Dear Readers,
Happy Homecoming to all of you, whether you can make it back or not. Although the weather is supposed to be less than spectacular, I suspect that we’ll have a good 10,000 up on campus, maybe more. Part of that is due to the very big MIAC contest between St. John’s and the team that has beaten us three years running — Bethel University.
SJU is 4-0 and currently ranked 6th in the D3Football.com “Top 25″ standings; Bethel is 3-1, losing only to #4-ranked Wheaton (IL) in the last seconds. For some reason Bethel has maintained a mastery over the Jays in recent years, ekeing out a victory in two of those games thanks to momentary Big Red miscues they capitalized on. But I also think that the game means more to them than it does to SJU; where we really get up emotionally for UST, we just seem flat against Bethel, who in turn seems to see this contest as a special replaying of the Reformation. I also think that Bethel should be in the Top 25, as they definitely will be if they beat us yet a fourth time. On the other hand, if SJU is to remain in the hunt for another championship season — and here I’m speaking of more than the MIAC championship — we will have to meet and survive this most serious challenge. And then, after a breather against a struggling but game Hamline next week, we meet theTommies back here in Collegeville for another titantic contest. UST is also undefeated and plays at Gustavus this weekend; they moved up two more places in the Top 25 to #15 after decimating Hamline 63-10.
Speaking of Gustavus, it seems so long ago now that we traveled down to St. Peter and came away with a 38-10 victory. Although our struggling defense looked somewhat improved from the three earlier games, and although our offense behind QB Joe Boyle, the first-half heroics of WR Josh Overman and a punishing running attack put up a lot of points, I felt that we still have a long way to go to be the kind of overall team that dominates. Let’s hope the Cardinal and Blue can keep building on these incremental improvements…while avoiding any more injuries. These are killing us.
I drove to St. Peter with my friend Rick Kellen, who annually takes in two or more games with us. We met up with a great crew of Johnnies at Patrick’s for our pre-game festivities: Pete Amann ‘90, Ron ‘65 and Sandy Tomczik, Jay Cutler, Leroy ‘55 and Colleen Lilly, Larry Schultz ‘76, Pete Hacker‘88, Tim Ward ‘78 and son Ryan, Clark Stanton (without Noel this game) in from San Rafael, CA, Mike Fahey ‘75, Max Stein ‘04 and his Gustie grad pal,Bret Boese GAC ‘04, Kim Devoy 63, Vic Murphy ‘92, Bill and Ted Sharpe, and a van load from Collegeville, driven by Tom Stock: Frs. Wilfred Theisen and Alberic Culhane (still not wearing red), Br. Damian Roger (who’s in charge of the Abbey’s fleet of autos), John Taylor ‘58 and David Chabowski ‘10, a Wasie Scholar and pre-med student from Warsaw, Poland. David is also a superb photographer who was going to be snapping at the game.
Up the hill we went to Hollingsworth Field, led by Ted Sharpe, a Gustie grad of ‘95 and brother of SJU DE Jimmie Sharpe. Ted took us up Grace Street. I thought that most appropriately named for a good Lutheran School. It made me wonder if there is a Predestination Avenue at Macalester or a Temperance Lane at Hamline. How about an Evangelism Boulevard at Bethel? As far as I know the folks at St. John’s are already striving to keep up —Purgatory Drive might work, but so would Novena Circle, Guilt Street or even Indulgences Way.
Gustavus’ field, named after a longtime coach, is simply a beauty to behold; it was wonderful seeing all those red shirts and hats in the stadium, too. The Johnnie fans do stand out, especially when we almost match the number of home field supporters. We sat with a bunch of players’ parents: the Sharpes; Tom Awe and his admin assistant Gail Minnick, down to see Tom’s son Harry; Clark Stanton, in town to watch his hard-hitting son John; the Kurt Weberfamily (whose last Johnnie son Adam is out for the year); Rosie Trobec Overman ‘77 of Albany, mom of Josh who had a career day until leaving with a bruised thigh; and Mrs. Dirkes of Avon, mother of OL Eric Dirkes. We also sat next to Joel Montpetit ‘65 and a bunch of the Patrick’s crowd. Joel is one of the benefactors of the newly expanded and improved press box and presidents’ suites up at Clemens Stadium.
At half time I briefly visited with Pete ‘65 and Judy Regnier, who I had seen a few days previously on their tandem bicycle passing my house; they were down with grandchildren who were frolicking about on the lovely grass verge surrounding the sucken playing field. I saw Huy Tran, Honorary Johnnie ‘88; Dale Lund; Chris Chapman ‘94 (neighbor of the Len ‘58 and Kay Mrachek, who I didn’t see); John Ditzler SJP ‘58/SJU ‘62; Pat Maxwell ‘66;Dana Buttenhoff (of JF.com fame); Jerry Fesenmaier SJP ‘54 (usually united at the hip with Prep classmate John Quinlivan, whom I didn’t see); Pat McDonnell ‘67 and wife Pam Johnson; Ron ‘57 and Barb Sandeen; and Mike Murphy ‘61 who was leaving — he said that he had work to do around the house and felt comfortable returning home after doing his part (we had a good lead at halftime), and that it was now up to me to finish up.
After the game we went onto the field with the parents and congratulated John Stanton and Harry Awe and commiserated with Ben Vanderheyden, who was on crutches after a late game bump on the knee. We said hello to Jim Platten SJP ‘70/SJU ‘74 wearing his traditional bermudas, but they were competely appropriate for that beautiful sunny and warm day; we’ll see how comfortable he is this Saturday with drizzles, clouds and 50ish temps expected. We saw Bob Neis ‘65 exiting, and Karl Hemmesch ‘99 with son Zander and his babysitter Ashley Sinner ‘10; Karl’s wife Sara ‘99 was with 8 month old Mason, who was attending his fourth Johnnie game, all victories — keep bringing Mason, folks. All in all, it was simply a terrific day. Beautiful weather, great stadium, wonderful Johnnies and Bennies/parents, et al, fine game result, and warm after-game catching up at Whiskey River.
