2010 Rat Line Cap

ATO 2011 Blue Flame Oct. 5-6-7 in Lodi

Sat, 30 Apr 2011 00:00:00 -0700

Above: San Jose State Taus gather at Russ Munson’s Wine & Roses Inn, Oct. 5-6-7, 2011 in Lodi wine country. Dr. Dick Kuechle photo

2011 Blue Flame Open Recap
(aka 10th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

The 10th Annual Blue Flame Open, like the nine others before, was a great time for all who attended!! We did not let a little drizzling rain disrupt our three very special days of links, libation, lies and laughter in the thriving metropolis of Lodi. It is hard to believe we have been doing this for 10 years!! The group size has grown from 20 back in 2002 at the Temecula Creek Inn, to 56, including 7 Rookies, this year at the world class Wine & Roses.

Over the years, the group has weathered illnesses, bouts with cancer, various surgeries, family tragedies and the passing of brothers, but we are still in amazingly good shape for a bunch of old farts! We can only guess what the BFO will look like in another 10 years, but I truly look forward to being there!!

BFO highlights included world-class accommodations, the reuniting of the two very special groups, long-shot winners in the 2-Man, a 3-horse runaway in the 4-Man, and very tight competition in the Step Aside on a windy Reserve course.

Lowlights, besides the little drizzle, were limited the no show of headliner Harry Banana & His Bunch, and the quality of the entertainment replacements at the W&R’s piano bar/lounge.

Event Highlights:

** Wine & Roses provided a truly incredible venue for our group. The location is more centralized, the accommodations are very comfortable, the food & service was outstanding and the banquet room spectacular. Friday night after most of us hit the road, 8-10 wives/significant others joined brothers from Fall ’65 and they continued the party and spa all weekend. I have had nothing but very positive inputs from attendees on this venue, and am proud to report that we have been invited back for next year. A very special group thank-you to Kathryn and Russ Munson for their gracious hospitality!!

** There was hope that this would be the year of the reuniting of Harry Banana and His Bunch (there is a prize for correctly naming the members), but it was not to be. We did however have the reuniting of two other very prestigious groups. The first was the infamous Dream Team from 2005 BFO at Wednesday’s 2-Man. This time they came together as 2 wily twosomes instead of one intimidating foursome. Dom Ascani & Dick Henry were nudged by the sharp-shooting Mel Pryor & Gordy Mace by a mere 2 strokes. Roger Sutter was not allowed to play as all he brought was his tennis racket?! Also reuniting was the feared SpartaBabies ’65, Dan Anderson, Jay Fischer, Russ Munson, Eldon Mulholland & Rich Watts, from SJS’s ’65 freshman football team.

** 13 teams teed it up for Wednesday’s 2-Man Challenge at the Woodbridge GC’s Lake & Middle courses. The competition was won by the very, very long shot team of Bob Allen & Jeff Wilkes with a 64.5. Tied for 2nd place with 66.5 were the teams of Steve Coates & Pete Snell and the perennial bridesmaids Jim Grace & Phil Ames. The Commish and partner Craig Fergus took themselves out it on the first hole by both sending their drives high, wide right and OB. The DFL was awarded to Cliff Draeger and Rich Kuechle with their 5-hour round and a smooth 78.5. There were no “defending champions” this year as Dallas Hall chose to stay home with a sore back, stranding Bill Gough, who again had to team up with a new partner. Last year Dom Ascani deserted Gough!

** Thursday’s 4-Man, at the Woodbridge GC’s Lake & River courses proved to be very challenging due to the rain and layout toughness for all but 3 of 11 teams. The 1st place team of Jerry Nordeman, Dave Dagengardt, Bob Allen & Bob Wickes had a very impressive 126 score. They were closely followed by Denny Deichler, Phil Ames, Tom Massip & Lyle Boarts with 127, and Jim Pryor, Blind Draw, Cliff Draeger & Bill Clegg with 128. The other 8 teams scored somewhere between 132 and 142. Low-Net for the Pro Division was won by Dave Degenhardt with an 85 (net 68), and Low-Net for the Hacker Division was won by Bob Vincent with a 95 (net 70).

** The Draft for Friday’s Step-A-Side Scramble was held in the spacious elegance of the Banquet Room at W&R’s. Again The Commish was armed with a microphone, which enabled him to maintain some degree of control over the unruly group. Team captains, Bob Vincent, Bill Higgins, Cliff Draeger, Steve Coates, Jim Eustis, Tom Massip, Jim Martin, Bruce Penman, Lyle Boarts, and Ray Harris were all well prepared. Capt. Bill Clegg chose to defy gravity by drafting the “kiss of death” Craig Fergus with the first pick of the draft!? The Friday Scramble was played at The Reserve at Dean “Fumbling San Diego Chargers” Spanos Park. All 11 teams were tightly matched with top honors going to the team of Capt. Harris, John Ziegler, Dom Ascani & Len Waller with a score of 65/-7!! Tied for 2nd place at 67/-5 were the teams of Capt Massip, Russ Munson, Les Pelio & Mike McHugh: Capt. Eustis, Denny Deichler, John Burnett & Pat Furlong: and Capt. Martin, Mel Pryor, Bob Siegel & Rich Watts. The rest of us finished somewhere between -4 and even. Needless to say, Capt. Clegg’s team of Craig Fergus (aka Bly), Bill Gough, and Jeff Wilkes were DFL!!

** As mentioned earlier, Harry Banana and His Bunch were no shows. However, on both Wedneday and Thursday night at the comfortable piano bar & lounge at W&R’s, a few of the boys decided to loosen up their vocal cords and do some entertaining. Led by such notables as Bill Bloodgood, Jay Fischer, Jim Grace, Tom Massip, Dave Mileski and Rob Stenson, we were indeed entertained!! We also managed to drive every other customer out of the area with renditions of oldies from the 60’s and old ATO songs. In addition to not being able to carry a tune, one of our fearless leaders to remain anonymous (what happens in Lodi stays in Lodi), had some serious problems remembering the words of our signature song!! What does comes after, “Old Alpha”?? How we ever won anything at Spring Sing is beyond me?! It was excellent entertainment for those of us who were able to stay awake past 9:00 pm.

** Unfortunately SJS Lyke photographer Pat O’Daniels was not able to attend this year, as he was in Michigan with his new squeeze. In his absence, pictures were taken by Bloodgood, myself and others. I will send out those from Bloodgood and myself as soon as I figrure out how to get them out of my high tech camera. Anyone else who has pictures worthy of distribution, please do so. Hopefully someone has some good piano bar shots!!

** The 2012 BFO will be held on October 3rd – 5th, and we will be “Stuck in Lodi Again”, at Wine & Roses, Woodbridge GC and The Reserve. I am also in search of a quality golf course within a 20-30 minute drive of W&R’s for 2013. Lockeford Springs is a possible. Suggestions or comments are encouraged and appreciated.

Mark October 3rd – 5th on your calendars NOW for the 2012 Blue Flame Open!!

