News

February 10, 2012

Here is a quick update since the last time. I made it back to Florida 2 times since last October. Both times I missed the snow here in NJ. The winter was a breeze in the Northeast though. The weather was mostly in the 50′s with a few days in the 40′s and 60′s. No one seems to be complaining. My last trip to Florida was for the MMA fights to support the Veterans Farm . It was a great turnout and over 32,000.00 was raised that night.

I was out with Rick Derringer at his show with Edgar Winter. Edgar was very cool and signed a guitar for WVFV to use at the next auction. Thanks Edgar for your support.

I got to meet Pat Travers and hang out with him in Westbury NY for his show. Pat was very cool and share a great Johnny Winter story with me that I later use to screw with him a bit.

 I accompanied my buddy Nick for his gall bladder surgery.  As you can see he in the first picture, he was excited to have me with him. The second picture was my request to check his prostate and the last picture was him showing me what he was gonna look like after the surgery. Nick did well and has since fully recovered. Go Nick!

Congratulation to Paulie and Jean. Had a great time at the wedding. Didnt get pics from the wedding but did have a few from the house before Nick, Maureen and I headed out.

I found a lost picture I had been searching for of Phoebe Snow and I. I knew someone took this shot but had no idea who. With a little inquiring , I found it.  Phoebe passed away in April of 2011. She was amazing.

October 13, 2011

Had Some fun down here at the IRON HORSE SALOON for the start of Biketoberfest 2011  More pics to follow.

October 12, 2011

Took a ride to The Veterans Farm in Jacksonville Florida with a bunch of Vietnam Veteran friends of mine and showed them what I have been doing with WVFV. I had a great day with Adam Burke and his staff. These guys make me so proud to have helped them get froma vision to reality.

 October 10, 2011

 WOW, I have not been on here in ages. Facebook seems to be the way now and these sites have become a thing of the past for most. I want to thank Lisa Ewing, http://LMEDesigns.com , for all her work on transferring my old site to this new one. Lisa has also redone the Work Vessels for Veterans website www.wvfv.net. I highly recommend her for any website work you need done. She is cost effective, timely and very professional. All of which I have found to be missing in past experiences with web design. I still have my Facebook page going. You can find it at http://www.facebook.com/ted.knapp. I am going to try to keep both pages active moving forward if possible.

So much has gone on. I turned 50…ouch!  To be honest, it wasn’t bad at all. The best part was most of my friends were already there or close behind me. I went down to Boca Raton, Floridaand helped my best friend Daniel celebrate his 50^th. It was great to see Dan and his family and some old friends, Joey and Phil, and welcome Dan to the 50 Club.

 I recently called in to  David Webb, www.davidwebb.com  and got put on the air with David.

David hosts a show on Sirius XM on Patriot Radio and invited Dave John and Myself up for a day in the studio. Here is some footage from the event. http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=D7tAr3MpRyQ&feature=player_embedded

 We also stopped by Fox News and did a live broadcast for WVFV. Here is the clip from the interview. http://video.foxnews.com/v/1039276547001/work-vessels-for-veterans

I also had the chance to go to Columbus Ohio to the Columbus Zoo. This is the home of Jack Hanna. Jack met us there and took us on a private tour of his personal zoo, within the zoo. It was a very cool day. I look forward to going back and doing it all over again.

I went out with Dave Mason www.davemasonmusic.com for the usual WVFV fundraising events at all of his shows. We have been auctioning off a guitar at each show with 100% of the proceeds going back to WVFV for the Veterans.  Dave also joined on as headliner for the Hippiefest 2011 tour. This tour featured Dave Mason, Mark Farner http://www.markfarner.com/ , Rick Derringer http://www.rickderringer.com/ , Felix Cavaliere and Gary Wright. We were out for quite a few weeks and it was an experience of a lifetime for me. Mark Farner and Rick Derringer were my childhood idols, along with Dave.

I not only got to meet Mark even jump of the Hippiefest tour bus and road with us on the WVFV/Dave Mason tour bus.

Talking with Mark I learned of his son Jesse. Last year, Jesse met with an unfortunate accident where he broke his neck and it left him a quadriplegic on a life support system. During the tour, we not only raised money for WVFV, but also for Jesse. Please take a moment to check out Jesse on Facebook at https://www.facebook.com/groups/137095029642126/ .

