THE SCRATCH  SHEET VOLUME #17

FEBRUARY 17, 2010

 

IN THIS ISSUE:

A.     WORK BEGINS ON CORINTHIAN II,  WE NEED YOUR HELP!

B.     NEED HELP GETTING TO THE REUNION?

C.     CLASS GIFT IDEAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

D.     MOST RECENT PLANS FOR THE 50TH REUNION

 

A.  WORK BEGINS ON CORINTHIAN II, WE NEED YOUR          HELP!

 

Corinthian II will be a paperback volume which sums up our life in the Hum, and the years since we left.  It will have a section on our life in the Hum, year by year, with photos from that time.  The main section will be a series of profiles of each graduate of the Class of ’60 plus profiles of classmates who did not graduate but who have continued to communicate with all of us.  We are separately sending each of you an example of such a profile, A Profile of Jake Kutschera.  This will not only bring you up-to-date on Jake, but also give you an idea of  what the profiles will look like. 

 

Now here’s the hard part.  Who’s going to write the profiles.  Well, the Corinthian staff will handle the deceased classmates as best we can, but we’re hoping that many of you will develop your own profiles for publication.  Each profile will begin with your entry from Corinthian 1.  It will then be followed by the written profile, and finally photos  of you, and your family in more recent time.  So here’s what we would like you to do:

1.      Write up you profile.  It’s your choice as to what to include.  For example, thoughts on life in the Hum, what you’ve done in the last fifty years, education, work, family, etc.  Send the written profile to Rocco.  rdamico@ihsm.com, or  6405 Kenhowe Dr., Bethesda MD 20817.

2.      Also send Rocco, electronically or in hard copy, any photos which you would like included in your profile. 

3.      Bob Culver will put all this material into a finished profile, like Jake’s, and we will send it to you for your approval.

4.      If you really don’t feel like writing, Rocco or John Few, will call you and you can dictate your “memoirs” to us.  Let Rocco know if you would like to utilize this option.  301-229-0834.

 

SO GET TO WORK GUYS.

 

 

 

B.  NEED HELP GETTING TO THE REUNION?

 

As you know the Class Gift Committee has had a separate fund to which many classmates have contributed, designated  as“Help” or “Scholarships”.  The purpose of this fund is to aid classmates who are not currently situated to bear the costs of getting to Philadelphia, and attending the various events which we have planned for our reunion on May 20-23.  Obviously, many of our classmates have done very well, and the costs are not significant for them.  However, we also know that good fortune has not shone on all of us.  Times are tough, some of our classmates are disabled, others are already on fixed incomes, and the expenses can be daunting.  Those who have contributed to the fund feel in general that the primary purpose of our 50th is just to get together, and spend time reacquainting ourselves with each other.  Consequently, it is  felt that it is a privilege to assure that no one who would like to be with us, is prevented from doing so because of economic factors.   The reunion and gift committees have gone a long way already in this direction by making most of the events on the calendar free.  However, hotel and travel costs still remain an expense which individuals have to bear.  If you would like support to help you attend one or more events, please go through the following steps:

 

1.      Apply to Toby Caplan, stating the approximate costs you need help with. 

2.      Toby will gather all such requests and pass them along to an independent arbiter.  The arbiter has been selected for his financial skills, and currently does not serve on any reunion committee.  The arbiter will remain anonymous, as will your request for support.

3.      Decisions as to what is available for whom will be made by April 1, and Toby will contact you on the disposition of your request. 

 

Below is a listing of the various events of the Reunion Weekend, and their associated costs.

 

            Hotel                                       $150  per night

            Hospitality Rooms                  Free

            Golf                                         $100

            Girard Collection Tours          Free

            Class Dinner – Friday             Free

            Saturday Chapel                     Free

            Saturday Lunch                      Free

            Hum Tours – Sat.                    Free

Alumni Dinner – Sat.              $50 per person

            Sunday Brunch                       Free

            Travel Costs                            Indeterminate.