* * * *
In preparation for Homecoming, I did a dry run this past Tuesday with two 1964 classmates, fellow English majors Mark Sieve and Mike Obler. Mike and I accompanied Mark back “home” to SJU while he dropped off some copies of his new book, “Call Me Puke: A Life on the Dirt Circuit,” with SJU Bookstore manager Ann Jonas so it would be available for the Homecoming crowd. This well-written, interesting and very amusing book tells how Mark, once offered a baseball contract with the Minnesota Twins, left St. John’s instead with a faulty pitching arm and a new career in high school teaching. Interested in acting and inspired from people and events at SJU, Mark slowly parlayed his way into a lifelong alter ego, Sir Ralph Puke, and who with UST grad Joe Kudla as Sir Thomas Snot, became the longest running comedy duo in the country (like 35 years!) playing at Renaissance festivals and comedy clubs since 1974 until Joe’s sudden death about a year ago. Mark’s book tells his story — between alternating chapters — of both his life and his work in Puke and Snot. Needless to say, St. John’s has a meaningful role in his remembrances. Later on down I’ve reprinted one such short chapter with Mark’s permission.
But first I have to relate what a super day the three of us experienced. We were met in the Great Hall by Thom Woodward ‘70, who led us via the main hallway of the Quadrangle where historical photos of old St. John’s line the walls down to the newly-revamped Refectory. (Or “Reef” if you prefer.) Going from station-to-station, we selected what foods sang to us, and then headed back to the old Prep Refectory, now named after Fr. Walter Reger. We sat and briefly visited with our classmate Joe Friedrich ‘64 who is retiring soon after a long career teaching at St. John’s. He mentioned that he and his wife will soon be leaving on a trip to New Zealand with an old friend Lee Hanley ‘58 and his friend Mary; he also said that he won’t be at Homecoming, so it was good that we got to see him there. After Joe left we began reminiscing with Thom about the famous food strike of, I think, 1963. The students, led by people like Mark Sieve, finally had had it with poorly cooked and presented food, as well as a very stingy and autocractic attitude on the part of the Food Service. The word went out and on the given day participants grabbed their food, walked over to the conveyor belt for dirty dishes, and dumped the contents of their plates onto their trays and walked out. Sure shook up people in the Abbey and especially the Food Service. Changes in both preparation, selection and attitude were evident almost immediately. But one of our ringleaders, Mark, ended up not participating because he was told by the basketball coach, Ed Hasbrouck, that the team — for whom Mark was manager — needed the protein and for him to see that they all ate. Ed Hasbrouck, known as Easy Ed, is the subject of the chapter that I’ve reprinted below.
We were joined at table by Professor Nick Hayes ‘68 and we enjoyed some memories about Prof Heininger, God bless his soul. Mike had just mentioned how young everyone looked, “like high schoolers,” when one Bennie sitting at an adjoining table looked over to him and said, “Are you Mr. Obler?” It turned out to be an former student of his at Hastings High School. I asked her if him was any good as a teacher. “Oh, yes. He was our favorite substitute and we loved it when he taught Mrs __?__’s class.” Before we left the dining hall we said hello to Dr. Sy Theisen, retired sociologist who was lunching with a former confrere.
Leaving via Devil’s Tower, we stepped into the brilliant sunshine and headed for the old gym, aka Rat Hall and nowGuild Hall. Next we walked over to 2nd Floor Tommy to see if Fr. Hilary Thimmesh, an old prefect of ours, was there. We met him in the hallway and had a quick visit. Next we visited the Art Building and Galleries, then headed for the Petters Pavillion and Abbey Church, the new Guest House, and the two Science buildings. From there we went over to Clemens Stadium where we ran into athletic director Tom Stock and his assistanct Joe Vardas who were sprucing up the Johnnie bench area for this Saturday’s game. We were admiring the new Press Box/VIP Suitesand Tom gave us his keys for a self-guided tour. Man, it’s really nice. Leaving them we headed for the Palestra where we checked out the track and basketball areas and dropped into the soccer training room where I was able to visit with Soccer Coach Pat Haws ‘72 who mentioned how well the guys were hanging in there. MIAC soccer is as competitive and closely tied up as football. I said hello to Michael Halvorson ‘01, then rejoined Mark and Mike as we watched the guys (and a gal or two) pumping iron or running in place in the weight room before heading up to Sexton Commonsto deliver the books. It just so happened that we were developing a thirst just at the time Br. Willie’s Pub opened early for a symposium in a series called “Politics and A Pint”; we enjoyed a mug while Economics professor and mentor to E-Scholars Paul Marsnik ‘81 and Asian Studies teacher Sophia Geng prepared to conduct a program (with free pizza as further enticement) entitled “The China Moment”, a discussion of the growing global influences of China and what it means for America. We sampled some pizza, sipped our brews and listened in. On the way out Mike met his nephew, Jamie Obler, a sturdy frosh lineman who says he really loves St. John’s so far. Mark also was in phone contact with his nephew, son of his brother Jon ‘69. As we approached our car to leave we encountered Fr. Jerome Tupa OSB, who was tending to the Abbey service dog, Ashley.
I am late with this issue again because of our Tuesday jaunt and then my attendance yesterday afternoon at a Health Care Town Meeting held at St. Catherine University, just a couple blocks away from my house. So I have to rush right now. BUT, I want to call everyone’s attention to three books and three authors, one of whom will be signing tomorrow at the Bookstore:
That person is Dr. Wayne Liebhard ‘79, who has written a must-read book on health care problems from his perspective as a primary care physician. Actually I bought it two years ago, but Wayne says he’s updated it and you can meet him tomorrow. The book is “Elephants in the Exam Room: Seven Things You Need To Know About Today’s Health Care “Crisis.” He takes no prisoners…we’re all part of the problem and Wayne is no shrinking violet.
The next book is “Waiting For Mozart” by Chuck Pilon SJP ‘53/SJU ‘58. He won’t be up there as far as I know but a copy or two of his book is available. It’s a fictional story about a titanic power struggle within a church between a pastor and some members of the parish council taking place 25 years afer Vatican II. I haven’t started it yet, but plan to so soon. For more info go to www.charlespilon.com.
