Impressions of Pismo 2009

Gentlemen:

Those of us who have attended each and every retreat beginning with Bend in October seem to agree that each one has its own character and personality, not that any of them were anything other than pure pleasure.

The experience of seeing a brother for the first time in 40 or 45 years seems to be a thing of the past. I believe all who are going to ever attend have already attended , though I would enjoy seeing a few more "first timers."

After the Nov. 2007 retreat, there was some "discussion" about participation--one of the foundations of our organization and one that set it apart from the rest. Though a few feathers were ruffled, in the end hatchets were buried and things seem to have worked out well. Attendance, expecially in these hard economic times, was especially gratifying--approaching 1/3 of all Pi Kap initiates!

Thanks to Tom Mees and his band of gypsies, we will never look at elevators the same way again. Someday, Retreat 2009 may become known as the "elevator retreat." But we didn't need such a wacky development in order for this gathering to be sensational.

To me it was the warmth and comfort we shared, at least that was my take on it. I hope that view is widespread among the group and not just my own individual perception.

We again owe Rick Turton a huge vote of thanks for arranging great accommodations under emergency conditions and on ridiculously short notice. Before the first Pismo retreat, somebody said Rick is a great social chairman and will do a first-rate job. That may have been a hell of an understatement!

Congratulations to Ralph Costanzo, a deserving Krieger Award recipient and an adored brother.
I know Ralph will take the selection of his successor seriously and with great respect, as have all of his predecessors.

It was great seeing all of you---again.

CSUN 50th Grand Reunion

The 50th Anniversary of CSU Northridge had a Grand Reunion that was indeed grand.
A couple of websites should be on anyone's MUST SEE list:
http://www.csun.edu/50/ including a video covering about 50 years of history from SFVSC on....
http://www.facebook.com/group.php?gid=41145671246 has a bunch of great photographs submitted by alumni, including a large group shot in front of the Starfleet Academy (AKA CSUN Oviatt Library) and a video of President Jolene Koester's greeting and time capsule ceremony.
My wife Eve and I went down and stayed with Joe & Nina Perret. We made arrangements to meet Dave & Rhonda Peterson, Bob & Wendy Fowlie, George & Pam St. Johns, Gary Wartik and his friend Laurie, and Bill Hardy.
I saw some of my fraternity friends, of course, and I really loved talking with people from student government, a bunch of yell leaders and song girls from the 1960s, and people from several fraternities and sororities. We immediately connected again with Tim & Carol Ashlock, Helene Chaliff, Vicki Randall Hayes, and several others. SAE alumni leaders Dorian Quispe and Greg Casalenuovo were there too.
Alas, not all news was good. I learned that some old friends had passed away or suffered severe illnesses. These people were such good friends and such a great influence on me, it brings tears to learn these things.
But that is the way of reunions. I got to meet Frank Tierney who was a Rep-at-Large on our Associated Students Senate who spearheaded the College Union campaign. As a freshman, I was on that committee in 1962. Amazing to see him again. I met Christy Barden who was a yell leader in 1970--someone took a picture of us and of course cut off our heads. I got reunited with Dr. Tom Garnella, who in about March 1962 taught me the "Alley Garoo" and "Strive Team" cheers so I could try out for yell leader; turns out Tom was Stu Olster's partner on the SFVSC golf team. During the time capsule program, Glenn Mahler joined me and Gary Wartik on the stage.
I am posting a few pictures to give the flavor of the event.
We left sorry that our reunion was over and wishing it could go on.
Well, the following week was Pi Kappa Tau Pismo 2009, so all is good.
Phi Alpha,
John Cagle

Tom Mees on the Elevator Adventure in Pismo

Tom Mees sent the following account of events (written on May 2, 2009) on Friday night of the Pi Kappa Tau retreat at Mission Inn in Pismo. Originally it was circulating by email and is reproduced here by popular demand.

Remember that song: ‘went to a Garden Party’ by Ricky Nelson?

Well, last night was First Night of the Fraternity Retreat in Pismo Beach this weekend; we ‘Locusts’ gather up here about every 18 months. And some things just never change: where Pi Kaps-SAE’s gather … ‘events follow.’

First, when I came home to get ready to go to the event last night, I was wearing a yellow shirt, and remembered our College Tradition of wearing a tie on the yellow button down shirt every Wednesday, and all that. So thought: ‘What the Hell, just for the fun of it, I’m gonna throw a tie on this yellow shirt and see if anybody remembers that tradition (uh… 40 some years ago).

When I walked into the room, Brother Jon Monroy smiled and Yelled: ‘SOMEBODY GIVE ME A SCISSORS!.’ And it was on … where was ‘Brother Bones’ when I needed him? The picture sez it all. (but once Jonnie saw it was Special Golf tie from St Andrews, he spared me).

Then the evening progressed to: its time to get something to eat; and I was the Designated Driver, of course. And so NINE of us piled into an elevator and proceeded downward … until it got Stuck. Yep … it would happen to Monroy, Mees, (where’s Malloy?) Hirsch, Sneathern, Vato, Simon, etc. There was a nice young couple on board too; and for the next hour we were trying to get the Hotel’s Attention.

Ya shoulda heard the cell phone calls, and encouragement (threats?) made to the Hotel, Police & Fire Department … the Attorneys on board were in fine form; and one of them was showing the Couple on Board how to the Gator, since they were from Florida. The air was getting very scarce; and yes – we started to look for the passage out in the ceiling ala Mission Impossible (where was Monty Richard?); and all were starting to sweat. But the couple enjoyed the show!

All turned out well, but the Staff gave us plenty of room when the door opened.

And that was just … last night!

The pictures say the rest! Ain’t much changed … in 45 years!