 Here is a clip from You Tube with Mark talking bout Jesse http://www.youtube.com/watch?feature=player_embedded&v=IjDyNZw3ksY

 I also got to meet Joey Molland of Badfinger at one of the shows inMinnesota. Very cool guy. There is an entire photo album on my Facebook page for the Hippiefest 2011 tour.

Along the tour we made an unscheduled stop at Harmonie Park in Michigan. This is a recording studio with an internet cafe attchecd.  Dave Mason, Mark Farner and Rick Derringer did and very cool impromptu show at the UDetroit Cafe that was streamed out live over the internet. Johnne Sambataro joined the trio and it was just an incredible event.

‘One quick mention.Chris Curtis, I love you. Thanks for your friendship and you ongoing help with WVFV while on the road. You Rock, Mr Radioshack!

As far as work goes, I LOVE IT!! www.anythingit.com  My new bosses are incredible. I have worked with them in business for 13 years prior to working for them. We always discussed me joining them and I regret not doing it sooner. These guys are not only great bosses, but great people. They support my efforts with WVFV and event created an effort of their own to support the Veterans, by hiring them to staff their facilities.

My close friend, Johnne Sambataro, http://www.johnsambataro.com/www.johnsambataro.com/Home.html released his new CD and I am loving it. It is called Me, Myself and I. Please take a minute to check it out. He wrote a special song in honor of the Veterans called HEROES.  Johnne Sambataro – Heroes take a listen. If you like it…BUY IT. 

I also want to thank Johnne for sending me a lost picture of me and the late Pheobe Snow. I knew the picture existed, but didn’t know where. I am happy to have this to put into my collection. Pheobe was a great singer and a genuinely nice person. I had the chance to meet her at the shows many times over the years. RIP Pheobe.

Facebook users, please remember to support my http://www.causes.com/causes/193418-work-vessels-for-veterans and make a donation. The smallest amounts help. If you don’t use Facebook, you can do it directly from here at http://wvfv.net/donations/

I met up with Tommy James. Tommy signed a guitar for me to use at a WVFV fund raising event. Thanks to Tommy for his support of the troops. Tommy was playing a show with Mark Farner and Felix Cavaliere and it was great to get to see everyone again.

I made a decision not to go back out for the second leg of Hippiefest 2011. Instead I went toFlorida. I have not been to my house is a very long time and I needed to spend some time there. I missed the entire summer traveling and this was a great way to make up for that. I get to ride. I get to spend time with Nick and Maureen and all the crew down here. Nick turned 69 the other day and got his pilots license..kinda.. I got him a radio controlled plane. I give it a week until he is buying parts. Coming here was definitely the right move. Biketoberfest is only a week away.

I guess I will be missing my hang time on the bus with Mr. Bennett this trip.

DECEMBER 16, 2010

It is crazy how the world works and how you just end up somewhere in life that you never expected. That is what has happened to me right now. Fortunately it is all good, yet it is so ironic. I drive 1.5 hours to work everday from Brick NJ to Fair Lawn, NJ and then 1.5 hours home again. (there is someone out there who knows just what I am talking about). This is only temporary until the end of February, so its all good. The construction for a apartment for me will be completed by then. I still have the option to work from home, but for now I have to say I am loving going to work and being part of a team. I have been so independent for the last 15 years, I miss the work environment, especially the the team I am with now. Also, I am back in my old hood often and reconnecting with quite a few people that I had lost touch with.

 I am ready for a nice quiet Christmas with the family. These are the people in my life that truly enjoy being with. I am fortunate enough to be able to be with my Mom and Dad, Sister, and my Brother and his family again this year. I will be 50 in May of 2011. It is so hard to believe that it was 40 years ago, I would sneak down early Christmas morning to play withthe toys the Santa had left me. I remember 1 year, I am guessing I was 11 or 12, I asked for a drum set. It had to be 4:30am and I woke up and snuck down the stairs and there it was…a full set of blue pearl drums and cymbals and everything. I sat down behind the kit and picke dup the sticks. I tapped ever so lightly on the snare, then the toms, making my way to the hi-hats. The hits getting increasingly harder and sound getting louder…until it happeded. I woke up my Day, who stood 10 ft in front of me and without raising his voice said to me “get your God damn ass back in that bed right now or there wont be a drum set here for you to play in the morning”. Ahhh those great Christmas memories.

