As a volunteer with the nonprofit organization Soles 4 Souls, Steward was one of a group of 15 to 20 American volunteers who traveled to India in August 2011 and another group that went to Tanzania in Africa to distribute shoes this summer, mainly to children.
“I really don’t want the spotlight for what I’m doing. I just enjoy it. It ties in with my religious beliefs and helping to serve others,” Steward said.
The volunteers get a chance to play with kids, measure and wash their feet and fit them with a new pair of shoes, often their first pair of shoes. The shoes, which are similar to Crocs, are purchased in the country where they are to be distributed, to help the economy there, Steward said.
Without shoes, children and adults go barefoot or use pieces of old tires, plastic bags and cardboard to protect their feet, Steward said. About 500 to 1,000 pairs of shoes were distributed per trip.
“People told me, once you go to Africa you will fall in love with it. Within 24 hours, it felt like home, because the people are so warm and giving of the few possessions they have,” Steward said.
The donated shoes are used for distribution domestically.
Volunteers also take digital photos of the children and learn their names, which is important to the children, Steward said.
“It fuels the fire even more to see another part of the world, culture. It’s eye-opening how they live, their culture,” Steward said.
Steward was born in Hagerstown, where he lived until third-grade, when his family moved to Greencastle.
He graduated from Greencastle-Antrim High School in 2005 and worked for E.L.M. Shoes while in high school.
He left briefly for college, then moved to Nashville, where his sister and brother-in-law live, for several years. Steward continued in the shoe business, working for New Balance.
When Steward returned to Greencastle in 2008, he got his job back at E.L.M.
Steward said his family vacationed mainly in the New England area when he and his older sister were growing up. It was his first overseas trip to France, Spain and Italy with a school group right after high school graduation that sparked his desire for international travel.
After college, Steward traveled to Ireland. When he learned of the India trip, he started saving for it.
“I definitely prefer travel when I can help others, when there’s a purpose for the trip,” said Steward, who set aside time for touring, not just work.
While in India, Steward got to go “up into the mountains” and hiking. The Africa trip included a visit to River Gambia National Park for chimpanzee tracking and boat rides.
Immersion in different cultures has changed Steward, who said he returned from both trips wanting to purge his material possessions. He has seen how much happier people with so much less are.
“We live totally differently. We live with so much excess. Society-wise, we’re driven by money, possessions. They’re people just like us and deal with the same issues,” Steward said.
The 1 1/2- to two-week trips usually include an interpreter, in case no one in the community they’re visiting speaks English.
For his next trip, Steward, the son of Greg and Gay Steward, has applied to travel to the Ukraine with Eastern European Missions and is waiting to hear whether he’s been accepted to go. This will be a mission trip distributing Bibles and teaching, he said.
2012年9月6日星期四
2012年8月27日星期一
Warrior Dojo Training Shoes
The Warrior Dojo training shoe is helping pro athletes like lacrosse legend Paul Rabil and NHL pro Adam Henrique set personal and league records.
“I’ve been training in the Warrior Dojos throughout the 2012 season, and I just broke the all-time MLL points record,” Rabil says. “I’ve noticed and enjoyed the light weight of the boot more than anything. The tongue technology has really allowed me to continue multiple workouts at a rapid pace. My recovery rate has been better this season than it’s ever been, and I feel my overall athleticism has benefited.”
The newest shoe in Warrior’s training lineup is designed for “training perfection and street-savvy style.” Among its unique features are a Turf Bone outsole with flex grooves, to grip everything from side-to-side drills to a 10k run; a seamless lightweight upper; and an adaptable compression tongue to accelerate muscle recovery.
New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique was most impressed by the adaptable tongue. "The compression sock molds and hugs your foot for more support and better fit. They feel like custom-made shoes," he says.
According to Warrior designer Chris Davis, the company wanted the Dojo to be a shoe "for the athlete, by the athlete," so the team got feedback from athletes at all levels, from the pros to high schoolers. He says, “Aside from receiving design cues from the Warrior Players Club, we conducted focus groups with high school and collegiate athletes."
