In This Issue
JOURNEY TO 50 STATES AND BEYOND
FROM THE PRESIDENT
A brighter future through research
TENTH ANNUAL
DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CLUB
WALK A MILE FOR PETE & HIS FRIENDS
2003 Research Grant

Fall 2004

The Spokesman

A newsletter of the Pedal-with-Pete Foundation

By Emily Schmidlin

Traveling to all 50 states has always been a dream of mine. I’ve nearly fulfilled my dream by the age of 16. Hawaii is the missing piece to my complete tour of the United States. In the course of my travels, I have experienced a variety of culture, an array of intriguing cuisine, and many gorgeous landscapes.

My travels started when I was just an infant. My first journey was south to Amish country. I was about three months old and weighed less than five pounds. That was only the start. I have since been to most of the major National Parks in the United States, across prairies, up mountains, atop glaciers, down canyons, and on rivers, lakes, and oceans. I have joined in the bustle of large cities and the quiet of small towns. I have seen much of what Canada offers by visiting all of its provinces and one of its territories. I am fortunate that my family does not see my wheelchair as an obstacle to travel. My parents often stress that my wheelchair does not “confine” me; instead it allows me the freedom to go.

Outside the United States, I have traveled to many European countries. As a sixth grader, I spent six months in Geneva, Switzerland, with my family as part of a study abroad program through Kent State University. Each weekend we would travel to a neighboring country to see its scenery and experience its culture. I ate foods that I could not identify, witnessed the rebuilding of cities in countries that were previously under communist rule, walked the seashore under the midnight sun, and listened in on conversations that were melodic yet incomprehensible to me. Issues of accessibility are always a concern for me, but what I often found was that “accessibility” is a result of attitude rather than physical structures. There were places where I should not have been able to go, but I found that people in many places were committed to me, a total stranger. They would make the unreachable reachable.

I have often wished that my wheelchair had an odometer on it. I have asked my parents if they could estimate how many miles I have gone in my chair. My mom ponders the question for a moment and responds with a scientific – “lots.” I do know that the company that services my wheelchair is always delighted to see it. They feel that there is nothing more important than replacing worn out wheels – their chairs are meant to go places.

So for now I have set my sights on Hawaii, the last of the fifty states for me. I do not know how I will get there, I do not know when I will get there, I am not sure what I will find when I do get there. The only thing I am sure of is that I will get there.

Emily Schmidlin is a junior at Roosevelt High School in Kent, Ohio. She serves on the Pedal-with-Pete board as Research and Education Chair. In addition to travel, Emily enjoys surfing the net and getting together with friends.

FROM THE PRESIDENT

Five BMX bikes (those used by young ones whose bones are still somewhat soft!) were recently donated to us by Terry’s Tire Town in Alliance, Ohio. They have been a long-standing contributor to PwP. It then became the pleasant duty of the board to decide how best to make use of them for the furtherance of our mission. One was designated to be sent to Emmetsburg, Iowa, to bolster the relationship with the good folks there who annually hold one of our three presently extant bike-a-thons. Since my wife and I had a trip planned in that direction, it became my pleasure to deliver that item only a short time ago.

At our most recent board meeting, we viewed a power point presentation crafted by Carol Ashby and the good people at Children’s Hospital, Pittsburgh. It outlines the problems associated with cerebral palsy and our efforts at effecting research that will help those stricken with the condition. It is slated to be reproduced on CD for ease of use by interested groups. A person familiar with how these events work would accompany that CD. We will let you all know when the presentation becomes available.

I mention each of these items to indicate our fervent hope that three events might give way to many events. It is remarkable that we have been able over the years to contribute $150,000 to the cause, all because of so many like you reading this publication. We thank you and urge you, as you have the inclination and associations, to consider making a bike-a-thon or similar event happen in your area. We can help you!

In the meantime, the board meeting I mentioned included much conversation concerning our local event to take place here in May. We are excited.

Thank you once again for your marvelous support.

George W. Gaiser, President, Pedal-with-Pete

A brighter future through research

Pedal-with-Pete is also unveiling a new brochure, “A brighter future through research.” It tells the story of Pete, includes a “What is it” section about Cerebral Palsy, and explains how Dr. Albright at Children’s Hospital in Pittsburgh is working on behalf of those who have CP. The brochure further describes Pedal-with-Pete and how individuals and corporations can contribute toward our overall mission to provide research funding for the treatment of CP. Special thanks to Ann Hildebrand and Tina Moreno for their input and expertise in writing and designing this brochure.

