WAVES which stands for: Wheelchairs And Veterans Enjoying Summer,inc. a 501 (c) (3) not-for-profit organization was started several years ago after I retired from my full time job as a Verizon employee and prior to that I worked as a Commercial diver for Local 1456 Dockbuilders Union up until the time I broke my neck in a diving accident in 1983.After  years of convalescing and physical therapy I went back to work for Verizon and currently  own & run the 34' downeast "Valhalla" which was purchased for the purpose of taking out people who ordinarily wouldn't get the chance to fish or boat because of any of the disabilities mentioned in the index. I have a 100 ton USCG Lic.# 1148018.

I must mention that without the volunteers there would be no WAVES. We stay afloat by the skilled help that comes in countless ways. As a Captain and boat owner it's a privilege to work together with the volunteers and families of the people bringing brought out for a fun day on the water.

 

                                                      April 2010

WAVES is off to a busy start this year gearing up for this Summer. We've added 2 electric reels to the tackle that were donated by a company in NC called Electra-mate & installed by Capt Bob from Morningstar. While thank you's are in order we want to thank Ron Parry for all the time he unselfishly donated to WAVES by  working on "Valhalla". Thank the Spadalik's for $1000 donation.

In July, Michael Simon donated $5,000 along with his time in helping WAVES exist. Margaret Johannesen donated $200 to WAVES. Also  As always WAVES is a free day of fishing and boating out on the Great South Bay by the selfless giving of Volunteers for without them WAVES would not exist. This fall Valhalla will be heading back down to Stuart, Florida at the end of November and will be back to Long Island in May.

2010

Thanks again to Michael Simon for his $3,000 donation to WAVES to get Valhalla back to

Long Island to begin another Season in NY. I want to also thank all the volunteers in Florida that helped keep Valhalla afloat for the Winter months. Spring is around the corner and NY fishing will begin again. Looking forward to another fun filled Season...I would like to thank Walter Cherwien for his generous check for $50. Thank you for all your donations and volunteer work you all have done for WAVES. Special thanks to Richard & Beth Cohen for their generous donation of $1000. First trip of 2010 was on May 20th with Catholic Charities. See pics on photo page.Hank's 6-9-10 trip thanks for your $40 donation for Veterans.

The Robinson family donated $200 in memory of Carmela. Thank you also to the Ciampa

for their $160 donation on 6-29-10 fishing trip. AHRC donated $25 on July 30. Thank the Telephone Pioneers for donating $90 & The Gagliano family $50. Telephone Pioneers on Aug. 7 donated $50.

The Spadalik family donated $1100 on Aug 9. Tracy Tom & Michael donated $125 on Aug. 11. Larry & Claudia Rath donated $300 in November. We're winding down on yet another great year with WAVES and had a lot of fun thanks to the volunteers that makes WAVES happen. We had some new volunteers added to the crew this year: Jack-Larry-Cleve-Anthony-Austin-Brian-Tony & to all the crew from past years that make it happen. I would like to thank Jed Meade who is helping the expediting for a new dock for WAVES in which we'll be putting a long awaited wheel chair lift which is very  exciting good stuff...Happy Holidays & New Year to all!

                                                       2011

     It's mid October & we just recently finished up our fishing trips for this year in NY and what a year it was. July 10th was the fundraiser which was unbelievable and I can only say again, "thank you everyone who keeps WAVES afloat by your volunteer work & generosity

At the end of the Summer we had our handicapped equipped dock put in by Brian Neil  who owns and operates "ALL SHORE MARINE" and who donated his time, crew and equipment for this major renovation and who's wife Lisa donated her photograhic expertise at the WAVE's fundraiser. Jed Meade also donated his time helping build the new dock along with expediting the permits. Ron Parry designed and built the ramp & deck along with help from Vinny, George, Andre, Ronald. Thank you all for your time & patience! Again, without the volunteers there would be no WAVES.

See the W.A.V.E.'s site on facebook for more pics of July 10th fundraiser that was run by Angela Charron. See you next year!