 

The Gift Committee will consider any of these costs if you do not have the means.

Please get in touch with Toby Caplan with your requests.  He can be reached at Hm: 412-821-4256; Wk: 412- 681-2400 or by email: mcaplan@blumcraft.com.

 

 

C.  CLASS GIFT IDEAS AND RECOMMENDATIONS

Well we have been successful in our role of collecting funds for a Class Gift as the 50th Anniversary Class.  Though we still have a ways to go we already have the largest class gift, and have the possibility of almost doubling the largest Class Gift that of the Class of 57 which gave $108,000.  Below are listed the previous 50th Anniversary Class list and the uses which were made of them. 

 

1930:    New sign for the entrance to GC.                                          $8,900

1947     Refurbish Stephen Girard’s gig                                             Unknown

1949     Fountain at Merchant/Mariner                                               Unknown

1952     Window at Founder’s Hall                                                    $10,000            

1954     Landscaping of circle                                                             $20,000

1955     Mural on Elem School                                                           $25,000

1956     Repair of chapel Steinway                                                     $30,000

1957     Computer Room in Merchant  $38K Scholarships $70K      $108,000                    

1958    Scoreboards, Founders Window, Tree, Club 58 Room          $48,000

1959     Audio-Visual Improvements for the Library                         $60,000

1960     Current account amount                                                        $146,000+

 

Now we need to begin thinking about what we should be doing with the funds we have collected.   We have received a total of eight recommendations as to the disposition of the Class Gift.  Some have multiple aspects, some are targeted to very specific purposes.  (The ones in “” were submitted in writing, and are presented as received.   The others are reconstructions of verbal communication.) 

 

RECOMMENDED IDEAS FOR THE CLASS GIFT 

  1. “Thanks for the information.  My thoughts would be to give a substantial amount to the upcoming Girard College Capital Campaign and something to the GCAA for handling our money for 5 years.  Baggio, Kalata, and McKendrick sent out many acknowledgement letters to classmates that benefited us and not the GCAA.  A portion could go to Pete’s French connection and something should be dedicated on campus with “Given by the Class of 1960” on it.   Autumn Adkins in her speech during her investiture mentioned that a Girard College Capital Campaign is coming.  She was warming up our wallets.  I am sure their goal will be in the millions and our amount will be small in comparison but why shouldn’t we be the anchor class to inspire others in the AA to give once the campaign is formalized.”

Editors Note:  The Girard College Development Fund is a private, not for profit charity whose purpose is to raise charitable donations for Girard.  It is totally separate from the Girard Estate, and the Board of City Trusts.  Funds raised, are contributed directly for the schools use, and at its discretion.  The program is in its incipient stages, but has a goal of collecting $5-10 million a year for the school.

 

  1. Related to 1. above, it has been suggested that we contribute 10% of the Class Gift to the Girard College Alumni.  Clearly, since they have supported our reunion efforts, not just in handling the funds, and investing them, but also because classmates’ normal contributions to the alumni, and its various gift-giving efforts have been diverted in the last few years to the Class Gift.
  1. “The problem to be overcome… At Girard I was offered zero serious advice about my skills/strengths, or logical next steps that could maximize or enhance whatever those skills were. I got lucky in many ways, but it was not because I had been given any direction from any of the professionals who supervised us. Hopefully none of our class members have floundered over the long haul because their first job put them on a bad track, or they simply stuck to it out of necessity… but never enjoyed, or were particularly good at performing the tasks. However, we all know people who were never able to recover momentum from an initially “incorrect” step.

Comments I’ve picked up from various classmates over the years about what they ended up doing for “Your Life’s Work” (recall the tractor/farming films)supports my supposition that “advice,” when they got any, was in the form of a remark casually offered without benefit of structure. I recall that there was a small cubicle with “Guidance Office” stenciled on the glass…was it stuck under the stairs in high school building? Who occupied that office?  Bottom line…Every student should be professionally tested, those results thoroughly discussed with him/her, and specific helpful suggestions made.”

