Shake-A-Leg Dedicates James D. Johnson Memorial Docks

Newport, R.I. (June 21, 2004) – Shake-A-Leg, the internationally recognized adaptive sailing program, announced today the establishment of the James D. Johnson Memorial Docks at the center’s facilities at Fort Adams State Park in Newport, R.I. Rhode Island Governor Donald L. Carcieri and Newport Mayor Richard Sardella dedicated the project at a ceremony hosted by Shake-A-Leg Chairman Paul Callahan (Providence, R.I.).

“What makes a great organization is good people, full of love and caring,” said Governor Carcieri about Shake-A-Leg. “And that is abundantly clear here. Helping those with disabilities is what makes us a richer community. This dock is a tribute to what you do. You provide more opportunities to change lives.”

The new 150- foot dock was the brainchild of Susan Johnson (Newport, R.I.), wife of the late James D. Johnson (1937-2000). “Jimmy and I loved to sail together, since we were first married over 25 years ago,” said Susan Johnson, who serves as vice-commodore of the newly established Shake-A-Leg Sailing Club. “After I lost my legs, there was a huge hole in my life. Then I met Shake-A-Leg. It saved my life. I don’t know where I would be today without it. I’m very grateful.”

Robie Pierce (Newport, R.I.), founder of Shake-A-Leg’s Adaptive Sailing Program, was instrumental in coordinating the Johnson family’s wishes to honor the legacy of James Johnson. “I have been around the world and nothing comes close to this facility,” said Pierce. “It is because of the people behind it.” Pierce further explained that the improvements include a 20-foot expansion to the original six-foot dock, built in the 1980s when Shake-A-Leg was founded; an additional 75-foot section, with pilings, and space for a fleet of Freedom Independence 20s, the boat used for adaptive sailing. Over 400 cubic feet of soil was moved to accommodate the large granite stones edging the dock and a new flagpole was installed.

Many of Mr. Johnson’s friends contributed to the project with the lead taken by New York Yacht Club past commodore Robert James (Newport, R.I.).

Paul Callahan, chairman of Shake-A-Leg and a representative to the 2000 Paralympics in Australia, paid tribute to James and Susan Johnson. “Susan is a wonderful contributor to Newport, just like Jimmy was when he was here,” said Callahan.

Larry Gadsby, chief operations officer at Shake-A-Leg and dock expansion project manager said, “The cooperation from Rhode Island’s Department of Environmental Management (DEM) and Coastal Resources Management Commission along with the help of Sail Newport made what could have been a difficult project one of reasonable comfort. And the best news is that it came in on budget.”

Additional supporters of the project include the City of Newport, the Rhode Island State Yachting Committee, the Prince Foundation, and the Youth Friends Foundation.

About Shake-A-Leg

Shake-A-Leg is a non-profit 501 (c)(3) organization, the mission of which is to assist its participants to become all they can be in education, work place and quality-of-life pursuits. Shake-A-Leg utilizes Salve Regina University and Fort Adams State Park facilities for its adult and teen rehabilitation services, as well as the Confidence is Cool Camp for youngsters.

Shake-A-Leg’s internationally recognized adaptive sailing program is located at Fort Adams and provides recreational, instructional and competitive sailing opportunities for those who wish to build confidence.