2004 Freshmen Send-off and Summer Picnic

Freshmen Send-off and Summer Picnic August 11, 2004
Reporter: John Glaser Photographer: Mark Dowd
They were the best of times, they were the worst of times — but it only seemed that way for the parents of the departing students. It was the best of times because their departing students welcomed a great opportunity to learn and grow. It was the worst of times because parents would worry about adversities that might beset sons and daughters during their university learning experiences. But, hey, a great evening was had by all. The weather was perfect. Edie was her usual great hostess. Her main worry was whether or not her deck hold more than 12 people. Several neighbors commented on loose blue and white balloons on their lawns. Big Bob Kreider showed up late because of a sudden death golf match he was involved in but "little Bob" (Jeff Kreider) took on the role of head chef. He pounded out hamburgers and grilled dogs until they yelped no more. His girl friend cheered him on with "burn baby burn." (see photo at right)
The table was full of goodies of all sorts including blue and white pretzels, fruit, pasta, shrimp, and desserts. Marguerite unveiled her creamery home made ice cream including Peachy Paterno and vanilla. All guests and members signed in just as always. We again used the trick stick on name tags that when you wrote your name outside the tear off circle a new name was born. For example, "argueri Sharp." The total in attendance was about 30, but check with Edie. President John was pushing free blue and white cup holders (donated by Liberty Mutual) and drumming up interest in life time alumni memberships. Marguerite made sure all the new students and their parents were welcomed with plenty of small talk. Mark would have made Allan Funt spin in his grave with his candid flash shots all evening.
Dave entertained the newcomers with PSU statistics. Ann Gallas represented her family, and Debbie Downs introduced her high school daughter to the group.

Here's Dave Romanko as he dazzles everyone with his knowledge and instant recall of Penn State sports statistics. But can he really be taken seriously with that balloon tied to his ear?
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Vic Folwarczny and Don Tandy are shown here during their annual summertime discussion of Penn State's upcoming football fortunes. They both seem bemused by the prospects.
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However, that sports sage of sages, Jim Valeri, casts a baleful look of consternation about the Lions' prospects for success this year.
The high point of the evening, after the dinner, was the presentation of the scholarships awards by the President. This was done in the lower level party room since there was some concern about the capacity of the deck. John amazed the crowd by pronouncing the college major of both winners, kinesiology, correctly. However, he returned to his usual self by trying to pull the word "geriatrics" out of his mouth as a fancy word for physical therapy for old people.

Leah Critchley happily accepts her Stravinski Scholarship Award certificate from John Glaser.		Margaret Kridler is pleased to accept her Stravinski Scholarship Award certificate from John Glaser.
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Karen Steele and son Mike participate in the festivities.
John announced the two awards we (Bob Gehman) won to a thunderous standing ovation (there were very few seats). At that point John felt there may be a coup and he would be replaced by Bob. Several other announcements were made including the reminder of the first game at the Fox and Hound. Edie danced around showing the back of her PSU schedule shirt so everyone could see what John was talking about. Vic chimed in about push-ups and especially singing the alma Mater. Everyone held their breath in anticipation that Vic might break into song (but sanity prevailed). Edie also took the picnic as an opportunity to show off her unopened liquor bottles. Several people joined in with her still not knowing to this day what they drank. Nine board members were in attendance.

Seeing is believing. And here you can see the brave — or foolhardy — souls who chose to sample Edie's mystery liquors. Check out the expression on Ann Gallas' face. Laura Rich looks quite concerned.

Freshmen Send-off and Summer Picnic

August 11, 2004

Reporter: John Glaser Photographer: Mark Dowd

But, hey, a great evening was had by all. The weather was perfect. Edie was her usual great hostess. Her main worry was whether or not her deck hold more than 12 people. Several neighbors commented on loose blue and white balloons on their lawns.

Big Bob Kreider showed up late because of a sudden death golf match he was involved in but "little Bob" (Jeff Kreider) took on the role of head chef. He pounded out hamburgers and grilled dogs until they yelped no more. His girl friend cheered him on with "burn baby burn." (see photo at right)

The table was full of goodies of all sorts including blue and white pretzels, fruit, pasta, shrimp, and desserts. Marguerite unveiled her creamery home made ice cream including Peachy Paterno and vanilla.

All guests and members signed in just as always. We again used the trick stick on name tags that when you wrote your name outside the tear off circle a new name was born. For example, "argueri Sharp." The total in attendance was about 30, but check with Edie.

Dave entertained the newcomers with PSU statistics. Ann Gallas represented her family, and Debbie Downs introduced her high school daughter to the group.

Here's Dave Romanko as he dazzles everyone with his knowledge and instant recall of Penn State sports statistics. But can he really be taken seriously with that balloon tied to his ear?

Vic Folwarczny and Don Tandy are shown here during their annual summertime discussion of Penn State's upcoming football fortunes. They both seem bemused by the prospects.

However, that sports sage of sages, Jim Valeri, casts a baleful look of consternation about the Lions' prospects for success this year.

Leah Critchley happily accepts her Stravinski Scholarship Award certificate from John Glaser.

Margaret Kridler is pleased to accept her Stravinski Scholarship Award certificate from John Glaser.

Karen Steele and son Mike participate in the festivities.

John announced the two awards we (Bob Gehman) won to a thunderous standing ovation (there were very few seats). At that point John felt there may be a coup and he would be replaced by Bob.

Edie also took the picnic as an opportunity to show off her unopened liquor bottles. Several people joined in with her still not knowing to this day what they drank.

Nine board members were in attendance.

Seeing is believing. And here you can see the brave — or foolhardy — souls who chose to sample Edie's mystery liquors. Check out the expression on Ann Gallas' face. Laura Rich looks quite concerned.