The Gondola Odyssey Begins September 27, 2009
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FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Weedsport Man to Row Authentic Venetian Gondola from Buffalo to Syracuse on Erie Canal
Weedsport, NY – September 23, 2009 - On September 27, 2009, Joe Deverell, a Weedsport, NY native, will be departing Gateway Park in Tonawanda, NY in a Venetian Gondola and rowing solo [150 miles on the Erie Canal] to Syracuse, NY. His final destination is Lock #24 in Baldwinsville, NY, stopping at numerous Western New York towns along the way. In the evenings, he will be camping out, enjoying the local cuisine and sights.
The intent of this journey is to raise awareness for ALS (amyotrophic lateral sclerosis, also referred to as "Lou Gehrig's disease”), promote Eco-Friendly NYS Canal Tourism and infuse enthusiasm for the artistic and romantic elements of the Venetian Gondola.
Gondolas are artistic wonders - 36 feet long, built by hand from 26 different woods, fitted with carvings, bronzes, Persian rugs and wondrous iron work on both ends. They weigh approximately 1500 lbs and are rowed with one 14 foot long oar as the only means of propulsion. Using a Venetian Gondola to travel long distances is very unusual. It can become quite a handful out of its natural elements which are narrow canals, protected from wind and waves.
This trip is a tribute to Joe’s mother, Valerie, who passed away in February 2004 of ALS. Valerie Angelini Deverell was born in 1937 in Rochester, NY. She lived in Scottsville and then Gates. She was a graduate of Nazareth College in Pittsford, NY with a BS degree in Nursing.
Joe Deverell (aka “Gondola Joe”) is an engineer who sells environmental liquid filtration and heat exchanger systems for the Buffalo-based R.P. Adams Co. He is one of a few fortunate Americans who have the honor to have been trained to row in Venice, Italy by authentic Gondoliers.
To learn more about Joe and his Gondola Odyssey for Valerie and to make a donation, please visit www.gondolajoe.com. The direct donation link to the ALS Association is: http://web.alsa.org/goto/gondola_4_valerie_deverell.
Contact:
Joe Deverell
www.gondolajoe.com
gypsygondolier [AT] gmail [DOT] com
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September 29th, 2009 - 15:49
Hi Joe, my brother Tom called to say that you were doing this for your Mom. Wow! What a tribute to Valerie. I see that you will be in Pittsford on the 3rd and off on the 4th. Ed and I will hook up with you at Pittsford. Good Luck
Suzie Deverell Meyer
October 1st, 2009 - 00:38
Experience tells us that we may lose people along the way, but we will never lose the mark they made upon our lives. The Goldenbird from the lake.