Finally, there is Mark’s book “Call Me Puke” that you can pick up at the Bookstore or, well…here’s what Mark says:
Wickster, People can get the book by going to magaga.com or pukensnot.com, go to the store link, and order it—I send them out signed. (They can also order from a general site at callmepukebook.com, but it’s more expensive and I don’t sign them because they get mailed from the distributor.) Response to the book has been excellent—lots of rave emails, even the Amazon ‘customer reviews’ has a half dozen good ones—-I’ve sold nearly 2000 copies, largely at festivals, and have yet to hit the eastern market, which I’ll be doing in October with some media appearances in Washington and Baltimore.
All right, gotta go…C’MON JOHNNIES…Stop ‘em this time!
Bob Wicker SJP ‘60/SJU ‘64, St. Paul
theowick@aol.com; 651-699-4697
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As promised, here is the chapter from “Call Me Puke”:
Chapter 10 — DEEP THOUGHTS
“Stick with me, boys; I’ll have you farting through silk.” — Easy Ed
MINNESOTA HAS FIVE distinct seasons: spring, summer, fall, winter, and baseball. The latter begins anytime between early March and late April, depending on how soon the ground thaws and the snow melts. High school and college baseball teams get an early start on the season by working out indoors in a gymnasium. Rat Hall, the ancient but serviceable gym where St. John’s athletes played their basketball games, was the site of baseball tryouts as the ice on Lake Sagatagan melted and winter sloshed into spring.
I found myself one of dozens of freshman hopefuls working out on the polished hardwood of the basketball court in the spring of 1961. Ground balls hit by assistant coaches shot off the floor like ricocheting bullets; sliding practice was a manly exercise in avoiding floor burns; batting practice took place inside a netted enclosure.
I was encouraged by the number of upperclassmen who took the time to stop by the cage and watch me throw. One senior pitcher warned me that the coach would undoubtedly try to change my throwing motion. I was to listen respectfully and when he left immediately revert of my current windup. It was clear that the veterans had minimal respect for the abilities and baseball knowledge of our coach, Easy Ed.
Easy Ed was a former high school coach from central Minnesota whose main job was to coach basketball. The baseball job was an afterthought. In only one year, Ed had become something of a local Yogi Berra due to his habit of dishing out incomprehensible nuggets of life lessons and Yoda-like wisdom on road trips.
He sired ten children and complained that the Benedictines who ran St. John’s expected him to work for subsistence wages and donate the rest of his time to the church. He often shared his experience as a Catholic male, hoping to save us some of the difficulties he underwent: “Before you ask a woman to marry you, boys, always make sure her father has fixed her teeth and bought her a winter coat.”
In the middle of a losing streak my sophomore year, he delivered the single most memorable motivational speech on the steps of the dugout any of us would ever hear, just before we took the field to begin a doubleheader against our arch rivals, St. Thomas:
Okay, boys, this is how it works. At the end of the season, all anybody remembers is who ended up in first and who ended up in the cellar. Let’s get out there and find a way to get out of the cellar and end up in the forgotten middle. All I want to see is assholes and elbows leaving this dugout. Get out there and BE AVERAGE!
We lost both games.
Despite his obvious shortcomings, I quickly came to value Easy Ed’ ability to recognize talent and employ it properly. I made his final cut and became a starting pitcher as a freshman for the second time in my young life.
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UPCOMING GAMES
October 3, 2009 – all at 1 PM
- Bethel @ Saint John’s — Who wants it more? And who will make fewer mistakes?
- Gustavus @ St. Thomas — The Gusties are gonna be shell-shocked — one more time.
- Hamline @ Augsburg — Maybe, just maybe, the Pipers will finally win one.
- St. Olaf @ Carleton — Wish it wouldn’t be so, but it’s the Oles again.
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Did you hear about the Bethel alumna who once baked a chicken for three and a half days because the recipe said ‘cook for half an hour per pound’ and she weighed 125?
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Johnnies go 4-0 with win
By Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times
ST. PETER — Things didn’t start out so smoothly for Joe Boyle on Saturday afternoon.
But they got a lot better after that.
The junior quarterback’s first pass of St. John’s MIAC matchup against Gustavus was intercepted, setting the stage for an early Gusties’ field goal.
But, Boyle rebounded to lead the Johnnies to 24 unanswered first-half points en route to a 38-10 victory at a sunny Lloyd Hollingsworth Field. (Read more)
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Former backup Bonynge makes big impact for SJU
By Frank Rajkowski, St. Cloud Times
It was just a few weeks ago that Mike Bonynge was a backup wide receiver.
But Saturday afternoon, he was the starting cornerback for St. John’s in a 38-10 win over Gustavus.
Bonynge is a 5-foot-10, 180-pound transfer from Augustana. He is now considered a freshman eligibility-wise due to the MIAC’s revised policy on honoring redshirts earned at other schools. Bonynge started in place of senior Dominic Haik, who was taking the Law School Admission Test in St. Paul and did not get to St. Peter until the start of the second half.
He ended up tying for the team lead in tackles with seven and he had a big fumble recovery on a botched punt return in the first quarter that set up the Johnnies’ first touchdown of the day. (Read more)
* * * *
St. John’s 38, Gustavus 10
Scoring & Stats
[The St. Cloud Times]
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MIAC Football Week Two: Three at the Top
by Rich Mies SJP ‘76/UST ‘80, College Sporting News ‘Mapping the MIAC’ Columnist
After the second week of conference play, the chase for the Minnesota Intercollegiate Athletic Conference championship is shaping up to be a three-horse race. Saint John’s and Bethel both won, setting the stage for the annual showdown next Saturday. SJU downed Gustavus 38-10 while BU tripped Concordia 29-10. St. Thomas remained tied for the lead, flexing its offensive muscle with a 63-10 shellacking of Hamline. St. Olaf bounced back with a 24-14 win over Augsburg, while Carleton retained possession of the Book of Knowledge with a 38-0 whitewashing of Macalester in non-conference action. (Read more)
* * * *
The art supply store sold artists’ canvas by the yard, and you could get it in either of two widths: 36 inches or 48 inches.