I am off to San Diego for New Years. I will be out for 3 shows in 6 days, that gives me plenty of fun time on the west coast. After San Diego, it is back to NJ for a while and then off to Texas. Houston, Dallas & Austin, 3 shows in 3 days. I am looking forward to that run and going back to Houston especially.

I want to wish everyone a very happy holiday. Remember the reason we do celebrate it and make sure to tell the people in your life you love them.

NOVEMBER 26, 2010

Just finished a great Thanksgiving holiday with the family. It was a great day and spent the time with the people in my life that mean the world to me. Mom, Dad, Sis and cousins. I have been away for a while and it was just nice to be around everyone.

I was out doing the WVFV thing from New Hampshire all the was south to Florida. Had some free time in Fla and got to do some sailing in the Gulf of Mexico with a great bunch of people. Dolphins, Manatee and sailing on a 70 ft Irwin saliboat called Mango Lattitudes, very cool.

Enjoyed shows with Dave, Doobie Brothers, Grand Funk and Rick Springfield along the way.

I have changed some things in my life with regards to work. I resigned from CSS after 15 incredible years and go to work at Anything IT. I have worked with them for over 13 years doing business and finally made the move. Kim and I will continue to work together in the future, I will just no longer be employed there. It is bitter sweet and I truly enjoyed my time there, but I am very excited about the future with Anything IT. Wish me luck.

SEPTEMBER 11, 2010

Wow, it has been since June since I have writtin of here.Time really does fly when you are having fun. In July, I did a short run to Mountain Jam and got to hang with Warren Haynes and his event. Then I went to down to Florida for a while to set up for the Nov 12,13,14 WVFV event. I am nervous as hell about this one. Change of staff there and I have no control over what is going on. I am reassured that all is fine all the time, but I have this uneasy feeling. I am usually good about reading these things. Time will tell.

While down there I took a nice trip to the West Coast of Florida With Spezz and Larry. We spent a couple of days on the beach in St Pete, then went to Lakeland Fla to see Bad Company. They have reformed with the original members. I was able to spend time at the hotel with Simon Kirke and catch up on whats been going on. Then we rode back to Palm Coast and I also could the show the following night in St Augustine. Billy Johnson is shooting a video of the entire tour and hook all of us up with tickets and passes for the shows. Thanks Jr!

I returned back to NJ to focus on work at CSS. The industry is going away and employment is not looking to good for the future, but I am gonna do what it takes to keep it going. I had a short New England run with Dave Mason & WVFV and we did some good fundraising and awareness promotion.

August blew past. I am not sure where it went. I had a few great friends & family gatherings, both at my house and abroad. There was an engagement party for Lindsay that was incredible. I also had a last minute Labor Day party here with about 50 friends and family, some live music and of course kick ass food. I have been told that I had a great time. the Jagermeister machine did me in though.
I did a major house cleaning of negative people in my life and I swear I feel like a new person. It isnt easy to do, but now that it is done, I feel like weights have been lifted off my back. I recommend that all of you take a step back and evaluate your own situation. You might be ahead of me on this, but if you arent…take a look.

Here we are in September. September 11, 2010 to be exact. 9 years later and man, is the world different. May We Never Forget! My prayers and thoughts are with all the men and women the perished that day and also with their family and friends. We all knew someone.

I am heading back out in October again with Dave & WVFV for more shows. October 7th is the Golf Event in Washington DC. October 22 is a big event in Charleston SC and the 23rd will be in Jacksonville Florida. I guess thats all for now. Drop me a line and say hello.

JUNE 16, 2010

Summer is here! I had a little Memorial Day party here. It was great. Everyone come with food, drink and instruments. It was an electric jam out on the deck until 10PM and them went unplugged around the fire til…who knows? Lots of old friends and new friends all becoming one fun group of people.

May was great for WVFV. We did the Newport Beach California show and raised some funds for laptops. The Show on June 4th was the biggest success ever. We raised over 40,000.00 that night alone.  Spend some time in Woodstock and got to meet and hang with Warren Haynes of Government Mule…Very cool!

