Subject: My thoughts... Date: Thursday, 18 October 2001 14:40:21 -0700

Dear Kent and Geneva,   I am writing because I heard about your pond and wanted to find out more so I logged onto your website and had a WONDERFUL time.  I saw you at the Board of Realtors meeting on Tuesday, October 16, 2001.  Your enthusiasm about what you do is contagious.  I am a periodic recreational skier and didn't realize how luck I am to have the opportunity to share this experience with my family.  I am inspired by your site, your philosophy of life and your zest for improving the lives of others.   While the government is always looking for ways to create programs for the Disabled and at-risk youth, you have personally developed and cultivated an awesome opportunity and share it so freely.  It is truly a tragedy to the community that you are losing the use of your pond, but I believe God closes doors sometimes because he has something better behind Door #2.  I will continue to log into your site to find out what exciting turns you take next.   I am so impressed by your attitude and accomplishments.  Thank you for reminding me to quit wasting my time apologizing for all the things I don't have, and to expend my energy to make the most of all the good things I do have in life.   I wish you all the best in all your endeavors.   Best regards,   Rhonda Patterson

WATER SKIERS with DISABILITIES ASSOCIATION

                                                                            Truckee, California  96161            

October 10, 2001 

Dear Kent and Neva,

It was with much sadness that I learned of the loss of your water ski site.  The volunteer work that you and your family have done over the past eight years has positively changed the lives of so many individuals with disabilities.  The opportunities that site offered for teaching water sports in a safe and controlled atmosphere will be difficult to duplicate.  You were able to work at all levels of our sport from offering learn to ski days where you introduced water skiing to those that had never tried, to coaching elite athletes to a World Champion level.   

However, it is with great optimism that I write this letter of support in your endeavor to acquire and build a new, accessible water sports training facility.   

As nine-time World DisAbledWater Ski Champion and someone that has been a paraplegic for twenty-three years, I know the significance that water skiing has played in my life.  The increased confidence and assurance that I acquired through participation in water skiing are bettered only by the long lasting friendships that were formed.  The benefits of increased strength and coordination made pursuing an active and productive lifestyle in a society that is not always accessible that much easier.  Being able to offer these same opportunities to others with disabilities is a worthwhile venture.   

If there is ever anything that I can do to assist you in your dream of building this facility, do not hesitate to contact me or the Water Skiers with Disabilities Association. 

Best regards, 

Bill Bowness, President

REHABILITATION SPECIALISTS OF MONROE, P.C. 

Keith R. Barbour, D.O., F.A.A.P.M.& R., F.A.O.C.R.M.

                            Monroe, Michigan  

To whom it may concern: 

I have been the USA water-ski team physician since the first national competition in 1989. I have worked with the DisAbledin facilitating adaptive sport participation since 1984 while training in my specialty of Physical medicine and Rehabilitation. 

One thing I know without a doubt is that the newly DisAbledperson that becomes engaged in sport will become a productive member of society.  That person will become responsible and capable of helping themselves and others in all aspects of life. They will not be a drain on the resources of the community; they will become a source of added value to the community.  An investment in the facilities for accessible sports is an investment in the future that will reap many, many rewards.  I strongly encourage the opening of accessible sport facilities. 

I have known Kent and Neva Brett for many years through their volunteer works with the USA DisAbledwater-ski team.  They are both highly respected for their integrity and honest work.  They have provided many hours of selfless dedication to the causes mentioned above.  They are both very capable of handling a large number of responsibilities simultaneously and are always available to help others to make our events a success.  They have seemingly limitless energy and are always inspiring others.  I support them both fully in whatever projects they undertake.  

If I can be of in any assistance in this or any other similar projects, please do not hesitate to ask. 

Sincerely, 

To Whom It May Concern:

Geneva Brett and Kent Sandhagen are from California, so I do not see them
very often as I live in Florida.  We only meet at major events.  However,
they form a team that has to be among the most devoted individuals to water
skiing for the DisAbledin the nation.  Even though they may have no
official role at a given event, one or the other or both frequently attend
our annual National Championships, often on the East coast, to support our
athletes and travel out of the country to cheer on our world-champion team
at the biennial World Championships, carrying more American flag-covered
clothing than any other pair of individuals, even team members.   Kent, in
fact, coaches one of our most successful team members at the recent World
Championships in Australia, Mark Turner.