My thanks to all those who made the effort to be a part of this year’s BFO, and for making it such a great time!! A special thanks also to Bill Bloodgood, Roger Sutter and Rob Stenson for your excellent job of on course photography, libation service and commentary.

I look forward to seeing all of you for an even better event next year!! As always, comments/inputs to improve the event are encouraged and appreciated. Hopefully our regulars, who were unable to join us this year will be back, and a few more of our lost souls will choose to join us next year!!

Take good care and keep those cards and letters coming my way!!!

Hardy, aka The Commish

2011 Blue Flame Open – May Update
(aka 10th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

Greetings and Salutations to all of you from the office of The Commish here in sunny San Diego, home of the NL West last place Fryers, also at the bottom on BA @ .198! It could be a very long summer!!

Everything is in place for the 10th Annual Blue Flame Open, which will be held October 5th, 6th and 7th in Lodi at the world famous 5-Star Wine and Roses Resort. Wednesday’s 2-Man & Thursday’s 4-Man will be played at the Woodbridge Golf & CC (27 holes), and Friday’s 4-Man on The Reserve at Spanos Park. This move to Lodi takes an hour off travel time for you Bay Area boys, which eliminates an excuse for a few of you who never seem to be able to attend! The Tournament Committee is still reviewing a possible “Ryder Cup” format for this year’s competition, with details hopefully available in the next update. The Social Committee has finalized designs for the 10-year party favor.

Responses are starting to trickle in, with Pete Kaldveer ’63 our first new-comer to sign up. Please let me know your plans when you get a chance. Munson has increased the executive suites reservations to the first 25 attendance commits!!

Brothers in the News: (Send these guys some love!!)

- Dick Henry is scheduled for heart valve repair/replacement surgery.
- Jim Pryor is recovering from a recent hip replacement.
- Bill Bloodgood is scheduled for shoulder replacement surgery in early May.
- Rob Stensen continues to hold his cancer a bay with the help of M.D. Anderson’s secret sauces.

Also, Bill Gough was sighted enjoying a fine cigar with Jerry Rice during his recent round at San Francisco Golf Club.

Planned Agenda:
- Wine & Roses, 209-334-6988, www.wineandroses.com
- Woodbridge Golf & CC, 209-334-5454, www.woodbridgegolf.com
- The Reserve at Spanos Park, 209-477-4653,

Wednesday, October 5th
- Golf at Woodbridge CC: 2-Man Team Challenge, first tee time @ 12:00 noon, Format tbd
- Check-in at W&R’s after 3:00pm
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Thursday, October 6th
- Breakfast 6:30-7:30am @ W&R’s
- Golf at Woodbridge GC: 4-Man Team Competition, first tee time @ 9:00am, Format tbd
- Dinner at W&R’s at ~5:30pm
- Draft for Friday’s Teams, Captains tbd
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Friday, October 7th
- Check-out at W&R’s
- Breakfast 6:00-7:00am
- Golf at The Reserve at Spanos Park: Shot-gun start @ 9:00am, Format tbd
- Prizes, Cocktails and Farewells

Event Costs: >>>> No breakfast or libation included in below costs!!

3-Day/2 Nignt Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Wed/Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$395 Dbll Occupancy

$515 Single Occupancy
2-Day/2 Night Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$340 Dbl

$460 Single
2-Day/ 1 Night Pkg: Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$260 Dbl

$320 Single
1-Day/1Nignt Pkg: Thurs lodging, Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$205 Dbl

$265 Single

1-Night Pkg: Wed or Thurs lodging only, no golf or dinner or cap
$80 Dbl

$140 Single

Thurs Night Dinner & 10 Year Cap:
$60

Note: Double Occupants must identify their roommates by 10/1!!

Regretable Responders with Questionable Priorities: (We will miss you!!)

Mark your calendars now for October 5th, 6th and 7th.

The next BFO update will be out in early July.

The Commish

2011 Blue Flame Open – March Update
(aka 10th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

An early St. Patrick’s Day greeting to all of you from office of The Commish here in sunny, warm San Diego!! Given the weather all over the nation for the past two months, I am very happy to be where I am!! Brothers Allen in Maine, Nordeman in Colorado, Penman in Texas, Vincent in Utah, Fergus in Oregon, Draeger in Tahoe and others have forgotten the meaning/vision of “warm and sunny”!

As you are all aware, the 2011 Blue Flame Open, our 10th Annual, will be held October 5th, 6th and 7th in the thriving metropolis of Lodi at the world famous 5-Star Wine and Roses Resort. We will be testing our golf skills Wednesday & Thursday on the Woodbridge Golf & CC, and Friday on The Reserve at Spanos Park. This move to Lodi takes an hour off travel time for you Bay Area boys, which eliminates an excuse for a few of you who never seem to be able to attend! The Tournament Committee is reviewing a possible “Ryder Cup” format for this year’s competition, with details to be available in the next update. The Social Committee is working on the final designs for the 10-year party favor. Let me know your plans when you get a chance. Russ Munson is reserving the executive suites for the first 20 attendance commits!!

Brothers in the News:

- Brother Mileski again participated in the Hope PGA Pro-AM. The good news is that his team shot -11 on the 4th round to finish at -32. The bad news was that they finished T125th out of 128 teams. The winners finished at -61.
- The Bloodgood’s, Carpenter’s, Henry’s, Penman’s, Pryor’s, and Sutter’s attended a Geriatric Convention in Cabo. Every possible ailment know to the human body was exhibited by at least one member of the group!
- Brother Grace has a broken “Pinky Finger”, but no cause has been reported. There are some who believe he might be using this accident as an excuse to again build up his golf handicap as he did a few years back with his hip!?
- To celebrate St. Patrick’s Day, Brother O’Daniels has invited everyone down to Morro Bay for a free green beer at “The Legends Tavern”.

Planned Agenda:
- Wine & Roses, 209-334-6988, www.wineandroses.com
- Woodbridge Golf & CC, 209-334-5454, www.woodbridgegolf.com
- The Reserve at Spanos Park, 209-477-4653,

Wednesday, October 5th
- Golf at Woodbridge GC: 2-Man Team Challenge, first tee time @ 12:00 noon, Format tbd
- Check-in at W&R’s after 3:00pm
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Thursday, October 6th
- Breakfast 6:30-7:30am @ W&R’s
- Golf at Woodbridge GC: 4-Man Team Competition, first tee time @ 9:00am, Format tbd
- Dinner at W&R’s at ~5:30pm
- Draft for Friday’s Teams, Captains tbd
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Friday, October 7th
- Check-out at W&R’s
- Breakfast 6:00-7:00am
- Golf at The Reserve at Spanos Park: Shot-gun start @ 9:00am, Format tbd
- Prizes, Cocktails and Farewells

Projected Event Costs: >>>> No breakfast or libation included in below costs!!

