[22845] in APO-L
[APO-L] Xi Rho Alumni Association Summer 2002 Newsletter
daemon@ATHENA.MIT.EDU (xirhoalumni)
Wed Aug 7 21:28:54 2002
Date: Wed, 7 Aug 2002 21:22:32 -0400
Reply-To: xirhoalumni <xirhoalumni@STNY.RR.COM>
From: xirhoalumni <xirhoalumni@STNY.RR.COM>
To: APO-L@LISTSERV.IUPUI.EDU
------=_NextPart_001_004F_01C23E58.8B38E100
Content-Type: text/plain;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
The Sturdy Oak
NOTE: Some Brothers may receive this message more than once, as it was =
posted to several listservs along with being sent to individual email =
addresses. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may cause. =
Additionally, the newsletter can also be found as an attachment to this =
message.
The Sturdy Oak
Xi Rho Alumni Association Newsletter Summer 2002 Issue
From the President's Computer .
Putting Things Into Perspective
Recently my family and I were reminded in a very harsh and painful way =
that what's good and bad is all a matter of perspective. On a Friday =
morning at 6:50 AM I went out to my truck, which was parked, in my =
driveway. I was on my way to the office, ready to tie up loose ends =
before I went on vacation for two weeks. When I went into my truck I =
discovered that some of my property that was in my truck when I parked =
it in my driveway the night before was not there now. I had been robbed =
right in my own driveway! I was upset to say the least.=20
Later that day I called my insurance company and was given the good news =
that the value of the property that was stolen did not meet my =
deductible. Yes, I was out of luck, and this made me all the more =
"happier." Well, I went on with the day and tried not to focus on what =
had happened. When I returned home I was still annoyed, but I tried to =
focus on the fact that I was at that moment on vacation. Admittedly this =
only worked to some extent.=20
Then it happened. Early the next morning my family and I experienced a =
devastating loss, a loss that truly shook us. This loss certainly put =
everything into perspective. Suddenly the theft of my property seemed =
not only unimportant but also insignificant. However, this was not the =
only thing that was put into perspective. I would like to use the =
remaining section of my "blurb" to share with each of you some of the =
beliefs that I have had for quite a while but that I was reminded of by =
this loss.
1. Be grateful and give thanks (to whom or whatever you want) for what =
you have.=20
2. Spend more time focusing on what you have as opposed to what you do =
not.=20
3. Celebrate all the positive/good events in your life. Do not just =
celebrate the marquee or hallmark events, such as: birthdays, =
anniversaries, weddings, new house/apartment, new job, promotion, =
Bar/Bat Mitzvah, Communion/Confirmation, graduations, etc.=20
4. Turn to family and friends for strength and support. Please =
understand that when I use the term "family" I am not simply referring =
to those individuals who share the same blood, or are who related to you =
through marriage. Family members are also those people who share a =
connection of the heart. On a very personal note I would like to mention =
that because our "blood" family is not close by, the first people who =
came to our assistance were Brothers and the spouse of a Brother. All of =
whom my wife and I love deeply, as we do the rest of our family.=20
5. Asking for help is a sign of strength.=20
6. You don't have to completely understand what someone is going through =
to be supportive. This is important because no one can completely =
understand what another person is going through/feeling unless they have =
gone through the same exact thing, with exactly the same background, =
experiences and circumstances!=20
7. Problems, troubles or issues that affect you usually affect others as =
well. While this may be obvious, what is not always obvious is who might =
be affected and how.=20
8. People don't always know what to say and/or do when someone they know =
and/or care about is going through difficult times. However, people feel =
that they should do something, or at a minimum say something. Because of =
this people may say something that seems insensitive and/or =
inappropriate. This is not because they wish to be insensitive or =
inappropriate. It is simply because they are trying to help. =
Understanding this is important. If there is something that an =
individual or individuals can do to help, let them know. Remember, =
asking for help does not mean that you are weak, but that you are =
strong.=20
This is certainly not an exhaustive list of things to keep in mind when =
going through difficult times. I am sure that all who are reading this =
blurb can think of points to add. It is simply my hope that this brief =
list is of some help to someone.
Fraternally,
Jay Deitchman
A Message From the Editors.
Hello all,
We hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing summer. Things are going =
well for us here in good old Rotterdam, NY. The doctor surprised us in =
April when she told us to expect another child around Christmas time! =
And here we thought Allison just had a stomach bug! Oops. ? Allison is =
feeling well, but not liking the humidity too much! Last month we found =
out that our new addition will be another boy, whom we've decided to =
name Eric Joseph, and we expect him to make his entrance around December =
19th or so. Allison asks that you join her in prayers that he not be too =
big! Ha Ha. Ryan continues to grow at what seems to be an amazing rate =
and is talking in complete, though short, sentences. He is not too sure =
about becoming a big brother however. One minute he is very excited, =
jumping up and down clapping and giving the baby kisses, and the next he =
tells us, "No baby brother!" Oh well.