I got my boat in the water and it is running great. My buddy is leaving his 38ft Cobra Cat here for a while so we will be tearing up the river. July might be a good time for Florida and then in August, I am back on eht road with Dave Mason for a long run.
 

My health is good. My family is good. I just need to get the rest of my life in order and it will all be good.

APRIL 17, 2010

All good news from the world of Ted. WVFV has some big shows on the agenda. May 15th in Newport Beach California, June 4th in Connecticut, October 7th in Washington DC, October 22 in Tampa Florida and November 13th in Daytona Florida. Dave Mason and Natalie Gelman will be doing all the events as always. Kip Winger is a definite addition to the bil in November and Reb Beach of Whitesnake is going to be there if he is not on tour. I spoke to Reb today and will be with him next week to hang out and spend a little time together. It has been way too long. The other really big news is that WVFV ( John, Dave and I) have purchased a new farm in Jacksonville Florida to put the vets back to work. This is huge! We closed on 8 acres of land for Adam Burke to start the second of what I can only hope to be many more farms across the country. Leslie West, Carmine Appice and Jimmy McCarty signed up some guitars for the charity auctions, which was very cool of them. Elliot Dean, CEO of Dean Guitars has stepped up with the offer to supply guitars to us for the events.

I also want to say THANK YOU, to all my friends who have been there to support me over the last few months. You have all been so great. You make me proud to be your friend.

I have a rough week ahead of me. I am asking for prayers and positive thoughts for my family this week.

MARCH 19, 2010

Back again from a nice run of shows in the NorthEast. The crowds were incredible and I was totally humbled by the generousity of everyone along the way. Dave, John and I spent some time planning some new events for WVFV. We have a big show in May on my brithday in Newport Beach Cali. A nother big show in Ct in June. A celebrity golf outing in Washington D.C. in October, and lots a small shows in between. I got to meet and talk in length with Dr. John and I have to so, he is as cool as you would expect him to be. I also got to talk and have a few drinks with Jamo of the Allman Brothers band. Another nice guy and I am glad I got to meet him. I will be back soon with some more info on the upcoming shows.

FEBRUARY 28, 2010

I am back from California after 4 days of running non stop. The VH1 Rock and Roll Fantasy Camp was quite an experience. I got to spend some time with Kip Winger and we planned some potential events for the future. I was in the studio with Rudy Sarzo, but he was in the middle of working with his fantasy campers for the reality show, so I really didn’t feel it was the time to talk WVFV with him. Billy Sheehan had me into his studio while he was writing a song for the campers to perform. Billy offered to do a few things for WVFV and Dave Mason joined us to hear the song.

Nick Firth was the soldier we invited out to the camp. Dave and I stopped by his studio to hear him play. Ron Nevison was his group leader. Ron produced 2 of Dave Mason’s albums back in the 70’s, so it was a additional reunion for Dave.

I was also able to get to Newport Beach to speak at the American Legion post there where we are having a show on May 15th, 2010. From there I was off to San Diego to Rancho Bernardo Golf Resort the following morning. WVFV will possibly be holding a tournament there with a concert to end it featuring Michael Bolton, Kenny Loggins and Dave Mason. While in San Diego, Dave had two concerts at Anthology. Both shows were incredible. The second show was more personal for Dave and the extended family. Personal events were celebrated during the show and the evening had a very special meaning to all of us.

I came back on the red eye and need a day to just regroup, as I am doing it all again on Tuesday. I will be back on the road for 2 weeks or so. Shows all over the Northeast just in time for the next 2 snow storms to dump on me.
 

FEBRUARY 23, 2010

I am on my way from NYC to L.A. for a special event. WVFV has sponsored Nick Firth, a wounded warrior. Nick lost his leg is a mortar attack in Iraq. His dream, like many, was to be a rock star. I am meeting up with him and bringing him to VH-1’s Rock & Roll Fantasy Camp for a week. Nick will be studying, jamming and part of a rock band featuring Dave Mason, Rudy Sarzo (Whitesnake), Kip Winger, Brett Michaels, Michael Anthony (Van Halen), Billy Sheehan (Mr Big) and more. It is a week of a Rock & Roller’s dream come true. Dave Mason and I will be bringing Nick to camp and making sure he gets his dream. Rudy and Kip have both agreed to add their support to WVFV. They are both a welcome addition to the foundation. Other new supporter of WVFV include Jimmy McCarty of Cactus and Will Lee of the David Letterman band and leader of the Fab Fuax.

