Dear Barefoot Central:

I would like to nominate 2 people near and dear to my heart for co-barefooters of the month. You've met both of them and know that they are men of integrity both on and off the water. My husband, Tom Hart learned how to barefoot at the age of 38. I won't mention how old he is now, he'd kill me!  Some people that he worked with invited him out to ski, only there were no skis. He's been hooked ever since. His barefooting has progressed every year. He keeps looking for new challenges, and usually finds them!  Tom formed a team called Jan's Fans 10 years ago. Jan's Fans team members waterski to raise money for MS (Multiple Sclerosis) in the annual MS WALK (or should we say SKI). I know you're familiar with us as you have helped promote us for 2 years on Barefoot Central and came to Chicago to ski the event with us (thanks again!!).  Tom formed the team when I was diagnosed with MS 11 years ago. What a concept, "Using Your FEET to Defeat MS". We've met such wonderful people. Kevin O'Connell is a Naperville, Illinois police officer who works with the departments DARE program. We met Kevin 11-12 years ago through a local ski club. He immediately volunteered to become a member of the Jan's Fans team. He is one of the original members and is still going strong. Kevin came out to ski with you and told you all about the team. Not a moment goes by that Kevin isn't trying to recruit someone for the team!  He's a great friend and terrific person.  Kevin used to like skiing on fiberglass until he met Tom.  He still pulls out the ski on occasion, which usually has Tom shaking his head!  But not a weekend of skiing goes by that you don't see Tom and Kevin trying to teach someone how to barefoot or helping them by offering some pointers.  They're both great guys with BIG hearts! Thanks for considering them for co-barefooters of the month! 

Janice Hart

Chuck Gleason