PARTNERSHIP NEWS
PCAS Plans and Partners
Last March, PCAS volunteer Lynn McGillin was searching for some good sources of native plants and trees for our annual boathouse and garden clean-up. Lynn not only found what she was looking for when she discovered LandHealth Institute, a nonprofit with expertise in urban land restoration. She found the perfect partner for our project.
As part of PCAS’ stewardship in Fairmount Park we have responsibility to care for our boathouse, the Philadelphia Adapted Rowing dock, and its surrounding grounds. Our boathouse is located at the head of a one-acre peninsula that forms a lagoon of calm waters on its landward side.
It was clear from our first meetings in the spring with LandHealth that there was great synergy between our missions.
PCAS and LandHealth, both located in West Philadelphia, share common goals: to improve accessibility to our natural resources, and to promote outdoor education and recreational activities.
A team from LandHealth, which included Pennsylvania Master Naturalists Marion Rector and Steve Jones, plus Kristina K-Slay and others, toured the wooded peninsula to assess how they could help. A plan took shape with a clear focus. “The goal was to whip the grounds back into ecological shape with some loving care and new plantings,” said Marion Rector. As is standard practice at LandHealth, all the plantings would be native species and no chemicals would be used.
The development plan included landscaping the overgrown grounds directly adjoining our boathouse deck to form an accessible garden. As a first step, over the summer, PCAS volunteers cut back the brush and covered the area with tarps to impede the growth of vegetation.
On September 7th, a group of PCAS and LandHealth volunteers working together started the major work - they took up the landscape tarp, pulled weeds, and planted the first few trees.
Weeks later, a specialized company came in to physically remove the poison ivy from the area, roots and all. This crew also removed trash from the area and even painted over the graffiti on our biking program container. A second landscaping session was completed in October, and one more is scheduled for December. LandHealth covered these costs with a grant from Weavers Way Environment Committee and other funds.
The physical improvements to the grounds are stunning, but this work is not finished.
One new idea proposed by the PCAS and LandHealth partnership for our garden includes building two new accessible paths. One would lead from the boathouse entrance out to the banks of the river, affording a view of the rowers going by. A second path would lead down to our dock with a gentler slope.
All of these garden initiatives require funding. Fortunately, our initiatives appear to fit well with the goals of Pennsylvania’s 2025-2029 Statewide Comprehensive Outdoor Recreation Plan (SCORP), under the Department of Conservation and Natural Resources (DCNR), which explicitly include creating “new trails, and recreation amenities focusing on improving equity in access.”
This state plan emphasizes the role of local parks and outdoor recreation in promoting community well-being, economic development, and environmental stewardship.
In addition to the work on the garden, PCAS has an immediate and critical need to replace our dilapidated 40-year-old dock. This is a major expense, and we have started the process of applying for grant funding from Pennsylvania and other sources. Since our dock is a “recreation amenity” used by hundreds of rowers, coaches, and fishermen, we expect the dock replacement to be well within the requirements of the state for accessibility and community.
Fairmount Park is the authority for making these grant requests to the state, and we are engaged with Philadelphia Parks and Recreation leadership and Pennsylvania’s DCNR.
Lastly, all of us as PCAS members and our local community are our stakeholders in how we move forward with these project plans. We welcome your thoughtful ideas about our needs and plans. For additional information contact Lynn McGillin at lynn.mcgillin@centeronline.com.
Stay tuned for ongoing updates on these exciting projects!
(Contributor: Jack Campbell)
program news
The Art of Keeping Things Running
Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS) relies on a host of volunteers to run our 14 current programs, and leading the charge are our amazing program coordinators. Whether it’s summer or winter, indoor or outdoor, our coordinators are on hand to keep things running smoothly and safely, no matter what the activity.
Here’s a quick overview to get to know some of these invaluable people.
Stephanie Li is our most recent addition, becoming the pickleball coordinator in April. Previously involved in rock climbing, Stephanie was excited to be involved in our latest sport from the outset. She’s been “so inspired by the many athletes and volunteers I’ve met along the way,” and she loves meeting members of the adaptive sports community. She’s excited to build relationships and to see everyone growing and improving together.
On the other end of the spectrum is Lynn McGillin: rower, board member, social committee organizer, Communication Committee Chairwoman and coordinator of the April orientation for rowing volunteers. Lynn has been with PCAS for 43 years and was one of the original members of Philadelphia Rowing Program for the Disabled (now Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing). Lynn was hooked the first time she visited: “It was such a welcoming community environment” at a time when women and people with disabilities were not well represented. Four decades later, she still believes “PCAS is a wonderful organization and it’s nice to be able to contribute to continued success and know the impact you’re having is profound.”
