Meetings Cancelled This Week

I'm sorry, but I need to go out of town this Thursday-Friday, so I have to cancel the River Kids Board Meeting for TH and the regular meeting for Friday.

I will reschedule.

Ben

Wow!

Holy Asian Carp!  (Mackerel just doesn't fit.)

What an awesome paddle today!  You all are amazing!  I can't wait to see all the film footage and the stills...

Thanks to all of you who were able to make it on the trip...can't wait for the next outing...anyone busy tomorrow?  :)

Thanks Giovanna for the food!  Thanks Big Muddy Mike for guiding!  Thanks Frank Popper for filming!  Thanks Shannah for the idea!  Thanks parents for being willing to get muddy!  Thanks kids for the energy, enthusiasm and the memories!  Thanks Mighty Mississippi and Mosenthein for being the perfect backdrop to our River Kids adventures...

This is the only pic I have to send right now thanks to Doug Finer and his phone...As soon as all the footage and pics are in, I'll find a way to post them and get you all access...

Rock on!

Ben

Directions to Cleanup

In case anyone needs help finding directions to North Riverfront Park (which doesn't actually show up on Google Maps) just search for "10100 Riverview Drive, St. Louis, MO" and that should pinpoint the entrance to the park...You should be able to get directions from wherever you are.



View Larger Map

Please let me know if you cannot find directions and I'll give you
directions personally.

Also, remember to call me if you have any issue between now and tomorrow afternoon...

Thanks!

Ben

Sunday Sunday...

Wow! By my count, there are 27 of us heading out Sunday to paddle the Mighty Miss...Could this be shaping up any better, REALLY?  Great group of people...sunny, high of 89...TONS of trash to be hauled...mudholes to be played in...free food and drink (Gotta love that...Thanks Giovanna and Orlando's catering!) and Frank Popper (Filmaker) on board as video-witness to it all!

Let me throw out a big thanks to Shannah Burton for coming to River Kids with the idea of contributing to One Day On Earth...What a cool opportunity to have!  Thanks to all the folks who've chipped in to plan the outing as well...

And a big thanks to River Kids' Karma for kickin' in some good weather!

On that note...it is going to be hot out there...do make sure you bring an unbreakable water bottle (in this case bigger might be better)...You may also want to wear swimwear under your outer layer...There may be a little time to play in the river as well...Oh, and perhaps a little sunscreen will be in order for folks with skin that's already forgotten about summer sun...

Is anyone meeting at NCS at 2pm?  There are some people who might like to have their kids ride along with someone...if you are driving and can meet at NCS to shuttle some kids, let me know...

Everyone - please be at N. Riverfront Park by 2:45 to get geared up and hear a safety talk...ESPECIALLY if this is your first outing with Mike Clark and Big Muddy Adventures. Mike will have a waiver for you to sign there as well.

If you have any issues and need to reach me between now and the paddle, please feel free to call me. Here's the list of people I have down as paddling - Please let me know ASAP if you communicated with me and I've left you off the list! And if you're on the list and not attending, let me know that as well...

We're right at the max for boating configuration right now, so every change in numbers could affect things big time...sooner I know, the better...

• Max P
• Nick K + 1 adult
• Lawrence
• Sean + 2
• Rachel S + 1
• Gerald
• Ella McC + 1
• Jake F +1
• Elena T
• Fran C-N
• Ali S-H + 1
• Ella P + 1
• Dylan C + 1
• Lizzie B
• Elizabeth K
• Frank P
• Shannah B
• Ben G

See you on the river if not before!

Ben

Dinner and a Paddle?

To all those planning to paddle with us this weekend...make sure you've sent in your waivers or bring them with you on Sunday. A waiver is necessary for everyone...permission slip is only necessary for kids attending without parents. 

Make sure I've heard from you with a number of people you're bringing by this afternoon.  I'll tally up and send numbers to Mike tonight after conferences. 