To find out how the Dojo lives up to its training claims, STACK asked Rabil and Henrique how they’ve been using the shoe.
"The Dojos have allowed my body to push the limits without any restraints,” says Rabil. “The light boot helps my feet move quicker, and the traction allows me to cut harder. I do tons of high-intensity training with my strength and conditioning coach, Jay Dyer. We spend a full day on agilities and sprints, another day on resistance running and a day for circuit training that includes the first two plus lifting. The Dojos worked great for me in high-intensity skill and agility training…directly on lacrosse-type movements, sprints and hills."
Henrique reported similar workout results but also offered an additional benefit he gets from training in the Dojos—one that even hours in a gym can't build. He says, "The better the gear, the more confidently I can train. Comfort and confidence are so important because I spend so much time in skates. My feet need the right fit, traction and support. I know I can count on the Dojos to perform, so I can focus on working out and improving my speed, strength, stamina and agility. Really it is about the comfort and confidence I have while working out. Mentally I know they will perform, and they feel great, so I can concentrate more on my workout."
The Warrior Dojo is labeled as a lacrosse trainer, but it’s built for athletes in any sport, since it’s designed to perform just as well during a hardcore run as it does during an agility drill.
"The Dojo was actually not designed as a product specifically targeted for lacrosse, but more of an overall, lightweight, running-inspired training shoe," says Davis, " It’s versatility has really attracted all of Warrior’s endorsed athletes, including numerous NHL players such as Henrik Zetterberg and Zdeno Chara, as well as athletes on Liverpool Football Club in England."
“I’ve been training in the Warrior Dojos throughout the 2012 season, and I just broke the all-time MLL points record,” Rabil says. “I’ve noticed and enjoyed the light weight of the boot more than anything. The tongue technology has really allowed me to continue multiple workouts at a rapid pace. My recovery rate has been better this season than it’s ever been, and I feel my overall athleticism has benefited.”
The newest shoe in Warrior’s training lineup is designed for “training perfection and street-savvy style.” Among its unique features are a Turf Bone outsole with flex grooves, to grip everything from side-to-side drills to a 10k run; a seamless lightweight upper; and an adaptable compression tongue to accelerate muscle recovery.
New Jersey Devils center Adam Henrique was most impressed by the adaptable tongue. "The compression sock molds and hugs your foot for more support and better fit. They feel like custom-made shoes," he says.
According to Warrior designer Chris Davis, the company wanted the Dojo to be a shoe "for the athlete, by the athlete," so the team got feedback from athletes at all levels, from the pros to high schoolers. He says, “Aside from receiving design cues from the Warrior Players Club, we conducted focus groups with high school and collegiate athletes."
To find out how the Dojo lives up to its training claims, STACK asked Rabil and Henrique how they’ve been using the shoe.
"The Dojos have allowed my body to push the limits without any restraints,” says Rabil. “The light boot helps my feet move quicker, and the traction allows me to cut harder. I do tons of high-intensity training with my strength and conditioning coach, Jay Dyer. We spend a full day on agilities and sprints, another day on resistance running and a day for circuit training that includes the first two plus lifting. The Dojos worked great for me in high-intensity skill and agility training…directly on lacrosse-type movements, sprints and hills."
Henrique reported similar workout results but also offered an additional benefit he gets from training in the Dojos—one that even hours in a gym can't build. He says, "The better the gear, the more confidently I can train. Comfort and confidence are so important because I spend so much time in skates. My feet need the right fit, traction and support. I know I can count on the Dojos to perform, so I can focus on working out and improving my speed, strength, stamina and agility. Really it is about the comfort and confidence I have while working out. Mentally I know they will perform, and they feel great, so I can concentrate more on my workout."