We are very happy to have received so many submissions for this edition =
of The Sturdy Oak and hope the trend continues for future editions. You =
will notice that we added a new section under Alumni News to note =
birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. Our list is by no means =
complete, so please send us updates so we can get them in. If anyone has =
suggestions for additional sections, please let us know. Some =
suggestions we've received so far have been the included birthdays, etc. =
list, and an APO trivia section. We'd like to get the trivia section =
going for the next edition, so if you have any good questions and/or =
ideas for a name (ex. Test Your APO Intelligence), please let us know. =
Don't forget to send us the answers to your trivia questions!
That's about it from here. The deadline for the next issue of The Sturdy =
Oak will be Halloween day, Thursday October 31, 2002. We know this is a =
short interval, but looking ahead we have Nationals coming up and would =
like to include that in the winter edition (in mid-January or so) and we =
don't want to miss out on any fall happenings in the mean time.
Please send your news and notes via email to: sajones@nycap.rr.com
In L, F, & S,
Shawn and Allison Jones
Shawn and Allison Jones
Editors
Alumni News.
Betty Bellan Kovnator- I have been living in Staten Island for 5 years. =
I am married with 2 children - ages 5 1/2 years old and 8 months old. =
I'm working at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC. To my friends - I just =
want to let you know that even though I may not have kept in touch with =
you (I'm very bad at that) I always have you in my thoughts.
Josh Mayers- Allison Mary Jones of Alpha Beta Chi at then the UB chapter =
and Josh Mayers of Xi Rho were married in Highland Park, downtown =
Rochester on Saturday, June 29, 2002, and honeymooned in Disney World, =
Orlando, Florida. Xi Rho alumni in attendance: Jay and Christy =
Deitchman, Allison (Mayers) Myers, Kevin Regan, Rebecca (Rose) =
Quodomine, Michelle Davenport, Thomas Elliott and Region II Director =
Craig Muckle. Jay Deitchman was the Best Man and Thomas Elliott was a =
Groom's Man. Congratulations Josh and Allison!
Linda Brown- Hello all fellow brothers! I am writing on a beautiful =
North Carolina day. I am a second grade teacher down here. I just =
finished my 4th year. I have a 1-year-old daughter, Lindsay, and am =
newly single. The marriage thing didn't agree with me. Maybe some other =
guy, some other time. Lindsay just learned to walk a month ago and it's =
been fun learning what chaos she can cause. I say hello to all the =
Little Rascals out there!
Michele Nunes- Michele Nunes sends a big shout out to her fellow alums! =
She's been spending most of her summer weekends relaxing on Long Beach =
Island, trying to get a break from a very hectic time in the news =
business! Michele is still working as a Producer for Fox NewsChannel in =
New York City, and volunteers on Region 1 Staff when time permits. She =
says "Don't be lame -- and find a way to get back to Oneonta for the =
association events that we hold 2X a year. NOTE: Michele cannot make the =
association event in October, but this has nothing to do with being =
lame. =3D)
Please note the new address: 723 Willow Avenue Apt. 3-N, Hoboken, NJ =
07030
The best email address for APO purposes only is: aponunes@yahoo.com=20
Penny (VanAlstyne) Giddens- We are in the process of renovating our =
house. We put in new windows, leveled the foundation, and added a new =
roof. We are now working on redoing the kitchen and second bathroom. Our =
daughter, Emily, is going into 2nd grade and our other daughter, EvaMay, =
is starting kindergarten in September. We have 2 girl cats that had =
kittens. Our black cat had 4 boys and a girl. Our white lynx had 2 =
girls. We found homes for them all except we kept one kitten from each =
litter. If anyone would like to write, my address is: 1212 South =
Washington Ave. Wellington, KS 67152.
Birthdays, Anniversaries, etc.
Congrats to Rebecca (Rose) Quodomine on her marriage to her new husband, =
Richard.
Iris and Dave Koplitz welcomed their 3rd child, Joshua, to their family =
on June 27, 2002.
Greg Matthews celebrated his birthday on July 11th.
Shawn and Allison Jones celebrated their 8th wedding anniversary on July =
16th (Shawn is still in shock that Allison has put up with him for so =
long!)
Christy Deitchman celebrated her birthday on July 25th.
Greg Matthews and his wife, Sue, will celebrate their 2nd anniversary on =
August 12th.
Michele Nunes is turning the big 3-0 on August 29th. (To quote her, =
"YIKES!!")
Allison Jones will be 32 on August 31st (so don't feel too bad Michele! =
Of course, she's nowhere near as old as Greg, but we won't say anything =
about that.)