After the camp, Dave and I will be heading to San Diego for two shows at Anthology. We will, of course, be spreading the word of Nick and the WVFV organization.

NJ has been hell, since the holidays. I am out of there for a while. The month of March, I will be touring the Northeast with Dave and the band. Shows are listed on www.dave-mason.com, please check it out and let me know if you will be attending any of them, I would love to see you at while I am in your area.

I will be head to my home in Florida after the tour. Of course, I will be there just in time to miss Bike Week. I can’t catch a break, but at least I get to spend some time with my Florida family and friends. Dave Mason band will be performing a show in St Augustine at the Rib Festival there. Come on out and see the show and say hello.

John & I have been busy over the last few months with a new WVFV project. We have purchased an 8 acre farm outside of Jacksonville, Fla. Adam Burke, another disabled veteran, who successfully ran the farm in Webster, Fla has handed off that project and will be heading up the Jacksonville location. We are all very excited about this project.

Stay tuned for 3 big WVFV shows, May 15th in Newport Beach Fla, June 4th in Connecticut and June 4th in Washington, DC. We will have Dave Mason headline all these shows with special guests like Kenny Loggins, Michael Bolton and more. Hope to see you there.

Thanks again for all your support and for taking the time to stop by my site and catch up with me.

JANUARY 7, 2010

The start of a new year. Damn, I am off to a rough one. Work is going to become my number 1 priority for a while. I committed a year to WVFV and trying to make CSS and WVFV succesful together. The results were minimal, at best. The holidays were a total bust for me. I probably had the lamest holiday ever, spirit wise. I did enjoy the family time and that is what is supposed to be about anyway. My head just wasnt in it this year. Alot of personal shortcomings and disappointment brought the end of 2009 to shitty conclusion. I cant comprimise my values and I have to be true to myself going forward. Sometimes doing what is right, isnt so easy. But I know what I have to do, and I know I can do it. I am definitely looking forward to a better year and my focus is in place. I hope everyone enjoyed their Christmas and New Years. I know I usually reach out to many of you, but my head wasnt in it this year. Thanks for all the wishes that were sent to me. they were definitely appreciated.

DECEMBER 17, 2009

Washington DC John and I went to Walter Reed Army Hospital to meet with 5 soldiers in the Wounded Warrior Program that were currently undergoing treatment there. Laptops were given to each soldier to help them with there transition back to civilian life. It was an honor to meet and to speak to each of them. We take for granted a lot of things in life. This visit to Walter Reed made me appreciate so much more.

NOVEMBER 28, 2009

Westport, Mass This is a very touching story. I wanted to share it with you. WVFV transferred a 47’ lobster boat to Chris Pinto from veteran Tim Field. Chris had returned home from two tours in Iraq and contacted WVFV. Tim had heard of the foundation and what was being done and gave selflessly to the cause. This was a very emotional event for everyone. Please take a minute to read the article.

NOVEMBER 11, 2009

St. Petersburg Veterans Day Concert starring Dave Mason and his band w/ special guest Natalie Gelman. The show was a success. The State Theatre was donated to WVFV along with the staff and it was a very cool night. The next show was on Nov 13, 2009 in Jacksonville, Florida The Landing in Jacksonville was the site of a night time concert on the St Johns River . At the same time as that show, I had a weekend show running on November 13,14,15, 2009 in Korona, Florida . WVFV presents a weekend of music promoting awareness for the foundation. “Salute to Veterans” event was held at the White Eagle Lounge. I had some great support in making this show a success. I want to thank Kevin, Howie and Sherry of the White Eagle for everything they did for WVFV.
 

