Volunteered with All Out Adventures in Gardner, MA and S.A.V.E.--Statewide Advocacy for Veteran's Empowerment so that they can go kayaking on Dunn Pond.
AOA & OLP in bold: Front: Sue, Katey, Laura, Beth, Anna, Karen Back: UK,UK, Jen, Mike, Conway, Ian, Eileen, Cory '09, Steph
About 200 veterans and families played on this sunny day of the weekend with the help of the Massachusetts DCR's Universal Access Program.
Our role is to fit PFDs (personal flotation devices), help people to get into the kayaks, and give some basics on paddling so they could get out on the pond. We take turns on the beach and going out in the tandem boats with folks. Some
have paddling experience like Ed and his 3 kids, John, Ian and Leah. Leah and one of her brothers are twins--like my brother Ed and me. My job is to hang close to the boys in case they needed some help but outside of arguing about how to paddle and getting each other wet, they're fine. Karen AOA, Beth OLP and VeteranBill, a WWII Navy vet who was in the Pacific, went out in a tandem kayak with Anna, another OLPer, and talked about how he used to get ou
t on a row boat but hadn't in over four years. Ian and BillAfter determining the group was good to go, the All Out Adventure (AOA) folks suggested a slalom relay race around some pre-placed milk jugs. Everyone was up for it so the relay commenced with much cheering.
When we landed back at shore, Bill said with quiet anticipation, "I might go out again."
"Yes! Go out again. You can go with Anna or me." There was a little wavering as we waited for paddlers to come in and a new group to prep, but his spirit to play won out. Anna had left, likely to help with the GeoCashing, so I got to enjoy Bill's company out on the water. He told me he's 83 though given the easy way he moved, I would have figured him at least 10 years younger. He had some heart trouble a few years ago but here he is testing the proverbial waters again. . . really. He has a friend who has a few kayaks and has been pushing to get him out. And, he has a daughter and grandkids who have kayaks. Maybe Bill will play on the water again.
There was also 10 year old Dorothy who was not into getting out on the water with her dad and sister but helped out on the beach. We were launching some boats and Dorothy talked about fear and not needing to push yourself until you're older like her sister. . .maybe 12.
Maybe 58. Dorothy and Me launching Beth
Click to see pix
Conway shoving off.
Me and Anna in yellow w/a kayaker Jen, me, Ian waiting for the crowds
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