little heart newsletter

July 22, 2005

 

Greetings from Your Program Director, Amber Small

            In this edition:

              *       Recaps of the Inaugural Events

              *       Captain George receives recognition

              *       Volunteers/Sponsors/Donors

                   *       Upcoming Events

 

Bloomington Region-Lake Monroe Launch

June 18, 2005

 

In conjunction with Summer Sailstice, the Maiden Voyage for Heart of Sailing occurred June 18, 2005 at the Fourwinds Marina, Lake Monroe.  A beautiful summer day greeted guests and volunteers who attended the event.  Five participants arrived for registration with their parents or assistants. 

 

Following registration, participants attended sailing safety instruction provided by Indiana DNR Officer Kerry. Participants learned the importance of properly-fitted lifevests when enjoying boating activities.  Introductory sailing instruction was provided by volunteer, Captain Bill Kivett.  Participants then boarded two sailboats commanded by Captains Bill and Don Kivett and set sail.  During the sail, the new crewmembers were able to learn about trimming the sails and maneuvering the sailboats.  Each participant was able to take the helm and pilot the sailboat. 

 

After an exciting morning sail, the crews returned to the Marina to enjoy box lunches prepared by Fourwinds. HoS President and Co-Founder, John Shean, served as Master of Ceremonies, and along with Executive Director, George Saidah, greeted guests and distributed awards. Each participant received a commemorative medal and certificate as well as a keepsake photograph, courtesy of Ron Hines. 

 

The event was videotaped by Peter Kuchaes, of Inside-Out Productions, who is producing a DVD for HoS.  James Klaunig, Jr., of the Indiana Daily Student, reported the event in the 6/20/05 edition of the IDS.

 

Special thanks to volunteers: Bill and Deanna Kivett, Don Kivett, Matt Kivett, John and Cheryl Shean, Ron Hines, SaDonna White, Kyle Wolfe, and Lori Aken.  Sincere appreciation to Drs. Souheil and Alexandra Haddad, for sponsoring the event. 

 

For more information about this event, please check www.heartofsailing.org. Review more photos and parents’ comments.

 

 

 

North Indianapolis Region-Geist Reservoir Launch

July 15, 2005

Last Friday, eleven children and their parents and assistants participated in the Maiden Voyage launching HoS’s program on Geist Reservoir.  The event, hosted at the beautiful Bella Vita Ristorante, was a success despite the hot and humid weather! 

 

The morning began with Captain George Saidah being interviewed live by the anchors for WISH-TV, Channel 8.  Kudos to Captain George, who is a bit camera shy!   Bella Vita manager, Lisa Bonacorsi arrived early to help HoS staff and volunteers setup for the event.  Michelle Shank, mother of returning participant Andrew Shank, assisted with registration and set-up, along with volunteers Mendy Hendrix, Jennifer Pol and Peter Kuchaes.

 

From his safety boat, DNR Officer John Gano gave an informative safety talk to participants on the dock, before participants boarded the four volunteer sailboats.  Despite the lack of good wind, everyone enjoyed the sail and returned exhilarated and thirsty! 

 

The delicious, kid-friendly lunch of pizza, salad and surprise sundaes was generously donated by Bella Vita.

 

Attendees welcomed special guest, Indiana Secretary of State Todd Rokita, who congratulated participants and commented on the importance of volunteerism and service to our communities. 

 

WISH-TV, Channel 8 anchor Gene Rodriguez interviewed staff and participants, while cameraman Bill went for a sail to capture images. 

 

Participants received certificates and commemorative medals, and each was recognized at the podium to take their keepsake photograph. 

 

Sincere thanks to: Bill Kivett, Don Kivett, Byron Gully, Mendy Hendrix, Peter Kuchaes, Jennifer Pol, Ron Hines, Paula Cox, Michelle Shank, SaDonna White, Guy Konkle, Fred Davis, John Spencer, Vernon Tramontini, Scott Rodgers, Pam and Kimberly- atGeist.com.

 

For more information about this event, please check www.heartofsailing.org. Review more photos and parents’ comments.

 

 

SPONSORS

HoS expresses its sincere gratitude and encourages your patronage of:

 

June 18, 2005 EVENT SPONSORS

FOURWINDS RESORT & MARINA

authorHOUSE

Souheil and Alexandra Haddad

Peter Kuchaes – Inside Out Productions

Le Petit Cafe

The Light Source

Crown Trophy of Indianapolis

Everywhere Signs

International Summer Sailstice

 

July 15, 2005 EVENT SPONSORS

BELLAVITA RISTORANTE

GEIST MARINA

AtGeist.com

authorHOUSE

Sailboats, Inc.

West Marine of Castleton

Peter Kuchaes – Inside Out Productions

Jennifer Pol – A Friend of Mine!

 

“Captain” George Saidah named “Father of the Month”

Because of his dedication to serving special needs children, HoS Co-Founder and Executive Director, George Saidah, has been selected by iParenting.com, as Father of the Month for July, 2005.  iParenting.com is a division of iParenting Media, which utilizes the web, radio and print media to offer information services and resources to parents and parents-to-be.  Online, iParenting.com is an award-winning network of more than 40 websites.  iParenting media also publishes Family Energy: Your Guide to a Fun and Fit Life With Kids, the premiere national newsstand magazine focused on family health and fitness.

The in-depth article featuring George, will be available at www.iparenting.com beginning Tuesday, July 26, 2005. 

George Receives

Leadership Award

 

On July 15, 2005, Captain George Saidah was surprised with the RTV6 Leadership Award during the launch party at Bella Vita Ristorante on Geist.

 

Captain George was nominated for the award by an anonymous source and was honored to be recognized for his contribution to Heart of Sailing and special needs children.  WRTV6 anchor Ray Cortopassi patiently organized attendees to record the award presentation to George.  Ray and his cameraman then accompanied Captain George and participants, Chase and Elana, for a quick sail.

 

Coverage was aired on WRTV6 evening news on Friday, July 22, 2005.

Read more about it at http://www.theindychannel.com/leadershipawards/4759433/detail.html

or view the Video footage at http://www.theindychannel.com

 

 

 

DONORS

SPECIAL THANKS TO CYNTHIA MAHIN WHO DONATED HER HOBIE WAVE 13 CAT!  HER GENEROUS SUPPORT, ALONG WITH OTHER SPONSORS AND SUPPORTERS ALLOWS US TO CONTINUE OUR SAILING PROGRAM!

For more information about donations, please check our website, www.heartofsailing.org

 

 UPCOMING EVENTS

July 27,2005 Daysail

 (booked)

 

Daysails each Wednesday on Geist!

 

Daysails Thursdays at Lake Monroe

(selected dates, contact us for info)

 

Eagle Creek Reservoir

Launch Party

(Date pending)

 

August 27, 2005

Stonebelt Daysail

(Private Event)

 

Fundraising Event in September

(details to be announced)

 

RELATED EVENTS

5th Annual Answers for Autism Walk

Saturday, September 17, 2005

www.aaiwalk.org

 

Announcements

Program Director, Amber Small, is now working full-time for HoS.

 

Founder George Saidah has joined the Columbia Club.

 

Heart of Sailing Directors George and Amber are new members of the Bloomington Sailing Club

 

 

 

little heart newsletter is a publication of Heart of Sailing, a non-profit foundation dedicated to sharing the joy and therapeutic benefits of sailing with cognitively impaired children.  Contents herein are for information purposes and are the property of HoS unless otherwise identified.  For questions, comments, advertising opportunities or other information contact us at news@heartofsailing.org.

 

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