The Scratch Sheet Vol. 8

May 5, 2008

CONTENTS

Late News. John Heaney Passes Away on April 28, 2008

Florida Reunion
Report from the Reunion Committee
Founder’s Day 2008
Report from the Class Gift Committee
News from the Hum
Other News and Notes: Walter “Chick” Petka Lands a Big One

Late News. On May 2 we were called by Jim Heaney, Class of ’57, who informed us that his brother, and ours, John has passed away on April 28. As noted below in section A, John had attended our reunion in Florida in February, and appeared to be in good health, and certainly spirits. He is pictured in the photos at the end of that section. John had agreed to handle the photos for this issue of the SS, but passed away before he received all the material by email. He apparently had a heart attack on the 28^th; his body was found in his condo on the 29^th. A few years ago he had open heart surgery, and more recently had had some stents place in his heart. He was still quite active in his retirement community and played water polo a number of times a week.

In the hum, John was in the glee club, the rifle club, and a varsity swimmer. It was noted in the yearbook: “Bean with his ready wit and curiosity, is independent but agreeable. He loves camping and the out-of-doors, and has attained the rank of Eagle Scout. In school his interest is in things scientific and mechanical.”

Scratch #6 had a piece sent in by John describing his life after the Hum. We reprise it here: “Shortly after leaving Girard I joined the Navy and entered the submarine service. I made a Mediterranean run on the USS Grenadier (SS) 525. From there I entered nuclear power school and upon graduation commenced serving aboard fleet ballistic missile submarines for the next 18 years, making twenty three (23) patrols, with one shore billet as an instructor at the Windsor Locks nuclear training prototype facility.

Retired from the Navy in 1982 as a Senior Chief Petty Officer, frocked Master Chief Engineman ENCM (SS). Upon leaving the Navy I continued in the nuclear field working for NUS developing computer databases for nuclear power plants in Florida, California, and New York.

I fully retired in 1994 and returned to Homestead Florida, my condo being fully rebuilt after hurricane Andrew. In 2000 I moved to The Villages, located in central Florida. The Villages is a massive adult retirement community currently containing some 60,000 plus homes.

I guess that gives you a very quick and dirty update of the past 46 years.”

A. FLORIDA REUNION

As a result of the Herculean efforts of Joe Frigiola, and John Kane, and our hosts, Pete and Roz Shoemaker we actually pulled off a Florida mini-reunion in Tampa on the weekend of Feb. 15-17. 14 Classmates, and 6 significant others were able to attend. Those attending included John Heaney, Rocco D’Amico, Matt Mills, Rich Popella, Dave and Karlyn Phillips, Joe Frigiola, and Linda O’Hara, Pete and Roz Shoemaker, Toby Caplan, John Myers, Joe and Elizabeth Baji, Dennis and Judy Gries, John Kane, Don and Rosalinda Ratajczak, and Ron Saracini (you remember him, he was in S-5, dishwasher shop).

Folks came from various places:

John Heaney, Dave and Karlyn, Pete and Roz, and Dennis and Judy are permanent residents of Florida.
Matt Mills and Ron Saracini are very rich snow birders who spend half the year there.
John Myers, Joe and Elizabeth Baji, and Don and Rosalinda Ratajczak all drove in. Myers from Savannah Georgia, the Bajis from Ocean Springs, MS, and the Ratajczaks from Atlanta.
The Frigiolas/O’Haras, and John Kane make regular auto trips to FL to visit family and friends at this time of year. (Golfers, of course.)
D’Amico, Popella, and Caplan suffered the prices, and the inconveniences of our great airline system to get there from Bethesda, MD, Greenwood, SC, and Pittsburgh respectively.

The festivities began on the evening of February 15 when the early arrivers met for dinner at a small Italian restaurant near the Shoemakers’ home. The group included the Shoemakers, the Phillipses, Caplan, D’Amico, and Rich Popella. For all in the group, except Caplan, this was the first time in 50 years that they had seen Rich, who left the Hum after the summer of 1958. (He attempted to reenter in October, but was turned down.)

At breakfast on Saturday at the hotel, the group was joined by the Bajis, the Ratajczaks, and John Heaney. Again for everyone, except Heaney, this was the first time that the others had seen Joe Baji since graduation. Joe was voted the most “unrecognizable”.

Around noon everyone met at the Shoemakers’ house, where one group went off for a round of golf: Caplan, the Frigiolas, Kane, Matt Mills, Dave Phillips, Popella, and the Shoemakers. Mills was the low scorer for the day. The rest of the group had lunch at the Shoemakers, and were joined by Dennis, and Judy Gries, John Myers, and Ron Saracini. They then went off to tourist at various spots around the Tampa area including the Big Cats’ Rescue site, various flea markets, and Indian Rocks Beach.

