Haddonfield
The Retired Men’s Club of Haddonfield
Web address: http://haddon65club.blogspot.com/
|
110 Rhoads Ave
| Haddonfield, NJ 08033 September 1, 2016 |
President’s Message
September Birthdays
This has
certainly been one of the more interesting Olympics in recent memory.
Sure, it’s missing some of the drama provided by the pumped up Russians, but
watching the team spirit of the American athletes (as well as many others – we
have no monopoly in national pride and teamwork) is very gratifying. Without
sounding too chauvinistic, however, it does also bring to mind the team spirit
and teamwork within our own 65 Club. I am always inspired and gratified
when I hear Lou’s talk, when I see all the work that Bill puts into organizing
our trips (more on that below), when I see how Walt always seems to be on top
of every dollar, when I see the leaders of each event (e.g., July 4th
parade, flea market, Spring Luncheon, other holiday events), and especially
when I think of all the contributions Bernie makes (the ‘glue’ that keeps
things together), those are just some examples of how so many make large and
small contributions to our team. Thanks to all the doers in our Club.
On a more
mundane topic, we have been losing members, six so far this year, and have a
great need for new members, especially from Haddonfield. If you know of anyone
who might be interested, please let Al Schmidt know, and he’ll do the
rest. If you have any ideas or contacts for speakers, let Henry know, and
he’ll follow up.
Lastly, Bill has
come up with some terrific trips. The next one, to the new Mormon Temple
(before it’s consecrated and only members may enter) sold out in very short
order; and Bill was able to squeeze in a few extras. Please do not miss
out on the Sept. 27 trip to the Sculpture Gardens followed by lunch at
Mastori’s. If you’ve never been to either, you are in for a treat
(literally!). We’ll be leaving the Wedgewood Swim Club at 10 a.m. There
are more trips planned, including on Dec. 6 (see Bill’s note), and perhaps
another run at the casinos. And don’t forget bridge on Mondays, Pinochle on
Tuesdays. Golf on Wednesdays, and bowling Friday mornings in Mt. Laurel.
See the clubhouse bulletin board for information, scores, and perhaps a chuckle
or two.
–
– Neil Wise
Haddonfield 65 Club Trip – September 27
The 65
Club is not standing still. On September 27, the destination will be the
Grounds for Sculpture, in Central Jersey. The Grounds for Sculpture, is a
magical place where art and nature interact. There are more than 270
sculptures, by renowned contemporary artists, each positioned on meticulously
landscaped parkland full of thousands of exotic trees and flowers. After ample
time for your individual tour, the charter bus will smoothly transport us to,
Mastori's in Bordentown, for a four course meal, including, soup, salad,
entree, and dessert. Bottomless beverages, as well as cheese and cinnamon
breads are included.
The
bus will depart from Wedgewood Swim Club, at 10 AM, returning around 4 PM.
The
cost for the entire package is $60.00.
Reserve
your place with a check to the Haddonfield 65 Club, at 110 Rhoads Ave.
Haddonfield, NJ, 08033.
For
additional information contact Bill Brown at 856-429-4368, or billbrown08033@aol.com
Our
last trip sold out quickly, please don't delay and miss out.
Bob Parsons
– A Man Who Lives in the Moment with a Bonus – A Rich Life of Accomplishment
It's Not The Number of Years You
Live,
It's Time You Spend With What You
Give,
It's Help and Effort for your
Fellow Man,
Throughout the Length Of
Lifetime's Span
Anonymous, 1993
Bob Parsons, past president (2012) and 13-year member of the Haddonfield
65 Club, always has a smile on his 80-year-old face but still has the youthful
look of the 55-year-old businessman he once was; the fountain of youth has done
very well by Bob. And Bob has done superbly on innumerable fronts for his
fellow man -- and is still going strong.
LIFE. "Living for 8 decades has been a grand
experience," said the ever-affable and upbeat Bob. "It has taught me
how valuable family and friends, as well as friends made of strangers, can
enrich one's own life, and how good you can feel daily about helping others.
Life has been very good to me."
Bob's family life, working career, endless community
service activities and numerous awards, along with favorite sideline joys -
announcing Haddonfield High School football games for 27 straight years
(through 2016) with colorful commentary, and videotaping almost 1,200 town
events and 100+ weddings since 1988 -- makes for fascinating and memorable
experiences.
FAMILY. For Bob, it begins with family. "My marriage to
Grace, our adult children, our rambunctious grandchildren, have all given our
lives extraordinary moments and meaning," said Bob. "With Grace, a
woman whose name befits her charm, it has been an adventure since the day we
met at a party in early 1965. We were married in Versailles, Indiana, her home
town on November 20, 1965. She acquired BS and MA degrees at Ball State
University, and became a teacher of special needs kids in Indianapolis during
the day and taught at Butler University at night -- a multi-talented woman by
any measure, and a person whose life I have been very lucky to be a part off.