Dbl Occup
Sgl Occup
3-Day/2 Nignt Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Wed/Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$395

$515
2-Day/2 Night Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$340

$460
2-Day/ 1 Night Pkg: Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$260

$320
1-Day/1Nignt Pkg: Thurs lodging, Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, 10 Year Cap and incidentals
$205

$265

1-Night Pkg: Wed or Thurs lodging only, no golf or dinner or cap
$80

$140

Thurs Night Dinner & 10 Year Cap:
$60

$60

Note: Double Occupants must identify their roommates by 10/1!!

Mark your calendars now for October 5th, 6th and 7th.

The next BFO update will be out in early May. Keep in touch, and beware of “the Ides of March”.

Hardy, aka The Commish
shardy50@yahoo.com

2010 Blue Flame Open Oct. 13-15 in Auburn

2010 Blue Flame Open Recap
(aka 9th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

The 2010 BFO tournament was played last October 13- 14-15th. Lodging & Thursday banqueting was held at the Auburn Holiday Inn and Max’s Bar & Restaurant, located at the intersection of Hwy’s 80 & 49 in Auburn.

2010 Blue Flame Open Recap
(aka 9th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

The 9th Annual Blue Flame Open, like all the others before, was a great time for all who attended!! We again enjoyed three very special days of links, libation, lies and laughter in the scenic Sierra foothills. After the BFO, many of the brothers headed down to SJS for a fun filled weekend that included the Grand Re-Opening of 202 So. 11th St on Friday afternoon, a gala cocktail party at the Fairmont Friday night, and a great Rats Nest tailgate Saturday afternoon. Unfortunately our Spartans had a very rough day against the Boise State Smurfs , so most of the group were on their way home by half time!

BFO highlights included a very diverse group of Rookies, a suspicious new 2-Man Challenge champions, a very lucky blind draw for the 4-Man Team event winners, a record 47 brothers at Thursday night banquet, a very competitive Friday Step-Aside Scramble, and a very special beverage cart attendant! Also, some good and great news regarding next year’s, 10th Annual BFO.

Lowlights were limited to the absence of some of our regulars! We missed you!!

Event Highlights:

** This year’s Rookie group was indeed diverse. From the older generation John Nohr, who was late for dinner because he thought it was at In & Out; Bob Vincent, who claims to be a novice golfer, yet calmly rolled in a 30 footer on #18 Thursday in front of a full gallery of taunting brothers and Bob Nordeman, also claiming to be a novice, carries his partner to a 2nd in the 2-Man, is on the 4-Man winning team and is on the 3rd place Scramble team! Not really a Rookie, but more like a “second semester pledge”, Bill Davis rejoined us Thursday night for the first time since 2004. From the younger generation Jim Eustis wins low net in the Hacker Division, Len Waller smouses The Commish with a bottle Blue Flame Pinot Noir, the ghost of 2009 Mike O’Neill gave an a golf clinic demo of a “full” shoulder turn, Tom Massip went all week with no fights, Craig Sabrero, who lives up the road, dropped in for dinner, Dave Degenhardt looks younger than he did 40 years ago and Russ Munson! More on him later!!.

** Wednesday’s 2-Man Challenge at the Catta Vedera CC featured nine credible teams and one last minute pairing of suspicious characters. That would have been ok, except the suspicious character team won, thus dethroning the 2-Time defending champions, Clegg & Siegel. The team of Dallas Hall (2009 handicap a 10, 2010 a 15) and Bill Gough (2009 handicap an 11, 2010 an 18) won the event with a net 59.6! Bill Higgins & Bob Nordeman finished 2nd with a net 65.0, and Benny Lujan & Joel Guthrie finishing 3rd with a net 66.5. Just out of the money with a net 67.0 was Cliff Draeger & Rich Kuechle. The traditional “Hacker Power” black gloves were not presented due to the controversy surrounding the winning team! Note: The Commish has put his partner on waviers for next year’s competition!!

** Thursday’s 4-Man, 2-Net BB’s at Auburn Valley Golf Club was very challenging, with eight of the nine teams coming in at/over par. With one team still on the course, Team Pelio, w/Degenhardt, Massip & Wilkes, was leading at Even/144. In 2nd was Team Lujan w/Hall, Tienken & O’Daniels, at +1/145 and in 3rd was Team Guthrie, w/Ascani, Higgins & Snell, at +3/147. That all changed when Team Grace, w/Bloodgood, Nordeman and a “Blind Draw”, came in at +4/148. Capt. Grace’s “blind draw” was Low Net Hacker Division, Jim Eustis, which improved his team’s score 10 strokes to a winning -6/138!! Les Pelio won Low Net Pro Division with an 80, net 68. Eustis’ winning score was 93, net 74.
** Friday’s event at Turkey Creek featured a new Step-A-Side Scramble format. The Thursday night team draft was much more civilized than last year, as The Commish was armed with a live microphone that allowed him to be heard over the unruly group. All went well until the last round, when the undrafted Kuechle started getting nervous about being in the feared “Lower Right-Hand Corner”, or as it is known at the NFL draft, Mr. Irrelevant! The new Friday format was well received by the group. Team Deichler, w/Waller, Coates & Wicks brought home the gold with a -5/67. Team Ziegler, w/Ascani, Massip & Kuechle finished a close 2nd with a -4/68. There was a tie for 3rd at -3/69 between Team Guthrie, w/Hall, Traverso & Nordeman and Team Hardy (aka 4 ½ Men) w/Degenhardt, Higgins, Wilkes & ½ Man Penman. Note: Penman played with a walking boot as he broke his lower leg 2 weeks ago.

** This year’s MVP was a unanimous choice on everyone’s ballot! Mel Pryor, a non-player this year due to back surgery a mere 4 weeks prior to the gathering, demonstrated devotion and commitment well beyond that of any of us mere mortals!! Not only did he show up all three days, he skillfully piloted a beverage cart loaded with libation that he bought for and delivered to the entire group!! On behalf of the entire group, thanks Mel!! Thanks also the Bill Higgins who hosted his traditional tail gate after Wednesday’s 2-Man, and to Jay Fischer who on Thursday night provided each table with a bottle of his favorite wine!!

** The good news is that there will be a 2011 BFO on October 5 - 7! I will be trying to come up with something special/different for our 10th annual gathering! The great news is that we will be moving the BFO to the Lodi Wine Country, and will be hosted by Russ Munson at his Wine & Roses Hotel, Restaurant & Spa! My wife and I had the pleasure of spending a night there and believe me, this is a fantastic destination resort! This will be quite an upgrade for the BFO crew and will require the boys to be on their best behavior!! I encourage all of you to check it out online at http://www.winerose.com.
Plans are to play golf at Woodbridge Country Club and The Reserve at Spanos Park, both of which are 27 hole facilities. A special thank you to Russ for his offer and support!

** Pictures taken by SJS Lyke editor/photographer Pat O’Daniels are posted on the Photos 2 link above.

To those of you who chose not to join us, you again missed a great time!! To our missing regulars, Ardis, Geraci, Grady, Henry, Mace, Perth, Stenson, we missed all of you guys very much, and we look forward to having all of you back with us next year!!!

