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A ride to remember
People with disabilities treated to annual boat excursions

Deborah Sederberg
The News-Dispatch

MICHIGAN CITY - The 30th annual Michigan City In-Water Boat show is a week away, but it was anchors away Friday afternoon in Heisman Harbor thanks to the Michigan City Charter Boat Captains and other generous boaters.

The annual event gives boat rides to people with disabilities.

Shirley Dolph, a Michigan City Social and Learning Institute teacher, said her student, Erick Sherwood, was excited about the boat ride. "He likes water and he likes to swim in pools," Erick's mom, Sandy, said.

"I like boats," Erick added.

Buddies Craig Lach, Keith Van Sickle and Matthew Krupa, all Sharing Meadows residents in Rolling Prairie, said they couldn't wait for their turn. They saw fellow Sharing Meadows Villagers get onto a boat called "Stylin'" and were eager for their turn to arrive.

"We'll get to go," Matthew told his friends in a reassuring tone.

As he has for years, charter boat captain Steve Kreigbaum took charge of organizing the event.

While Lake Michigan was a bit choppy, the harbor was calm as usual. Gray clouds could do nothing to dampen the festive spirit of the occasion.

Kim Latchford, a Michiana Resources case manager, gave much of the credit for the success of the event to Kreigbaum.

"Steve did most of the work for this boat ride," she said. "I just took some reservations, but Steve organized everything."

Latchford took reservations for 175 participants. Some counts were still being made Friday afternoon, but at least 20 boat owners volunteered their time and their boats for the adventure.

Kreigbaum is a city firefighter assigned to Engine Company 2 on U.S. 12.

Firefighters assisted with the event, some helping participants, some of whom came with wheelchairs onto and off the boats. Others helped with a picnic supper and with whatever needed to be done.

Flipping burgers were Chuck Greis, Michigan City Fire Department deputy chief of administration, Fire Cpt. Mike Moss, City Controller John Schaefer and Willie Milsap, assistant fire chief and Fifth Ward City Council member.

Schaefer, who has a reputation for frugality, if not downright stinginess, took care of securing the beef for the event, Milsap said, a big smile lighting his face.

"He knows how to get a deal," the councilman added.

A dozen or so other volunteers from various parts of the community took on whatever tasks needed to be completed.

"I love to see the community all working together like this," Milsap said.