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On the same day as the annular solar eclipse, DSC and its supporters celebrated three special events. Thanks to their neighbors at the Stockton Sailing Club, the venue was as perfect as the fall evening, and the music of Loki Rhythm added a special touch to the event.
The evening began with the naming and blessing of 5 boats generously donated to DSC through a grant from the Raymus Foundation. Alex Sugar, Raymus’s Foundation Director, named a beautiful white double shell Marie Raymus and four indestructible bright yellow polyurethane single boats from Australia. A former European history major, Sugar named those four boats Alexandria, Athena, Constance and Troy, notable naval powers surrounding the Mediterranean in ancient times.
Tirone was followed by speakers Kim Sparrowk, Jeff Kroll, Jeanine Simmons, and Tania Tufui-Niu, who spoke about what DSC’s four main programs (Masters, OarBusters for civilians with disabilities, Freedom Rows—Delta Heroes for military veterans, and the Youth programs) mean to those they serve and to them personally as scullers, volunteers and coaches.
A highlight of the evening was Stockton City Council member Susan Lenz being honored as the 2nd recipient of the Heart of the Delta Award for her generosity and support of DSC and of health and healing in the community. And the first recipient of the award, Dr. Amy Scriven, came to the podium to celebrate with Lenz as a freighter with tugboats went by while the sun set over Mt. Diablo. Meanwhile, Scriven’s fifth-grade son Adam was accumulating his first 10,000 meters on an ergometer (rowing machine) that allowed some attendees to get lessons on how to row from DSC coaches.
Delta Sculling Center Executive Director and Head Coach Pat Tirone gave introductory remarks about what the “C”, “LL” and “G” in “sculling” represent at DSC. “C” is for caring and commitment, “LL” for listening, and “G” for generosity. And all three, symbolic of the culture at the Center, were also amply demonstrated in how much went into the planning and execution of the event.
Scriven was thrilled to be reunited with her high school Anatomy teacher, Manny Moreno, who leads Loki Rhythm, the local world music band that entertained everyone throughout the evening. The only one who danced to every tune was one-and-a half-year-old Nolan Goodman, who enthralled all who shared the dance floor with him and tried to imitate his unique dancing style.