Mark October 5th – 7th on your calendars NOW for the 2011 Blue Flame Open!!

My thanks to all those who made the effort to be a part of this year’s BFO, and for making it such a great time!! I look forward to seeing all of you for an even better event next year!! .

Take good care and keep those cards and letters coming my way!!!

Hardy, aka The Commish

* * *

Final Agenda:

Auburn Holiday Inn, 530-877-8787, www.auburnhi.com
Catta Verdera Country Club, 916-645-7200, www.cattaverdera.com
Auburn Valley Golf Club, 530-269-2775, www.auburnvalleygc.com
Turkey Creek Golf Club, 916-434-9100, www.turkeycreekgc.com

Wednesday, October 13th
- Golf at Cata Vedera CC: 2-Man Team Challenge, first tee time @ 12:00 noon – Format 6 holes each scramble/BB/alternate shot
- Check-in at AHI after 3:00pm
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Thursday, October 14th
- Breakfast 7:30-8:30am
- Golf at Auburn Valley GC: 4-Man Team Competition, first tee time @ 10:00am – Format 2-Net BB’s
- Dinner at Max’s at ~6:30pm
- Draft for Friday’s Team Shamble, Captains: Top 10 “A” non-rookie players
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Friday, October 15th
- Check-out at AHI
- Breakfast 6:00-7:00am
- Golf at Turkey Creek: 4-Man Step-Aside Scramble, 8:00am Shot Gun Start > (This is a new, first time format for Friday)
- Prizes, Cocktails and Farewells

Event Costs: >>>> No breakfast or libation included in below costs!!

Dbl Occup
Sgl Occup
3-Day/2 Nignt Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Wed/Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, and incidentals

$385 shared room, $510 private room

2-Day/2 Night Pkg: Wed/Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, and incidentals

$300 shared room, $425 private room

2-Day/ 1 Night Pkg: Thurs lodging, Thurs/Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, and incidentals

$240 shared room, $302 private room

1-Day/1Nignt Pkg: Thurs lodging, Fri golf & prize money, Thurs dinner, and incidentals

$175 shared room, $237 private room

1-Night Pkg: Wed or Thurs lodging, no golf or dinner

$62 shared room, $124 private room

Thurs Dinner Only:
$50 per person

Please Make Checks Payable to and Send to:
Steve Hardy—no later than September 10th!!
1405 Ravean Ct
Encinitas, California 92024
760-753-0830
shardy50@yahoo.com
July Update

The BFO tournament committee has been busy finalizing agenda details for this year’s October 13th-15th event. We will be returning to Catta Verdera for the 2-Man on Wednesday, will be making our first visit to Auburn Valley GC for Thursday’s 4-Man, and will be playing our Friday Shamble at Turkey Creek. Lodging & Thursday banqueting has moved to the Auburn Holiday Inn and Max’s Bar & Restaurant, which is located at the intersection of Hwy’s 80 & 49 in Auburn. The Food & Beverage Committee has given this location and capabilities two thumbs up! The Finance Committee has done another fantastic job of negotiating the costs, shown below, for this year’s extravaganza!

Attendee responses have been light, but I expect this to pick up now that all of you have received your Obama tax return IOU’s. Also for your traveling convenience, this year the Rat Line Tailgate Reunion, for the SJS vs Boise State game, will be held Friday evening Oct. 15 and Saturday Oct. 16th.

From the Lost & Found: Pete Pace and Mark Hutchens have been located/added to our list, and we are hopeful both will join us this year! Also, Bill Davis, who made a living finding lost souls, found himself and plans to join us for dinner.

From Believe It Or Not: Bloodgood, Fergus, Gough, Grady, Mileski and myself recently had a weekend of fun & sun in Palm Desert. You will all be glad to hear that Mileski, a preannal BFO “A” player, is now carrying a 16 handicap!! The good news is that he is playing to it!!

Mileski and I attended Norm Wilson’s Celebration of Life. The service was highlighted with his “Life Reflections” given by brother Jim Baugh, who was Norm’s friend since 4th grade. Norm will be remembered as a gentleman, a good friend and a great brother. He will be missed by us all.

Planned Agenda:

Auburn Holiday Inn, 530-877-8787, www.auburnhi.com
Catta Verdera Country Club, 916-645-7200, www.cattaverdera.com
Auburn Valley Golf Club, 530-269-2775, www.auburnvalleygc.com
Turkey Creek Golf Club, 916-434-9100, www.turkeycreekgc.com

Wednesday, October 13th
- Golf at Cata Vedera CC: 2-Man Team Challenge, first tee time @ 12:00 noon - Format tbd
- Check-in at AHI after 3:00pm
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Thursday, October 14th
- Breakfast 7:30-8:30am
- Golf at Auburn Valley GC: 4-Man Team Competition, first tee time @ 10:00am - Format tbd
- Dinner at Max’s at ~6:30pm
- Draft for Friday’s Team Shamble, Captains: tbd
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Friday, October 15th
- Check-out at AHI
- Breakfast 6:00-7:00am
- Golf at Turkey Creek: 4-Man Team Shamble, 8:00am Shot Gun Start - Format Team 2BB,
- Prizes, Cocktails and Farewells

Event Costs: >>>> No breakfast or libation included in below costs!!

Next update will be in early July!! Take good care, and keep those cards, letters and checks coming my way!!

Hardy, aka The Commish

1405 Ravean Ct
Encinitas, California 92024
760-753-0830
shardy50@yahoo.co

EARLIER....
I hope you are all giving some thought to this year’s BFO, which will be held October 13th – 15th in the Sierra Foothills. The planned agenda below is a work in progress as Rocklin Park Hotel still does not have a full service restaurant, and The Ridge has moved it’s green arification schedule into 10/4, which is only 10 days before our event. I am looking into the Auburn Holiday Inn as a backup for Rocklin Park, and am looking at Lincoln Hills or Turkey Creek for our Friday Shamble shotgun. I hate to move away from The Ridge, but if this ends up being a permanent change for them, we may have to do it.

Not much to report on the news front. I had a good visit/dinner with Dick Neve while he was in town over the holidays to visit with his son. Neve, along with Denny Deichler have recently retired, and are now enjoying their well deserved lives of leisure. Mileski will again be teeing it up in Palm Desert with the big boys at The Hope in February. Not sure if his Arkansas relatives have been invited back after last year’s pool party activities! Pictures from last year’s BFO are on the Rat Line website.