At 4PM, everyone regrouped to be treated to dinner at the Shoemakers’ during which many tall tales were told, and folks got reacquainted.

Finally, on Sunday morning, most of the group met for breakfast at the hotel, and final goodbyes. All agreed we need to do it again next year, with the Shoemakers offering their abode as the gathering place.

Things Learned at the Reunion:

1. Joe Baji, like John Heaney, spent his early years in the military. After 20 years Joe retired, and like John, went into a defense related industry, hence his location in MS. They both maintained contact during those years. Elizabeth, Joe’s wife is Scottish, and once in a while when John’s subs were in that area, John would spend time with Elizabeth’s family in. (Do you remember that in the Class Poll in our Corinthian that Joe Baji was voted the Biggest Eater.

2. The Phillipses live in Daytona, right near the famous racetrack. They have become world travelers, and had just returned from a trip to the Amazon.

3. Rich Popella plans to retire next year, and move to North Carolina, where children and grandchildren live. Toby reported that John Gearhart will be leaving his post at John Hopkins to take a similar position at the University of Pennsylvania in the fall.

4. We had hoped to also have Dan Ferro, and Chet Snyder from the Philadelphia area, Dick Hemmerle, a Florida resident, and Mike Messina, a snow birder, attend but they all apparently ended up with conflicts. We also try to invite John Kostelnick who is a councilman in Crystal River, FL but were unable to reach him.

5. While in Florida for six months every year, Ron Saracini contributes his considerable mechanical skills to Habitat for Humanity. Every tax season, Dennis Gries volunteers as a tax preparer for the elderly through AARP.

6. Pete Shoemaker plans to retire for the second time this fall. Let see if he can stick it out this time. Don Ratajczak retired from Georgia State, and now runs an investment firm. (He noted the times were tough, even for the experts.)

7. Dennis and Judy Gries had a very busy weekend. Along with the reunion, there was a Square Dancers convention in Tampa, and that’s one of their big hobbies. Dennis has even become a caller.

8. Myers reported that his and Georgina’s move to Savannah has been one of the best choices of his life.

Photos from the Florida Mini-Reunion, Feb. 17 2008

Left: Heaney, D’Amico, Matt Mills, Rich Popella, Phillips, Frigiola, Shoemaker, Caplan, Myers, Baji, Gries, Kane, Rataczak, Saracini

DG 1023

Left: Linda O’Hara (Frigiola), Roz Shoemaker, Karlyn Phillips, Rosalinda Ratajczak, Judy Gries, Elizabeth Baji

The Reunion Planning Committee continues to hold bi-monthly dinner meetings (3 so far) that focus on ways to re-connect with classmates and shape the festivities attendant with our 50^th Anniversary. Attendees at various times have included Bertino, Deveney, Houghton, Morganroth, Seaman, Snyder, Ferro, Frigiola and Kane. Conversations involve what we’ll do on the big weekend in 2010 as well as interim events or get togethers for sharing histories, honoring the spirit of the Founder, and promoting maximum turnout.

Thanks go to Pete and Roz Shoemaker for hosting a gathering of 14 grads at their home in Tampa last February.

Meanwhile, in the next few months, the Committee will survey the class to gather current bio data and to collect ideas and preferences for the 50^th Reunion. This will be done by email questionnaire, and direct phone calls. We will also be looking for volunteers to make follow-up phone calls, provide old photo’s, write clever copy, develop audio visual materials, step into presentation roles, and much more.

We really want your input and involvement!

Reunion Committee Dinner at Dan Ferro’s House

L to R. Dan Ferro, Bruce Seaman, John Kane, Herb Morgenoth, John Houghton, Joe Frigiola

C. Founder’s Day, 2008 Activities

The next opportunity for a reunion will be Founder’s Day ’08. Below we discuss the various activities which will be available on the weekend of May 16-17. We do need some feedback to plan for certain activities. Anticipated attendees those days include the ‘usual suspects’, i.e., Caplan, D’Amico, Ellis, Ferro, Frigiola, Kane, Saracini, Shoemaker, Tait, et al, but of course, all are welcome. Some might also plan to attend the Alumni Dinner that evening in Founder’s Hall. For those who can’t get to the Hum earlier on Founder’s Day we have reserved space at Jack Firehouse Restaurant on Fairmount Ave., from 3-5 for a little get-together. Please see below for further info.

Events on May 16-17.

There are multiple events on these two days. We hope everyone who will be in the area can plan to attend one or more. In the discussion below we have used some Alumni Association Material. Additional reunion committee material is underlined and italicized.

