local to me story of ice trapped boater

Sad Story!
 
Had the kid’s do some chores then I told them to get their coats on because we are going somewhere.

The kids asked a lot of questions like “Are we going out to eat?” but I did not tell them until we were on our way.

In the car I paid them for their chores. Then I told them about Jeff.

I told them they could give none of their money, half or all, its 100% up to them.

We met Jeff. He was friendly and invited us in. I said we would only take a minute, said we heard about his situation, told him the kids had earned some money doing chores and that they would like to give him something. They then each gave.

Two gave half, one gave all. I also gave and wished him luck then we left.

Some people before us had brought Jeff wood. I assume others had also given various things.

Jeff seemed genuinely grateful and said thank you to each of us.

The ride home was very nice. The kids did not fight once.

I don’t know what is going to happen. My immediate concern for him is the ice causing his old house boat to sink.
 
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Presentation said:
Thank you Scott.
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Very kind of you and the kids, we need more people like you on this earth, well done. You have raised some very caring children, they will do well in life, congrats.

Wayne
 
Very nice of you and your family. Thanks for sharing it with us.
 
There are so many things like this happening today,it was very nice that you and the kids were able to help. I am sure it will be something they never forget. God Bless you all.
 
Good for you! A great lesson for your children as well as helping someone in need. If someone were to start drive for donations please post it and I'll be there!
 
presentation, Good for You & the Kids. :thumbsup:. This just shows that there are some good people left in this world. :smt038 . :smt038 . :smt038
 
Thank you all for the kind words.

He's in violation of a city ordinance which stipulates a boat may not be moored for more than 48 hours in a public park, said Oshkosh Police Sgt. Dave Gomoll.



Here is a photo of the 1968 35-foot steel hull Whitcraft, a houseboat
IMAGE_017.jpg
 
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Pres, nice "random act of kindness". Do you know if the ordinance has a time line in it? ie from April through October? I hope someone will drop off a sack of catfood, likely not to many mice hanging around for the cat!
 
Yes, some people did drop off some firewood, gas for his portable generator and cat food.

For heat Jeff has an old cast iron pot belly wood stove onboard. Yesterday the inside of the boat must have been 85 degrees. It was in the low single digits outside.

The city ordinance of not mooring to a city owned pier is in effect year round. Jeff chipped ice away from the other side of the boat, untied and pushed his boat away however as the water refroze it shoved his boat back against the pier.

At this time is boat is not tied to the pier so there is some question as to if he is in violation of the ordinance.

To be clear, Jeff does not want to live in government housing or live on government handouts. The only thing he is asking for is to be left alone and he is promising that come spring when the ice melts he will be on his way. He gets about $1,000/month in disability.

Jeff previously owned a home care business and a home. After a medical problem that required brain surgery he developed tremors. He lost his business and home now his only thing left is this old steel hulled houseboat.

I did hear his batteries are shot.
 
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I did hear his batteries are shot.
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Presentation, I'll buy Jeff some batteries !! :thumbsup:. How many does he need ??. Anybody else want to pitch in also ???
 
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Presentation

Please post an address and a name we can make checks out to.

Mine will be in the mail as soon as you repost.

Dan
 
This is what boating is ALL about !!. One boater helping another boater out. :smt038 . :smt038. Lets help Jeff get back on his feet . :thumbsup:
 
Presentation said:
To be clear, Jeff does not want to live in government housing or live on government handouts. The only thing he is asking for is to be left alone and he is promising that come spring when the ice melts he will be on his way.
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Sometimes proud people have a problem with handouts, charities, etc. I dont mean to sound cruel but sometimes people that want to be left alone would like to be left alone.
 
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