.

  1. A number of classmates upon hearing about the Shoemaker’s gift to the Hum described have suggested that it might be worthwhile for the Class Gift to be directed to enhancing the funds the Shoemakers’ have advanced. Descriptions of the Foreign Language Trips can be reexamined in SS #s 9 and 16.

 

  1. “The Class Gift should be educative in some way directly aimed at the students – not a statue or other commemorative object. 

 

Since books have been central to my life, and the library at Girard was where my passion for reading began, my suggestions tend in that direction: could we renew or restore a part of the library?  Upgrade books available for class? Underwrite the purchase of the latest science texts and re-equip a laboratory, for example, or other special classroom

 

Or create a regular program of off-campus experiences?  (I’m thinking of the Shoemakers’ beautiful project, of course.)  In and around Philadelphia there are tremendous opportunities for opening up the students’ horizons: music (of all kinds), museums and exhibitions (not just art – I didn’t discover what a great place the Franklin Institute is until years later) sports events, etc. Projects that help break down the wall and bring the kids into contact with the wider world.”

 

  1.  “I would propose that we should direct a large part of the gift to the current students.  The goals would be to keep them involved in Hum affairs, and to help them continue to keep in contact with each other.  I would suggest that this would help bridge the gap between we old farts, 1940-80, and the younger generations, The mechanism would be to give each class beginning with the Class of 2010 $1000 a year for 10 years after their graduation.  Each October they would submit a one page proposal for the use of the funds.  They can do anything they want with the money, most likely pay for a party once a year.  The only requirement would be that they submit an up-to-date contact list of all classmates to the Alumni Association with their yearly proposal, while at the same time documenting that the funds from the last year were appropriately spent.  My calculations are that if we were to raise $200,000 for these purposes, and were able to invest them at 3% that the funds would cover the next 25-30 graduating classes.  The Alumni Association should get a small amount, $1-2000 a year, to administer the program.  Obviously, we would hope that by the 4th-5th year the classes would move on from partying, to other constructive uses of the money.”

 

  1. In the areas in front of the now gone Infirmary, and Banker Hall the walkways are paved with bricks, which memorialize Girardians.  Currently there are bricks for Class of ’60 members, Toby Caplan, Joe DiOrio, Charlie Ellis, Ed Hill, Don Ratajczak, and John Tait.  It has been suggested that a portion of the Class Gift be spent on buying bricks for all of our classmates, including those who did not graduate but have been actively involved in our affairs in the last ten years.  The new bricks could be grouped together and possibly the older bricks could be moved to form a single group.  The charge per brick is $150, but we have been told by the Alumni Association that a volume discount would be available. 

 

 

  1. A classmate has suggested that we might want to support with our Class Gift, Autumn Adkins sixth “Vision” as expressed in her acceptance speech on her initiation as President of Girard.  She said:  “Lastly I plan to build a comprehensive alumni support program.  This “Office of Alumni Support” will be a professionally staffed office with the sole purpose to provide academic, financial, career, and life skills guidance to our graduates in the first six years living outside these walls

 

“Too many of our graduates leave the cocoon of our school and do not have the self-advocacy skills to maneuver the complexities of adulthood.  We must provide the type of consistent support in an effort to cultivate the investment Stephen Girard’s legacy makes in each child who lives and learns within these walls.”

 

We need to hear your responses to these recommendations and any other recommendations you might have.  PLEASE SEND YOUR THOUGHTS TO ROCCO BY EMAIL AT RDAMICO@IHSM.COM, OR GIVE HIM A CALL AT 301-229-0834.  The Reunion and Class Gift Committee’s will take up whatever has been suggested in mid-March, and come to a final decision by early April.  All suggestions, criticisms, and the identity of those providing input will be kept anonymous by the Communications Committee, and be forwarded to the other two deciding Committees. 

GET INVOLVED GUYS, THESE ARE YOUR DOLLARS AND THE REPUTATION OF OUR CLASS!