As a team, they have also been a godsend in selflessly promoting our
sport and our athletes to our umbrella organization, to the home towns of
each individual water skier and to the general media.  

I cannot say that I am directly familiar with their work in California, but
I hear nothing but positive comments.  Any project that they are involved
in will definitely benefit our athletes and our sport given their tireless
efforts to bring in new athletes, especially the younger ones.

Please consider their proposal carefully.

Sincerely,
Jim Grew
Chairman of the Board, Water Skiers with Disabilities Association, a sport
division of USA Water Ski, the United States Olympic Committee recognized
National Governing Body of the sport of water skiing.
Vice President, USA Water Ski

 

From: "Kovacs, Gabe"  Subject: hey krew Date: Monday, 8 October 2001 16:03:01 -0700

	had to shoot you all a line and say that we really appreciated the
invite out to the drink to say "farewell"!!  always a blast skiing with you guys
cause you really are like family - KENYA you are ALL GROWED UP!  holy crap so cool
to see you in high school now...   NEVA - thou of infinite wisdom, such a
refreshing take on life you have...   KENT - heh heh.... nice hair homey - how the hell
did i ever end up learning how to barefoot??  i know that was all your idea....    
anywayz the websites looking good - keep in touch (for real dammit)

gabe + fam

Dear Kent and Neva:

What a wonderful experience I had last weekend at the Keneva Ski Lake!  Everyone of us in the Monterey Ski and Social Club shared the same thoughts...it was not just the sporting event of learning to water ski on a private lake, but the endearing and inspirational connection with your team members from the Special Olympics aw well as your own warm family.

As a volunteer with the C.A.S.A (Court Appointed Special Advocates), I can visualize the opportunities that this water ski experience could give to children at risk.  There are not enough recreational programs such as yours at Keneva Ski Lake, that can provide the exposure and observation of how life's challenges can be overcome successfully.  You are truly and inspiration!

I hope that you will be give the time extensions to continue operating.  You and your program are a gift to the community at large and deserves to be recognized as such.

The very best to all of you and God Bless!

Sincerely,

Pam Hampton

Monterey Ski and Social Club

(It should be noted that Special Olympics should read Physically Challenged.) 

September 30, 2001

My past few days at the pond has been fun.  It was mostly fun for me because of the people that were here.  They were all nice and did not laugh when I biffed on the skis.  And also when I had my guitar here at the pond, everyone was listening to me play.  All the time people will tell me to go play somewhere else, but they didn't.  It is a nice pond and I am sad to be here now writing on this the last day at the pond.  Well I had fun and this will be something to remember forever. I will never forget it.

Matthew M.

September 30, 2001

To Kenya and family:

It has been a pleasure coming out to the pond and thank you very much for having me.  We've had a lot of good times here.  I hope everything works out for you.  Keep in touch!

Much love,

Cherice

09/30/01

Hi guys!

Well what can I say about you guys and this pond.  Hmmmm... Well I love you guys and well the pond . . . I am proud of what you do with this place.  I admire that you equip the DisAbledto do what they love to do.  I really admire that in you.  I believe God puts certain gifts and desires in us to help others, you guys have certainly allowed God to do that.

I love you all!

Laura Romines

September 30, 2001

Hey the first time I came out here it was cool.  I love it, I had a good time.  It was a 6th grade party that Kenya planned.  She is cool and I love her like a sister.  I love Kent and Neva, their all cool.  I will really miss the pond.  I love it here.  I don't know where I'm going to swim.  Well I can't really think about anything right now so I'm going to stop writing.  Ok  Bye-bye for now.

Kira B.

September 30, 2001

WOW-

What can express the sorrow of a great loss?  I am sure many of us have experienced loss in our lives.  Kent & Neva are among us in this field.  To take away from them a huge portion of their life is truly unfair.  The pond is like a place in one's heart.  (It has room for many and a special place for all.)