Planned Agenda:

Rocklin Park Hotel (RPH), 916-630-9400, www.rocklinpark.com
Catta Verdera Country Club, 916-645-7200, www.cattaverdera.com
Auburn Valley Golf Club, 530-269-2775, www.auburnvalleygc.com
The Ridge Golf Club, 530-888-7888, www.ridgegc.com

Wednesday, October 13th
- Golf at Cata Vedera CC: 2-Man Team Challenge, first tee time @ 12:00 noon - Format tbd
- Check-in at RPH after 3:00pm
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Thursday, October 14th
- Breakfast at RPH, 7:30-8:30am
- Golf at Auburn Valley GC: 4-Man Team Competition, first tee time @ 10:00am - Format tbd
- Dinner (location tbd) at 6:30pm
- Draft for Friday’s Team Shamble, Captains: tbd
- Libation, Lies and Laughter

Friday, October 9th
- Check-out at RPH
- Breakfast at RPH, 6:00-7:00am
- Golf at The Ridge: 4-Man Team Shamble, 8:30am Shot Gun Start - Format Team 2BB,
- Prizes, Cocktails and Farewells

2009 Blue Flame Open – Recap
(aka 8th Annual Hard Pipe Classic)

The 8th Annual Blue Flame Open, like all the others before, was a great time for all who attended! We again enjoyed three very special days of links, libation, lies and laughter in the scenic Sierra foothills. With the addition of a few younger classmen, the range of the group now spans Fall ’59 through Fall ’67. That’s the good news! The bad news is that we are all collecting Social Security, and most of us are now Medicare dependents!

Highlights for the event included a truly fantastic group of Rookies; a very special group of non-golfers; tailgate parties that rival anything at SJS; Wednesday’s 2-Man Challenge defending champions successfully defending; Thursday’s 4-Man run-a-way winners; and Friday’s Shamble won by a bunch of “old farts”. Also, the same guy from 2008 won most of the money again.

Lowlights were limited to a large number of MIA’s, and a citation from the fashion police.

Event Highlights:

** We had our biggest, best group of first timers since our inaugural 2001 group event. It reminded me of the impact the Fall ’63 class had on EX way back when! In addition to Dallas Hall, Mike McHugh, of “Holiday Lunch” fame, recruited an outstanding group which included Tom Aguer, Steve Coates, Butch Dunkle, Jay Fischer, Stan Jorgensen, Les Pelio, and John Ziegler. The best news of all is that they had a good time, and plan to be back next year!

** It is one thing for a bunch of guys to get together to hit and chase a little white ball around. It is quite another to have guys show up just to watch the above mentioned happening. Special thanks to non-golfing Rod Perth, Rob Stensen and Roger Sutter for joining us for this gathering.

** What would be the perfect ending to a long, hard day on the golf course? How about a tailgate party in the parking lot with cooler full of very cold beer & wine?! That is what we had after both Wednesday’s round at Catta Vedera and Thurday’s round at Dark Horse. A very special thanks to Bill Higgins for providing us with the much deserved and enjoyed libation!

** This year’s MVP competition was not even close. You may remember that our Santa Rosa contingency won most of the money last year. This year one of them damn near won it all! Smilin Jim Grace gets his hip replaced in May, and uses his recovery rounds during August and September to fatten his index up to an inflated 13.5. He then proceeds to shoot lights out placing 3rd in the 2-Man, 2nd in the 4-Man, 1st Low-Net Pro Division, and captained 3rd place Shamble team! Needless to say, the handicap committee will be investigating him prior to next year!

** This is the first year that one guy has won two awards! The Rookie-of the-Year award goes to Mike McHugh for rounding up the fantastic group of “first timers” listed above. He also won the “Best Dressed” award by showing up for Friday golf outfitted in a canary yellow shorts & shirt, which was a little loud for this group, but acceptable. He then capped it off with brown mid-calf socks and brown shoes!!! The fashion police at The Ridge required payoff to allow him on the course. His claim was that he forgot socks and that’s all the pro shop had in stock, but insiders reported that this is his standard attire for big events.

Event Competition:

** Wednesday’s 2-Man Challenge featured nine teams in the field at the scenic Catta Vedera CC.
Based on the score cards turned in, the team of Ascani & Gough’s net 64.0 nudged Ames & Grace net 64.5 to win the trophy, with new comers Coates & Jorgensen’s 65.5 rounding out the top 3. Only Ames’ chunk into the pond at 18 kept them from the perceived winning score. That was all before Clegg & Siegel challenged scorekeeper Grady’s math ability. Grady had reported the defending champions in with respectable net 72.0, however under closer scrutiny, their correct score was a smooth net 62.0!! This wining score placed them back on the victory stand, and again dawning the black gloves in a salute to “Hacker Power”.

** Thursday’s 4-Man Modified Stableford at the Dark Horse Golf Club was fantastic!! With the exception of one score, all teams were in contention. The team of Ames, Guthrie, Coates, & Kuechle posted a tournament record score of 95 points to win honors! A distant second at 80 was Jorgensen, Grace, Aguer & Kime, third at 77 was Fergus, Ascani, Clegg and Henry. Low net in the Hacker Division (HC >16) was won by Steve Coates with a net 73, over Kime’s net 74. In the Pro Division (HC <15), Smilin’ Jim Grace won honors with a net 71, nudging Stan Jorgensen’s net 73 and The Commish’s net 74.

** The draft for Friday’s featured 2BB Shamble, at the demanding Ridge, was boarder line out-of-control. The captain’s choices were barely audible over the crowd noise. When all the dust settled, all 7 teams looked very respectable. There was one team of “old farts” that everyone thought, “they are no threat, but will have a good time”. Well, not only did they have a good time, but Capt. Draeger along with Traverso (who had to be begged to play), Harris (who was on vicadin & beer) and Fergus (yes, Capt Bly finally broke the curse) won the gold with a 9 under par, 133 score. Finishing with silver, Capt Ascani, Ames, Siegel and Wilkes with a 7 under, 135. Bronze was taken by Capt. Grace, Gough, Coates and Henry with a 6 under, 136. The other four teams were only a few strokes back. It should be noted that this was the highest winning score ever, which doesn’t say much for our group golfing skills!

Pictures taken by Lyke editor Pat O’Daniels are posted on the Rat Line website.

To those of you who chose not to join us, you again missed a great time!! To our missing regulars, Allen, Bloodgood, Lujan, Mace, Mileski, Penman, Pryor, Rudolph’s x 2, and Snell, we missed all of you guys very much, and we look forward to having all of you back with us next year!!! My thanks to all those who made the effort to be a part of this year’s BFO, and for making it such a great time!

Mark October 13th – 15th on your calendars NOW for the 2010 Blue Flame Open!!

We will again be gathering in the Sierra Foothills, and I will again find us three challenging golf courses. I will also put us up in a hotel that also has an onsite “full” restaurant capability.

I look forward to seeing all of you for an even better event next year!! .

Take good care and keep those cards and letters coming my way!!!