TENTH ANNUAL

BIKE & HIKE EVENT SCHEDULED FOR MAY 15

Start and finish at Fred Fuller Park on Middlebury Road in Kent

Spring has arrived, and the plans for the Tenth Annual Pedal-with-Pete Bike & Hike Event are well underway. The staging area is at Fred Fuller Park on the west side of Kent, where registration and sign in will begin at 7:30 am. Cyclists may ride 15 or 40 miles, and a hike route of about 2.5 miles will be available along the Cuyahoga River. A barrier-free walk is also being arranged along the Bike & Hike path. Water and light refreshments will be available at the Roy Smith Shelter and also at Hudson Springs Park on the longer bicycle route. Participants are encouraged to solicit pledges, and prizes will be awarded for the most dollars turned in on ride day. Door prizes will also be awarded. Registration fee is $20 for all who PRE-REGISTER BY MAY 10. Registration will be $25 at the door. The fee will be waived for students who turn in $20 or more in pledges on May 15. A registration flyer is enclosed with this newsletter. The form and additional information is also available online at www.pedalwithpete.com.

Corporate and Individual Sponsorships & Door Prizes Being Sought

We are again inviting area businesses and friends of Pedal-with-Pete to partner with us to support the overall event. Our corporate and individual sponsors help defray costs so more dollars go to CP research. Use the form below to become a 2004 sponsor. You may also use the form if you would like to provide a door prize (merchandise, services, gift certificates). All bike and hike participants are entered into the door prize drawing.

TEAM Participation for Corporations/Family/Friends

Go Team! We expect to hear those words a lot on May 15 as groups of four or more riders, walkers or a combination of both participate together. We’re encouraging corporations, families and friends to consider registering in the “Team” division. Each team member should fill out a separate registration form and gather pledges. Prizes will be given to the largest team and to the team who turns in the most money on ride day.

2004 BIKE & HIKE-A-THON SPONSORSHIP FORM

{ YES! I will sponsor at the following level:

{ Kryptonite-$2500 { Millennium-$1000 { Titanium-$500

{ Golden Spoke-$250 { Silver Chain-$100 { Pedal Partner-$50

{ Sole Supporter-$5 - $49 { Other $ ________

Name _________________________________________________________________

Address________________________________ City/State_______________Zip______

Telephone _______________________________Email__________________________

{ Check enclosed payable to Pedal-with-Pete Amount $_______________

{ Item(s) for Door Prizes _________________________________ Value: _________

DIAMOND ANNIVERSARY CLUB

Commemorates Pedal-with-Pete’s 10^th Annual Event

Pedal-with-Pete is excited to announce a new way to support cerebral palsy research and the bike & hike event in 2004. The Diamond Anniversary Club was created to mark our tenth annual Kent event. To become a member, sponsors are encouraged to give an additional contribution of $100. We are pleased to announce the following Diamond Anniversary Club members (as of March 31):

Bill’s Painting – Mantua

James & Barbara Bailey and Family – Kent

Delta Sigma Pi – Beta Pi Chapter – Kent

Dr. and Mrs. Michael S. Beeson – Silver Lake

Bernard & Kim Hawkins – Columbia, SC

The Joestlein Family

Marty & Colleen Pohlod

You can still become a member of the Diamond Anniversary Club by adding $100 to your sponsorship gift.

DID YOU RIDE IN THE FIRST PEDAL-WITH-PETE EVENT?

We’re looking for riders from our first Kent bike event held at Fred Fuller Park on a beautiful sunny Saturday—September 9, 1995. If you rode with us, we invite you to join us on May 15 to ride, reminisce, and receive recognition. We look forward to seeing you!

UPCOMING EVENTS…

April 18            Earth Day Bike & Blade Expo, 11:00 am – 4:00 pm
                            8800    Chardon Rd (Rte 6), Kirtland, Ohio
May 2               Special Sale of Bike Raffle Tickets at Wal-Mart, 10:00 am – 4:00 pm
                           2600 State Rte 59, between Kent and Ravenna, Ohio
                            Sales receipts to be matched by Wal-Mart
May 15             Kent Area Bike & Hike Event, Registration 7:30 – 9:30 am
                            Fred Fuller Park, Kent, Ohio
July 3               Kent Heritage Fest, 9:00 am – 8:00 pm
                            Downtown Kent, Ohio
August 21        Columbus Area Ride for Pete’s Sake: The “Three-Pete”
                           Hilliard, Ohio
September      Iowa Ride Pedal for a Cure
                     Palo Alto County Fairgrounds, Emmentsburg, IA

WALK A MILE FOR PETE & HIS FRIENDS

We Asked You to Walk, And You Did…

All across Ohio, from New Jersey to California, Texas to South Dakota, Georgia to Michigan, you walked! And in gratitude for your ability to walk, you sent gifts to support cerebral palsy research so that others may someday be able to walk. Pedal-with-Pete thanks you for your most generous support.