Friday May 16: Golf Outing at Pinecrest Country Club in Montgomeryville, PA

Ben Bertino, Myron Caplan, Joe Frigiola, John Kane, and Pete Shoemaker are planning to play. To get registered to join them please give John Kane a call and he will guide you through the process. 215-343-5769 or jjkgc60@verizon.net.

FOUNDER’S DAY at Girard College

Saturday, May 17,2008

(All Activities are over by 3:30 pm)

8:00 am-11:30 am Sophomore Class Coffee & Donut Sale at the “Hum”

(New Community Activity Center – “Old” Junior School)

8:00 am Memorial Service in Olde St. Augustine RC Church

(4th & Vine Sts., Phila.)

8:30 am-3:30 pm Alumni Booth (across Main Road from the Chapel)

Registration of Alumni/Luncheon Ticket Sales

Purchase Alumni Membership, Bricks –

Lunch Tickets $6.00 before 11:20 am - $7.00 at the door)

9:00 am Baseball Games – Varsity vs. Alumni

9:00 Early classmates should gather at the Coccagna Memorial Bench which is at approximately the Northeast corner of where Banker Hall used to be (right in front of the old shoe shop)

9:15 am Wreath Ceremony – Founder’s Hall at the Sarcaphogus

10:00 am-11:00 am Chapel Service (Alumni & Students)

50th Anniversary Class Procession; Presentations of class gifts, awarding of prizes, Presentation of the Stephen Girard Award, Renditions by the Alumni Glee Club

We highly recommend the chapel service. There are a minimum of speeches, but most classmates who have attended have found it inspirational to watch the 50 year class march up and down the aisle, and sing Hail Girard, and “Farewell, Farewell.” This year it is the class of ‘58’s turn.

11:00 am to 3:00 pm Miro Studios – Demonstrations – 2^nd Floor Mechanical School (2:00 pm special performance with Girard Students)

11:30 am to 1:00 pm “LUNCHEON IS SERVED” in Armory

(Tickets purchased in advance $6.00 – at the door $7.00)

We plan to meet at the armory around 12. The food has been good in the last few years, and we can command a number of tables. The advance tickets are usually available at the northwest corner of the chapel in the morning.

12:30 pm General Admission to the College

12:30 to 3:30 pm Stephen Girard Collection and Girardiana Room – Founder’s Hall (second floor) – Featuring the collections and current Senior Brandee Blocker showing and offering for sale the 1947, 1948, 1960 Girard College Informational Films. The 2003 film will also be available.

12:45 pm 160^th anniversary parade featuring the Greater Kensington String Band, the GC Color Guard and the GC Drill Team. The parade will start at the Armory and head up the Main Road, around the circle and back to the Hum Fair.

1:00 – 3:00 pm 18^th Annual “Hum Fair” (activities to include rides, games, crafts, etc.) Alumni, families, students, and staff welcome to participate.

1:00 pm Girard Girls vs. Alumni Tennis

2:00 pm Presentation by President Cermele of Honorary Diplomas to various Hummers (Chapel)

1:15 to 3:30 pm Basketball Pick up games

3:00-5PM Gathering at Jack’s Firehouse, 2130 Fairmount Ave.

The reunion committee has reserved space at this casual restaurant about five blocks from the Hum, across the street from the entrance to the old Eastern State Penitentiary. The reunion committee is paying for a variety of food goodies. There will be a cash bar. So we know how much food to order please let Joe Frigiola know if you plan to attend. 609-702-0503 or Joefrigiola@comcast.net.

6:00 pm-11:00 pm Alumni Reunion Dinner – Founder’s Hall

Honoring the Stephen Girard Award Winner, Herb Romans, 1963 and

The 50^th Anniversary Class of 1958

Beverages and hors d’oeuvres at 6:00 pm, dinner at 7:00 pm

(Parking BEHIND Founder’s Hall) (Tickets $50 in advance - $60 at the door)

A number of classmates plan to attend the Reunion

dinner, some to scout it out as a possible venue for our 50^th

reunion. If you would like to join us please make your

reservations with Alumni Director, Charles Kalata at 215-232-

8882.

All Day Visit the Sophomore Class sales booth on the Hum Fair Field

(selling Alumni jackets, hats, caps, and other items)

All Day Visit the Scout tent (Hum Fair Field)

(sales including hot dogs, sodas, “Hum Muds”, etc.)

