remarkable kids. Their excitement filled the room and before we knew it they were flying around showing the RFA team what real skating is all about. They smiled when they learned that they could succeed at propelling themselves around the gym. They laughed when they realized it really didn't hurt that bad when they fell. They smiled again when they understood that they had the ability to get up after they fell and try again. Most importantly these children transferred their energy to our staff and reinforced our belief that children with autism are just that, children, and that autism does not define them. What defines them are their heart warming smiles, their unique ability to touch those around them, and their individuality. Our day at the Timothy School flew by and it was hours before any of us began to think about the hundreds of miles left to skate as we make our way to Maine. Thanks to all the members of the Timothy School staff for giving us the opportunity to interact with your wonderful students, we look forward to working with you and your organization in the very near future.
Just a reminder that we will be making our national television debut tomorrow morning on Good Morning America between 830 and 900 a.m. We look forward to encouraging viewers across the nation to get involved with autism and support our cause. We look forward to all of your comments on how we did!
Oh no, Barry Bonds just hit number 756 to break Hank Aaron's all-time home run record, let's hope we don't get bumped from tomorrow mornings show in light of this new milestone in sports history...oh well, I'm off to bed before tomorrow mornings big show.
Blessings-a-plenty,
Carson S.
p.s- Happy 65th wedding anniversary to my grandparents Lois and Fred Heinlen...I appreciate your support and look forward to seeing you guys after our trip!
Sunday, August 5, 2007
Two Weeks to Go
Hi Everyone,
We are currently six weeks and around 1500 miles into our trip. While the first five weeks of the trip consisted of Carson, Orto, Streich, and I blasting out as many miles as possible through the rural South, the last leg of our trip is taking on a different flavor. Our group of 4 has grown into 8 skaters. While our skating pace is certainly more relaxed with the new additions, the pace of our work off the road is increasing rapidly.
This week's schedule includes a visit to a school, a large party at a NYC bar, a family day at a zoo, an appearance on Good Morning America, and an visit to a group home. In between our daily activities, we will still be skating 40 miles a day. Lets hope our legs hold up for fourteen more days.
Lots to post tomorrow. In the meantime, dinner calls...
Cheers,
Dan T.
We are currently six weeks and around 1500 miles into our trip. While the first five weeks of the trip consisted of Carson, Orto, Streich, and I blasting out as many miles as possible through the rural South, the last leg of our trip is taking on a different flavor. Our group of 4 has grown into 8 skaters. While our skating pace is certainly more relaxed with the new additions, the pace of our work off the road is increasing rapidly.
This week's schedule includes a visit to a school, a large party at a NYC bar, a family day at a zoo, an appearance on Good Morning America, and an visit to a group home. In between our daily activities, we will still be skating 40 miles a day. Lets hope our legs hold up for fourteen more days.
Lots to post tomorrow. In the meantime, dinner calls...
Cheers,
Dan T.
Thursday, August 2, 2007
At the Birthplace of Babe Ruth, Baltimore
The RFA team arrived in the Baltimore area after a relaxing afternoon at only our third house of the trip. The Bowles family, of Columbia, Maryland, was gracious enough to allow us to stay at their home for the evening and enjoy the amenities of a good home cooked meal for a change. Being a dog person myself, I had the pleasure of playing with their dog Elmo who has one obsession, tennis balls. He will chase the ball wherever it may go, even if it involves him going for a swim across the deep end of the pool to get it. While enjoying the surroundings of the Bowles household, I enjoyed watching Carson get badly beaten by Elaine at tennis while Striker and Tatar got some computer work done inside the house. After their tennis match, I decided to try my luck at tennis with Carson and realized beyond any reasonable doubt that tennis is NOT my sport and I know to stay away from the tennis courts from now on.
The next morning was one of the more confusing mornings since the trip began because we couldn’t find exactly where the trail connecting Annapolis and Baltimore began. The guys initially began heading in what we thought was the correct direction, but proved to be completely the wrong direction. Instead of heading towards Baltimore, we began heading towards Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. I have to admit, even though we didn’t stay long in Annapolis, I thought it was one of the nicer cities we have traveled through. So after we realized our error or direction, we turned around and headed back to the starting point and headed in the correct direction along a bike path that connected the two cities. We even had the distinct pleasure of watching Vicky skate for the first time in her 5 days with us. It was hot day, reaching up into the mid-90’s and the skaters were all exhausted and sweaty when they finished up the thirty plus miles that they racked up on the day.
We then drove from the point on the path where we parked the cars into downtown Baltimore to go to the hotel. We drove past M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens) and Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) to get to our hotel, which was about two blocks away from the latter. After checking into the hotel and getting everything settled in, we showered up and Strike, Carson, and myself headed to the local Mexican food place for some burritos. While there, however, Carson and I decided to sample some of the thirty or so varieties of hot sauce that were there. Needless to say, I didn’t taste much of my dinner after that since my taste buds were spent after the hot sauce shocking. Some meandering around the hotel, seeing the sights, and taking in the ambiance of the inner harbor in Baltimore followed dinner. Being as tired as I was from the day’s events, I opted to call it a night early and relaxed while watching “Good Will Hunting” (one of my favorites movies of all time).
