Rozalia Project Visits TISC

A few days ago I received Sarah’s email to the V15 Fleet: the Rozalia Project was on a west coast swing, and would visit TISC Nov 19th. How fortunate; I had two other meetings at TI and could attend!

While my chat with Rachael Miller was brief, I learned a lot about their project and goals.  The Rozalia mission is to find and remove marine debris from the surface to the seafloor.  They attack with gusto from many angles including direct action, technology (way cool, check out some of these ROV and radar systems), outreach and research.

So far this year they have worked with over 10,000 participants to remove over 500,000 pieces of marine debris weighing over 164,00 pounds (yes, like in 82 TONS !).

The above totals include a chair they found in the Windy City, but does not include the red tube sock (underwater view below; real sock here) they recovered from under the docks here at TISC.  They hope to visit San Francisco again next year during America’s Cup time; if they do we look forward to seeing them and spending more time with their entire team.

I had fun meeting Hector the Collector – one of their most personable pieces of technology.  This ROV is a Pro4 manufactured by VideoRay. No quite as personable as the Smart Little Industrious Marine Maintenance Man (we called him SLIMM) that kept our pool clean back in Acton, however much more well behaved and predictable.

While at TISC Rachael and her team introduced Hector the Collector to kids from our junior sailing program and from the Life Learning Academy here on the island.  They also discovered the water was clearer under the docks than out on Clipper Cove.

They flew back to the east coast last night after a 10-day west coast jaunt.  Their time in SF Bay enabled them to rank our waters with other west coast ports – I’ll let Rachael provide our rankings compared to LA, San Diego and Sacramento in and upcoming blog – and spread the word on their project to hundreds of kids and pationate adults.

You can support their programs in many ways.  The easiest is to simply spread the word about Rozalia Project and keeping in touch with them.  Another great way is to always be on the lookout for debris and pick it up whenever you can (the nasty stuff I see here in the yard can wreck tires; the lighter, fluffier, floaty stuff looks bad and can harm our marine friends).

We were fortunate to have them here at Treasure Island Sailing Center – another example of our role as a Launching Point for New Horizons.

All the best for this Thanksgiving – from On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Here are a few links you can pass along for more information or to donate, to keep track of their progress, and for a bunch of great pictures:

http://www.rozaliaproject.org/donate/

http://rozaliaproject.blogspot.com/

https://www.facebook.com/RozaliaProject?sk=wall

 

VI Sailors, DCYF Kids All Smiles After Weekend Sail at TISC

When I started this blog one fear I had was not enough to write about.  I now find myself in a catch-up mode.  So much for my initial concern; here is an update on the October 20/21 weekend at TISC.

Saturday, October 20:

We’ve been fortunate to have a connection with the Marin Sailing School and their program for visually impaired sailors.  This year we introduced sailing to 37 visually impaired sailors! What a great experience for the instructors and volunteers as well as the VI sailors. Sailing allows the participants to use their tactile and auditory senses to successfully sail a boat.

On Saturday, October 20 we hosted 13 VI sailors plus sailing instructors and volunteers.  What a great way to end this year’s program!

The all-star supporting cast included Al Spector, Head of the Marin Sailing School Program for the Blind and Danette Davis, Head of Outreach (volunteer opportunities are HERE) for the program.  They were joined by two Marin Sailing School Volunteers: George Gurrola and George Lythcott. Linda Zagula joined as well; many of her students at the Orientation Center for the Blind have raved about the program, and she wanted to see it firsthand.

From the TISC side, Kara Wilcox from the TI V15 fleet volunteered her time and the team was rounded out by three TISC instructors: Dan Loman, Phill Myerson and Megan Sammarco.

The program has been a great outlet for the VI community to get outside, be active and participate in a sport with limited assistance. The most-often asked question at the end of the day: “When can I come back?!!”

Sunday, October 21:

We partner with the Department of Children, Youth and Families (DCYF) on many or our youth programs and initiatives.  Each October we jointly sponsor a “Lights on After School” event at TISC to promote after school programing and the important role such opportunitties in the development of our youth. This nationwide initiative had over 1 million participants at 7,500 sites!

On Sunday, October 21, TISC hosted 15 students for our annual event.  The kids enjoyed sailing games and healthy snacks with parents cheering them on.  Bringing together this group further underscored and supported the need for afterschool programs.  Thanks again to DCYF for their continued support of many TISC programs.

Dan Loman, a TISC instructor, provided the pictures – thanks, Dan, for the many smiling faces.

From On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

Kevin Berry, our Managing Director, and Madison Gattis, our Office Manager, provided the background on these two events.  If you are a parent, volunteer, tenant or TISC student and have a story to share or volunteer to thank please let us know – inputs always greatly appreciated.

Thank You BTR Supporters !

Over 80% of the funds raised by TISC’s 2012 Big Team Regatta went directly to scholarships and programs because of the many gifts in kind provided by our land-based supporters.  Please frequent them, and thank them again for us.

The day started early with registration and briefing.  Everyone enjoyed the fresh-brewed coffee from Peet’s Coffee at 1776 4th street in Berkeley. I particularly enjoyed the double latte on my ride home Friday night after returning the large coffee thermoses that provided a kick start to everyone earlier in the day. 

Of course the Noah’s Bagels were a perfect match for the coffee.  Thanks to the Noah’s team near Fillmore& Sacramento in San Francisco for the morning bagels and muffins.

Liz Felando is an instructor at TISC and on the Cal Sailing team.  She prepared the scrumptious chocolate and pumpkin cupcakes we all enjoyed at dinner.

Lagunta’s Brewery in Petaluma goes out of their way to support many community activities. The keg we enjoyed after sailing was courtesy of their team. Stop by for a tour the next time you’re in the area – makes for a fun afternoon.

After the racing we all enjoyed great food from Fine Foods at Home. Kara Forman and her team donated a portion of our dinner, which was excellent.  You too can enjoy their food by ordering on line then picking up dinner at one of their three locations at the 24th St Cheese Company, the NOPA Home Service , or the Noe Hill Market.  You can use their interactive map to see their locations.

TISC supporters have a wide range of unique talents that not only made the day possible but also added to the enjoyment during and after the event.

Thanks again to Rich Jepson and the entire OCSC Sailing School.  They were the enablers for this day of sailing, fellowship and fund raising.  Special thanks to OCSC instructors Ashley Tobin and Jim Watters.  They donated their time and special skills to support BTR.

Scott Keck provided his time as our DJ during the presentations and for music after.  And Roy Miller once again provided hundreds of quality photos for participants and sponsors to enjoy.  His photos are on the TISC Facebook page HERE.

Many volunteers from Cal Sailing and OCSC helped with set-up, registration, on-the-water logistics, meals, and clean up.  THANK YOU ALL

From On The Cove, Dave G

In the wake:

If you have special skills, would like to help out with a donation in kind or simply want to get involved at TISC, let us know.  You can call our office at (415) 421-2225 or connect with us on line with your special skills or interest