Another long-time member, Bernadette Giddens, has been with PCAS for 30(ish) years, primarily with the biking and rowing programs. Bernadette stepped up as coordinator for the cycling program in Philadelphia to fill a gap. For her, “It’s all about teamwork – that’s what’s important.” One of her favorite memories is riding a triple bike with one of her favorite team captains, and she still gets a sense of excitement when the team adapts a bike for someone with physical challenges to make it work for their unique needs.
Darla Clayton does double duty with the youth track and field and swimming programs. Working with youth and watching them “grow as athletes and amazing humans” is the favorite thing about being a coordinator. It has been particularly rewarding for her to see people she worked with as elementary school students participate in sports at the college level and continue the tradition by coaching the next generation of athletes. She feels privileged to be part of their journey, and she loves the moment that it “clicks” for each athlete.
Both Ann Seelaus and I (Andrea Pampaloni) have been coordinators for the rowing program for the past three years, and we both count our blessings with the great groups of volunteers who continue to step up every week and get done what needs to be done. For Ann, the best part of coordinating is bonding with all the different, dynamic people involved and learning their stories. I share her appreciation for being part of such a collaborative and generous community and look forward every year to the BAYADA Regatta where I continue to be amazed and humbled by our and other team’s representation at the largest all-adaptive rowing event in the world.
Left to Right: Ann Seelaus and Andrea Pampaloni Philadelphia Rowing Program Coordinators with Alana Cervino, Cycling Coordinator and rowing volunteer
Left to Right: Alana Cervino and Bernadette Giddens Cycling Coordinators with Cyclist Lars Kerstein
Representing indoor activities, Laura Baehr has led online seated fitness classes since the pandemic. She likes “the energy everyone brings to class and being part of a movement community.” They’re still going strong if you’re looking for something to do on Tuesday evenings! If you’re looking for something more daring, join Andrew Skobac for rock climbing. Andrew took over as coordinator after the pandemic and loves being able to share his passion for climbing with others. He’s especially thrilled when someone who thinks they can’t climb is successful and can’t wait to try again. As with other coordinators, he relies on our “incredible volunteers…we couldn’t do any of this without them.”
Thanks to an introduction by our own Jim Falls, Dan Elliot has coordinated the sitting volleyball program since 2017. In partnership with Philadelphia Volleyball, Dan runs two sessions each year and loves the players’ motivation: “They get into it!” He gets a good feeling from his being involved and as a veteran, he is motivated to create opportunities that include disabled veterans.
Dan Elliot with the Seated Volleyball Team
For the cold weather lovers, Judy Morrison, our incomparable PCAS coordinator of all things, also has managed the ski program for over 30 years. “Getting to be able to ski with the program and teach the lessons and get as many students through the program as we possibly can!” is both her goal and motto. Having sent two skiers to the Paralympics, her approach seems to be working!
In addition to those mentioned we also have Alana Cervino (cycling), Mamie Guidera (yoga), Loretta Cohen (cycling), Katie Samson (birding), Diane Allison (birding) and Richard Costello (kayaking) taking the lead.
Birding Coordinators Katie Samson (front row, left) and Diane Allison (back row, second from left)
Whether it’s been just a few months or several decades, our coordinators bring spirit, passion, and organization to the activities they oversee, and we’re lucky to have them all! We wouldn’t have programs without them.
(Contributor: Andrea Pampaloni)
PCAS PEOPLE - ATHLETE SPOTLIGHT
Taylor Stewart
Taylor Stewart took up Para Climbing just two years ago at Pennsylvania Center for Adapted Sports (PCAS), but already he’s competed in the national championships, and now dreams of Paralympic gold in 2028. It’s been an incredible journey for Taylor, and a life-changer. Taylor mastered his sport at PCAS and now wants to make sure other athletes like him have the same opportunities to push themselves and seek new challenges.
“Folks with disabilities are adaptable,” Taylor likes to remind people. “They have to be.”
Para Climber Taylor Stewart
Born with a congenital limb difference, Taylor grew up playing competitive tennis, but it’s Para Climbing where he’s found a like-minded community of recreational and competitive athletes. “I found a home,” he says, grateful to PCAS and the greater Para Climbing network.
Taylor now volunteers with PCAS and helps organize the local Para Climbing meetups. He enjoys spreading the word about the sport he loves and PCAS which he credits for enriching his life in countless ways. “It’s helped me grow as an athlete,” he says, “and as a person.”
Last March, Taylor was one of a record number of 140 athletes who competed in the USA Para Climbing Championships in Oakland, a challenging event he admitted was “intimidating,” and he made it to the finals. To just get through the qualifying rounds, Taylor recalls, he had to call on all his reserves, both mind and body. “I had to go as far as humanly possible and then wait and see,” for the results. While the energy and drive of competitive Para Climbing is huge draw, there’s more to the sport for Taylor than breaking records and winning medals.