John Goelz has a birthday coming up in September, but we're not sure =
exactly when. Sorry John! ?
Jay and Christy Deitchman will be celebrating their 8th wedding =
anniversary on September 10th (We feel that Christy deserves an award =
for this achievement!)
These are the only dates we were emailed about and/or we remembered off =
the top of our heads, so we're sure the list is incomplete. If we've =
forgotten anyone, please don't take offense. Let us know if you'd like =
anything included for future newsletters and we'll be glad to include =
the info.
Association News.
Come Back to Xi Rho
Hi guys! I've missed seeing you up in Oneonta these past few years! And =
boy, have you been missing out on a lot of fun!
I know how busy our daily lives can get -- believe me, this is the queen =
of busy talking! My head never stops spinning! But we'd love to have you =
attend our Association events and get back in touch!=20
We try to advertise in advance when possible, but we keep it real simple =
most of the time so it's easy for everyone to keep their calendars =
straight! We like to keep the alumni events on the same weekends every =
year, barring scheduling conflicts, or a major event, like the chapter =
hosting the sectional conference.
In the fall, we tend to hold events during the college's =
Homecoming/Parents Weekend. I'm sure you remember how beautiful Oneonta =
is in the fall -- this is always a great time to come back! For me, it's =
an excuse to make a stop at Jamaica Dream Farms and get my annual =
hayride and a Halloween pumpkin that I've come to believe can ONLY be =
bought on a trip to Oneonta!! Haha!! In the spring, we've been trying to =
stick with the last weekend in April for Xi Rho's Annual Alumni Weekend. =
It's nice to see Oneonta when the town is thawed out and when you can =
leave the snow boots at home! We always try to include some outdoor =
events at one of our favorite picnic spots, or college camp, as well as =
many other activities. These weekends would be more fun if we had a =
larger turnout! Don't feel silly if you haven't been back in a while! =
Call up a friend, or come on your own! There's always a group of people =
here that you have a connection with.=20
It's been very difficult to work in the news business since September =
11th. I've been dealing first hand with some pretty horrible stories. =
Many stick out in my mind, especially ones from people who wish they had =
more time to spend with their friends and family. After everything =
that's happened, I think it's more important than ever for all of us to =
stay in touch. Whether it's an occasional visit to Oneonta, paying your =
Association dues so you can stay involved, or calling up another alum =
from time to time...just do it.
We're living in a changed world -- and one thing I don't want to change =
is the relationships that brought us close in Alpha Phi Omega.
Yours in LFS,=20
Michele Nunes
Extra! Extra!
There is now a discussion list especially for Xi Rho Alumni! If you are =
interested in checking it out and/or joining, you can click on the =
following link. http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Xirhoalumni/
This is a great way for Xi Rho Alumni to keep in touch and disseminate =
information that is of particular interest to Xi Rho Alumni. Check it =
out!
Sectional/Regional/Nationals News.
Brotherhood on the Bayou!
What- Alpha Phi Omega 2002 National Convention!!
When- December 27-30, 2002
Where- New Orleans, Louisiana
Convention Hotel: Sheraton - Canal Street
Hotel rates valid December 26-January 1st, so you can make plans to ring =
in the New Year N'awlins style! Come enjoy all OR part of the =
Convention. (Last two days are the best!)
Visit with some 2,000 brothers including Alums, and National Board =
members from around the country, participate in alumni activities, and =
take the opportunity to visit New Orleans at a great price! Going to =
Convention is great as Alumni -- you can have some fun exploring the =
host city, and still take in Convention Activities at your leisure! Lots =
for families to do as well!
For more info: www.convention.apo.org or contact the Xi Rho Alumni =
Association to meet up with some of our alums & brothers!
Make your plans now!
Section 88/89 Conference
When- October 18th -20th 2002
Where- SUNY Plattsburgh
For more information visit the Official Conference Website at =
http://www.geocities.com/campaphio/
Some WWW Links of Interest.
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apoalum.htm Xi Rho Alumni Association
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa7.htm Join the Alumni Association
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa3.htm Alumni Information Form
http://www2.oneonta.edu/~omega Xi Rho's Homepage
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa5.htm The College at Oneonta =
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol1.htm Section 88 Web Page
http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol2.htm APhiO WebH
ATTENTION! ATTENTION! This could be the last edition of the Sturdy Oak =
you receive! If you are not a dues paid member of the Xi Rho Alumni =
Association you will no longer receive the Sturdy Oak. Don't let this =
happen. Join the Association and make sure you receive the next edition! =
For more information contact Jay Deitchman at jdeitchman@stny.rr.com or =
mail in the Registration Form sent as an attachment with this message.