Also, Giovanna Cassilly got Orlando's Catering to donate a meal to us hardworking River Kids!...so there will be some camp-style food and drink at the finish for all of us...I don't think there is a vegetarian option though, so please consider bringing something if you think you'll be left out... 

I've only heard from one person that they are planning to meet at NCS for carpool...anyone else? 

Ben

RK Videos and the Trip This Weekend

For some of you folks who are new to the RK scene, and for some of you who've forgotten about this little gem that Theresa Biggs threw together so gracefully, check out the following Youtube link to the video that wound up being installed as part of a video kiosk at the National Mississippi River Museum: 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7Ss34cvsVbo 

If you search for River Kids, you may be able to dig up some other videos from KMOV...There's a great video from Show-Me St. Louis somewhere out there as well...And oh yeah, there's that section on River Kids in the documentary "A Sewer Runs Through It" that hit the big screen for a while...I have copies if you're interested in a viewing...no autographs, please...okay a few wouldn't hurt... 

So, what will be the next big attention getter for River Kids????  I'm thinking a submission to the One Day On Earth documentary being accepted in the main film would do the trick...agree??? 

We are set to film this weekend...After the meeting on Monday, it was clear that everyone wants to get some images of River Kids cleaning a river - imagine that!...SO, we will be paddling from North Riverfront Park over the Mosenthein Island (as we did several times last year) and hike in to one of the biggest natural trash depositories anywhere along the river...We'll have at least a few Flip cameras and still cams for everyone to use...We are hoping to have a professional videographer as well...I'll let that be a bit of a surprise... 

We'll trash bash for an hour or so and make the biggest pile we can on high ground (to be hauled out later)...then we'll head back across the river before dark. 

If you would like to participate, I need to know ASAP.  I need to provide Mike with fairly definite numbers by Thursday afternoon so he can pull together all the right equipment and staff. 

Though not all the pieces to the puzzle are completely in place, here's the basic scoop on what you would be in for: 

• 3-4 hour excursion - 30-minute gearing up session, 30 minute paddle each way and cleanup between, 30-minutes of putting gear away, extra time is for "river time" (total time - 2:45pm-6:45pm)
• Weather - partly cloudy - temps starting in the high 70s and ending in the low 60s as the sun drops
• dinner won't be provided during the paddle, but we can stop for pizza somewhere on RK after to celebrate
• Necessary Gear - boots, long pants, work gloves, water bottle, snack and layers of clothing so you can adjust to temps
• Age restriction - up to you to decide as parents if you're coming along. Usually best to leave anyone under 7 at home on paddling days.
• Mike is bringing a 14-16 passenger dugout and a 8-10 passenger Clipper canoe, as well as a 21-foot 4-man support canoe for our video crew
• Mike will provide all other paddling equipment and safety gear.
• Permission Slip Below - email reply is sufficient and only necessary for River Kids attending without a parent
• Waiver attached - print and fill out, then bring it to me or scan it and email it back - everyone must fill this one out
• Possible carpool/van - Those wishing to carpool should plan on meeting at NCS by 2pm. (let me know if you are interested in carpooling and I will try to connect you with the others who are also interested)

So, are you in?  I have already heard from about 15 people...We can take about 24 total (including adults, also leaving room for guides and gear), so there is still a little room.  Please reply to this email with the number of people (including yourself) that you plan to bring along.  Please don't forget to count yourself...that's just sad...You're important too. 

If you have any questions, let me know...I'll find someone who knows the answers... 

Ben

One Day On Earth Meeting

Just a reminder that there is a meeting after school for kids and/or parents regarding next weekend's River Kids filming adventure with Shannah. 

If you are interested in shaping the content of the footage we shoot or getting more detailed information on this wonderful opportunity, please either send your ideas via email or come to the meeting. 

As noted before, you do not need to attend this meeting in order to participate in the filming. 

We will meet in Shannah's room from 3:45-4:30.  See some of you there! 

Ben