OCTOBER 15, 2009

Brick, NJ Wow, the summer ended and I never even got my boat in the water. It was a good summer though. A lot of personal issues got resolved for the better. I was able to visit my home in Florida a few times and see my friend down there. I have been working on promoting a few shows for WVFV in the Florida area. I am still in the planning stages of a weekend benefit concert at The White Eagle Lounge. It is a great biker type bar with a lot of land for a huge party. I will keep you posted
 

SEPTEMBER 16, 2009

Where did the summer go? Between all the travel and the shitty weather, it kinda slipped by. I am home in NJ now for a few weeks. I am not doing the next “Dave” tour on the East Coast. We will be having 5 major events in Florida for WVFV in November and my focus needs to be there. I also have another huge business venture on the horizon, but I dont want to share it just yet. I would rather just tease ya for for now. WVFV had a big event in Wall, NJ at the local racetrack which was a huge success.
Paige and I just came back from Alabama this weekend, where we donated a laptop computer to a recently returned Veteran. Sgt Sophia Malone, a single mother of 3 beautiful children and victim of a mortar attack, was presented with the laptop so she can continue her college education online. Sgt Malone, an MP, is fighting with the military for the right to go back and fight with her platoon, not for the right to be medically discharged. We had a very inspirational and emotional talk with her during the short visit there. She is an example of pure courage and honor. I walked away impressed and humbled to say the least.
 

I am totally disgusted with the our Commander in Chief and the Socialist path he is taking us down. I dont like to talk about my politcial views or push them on people, but damn, this country better wake up quick. 

Before going further, go to bottom of page and pause music.

CLICK HERE to see what I am talking about. The President will control who gets healthcare and can remove you or your entire company from coverage. While doing that, he is also giving care to illegals.

READ THIS  President would be able to control the content of the internet with this bill. He could totally shut down any opposing viewpoints. It will be another freedom we will lose.  Internet companies and civil liberties groups were alarmed this spring when a U.S. Senate bill proposed handing the White House the power to disconnect private-sector computers from the Internet.

READ THIS  YOU SHOULD BE SCARED TOO

Finally, I have to say this. Yes, WE THE PEOPLE elected Obama in an fair election. Which is the way it has always been here. But is seems there are stupid people out there that voted for him for reasons other than what he beliefs are. Here is what I am talking about  CLICK HERE

AUGUST 10, 2009

What a weekend. I stopped by at a local event for the Wounded Warriors Foundation that WVFV had a booth set up at. It was at a rifle range in Jackson NJ. The range opened it’s doors and supplied guns and ammo for all returning vets and disabled vets to shoot for free. They had skeet, black powder, cowboy and automatic weapons. Paige and I took the bike to the event, it was a great ride into the rural roads of NJ. Paige got to see what WVFV is all about first hand. It was as emotional for her as it is for me everytime. Got to see a few friends here and there over the weekend. The hot tub is under repair, one car is back on the road. Lots more to tell, just no more time to type.

AUGUST 4, 2009

My parents rock! The wisdom I get from them over a simple conversation. Things that seem so extreme and difficult, can be put into perspective with a few words from them. Tonite I sat and talked about a few things going on in my life and it all seemed so stressful. Though they didnt wave a magic wand and it was all better, the things they said gave me the confidence to face the situation in a different light. I love them!

I started the diet (for the 1 millionth time) again today. I am doing a major fruit cleanout of my system for a week and the high protein, low fat after that. As soon as I finish here, I will be on the treadmill for my first mile. The goal will be 5 miles a day, but my fat ass needs to start easy. I am at 223 right now. The goal is 205, maybe 199 if I really get into it. I am thinking the anger I have inside right now will only help motivate me to be successful. Well, I am off to the treadmill. Wish me luck!

 JULY 24, 2009

Back from the tour and it all went well. Cocker show went well, as did all the other shows along the way. I got to spend a day home in NJ and left for Fla the next morning. John came down the following day and we now have 3 more WVFV shows on the calendar for November in Fla.

My close friend, Spezz, had some unexpected major heart surgery. He made it through everything and is on his way to recovery. I want to spend as much time as I can with him while I am in the area. He and his wife are incredible people and are very important in my life. Please say prayers for them.

