Faces of STRIDE

Here is a chance to get acquainted with some of the volunteers at STRIDE......

The Many Faces of STRIDE ---- Larry Gagnon

Larry Gagnon was first introduced to STRIDE in 1992 and has played an important role ever since. Upon seeing a bi-skier during the '92 Olympics, Larry and his daughter, Michelle, were enthusiastically curious. Michelle's zest for activity and adventure remains unbridled by her Muscular Dystrophy diagnosis. This father daughter duo began searching for a place to experience bi-skiing. It was through this search that Larry met Mary Ellen Snelson who was leading a STRIDE group at Gore Mountain. What began as a series of tagalong sessions has resulted in Larry volunteering as a STRIDE ski instructor ever since.

Larry enjoys the time he spends as a STRIDE volunteer. When asked why, Larry offered the following explanation. "It's seeing the expression on the kids' faces during their first time on skis and realizing they CAN do it." Larry also adds, " Watching them progress toward the top of the mountain and finally making it, and even if they don't, they are still grateful for the opportunity." Larry described the biggest reward as, "knowing you made a difference in the life of a child, and they experienced the feeling of freedom through skiing. It just makes you feel good about life."

In 1996 Larry took a "great stride for STRIDE" by propelling the organization into the 21st Century. Larry has successfully created and maintains the STRIDE web page on the internet. This Web page began as a casual conversation about computers and he mentioned to Mary Ellen that it would be a good idea to have a STRIDE web page. While she agreed, no one knew how to make it happen. A few months later, Larry subscribed to Prodigy "Classic" which provided 1 megabyte block of space for a Web site at no additional cost. Larry spent countless hours researching, acquiring software and learning html, in order to create a Web site. "I played around with it and finally came up with the STRIDE Web Page. I threw it out on the internet, told Mary Ellen, and now I am known as the STRIDE Webmaster".

While his dual life as volunteer ski instructor / Webmaster keeps Larry busy, he reserves time for his personal interests. Most important of these interests, is spending time with his family. Larry lives in Glenville with his wife Bonnie and Daughters, Danielle and Michelle, along with 4 cats and a dog. He also enjoys fishing and cars - Larry owns a 1971 Mustang which is in mint condition. In addition, Larry still finds time to volunteer for groups such as NOVA, the Muscular Dystrophy Association and STRIDE skiing and camping trips.

STRIDE is now a daily part of Larry's life. Since establishing the "STRIDE Web Page", Larry has acquired another 6 megabytes from Prodigy "Internet". He was able to link the spaces together "so we have a 7 megabyte web page at no charge to STRIDE."

If you have any information to share, Larry welcomes your input as he updates the web site on a regular basis. Thank you, Larry for devoting so much of your time and efforts to put STRIDE on the internet.

The Many Faces of STRIDE ---- Dave Hagumus

In May of 1998, Dave Hagymus was elected Chief Operating Officer of STRIDE. As the COO, Dave oversees the day to day operations of all STRIDE programs and becomes the right hand man for the CEO. This is no small task, but this is no small man. Dave stands six feet tall and is able to draw upon his many years of experience as an engineer at General Electric, as well as his years of owning and managing a ski shop at Jiminy Peak. Now retired, Dave continues to work part-time in the ski department at Klines All Sports store just to stay on top of the industry changes in equipment. These experiences, combined with his work ethic, long standing friendship with Mary Ellen, CEO, and dedication, make Dave a very effective COO.

Dave was raised locally in the Watervliet/Latham area. He currently resides in Wynantskill and has two grown children. Dave's son is the tennis coach at Duke University and his daughter is an editor for Adirondack magazine. Apparently, the love of the outdoors and athletics runs in the family. Dave is an avid outdoorsman and enjoys playing golf and tennis on a regular basis. Fly fishing is the sport that has long captured Dave's heart and soul. He often travels to Florida and Montana to enjoy this sport. Dave also likes to get away to his camp on the Delaware River to fly fish as often as he can.

Since 1996, Dave has been actively involved in STRIDE Skiing and Camping programs. In the winter he is a volunteer adaptive ski instructor at Jiminy Peak. Once again, his experience is a great boost for the program, he has been a Level III certified Alpine PSIA ski instructor for many tears. He is eager to help without being asked. Dave is able to impart his knowledge onto new instructors in a most pleasant manner. Although Dave is somewhat soft spoken, he commands the respect of those around him. His demeanor is pleasant and he has a great sense of humor. STRIDE is truly fortunate to have Dave Hagymus as Chief Operating Officer.

The Many Faces of STRIDE ---- Jon ("LJ") Whitney

In 1995, LJ found our programs as a camp volunteer and has been an active part of many programs and aspects of STRIDE ever since. His quiet nature, fun-loving disposition and love of the outdoors makes him a natural in working with the kids. LJ attained his engineering degree from Union College in 1984, and became employed at Johnson Controls shortly thereafter. Living in Milford, CT he is currently a Branch Manager in New Haven, CT. with much of his time spent at Yale University. After enjoying his first camping trip, he found it worth the drive to become more and more involved. He now helps out with the sailing program, and the ski program. He is our PSIA certified Snowboard trainer for the Adaptive Ski Program, and he also is a valued volunteer at the Masquerade Ball each year. On a personal note, LJ, loves to travel, snowboard, sail, and rock climb. He is a very accomplished sailor, and races in the spring and fall on Long Island Sound on a 34" racing sloop. He recently returned from a rock climbing adventure at Joshua Tree in the Mohave Desert.