Hardy, aka The Commish
shardy50@yahoo.com

Tournament photos are on our “Photos 2” link at top.—O’D

Join SJS ATO group on Yahoo!
Brothers,  We have been growing and adding many alumni over the last year. With your help and efforts we have up to 130+ alumni on this group list (see the Web site home page for an accurate member count). However, there are many brothers out there that aren't on this alumni group. Please help spread the word and grow the ATO alumni network. If you know a fellow SJSU Alpha Tau Omega that should be in this group, invite them to join! It's easy to do, just point them to the Web URL below and have them click the "Join this group!" button and follow the on screen instructions. It's that easy.  SJSU Alpha Tau Omega Alumni URL: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sjsu-ato-alumni/  VTL, Moderator - sjsu-ato-alumni Email: sjsu-ato-alumni-owner@yahoogroups.com Web Site: http://groups.yahoo.com/group/sjsu-ato-alumni/

News: ATO & DU Open House; Carol died

Sun, 26 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

ATO’s Buy Back House at 202 So. 11th!
The DUs and PiKA’s across the street are already seeing neighbors their own age on fraternity row as Mike Herkenrath informed last month that the Epsilon Chi ATO Actives and Alumni are already tearing up rotting floors and replacing the main plumbing line to the former “San Antonio Apartments”— their former house at 202 So. 11th Street— thanks to a generous contribution by Jim Thompson of Crown Worldwide in Hong Kong and others, including Bob Foy. (Pete Snell shot this color slide back in 1963).

Mike Herkenrath (’92-95), son of the late Spartan track star Kent Herkenrath, wrote that Ed Mosher told him the DUs will also be holding an open house late Friday, Oct. 15th.

Please add the attached photo of Don Ryan visiting 202 today 8/21. I'm pretty sure he wants to pledge again this Fall. I have been very touched by all the supportive emails and Alumni visits to 202 but we could use a lot more Alumni involvement on different levels: Fundraising for scholarships, donations, naming a room donations, mentorship, job placement and networking.

The students respond positive to our support and it's a motivational factor for them. Overall, the dedication should be the biggest reunion in EC history and we are working hard to ensure a fun time for everyone.

As always, your support is appreciated a great deal. I'd really like to get you to 202 while we have some construction options. Check out the videos attached and let me know your thoughts.

My hands are full but next week I'll work on an invitation to the event outlining a time line, history of how this opportunity happened, donation requests and Chapter info.

Jim,
The front room facing 11th street is a great brotherhood space indeed. There is a larger room (dinning/multipurpose room) down the hall at the back of the house along the back driveway where we need to replace the sewer line. The courtyard separates the front room from the dinning/multipurpose room. In between this dinning/multipurpose room and the front room is the study room (approx 15x30) along the L shapre of the house, which I haven't videoed yet. We'd like to dedicate this room to Jack Holland who I visited two weeks ago and picked up a $1,000 check. The study room shares a common wall with the kitchen and the kitchen half bathroom. The kitchen opens to the dinning room/multipurpose room which will be great for philanthropies, brotherhood events and Alumni dinners. We've spoken about the guest speaker dinners which I hope to invite speakers like you, Pat, Don, Bob, Dennis and others. I also have a coach from the 49ers willing to attend along with community leaders. This room has been divided by a wall which Bob and I want to take down or at least remove half. I don't want to dictate this project. It's good to have a lot of Alumni input and attachment. I videoed this space for you early this morning along with some other work in progress.

Hope you enjoy the videos and know how much I appreciate your support with all the work we've accomplished thanks to you. More success and progress to report soon. -Mike

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6CEUviv86g0

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=R4OffCAaj1A

Your help is needed for repairs. Who can assist with plumbing, electrical, painting, wood work, concrete, etc...?  But we need to move fast now and repair the house. School started Aug 24th and we have a short time line for improvements. Until then, the ATOs will move into the Campus Village and then all of them move into 202 South 11th Street by the Oct. 15-16th weekend of the Boise State game and the big rededication ceremony.  Please offer support with work, connections with good contractors or send a donation. Rededication party to be weekend of Alumni Reunion Tailgate Oct 15-16.  Mike Herkenrath (408) 499-4440 Make donations checks to: ATO Alumni EX Attn: Mike Herkenrath 2435 Forest Ave #200 San Jose CA 95128

P.S. Can you let me know of any Alumni with construction or repair connections? We have a lot of work ahead for 202. I'm also looking for any ATO memorabilia to display in the house memorabilia trophy case. Can you put the word out for both please? Thanks. Here’s Don Ryan with some actives on 8/21.

Carol O’Daniels died Sunday morning 9/26

(Carol and I stopped by Tonia Lemucchi-Valpredo’s Luigi’s in October 2008. This Bakersfield landmark will be celebrating its centennial on Sunday, October 3rd with a giant Italian Festival from 11-6 featuring glass blowers, jugglers, wine stomping and pasta eating contests with booths serving Italian food & drink.)

Early Sunday morning 9/26 my wife Carol died at home of internal bleeding. She refused to go to the emergency room or let me call 9-1-1 until she keeled over shortly after 6 A.M. At about 4:30 she asked me to rub her back. I asked her if it hurt? She said. “No, it just feels good.” We were both up all night with what she thought was diarrhea. At 3:30 the doctor on call said to stop her blood thinner as she most likely had intestinal bleeding. Services will be Fri. or Sat. at Reis Family Mortuary in San Luis Obispo.

* * * *

It all started with a nagging cough three months ago that led to a chest X-ray that showed a 4-centimeter
mass on my wife’s lung. The day of a PET scan and before the biopsy was scheduled, I called the Lung clinic at Cedars Sinai on June 28 to ask if they would prefer to do their own biopsy. They told me they don’t do needle biopsy on 4-cn masses. So we were able to consult the next day with Dr. Robert McKenna, Surgical Director of the prestigious Women’s Guild Lung Institute in Los Angeles.

The PET scan showed ‘lit-up’ lymph nodes, so four at the base of her neck/shoulder were removed on July 7th by Dr. McKenna. They contained cancer. He recommended we find a good oncologist in San Luis Obispo that would consult with someone they work with at Tower Oncology at 9090 Wilshire Blvd.

We found Dr. Thomas Spillane in SLO who came highly recommended. He’s a SF Sacred Heart HS, UC Davis, UC Irvine alum who moved up here 10 years ago. He ordered a MRI of Carol’s brain. It showed multiple small spots that required radiation before he would start chemo therapy.

Spillane recommended Dr. Jeffery Gilroy (Univ of Nebraska) in San Luis who will begin whole brain radiation (at a lower dose on Aug. 2nd), instead of stronger pin-point radiation of the small spots, saying other spots will just show up later.

On Friday, August 13 we met with UCSF oncologist Dr. Thierry Jahan who successfully treated San Francisco wooden boat sailor Peter English five years ago for pancreatic cancer. (Peter’s wife Kathleen was Carol’s roommate in San Francisco before we were married.) Dr. Jahan recommends waiting until Carol finishes her radiation on Aug. 27th then wait a week before beginning chemo in San Luis Obispo on Sept. 7th.

Carol had her hair stylist give her a buzz cut August 24 and bought a wig. She begin blood thinner shots to reduce small clots in her right lung. They help slow her nagging cough.