All Day Visit the PTA Booth - (Near Chapel)

All Day Visit Jim McKendrick in the Development Tent-Talk about your Legacy, Join the Legacy Society. (Near Chapel)

D. Report from the 50^th Anniversity Gift Committee

Dear Classmates,

We hope you remember that in our yearbook’s class poll, the Most likely to succeed, was THE CLASS! Many in the Class of 1960 are leaders in their fields of endeavor. There is talk that we just may be the most successful class ever to graduate from Girard College. There are lots of success stories and early retirements to enjoy that success. There are undoubtedly many success stories yet to be heard. These achievements can be attributed to good old hard work and taking advantage of the opportunity provided to us by Stephen Girard’s generosity.

We can channel this success into our own generosity by pledging and contributing to our Class Gift to be given to Girard College on Founder’s Day in May of 2010. Gentlemen, we have hit a milestone…to date we have received pledges and or gifts from 20 classmates totaling $105,000 with almost $40,000 in the bank!

At the mini-reunion in Tampa hosted by Pete and Roz Shoemaker and attended by 14 classmates, six wives, and significant others, two ambitious and challenging goals were set. The first goal is $200,000. You may have heard that the Class of 1957 gave $107,000 which was by far the largest class gift ever. We are already right there with 2 years until we march down the center aisle in the chapel again. The second goal is more ambitious. The second goal is getting participation from 100% of our class.

We can turn our reputation as THE CLASS MOST LIKELY TO SUCCEED into

THE MOST GENEROUS CLASS if we all do our part. It is now time for all Girardians in the Class of 1960 to give back to the school that gave us direction and a great start in life.

To date we have received 3 pledges over $20,000, 2 over $10,000 and 1 over $5,000 but it is not these six that will make our class one to be remembered, it is EVERYONE together giving what they can enabling us to reach our lofty goals of $200,000 and 100% participation. Let’s not get gifts only from the most affluent among us. Let’s get EVERYONE to contribute. Again, every contribution, whether large or small, is a reflection of our appreciation for our Founder and benefactor.

The pledge sheet is at the back of Scratch Sheet #7 on our website. We encourage you to use it. There are many ways to give…check, credit cards, appreciated stock, insurance policies, matching company funds, etc. Why not check with a financial advisor which is best for you and Girard College?

If you have questions, please contact Pete Shoemaker or Myron Caplan. We hope you will share your ideas for a use or uses for our gift.

We hope to see you on Founder’s Day, May 17this year

Hail Girard,

Toby and Pete

Caplan: 412-821-4256 or Mcaplan@blumcraft.com

Shoemaker: 813-908-8773 or shoemakerp@gisx.com

E. News from the Hum from Pete Shoemaker

Perhaps the most telling statistics of the renaissance of Girard is the number of applicants each year, as well as the increase from year to year.

The following table tells the story:

School Year	07-08	06-07	05-06
Inquiries	3653	3408	3160
Applications	1134	1013	635
Acceptances	243	230	139
Waitpool:	118	77	56
New Students	134	153	136

The need has never been greater and the resources to support the need continue to be limited.

I’d like to also highlight a section of the letter from Board of Manager’s Chairman, William Slate and Girard President, Dominic Cermele, found in the Girard College 2007 Annual Report.

“Diversity Initiative

In 2007 we launched a diversity initiative to help us develop a climate of cultural competence for our entire community – students, faculty, staff, administrators, and families. Working with consultants from the National MultiCultural Institute, we started with a climate survey that has helped us develop programs and strategies for in-service programs and student activities both in and out of the classrooms. The project is funded by the O’Neill Fund, endowed by James J. O’Neill ’51. Last spring the president was invited to speak at the national conference of the Independent School Council of the United Kingdom about Girard College as a model of social inclusion. We can all be proud that Girard College and its Founder were recognized internationally for being the fine institution it is.”

It is important to note that the diversity initiative, which received over $1,000,000 from the O’Neil Foundation, has two main goals. First, it is directed at building the cultural competence of the Girard College staff. It is important to remember that the majority of the school’s educational staff is white. The second goal is to attempt to increase the portion of the student body which does not come from minority backgrounds.

F. Walter “Chick” Petka Lands a Big One

Dan Ferro, an avid fisherman, came across the following notice in the Fisherman’s Headquarters Newsletter:

April 24, 2008

~Walter Petka from Philadelphia, PA weighted in a 10 lb 6oz Tautog. He was fishing crabs on the Garden State South aboard the Gaily Gaily with Capt. Jack Wolfberg.

We can only guess that that’s our man. Little has been seen of Chick since our graduation. We hope he can make it to Founder’s Day this year, and regale us with tall tales of the ones which got away.

The Class of ’60 angler angle goes beyond Dan and Walt. Don Beck runs a retail fishing equipment business in Nashville.