LJ says that "STRIDE is a great place to work with fun and exciting people. It gives me a sense of giving back to the community, and I enjoy being able to see how I can make a difference in kids lives." Beyond his volunteering for so many programs, LJ has become an internal part of the organization and management for STRIDE probably without even knowing it. He is the solid support system confidant, and companion for Mare, and claims he's proud to have "married into STRIDE!"

Many Faces of STRIDE ---- Denis Ferentinos

Denis Ferentinos, a perennial favorite among kids and volunteers alike, is not only featured as this season's "Many Faces" but was also recently honored as "STRIDE Volunteer of the Year". To those who know Denis, this is no surprise at all: he is the kind of person who is quick to lend a hand, flash a smile, and truly loves all of the time he devotes to STRIDE.

The gregarious Ferentinos became hooked on STRIDE because he gets so much, personally, out of STRIDE. Denis once said, "My father taught me that everything that goes around comes around...do good things and good things will come back to you". His sister volunteered for a suicide hotline for years. Interestingly, Denis was resistant to volunteering for any organization for fear of it cutting into his time, as he considered himself to be "way too busy". Shortly after his introduction to STRIDE, Denis realized that "...volunteering doesn't amount to time taken away from your life, it is time spent adding something to your life". In fact, a very busy work schedule prevented Denis from participating in any Camp STRIDE outings this year. As a result, Denis described himself as feeling depressed because he missed the kids. At the moment, Denis is enthusiastically looking forward to this ski season and being with our kids.

Denis has been actively involved in STRIDE since 1994, in a variety of capacities. As newsletter editor for three years, Denis shared his flare for innovation by creating this "Many Faces of STRIDE" column. In addition, Ferentinos has been very active in the ski instruction program for the last five years. Denis is currently the STRIDE Sunday Supervisor at Jiminy Peak, a post he has held for the last three years. His dedication, determination and skiing skills helped Denis earn his PSIA Level II Certification. This accomplishment makes Denis one of the elite, as only 70 people nationwide have earned this status. Longtime STRIDE volunteer and close friend, Pete Corsi, also achieved this level of certification. This is an impressive achievement for many reasons. Particularly impressive is that Denis had previously suffered such a serious injury that an orthopedist had instructed him to stop skiing completely. Fortunately for STRIDE, the indomitable spirit of Denis Ferentinos landed him back on skis 15 years later, and the rest, well, is history.

When asked how it feels to be honored at "STRIDE Volunteer of the Year", Denis replied "It is quite overwhelming". His mind wandered back to his first training session held at Mary Ellen's house years earlier. Denis remembered meeting Pete Corsi, Greg Charache, Tuck Lowe and others. He felt honored to be among these "amazing individuals". Denis was in awe of their commitment, skills and background, and did not feel up to their caliber. Five years later, to be recognized among those whom he holds in such high esteem, is nothing less than outstanding to him. He feels being selected "STRIDE Volunteer of the Year" from a group of such high caliber volunteers is an extra special honor. Denis embraces this volunteer time as a means of adding something special to his life and he has been honored because he adds so much to the lives of others. His father was right, what goes around does indeed come around.

MANY FACES OF STRIDE ---  Kurt Uhl                   

If ever there was an unassuming an understated man with an endless supply of talents, his name would be Kurt Uhl. Since 1987, Kurt has played a major behind the scene role in STRIDE's incredible growth. Kurt has very quietly gone about the business of making each fund-raiser a success. Few people are aware that Kurt is the founder and director of the Masquerade Ball. It was no surprise that he was honored as volunteer of the year in 1994. By virtue of his many talents, experience and desire to make a difference, Kurt is selected and incredible asset to STRIDE.

What began with a simple 100-dollar donation as the treasurer of the OC ski club, has blossomed into a long-term commitment to STRIDE. Kurt became involved with the ski program when it still college at Maple Ridge. In the beginning, Kurt volunteered his time to various STRIDE committees. In 1990, he originated the Masquerade Ball, which remains as the organizations sold fund-raiser. Kurt's parents graciously sponsored the STRIDE Masquerade Ball at Albany Country Club then and in the year 2000 they will do so again! In addition, Kurt helped Mary Ellen acquirer grants through the Rotary Foundation to help defray the costs of camping and skiing. Kurt is it well suited for his current STRIDE position, Director of Fund Development. Without his fund raising efforts, STRIDE would not be able to offer as many programs to as many kids as it does right now. His vision of a major, classy and fund fund-raising event, truly help direct STRIDE toward the path of financials self-sufficiency. When Kurt is not raising funds for STRIDE, he works as a Telecommunications System Specialist for the Legislative Bill Drafting Commission. Kurt has freely shared his expertise and abilities with STRIDE. Kurt is also a professional photographer, which STRIDE has reaped the benefits from. Kurt is a graduate of Bethlehem Central High School and lives in Delmar. In college Kurt studied electronic engineering, economic/management and business administration. Clearly his education has been another benefit to the organization. STRIDE is not the only volunteer organization to which Kurt devotes his time. For involved last 30 years, Kurt has been involved as a volunteer firemen, an E. M. T., a certified rescue scuba diver and rescue squad member. He was recently elected Fire Commissioner and will serve a five-year term.