Recently a Bethel art major came in and asked the clerk, “Can you please cut some canvas for me?”
“Certainly, what width?”
And the Royal lad replied, “Uhhhh … scissors?”
* * * *
A reminder from Thom Woodward ‘70, Alumni Relations Ambassador, for those who plan to get on campus a bit early for Homecoming:
Greetings from Collegeville! It will be great to have you at Saint John’s University for our Homecoming festivities. Just a reminder about an informative program on The Saint John’s Bible being offered Friday, 2 p.m. – 3:30. If you are on campus mid-afternoon, come join us in the Alcuin Library downstairs in Room AV2 (part-way through the session we will move to the Hill Museum and Monastic Library). I know you will marvel at the great work being done on The Bible project. See you tomorrow at Saint John’s!
* * * *
Two Bethel Royals grads are talking.
“I’m very upset. I bought some stock.”
“I understand. The market is doing very poorly.”
“That wasn’t it. I bought a hundred shares of Proctor & Gamble and a week later my broker called me to say that Proctor & Gamble had announced a split.”
“So why are you so upset?”
“They were together so long …”
* * * *
SJU to honor Catholic Charities’ interim chief
St. John’s University has picked Robert Spinner ‘64 to receive the Father Walter Reger Distinguished Alumnus Award this year.
Spinner, who has spent his career in the health care industry, will be recognized during the SJU Alumni Association homecoming banquet Friday at the school. The award is the highest presented by the association. It recognizes outstanding volunteer service.
Spinner, a 1964 graduate, is the 41st recipient. He spent 33 years with Allina Hospitals & Clinics and its predecessor organizations, serving as president and CEO of Abbott Northwestern Hospital for 10 years. He retired in 2001 as president of Allina Hospitals & Clinics. Spinner is now interim CEO of Catholic Charities for the Archdiocese of St. Paul and Minneapolis.
St. John’s will also present nine Alumni Achievement Awards at reunion celebrations Saturday.
Recipients are: Ralph Kilzer ‘57, a member of the North Dakota Legislature; Don Hall ‘59, stockbroker and volunteer; Ken Roering ‘64, professor and University of Minnesota department chair; the Rev. Bob Flannery ‘69, priest and ecumenist; John Hooley ‘74, business executive; Tom Schnettler ‘79, business executive; John Wiehoff ‘84, business executive; the late Jim Goodman ‘84, community leader; and Kyle Loven ‘89 FBI agent.
(Source: St. Cloud Times staff report )
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Here’s a brief note from Bob Spinner in the Voice, the newsletter of Catholic Charities of St. Paul & Minneapolis:
From the Interim CEO
Since 2005, Fr. John Estrem served as CEO, and the agency and community benefitted from his strong leadership. As you may know, Fr. Estrem resigned effective June 30. When Archbishop John Nienstedt asked me to serve as interim CEO, I didn’t hesitate.
Catholic Charities’ work and its staff’s and supporters’ dedication impressed me before and during my seven-year tenure — including two as chair — on the Board of Directors. I’m a retired hospital executive and have bachelor’s degrees in accounting and economics from St. John’s University and a master’s degree in healthcare administrationfromthe University of Minnesota.
Many Catholic Charities agencies are led by a lay CEO who handles day-to-day operations. With the archbishop’s approval, the board will recommend a lay person as its new CEO. The archbishop will decide what role a priest will have at Catholic Charities.
Our focus remians on serving those most in need, on ensuring those who cry out the leat and suffer the most have a voice and have their basic needs met. At St. John’s, I was schooled in the Benedictine tradition. One of St. Benedict’s more well-known prayers simply says: “Listen carefully and attend with the ear of your heart.”
For those who work with, graciously support and speak on behalf of those most in need, that prayer contains wisdom and direction. If we hear them, we will further resolve to end poverty and bring justice to our community.
(Editor’s Observation: You can take the man out of St. John’s, but you can’t take St. John’s out of the man!)
* * * *
An Important Notice —
From Eric Brever ‘91, St. Paul —
Bob – Just a FYI from your friendly Gameday Management Crew. If you could pass it along I would be eternally grateful. This is serious, too—unfortunately, no joke attached.
As we recall, SJU is not a dry campus. However, given that this lawyer actually reads the rules, the only alcohol permitted is in controlled situations and distributed by Dining Services. So when we tailgate on campus, alcohol is technically not permitted. In order to keep tailgating on campus, we have to keep alcohol beverages out of sight. That means cans/bottles have to be hidden…and we’ll have to get rid of the kegs.
Life Safety is concerned about the use of the red-plastic cups as their use has become synonymous with Beer Pong and Frat Parties. Therefore, they have requested that tailgaters no longer use red cups as the container of their alcohol.
We suggest that tailgaters use Coffee Mugs, Starbucks cups, et al, so as not to be overly uniform and to better hide their liquid of choice. They do a nice job of keeping hot drinks hot and cold drinks cold.
So please use coffee mugs and travel containers when imbibing this weekend so as to keep the good vibe going! As always, Go Johnnies! – EB
(Editor’s Comment: My first reaction to this request was one of bewilderment (what happened last game to cause this nit-picking?), exasperation (we’re already doing everything they’ve asked), and then anger (what kind of b.s. is this?). I ranted in response; then I spoke with Eric last evening and exchanged a couple short emails with Troy Fritz‘82, Alumni Affairs Director (his approximate title); next I slept on it. And now I’m more sanguine if not entirely pleased with all this fuss.
Basically, there are persons in the administration who detest the fact that our modest, fairly subdued beer drinking is part of tailgating at all; others in the administration — most likely Johnnie alums — are trying to accommodate loyal alumni/ae, family, friends and student parents who do tailgate because they understand it’s all about unique Johnnie camaraderie and not about beer bust type drinking. This brouhaha is about the “rule book” types being in the face of the “gray area” types in policy and procedures discussions, and red cups seem to be a symbol more than an actual problem.
