Solutions

C r a f t o n R e u n i o n

Crafton Community Projects

We'd like to ask EVERYONE for ideas for projects we might tackle. We've had many Coug's volunteer financial resources. With three Projects done in 2005, our Emperor (Lanny Hill, '65) and Friendly Moderator (Bill Cain, '65) are now looking for new tasks. Princess Adele Johler, '66, is holding the checkbook at the ready.

For those wishing to enhance that checkbook, checks or money orders should be made out to "Crafton Community Projects" and sent to Adele at:

3782 Evan Samuel Drive

Jacksonville, FL 32210

And don't forget, if there are problems in our extended Community that we can help solve... you need to speak up. Otherwise, we'll never know...

You can help make the world a little better for someone, if you just speak up. Either send an email to the eGroup or Your Friendly Moderator.

As Louie Adamchevitz (the philosophical Slav garbageman from Cordic & Company) once said,

"If you're not part of a solution, you're a problem."

(Note: The eGroup link will only work if you are subscribed to the eGroup)

The "leader" of our band (the Emperor) got in town (along with my motorcycle) on Sunday, June 25 and suggested I meet him on Cornell in Thornburg Monday morning and we would check out the projects on the bikes :):):)

Well, Monday morning was raining a little bit but we still took off on the bikes to our first stop at Chuck Glassmire's at 81 Linshaw across the street from the shopping center.

     Looking at the back steps, Lanny realized that they would only need new treads and railings to make them safer and sturdier. So with the faithful secretary taking notes, Lanny estimated what would be needed and an approximate cost to come from our Project fund (which has been generously supplied by alumni).

     From Linshaw we proceeded to #2 Lawson Avenue. Walking around and talking to Nancy Kazimer, we realized there was more here than this small band could accomplish in the time allotted. But, we would do what we could, safety issues coming first. Also met two of Nancy's daughters and her one grandson – cute as a button – but then a LOT of babies are cute :):):) Nancy said she was going on a day trip the following day when we planned on starting the work but she would leave a key with Mary. She and her daughters were walking to Mary's to show off the grandchild and, considering the adventures the next day, it's a good thing I paid attention to the direction – but more on that later.

     After Lanny telling me what was needed and an approximate cost, we left Lawson Avenue and the Emperor was teaching me how to make a turn around on a hill without losing the bike. FINALLY met up with our Friendly Moderator who was conveniently Lost in the Ozone again :):):) After meeting up with Bill, we set off just riding (even in the little rain that we were having). AND the two of them MADE me go up Mt. Washington!!!!!! I'm used to riding on FLAT land in Florida but they would have none of that – got to go up Shaler and, after stopping to take some fabulous pictures of the stadium and the Point (and quenching our thirst), rode back down Wells onto Shaler and back to Crafton!!!

     Interesting experience.

     Next morning (Tuesday), bright and early, we met again at Cornell – and our Moderator was there this time. We proceeded to Busy Beaver in Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center with Lanny thinking it would be easier to buy the materials there than going all the way to Home Depot or Lowe's out in Robinson. Easier, yes – not sure if it was budget wise :(:(:( Anyway, got the wood and paint for the stairs and set off for Linshaw Avenue again. Chuck was home this time preparing materials for his class later in the week and the Band set to work. I was more of the "go-fer" and Lanny and Bill were the "contractors." They made it look easy – although I know it wasn't. Replaced the back steps and railing and after stepping on the back porch, Lanny realized that some strengthening was needed for the cellar door. So that was a little extra that was done to firm up the floor so no one would go through the wood.

     After all the work was done, Bill and I started to paint the steps and the railings. But eventually, Lanny took over because he said we weren't doing a good job!!!!! Perfectionists !!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!! Then we figured it would be better to start on the Lawson Avenue house in the morning although we did go and make a reconnaissance again to make sure we had a key and what other supplies we might need. None of us were sure where "Mary" was, so Bill knocked on the door next door. Turns out there was a crotchety old man there – had NO idea who Mary was or where she was etc etc etc. Well, we finally figured out "Mary" was Mary Flynn – like I said it was a good thing I paid attention to where Nancy and her daughters were walking – and I directed Bill to a house across the alley and, SURPRISE, there was Mary :):):)

     Early the next morning, Lanny and I met with Bill at the house to drop off the trailer with the pressure washer. Then we went to Lowe's to get the materials for the Lawson Avenue home to start on it. We got wood for the steps, risers to make the steps, concrete to repair the sidewalk for surer footing and paint. Getting to the house, Bill had been pressure washing and "entertaining" Scott Green and Scott had a "tour" of his old house. And was upset because of the neglect and such from when he lived there when he was 5 years old until he was 20. He regaled us with stories (actually me) as we sat and watched Bill and Lanny get the steps together to provide easier and safer access for Nancy to the front door. Then, Scott was gracious enough to take me to Busy Beaver to fetch another piece of board to finish the steps. Of course, that was after Mr. Green was the first down the new steps (with a little help from Lanny) and proclaimed them "safe and sturdy."