The pond has many special qualities.  I for one feel that it largely comes from Kent & Neva 1st, the Pond 2nd.  They have shown many (hundreds) that it's ok to be who you are "hey just look at us".

Everyone fits in here. They discourage the worst, like "stinking thinking".  They are great people whom have a tremendous outlook on life.  They have endured many trials in their own lifes.  they share of themselves so selflessly.  It's hard to find people of that quality in this day and age.

Disabilities, we all have them! If you really truly think about it!  Some disability may be viewed by everyone; in some people some may never bee seen.  But if you look upon someone who is for the lack of terms able bodied, and you then view someone who is not able bodied, do you stare, do you point, do you wonder, do you look away?  No, you just talk to them.

I remember when my children went to school in Madera, it was a small country school and all student (I mean all attended).  There was a girl who was always late for class. Her Mom was a small woman and struggled to put her daughter from the car and into her wheelchair.  One day the Principal called me at work to ask me if I'd spoken to my son about a girl named Clarissa. (Of course as a parent my thought took many directions.)  I then questioned him that night after school.  He blushed and said he didn't really want to talk about it.  He finally fessed up.  My heart swelled with parental pride.  He was helping Clarissa's Mom put her in the chair so she wouldn't be late anymore.  At Christmas time Clarissa wasn't in school before vacation started.  My son was sad because he'd made a card for her and some other type of gift.  (My kids have been told a gift can be many things, but a gift of yourself and from yourself can always brighten someone's day.)  She didn't return to school right away, about a month passed and a young lady came walking into class late.  Everyone turned.  It was Clarissa!  She had been fitted for legs.  Her Mom came up to me and thanked me for my children, she said my sons would help her and my tiny daughter one day asked her daughter, "How come you don't wanna learn to walk?"  She said her daughter was shocked at first and then started thinking "Why don't I try?" 

The magical words "Why don't I try?"

I want to try to help Kent and Neva.  This is a special place.  How can people who give so much of themselves be told they have to give up on a dream?  They are world class people, world class coaches and world class friends.  They need to be able to make the ski pond a public place so that more people can have the advantage in life to see people differently.  To look at the person inside, not the body outside.  To see and feel with more than eyes, to open their heart and learn from the best.  To laugh and love is the best comfort in life.

Kim Birdsall

September 29, 2001

Dear Kent and Neva

Thank you for spending time with me out at your pond and for teaching me not to judge people by the way the look because all people are equal.  I also just wanted to let you know that thanks to you I actually felt that this was my home and that I really can be a better person if I tried.  You also taught me that no matter what disability you have you can still do what you love.  So thank you both for welcoming me into your lives.  And that if you were ever to lose the pond it would change my life completely.  Thank you once more.

Sincerely your friend,

Raygene G.

September 29, 2001

To Whom It May Concern

I come out to "the Pond" all the time.  I think its a really good place to come.  Even though I'm not disabled, it is a really good place for DisAbledpeople to learn how to ski.  Mark Turner has won many awards at ski competitions and he trains and practices at the Team Keneva's Pond.  I'm real sad we will not be able to come out here any more.

Sincerely,

Kasie H.

September 29, 2001

To Whom it May Concern

I think it would be a bad idea to shut down this ski pond.  In the City of Los Banos there isn't a lot to do and taking this away would mean more youth with nothing to do.  Also, youth as well as adults can get a lesson in diversity.  There are people that come out with disabilities, one of which is a 2 time world champion.  There are a lot of plans if this place is kept open, if we can keep it open we can keep kids off the streets.  They will be influenced by a positive atmosphere so please let us keep it open.

Sincerely,

Trevor

September 29, 2001

I would like to express my true appreciation for the time we have spent together at KeNevA's 1st Pond.  With your help you have helped me enjoy a sport that has been an important part of my life since 1983 as a DisAbledMP2 skier.  I first learned how to ski as an MP2 by Royce Andes, Steve Hornsey & Bill Bowness at a clinic by San Luis Obispo.  I will continue to enjoy the sport and as I do it your family will always be in my heart.

With all my love and appreciation

Steven Poulin     ON EDGE

29 September 2001


To Whom It May Concern:

 3 years ago I started skiing with Kent and Neva at their slalom lake
outside of Los Banos.