"We moved to Haddonfield in 1973, in connection with
my job with McGill Manufacturing which ultimately was acquired by Emerson
Electric," recalled Bob, who was a sales engineer and sales manager for
the company, focusing his efforts on parts of the East Coast of the U.S. from
1973 until 2005, when he retired.
"Our family today includes our daughter Robin, married
to Jeff Knox for 20 years. She is a graduate of the University of Pittsburgh and
works for Liberty Mutual. Best part is that they live in Haddonfield with our
grandchildren Lizzie, 16, and twins Tom and Kate, age 9, and we have the
pleasure of seeing them frequently. Our second daughter Kristin, who works for
Verizon, lives in Orlando, Florida, and is a world traveler. The youngest of
our brood, Jonathan, and his wife Jennifer, live in Moorestown with our
3-year-old granddaughter Cara. Jonathan commutes to work for Merrill Lynch in
New York. Our two daughters and our son are graduates of Haddonfield High
School," said Bob with pride.
SERVICE. Community service has also been a big part of Bob's life
in Haddonfield. "I was very proud to receive the Haddonfield Citizen of
the Year Award in 2013, sponsored by the Haddonfield Lions Club; the Richard E.
Driscoll Community Service Award given by the Haddonfield Civic Association in
2001; Haddonfield High School's Hall of Fame Recognition Award in 1995, and the
school's Athletic Booster Club Award in 1992," said Bob.
Also, Bob is a member of the Haddonfield Celebrations
Committee and secretary of the Haddonfield Civic Association, holds various
positions with the Wedgewood Swim Club, the Haddon Field Club and was one-time
member of the Indian King Tavern Election Committee.
FOOTBALL. And then there is football. Specifically, Haddonfield
High School football, which continues to have a very special place in Bob's
life. "I've been the announcer at the school's games for 27 years
including this fall," said Bob. "The Philadelphia Inquirer wrote two
stories about me at the turn of the century, which featured my antics and
commentary at the games. Haddonfield
football had many lean years, so after I started I began to offer comments
which went beyond the goings on in the games. I would do my Don Rickles
imitation (without venom) commenting on anything from the weather, to
activities of the local politicos, to nicknames I gave some of the players
(nothing negative mind you) and the fans seemed to enjoy it. Some samples: 1)
The Flat Earth Society will be boating at Ocean City this weekend and will
never be out of sight of land; 2) the chief of police will be re-enacting the
storming of the Bastille this weekend; 3) The adult school will be sponsoring a
cheese tasting contest featuring wrapped slices of Velveta only; 4) By
definition, we cannot tell the name of the Unsung Hero Award.
"Fans would wonder what I was talking about, but
caught on over time. In more recent years as Haddonfield 's football fortunes
turned positive, I toned it down a bit - letting the results on the field speak
for themselves. It's been a great run that I've thoroughly enjoyed, and
hopefully, the fans have too."
VIDEO MAN. But that's not all in this busy life of Bob, who also has
the nicknames of "Video Bob" and "Mr. Bob's on the Job."
Let Bob tell it. "Over the decades I've videotaped almost 1,200
Haddonfield events, from graduations to parades to anything else you can think
of, and I have the home library of tapes to prove it. I've been doing a lot of
this on behalf of the Haddonfield Celebrations Committee, and it's been a real
pleasure.
"On the side, long ago, I also videotaped weddings --
more than a 100 of those -- for paying clients." Bob has indeed been on
the job!.
HOOSIER. Bob's foundation for the busy and productive life he has
led was built from his early years in Indiana. A dyed-in-the-wool Hoosier and a
native of Indianapolis, he credits his mother and father for much of his
accomplishments in life. "I and my two brothers and sister had a
relatively strict upbringing under the guidance of our parents, Clarence (who
preferred to be called "Bus") and Rose. We were well provided for in
a household which stressed discipline, education, God and most importantly,
love from my parents for me and my siblings," recalled Bob. "Mom was
a homemaker and dad was the chief provider, working for 45 years for an
industrial chain belt company, and advancing from machinist to foreman, where
he supervised more than 80 people before his retirement. One of my brothers,
Bill, 78, worked for the Bell companies which morphed into Verizon, and is now
living in Noblesville, Indiana; my sister Barbara and other brother, Ron, who
played football at Purdue, have passed. "After high school I enlisted in
the Army for three years (1955-58) to get the G.I. Bill, which helped pay for
college" said Bob. "The Army was a great experience! I served for 29
months in Germany and had the opportunity to visit 9 countries by car and train
during my leaves. It was marvelous, and I cherish it to this day." Bob
then went on to Butler University for his formal education, graduating in 1964.