     After Scott left (and he was also gracious enough to supply us with refreshments) it was time to paint the steps. Bill had already pressure washed the porch and some of the roof of the porch (after going next door and asking if we could use the outside faucet – and were again told NO. Turns out the next door neighbor even called the police on us and Freddy Amendola came out and since Bill knew him – we got off easy). We actually had to run the hose from Mary's house across the alley so Bill could run the pressure washer. We hit the steps with the battleship gray paint, left a "stripe" up the middle and Lanny tackled the porch and then finished up the steps so that everything was nice and tidy for Nancy. Then we had to block off the steps so they could dry!!!!

     Next morning, we got back to Lawson, and with Lanny trying to back up the truck and trailer into the alley – we kind of blocked a police car!!!!! Figured they would give us a hassle but they didn't. Started the walkway and realized that I would have to go for more cement. Went to Busy Beaver, got more cement and ALMOST got the stock boy to come back and help us – but he chickened out – Oh
Well!!!!!!!!!!!!!

     Finished the walkway, wrote our names (Crafton Alumni – 2006) in the cement and headed back to Cornell to kind of clean up and go to the Pub Club.

     All in all it was a busy 2½ days – building two sets of steps, painting and repairing a walkway for safety reasons. Unfortunately, we did not get Boy Scout help in trimming back the yard on Lawson – scheduling conflict – the Boy Scouts were at camp – next year, guys??? Our Friendly Moderator has all the pictures to post and hopefully he will do that soon.

     We were not quite so lucky this year in the costs – we had $600 in our Community Projects account to start and spent about $430 which leaves us with a [current] balance of $170. Hopefully, we can get some more monetary donations this year to build our account back up for the projects we will tackle next year. We would also REALLY appreciate some other "sweat equity" contributions next year – then we might be able to do a few more projects and not feel so pressed for time.

     How about it, Alumni – do we have any monetary contributions out there?? You can send them to me at 2081 Chaffee Road South, Lot #159, Jacksonville, FL 32221. And, if anyone wants to do some hard work, you can let us know and we will be sure to contact you in plenty of time before next June :):):)

Love to all,

Adele Johler Roupp – 1966
Jacksonville, FL

Donating Angels

(Contributions noted in the order received)

Sally Hindes Webber, '57

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Hub Kirkpatrick, '59
Tarpon Springs, Fl.

Eileen McKeever D'Elia, '66

Gig Harbor, Wa.

Anonymous

Marion, '66, and Alan Lear, '65

Connie Marshall Van Asdale, '64

Dick Berkhouse, '54

Whitehouse, Tx.

William Mellett, Faculty

Pittsburgh, Pa.

Ann McGinn Huddart, '45

Spring Hill, Fl.

Mary W. Flynn and Jim, '50

Crafton, Pa.

Mini-Reunion Guests - Fall, 2006

Melbourne, Fl.

Michael Rutledge, '71

Chittenango, NY

Norma Marburger Shields, '48

Crafton, PA

Anonymous

John Shoup, '58

Worms, Germany

Chuck Glassmire, '58

Judy Kossler Calabrese, '59

Vincent (Beanie) Ryan, '75

Adele Johler Roupp, '66

Jacksonville, Fl.

John (Lanny) Hill, '65

Sue Hartz Blanton, '66

Bill Cain, '65

U.S.C., PA

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Start ~ Need Railings

Need a shelf for keyboard at foot-level

Also need a backstop to restrain keyboard

$100.00

$50.00

$100.00

$50.00

$20.00

$100.00

$10.00

$50.00

$55.00

$50.00

$20.00

$100.00

$10.00

$200.00

$40.00

Coordinator /

Treasurer

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Lanny and Chuck Evaluate

Need Railing and Curb

Front Porch Railings

Sue and Tom talk Steelers

Unspecified

All Projects

2005

All Projects

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Railing and Curb added

Shelf and backstop are securely in place

Need Tom to give it a Test Drive

You can view larger versions of all the pictures.

Just click on them and new window will open.

