ADAPT action — Day 1
Here is Arlene’s take on the day. Mine will follow.
Sunday- Day Two
All rose at a leisurely pace, reading themselves for the Fun Run. We asembled midday, and headed over to Upper Senate Park, on the top of a steep hill, near the Capitol. the Nation of Rochester did well; many people accomplished the Fun Run goal of twenty (20) laps early (Anita O’Brien, Sue Norwood, Mary Anne Price). We also experienced “Anita Cameron Live”, and Bob Kafka served as MC. Bob commended Brian, Susan and Mary Anne for not only finishing the Fun Run early, but having enough energy to play touch football afterwards! Other recogized included: Chris Hilderbrant (for having exceptional rhythm) and Bruce Darling winner of the Ben Hur Award.
Participants in the Fun Run received a neon yellow vest, and those who did twenty laps received a tote bag/back pack. A few also left with pinwheels, and ADAPT man flags.
Now, here’s my report:
I beat my alarm clock up at about 6:15 (it went off at 6:30), which was good, considering that I had gotten to bed at three-something in the morning. I showered, and was downstairs by 7:20. After breakfast, I, Nancy Salandra, from Philadelphia, and David Wittie, from Austin, TX, facilitated a color leader orientation. Afterwards, my fellow Green Color Leader, Todd, from Toledo, OH, and I crashed the new people’s meeting, and wound up participating in simulated line-ups, etc., to show the new folks what that experience could be like. Jess, our “little superstar” from Indiana, who, though this was only her second action, raised over $2500 all by herself to come, participated as well. She had some advice for those who were first timers (there were many), and played a cop in the mock-ups. She was a fellow Greenie.
I then hung out in the courtyard, catching up with old friends, chilling with a couple of Nation of Rochester folks. Lopeti had brought a new pal for me — a cute teddy bear in an airman’s uniform and goggles.
At 12:30, a group of us headed over to Upper senate Park to do our laps for the Fun Run. I had a couple of checks that my sister had sent — one from her and the kids, and one from Arethia. Thanks to both of them! I did my 20 laps hanging off the butt of my best friend, Dawn. I enjoyed and appreciated my time with her, and we caught up on quite a bit of news. I was especially glad to see David, her fiance, because he’d had a heart attack a couple of months ago. Thankfully, he is doing much, much better!
While at the Fun Run, I got to see and talk with Yoshiko Dart, who also did the Fun Run. She had faithfully brought Justin’s wheelchair and famous hat with her, and did her lap pushing Justin’s chair with his hat in it. I felt that Justin was there with us in spirit. I am always glad to see Yoshiko, and never miss a chance to chat with her.
I also saw ans spoke with Andy Imparato, my old boss from AAPD. When he asked me how I was doing in Rochester, Stephanie Thomas said, “she’s kicking azz up there!” I must admit, though I blushed, inwardly, I swelled with pride to hear a National Leader (, especially one who isn’t from my state) brag so. It also humbled me, and reminded me to keep on doing my best.
After the Fun Run, we headed back to the hotel, where we had our meetings and such, and prepared for the next day’s hard work. I did make it to bed by 2:00 am…
Hanging out with my new buddy, Baron the Tuskeegee Bearman