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Theta Chi 150th Anniversary
Sunday, March 5, 2006
Todd and JJ in Vermont for Theta Chi’s 150th
Anniversary
L - R: Todd Shortlidge, Todd’s son Allan, and “JJ” Moylan.
I am piggy-backing our Gamma Lambda Chapter Alumni Corporation Election Results and using my own Gamma Lambda Listservs to broadcast this very important message to as many members of Gamma Lambda Chapter as possible. Please feel free to continue to circulate it, as the message is that important.
The 150th Anniversary (Sesquicentennial) of the founding of Theta Chi Fraternity will be celebrated at Norwich University in Northfield, Vt. June 6-11, 2006. The national Fraternity is making a concerted effort to get as many Brothers, including undergraduate Brothers to attend this historic event. Three Initiatives have been undertaken to raise funds to defray the expenses of the 2006 Anniversary Celebration Convention. Two of these initiatives pertain to, first, raising funds to offset the costs of the Convention and second to assist our undergraduate Brothers to attend the event, and accordingly they pertain to us.
First is the "Chapter Challenge." The idea of the Chapter Challenge is that we collectively contribute $1.00 for each initiated member of Gamma Lambda, to help defray the costs of the Convention. IHQ's records indicate that as of the chapter census cut-off date, there are 540 initiated members of Gamma Lambda Chapter, (that is what happens when the Chapter is dormant for almost 2 decades, and suffered from low membership from time to time in our formative years). Obviously, to try to collect $1.00 from each member of Gamma Lambda Chapter member will be impossible and not worth the effort it would take to even attempt that project. What I propose is that those of you receiving one or more copies of this e-mail consider joining me in contributing at least $10.00, hopefully $25.00, or as your means allow, to the Chapter Challenge, by making out a check payable to: "Theta Chi Convention 2006" and in the memo section of your check make the notation: "Chapter Challenge." (Note, this is not a tax deductible contribution, see below.)
I have already committed to making up any shortfall so that Gamma Lambda will be recognized as a having a 100% participation in the Chapter Challenge at the 2006 Sesquicentennial. I made that commitment at the 2004 National Convention made in Phoenix, AZ. last July, with the full confidence that my Gamma Lambda Brothers will not cause me to dip into my own pocket, other than for the amount I am now seeking. Indeed, I suspect we will far surpass $540.00. In that connection, Brothers, I am proposing that, by your contribution, you also consent to our "adopting" a closed chapter, whose members may not even know of this initiative. As you all should know, in its 150 years of existence, Theta Chi has installed 214 chapters and there are approximately 135 active chapters today. Thus, absent some very dedicated alumni, some inactive chapters will probably not even be participating in the Chapter Challenge. Since it is the symbolic goal to raise $1.00 from every Theta Chi ever initiated to help fund the 2006 Sesquicentennial, any amount over the $540.00 received will go to "adopt" an inactive chapter for purposes of the Chapter Challenge. I think it is the "Brotherly" thing to do Brothers, and I trust that you will agree.
The second initiative is the "Big Brother Challenge." The funds raised here will be restricted to assisting our undergraduate brothers attend the Sesquicentennial at Norwich University in 2006. The "entry fee" here is $300.00, and again, it is not tax deductible. I have agreed to be a "Big Brother" to some undergraduate in 2006. The Sesquicentennial Committee has some special things planned for the Big and Little Brothers who are matched. One idea I have heard is that the Little Brother will place a pledge in the time capsule to be buried at Norwich to be a Big Brother to an undergraduate in 2056! ( I understand it is possible for alumni of one chapter to designate their contribution to an undergraduate in that chapter, however, such restrictions are discouraged, as the $300.00 is to be based on need, with the idea of getting as many undergraduates to experience the 2006 Sesquicentennial as possible).
Those of you so inclined who wish to join me as a Big Brother and who I hope will consider coming to the Sesquicentennial in June 2006, I thank you. These checks should be made out the same way: "Theta Chi Convention 2006" and in the memo section note: "Big Brother Challenge."
If you could get your checks to me by December 31, 2004, at the below address, I will collect them and forward them to the IHQ. The funds will be invested until needed, increasing the value of your gift at this time.
I noted above that neither donation is tax deductible. Your contributions are going to defray the costs of the 2006 Sesquicentennial Celebration and travel costs, neither of which are tax deductible items under the IRS Code. However, the Foundation Chapter of Theta Chi Fraternity, Inc., our IRS Code 501(c)(3) organization, of which I proudly serve as President, will be having a tax deductible fund raiser next year to help defray the costs of the educational programming activities at the 2006 Sesquicentennial. You will hear more about this from me next year. I will be appealing to you as Foundation Chapter president and as a proud member of Gamma Lambda Chapter at the University of Denver, and that appeal will again be Fraternity wide.
Thank you Brothers for reading through this and for your anticipated wildly enthusiastic response to these fund-raising initiatives.
Happy Thanksgiving to you and your families, and, please consider writing in June 8-11, 2006, Norwich University, Northfield, Vermont in your calendars. It will be an historic event for Theta Chi Fraternity and I think you will enjoy it immensely.
