Sep 22, 2009
The Fugitives Band On The Run And Ready To Rock For MS
Sean O'Leary, Communications Specialist
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
The Fugitives Band On The Run And Ready To Rock For MS
MADISON, Conn. – There are fugitives on the loose and, for once, that’s a good thing.
The National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter is gearing up to host its annual Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, presented by Mohegan Sun on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27, with special musical guest The Fugitives Band.
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| The Fugitives Band is ready to rock during the Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride, presented by Mohegan Sun, on Saturday, Sept. 26, and Sunday, Sept. 27. The two-day ride begins and ends at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and cyclists will stay overnight at Camp Hazen in Chester, where The Fugitives Band will perform. The band features, from left to right, bass guitarist Jay Jamron, of Orange, lead guitarist Brian Shaker, of Milford, drummer Mark Slugowski, of West Haven and keyboardist Frankie Viel, of Meriden. |
The Fugitives Band, a classic Connecticut rock band, will perform for event participants during the overnight stay at Camp Hazen in Chester. The band has played across the state for more than a decade with its unique blend of covers and original rock songs. The band features bass guitarist Jay Jamron, of Orange, lead guitarist Brian Shaker, of Milford, drummer Mark Slugowski, of West Haven and keyboardist Frankie Viel, of Meriden. All four members of the band share singing responsibilities.
Cyclists at Camp Hazen will also be treated to a beer tent hosted by John Harvard’s Brew House. The tent will be open from noon to 6 p.m. on Saturday, Sept. 26, before The Fugitives Band performance.
The two-day ride begins and ends at Hammonasset Beach State Park in Madison and participants can opt to complete a 25-, 50- or 75-mile route each day. The different routes wind through southeastern Connecticut’s scenic shoreline and countryside. Upon returning to Hammonasset Beach State Park on Sunday, Sept. 27, cyclists will be greeted with a finish line clambake.
“We are very excited for this year’s ride and the new routes that should appeal to all riders,” said Jessica Tedford, development coordinator for the Connecticut Chapter and one of the event coordinators for Bike MS. “Bike MS is a great way for people to experience a very beautiful part of Connecticut, while supporting a worthy cause.”
The event’s grand marshal is WTNH News Channel 8 anchor and Madison resident Darren Kramer, who will also participate in the ride. Kramer has served as grand marshal for the Connecticut Chapter’s Walk MS and Bike MS events since 2006 and, in March, received the chapter’s 2008 Outstanding Outreach and Public Education Award.
More than 6,000 Connecticut residents are affected by multiple sclerosis, a potentially debilitating disease affecting the central nervous system. The cause is unknown and, as a result, there is currently no cure for MS. Symptoms can include, among other things, numbness in the limbs, difficulties with vision and speech, stiffness, loss of mobility and, in some more sever cases, total paralysis. The progress, severity, and specific symptoms of MS in any one person cannot be predicted.
Funds raised by the National Multiple Sclerosis Society, Connecticut Chapter, through events, such as Bike MS: Cardio Express Ride 2009, presented by Mohegan Sun, ensure ongoing scientific research to find better treatments and a cure, as well as to provide vital programs and services offered by the chapter to those in the state living with multiple sclerosis. Over the past 14 years, more than 2,000 cyclists have pedaled more than 200,000 miles to raise roughly $1 million.
The registration fee is $80. For a third year, the Connecticut Chapter has brought back its popular “Ticket to Ride” program in which each paid registrant is eligible to bring three new riders for free. The $80 registration fee will be waived for each new ride. All meals and the overnight stay are included. The ride will take place rain or shine and volunteers are needed for set-up, rest stop duties, clean-up and to take photos. To register or volunteer, please visit www.ctfightsMS.org or call 860-913-2550.
9/22/09
Sean O'Leary
Communications Specialist
National MS Society - Connecticut Chapter
659 Tower Avenue, First Floor
Hartford, CT 06112
tel 860.913.2550, ext. 249
soleary@ctfightsms.org
www.ctfightsMS.org