------=_NextPart_001_004F_01C23E58.8B38E100
Content-Type: text/html;
charset="iso-8859-1"
Content-Transfer-Encoding: quoted-printable
<!DOCTYPE HTML PUBLIC "-//W3C//DTD HTML 4.0 Transitional//EN">
<HTML xmlns=3D"http://www.w3.org/TR/REC-html40" xmlns:o =3D=20
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:office" xmlns:w =3D=20
"urn:schemas-microsoft-com:office:word"><HEAD><TITLE>The Sturdy =
Oak</TITLE>
<META http-equiv=3DContent-Type content=3D"text/html; =
charset=3Diso-8859-1">
<META content=3DWord.Document name=3DProgId>
<META content=3D"MSHTML 6.00.2600.0" name=3DGENERATOR>
<META content=3D"Microsoft Word 9" name=3DOriginator><LINK=20
href=3D"cid:filelist.xml@01C23E2C.D6355DE0" rel=3DFile-List><!--[if gte =
mso 9]><xml>
<o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
<o:DoNotRelyOnCSS/>
</o:OfficeDocumentSettings>
</xml><![endif]--><!--[if gte mso 9]><xml>
<w:WordDocument>
<w:View>Normal</w:View>
<w:ActiveWritingStyle Lang=3D"EN-US" VendorID=3D"64" =
DLLVersion=3D"131077"=20
NLCheck=3D"1">1</w:ActiveWritingStyle>
<w:EnvelopeVis/>
<w:DoNotOptimizeForBrowser/>
</w:WordDocument>
</xml><![endif]-->
<STYLE>@font-face {
font-family: Wingdings;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Script MT Bold;
}
@font-face {
font-family: Harlow Solid Italic;
}
@page Section1 {size: 8.5in 11.0in; margin: 1.0in 1.25in 1.0in 1.25in; =
mso-header-margin: .5in; mso-footer-margin: .5in; mso-paper-source: 0; }
P.MsoNormal {
FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"
}
LI.MsoNormal {
FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"
}
DIV.MsoNormal {
FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-style-parent: ""; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"
}
H1 {
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: =
fuchsia; FONT-FAMILY: "Harlow Solid Italic"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; =
mso-style-next: Normal; mso-outline-level: 1; mso-font-kerning: 0pt
}
H2 {
FONT-WEIGHT: normal; FONT-SIZE: 14pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: =
#ffcc00; FONT-FAMILY: "Script MT Bold"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; =
mso-style-next: Normal; mso-outline-level: 2
}
H3 {
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
"Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; mso-style-next: Normal; mso-outline-level: 3
}
H4 {
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
"Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-style-next: Normal; mso-outline-level: 4
}
H5 {
FONT-WEIGHT: bold; FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: =
"Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-style-next: Normal; mso-outline-level: =
5; text-underline: single
}
P.MsoTitle {
FONT-SIZE: 48pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-STYLE: italic; =
FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: =
underline; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times =
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-underline: single
}
LI.MsoTitle {
FONT-SIZE: 48pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-STYLE: italic; =
FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: =
underline; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times =
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-underline: single
}
DIV.MsoTitle {
FONT-SIZE: 48pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; COLOR: navy; FONT-STYLE: italic; =
FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; TEXT-ALIGN: center; TEXT-DECORATION: =
underline; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times =
New Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt; text-underline: single
}
P.MsoBodyText {
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New =
Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt
}
LI.MsoBodyText {
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New =
Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt
}
DIV.MsoBodyText {
FONT-SIZE: 10pt; MARGIN: 0in 0in 0pt; FONT-FAMILY: "Times New Roman"; =
mso-pagination: widow-orphan; mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New =
Roman"; mso-bidi-font-size: 12.0pt
}
A:link {
COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single
}
SPAN.MsoHyperlink {
COLOR: blue; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single
}
A:visited {
COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single
}
SPAN.MsoHyperlinkFollowed {
COLOR: purple; TEXT-DECORATION: underline; text-underline: single
}
P {
FONT-SIZE: 12pt; MARGIN-LEFT: 0in; MARGIN-RIGHT: 0in; FONT-FAMILY: =
"Times New Roman"; mso-pagination: widow-orphan; =
mso-fareast-font-family: "Times New Roman"; mso-margin-top-alt: auto; =
mso-margin-bottom-alt: auto
}
DIV.Section1 {
page: Section1
}
OL {
MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0in
}
UL {
MARGIN-BOTTOM: 0in
}
</STYLE>
</HEAD>
<BODY lang=3DEN-US style=3D"tab-interval: .5in" vLink=3Dpurple =
link=3Dblue=20
bgColor=3D#ffffff>
<DIV><FONT face=3D"Comic Sans MS"></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2>NOTE: Some Brothers may receive this message =
more than=20
once, as it was posted to several listservs along with being sent to =
individual=20
email addresses. I apologize for any inconvenience that this may=20
cause. Additionally, the newsletter can also be found as=20
an attachment to this message.</FONT></DIV>
<DIV align=3Dleft><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV>
<DIV><FONT size=3D2></FONT> </DIV><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportLists]><![endif]><![if =
!supportLists]><![endif]><![if !supportLists]><![endif]><![if =