California is next for me. August shows for WVFV and hopefully we can start to generate some donations and awareness for what we are doing. I was never one for charity organizations prior to my involvement with WVFV, so I am ok when people truns away. I just remember how I was. I am not sure how I came to be so passionate about this. I was never in the military. I never thought about the military. I just dont know. The only thing I know is that this is the right thing for me to be doing. My Dad, Grandfathers, and Uncles were all military and I am proud of that fact. I am getting to meet these “kids’ that are just returning and I am amazed. The disabled Vets with PTSD get to me the most. They are just left helpless from the shock of the things they had to see and do. I walk away from the meetings with a knot in my stomach everytime. Every returning Vet needs to be told “Thank You” for you service. If you see a man or woman in uniform,  say Thanks.

JULY 12, 2009

On the road again! This tour has been great for so many reasons. I have met up with some old friends that I have not seen in a while. The Work Vessel’s shows have all gone well and the response for what we are doing has been incredible. Thanks to everyone that has come out to see Dave and stopped by with donations and word of encouragement.

We have been to NYC, Boston, Tarrytown NY so far and now we are on the way to Norfolk, CT today. Lots more shows to come as we make our way north to Canada. We have a very cool show coming up with Joe Cocker this week that I am looking for forward to.

JULY 7,2009

Today was a very cool day. I was awarded a commendation by the US Army Cheif Of Staff for my involvement in Work Vessels For Vets. All members of the team were issued individual certificates for their support of the troops. This was very special to me. My parents and sister were there for the presentation ceremony.

JUNE 21, 2009

I am back from a few weeks in Florida. The weather was great. I was fortunate to miss most of the bad weather here in NJ while I was away. I got in quite a bit of riding, mud boggin, beachin and swimmin.

My buddy shipped me down some fresh lobsters. We cooked them up with a bunch of steamers and salads. Damn were they good.

I did alot of work for WVFV while I was away and also worked on laptop business for CSS. I didnt seem to mind work while sitting on the patio in 95 degree weather. I big difference then sitting in a office all day. There is something to be said about working that way.
I sent up a benefit show for WVFV in November 14th in Florida. It will be at a place called the White Eagle. It should be a wild time. Dave Mason and 5 other bands will be performing and all the proceeds go to WVFV. It will be alot of work, but I am looking forward to it.

Today was cool. It was Father’s Day. I woke up and went and picked up my dad and took him to breakfast. I was really nice to spend time with just him and I.

I am heading out on tour with Dave in July for a while. We are going to be in the Northeast and Canada. It should be fun. We wrapped the tour bus with the WVFV logo on it. It will be great to get together with the boys again for this run. I will be videoing alot of it so be prepared for the YOU TUBE releases.

Once again, go to the WVFV website and see what we are doing. If you can make a donation, that is great. If you want to volunteer time or a skill, we welcome your help. If you just tell someone about what we are doing, it is all appreciated.

Til next time!
 

MAY 17, 2009

It has been a while since I posted anything new. I was on a mission and finally got it done. My birthday was May 15th. I want to thank everyone for all the phone calls, messages and emails. I didnt get a chance to answer most of them as I was away. Since the last post on here I have totally consumed myself with making the WVFV shows a success. It couldnt have turned out better.

John Niekrash and I met in Columbus, Ohio on my birthday for a very touching event. Dave Mason was there to play a benefit concert for the event. He had a surprise for everyone. Dave and John Sambataro got together a few days before the show and went into the studio. In three days they wrote and recorded a song called “Thank You”. Dave and John presented the song to WVFV as the theme song for our foundation. Here is a picture of the song being played for the first time to the public during the presentation. It was very relevant and touching. I know I wasnt the only one in the house that filled up with emotion during this.

Dave also made another presentation. A set of keys to a boat. WVFV, in conjuction with Delta Marine, connected a 22 ft boat to an organization called The Adaptive Adventure Sports Coalition (TAASC). TAASC works with people with disabilities and enhances their everyday life, challenges their participants, helps build self-confidence, and enables learning through experiences. Their activities include: kayaking, alpine skiing, water skiing,  wakeboarding, ice-skating, sailing, and cycling. My connection to them is the work they do with the disabled veterans. This boat just adds to activities they currently provide and allows them to add fishing to the list. John and I got to spend quite a bit of time with the members of TAASC and well their leadership team. I got to speak one on one with one vet in particular named Mark Mix. Mark and I discussed his situation and I am working real hard now and getting him the tools he needs to reach the goals he has set. I am looking for some finacial support for this project. If you would like to join me in saying “Thank You” to one of our heroes, please call me and I will give you the details.