 

D.  MOST RECENT PLANS FOR THE 50TH REUNION

GIRARD COLLEGE

Class of 1960

50th Anniversary Reunion

May 20-23, 2010

 

To all Classmates:

 

What are you doing this Founder's Day Weekend?  Here are 14 events sure to provide lot's of opportunity to reconnect with old friends, share the personal highlights and low lights of the past fifty years, and to reflect upon and reassess the childhood experiences that have undoubtedly influenced our lives. Every one is welcome. The more you attend, the richer the opportunity!

 

Thursday, May 20

 

Hospitality Suite – Crown Plaza Hotel, City Line Ave.

Time:  4:00pm til ?   Cost: Free

 

          Early arriving and local classmates can start the weekend catching up and reminiscing.  Name tags, message board, attendee list, event schedule and program agenda will be provided.  So will snack foods, wine, beer and soft drinks. A Hoagie/Steak Sandwich buffet will be available at 8:00pm.. Enjoy the opportunity to get reacquainted. Guests welcome.

 

Friday, May 21

 

Alumni Golf Outing – Island Green Country Club, Philadelphia, Pa

Time:  7:30am – 2:00pm   Cost:  $100, pay in advance

 

This has become a regular feature of Founder's Day Weekend since 1985. About     100 Alumni  usually participate in this four person, scramble event. The emphasis is more on fun than serious golf. Mulligans can be purchased. Lunch and door prizes are included. We event get to sing 'Hail Girard' again. Contact John Kane (215) 343-5769 for registration information.

 

Philadelphia Area Attractions – Various Locations

Time: 9am – 5:00pm (and any day before or after our weekend)   Cost:  Vary

 

For those wishing to entertain family and guests, Philadelphia offers many appealing attractions. The Constitution Center, many Museums, a City Murals Tour, South Street, and the Zoo are some of the historical, educational, entertaining, and cultural experiences available to the adventurous. Dan Ferro (215) 757-7276 can help assist interested parties looking to join with others.  Dan will be calling those who have already indicated an interest in doing some touring.  To be added to the list, and connected with others interested in the same venue call Dan.

 

Hum Tour: Stephen Girard Collection – Founder's Hall

Times 10:00am – 11:30am or 4:00pm – 5:30pm   Cost:  Free

 

Founder's Hall houses a priceless collection of Girard's personal effects, letters, business documents, household items, furniture and much more. Historians and scholars have long envied and pay fees to see these treasures that we never or rarely saw. An hour and a half well spent.  (The 10AM tour is set.  We are still negotiating the 4PM tour.) 

 

Class of 60 Dinner – Founder's Hall

Time: 6:pm – 11:00pm   Cost: Free to all classmates and one guest each.

 

This is sure to be one of the weekend highlights. Dress is informal. Cocktails (wine and beer) start at 6:00. Buffet dinner at 7:00.  A program evoking humor and reflection is planned. An open microphone will allow anyone who wishes it the opportunity to speak extemporaneously (no more than 5 minutes please). We will also practice singing the 'Farewell Song' for Saturday's Chapel Service. Invited guests will include President Adkins, the Schiavo's and the McKendrick's..

 

 

Hospitality Suite – Crown Plaza Hotel

Time: 11:30pm til ?   Cost:  Free

 

End the day in another traditional way; a chance to hang out with old friends and embellish memories of the past.....maybe even see things in others beyond our perceptions as adolescents. (Can alcohol and fatigue do that?....Don't be surprised.)

 

Saturday, May 22

 

This day starts with the 8:30am Alumni Wreath Laying tradition at Stephen Girard's sarcophagus. A special contribution from our class will be a banner quilt made by Bernadette Bullock.

 

 

Chapel Service

Time:  10:00am – 11:15am  (Assemble at 9:00 in the Chapel rear to organize our processional)

 

The other marquee event! We get to relive our graduation. Our Class Speaker addresses the assembly of students, faculty, family and guests. We announce our Class Gift to the school. Honorary Diplomas to classmates who didn't graduate with us will be given here if not at the Class Dinner. We get to sing the Farewell Song again. An emotional event for the sentimental at heart.