GRACE. Bob's wife has witnessed it all. "I look at Bob as
an endless run of activity, who refuses to stop," said Grace with
admiration. "Thanks to Bob, there seems to be something new in our lives
every day. It's invigorating, and helps keep us young at heart and in spirit.
What more can one ask?"
What hasn't Bob done? Played quarterback for the Eagles.
"At 80, I might be a little too brittle and lacking in athleticism, and
the Eagles seem to have an abundance of quarterbacks. But who knows, I might
try out next year," said Bob hopefully, with a huge grin on his face.
GIVING BLOOD. Since 1994 Bob has donated blood (plasma & platelets)
to the Red Cross 206 times.
That's Bob. On the job. Of living life to the fullest with
the spirit of giving, front and center, to his fellow man.
Reminder: Flea Market –
September 24th
This is your
chance to clean out some of that “stuff” you have been accumulating in your
house for years, thinking that someday it would be useful. Well, it can be
useful as donated items for sale at the Flea Market.
Please bring
the items you are contributing to the regular meeting on Thursday, September 15th or on Thursday, September 22nd. You may
also bring your items to the Clubhouse on Friday, September 23th between 9:00 AM and 2:00 PM. The pricing of items and
the preparation of other details will take place during this time.
If you have
items to contribute and can’t deliver them, please call the Committee Chairman
Bernie Schaming at 428-0932 to have them picked up. The plan for September 24th
is to have our SET-UP at Centennial One Parking Lot on Euclid Avenue completed
by 8:00 AM. The public hours run from 9:00 AM to 3:00 PM.
On behalf of the membership,
please support the Flea Market project by donating marketable items since this
is the only annual fundraiser held by the Club. Please exercise good judgment
when making donations by not including: propane tanks; large grills, partially
used chemicals/oil; rusty pots and pans (or those used for paint), chipped or
cracked glassware, or, large furniture. Help us help you by contributing items
that are clean and marketable. All useful items not sold are donated to charity
at the end of the day. Nothing is wasted.
50th Anniversary
It was the summer of 1965 when Thomas B. Mervine, Jr., who grew up in Haddonfield, stopped in at
his Temple University fraternity, Sigma Phi Epsilon. Debbe was there
playing pinochle with some of his brothers and he joined the game. A few
months later in the early fall, Debbe was killing time in the hallway between
two consecutive classes in Beury Hall, when Tom, who was doing the same thing,
recognized her and pretended to throw her over the railing! She did NOT
recognize him!!!
Once he apologized, they struck up a conversation.
Eventually, he began walking her across campus, then having lunch
together. On February 13th they were engaged.
Following their May graduation, they were married on August
13, 1966 in the Logan Baptist Church in Philadelphia with the reception at the
Cherry Hill Inn and they left the next day for Pittsburgh, where Tom began a
training course to become a health inspector.
By the time Tom received his MBA in Hospital Administration
from T.U., in 1971, they had two children--Christopher Anne and Tom, III. and
soon in 1972, they moved to Barclay Farms while Tom was the Assistant
Administrator at Elmer Community Hospital for 5 years. Three moves in
Haddonfield--Mountwell Ave., Kings Highway and Beechwood Ave find them ready to
downsize a bit onto one floor, if their home sells.
The bulk of Tom's career was spent at St. Francis Hospital
in Trenton as Director of Reimbursement. The last 5 years, before his
stroke, Tom was a consultant for The Besler Co.--a cutting-edge reimbursement
firm.
Their
daughter Christopher, her husband Christopher (Both Lehigh U. Grads;) and their
two daughters, Talia (Lehigh U.,'16, summa cum laude, Phi Beta Kappa, Fulbright
Fellow;) and Jillian (rising Junior at Rowan U.) all live in Haddonfield; as
does their son Burritt.
Obituaries
Henry F. Bauer passed peacefully on
July 19, 2016, beloved husband of 53 years to the late Barbara B. (nee
Britton). Loving father to Henry F. Bauer Jr. (Haddonfield), Kristina B. Niles
(Charlotte) and Scott R. Bauer (Haddonfield). Also survived by grandchildren;
Patricia L. Johnson, Henry F. Bauer III, Alexandra T. Niles, Heidi S. Bauer,
Jeffrey S. Niles II, and sister-in-law Mary T. Bauer (Haddonfield) &
children, Karl A. & Anna E. Bauer, and nieces, nephews & cousins. He
was predeceased by his parents, Harry A. & Sylvia T. Bauer & siblings
Albert T. Bauer & Elizabeth B. Philbrook. He was born & raised in the
family home that is now the Haddonfield Historical Society. He attended HMHS
Sept 1949 - June 1952, graduating from Pennsylvania Military Prep School in
June 1953. He attended Pennsylvania Military College (n/k/a Widener University)
Sept 1953 - June 1954, and transferred to Lehigh University, graduating in June
1958.