Just an update for everybody out there reading the blog, we are going to be on Good Morning America next Wednesday morning.
Keep on reading
Jason O.
The next morning was one of the more confusing mornings since the trip began because we couldn’t find exactly where the trail connecting Annapolis and Baltimore began. The guys initially began heading in what we thought was the correct direction, but proved to be completely the wrong direction. Instead of heading towards Baltimore, we began heading towards Annapolis and the U.S. Naval Academy. I have to admit, even though we didn’t stay long in Annapolis, I thought it was one of the nicer cities we have traveled through. So after we realized our error or direction, we turned around and headed back to the starting point and headed in the correct direction along a bike path that connected the two cities. We even had the distinct pleasure of watching Vicky skate for the first time in her 5 days with us. It was hot day, reaching up into the mid-90’s and the skaters were all exhausted and sweaty when they finished up the thirty plus miles that they racked up on the day.
We then drove from the point on the path where we parked the cars into downtown Baltimore to go to the hotel. We drove past M&T Bank Stadium (Baltimore Ravens) and Camden Yards (Baltimore Orioles) to get to our hotel, which was about two blocks away from the latter. After checking into the hotel and getting everything settled in, we showered up and Strike, Carson, and myself headed to the local Mexican food place for some burritos. While there, however, Carson and I decided to sample some of the thirty or so varieties of hot sauce that were there. Needless to say, I didn’t taste much of my dinner after that since my taste buds were spent after the hot sauce shocking. Some meandering around the hotel, seeing the sights, and taking in the ambiance of the inner harbor in Baltimore followed dinner. Being as tired as I was from the day’s events, I opted to call it a night early and relaxed while watching “Good Will Hunting” (one of my favorites movies of all time).
Just an update for everybody out there reading the blog, we are going to be on Good Morning America next Wednesday morning.
Keep on reading
Jason O.
Monday, July 30, 2007
Sean's Big Day Part Two
As you may remember Sean's first big day of our trip was his birthday which we celebrated in Raleigh North Carloina. Well, today was his second big day. Team RFA was fortunate enough to visit CSAAC, Community Services for Autistic Adults and Children, in Montgomery County, Maryland. Upon arrival the six of us were invited to play BINGO with a group of students in one of the CSAAC classrooms...It was in this arena that Sean shined proving his dominate BINGO skills. The first few games were won by students with Autism who responded with enthusiasm and ear to ear smiles. The next three rounds were dominated by none other than our own Sean Streich. Not only did he win, he dominated the field. As much as I would enjoy bashing Sean and portraying him as an ungraceful champion, I must point out the fact that Sean only claimed two out of his three victories. A little embarassed by his streak of goodluck, after his third win Sean smoothly slid his board in front of Pedro, one of the CSAAC students. Pedro's face lit up when Sean informed him that they won the round of BINGO as a team. Pedro and Sean then picked out a yellow balloon as their prize. Although most people assumed they chose yellow because it matched Pedro's hat, the other five RFA team members knew that the real reason is that yellow is the color of Sean's lucky stuffed animal that he brought with him on the trip.
On a serious note, we had a great time meeting the dedicated staff and enthusiastic students in the CSAAC family. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and were impressed by all CSAAC is doing for those in the Autism community. To learn more about CSAAC and their many great programs check out their website at www.csaac.org.
After we finished with lunch and a tour of CSAAC we hit the road and skated 35 miles towards Baltimore. Although we are getting useto the grind of skating 30-40 miles a day, the hills of Maryland proved to be quite the challenge. The entire skate consisted of tough climbs followed by exhilirating downhills. As many of you may know, this constant change of pace and intensity make 5 miles seem like 10. As we forced our burning legs to propel us up the hills we could not help but draw inspiration from those individuals we saw smiling just hours earlier at CSAAC.
Also, I would like to give a special thanks to Mike Hickey, president of the American Special Hockey Association, for taking the six of us out for dinner tonight. We (well I cant say the same for the girls) enjoyed talking hockey and learning more about the ASHA. We look forward to working with you and the ASHA for the remainder of our trip and beyond. Thanks Mike!
Off to bed...check back tomorrow
Best Wishes,
Carson S.
On a serious note, we had a great time meeting the dedicated staff and enthusiastic students in the CSAAC family. We thoroughly enjoyed our day and were impressed by all CSAAC is doing for those in the Autism community. To learn more about CSAAC and their many great programs check out their website at www.csaac.org.