Apparently the parent of a prospective student mentioned to Admissions that they thought there was a frat party going on as they walked by the Stiftungsfestivities; that person cited the red cups as the reason. Heck, it might not even have been a critical comment, but simply a bemused observation, yet it was enough for those whose knowledge of our already surreptitious and modest imbibing is a continual irritant to say, “See, it’s causing more problems,” despite the fact that most tailgaters are over 30 — in my case well over — and steady financial supporters of St. John’s.
However, in order to quell further dissent and to prevent even more drastic reactions, those more comfortable and understanding of the gray areas are asking us — pretty please, if you will — to start using other color and type containers when enjoying our fellowship and hospitality. They know that most people at the tailgate are dressed head to toe in red…and the red cup is simply part of our celebration of Johnnie and Bennie-ness, but rather than risk alienating the “by the rules” folks any further, they are passing along the request. And therefore so do I — If you want to assist a good Johnnie volunteer alum leader like Eric Brever help preserve the overall good and fun of the tailgate, try bringing up a plastic mug or Caribou coffee cup to get the Administration brownshirts off his back. I know, I know…it’s chicken, but go along with it.)
* * * *
A giraffe walks into the La Playette. Mark, the owner, says, “We don’t serve customers who are already high.”
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From John Wolkerstorfer ‘64, Coon Rapids, MN —
Bob, I changed e-mail providers and have sadly missed your “unofficial news.” Would appreciate being readmitted. Also, looking forward to our 45th anniversary year celebration this coming weekend. — John
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From Gary Kordosky ‘64, Tucson, AZ —
Wick: Great Underground. See you next week; by the way, what is the normal dress for the Friday Alum dinner? I assume dress for the Saturday event after the game is casual, am I correct? — gary
(Editor’s Note: Dress for the Friday evening Alumni Dinner is definitely grown up, i.e., coats & ties. Saturday evening (and brunch in the a.m.), both in the Alumni Lounge, is neatly casual. And be sure to read our Last Word story sent in by Gary way at the bottom.)
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From Sister Lois Wedl OSB ‘53, St. Benedict’s Monastery —
Exploritas is the new name for the programs of Elderhostel, Inc…. Today, Elderhostel has evolved as an organization, and so have our programs. www.exploritas.org/about/history.asp
Hence the name: (Explore and veritas) Explore the truth in many ways. The program is no longer limited to “elders” nor is it held in “hostels”.
(Sr. Lois added the following after I wondered if this wasn’t “mission creep.”)
Bob, I think EXPLORITAS is a better choice because many adults do not believe the program is for them because they don’t consider themselves “elderly” and they really are not. Although we still house our guests in the residence halls which do resemble “hostels” in some ways, many programs are held in beautiful conference centers or in motels. As far as I am concerned, “EXPLORITAS” is a better name choice. Without a doubt, it will take some of old-timers a bit of time to get used to the new name. (I have directed the Elderhostel program for 20 years!) — Lois
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Dedicated to the School of Theology —
The devout Bethel alum lost his favorite Bible while he was mending fences out on his South Dakota ranch. Three weeks later a cow walked up carrying the Bible in it’s mouth.
The Royal cowboy couldn’t believe his eyes. He took the Book out of the cow’s mouth, raised his eyes heavenward and exclaimed, “It’s a miracle!”
“Not really,” said the cow. “Your name was written inside the cover.”
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From Bill Draves ‘64, Good Beer, AZ —
Bob. So, I dreamed last night that I was at the reunion. The only classmates I recognized were Fr. Joe, Pinger and you! The rest I had to introduce myself to and they to me. But it was fun and sunny!! Enjoy the whole weekend.
With all due respect to your email and all the years you have used that media, the Johnny Football site is so much better. The good part is that it is still your interesting wit and sense of humor that shines through! — Bill
(Editor’s Note: We owe it all to JF.com webmaster Joel Schou (as in Skow) ‘03; also Bill refers to Fr. Joe Gillespie ‘64, his roomie for a year, and John McCormick SJP ‘60/SJU ‘64. The use of nicknames would make for some fascinating reading…just ask Whee-Oop and Pinger.)
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From Bernie Tuohy ‘72, Sunfish Lake, MN —
Wick, If you still sent your email, announcing a new version is out, you could simply include a link and we would all be taken to the colorful website.
I know that your letters do not need frivolous embellishment like color, but it does help out the guys doing JohnnieFootball.com. — Bernie
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From Bill Carney ‘66, Ft. Lauderdale, FL —
Bob, You are progressing into the 21st Century now that your newsletter is on the World Wide Web. Now if you can add video and pictures to it you will be well ensconced into the present. Here are two you can start with — Bill
(And Bill also sent this little story of Dr. Epstein)
Dr. Epstein was a renowned physician who earned his undergraduate, graduate and medical degrees in his home town and then left for New York City, where he quickly rose to the top of his field.
Soon he was invited to deliver a significant paper at a conference coincidentally held in his home town. He walked on stage and placed his papers on the lectern, but they slid off onto the floor. As he bent over to retrieve them, at precisely the wrong instant, he inadvertently broke wind. The microphone amplified his mistake resoundingly through the room and reverberated it down the hall!
He was quite embarrassed but somehow regained his composure just enough to deliver his paper. He ignored the resounding applause and raced out the stage door, never to be seen in his home town again.
Decades later, when his elderly mother was ill, he returned to visit her. He reserved a hotel room under the name of Levy and arrived under cover of darkness.
The desk clerk asked him, “Is this your first visit to our city, Mr. Levy?” Dr. Epstein replied, “Well, young man, no, it isn’t. I grew up here and received my education here, but then I moved away.”
“Why haven’t you visited?” asked the desk clerk.
“Actually, I did visit once, many years ago, but an embarrassing thing happened and since then I’ve been too ashamed to return.”
The clerk consoled him. “Sir, while I don’t have your life experience, one thing I have learned is that often what seems embarrassing to me isn’t even remembered by others. I bet that’s true of your incident too.”
Dr. Epstein replied, “Son, I doubt that’s the case with my incident.”
“Was it a long time ago?”
“Yes, many years.”