One week after graduating, he
& Barbara were married at the First Presbyterian Church of Haddonfield. He
also was a long time member of: Haddonfield Presbyterian Church, Sigma Chi
Fraternity, The Mayflower Society, John Howland Society, and Sons of the
Revolution. Henry, a retired Captain in the US Army, Signal Corp (6/1958-1960)
was the Missile Control Officer responsible for Nike Zeus Surface to Air
Missiles stationed in White Sands NM. He was active in the US Army Reserves for
6 years; 2 years in Monmouth, NJ & the last 3 years in Washington, DC. He attended
Temple University at night from 1961-1965 to obtain his MBA, and worked as an
Electrical Engineer for Bell Atlantic (Phila.) for 33 years, retiring in Dec.
1991. Henry loved spending summers on the lake in Maine with his wife Barbara,
their children & dog. He was a 23 year member of the 65 Club where he
greatly enjoyed playing bridge and pinochle.
John "Jack" L. Walden, Sr. passed away on July 30, 2016,
Loving husband of Joan (nee Swartz); Beloved father of John Leonard, Jr.
(Jeanette) of Berlin, NJ and the late Samuel John Walden (Pam); Cherished
grandfather of Reagan L. Walden, John Leonard Walden, III, Christopher John
Walden, Danielle Walden, Samantha Walden and Alissa Mazerolle (Adam); Treasured
great grandfather of 4 and Dear brother of Betty Stefancin, Catherine Barnhart
and Leonard Gaines Walden Jr. (Marene). Also survived by many nieces, nephews
& cousins. After Jack's parents passed away, he grew up & resided at
the Milton Hershey School. He graduated from Univ. of Penn - Wharton School of
Business and was a member of Phi Kappa Alpha. After proudly serving in the
National Guard he began his career in Information Technologies (IT). He worked
for many years for the law firm of Morgan, Lewis & Bockius and then for
Verizon, both in Phila. Jack was a member of the American Legion, VFW, and E.A
A. Pilots Association. Additionally, he had a joy for life, was passionate
about his family and was an all-around fun guy. Jack was a 65 Club member for 6
years where he was a regular card player.
September Birthdays
3 Thomas
Gavin, Sr.
|
8 John R. Sentman
|
16 Donald T. Windus
|
26 Mathew Braccio
|
4 Deforest
Brees
|
9 Stewart Repsher
|
23 Lloyd D. Gardner
|
26 .James Flanagan
|
6 Al Kadar
|
15 Anthony Guerrieri
|
25 William L. McMichael III
|
30 John A. Geist
|
6
Thomas B. Mervine, Jr.
|
Neil Wise’s new email address is
neilwise@law.rutgers.edu.
Clubhouse Programs
Thursday
|
Sep 1
|
Directors meeting
|
10:00 AM
|
Thursday
|
Sep 1
|
GOVERNMENT MEMORIES . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
. . Dennis Kille
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Sep 8
|
Business
meeting
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Sep 15
|
Camden Kroc Center . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . . . . .. .Terry Wood
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Sep 22
|
Cathedral Kitchen . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .Karen Talanco
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Sep 29
|
INTERIOR DECORATING . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .
.. . Leslis from Atlas
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Oct 6
|
Directors meeting
|
10:00 AM
|
Thursday
|
Oct 6
|
LIGHTING EDI . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . . .. . . . . . .Chuck Kanuple
|
1:30 PM
|
Thursday
|
Oct 13
|
STAG
LUNCHEON AT TAVISTOCK
|
12:00 PM
|
NOTE: We have an insatiable appetite for presenters. We
rely on the vast experience of our members to satisfy this need by suggesting
speakers. So, be on the alert and notify Neil Wise (428-9280) if you have any
suggestions for speakers.
Activities
Bowling, Bridge &
Pinochle
ALERT: Scoring for the annual trophies will begin the
week of September 12th for bowling, bridge and pinochle, so sharpen
up your card sense and loosen up your bowling arm.
Bowling – Every Friday at Laurel Lanes
on Rt. 73, Maple Shade at 9:15 AM
Bridge – Every Monday
at the clubhouse at 1:00 PM.
Pinochle – Every
Wednesday at the clubhouse at 12:30 PM.
Golf – no update
Composing
Editor:
Bernie Schaming
Contributors:
Walt Baker,
Bill Brown, Henry Leimkuhler, Tom Mervine,
Al
Schmidt & Neil Wise
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