Hal's Page
News and thoughts from Running Blind's founder.
Love you mom! (October 2016) My mother (Ellen Wolfe) passed away in 2016 after almost 92 years of life. Things weren't always easy for her, but she had a good life with her husband (Richard) of 64 years who passed away 2 years before she did. After my first volunteer experience helping the blind with the MBAA, when I told my mom about it she said, "I think you should do more of that." - and I sure did. The picture below left is the last one I ever took of her - it was with some young girl scouts as we were all getting ready to walk in the 2016 Midland Memorial Day parade with the local Democrats. (She didn t walk - I pushed her!) The other two pics were mom and I modeling our Running Blind safety vests. They sure do light up! I miss you mom. - Hal.... P.S. If you donate $500, you can join my mom & dad s memorial donation circle. (Hint hint!)
Me and my buddy Marcus together at Ford for a day
August 2014 - out on the town at the Freighthouse Friday Night Happy Hour Hal sponsors every year at the Ypsilanti Heritage Festival.
So Long dad... (June 2014) - Hal and family in Midland at a family memorial gathering for his father Richard Wolfe. Pictured are Cynthia (Chris's wife), Gerry (Bob's wife), Cousin Claudia, Uncle Bob (dad's younger brother), Anne, Joel, Sue (Joel's wife), Mom (Ellen), Chris & me. (Alan took the photo.)
Richard Wolfe: 1926 - 2013 (August 2013) My father died suddenly this past summer of an apparent heart attack. He was 86 but very healthy and had no history of any health issues, but we lost him with no warning, and no time for good-byes. That was hard. We miss you dad. Rest in peace. Richard Wolfe Obituary
July 2013 - My struggle with the IRS - Running Blind finally attained 501(c)3 status from the IRS. It cost $400, took 18 months and left me exasperated and disappointed with the United Sates Federal Government in a very personal way. Ironically at the same time of my struggles, the IRS was going through a scandal involving non-profits and ethical partisan issues. I eventually tried to enlist the help of Rep. Dingell and did meet with one of his staffers who tried, but it seemed there was nothing they could really do to help. After leaving me in the lurch for many months not knowing what my status was, what if any the issues were, and what I could do, they finally awarded Running Blind formal non-profit status. The unfortunate outcome of the confounding and cumbersome process was that during that 18 month period of time, the wind was taken out of my sails both emotionally and operationally as bona fide nonprofit status is needed to raise funding. Hopefully things will pick up speed again for Running Blind.
July 2010 - Michigan group at the USABA camp in Colorado Springs: Seif, Xavier, Hal, Dominic and Stephen
August 2009 - My family on a trip to Big Sky Montana (and Yellowstone): Cynthia, Chris, Mom, Anne, Dad, Me, Alan
July 2008 - Rafting the Arkansas River after USABA camp - Ozzie, Hal & Chris (plus others)
Barney Thomas: 1952 - 2007 - Barney was a friend of mine who ran with the AATC. He died of ALS after an ~ 2 year progression. I helped him write a story about his experience running a marathon in Antarctica (which he did after contracting the disease. Most of the story was written after he lost his ability to speak, which made it a real challenge for both of us, but we finished it. Barney Thomas: The Last Marathon