The Warrior Dojo is labeled as a lacrosse trainer, but it’s built for athletes in any sport, since it’s designed to perform just as well during a hardcore run as it does during an agility drill.
"The Dojo was actually not designed as a product specifically targeted for lacrosse, but more of an overall, lightweight, running-inspired training shoe," says Davis, " It’s versatility has really attracted all of Warrior’s endorsed athletes, including numerous NHL players such as Henrik Zetterberg and Zdeno Chara, as well as athletes on Liverpool Football Club in England."
2012年4月26日星期四
That's more like it!
A tired-looking Kristin Cavallari ditches the heels for comfortable flats and pretty maternity dress
Earlier she sported towering heels as she ran errands in Beverley Hills.
But pregnant Kristin Cavallari decided to give her feet a rest and ditched the Christian Louboutin stilettos for a pair of flats.
And it was probably just as well, as the former reality star looked exhausted as she arrived at the Montage Hotel where she is staying.
No doubt she has endured a few restless nights as he belly appears to have blossomed in the past few weeks.
The blonde star paired her silver shoes with a pretty purple dress with crochet detailing which was cinched at the waist to reveal her burgeoning tummy.
Earlier, the 25-year-old was seen running errand in a form-fitting black top.
The focus of her outfit was a pair of Joe's purple floral skinny jeans, and she dressed up the ensemble with a black blazer and metallic court shoes.
Kristin swept her blonde locks into a sophisticated ponytail and accessorised her outfit with wayfarer sunglasses and a black clutch bag.
Kristin looked glowing and flashed a big smile to the cameras as she crossed the street.
Earlier she sported towering heels as she ran errands in Beverley Hills.
But pregnant Kristin Cavallari decided to give her feet a rest and ditched the Christian Louboutin stilettos for a pair of flats.
And it was probably just as well, as the former reality star looked exhausted as she arrived at the Montage Hotel where she is staying.
No doubt she has endured a few restless nights as he belly appears to have blossomed in the past few weeks.
The blonde star paired her silver shoes with a pretty purple dress with crochet detailing which was cinched at the waist to reveal her burgeoning tummy.
Earlier, the 25-year-old was seen running errand in a form-fitting black top.
The focus of her outfit was a pair of Joe's purple floral skinny jeans, and she dressed up the ensemble with a black blazer and metallic court shoes.
Kristin swept her blonde locks into a sophisticated ponytail and accessorised her outfit with wayfarer sunglasses and a black clutch bag.
Kristin looked glowing and flashed a big smile to the cameras as she crossed the street.
2011年8月11日星期四
GRAB & GO KIDS PLANNER: Playwright Festival, Canopy Tours and More
SUMMER PLAYWRIGHT FESTIVAL 2011
When/Where: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 and 13 at 7 pm, and Sunday Aug. 14 at 5 pm at Open Space Arts, 16 Hanover Road, Reisterstown, Md., 21136.
Why Go: Bring a picnic and join this magical experience of 10-minute one act plays. The players will explore old characters (Goldilocks, Genies and Dragons) in new situations and creative stories for you to consider what if? Just imagine.
Price: Suggested donations of $9 for adults, $6 students/children.
ST. PIUS X SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT
When/Where: Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7 pm at St. Pius Church 6428 York Road, Baltimore, Md.
Why Go: Tally Ho Disney's Robin Hood, showing in the cozy environment of the community of St. Pius Church. Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, this story of the legendary outlaw is portrayed with the characters as human-like animals. Two thumbs up.
Price: Free (donations accepted), snacks available for sale.
THE HARPERS FERRY CANOPY TOUR
When/Where: Every day at 1 pm with additional times at 11 am and 3 pm once full at River Riders, Inc, 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, W.Va., 25425.
Why Go: About an hour drive from the Baltimore Metro area is this amazing opportunity to see beautiful Harpers Ferry and the surrounding area while flying on a zip line. So zip up and zip down on this Zip Line/Canopy Tour where you will fly high above the ground along seven various length zip lines from 200 to almost 800 feet. Mixed in are several belayed ladder climbs and two bridges. The tour is a three-hour experience and is geared toward those approximately 5 years of age and older and between 40 and 250 pounds.