Kurt Uhl, understated and unassuming: YES!!! Unappreciated: NEVER!!! On behalf of the STRIDE organization, thank you Kurt, for your contributions. It is often easy to overlook the behind the scenes players, Kurt Uhl. We all where we are today as an organizations in large part because Kurt shared his time, talents and vision.

Many Faces of STRIDE --- Kathi Jonas                       

Kathi Jonas first learned of STRIDE in 1993 when her daughter, Amy was in Mary Ellen’s adaptive physical education class at Ichabod Crane school for Questar 111. Kathi was amazed at Amy’s ability and enthusiasm for athletics. "Amy’s involvement in the ski program made me see that she was able to do things that I never imagined. With STRIDE giving her so many opportunities that I didn't think were possible, I let her tri to do more." From the ski program, Amy soon moved on to the camping, baseball, and bowling programs. Now 17 years old, Amy still is involved with both the bowling and baseball programs, as well as playing ball for her hometown adaptive league in Chatham. In 1998, Kathi went from parent volunteer to taking over as director of the STRIDE Bowling Program, and is actively seeking new faces for the program. She thoroughly enjoys the camaraderie as well as the "honest competitiveness" she sees in the children involved.

One of the aspects she views as the most important is the social outlet STRIDE offers through its programs. "There tends to be no social avenue for handicapped teams. With STRIDE, there's an alternative."

The Bowling program is a very close knit environment. Parents help out with the scoring, kids help other kids bowl. "It almost runs itself." Kathy, through nomination by her daughter, is the coach for Amy’s STRIDE baseball team.

Though her daughter is close to "aging out" of the STRIDE program, Kathi intends to stay involved with STRIDE "as long as it is in existence."

She greatly enjoys the opportunity for family involvement in the commitment of other volunteers. "All of the volunteers really give so much, it feels like family and you get so much more out of the kids, compared to what little time you put in." The Jonas family also enjoys the social aspect of STRIDE. Kathi's husband, Dana, who she says "hates all social events," actually looks forward to the annual Masquerade Ball! Hats off to volunteer and parent, Kathi Jonas!

Many Faces of STRIDE … Mary Sapp

The saying goes, "If you want something done, ask a busy person to do it." Mary Sapp doesn’t need to take on any more activities or responsibilities but she could just be that person to complete the task you need done. When Mary isn’t teaching first grade, instructing aerobics, swing dancing, or participating in one of her numerous other hobbies, she makes STRIDE a high priority.

Mary has been involved with STRIDE for about six years. She first got involved with STRIDE because she knew Mary Ellen from working with her at Ichabod Crane School. Her involvement started with simply collecting auction items for the Masquerade Ball and attending the Ball. It didn’t take too long, however, for Mary to take on more activities with STRIDE. She had a kindergarten student, who was involved with Project STRIDE, so she knew how beneficial the organization was.

Four years ago she began participating in the summer camping trips. Two years ago, Mary joined STRIDE’s largest program by becoming an official ski instructor. At about that same time, she also started participating in the sailing program, and although sailing was not something she was completely experienced in, she came anyway and learned right along with the kids.

This past May STRIDE had its first whitewater-rafting trip, and sure enough, Mary was a part of it. This past July, for the first time, she directed and orchestrated the camping weekend for over 40 campers! But it doesn’t stop there! Aside from everything else, she also does some photography for STRIDE and still continues to collect those auction items.

Mary doesn’t have a particular favorite activity she enjoys doing with STRIDE. She has different reasons for liking to do all of them. She likes the recreational activities such as camping and sailing, but states it’s great to see the kids’ progress in the ski program as she gets to work with them all winter long.

Mary has been teaching first grade at Ichabod Crane for 13 years and formerly taught Special Education. She holds a Bachelor’s Degree in Elementary Education from SUNY New Paltz, and two Master’s Degrees in Special Education and Reading, from SUNY Albany.

She says that along with all the other activities, she also likes to roller blade, hike, ski, and bike but has difficulty finding time for everything. She would probably be able to participate in more personal recreational activities if it weren’t for STRIDE, but Mary has made STRIDE a priority and her students will tell you they are glad she has! She loves STRIDE because, as she states, "It’s rewarding to give kids experiences they might not otherwise have, and to see how happy it makes them and to see them progress." She also enjoys volunteering with the many interesting people who have similar motivations for improving the lives of children. She believes it’s worth a person’s time to make the time for volunteering in a program like STRIDE.

Mary hopes to be volunteering for STRIDE for a long time and STRIDE kids (and volunteers) hope that Mary will continue to make them a priority in her life. Thanks Mary!

E-mail for information, questions, and comments to Webmaster : redmax1@prodigy.net

This page was last updated on 07/08/04

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