This summer, Taylor volunteered at Camp Rock, a week-long rock climbing day camp hosted by the Children’s Hospital of Philadelphia’s (CHOP) Orthopedic Center and Center for Rehabilitation at the Philadelphia Rock Gym in Oaks, PA. Camp Rock provides campers ages 8 to 17 years who have upper limb differences and differences in hand and arm abilities with an opportunity to learn new skills, have fun, and connect with a sport that can change lives.
We look forward to seeing Taylor’s continued success in Para Climbing. We hope to cheer him on at the Para Climbing events at the 2028 Paralympics - Para Climbing, the first year for Para Climbing events. And we applaud as Taylor continues to be an advocate for adapted climbing in our region and the world stage.
(Contributor: Luc Sigaud)
PCAS PEOPLE - VOLUNTEER SPOTLIGHT
Ann Seelaus
Ann with fellow Tuesday night rowing volunteer, Nick Gruberg
“Tuesday night rocks,”
says Tuesday night rowing coordinator, Ann Seelaus.
For over 15 years, Ann has volunteered for the Tuesday night program that gives PCAS athletes access to rowing on the Schuylkill River.
Ann was introduced to the program by a neighbor / friend / fellow teacher. Unlike some volunteers, Ann did not have previous rowing experience. “Lynn and Jack offered great support and taught me what I needed to know,” Ann said.
Ann taught preschool and kindergarten for 40 years. “It was a good way to end the day,” she said.
“No matter what kind of day I had, rowing made it right. Working with the athletes is so rewarding. For many of us it’s the highlight of the week.”
Ann also credits the Tuesday night team for the success of the program. “Our volunteers are all self starters,” she said. “They know the athletes and they know what’s needed.”
PCAS rowing meets on Tuesday and Wednesday nights at the boathouse on West River Drive from 5:30 until dusk from May to October.
In fact, Ann’s sister Peggy, an athlete with multiple sclerosis rows on Wednesday night. Athletes and volunteers glide along the Schuylkill River with Fairmount Park on one side and the Philadelphia skyline on the other. The Philadelphia Adaptive Rowing Program is available to athletes with disabilities 14 years of age or over.
(Contributor: Irene McKnight)
Announcements
Our Annual Campaign Launches December 1st!
We’re heading into the final stretch of the year. What happens next starts with you.
Our Annual Campaign is more than a fundraiser. It’s how we keep showing up for our athletes, families, and community. It powers inclusive sports, high-performance coaching, and health-focused programs and opens doors for people of all abilities.
With your support, we can:
Help more than 1,200 people with disabilities stay active, healthy, and connected
Support both Paralympic hopefuls and everyday athletes
Create real moments of confidence and connection, on trails, in boats, and in community spaces
One participant shared: “PCAS gave me more than a sport. It gave me purpose and a place to belong.”
A gift says, “You belong here.” And that changes everything.
Be an early bird donor and help us start strong: PCAS 2026 Annual Appeal Powered by Givebutter
Volunteer with PCAS
Please consider joining us as a volunteer. PCAS welcomes all volunteers, providing a variety of opportunities that fit all interests, talents and levels of experience. It is fun and there are many ways you can take part. From assisting at one of our programs to virtual work like writing articles for the newsletter and grant writing.
For information on some of the available volunteer opportunities, please see the PCAS volunteer information page or contact Judy Morrison at judy.morrison@centeronline.com.
Calendar of Events
Registration required for all events.
To register or for more information contact Judy Morrison at judy.morrison@centeronline.com. For information and to book a ski lesson email ski@centeronline.com.
Birding
Saturdays and Sundays, location and start times vary.
Year round
Group Fitness - Seated
Thursdays, 5 pm
Year round
Virtual
Indoor Climbing - Delaware County
Second Wednesday of each month, 6 pm
Year round
The Gravity Vault, Radnor
Indoor Climbing - Philadelphia
Fourth Tuesday of each month, 6:30 pm
Year round
Movement Callowhill, Philadelphia
Pickleball
Location and start date to be announced
Rowing - Indoor
Tuesdays and Thursdays, 6 p.m.
January through March
St Joe’s Boathouse, Philadelphia
Sitting Volleyball
Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
Through end of December
Lloyd Hall, Philadelphia
Skiing and Snowboarding
Weekends
December 27th - March 14th
Camelback, Tannersville, PA
Yoga
Mondays, 6:30 p.m.
October 20st - November 24th
Virtual
Youth Track and Field
Sunday afternoons and one evening during the week
October through July
Youth Swim Team
Sunday afternoons
October through July