Once a waterskier begins to ski seriously, she begins to ski a slalom
course.......a challenge that offers very tangible and immediate results.
You either make a turn around the buoy ......or you don't. When you
"master" the course.....that is, when you are able to ski around all 6
buoys at a beginner's rope length and speed.....the game is changed. The
rope gets shorter, the speed gets faster, and the challenge is increased. 

The course is a lot like life --- if you want to grow, it does not allow
you to stay on the same level. Once you have mastered a certain life
experience, life itself will challenge you to move on, learn new things,
conquer new disciplines.........ski a shorter rope length.

Because skiing the slalom course requires great mental focus, determination
and physical strength, it can breed frustration, disappointment,
discouragement and just plain old giving-up.  Fortunately, you cannot do it
alone and that's where Kent and Neva come in.

The help and cheers of others are pivotal in making the course, as well as
making our way through life. I am astounded by Kent and Neva's ability to
inspire, to coach, to motivate, and to love without conditions. I have
spent days at the lake, watching them coach their "disabled" team. It has
been the most fun and the most moving time I have ever spent on a ski lake.
On days when I am discouraged by my injuries or angry about my skiing, I
can see clearly in my mind Kent coaching Tammy through the course or Neva
cheering Mark on after executing a new trick on the wakeboard. These images
never leave me.

Supporting Keneva is the most valuable thing any organization concerned
about our children and the next generation could do. To put a finer point
on it,  everyone who waterskis should be so lucky to spend a day with Kent
and Neva, Tami, and Mark and see what you can REALLY DO when you put your
mind to and have the support of loving, wonderful people.

I can't wait to get back.

Please do not hesitate to write, call or e-mail me if you have any questions.

Lanette Smith

September 26, 2001

 Dear Kent & Neva, 

            I’m sorry to here of your loss of the pond.  I know that you will do fine in your future in development of a new pond in the near future.  What you have done and will be continuing to do for the DisAblednot only in the central valley, but state and country wide could only be a blessing for all that know you as I do. 

            I can remember meeting Kent back in 1985 in construction and going to your first pond in San Benito County.  That license plate is still on Kent’s truck today:

                                             “PVT LAKE”

            I look back to those days when we all “even all of your children” were in your home in Hollister.  I was there when you two made the commitment of marriage, to the birth of Kenya and to the long nights we remodeled your home for a place for your family and friends to have a place they could be comfortable, to having to deal with the disappointment of the fire.  We all stood strong during those times.  

You shall stand strong once again. 

            I’ve seen you take the little pond you are now saying farewell to help the DisAbledachieve their personal dreams and channel them into top-notch skiers. I have faith in you in your next adventure of the new facility with 3 competition lakes, wheelchair accessible dormitory and the summer camps that you will be able to provide to all who wish to come, regardless of there ability you always made people feel great. 

Our prayers are with you in the forming of your non-profit organization called:  

“KeNyA’s World”

Which is only one could say is appropriate showing us and all that know you that your quest to make this only a better world for others.  We shall be there on the day you brake ground on the new facility and would be honored to lend that helping hand during the construction process like in the days when we first met. 

God bless,

Dear Kent and Neva

I would like to let you know how blessed I feel by having this opportunity to thank you for becoming interested enough in challenged athletes and my daughter Tammy.

I can't begin to tell you how much this has helped my daughter in achieving her goals.  She has always been involved in sports and with the pond being there she has been able to practice and expand her goals.  It has helped her in building her self esteem and she has been able to excel in areas she never thought possible.  Not only does she have this privilege, but I have the pleasure of coming out to the pond.  It is a peaceful and serene place to relax and get back to nature.  I love watching the different birds and bull frogs. 

I have also had the opportunity to get to see, know and like some of the other challenged athletes that use the pond.

It is my hope that we will continue to have access to the pond for these people to come ski and a special place to relax.

Thanks again for the opportunity that my daughter has had with your help.

