Our method of operation is partnership.   It is our belief that if two or three people or two or three groups of people are up to the same thing, they ought to be up to the same thing together, for economy of effort and funds,  for hands-on help, for promotion of cause, for pooling ideas, for community benefit.

Felder was there at the beginning of--

--the Onondaga County Parks Lights Walk and Run. In summer, 2005,  Felder called Jon Cooley with an idea.   Jon said, “I think we can do that.”    Seven thousand people walked for Free through the annual exhibit in November 2009, so many people that the event now runs for 2 nights.    Syracuse Parks sends Chris Abbott, a volunteer in partnership.   OLP produces the event, Felder volunteers parking attendants and course marshals.     Felder directs the Midnight Run and serves hot chocolate and cookies.    County Parks, City Parks, Felder are partners.

--the Rescue Mission Walk/Run program. Felder introduced the Walk/Run idea to James Breslin in late winter,’08-‘09.   Soon, a group of RM residents, monitored daily, found weight and diabetic numbers dropping.   It’s written!   A doctor recommends our program to his patients.    A group of temporary residents also participates.    Fleet Feet Sports donates shoes to Walk/Run participants, $7,000 worth in 2009.    Rescue Mission, Fleet Feet Sports, and Felder are partners.

--the Track, Field, and Cross Country Summer Day Camp for Youth, Ages 7 – 12. A teacher’s idea with complete plans for 5 days--every child doing every activity every day--accepted as Syracuse  Parks summer offering in 2000 by then-Commissioner Jennings, produced by City Parks, City Schools, and Felder.    High school youths teach the six skills.      Wait lists and requests each year demand more camps for more age groups so, in 2010, with greater resources and facility for broader scope, Syracuse Parks has taken over this project entirely.    City School, City Parks, and Felder teacher are partners.

--the Community Practices. A Felder idea spun from the t, f, and cc summer day camp, accepted in 2007 by Syracuse Parks Commissioner Pat Driscoll and offered Free of charge to City families, 231 people of all ages in 2009.   Felder provides volunteer coaches.    P.E.A.C.E., Inc. sends families.    City Parks, City School District, P.E.A.C.E., Inc., and Felder Stadium are partners.

--a Kathrine Switzer run under the moon and booksigning, 2005, at Onondaga Lake Park..   Another book and signing, soon, by the first woman to run the Boston Marathon.    Felder, OLP, Bagelicious, and the woman who put the women’s marathon into The Olympics are partners.

Comments:

_____________________________