Fraternally,
Jim ("JJ") Moylan
Gamma Lambda Chapter/1969
Bob Wolper at the Paper Cat
March 19, 2004
Cast of Characters (in order of appearance)
Interviewer - Arran Lappin
Joe - Robert Ian Wolper
Steve - Daniel James
Maggie - Kristine Hipps
Brian - Todd Black
Mark - Michael Mulhern
Beverly - Michelle Hanks
Felicity - Peggy Miller
Agnes - Janine Kehlenbach
Which of the preceding names rings a bell with the Brothers of Gamma Lambda?
Robert Ian Wolper (Joe): The Shadow Box represents Bob’s acting debut and the fulfillment of a long term goal he set for himself. Bob’s been taking acting classes at the Denver Center Theatre Academy for the past two years and is extremely grateful to director David Ron for helping move him from the relative warmth and safety of the “Classwomb” to the stage. Bob has no plans to quit his day job.
A Day in My Life
2001 by Paul H. Wallace
Hi there, I was a friend of Paul’s. I have attached a
great 2001 article that he wrote about his day-to-day after his
accident. He typed this himself with his mouth stick and it took almost
a month because it was such a huge endeavor. Thanks, Kate
------------------------
This month, the
Marketing and Sales R.A.V.E. diversity action team, invited those Cast
Members working with a disability to share a “Day in the Life” essay in
order to increase awareness of the unique situations and challenges
faced everyday. These essays will be published in the Marketing Mailbag
throughout the month of October. The following is an essay by Paul
Wallace, Associate Brand Manager in Domestic Marketing.
------------------------
At about 6:15 in the morning, I am awakened by the
soft voice of my night nurse, asking me “what would you like for
breakfast?” I’ve just spent the last 4 hours asleep, positioned on my
right side. My night nurse has repositioned me onto my back and
performed thirty minutes of exercises on my arms, hands, legs and feet
to keep my joints and limbs flexible….
I usually reply, “oh, just cereal with fruit”. Most mornings, I
am reminded that although I am paralyzed, my chest, shoulders and back
have awakened with severe pain.
You see, in February of 1988 while skiing in Vail,
Following ICU, I spent six months in the Spinal Cord
Injury Rehab Center at
After breakfast, around 7am, my day nurse arrives to
start my morning care, a process that can take 3-4 hours.
This daily routine includes bathing, breathing treatments,
nursing stuff, fitting of an abdominal corset (to help me breathe,
maintain my blood pressure, and help to keep me upright in the chair).
Except for my shirt, I am completely dressed in the bed.
I am over six feet tall and weigh around 170 lbs. yet one person
can slide me horizontally from my bed into the wheelchair.
Once in the wheelchair, I bring myself into a sitting position
where I will spend the next twelve hours, my day.
Every action you may take for granted, I require
assistance to accomplish.
There are medications to be taken, mid-morning snack, shaving,
shampooing, having my teeth brushed and putting my shirt and nametag on.
Interruptions are frequent, as I’m sure you’re aware.
Because I am immobile in the chair, It is imperative to change my
position in order to prevent skin breakdown.
I do this by tilting my chair back at least 45 degrees every hour
during the day for at least six minutes.
It’s now time for lunch, which my nurse prepares and
feeds to me. Good nutrition
is imperative to maintain my health, especially since my body is already
compromised. Any weight gain
or loss would have far- reaching effects.
Most people can clear their throats easily by
coughing up whatever is down there.
I, on the other hand, must rely on mechanical suctioning of any
liquid that builds up in my throat and lungs. This is not an
uncomfortable task, but not doing it can be life threatening if the
liquid is allowed to accumulate.
During a normal day, I am suctioned 7-8 times.
I bring this up now, because this is the last thing we do before
loading me up with my ever- present back pack, sweater, hat (keeps my
body warm, as I have no way of regulating my temperature) and loading me
into my van. (Ask me someday about the truly miraculous efforts that
produced my first van!)
My van is equipped with a hydraulic lift that raises
me from ground level to interior level.
Once in the van, I am strapped in and buckled down for the
journey to
Once I get to Celebration, I am unloaded from the van
and we make our way into the building and up to my office. Along the way
I am greeted and welcomed by countless caring cast members and lots of
Joe’s wonderful people. What a great way to start my day. These are
moments I cherish all day long.
The centerpiece of my office (aside from the
beautiful view) is a huge L-shaped computer desk that stands about 14
inches above an average desk. I position my wheelchair beneath the desk.
My keyboard and telephone are angled 35 degrees enabling me to reach the
keys using a mouth stick. The numeric keypad has been adapted to let me
control the movement and functions of the mouse.
At this time, the portable ventilator that has been
my life-support all morning is turned off.
One of my greatest blessings is the ability to breathe without
using the ventilator while I am working.
My job responsibilities include insuring the correct
use of Disney trademark and copyrighted materials; and the accuracy of
brand information. I provide guidelines, suggested copy points and
images. I work directly with
third parties to help them develop their marketing and sales collateral.