On Thurs. Aug 26th Carol had an IVC filter (inferior vena cava) inserted by Dr. Tim Auran at French Hospital. Dr. Auran is only 35 but has installed hundreds of these in the past decade. This will catch any future blood clots that will come up from her legs.
The salesman for the IVC told Carol that his father is one day older than she is. She went home at 2 PM and is feeling fine. Here’s a look at an IVC filter:
http://www.amicusvisualsolutions.com/obrasky/06936_01W.jpg

On Sept. 1st Carol began chemotherapy at https://Integrative_Cancer_Care in San Luis Obispo. Her treatments are every three weeks and she is using UCSF’s Dr. Thierry Jahan as her consultant.

Two days after her 2nd chemotherapy on Sept. 22 Carol asked for a ham and cheese sandwich! This was her first solid food in almost two weeks. She no longer is coughing or spitting up phlem, but is very weak. Her weight has shifted south to her swollen lower legs and feet, so she needs to be lifted out of chairs By luck, our neighbor loaned us a motorized lift chair which she can also recline to sleep in.

Carol would like to thank all of you for the cards and phone calls. More photos on her own blog and memorial service date. http://carolod.blogspot.com/

Rat Line Reunion XIII on Oct. 15-16
vs. #3 ranked Boise State Broncos.
Do we really need to remind you here that our SJS Rat Line discount rates at the Fairmont Hotel will be expiring in Sept.? If you want to take advantage of our special $99 a night rate for a room in the downtown San Jose Fairmont, or a Suite for $159 (plus tax) please call them today: 408-998-1900 or toll free 1-866-540-4493.
You can email them any questions at sanjose@fairmont.com
Pete has been selling a lot of our Rat Line caps, (shown on the home page), and alums are coming out of the woodwork for this one! A lot has to do with a phone tree ATOs Clay Bowers and Reed Jones have started to get Taus back for the rededication of their house at 202 So. 11th Street.
Chuck Ennis is gathering mid-to-late 1950’s football alumni for the “Kiss-Off Boise State” game. We’re expecting a lot of DUs and PiKAs to check out their new neighbors on South 11th. The Phi Sigs, who are no longer on campus, should be recovering from their “once in a lifetime” reunion at Dario Sattui’s Castello di Amorosa medieval Tuscan castle up in Calistoga in mid September. (See Sunday Chronicle 8/8/10)
So drop what you are doing and fill out that entry form bound in the #35 Summer 2010 Rat Line. Yeah, the one with the “STILL BROKE” State of California logo on the reverse side. We won’t have to order tickets until the end of September. Pete is already grouping game seats together for the DUs and any others who wish to sit together. But I’ve found once we are seated, we can move around among ourselves.
That photo during the Utah game that appeared on the back cover was taken from our section in Spartan Stadium.
Be sure to watch coach Mike MacIntyre’s informative WAC press conference. (See our message board)
Theta Chi Bart Fenolio goes home!
The former Spartan relay team member has been receiving treatment for Lyme disease which was miss-diagnosed as ALS (Lou Gehrig’s disease). This great, informative story by Patty Fisher appeared in the San Jose Mercury-News on July 29th.

http://www.mercurynews.com/opinion/ci_15633546?nclick_check=1

Pledge Soetje’s new book on Mickey Finn’s

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Late 1950’s San Jose State ATO Fred Soetje was prodded into finally writing a book on how “Mickey Finn’s” got started. Fred, who grew up in San Francisco and Monrovia, takes his writing style from Larry King’s old USA Today columns—except when he has a funnier story to tell, then he stretches it out to full effect.

“Slip Yourself a Mickey Finn” is 464 pages of some of the funniest stories a talented self-promoter could tell. Young Fred started his first band in Cub Scouts while attending Epiphany Catholic School…”I wasn’t ready for chain smoking priests, stern ladies in black robes, or daily Mass when starting fifth grade…my academics were better than my deportment.”

Fred tells everything in this book. His close calls with death while growing up in southern California’s car culture; How he pledged ATO, his pranks as “Pledge Soetje” with “Field Marshall” Bob Kesselring, “self appointed extreme harasser”, and Pledge Master Pete Bricker, IFC boxing champion, “a walking fire plug” whom they kidnapped and flew to Lodi leaving Bricker in a farmer’s field; his pranks on the Alpha Phi and SAEs houses and when school was out how he made money playing in San Francisco night clubs with Stanford Sigma Chi banjo player/arm wrestling champion Jim Pollock. They started at the Honey Bucket in the City, crossed the Dunbarton for gigs at “my Pizza Joynt in Hayward” making up verses to that college classic “Hey La-di, La-di Low”, moved to Gold Street and finally the Red Garter on Broadway. And all that is just in the first 42 pages chock full of photos.

Soetje also tells how he took the ATO canon to San Diego. Yes the one they fired from the balcony of the “Alpha” house at the DZ sorority across 11th St. (presently the site of DU fraternity). He explains the canon’s Navy origins and that “it stood ready to level Palo Alto, if Stanford got too big for its britches.” (The Rat Line will run a story by Costa Mesa ATO Dan Worthington (‘53-58) on the origin of the ATO cannon, and why the Chargers have it, in our year-end issue after the bowl games.)

“Business department head Jack Holland approved an extra credit business plan/Mini Thesis ‘A Retail Store’ (Saloon)” writes Soetje, so he does market research on population, climate, moving costs and liquor laws, which pointed to Washington D.C. (legal age 18), Oahu, Hawaii and finalist San Diego. It’s 1959 and Fred gets married in Carmel that July. In May 1960 they “head south on the scenic Pacific Coast Highway with a truck full of “Grapes of Wrath” collectibles” (vintage music machines). “My hands strangled the steering wheel as though somehow that would make the 18 hour drive faster or safer.” (101 was mostly two or three lanes back then.)

His “first priority the next afternoon was driving to the ATO house at San Diego State to get advice on location, location, location.” How and where Fred found a vacant warehouse, brought it up to code and survived the city bureaucrats is a must read for anyone thinking of starting their own business.
“Mickey Finn’s” was a marketing success. He brought in top name talent to complement his own band and promoted the hell out of it. His Mickey Finn’s baseball team raised money for charity by beating the San Diego Padres in a rigged exhibition game for charity. Even Regis Philbin then of KOGO Channel 10 was coaxed into wearing the Finn’s 1890s bathing suit uniforms. (photo on page 116).

“Pledge Soetje” also details how he cut his first album at Capital Records in Hollywood without a contract. The roaring success of “Mickey Finn’s” even led to a summer replacement show on national television. NBC studios in Burbank recreated Soetje’s bar so well, most people thought it was filmed in San Diego. No, Fred just bussed his regular customers and a keg of beer up to Burbank for authenticity.

This self-published book is a must read for every San Jose State alum who ever had, or plans to start, a business. (I think Ray Kunde must have gotten an advance copy back in 1961 when he opened the Awful-Awful Saloon on South First St.) You can buy “Slip yourself a Mickey Finn” for $21.50 which includes a CD of 15 of his best songs from Live and Studio recordings of the Mickey Finn Show. Fred will even autograph and personalize each copy you want to send to a relative, banjo enthusiast, Dixieland player or anyone. —Pat O’D.