!supportLists]><![endif]><![if !supportLists]><![endif]><![if =
!supportLists]><![endif]><![if !supportLists]><![endif]><![if =
!supportLists]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if =
!supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><![if !supportEmptyParas]><![endif]><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2><U><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>The Sturdy Oak</P></U>
<P class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Xi Rho Alumni Association Newsletter =
Summer 2002=20
Issue</P>
<H2 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3D#000000>From=20
the President's Computer =85</FONT></H2></FONT><U><FONT face=3DArial>
<H5 class=3DSection1>Putting Things Into =
Perspective</H5></U></FONT><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1>Recently my family and I were reminded in a very =
harsh and=20
painful way that what's good and bad is all a matter of perspective. On =
a Friday=20
morning at 6:50 AM I went out to my truck, which was parked, in my =
driveway. I=20
was on my way to the office, ready to tie up loose ends before I went on =
vacation for two weeks. When I went into my truck I discovered that some =
of my=20
property that was in my truck when I parked it in my driveway the night =
before=20
was not there now. I had been robbed right in my own driveway! I was =
upset to=20
say the least. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>Later that day I called my insurance company and was =
given the=20
good news that the value of the property that was stolen did not meet my =
deductible. Yes, I was out of luck, and this made me all the more =
"happier."=20
Well, I went on with the day and tried not to focus on what had =
happened. When I=20
returned home I was still annoyed, but I tried to focus on the fact that =
I was=20
at that moment on vacation. Admittedly this only worked to some extent. =
</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Then it happened. Early the next morning my family =
and I=20
experienced a devastating loss, a loss that truly shook us. This loss =
certainly=20
put everything into perspective. Suddenly the theft of my property =
seemed not=20
only unimportant but also insignificant. However, this was not the only =
thing=20
that was put into perspective. I would like to use the remaining section =
of my=20
"blurb" to share with each of you some of the beliefs that I have had =
for quite=20
a while but that I was reminded of by this loss.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>1. Be grateful and give thanks (to whom or whatever =
you want)=20
for what you have. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>2. Spend more time focusing on what you have as =
opposed to=20
what you do not. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>3. Celebrate all the positive/good events in your =
life. Do not=20
just celebrate the marquee or hallmark events, such as: birthdays,=20
anniversaries, weddings, new house/apartment, new job, promotion, =
Bar/Bat=20
Mitzvah, Communion/Confirmation, graduations, etc. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>4. Turn to family and friends for strength and =
support. Please=20
understand that when I use the term "family" I am not simply referring =
to those=20
individuals who share the same blood, or are who related to you through=20
marriage. Family members are also those people who share a connection of =
the=20
heart. On a very personal note I would like to mention that because our =
"blood"=20
family is not close by, the first people who came to our assistance were =
Brothers and the spouse of a Brother. All of whom my wife and I love =
deeply, as=20
we do the rest of our family. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>5. Asking for help is a sign of strength. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>6. You don't have to completely understand what =
someone is=20
going through to be supportive. This is important because no one can =
completely=20
understand what another person is going through/feeling unless they have =
gone=20
through the same exact thing, with exactly the same background, =
experiences and=20
circumstances! </P>
<P class=3DSection1>7. Problems, troubles or issues that affect you =
usually affect=20
others as well. While this may be obvious, what is not always obvious is =
who=20
might be affected and how. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>8. People don=92t always know what to say and/or do =
when someone=20
they know and/or care about is going through difficult times. However, =
people=20
feel that they should do something, or at a minimum say something. =
Because of=20
this people may say something that seems insensitive and/or =
inappropriate. This=20
is not because they wish to be insensitive or inappropriate. It is =
simply=20
because they are trying to help. Understanding this is important. If =
there is=20
something that an individual or individuals can do to help, let them =
know.=20
Remember, asking for help does not mean that you are weak, but that you =
are=20
strong. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>This is certainly not an exhaustive list of things =
to keep in=20
mind when going through difficult times. I am sure that all who are =
reading this=20
blurb can think of points to add. It is simply my hope that this brief =
list is=20
of some help to someone.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Fraternally,</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Jay Deitchman</P>