APRIL 26, 2009
What a weekend!!! I jumped on the bike with my friends and we rode up to Woodstock, NY. It is only about 150+ miles from my home, but it is a totally different world. I live on the beach and this is the mountains. Mountain for NJ people anyway. After being in California and Colorado they are more like foothills, but we call them mountains. It was very cool. We stayed with friends of friends at their placed called the Woodstock Lodge. I highly recommend it. There was deer running all around our cabin and a black bear payed us a visit on Sunday AM.  Tinker Street in the main road in town. It is very similar to New Hope NJ. All the shops and eatery’s. All the Woodstock memorabilia and leftover concert goers are still there. We also went to the Buddist Temple where the Dalai Lama actually lived for a while. We were able to get into the Temple itself, it is beautiful. Other than the sunburn, it was a great trip and I am sure to return. Here are some pics.

APRIL 19, 2009
Home Sweet Home. I made it back to Jersey. I couldnt be happier. We all complain about NJ, but we all miss it when we leave. What is the attraction, I dont know. I just know that it will always be home to me. It was nice to sleep in my own bed again and even work in my office. I guess a bad day in the office really is better than a good day in California.
Work Vessels is coming along nicely. I am working with John for more concerts all over the US. Chicago, Ohio, West Virginia and Nashville are on the schedule so far.

APRIL 14, 2009
California – I am dealing with it. If you know me, you will know I am not a fan of California. I do think it is beautiful, it is just not the place for me. I am East Coast and I dont think that will ever change. With that said, I am managing to enjoy this trip. The work I am doing out here is a nightmare. Nothing has gone as planned and it just needs to get finished, but I have managed to have some fun times. I spent a few days over Easter with Dave Mason at his place in the Mountains. It is so peaceful up there, I actually relaxed for the first time in a long time.

Wine, cigars, great food and good company, who could ask for more. Gerald, Alvino and other member of the extended family were all on hand to make it a great time.
Alvino and I went into Hollywood for the unveiling of George Harrison’s star on the walk of fame. It was right in front of the Capital Records building. It was exciting to see the crowd around and to see the other musicians and friends who came out for the event. George’s wife Olivia and son Dhani,  Paul McCartney, Tom Petty, Joe Walsh, Jeff Lynne, Tom Hanks, Eric Idle and Ed Begley Jr were amoung the crowd. I did get some pictures with my phone, but it wasnt the right place to be taking pics. Now it is time to get my ass home.

                                        Dhani & Olivia                 Joe Walsh    Tom Petty       Tom Hanks

MARCH 20, 2009
WE’RE BACK!!! I am home after a few weeks on the road. It was incredible. John, Dave and I had a great time promoting Work Vessels and the shows went well. Everyone showed interest in what we are doing. People responded with offers of service, product and funding. My thanks to everyone. It is only the beginning. We were also able to get together with some returning veterans from Iraq and Afghanistan and hook them up with laptop computers for the continuing education. They are going back to complete their education and now have one of the most important tools needed. They were all aprreciative of the gift and it was just an incredible event. I was thrilled to be involved and at points had to fight back tears when hearing their stories. They deserve everything we can do and more. Here are some pics from the event.

DECEMBER 27th, 2008
I have spent quite a bit of my time over the last week just adding pictures and links. I set up a counter that lets me know how many people have visited the site. I am over 300 visits this week. I am not sure how to measure that, but I am happy that someone is interested. Although I am doing this site for me, I am glad with the fact that people are visiting. I am not even halfway through doing what I have already planned, but I am pleased with the site so far. I hope you all keep coming back. Thanks.

DECEMBER 16th, 2008
My first official blog. I am not a big blogger, so the updates will not be done very often. I am just launching this web site. It is very different then the site I have had posted in the past. It is a little more personal view of Ted Knapp then before and can be viewed by a PG audience. That alone was a challenge for me. I am still learning how to edit and post information and setup the pages, so bear with me over the next few weeks. I want to acknowledge Alex Brocklebank for his help with the site. Check out his link under my business links if you need web site hosting or advice. If you have any requests for the site, email me at ted@tedknapp.com and I will try to accomodate your request.

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