 

Class of 60 Lunch – Banker Hall (Formerly the D&S Bldg) Room 102

Time:  12 noon til 1:30pm.   Cost:  Free

 

A real old-fashioned Hum meal, served family style, in the old Bordeaux Dining Room. On the menu, Shepherd's Pie, bread and gravy (Can anyone equal Dave Paulson's record?), vanilla ice cream with strawberries, and plenty of cold milk. Family and guests welcome.

 

Hum Tour: Buildings and Tunnels   (Assemble outside Banker Hall)

Time:  1:30pm – 3:30pm   Cost:  Free

 

Visit the living and study spaces of contemporary Girardians, and other familiar buildings. See the many changes and things that stayed the same. This tour also includes the power station control room and the openings to the tunnels. Your grandkids will be impressed.  Bruce Seaman is taking on the responsibility of coordinating the tours.  We already have many requests for the tour, so we will have at least four separate groups making the tour.

 

Alumni Dinner – Founder's Hall

Time: 6:00pm – 9:00pm   Cost:  $50 per head ($60 at the door)

 

A traditional Founder's Day event. Tables will be reserved for our class as the guests of honor. Very few speeches. Good to see the 'Old Guys'. Most will wear jackets, but not required. Usually winds down around 8:30pm.

 

Dancing to the Oldies - Founder's Hall

Time:  9:00pm – 11:00pm   Cost:  Free admission; cash bar

 

An old-fashioned Record Hop. Only music from the 50's and 60's will be played. Requests accepted. Will bring back memories of Maggs McGhee, Leroy Noll, and American Bandstand. Open to all (even if one did not attend dinner) but likely to be predominately our class.

 

Hospitality Suite – Crown Plaza Hotel

Time:  11:30pm til ?   Cost: Free

 

Last chance to wind down and shmooze with the guys. All guests welcome.  Note we are considering beginning this hospitality suite at 5PM for classmates who don’t choose to attend the evening events at the Hum.  We know it’s a long day, so this may be the option for the weary.

 

Sunday, May 23

 

Brunch – Banker Hall, Room 102

Time: 10:30am – 12:00am   Cost: Free

 

One more meal with old friends. A tasty buffet of breakfast treats should go well with hung over expressions.

 

Discussion Groups - Banker Hall, Room 102

Time:  12noon – 2:30pm    Cost:  Only your time, and thoughtful reflections.

 

One last opportunity for sharing and reflection. Attendees will join in table group discussion of topics of interest, such as 'Most Memorable Teacher(s)', 'My Adjustment after the Hum', 'What it's like being Married to a Hummer'  ‘Playing in the Band’ etc, or suggest your own topic. Learn how others valued the same experiences, then and now. What difference has 50 years made? Revisit some of life's lessons. Each group will report a brief summary to the whole group.

 

Adjourn and Farewell – Mid afternoon

PLEASE NOTE:  WE REALLY NEED TO KNOW WHO IS COMING TO WHICH EVENTS.  ESPECIALLY FOR THE FREE EVENTS WE NEED TO GIVE OUR CATERERS/SUPPLIERS AN ACCURATE ESTIMATE OF THE GUYS AND GUESTS PARTICIPATING.  IF YOU HAVEN’T SENT IN YOUR SURVEY #3 PLEASE DO SO ASAP.  IF YOU HAVE BUT THE DESCRIPTIONS ABOVE HAVE CAUSED YOU TO WANT TO ATTEND AN EVENT THAT YOU DIDN’T PREVIOUSLY NOTE PLEASE LET JOE FRIGIOLA KNOW.  JOE CAN BE REACHED AT JOEFRIGIOLA@COMCAST.NET, OR AT 609-702-0503(h) OR 609-206-5412(C) OR AT 12 ST. ANDREWS CT., WESTAMPTON, NJ 08061