Lots on the plate today. A plethora of information.
Today brings news about a community event that focuses on adaptive sports, services and workshops.
Secondly, there will be a look at an American flag quilt that involved three communities in Indiana. The finished product, which was made for the 250th birthday of the U.S., is now in the Indiana Historical Society at the Eugene and Marilyn Glick History Center. South Bend played a part in stitching it together.
First off, “Spokes and Folks” is a day to become aware of adaptive sports and disabilities. Making things easier. The day will feature workshops, products, services and wheelchair tuneups and cleaning. It will be from noon to 5 p.m. Aug. 22 at Indiana University South Bend’s Student Activities Center. The center is off 20th Street and Mishawaka Avenue.
No cost to come on down and look.
There are several sponsors, including the River City Rollers wheelchair basketball team and Alick’s Home Medical. River City was founded about 50 years ago by Jim Milliken. As a double amputee, he saw a need to welcome all players, all ages and all levels of ability.
Father and son duo Chris and Gordon Fowler have been working on this event for six months. There was a spark of an idea and then it took off. “We started with a list. Added and subtracted to make it manageable,” Gordon said.
Chris is a retired physical education teacher. In his classroom, he had an adaptive sports unit. That was about 25 years ago, and he has played ever since.
Gordon is a lecturer in decision sciences at the Judd Leighton School of Business and Economics at IUSB and a coach for wheelchair basketball. He keeps the chairs in working order.
Chris said they were helped by members of a leadership group: Cooper Douwsma, Anne McGraw, Peter Hru, Connie McTigue, Joe McTigue and Dr. Steve McTigue. “Cooper is a double-amputee and a team player. Joe is a paraplegic and president of the River City Rollers. Connie and Steve are long-term supporters. Peter is a community activist. Great people! Lots of great people working to make this happen.”
The day is designed to open doors, do some good and spread information about what is happening in the community, Chris said. “We think this is the first of its kind in our area,” Gordon said.
Chris has hopes of reaching 200 people. “We will see what we did right and what we need to do next time.”
Of course, there will be basketball, but there will also be pickleball, bocci and wheelchair tai chi. Wheelchair maintenance and tuneups will be available. The workshops will examine grants and opportunities for the disabled.
McGraw is one of the dedicated organizers. “I’m very excited about this. It is not too ambitious. Lots of opportunities to grow with different organizations joining. It is great to see what is available and for families to see the possibilities. This is going to open doors and open minds.”
Check the Facebook page for the River City Rollers for updates.
Flag shows thread of our nation’s heritage
A U.S. flag is part of the exhibit at the Indiana Historical Society for the Freedom Framework exhibit. The idea took flight in the hands of costume designer Catherine Fritsch, of Arcadia, Ind., which is near Noblesville and Indianapolis.
The flag quilt uses many fabric patterns to establish the look of the flag.
Dan Shockley, creative director of exhibitions and interpretations, said the fabric came from the museum. “Some of the fabrics belonged to staff members’ loved ones who had recently passed away. The IHS fabrics are all pieces or remnants of former exhibit costumes like shirts, blouses, petticoats, etc. The remainder of the fabrics used were mostly given to us by people excited about the project, including our seamstress and friends of hers.”
Dan’s mother, Patricia, is represented in the quilt.
The quilt is 6-by-8 feet and needed to be pieced together quickly, Catherine said. “For the longarm (top) stitching, I called my costumer friend Jenny Fry in South Bend at Sew Loved.”
Sew Loved, 251 E. Sample St., has a hands-on mission with sewing classes for the underserved community. The charity also has embroidering machines, longarm quilting and alterations.
Jenny said it had to be done within a few days. “The longarm was done and the museum picked it up. We were happy to play a part.”
Catherine said it was “cool that we all worked together to get it done.”
“I’ve been amazed by the number of guests who comment on it and ask questions. Sew Loved is credited twice in the exhibit for their work on the piece. They were a pleasure to work with on the project, Dan said. “Arcadia, South Bend, back to Arcadia and then Indy.”
Kathy can be contacted at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: IUSB event to aid wheelchair athletes; South Bend seamstress showcased
Reporting by Kathy Borlik, Columnist / South Bend Tribune
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Kathy Borlik, Columnist | USA TODAY Network