Kathleen Lambacher - Hudson, OH
Kenneth Hankins - Kent, OH
Robert Truman - Kent, OH
Carol Lohman - Kent, OH
James Hill - Cuyahoga Falls, OH
John Falatok - Rootstown, OH
Harold Ruggles - Stow, OH
Glen Robbins - Columbus, OH
Drew Tiene - Kent, OH
Joseph Yeiser - Kent, OH
DuBois Book Store - Kent, OH
Rev. Horst Hoyer - Cleveland, OH
Thomas Bauer - Chagrin Falls, OH
David Wuethrich - Flint, MI
Erich Rock - N.Royalton, OH
Janet Lewis - Kent, OH
PDQ Bike Club - Olmsted Falls, OH
JTH Enterprises - Hudson, OH
Charles Jacoby - Colunbus, OH
Jacqueline Watson – Huntsville, AL
Terry Taylor - W.Jefferson, OH
Nancy Schubert - Kent, OH
Christian Wisbar - Hudson, OH
John Orlando – Moreland, OH
Theodore Voneida - Kent, OH
Wade Wallinger - Kingwood, TX
Art Cook Remodeling - Northfield, OH
Carol Suomu - Waukegan, IL
Paula Sak - New Castle, PA
Shirley Minor – Streetsboro, OH,
Margaret Kelling - Kent, OH
Dale Sattgast - Huron, SD
David Taylor - Tallmadge, OH
Tim Harmon - Cleveland, OH

Dr. Richard Ruch - Kent, OH
Horst Hebrank - N. Olmsted, OH
Allan Orashan - Kent, OH
Dave Dailey – Stow, OH
Kenny Harris - Hilliard, OH
Bob Becker - Lakewood, OH
James Wemyss - Kent, OH
John Felton - Lakewood, OH
Siegfried Dreger - Hinckley, OH
Norm Sandvoss - Kent, OH
John Harper - Pittsburgh, PA
Diana Garvey - Hudson, OH
Larry & Susan Marks - Hudson, OH
Ruth White - Kent, OH
Rosine Johnson - Kent, OH
Joe & Ruth King - Lakewood, OH
Joseph Rodriguez - Houston, TX
Carol Tabas - Pittsburgh, PA
Wm & Jacqueline Davis - Columbus, OH
Susan Glintborg - Riverton, IL
Hazel Crawford - Winston, GA
John Gwinn - Kent, OH
Terry & Dawn Smith - Ft. Wayne, IN
Clara Lindeman - Monrovia, CA
Susan Fracker - Jackson, MI
John Anderson - Hilliard, OH
Judy Kunka - Kent, OH
John Prim – Lakewood, OH
Sandra Kemp - Akron, OH
Susan DeFago - Hudson, OH
Ronald Kovac - Middlesex, NJ
Edward Feeney - New Albany, OH
Esther Chun - Columbus, OH

2003 Research Grant

In October of last year, Pedal-with-Pete presented a grant of $50,000 to Dr. Leland Albright of the Children’s Hospital of Pittsburgh. The check was presented by Pedal-with-Pete founder, Peter Zeidner, at a dinner in Columbus sponsored by friends who organize the Ride for Pete’s Sake. We are pleased to share Dr. Albright’s response and explanation of how this grant will be used.



PRESENTS… a red pepper matte Innova 21-speed cross bike for the Pedal-with-Pete raffle this year. This is a great recreational bike for your all around cycling enjoyment. You can see it at MARTY’S BIKE SHOP in Stow. This bike can be YOURS if you hold the winning raffle ticket! The drawing will take place at the Bike & Hike event on May 15 at Fred Fuller Park. Raffle tickets at $5 each or five for $20 are available via the Bike & Hike registration flyer, or from Marty’s. They can also be purchased on the day of the ride. Don’t miss out! Buy your tickets today. And in the meantime, check out MARTY’S at 3253 Kent Road in Stow for all your cycling needs.

In Memory of Emilie Penteker

Thank you to the following who have given gifts to Pedal-with-Pete

in memory of Emilie Penteker, a devoted friend of Pete Zeidner and mother of Edith Hebrank, a long time member of the PWP Board

Horst and Edith Hebrank and family
Anton and Ursula Baumgartner
Frank and Elisabeth Schmidt
Joseph and Lynda Szeltner
German Language School of Cleveland
Caroline Lindenmaier
Gunnar and Anneliese Hausmann
Albert & Gerda Juhasz

Pedal-with-Pete is a philanthropic organization
dedicated to raising money for research toward the prevention and treatment of cerebral palsy.

President: George W. Gaiser                                          For more information contact us at:
Vice President: John Kurlich                                                           P.O. Box 274
Secretary: Phyllis Kenreich                                                             Kent, OH 44240
Treasurer: Bill Head                                                                           1-800-304-PETE (voice mail)
Bike & Hike: Jen Pierce
Web Site: Noreen Miller                                                                    e-mail: petezeid@aol.com
Research & Education: Emily Schmidlin                                         or RidePWP@aol.com
Founder: Peter Zeidner

The Spokesman is published twice yearly in the Spring and Fall by Pedal-with-Pete.
Your thoughts and suggestions are always welcome.
Send your comments and ideas as well as change of address to one of the addresses above.