After we finished with lunch and a tour of CSAAC we hit the road and skated 35 miles towards Baltimore. Although we are getting useto the grind of skating 30-40 miles a day, the hills of Maryland proved to be quite the challenge. The entire skate consisted of tough climbs followed by exhilirating downhills. As many of you may know, this constant change of pace and intensity make 5 miles seem like 10. As we forced our burning legs to propel us up the hills we could not help but draw inspiration from those individuals we saw smiling just hours earlier at CSAAC.
Also, I would like to give a special thanks to Mike Hickey, president of the American Special Hockey Association, for taking the six of us out for dinner tonight. We (well I cant say the same for the girls) enjoyed talking hockey and learning more about the ASHA. We look forward to working with you and the ASHA for the remainder of our trip and beyond. Thanks Mike!
Off to bed...check back tomorrow
Best Wishes,
Carson S.
Sunday, July 29, 2007
RFA hits our nations capital
After a 7 and a half hour car ride from Clifton Park, NY, Vicki Kohan and I joined the boys to begin our RollingForAutism adventure. Hungry from the road, we were lucky enough to have a great dinner prepared for us by John and Arlene the aunt and uncle of the boys’ good friend, Janelle from Union College. Janelle and her neice, Leah, came all the way from upstate NY to join us. Dinner was spectacular, and so was the company. Thank you for all your support!
Unfortunately that evening, we only had one hotel room; Carson and Streich were kind enough to let us girls take one of the two beds while they slept in blankets on the floor (thanks guys!). We let ourselves sleep in until about 10 AM to begin our a 30 mile skate in Northern Virginia. Vicki is a beginner skater, and hopefully with practice, she'll join us on the road. In the meantime, she has put in a great deal of time doing behind the scenes work for RFA. The first day of skating was very humid at about a scorching 96 degrees, which made the afternoon tough. After only 5 miles I was too tired to continue...I don’t know how the boys did it in the South.
Later that day we met with members of the Washington Area Rollerskating (WAR) group. Due to rain, we were unable to go for a skate, but we did chat over pizza and beer at the Froggy Bottom Pub. Later that night, a Union Hockey teammate of the boys, “Pudge”, was nice enough to invite us to stay for the night at his parents house. Thank you, John and Rebecca, for a tasty home cooked meal and opening your house for the RFA team.
The next morning the weather was beautiful, so we embarked on a delightful rollerblading tour of our nations capital with the WAR skaters. It was a good thing we started around 9 AM because by 11 it was fairly hot and humid. WAR skaters participating were leader and great help, Bill English, also, Myeonghee, Tom and their daughter; George, Dan, and Greg. With Vicki, Janelle, and Leah on bikes we all were about the same pace. Only one fall for the day...Vicki had a graceful dismount off her bike going around a turn. Starting at the White House, we saw many monuments throughout the morning, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Albert Einstein statue, the Kennedy Center, and several more. Overall, it was about a 12 mile tour around the city. Bill was brave enough to show us a few of his tricks on rollerblades…don’t worry, it will get to YouTube soon!
Life is a highway, I wanna skate it all night long,
Elaine L.
Unfortunately that evening, we only had one hotel room; Carson and Streich were kind enough to let us girls take one of the two beds while they slept in blankets on the floor (thanks guys!). We let ourselves sleep in until about 10 AM to begin our a 30 mile skate in Northern Virginia. Vicki is a beginner skater, and hopefully with practice, she'll join us on the road. In the meantime, she has put in a great deal of time doing behind the scenes work for RFA. The first day of skating was very humid at about a scorching 96 degrees, which made the afternoon tough. After only 5 miles I was too tired to continue...I don’t know how the boys did it in the South.
Later that day we met with members of the Washington Area Rollerskating (WAR) group. Due to rain, we were unable to go for a skate, but we did chat over pizza and beer at the Froggy Bottom Pub. Later that night, a Union Hockey teammate of the boys, “Pudge”, was nice enough to invite us to stay for the night at his parents house. Thank you, John and Rebecca, for a tasty home cooked meal and opening your house for the RFA team.
The next morning the weather was beautiful, so we embarked on a delightful rollerblading tour of our nations capital with the WAR skaters. It was a good thing we started around 9 AM because by 11 it was fairly hot and humid. WAR skaters participating were leader and great help, Bill English, also, Myeonghee, Tom and their daughter; George, Dan, and Greg. With Vicki, Janelle, and Leah on bikes we all were about the same pace. Only one fall for the day...Vicki had a graceful dismount off her bike going around a turn. Starting at the White House, we saw many monuments throughout the morning, including the Washington Monument, the Lincoln Memorial, the Jefferson Memorial, the Albert Einstein statue, the Kennedy Center, and several more. Overall, it was about a 12 mile tour around the city. Bill was brave enough to show us a few of his tricks on rollerblades…don’t worry, it will get to YouTube soon!
Life is a highway, I wanna skate it all night long,
Elaine L.
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