The clerk asked, “Was it before or after the Epstein Fart?”
* * * *
Nutrition Bites
By Lindsay (Novak) Good, RD, LD ‘06
Artificial Sweeteners: A Good Alternative?
The typical American diet has more added sugar than ever before. In excess, sugar adds extra empty calories which can lead to weight gain. Artificial sweeteners can be a great substitute for sugar to sweeten your food or drink without contributing calories.
What are Artificial Sweeteners?
Artificial sweeteners are chemicals or natural compounds that offer the sweetness of sugar without the calories. Because the substitutes can be more than 1,000 times sweeter than sugar, it takes a much smaller amount to create the same sweetness.Are they safe?
There have been many stories about artificial sweeteners claiming they cause a variety of health problems such as cancer. According to the National Cancer Institute, however, there is no scientific evidence that any of the artificial sweeteners approved for use in the United States cause cancer.Natural sweeteners from the stevia plant, such as Truvia™, are excellent zero calorie sweeteners. Truvia™ is not as intensely sweet as artificial sweeteners and also does not have a bitter aftertaste like other sweeteners can. (Truvia™ is my favorite!)
Make sure to use artificial sweeteners sensibly. Keep in mind that one teaspoon of sugar is only 15 calories; you can decide whether it is worth it, or not.
Sweet Potato Pie with Truvia™ from www.truvia.com Ingredients: • Pastry for single-crust 9-inch pie • 3 medium sweet potatoes • 1/4 cup unsalted butter • 16 packets Truvia™ natural sweetener • 3/4 cup skim milk • 3 eggs, large • 2 tsp vanilla extract • 1/4 tsp salt • 1/2 tsp cinnamon, ground • 1/2 tsp nutmeg, ground • 1/8 tsp allspice, ground • Light whipped topping, optional 1. Assemble all ingredients; preheat oven to 400°F. 2. Wash exterior of each potato, prick several times with a fork and bake until tender 60-75 minutes. Cool potatoes to room temperature. 3. Scoop interior flesh of baked potatoes into a medium bowl (no skin). Mash potatoes until smooth. 4. Melt butter and add to sweet potatoes. 5. In a separate small bowl, whisk together Truvia™ natural sweetener, eggs, vanilla, salt and spices. 6. Add spice-egg mixture to potatoes. Mix until well combined smooth mixture. 7. Carefully transfer pie to oven and bake on bottom rack until filling is just set approx 35-45 min. Transfer to a wire rack to cool. Optional: Garnish with light whipped topping Nutrition Facts per serving Calories 260 Total Fat, 15g Saturated Fat, 7g Trans Fat, 0g Cholesterol, 135mg Sodium, 300mg Total Carbohydrate, 32g Dietary Fiber, 2g Sugars, 5g Protein, 5g Vitamin A, 220% DV Vitamin C, 15% DV Calcium, 6% DV Iron, 6% DV
(Editor’s Note: Lindsay, a registered and licensed dietician, invites readers to suggest topics on nutrition and overall wellness that you would like her to write on. You can reach her at lindsay.ann.good@gmail.com)
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The Catholic Spirit, newspaper of the Archdiocese of St. Paul & Minneapolis, annually selects winners of its “Leading by Faith” Award, honoring business people guided by their Catholic Values. Selected this year in its non-profit sector is Joe Cavanaugh ‘81.
Leading is about inspiring, says Youth Frontiers CEO
The older Joe Cavanaugh gets, the more he realizes leadership is about modeling — rather than just guiding — behavior, said the CEO of Youth Frontiers in Minneapolis.
“Leading is more about inspiring,” Cavanaugh said. Leading is having the vision, rather than the plan, he said, “like running ahead and going, ‘C’mon, everyone.’”
Youth Frontiers provides day-long community-building retreats for students from a single grade level and school staff. “The idea was to bring these kids together,” he said.
“One of my foundational principles is [that] we have more things that bring us together than separate us,” he added, and this is the message he takes into classrooms. (Read more)
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“Daddy took me to the zoo today.”
“How was it?”
“It was great! One of the animals came in and paid $90.40 on the two dollar exacta!”
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From Mike Sharkey ‘64, North Platte, NE —
Hi Bob, It’s official. I won’t be attending our homecoming this weekend. Bad news about that, but we did have our time together in July. Stay sober and give my best to everyone.
I had a very enjoyable dinner with John Vanderhoof [‘64] in Kansas City last week. He looks good and is enjoying semi-retirement from his health insurance business. — Mike
P.S. Glad you enjoyed your fishing trip with brother-in-law Mike [Scherer ‘67].
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From Dave Steil ‘64, Yardley, PA —
Sorry to hear about Mary Ann Baenninger [President of St. Ben’s who announced she will be moving back East after this school year]. She moved from here in Bucks County to St. Benedicts. Although I did not know her then, she lived about 8-10 miles from my home. If you have any information on where she is moving to, perhaps some of us could offer assistance.
My daughter and grandchildren, who live in Richmond, VA, just returned from visiting family in Cold Spring. She brought back some Olde Johnnie Ale. It was everthing one could ask for in a hearty beverage. I will have to trade in my inventory of Yuengling and Rolling Rock. — Dave
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From John Uldrich ‘60, Minneapolis —
Roberto: road to the anointed bar [in St. Peter prior to Gustie game] looked too dismal – Hope you and your group got there. I have brats [Johnnie Brats for the 2nd Annual Red Mass at St. Cecilia’s after the Augsburg game November 7] to transfer to you.
Let me know if we can cuppa over the exchange at your place or some place in Highland. I’m just across the river. — J.
(Editor’s Grateful Reply: Call or email early next week…coffee’s on me.)
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The “Why We’ll Never Win” Department (Part 1) —
(Contributed by the UUN’s official humorologist, C.J. Ross ‘64, San Diego) —
What a woman says…
This place is a mess! C’mon!
You and I need to clean up!
Your stuff is lying on the floor and
You’ll have no clothes to wear if we
don’t do laundry right now!What a man hears…
blah blah blah blah blah C’MON!