<H2 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3D#000000>A=20
Message From the Editors=85</FONT></H2>
<P class=3DSection1>Hello all,</P>
<P class=3DSection1>We hope everyone is having a nice, relaxing summer. =
Things are=20
going well for us here in good old Rotterdam, NY. The doctor surprised =
us in=20
April when she told us to expect another child around Christmas time! =
And here=20
we thought Allison just had a stomach bug! Oops.  Allison is =
feeling well, but=20
not liking the humidity too much! Last month we found out that our new =
addition=20
will be another boy, whom we=92ve decided to name Eric Joseph, and we =
expect him=20
to make his entrance around December 19<SUP>th</SUP> or so. Allison asks =
that=20
you join her in prayers that he not be too big! Ha Ha. Ryan continues to =
grow at=20
what seems to be an amazing rate and is talking in complete, though =
short,=20
sentences. He is not too sure about becoming a big brother however. One =
minute=20
he is very excited, jumping up and down clapping and giving the baby =
kisses, and=20
the next he tells us, "No baby brother!" Oh well.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>We are very happy to have received so many =
submissions for=20
this edition of <I>The Sturdy Oak</I> and hope the trend continues for =
future=20
editions. You will notice that we added a new section under Alumni News =
to note=20
birthdays, anniversaries, weddings, etc. Our list is by no means =
complete, so=20
please send us updates so we can get them in. If anyone has suggestions =
for=20
additional sections, please let us know. Some suggestions we=92ve =
received so far=20
have been the included birthdays, etc. list, and an APO trivia section. =
We=92d=20
like to get the trivia section going for the next edition, so if you =
have any=20
good questions and/or ideas for a name (ex. Test Your APO Intelligence), =
please=20
let us know. Don=92t forget to send us the answers to your trivia =
questions!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>That=92s about it from here. The deadline for the =
next issue of=20
<I>The Sturdy Oak</I> will be Halloween day, Thursday October 31, 2002. =
We know=20
this is a short interval, but looking ahead we have Nationals coming up =
and=20
would like to include that in the winter edition (in mid-January or so) =
and we=20
don=92t want to miss out on any fall happenings in the mean time.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Please send your news and notes via email to: =
</FONT><A=20
href=3D"mailto:sajones@nycap.rr.com"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>sajones@nycap.rr.com</FONT></A></P><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1>In L, F, & S,</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Shawn and Allison Jones</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Shawn and Allison Jones</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Editors</P>
<P class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Alumni News=85</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Betty Bellan Kovnator- I have been living in Staten =
Island for=20
5 years. I am married with 2 children - ages 5 1/2 years old and 8 =
months old.=20
I'm working at Beth Israel Medical Center in NYC. To my friends - I just =
want to=20
let you know that even though I may not have kept in touch with you (I'm =
very=20
bad at that) I always have you in my thoughts.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Josh Mayers- Allison Mary Jones of Alpha Beta Chi at =
then the=20
UB chapter and Josh Mayers of Xi Rho were married in Highland Park, =
downtown=20
Rochester on Saturday, June 29, 2002, and honeymooned in Disney World, =
Orlando,=20
Florida. Xi Rho alumni in attendance: Jay and Christy Deitchman, Allison =
(Mayers) Myers, Kevin Regan, Rebecca (Rose) Quodomine, Michelle =
Davenport,=20
Thomas Elliott and Region II Director Craig Muckle. Jay Deitchman was =
the Best=20
Man and Thomas Elliott was a Groom's Man. Congratulations Josh and =
Allison!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Linda Brown- Hello all fellow brothers! I am writing =
on a=20
beautiful North Carolina day. I am a second grade teacher down here. I =
just=20
finished my 4<SUP>th</SUP> year. I have a 1-year-old daughter, Lindsay, =
and am=20
newly single. The marriage thing didn't agree with me. Maybe some other =
guy,=20
some other time. Lindsay just learned to walk a month ago and it's been =
fun=20
learning what chaos she can cause. I say hello to all the Little Rascals =
out=20
there!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Michele Nunes- Michele Nunes sends a big shout out =
to her=20
fellow alums! She's been spending most of her summer weekends relaxing =
on Long=20
Beach Island, trying to get a break from a very hectic time in the news=20
business! Michele is still working as a Producer for Fox NewsChannel in =
New York=20
City, and volunteers on Region 1 Staff when time permits. She says =
"Don't be=20
lame -- and find a way to get back to Oneonta for the association events =
that we=20
hold 2X a year. NOTE: Michele cannot make the association event in =
October, but=20
this has nothing to do with being lame. =3D)</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Please note the new address: 723 Willow Avenue Apt. =
3-N,=20
Hoboken, NJ 07030</P>
<P class=3DSection1>The best email address for APO purposes only is: =
</FONT><A=20
href=3D"mailto:APONUNES@YAHOO.COM"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>aponunes@yahoo.com</FONT></A><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2> </P>
