Jeff Kreider and his simian friend mark the spot — the Kreider family residence at 2858 College Hill Court in Beavercreek — for our annual Freshman Send-off and Summer Soiree on August 10th.  This event honors Dayton area students who are new to Penn State as well as those who are returning to Happy Valley.  It also offers an opportunity for local alumni and friends of Penn State to get together and swap opinions on the Nittany Lions' 2005 football fortunes.

A great big THANKS goes out to the Kreider's for again offering their home and hospitality, and for making the event a huge success.  We had 49 soiree celebraters in attendance; and here's who they were:  Mike and Mary Beth Anthony; Chris and Sarah Avery; Deej; Debbie Downes; Vic Folwarczny and Sandy Wallance; Ann Gallas; Bob Gehman; John Glaser; John and Trisha Hannah; Ken Hershberger; Bruce, Susan, and Kevin Howorth; Ed, Lisa, and Nathaniel Koveleskie; Bob, Edie, and Jeff Kreider; Sonia Leach; Paul, Marcy, Patrick, and Michael McShane; Mike, Kris, Emma, Joseph, and Sara Pascale; Vic and Laura Rich; Lou and Marguerite Sharp; Carolyn Spiller; Mike Steele; Bob and Helen Swab; Don and Anna Marie Tandy; Jim and Sally Valeri; Maury Wyckoff; Collette Zollars; and, Mike and Jenny Zollars.

Ken Hershberger, Carolyn Spiller, and John Glaser temporarily suspend their protracted discussion on the philosophical and societal implications of the human genome to pose for this photo op.

Faux etymologist and linguistics hotshot Don Tandy showcases his study of "Pittsburghese" on a colorful T-shirt.  How many of these arcane terms do you western Pennsylvanians recognize?

John Glaser and Deej offer helpful suggestions to Jeff Kreider on how long to grill the burgers.  Their sage advice did the trick because the burgers and dogs were tonsil-titillating tasty.  Lou Sharp (far left) relaxes comfortably as he contemplates getting the first hamburger off the grill.

Here's a gallery of gals that would shine and sparkle at any festivity.  From left to right, Mary Beth Anthony, Debbie Downes, Marguerite Sharp, and Anna Marie Tandy show their smiles.

Lou Sharp (left) looks quite satisfied after devouring that first (and other?) hamburger, while his dining companion, Bruce Howorth, finishes off some appetizers.  Bruce is the dad of Kevin Howorth, who won one of our scholarships this year.   

We just couldn't pass up this shot of Laura Rich showing off her . . . well . . . um . . . ah . . . Hot Babe T-shirt!  Hmmm.  In a T-contest between Don Tandy's "Pittsburghese" and Laura's "Hot Babe" attire, we have to wonder which would win.  What do you think, guys?    

Here's a family photo with (left to right) Collette Zollars, son Mike Zollars, and daughter-in-law Jenny Zollars.  It's always great to have these good folks attend one of our chapter social activities.  Mike, a former Nittany Lion mascot, still looks to be in great shape and able to do one-handed push-ups.

Our summer gala is well under way at this point, and many revelers have found their way to the deck.  Maury Wyckoff (far left) smiles approvingly while expansive waves from Vic Folwarczny, Carolyn Spiller, and Ken Hershberger signal their enjoyment of the festivities. 

Here's a passel of tickets for four Penn State home football games Vic Rich was flashing around at the Summer Soiree.  If you don't sign up for our Football Bus Trip to Michigan (October 15) this may be as close as you get to attending a game.  Or contact Vic at 937-438-3046 if you're interested in buying two or more of these tickets. 

Chapter President John Glaser (left) shakes hands with Maury Wyckoff (right) as Maury accepts one of our $1,300 Carl Stravinski Scholarship certificates on behalf of his son, Christopher.  Chris was unable to attend because of his work as a co-op at Sikorsky Aircraft in West Palm Beach, Florida.  

Our other $1,300 Carl Stravinski Scholarship was awarded to Kevin Howorth, seen here accepting the scholarship certificate from John Glaser.  Kevin has been doing electromagnetism research at Wright Patterson Air Force Base this summer.  

The entire Howorth family was able to attend our event, and agreed to pose here with John for a photo.  Left to right are John Glaser, Kevin Howorth, Bruce Howorth, and Susan Howorth.

The Freshman Send-Off and Summer Soiree ended our summertime on a high note, and heralded autumn activities as planning for College Nights, TV Football Parties at the Fox and Hound, and our Football Bus Trip goes into high gear.  Watch this web site and your Nittany Notes newsletter for details, and do whatever it takes to join us.