July ~ 2005

Finally – an update on the Crafton Community Projects!!!!!! These projects were conceived after Lanny Hill, Bill Cain and I built a ramp for Ruthie Dysert in June, 2004 – this was our first "miracle" so that Ruthie could get out on the porch for some fresh air. Even though Ruthie passed not long after that venture, she did use the ramp and this gave Lanny the idea of "giving back to the community." From this the Crafton Community Projects was instituted and grew with donations of monetary support and "sweat equity" support – both of which are GREATLY appreciated. We (The Band of Angels [coined by our first project contact person, Chuck Glassmire, '58] – consisting of Lanny Hill, '65, Bill Cain, '65, Sue Hartz Blanton, '66, and I) started out on Monday morning, June 27, 2005, to look over the projects we had been requested to do. The first stop was Chuck Glassmire's house at 81 Linshaw Avenue. He had requested new railings so his brother could navigate the steps of their house. Chuck said that his brother sometimes took 30 - 45 minutes to negotiate these steps. When we got there, we could understand why – there was only one metal railing on one side of the steps and that was shaky. We took notes and measurements of what would be needed and promised Chuck that the railings would be done. From there, we went over to Hilda Richter's house at 44 Thomas Street. Nancy Richter Voelker, '59, wrote to us to say that her mother is "85 and has lived in Crafton for over 60 years but can only walk limited distances with a walker. She needs the railing replaced on her front porch as the old one was wood and rotten and was removed. Now, with no railing on the front porch, she is leery about going out because she is afraid of falling off the porch. Also, she has a ramp from her back porch but cannot go down it in her wheel chair." Well, on inspection, we took more notes and more measurements and realized this was an easy project as well as the first. We tried to get in touch with Rich Sobocinski, '76, who was the contact person for the third project but were unable to do so on Monday. So, from Thomas Street we went to Lowe's (with a lunch stop at Mugshots for one of their delicious fish sandwiches and something cold to wash it down – NOT from the money so generously donated for the projects – this was on our own!!!) Made it to Lowe's and, with Lanny's FRUGAL spending, came out with enough materials to do the two projects for under $200. Returned to Linshaw Avenue and started the railings. With Lanny's expertise and Bill's labor we got two railings installed and the shaky railing removed. Sue and I were delegated to paint the railings and Lanny even "guessed" right about the green color :):):) These took, MAYBE, four hours. All this time, Chuck was not there so did not see the finished results until he returned home. That's when he called us The Band of Angels. He says now his brother can almost run up and down in about 10 minutes!!! When we left there and returned to Thomas Street we got a lot of the railing on the front porch started when Rich Sobocinski returned Bill's call. Stayed and did a little more on the railing and when we left to meet Rich, we promised Ms. Richter that we would return in the morning to finish the jobs. She was just so thrilled to finally be getting some help. Met Rich at Noble Towers where Tom Cush, a paraplegic, lives on his own. We had at first thought that he would need a whole new desk – possibly from IKEA. But after getting there and seeing the situation, we realized all he needed was a shelf under his desk for his keyboard and mouse to sit on. Found out that he works his computer with his feet (and there are people who cannot even work one with their hands) but his keyboard and mouse kept falling off the shelf that he had because there was no "back stop" for it. Lanny and Bill took measurements and yelled them out to me for the note taking :):) Tom was a very entertaining person – was playing cards when we got there with a neighbor and the neighbor "complained" that Tom was winning all his money:):) Made arrangements with Tom to be back there bright and early on Tuesday morning. When we left Noble Towers, we went back to Lowe's and got the remaining materials needed for the shelf which, again with Lanny's FRUGAL spending, was only about $20. About this time – it was time for us all to go to our respective resting places for the evening knowing that we had put in a FULL day. The next morning the four of us again congregated at Ms. Hill's house in Thornburg and started out going to Noble Towers to take on Tom's project. This was an extremely easy project and it was completed in a couple of hours. Tom was thrilled with the shelf – and Sue was thrilled that Tom was such a Steeler's fan – she was going to try to get some of his Steeler stuff but he kept a sharp eye on it. Sorry, Sue :):):):) From Noble Towers, the "gang" descended again on Ms. Richter's house on Thomas Street to complete the railing which was accomplished in short time. Unfortunately, we forgot to get paint for that project so Sue and I went to Busy Beaver in Crafton-Ingram Shopping Center to get that much needed supply.

While we were gone, Lanny and Bill started on the back door ramp. Ms. Richter needed a railing plus a "curb" guard – the railing would be helpful if she was on her walker and the "curb" guard would prevent her wheelchair from rolling off the ramp. When Sue and I got back, Lanny and Bill were "discussing" the railing – I think this was our only "discussion" that had differing opinions but Sue and I stayed out of it and just painted the front porch railing :):):) When we got back to the back everything had been settled and work was progressing and we left there after a couple more hours of work (performed by Lanny and Bill – with a little help from Don Little's daughter, Samantha). All told, for three projects, it cost about $220 and took a day and a half. Not bad for giving back to the community. Then, at the October Mini-Reunion here in Florida, people wanted to donate money to Lanny for supplying the place and the food – he would not take it. Instead he suggested I take it and put it in the Community Projects account. Will all in agreement, that was done so we want to thank Tim Nestor, '74, Marian Moran Lear, '66, Allan Lear, '65, and Connie Marshall Van Asdale, '64, for their donations. This again brings the account up to $500. So, with all this being said, we are NOW looking for projects to take on when we again travel to the State of Pennsylvania for the benefit of the "Crafton" Community – everyone, I hope, realizes that the term "Crafton" is general in this instance. Of course, alumni and family will be put at the top of the list but we are looking for ways to give back to the Community which raised us (along with our parents). So, any ideas??? E-mail me at the eGroup or at AMJohler@aol.com. Sometimes it doesn't do to e-mail Lanny (although you could send him a copy) because he doesn't remember things all the time and relies on his "secretary" to keep track. :):):):) Love to all, Adele Johler Roupp – 1966 Jacksonville, FL

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