<P class=3DSection1>Penny (VanAlstyne) Giddens- We are in the process of =
renovating our house. We put in new windows, leveled the foundation, and =
added a=20
new roof. We are now working on redoing the kitchen and second bathroom. =
Our=20
daughter, Emily, is going into 2<SUP>nd</SUP> grade and our other =
daughter,=20
EvaMay, is starting kindergarten in September. We have 2 girl cats that =
had=20
kittens. Our black cat had 4 boys and a girl. Our white lynx had 2 =
girls. We=20
found homes for them all except we kept one kitten from each litter. If =
anyone=20
would like to write, my address is: 1212 South Washington Ave. =
Wellington, KS=20
67152.</P><U>
<H3 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Birthdays, Anniversaries, =
etc.</H3></U>
<P class=3DSection1>Congrats to Rebecca (Rose) Quodomine on her marriage =
to her=20
new husband, Richard.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Iris and Dave Koplitz welcomed their 3rd child, =
Joshua, to=20
their family on June 27, 2002.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Greg Matthews celebrated his birthday on July=20
11<SUP>th</SUP>.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Shawn and Allison Jones celebrated their =
8<SUP>th</SUP>=20
wedding anniversary on July 16<SUP>th</SUP> (Shawn is still in shock =
that=20
Allison has put up with him for so long!)</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Christy Deitchman celebrated her birthday on July=20
25<SUP>th</SUP>.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Greg Matthews and his wife, Sue, will celebrate =
their=20
2<SUP>nd</SUP> anniversary on August 12<SUP>th</SUP>.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Michele Nunes is turning the big 3-0 on August=20
29<SUP>th</SUP>. (To quote her, "YIKES!!")</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Allison Jones will be 32 on August 31<SUP>st</SUP> =
(so don=92t=20
feel too bad Michele! Of course, she=92s nowhere near as old as Greg, =
but we won=92t=20
say anything about that.)</P>
<P class=3DSection1>John Goelz has a birthday coming up in September, =
but we=92re=20
not sure exactly when. Sorry John! </P>
<P class=3DSection1>Jay and Christy Deitchman will be celebrating their=20
8<SUP>th</SUP> wedding anniversary on September 10<SUP>th</SUP> (We feel =
that=20
Christy deserves an award for this achievement!)</P>
<P class=3DSection1>These are the only dates we were emailed about =
and/or we=20
remembered off the top of our heads, so we=92re sure the list is =
incomplete. If=20
we=92ve forgotten anyone, please don=92t take offense. Let us know if =
you=92d like=20
anything included for future newsletters and we=92ll be glad to include =
the=20
info.</P>
<P class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Association =
News=85</P></FONT><U><FONT face=3DArial>
<H5 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Come Back to Xi =
Rho</H5></U></FONT><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1>Hi guys! I've missed seeing you up in Oneonta these =
past few=20
years! And boy, have you been missing out on a lot of fun!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>I know how busy our daily lives can get -- believe =
me, this is=20
the queen of busy talking! My head never stops spinning! But we'd love =
to have=20
you attend our Association events and get back in touch! </P>
<P class=3DSection1>We try to advertise in advance when possible, but we =
keep it=20
real simple most of the time so it's easy for everyone to keep their =
calendars=20
straight! We like to keep the alumni events on the same weekends every =
year,=20
barring scheduling conflicts, or a major event, like the chapter hosting =
the=20
sectional conference.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>In the fall, we tend to hold events during the =
college's=20
Homecoming/Parents Weekend. I'm sure you remember how beautiful Oneonta =
is in=20
the fall -- this is always a great time to come back! For me, it's an =
excuse to=20
make a stop at Jamaica Dream Farms and get my annual hayride and a =
Halloween=20
pumpkin that I've come to believe can ONLY be bought on a trip to =
Oneonta!!=20
Haha!! In the spring, we've been trying to stick with the last weekend =
in April=20
for Xi Rho's Annual Alumni Weekend. It's nice to see Oneonta when the =
town is=20
thawed out and when you can leave the snow boots at home! We always try =
to=20
include some outdoor events at one of our favorite picnic spots, or =
college=20
camp, as well as many other activities. These weekends would be more fun =
if we=20
had a larger turnout! Don't feel silly if you haven't been back in a =
while! Call=20
up a friend, or come on your own! There's always a group of people here =
that you=20
have a connection with. </P>
<P class=3DSection1>It's been very difficult to work in the news =
business since=20
September 11th. I've been dealing first hand with some pretty horrible =
stories.=20
Many stick out in my mind, especially ones from people who wish they had =
more=20
time to spend with their friends and family. After everything that's =
happened, I=20
think it's more important than ever for all of us to stay in touch. =
Whether it's=20
an occasional visit to Oneonta, paying your Association dues so you can =
stay=20
involved, or calling up another alum from time to time...just do it.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>We're living in a changed world -- and one thing I =
don't want=20
to change is the relationships that brought us close in Alpha Phi =
Omega.</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Yours in LFS, </P>