YOU AND I blah blah blah blah!
blah blah blah blah ON THE FLOOR blah
blah blah NO CLOTHES blah blah blah blah
blah blah blah RIGHT NOW!
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From Paul Hamann ‘63, Edina, MN (until it snows, then he’s outta here) —
Hi Bob, Always enjoy the newsletter. Prefer to get it via e-mail.
SJU is number 4 in the Massey ratings going into the Gustavus game.
http://www.masseyratings.com/rate.php?lg=cf — Paul
(Editor’s Note: I thank Paul for sending this in but I don’t get it…#6 in the D3 Football.com “Top 25” I get.)
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From Jim Kearney ‘64, Milwaukee —
Robert — So, yesterday I’m driving down (up?) Wisconsin Avenue in Milwaukee and I notice this license plate in front of me that says GO JONEZ. My first thought is that the guy is a Jones who put his bid for a vanity plate in late. Then I notice that the license plate holder is St. Johns University. Aha! I think. I know what this guy’s about. So, we get stopped at a light and I exit the car and walk up to his. He’s clearly not too sure about this–some grizzled SOB approaching him in this manner–as he rolls the window down about four inches. On second thought, he may have been talking to some guys from the class of ‘64 and was on the lookout. Anyway, I said, “What year did you graduate?” He had to think a minute–clearly taken aback–then he says, “2001.” I said, “’64.” At that point his face lights up and he extends his hand through the partially open window. So, a St. John’s moment on a busy Milwaukee street.
So, this old lady walks into a crowded commons room of a nursing home and loudly announces — “If any man in here can tell me what I have in my hand, I’ll have sex with him tonight!” Some guy in the back yells, “An elephant?” She thinks for a second, then says, “Close enough!”
Thanks very much for doing this again. I know it’s a lot of work but you bring joy to a great many people, myself included. — Jim
(Editor’s Note: Are there any readers of the ‘01 vintage could can help identify Jim’s mystery Johnnie driver?)
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From Mark Selner SJP ‘68, Shoreview, responding about the mention of Guinness’ 250th Anniversary brew —
Bob – we’re tasting the Guinness 250 now at Surdyk’s. Selling it for only 6.29 a 6pk!! Just the ticket for cooler weather!! — Beer king!
* * * *
The “Why We’ll Never Win” Department (Part 2) —
(Also contributed by C.J. Ross) —
This sex researcher phones one of the participants in a recent survey of his to check on a discrepancy. He asks the man, “In response to the question on frequency of intercourse you answered ‘twice weekly’. Your wife, on the other hand, answered ’several times a night’.”
“That’s right,” replies the fella, “And that’s how it’s going to stay until our second mortgage is paid off.”
* * * *
From Barry Betlock ‘64, Ojai, CA (for the time being) —
Hey Wick, That the Scandahoovians are fodder for the Underground is understandable. Picking on the poor, downtrodden and yet sensitive, egalitarian Bohunks may border on crossing the line that harmonizes with your unrelenting high journalistic sensitivity and refined taste. Take care, Barry… NSOTW
(And in further response to my query of where he now resides and if he was coming to Homecoming, Barry wrote:)
Wick, I’m still In Paradise West and now wondering where and when I’ll land. For some convoluted circumstances related to this “recession” we’re still in Ojai and am trying to finish some business and then (2010) move to ? (not Maine). I had such a great time at the last reunion it’s hard to say I can’t make this one. There are so many people I wanted to see but it’s not possible. Say hi to all from me and thanks for all your work on behalf of our class. It really is a very special group. Enjoy, Barry…VD Ball?
(Editor’s Non-Explanation: NSOTW and VD Ball are embarrassing elements of a Johnnie youth that I don’t care to go into right now, but Wally Blaylock SJP ‘62/SJU ‘66 claimed a few weeks ago at his brother Mike’s [SJP ‘61] funeral that he was present at my utterance of the former.)
* * * *
A portion of a note from Bob Faust ‘64, Woodbury, MN…who knows plenty about the VD Ball) —
I am still up in the air [about Homecoming], but my ongoing recovery from the heart attack and the leg bypass surgery (especially overcoming the supposedly unrecoverable ‘congestive heart failure’ has still been a main focus. My wife and I worked at the Minnesota State Fair 12 consecutive days and that was a breakout of sorts for me as I came close to living and feeling “normal”. Mostly the issue is what Ed Sthokal [the Rev. Edward Sthokal SJ of the Jesuit Retreat House] might call “being physically disposed”. If I go it will have to be a brief stay and will be contingent upon having decent control of the leg neuropathy enough to drive the car up and back and to get around during the festivities. After missing umpteen homecomings due to my Navy reserve commitments I had hoped to max out the remaining events.
All of your wonderful work coordinating these things is a great gift to the Class of 1964 and to SJU in general. I know the joy of the journey is a great reward, but I hope your reward for all of this will go beyond that. What a labor of love. — Bob
(Editor’s Response: Well, thanks, Bob…but sometimes it’s just a labor of like.)
* * * *
Quote of the Day —
I realized I was dyslexic when nobody else went to the toga party dressed as a goat.
— Marcus Brigstocke
* * * *
From Mike Murphy ‘72, Villa Park, IL —
Hey Bob: Saw the Underground on johnniefootball.com and realized I haven’t been getting e-mail versions. Would you mind checking to see if I’m still on your list?
Also, saw a mention of Bro. Willie. When he died I wrote something on my blog. Thought you’d like to see it.
http://mike-ascend.blogspot.com/2009/04/memories-of-willie.htmlThanks. Go Johnnies. — Mike
(Editor’s Comment: Mike’s blog piece on Br. Willie is certainly worth reading; I’ve printed it out below. Mike and his wife Anita live in Illinois where he is a pastor at Christ Church in Oak Brook, IL.)
Wednesday, April 15, 2009
Memories of Willie
Bro. Willie died.
