The Roving Activist’s Blog

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

For the most part, I’ll start this out with Arlene’s views, then, add my own.

Saturday- Day One

Inquiring minds wanted to know:
where is Gene Spinning?
Where is Dean DeRusso?
Who has the van key?
Who is picking up the Taggart twins?
Is that really Michelle Schwartz in a baseball cap and blue jeans?

By 10:00am all questions were answered, and the forty-nine delgates of the Nation of Rochester were off to ADAPT in Washington, D.C. We arrived safe and sound late Saturday afternoon, greeted by Bruce Darling and the Hilderbrant clan. People checked into their hotel rooms, purchased the newest ADAPT gear (orange theme) and readied themselves for the FUN RUN.

Now, here’s my story:

I woke up at 3 am on that Saturday morning, and was downstairs waiting for Arlene by 5;30. She and here husband picked me up, and we arrived at the office. For about an hour, there was a sort of organized chaos as luggage was loaded into the van, and the bus was readied for those who would be going.

Finally, it was a little after 8 and we were off. I slept through most of the trip until we got to our halfway point at the Wegman’s in Williamsport, PA.

Grimmy and Alicia watch over me as I sleep

When we reached Williamsport, we were gathered together and given some shocking news: one of our own, Cindy Thrush had died that morning. I didn’t know Cindy well, but remembered her from previous ADAPT actions. She had been in my thoughts earlier, as I realized that she was not going with us, so the news of her death hit me hard, and made me realize once again, that nothing is promised. One has to live as if every day is the last. I do have one memory of Cindy, my last real and clear memory: Cindy dancing and performing at the Talent Show to “These Boots Are Made For Walking”. She was dolled up in a cute dress and high-heeled, knee-length leather boots. She was really enjoying herself, and that song was one of her favorites. That is what I’ll remember when I think of Cindy.

We had lunch at the Wegman’s, and I dragged Pat Taggart around the store with me while I searched for dried fruit and candy. She was a great sport about it. While waiting to get back on the bus, I had cool conversations with Nate and little Bryan, who has grown to be a truely delghtful little guy.

Back on the bus we got, and back to sleep I went. Sometime during the morning, Steve Menz had been booted out of his seat next to me by Pam Taggart, and Gimmy and Alicia were put on duty to watch me while I slept.

We finally pulled into DC about 6:30 pm, but the traffic was so bad that we didn’t get to the hotel until after 7. We were met by Bruce and Chris and his family. I went into the hotel, and got down to the business of greeting old friends, and procuring my ADAPT shirt. I was delighted to learn that I would be rooming with Arlene and Toni, and quickly got my things up to the room. As I finished, and prepared to leave, Arlene joked, “see you at the crack of dawn”. How prophetic that statement would turn out to be for the entire week!

Actually, I’ve been back since May 3, but I have been down with a wicked cold that cost me 2 and one-half days of work, and my voice, to boot! The real drag according to the doctor is that I’ll get much worse before I get better.

I’ll br posting stories, links, and pics from the ADAPT action.