Price: $89 adults, $79 kids.
FORT MCHENRY GUARD – DEFENDERS RETURN
When/Where: Every Saturday and Sunday weekly from June 4 to Aug. 28 from 11 am to 4 pm at 2400 East Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md., 21230.
Why Go: Experience the daily life of the War of 1812 soldier, sailor and citizen through presentations by the Fort McHenry Guard. The re-creation of a day in the life of an early American soldier is enhanced with actors dressed in replica clothing of the early 19th Century. The guard conducts drills, barracks activities, artillery and musket firing demonstrations, civilian activities and children's programs.
Price: Regular admission prices apply
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE PARK
When/Where: Sunday, Aug. 14 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Patterson Park Pagoda Hill, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore, Md., 21231
Why Go: You bring the chips and Son de Aqui will provide the Salsa. Their 11-piece band will be sure to get you up and moving with their classic salsa sound, so bring your dancing shoes or at least your flip flops.
Price: Free.
When/Where: Friday and Saturday, Aug. 12 and 13 at 7 pm, and Sunday Aug. 14 at 5 pm at Open Space Arts, 16 Hanover Road, Reisterstown, Md., 21136.
Why Go: Bring a picnic and join this magical experience of 10-minute one act plays. The players will explore old characters (Goldilocks, Genies and Dragons) in new situations and creative stories for you to consider what if? Just imagine.
Price: Suggested donations of $9 for adults, $6 students/children.
ST. PIUS X SUMMER MOVIE NIGHT
When/Where: Saturday, Aug. 13 at 7 pm at St. Pius Church 6428 York Road, Baltimore, Md.
Why Go: Tally Ho Disney's Robin Hood, showing in the cozy environment of the community of St. Pius Church. Robbing from the rich and giving to the poor, this story of the legendary outlaw is portrayed with the characters as human-like animals. Two thumbs up.
Price: Free (donations accepted), snacks available for sale.
THE HARPERS FERRY CANOPY TOUR
When/Where: Every day at 1 pm with additional times at 11 am and 3 pm once full at River Riders, Inc, 408 Alstadts Hill Road, Harpers Ferry, W.Va., 25425.
Why Go: About an hour drive from the Baltimore Metro area is this amazing opportunity to see beautiful Harpers Ferry and the surrounding area while flying on a zip line. So zip up and zip down on this Zip Line/Canopy Tour where you will fly high above the ground along seven various length zip lines from 200 to almost 800 feet. Mixed in are several belayed ladder climbs and two bridges. The tour is a three-hour experience and is geared toward those approximately 5 years of age and older and between 40 and 250 pounds.
Price: $89 adults, $79 kids.
FORT MCHENRY GUARD – DEFENDERS RETURN
When/Where: Every Saturday and Sunday weekly from June 4 to Aug. 28 from 11 am to 4 pm at 2400 East Fort Ave., Baltimore, Md., 21230.
Why Go: Experience the daily life of the War of 1812 soldier, sailor and citizen through presentations by the Fort McHenry Guard. The re-creation of a day in the life of an early American soldier is enhanced with actors dressed in replica clothing of the early 19th Century. The guard conducts drills, barracks activities, artillery and musket firing demonstrations, civilian activities and children's programs.
Price: Regular admission prices apply
WHAT'S HAPPENING IN THE PARK
When/Where: Sunday, Aug. 14 from 6:30 pm to 8:30 pm at Patterson Park Pagoda Hill, 27 S. Patterson Park Ave., Baltimore, Md., 21231
Why Go: You bring the chips and Son de Aqui will provide the Salsa. Their 11-piece band will be sure to get you up and moving with their classic salsa sound, so bring your dancing shoes or at least your flip flops.
Price: Free.
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