Sincerely,

Darlene Golden

July 21, 2001

Monday, April 30, 2001

Kent and everyone else,


I would again like to thank you for the opportunity to come and ski on your
pond on Sunday.
My wife and daughter had a great time and both said that they would like to
come back.
I enjoyed the warm, friendly and supportive atmosphere at your pond along
with some good skiing.
The true measure of how good the experience was is that my wife said that
maybe next time we come she would try to get up on skis (if you knew only
knew how long we have been working on this).
Also, my daughter was asking at dinner if we could get a knee board.

Ski ya soon,


Carl, Adriana and Susan Anderson

October 21, 2000

Dear Kent and Neva,

Thank you for all you do to support my son with his goal of being the best person and tournament water skier he is capable of being.  Your loving hearts, personal guidance and world class coaching skills have contributed significantly to his abilities and his belief in himself.  You are two of the most important reasons he is a two-time national champion, best all around national champion, world champion and three-time world record holder.

As a mother and a therapist, I am also very aware that there is something more important than being the best in the world at something you love to do.  Mark is a well-rounded person and he believes in himself.  As a therapist I know it is difficult to be well-rounded and have a good self-concept.  Since I specialize in counseling people that are physically challenged, I know it is even more difficult to develop a good self-concept when a person is physically challenged.  Your belief in Mark's abilities and your belief in him as a person have contributed greatly to the good feelings he has about himself.

Since I have known you for several years, I know Mark is not the only person you have helped on their journey to reach their full potential.  You have coached many people at your lake and have often volunteered your talent at ski clinics and at regional, national and world championships.  Your specialization of coaching people who are physically challenged is a very important service.  You have modeled the importance of giving back to our world and you have inspired Mark and others to do service work.  Your work makes the world a better place.

Blessings,

Chyril Turner

(Chyril Turner is located in Modesto, California.  Her practice is the "Balanced Living Counseling Center, Healing Mind, Body and Spirit)

October 20, 2000

Dear Neva and Kent:

It is with great pleasure and admiration that I write this letter in support of your endeavors with the waterski activities and villages.  Having known you both for several years both personally and professionally, I feel qualified to offer this indication of my opinion of both of you and your water ski programs.

Dating back over eight years when my family and I saw KeNevA Waterski Course and pulled off the highway, I have always been impressed with both of you.  You greeted us warmly and gladly showed us your facilities.  Your offer of instruction and support was backed up with your own expertise and utmost professionalism.  Safety was stressed along with the avoidance of alcohol while near the ski facility.  I trusted you with the safety and well-being of my family and I was rewarded with top quality instruction, modeling and experience.  We all had great times, advanced in our ability and confidence and had some of the best times we ever had as a family.

Having worked as a clinical psychologist for nearly thirty years, I am ever vigilant to activities and experiences that will enhance the quality of family life.  In this time when it is clear that families are devalued and under ever-increasing stress, a program such as yours offers a refreshing alternative.  Waterskiing as presented in your program, provides an activity that the whole family can participate in and enjoy.  Skiing the buoys is a quantified sport that anyone can learn.  It provides measurement and competition with oneself, while the rest of the family participates and cheers for the skier.  Members of a family, from beginner to advanced expert can participate together and support each other.  This lends occasion for tremendous family experiences that bring families together around a wonderful, safe activity.  The violence of video games, the passivity of movies and the anonymity and impersonal quality of the internet are replaced with healthy, outdoor fun and fitness.  Most importantly, families learn to support and value each member while participating in healthy, exciting sport.

For many years I have watched you, Neva and Kent, as you encouraged and selflessly helped DisAbled skiers, children, couples, and families at every level of expertise.  Your qualities of kindness, patience, expert instruction and endless encouragement have been invaluable.  I have watched people come alive with confidence that extended to many other significant aspects of their lives.  Your honesty, sincerity and enthusiasm have made all the difference for my family and many others.  Your "can do" attitude is readily apparent and most productive.  I am fully confident that you can and will accomplish your well-defined goals.  Two nicer, more deserving people could not be found. I give you my full support, prayer and recommendations.

Sincerely,

Robert G. Magnelli, Ph.D.

(Rob Magnelli is located in Carmel, California.  His practice includes Child, Adult, Family, Psychodiagnosis and Psychotherapy Consultation)