My clients include hotels, groups, conventions and miscellaneous
requests. We pack a lot of
work into our day, and I’m grateful to have the opportunity to do so.
As we drive home, I am reminded of all the blessings
of the day, the expert care of my nurses, the wheelchair and van that
give me the freedom of mobility, my job that allows me to be productive
and to contribute, the support and encouragement of my leadership, and
the many kindnesses readily extended to me by fellow cast members.
Once we get home, my night nurse begins my evening
care, which is much like the morning care in reverse, and takes just as
long! As my eyes begin to
close, my night nurse softly reads meditations and verses from the
Bible. I am filled with
gratitude. My faith is
enriched. I fall asleep
quickly.
To all those who have touched my life along the way and those who continue to help and encourage me to go on, I am eternally grateful.
Obituaries
Steve Dawes in the News
Dawes, Postnet take home Navigator awards
Thursday, October 28, 2004
By Tom Ross, Staff Reporter
Longtime Steamboat Springs property management expert Steve Dawes went home Wednesday with a Navigator Award for his commitment to civic projects. Kathy and Terry Stokes of the PostNet store claimed another Navigator for being the national franchiser's top-selling store. Dawes was named business person of the year and PostNet was named business of the year as the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association and Steamboat Pilot & Today handed out the Navigators during the chamber's 97th annual meeting at the Steamboat Grand Resort Hotel.
Guest speaker Richard Wobbekind, an associate dean with the Leeds School of Business at the University of Colorado, told the gathering that Routt County's leaders should begin to prepare the region for demographic change and a different kind of economy. The graying of the skiing base suggests Routt County needs to diversify its economy and adapt its tourism offerings to the inclinations of older Americans, Wobbekind said.
Pilot & Today editor Scott Stanford praised Dawes for his community involvement, including his work on the Howelsen Hill Ice Arena and his recent acceptance of the presidency of the Yampa Valley Healthcare Foundation.
"This year's winner has had a tremendous impact in Steamboat Springs for many years, including the one most recently passed," Stanford said. "Steve Dawes has served the Chamber Resort Association for 24 years. He has served as president of the chamber's board of directors and has chaired the Lodging Committee throughout his tenure."
Dawes was instrumental in the expansion and roofing of the ice arena and played a key role in the approval of the city's original accommodations tax, which funded the construction of Haymaker Golf Course, Stanford said.
He is a former Yampa Valley Community Foundation Philanthropist of the Year and before taking his new role with the Healthcare Foundation, he served on the hospital's board of directors.
Dawes' most significant contribution to the business community may be realized next week if voters at the base of Mount Werner approve Ballot Issue 2A, creating an additional lodging tax of 2 percent, Stanford said. The tax, collected only within the limited boundaries of a new Local Marketing District in the commercial area at the mountain, would create a dedicated funding source to secure year round jet flights at Yampa Valley Regional Airport.
A former principal in Steamboat Resorts, Dawes has continued his career in resort property management most recently with his own consulting firm, Dawes and Associates.
The Stokes have used the freedom allowed by PostNet CEO Steve Greenbaum to adapt the range of services they offer since opening their store in 1997. That adaptability has driven company-leading sales figures out of a small market.
"Kathy sits on the franchise's national advisory board and has helped PostNet expand its customer service in the face of new competition," Stanford said.
"It isn't about where you are," Greenbaum said of the Stokes' store in November 2003. "The issue is that people understand you're there. It's about reaching and educating as many consumers as possible."
Dawes to Lead Health Organization
Wednesday, July 21, 2004
Steve Dawes has been named president of the Healthcare Foundation for the Yampa Valley. Dawes replaces Jim Murphy, who was fired last spring.
Fred Wolf, chairman of the Foundation Board of Trustees, made the announcement.
"We are both excited and fortunate to have someone with Steve's depth of community knowledge and commitment to take on this challenging role," Wolf said. "The community's health care system and our citizens will be the ultimate beneficiaries."
Dawes had served on the Board of Trustees for Yampa Valley Medical Center for 16 years. He resigned from the board before accepting the foundation position.
"I am very pleased to have Steve in this role," said Yampa Valley Medical Center Chief Executive Officer Karl Gills. "In my time at YVMC, Steve has been very supportive of our medical center and has provided valuable guidance. His continuing leadership -- now focused on philanthropy -- in support of YVMC and health services in the communities we serve is very exciting."
During his 25-year career as a resort property management executive and consultant in Steamboat Springs, Dawes has been actively involved in fund raising and governance for many nonprofit community organizations. He serves on the boards of the Steamboat Springs Chamber Resort Association, Pro Rodeo Series and Little League. He also leads the Lodging Committee and Ice Rink Advisory Committee.
Dawes and his wife, Poogie, were named the Ed and Jayne Hill Individual Philanthropists of the Year by the Yampa Valley Community Foundation in 2003.
"This is a great opportunity to combine my passion for Yampa Valley Medical Center and health services in our valley with a strong commitment to philanthropy that is shared by so many in our community," Dawes said.
Both Articles from the
Steamboat Pilot & Today