Willie was a Benedictine monk at St. John’s Abbey and University where I did my undergraduate work. I knew him when he was in his 60’s. He died in his 90’s. He was a simple man. He worked first in the monastic dairy and later become a legendary night watchman, patrolling our campus. He was known as the Night Abbot and often said that his job was “to make sure the night started on time and ended at the right time, because if someone doesn’t watch it, how will everyone know when it’s done?” So popular was Willie that when a new college commons was opened the community named the campus watering hole after him. Who knows how many pints have been lifted, in his honor, at Bro. Willie’s Pub?
His death reminded me of the ‘unforced rhythms of grace’ I saw lived out before me during my college years. Matthew 11:28-30 quotes Jesus.
“Are you tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Come to me. Get away with me and you’ll recover your life. I’ll show you how to take a real rest. Walk with me and work with me-watch how I do it. Learn the unforced rhythms of grace. I won’t lay anything heavy or ill-fitting on you. Keep company with me and you’ll learn to live freely and lightly.” The Message.
Benedictine monks live life together under the Rule of St. Benedict. The Rule helps them establish a rhythm to their life that can be summed up very simply …Worship and Work. Early in the morning the monks would gather for prayer, again at noon time, and finally in the evening. They’d come before God … to seek His face … to give praise … to intercess for others. And then they would continue their worship as they moved into their work and their play. For some their work took them to the kitchen or the carpentry shop. For others the lab or the classroom. For Brother Willie, it was in the dark of night, shuffling through the hallways of the campus.
For the monks, all of life was a prayer. It was an easy rhythm. No false dichotomies between what was sacred and what was secular.
Looking back, there was a peacefulness about that unforced rhythm. The monks were alive, very present and filled with joy. There was much laughter, a sense of wisdom, a connectedness to the past and an anticipation for what the future might hold.
Was it a perfect place? No. What place is? But the rhythm of their life together became a habit that nurtured the good things God offered.
All too often I live life at a frenetic pace. I rush here and I rush there. I’m sometimes persuaded that some things I do are sacred and others not. I forget that simple pleasures are gifts from the Lord. I don’t see God in the ordinary places of life.
Brother Willie was a good man. I was saddened to read of his death but warmed by his memory. And God used his life once again to remind me that there is a better way to live …leaning into the unforced rhythms of grace, keeping company with Jesus who wants to teach me how to live freely and lightly. That’s good news.
* * * *
(Editor’s Prologue: What follows is a wonderful article that appeared in last Sunday’s St. Paul Pioneer Press about two recent SJU 2008 grads’ fledgling entrepreneurial pursuits.)
Jon Goodman and Kellen Groves have a sneaking suspicion these kits will make money
* * * *
Local (meaning the Cities) Cultural Opportunities —
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The Saint John’s Men’s Chorus will perform at the Minnesota Collegiate Choral Festival on Saturday, November 14, 7:00 p.m. at Benson Great Hall, Bethel University, Arden Hills, MN. The choir will sing individually and also in a massed choir under the direction of Craig Jessop. The combined choirs will premiere a commissioned choral work that was composed specifically for this Festival by Minnesota native Eric William Barnum. The new composition will be featured as the grand finale of the Festival Concert.
Other choirs participating in the Festival include: MSU-Mankato Concert Choir; Northwestern (MN) Concert Choir; University Singers – UMD; and UST Chamber Singers
All seats are reserved and will go on sale at the Benson Great Hall Box Office on September 8, 2009. Tickets are priced at $25 each. To purchase tickets, please visit the Benson Great Hall Box Office online or call: 651.638.6333 or 866.424.4849
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SJU Theology Day at the Basilica of St. Mary, Minneapolis, Tuesday, October 20, 6-9 p.m. SJU’s Daniel Finn PhD will present “The Economic Crisis and Catholic Social Thought.” No fee though free-will donations gratefully accepted. A light meal will be served, so please register by calling 612-317-3414.
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(OK, not necessarily “cultural”) Join fellow Bennies and Johnnies for a job search networking social at SALO (20 South 13th Street, Suite 200, Minneapolis) on Tuesday, October 20 from 4-7 p.m. There is no fee for this event, but space is limited to 50 participants. Registration ends October 10. Click here to register on-line.
* * * *
The Last Word —
(submitted by Gary Kordosky ‘64)
A group of Bethel Alumni get together on a regular basis, socialize, and play games. The lady of the house prepares the meal. When it came time for Al and Janet to be the hosts, Janet wanted to outdo all the others, just as she always tried to do in college; so she was looking for just the perfect meal. Al suggested they have mushroom-smothered steak. But mushrooms are expensive. She told her husband, “No mushrooms. They cost too much.”
He said, “Why don’t you go down in the pasture and pick some of those mushrooms? There are plenty.”
She said, “No, some wild mushrooms are poison; you can’t ever be sure.”
He said, “Well, I see animals eating them and they’re OK.”
So Janet decided to give it a try. She picked a bunch, washed, sliced, diced them for her smothered steak. Then she went out on the back porch and gave their dog Ol’ Spot a double handful. Ol’ Spot ate every bite. All morning long, Janet watched Ol’ Spot and the wild mushrooms didn’t seem to affect him, so she decided to use them. The Royals Alum meal was a great success, and Janet even hired a lady from town to help her serve.
After everyone had finished, they relaxed, socialized, and played 42 and dominoes. About then, the helper lady from town came in and whispered in Janet’s ear. “Mrs. Williams, Ol’ Spot just died.” Janet went into hysterics. After she finally calmed down, she called the doctor and told him what had happened.
The doctor said, “That’s bad, but I think we can take care of it. I will call for an ambulance and I will be there as quick as possible. We’ll give everyone enemas and we will pump out everyone’s stomach. Everything will be fine. Just keep them calm.”
Soon they could hear the siren as the ambulance was coming down the road. The EMTs and the doctor had their suitcases, syringes, and a stomach pump. One by one, they took each person in to the bathroom, gave them an enema, and pumped out their stomach. After the last one was finished, the doctor came out and said, “I think everything will be fine now,” and he left.
They were all looking pretty weak sitting around the living room and about this time the helper lady came in and said, “You know, that fellow that ran over Ol’Spot never even stopped !”
* * * *
That’s it…GO JOHNNIES! Flush the mushrooms out of the Royals big time.