<P class=3DSection1>Michele Nunes</P><U>
<H4 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Extra! Extra!</H4></U>
<P class=3DSection1>There is now a discussion list especially for Xi Rho =
Alumni!=20
If you are interested in checking it out and/or joining, you can click =
on the=20
following link. </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Xirhoalumni/"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://groups.yahoo.com/group/Xirhoalumni/</FONT></A></P><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1>This is a great way for Xi Rho Alumni to keep in =
touch and=20
disseminate information that is of particular interest to Xi Rho Alumni. =
Check=20
it out!</P>
<H2 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman"=20
color=3D#000000>Sectional/Regional/Nationals News=85</FONT></H2><U>
<H4 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Brotherhood on the Bayou!</H4></U>
<P class=3DSection1>What- Alpha Phi Omega 2002 National Convention!!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>When- December 27-30, 2002</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Where- New Orleans, Louisiana</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Convention Hotel: Sheraton - Canal Street</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Hotel rates valid December 26-January 1st, so you =
can make=20
plans to ring in the New Year N'awlins style! Come enjoy all OR part of =
the=20
Convention. (Last two days are the best!)</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Visit with some 2,000 brothers including Alums, and =
National=20
Board members from around the country, participate in alumni activities, =
and=20
take the opportunity to visit New Orleans at a great price! Going to =
Convention=20
is great as Alumni -- you can have some fun exploring the host city, and =
still=20
take in Convention Activities at your leisure! Lots for families to do =
as=20
well!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>For more info: </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.convention.apo.org/"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>www.convention.apo.org</FONT></A><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2> =
or contact the=20
Xi Rho Alumni Association to meet up with some of our alums & =
brothers!</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Make your plans now!</P><U>
<H4 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter>Section 88/89 Conference</H4></U>
<P class=3DSection1>When- October 18<SUP>th</SUP> -20th 2002</P>
<P class=3DSection1>Where- SUNY Plattsburgh</P>
<P class=3DSection1>For more information visit the Official Conference =
Website at=20
</FONT><A href=3D"http://www.geocities.com/campaphio/"><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.geocities.com/campaphio/</FONT></A></P><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>
<P class=3DSection1><FONT face=3DArial size=3D2></FONT> </P>
<H2 class=3DSection1 align=3Dcenter><FONT face=3D"Times New Roman" =
color=3D#000000>Some=20
WWW Links of Interest=85</FONT></H2></FONT>
<P class=3DSection1><A =
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apoalum.htm"><FONT=20
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apoalum.htm</FONT></A><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2> Xi Rho Alumni Association</P></FONT>
<P class=3DSection1><A =
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa7.htm"><FONT=20
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa7.htm</FONT></A><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2> Join the Alumni Association</P></FONT>
<P class=3DSection1><A =
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa3.htm"><FONT=20
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa3.htm</FONT></A><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2> Alumni Information Form<BR></FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www2.oneonta.edu/~omega"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www2.oneonta.edu/~omega</FONT></A><FONT face=3DArial =
size=3D2> Xi=20
Rho's Homepage</P></FONT>
<P class=3DSection1><A =
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa5.htm"><FONT=20
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/aa5.htm</FONT></A><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2> The College at Oneonta </FONT><A=20
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol1.htm"><FONT face=3DArial=20
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol1.htm</FONT></A><FONT =
face=3DArial=20
size=3D2> Section 88 Web Page</P></FONT>
<P class=3DSection1><A =
href=3D"http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol2.htm"><FONT=20
face=3DArial =
size=3D2>http://www.delhi.edu/~deitchjb/apol2.htm</FONT></A><FONT=20
face=3DArial size=3D2> APhiO WebH</FONT></P>
<P class=3DSection1 align=3Dleft><FONT face=3DArial><FONT =
face=3DArial><FONT=20
size=3D2><U>ATTENTION! ATTENTION!</U> This could be the last edition of =
the=20
<I>Sturdy Oak</I> you receive! If you are not a dues paid member of the =
Xi Rho=20
Alumni Association you will no longer receive the <I>Sturdy Oak</I>. =
Don't let=20
this happen. Join the Association and make sure you receive the next=20
edition! For more information contact Jay Deitchman at </FONT><A=20
href=3D"mailto:jdeitchman@stny.rr.com"><FONT=20
size=3D2>jdeitchman@stny.rr.com</FONT></A><FONT size=3D2> or mail =
in the=20
Registration Form sent as an attachment with this=20
message.</FONT></P></FONT></FONT></FONT></BODY></HTML>
------=_NextPart_001_004F_01C23E58.8B38E100--