Just list any special greeting/event/date from you as well, include your email and send your check to “Mickey Finn” for $21.50 which includes shipping, to:

16552 Daeza Drive, Winter Garden, Florida 34787 or visit
http://www.mickeyfinn.com

“Mickey Finn” to play at ATO Open House!

Sat, 25 Sep 2010 00:00:00 -0700

The above sign painted by O’D in 1962 stood in front of the construction site at 202 South 11th St until Larry “Lash” Lareau tossed a hatchet through the front window of the Lion’s Den at 380 So. 11th. The design came from our Harvey’s Wagon Wheel casino check cashing cards. The bottom reads: (Really this is another PLAYBOY Key Club)

Fred Finn “Bay City All-Stars to play Oct. 15
We received confirmation in August from “Pledge Soetje”
that he is flying out from Florida for what the largest gathering on South 11th Street since 1957 when Louis Armstrong appeared on the ATO house balcony!

When that was confirmed, we contacted his Stanford Sigma Chi arm-wrestling champ, premier banjo man Jim Pollock in Portola Valley. Pollock played with Fred in their college days and Jim will join ATO Jerry Snyder (clarinet & banjo) who is putting together some brass for their “Bay City All-Stars”. Music should start at 4:30 on Friday, Oct. 15th at the ATO house. Campus parking is on South 10th.

“Congrats ya'all. -   What great news about the "Resurrection" of Epsilon Chi.     I am tentatively planning on attending the open house and if I can be of any help in "consulting" on presentation, playing or staging I will be glad to help.

My home number is 407 239 1763    Please advise.

Cheers!     Fred "Mickey" Finn

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dx5AZO2X7cU&feature=related

Fred, what kind of piano do we need at the house?

Not sure what the evolving plan might re: Piano.
I'm loose in any event,

1. If it's to be used for any pre opening ceremony - a rented or donated weighted 88 note electric keyboard with strong amp and speakers will do the job.

2. If it's to be used inside the house and kept as a practical piece of furniture - a spinet, wreck room upright or baby grand piano might be a good or bad idea depending on obvious factors.

3. If it's a pain in the rear I'll can just play at the hotel sometime during the 6 - 12 "Happy Hour" as mentioned.

Looking forward to the reunion and subsequent story telling.

Cheers!     Soetje - Finn

Fred, Clay Bowers said he can bring his electric keyboard that meets your specs if we can’t find buy a used piano. We also should be able to find an empty keg for you to sit on.

We need Jerry Snyder and Theta Chi Paul Tumason to bring banjos. Former Awful-Awful Saloon owner Ray Kunde might have some old signs to make you feel at home. Jim Thompson thinks we should try to get the 200 block of South 11th closed off for three hour as the DUs and PiKAs are now directly across the street.

Pete Snell told me last week that this is shaping up to be the biggest Rat Line reunion ever. Over 170 have responded, many more are the usual procrastinators! Even former ATO President Bob Young canceled his plans and plans to fly up from San Diego County. We’re gotten confirmations from interim SJS President Don Kassing and COB Dean David Steele from Sparta. (Latest news on our message board.)

Remember when we used to charter Greyhound buses to take fans to the U of Pacific game in Stockton? I could use more old photos to put together a 36x24” poster of pictures of the DTO and ATO fraternity house functions from the ‘40s to ‘60s. Email me at ratline@me.com —Pat O’D

“Spartans in the Desert” Feb. 18-20, 2011

Sun, 8 Aug 2010 00:00:00 -0700

Kappa Kappa Gamma Connie (Loveday) Lurie (right with KKG sister Sharon Hatlett-Devine, husband Mike a former SJS football player, and SJS vice president Fred Najjar. Connie gave us the latest details:

Put down the date in your calendar for next year's event SPARTANS IN THE DESERT....it will be the weekend of Feb. 19th..... the whole weekend..... hiking, a tour of the zoo, cocktail party on Friday night and dinner on Saturday night.... golf on Sunday....and more.
Spread the word......please send this email on to your pals that have a SJSU connection.

The party this year was really fun and next year will be our 10th anniversary.......
The Mira Monte in Indian Wells will be the hotel center.... (most likely) - it is beautiful and has a top rated spa. Lots to do in the desert...join us!
Cheers, Connie Lurie

LAST YEAR’S ANNOUNCEMENT
“The 9th Annual Spartans in the Desert weekend will be Friday, Feb. 26 through Sunday 28th.
This 3-day event is held especially for southern California Spartans, but open to all friends of Sparta who want to come to the desert this time of the year.

The price has been reduced to $50 to encourage more SJS alumni to attend. (Sunday golf is an option.)

“A Friday reception and dinner are a prelude to your journey through the deserts of the world at The Living Desert.
Come face-to-face with a mountain lion in Eagle Canyon and hear the rhythmic sounds of Africa in Village WaTuTu. And if you still have time, get out your clubs for a round of golf at Desert Willow Golf Resort.”

This year’s weekend events will be held at the
The Living Desert at 6 PM Friday
47900 Portola Ave, Palm Desert, CA 92260
http://www.livingdesert.org

Please dress “desert chic”, no ties required.
$50 per person
Reception and casual buffet includes hosted beer and wine bar and buffet dinner, as well as complimentary pass to return to the Living Desert to tour the exhibits on Saturday, February 27.

RSVP
Please let us know as soon as possible.
Email: desert.spartans@sjsu.edu
Telephone: (408) 924-1472

Hotel Information:
Embassy Suites Hotel Palm Desert Resort
74700 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-340-6692
Special Spartans in the Desert Rate
$189/night/2-room suite
Full breakfast each morning
Open bar 5:30 pm to 7:30 pm
http://embassysuites1.hilton.com/en_US/es/hotel/PLMDRES-Embassy-Suites-Palm-Desert-California/index.do

Best Western Palm Desert Resort
74695 Highway 111
Palm Desert, CA 92260
760-340-4441
Special Spartans in the Desert Rate
$117/night
http://www.bestwesterncalifornia.com/hotels/best-western-palm-desert-resort/index.html

Saturday, February 27
African Meal Experience at 12:30 PM
The Commission’s House (shown above)
Village WaTuTu
12:30 PM

You can purchase your lunch at the African Village Grill. Tables and chairs will be set up in the District Commissioner’s House with view through glass walls of the leopards. This is a no-host event.

Special opportunity:
Tour The Living Desert before or after lunch.

Sunday, February 28
Golf Opportunity
We’ve reserved a few spots for golf at the
Desert Willow Golf Resort
38995 Desert Willow Drive
Palm Desert, CA 92260
http://www.desertwillow.com/

To make a reservation, call the Desert Willow Golf resort and ask to play with the “SJSU Spartans in the Desert” group. You can form your own foursome or Desert Willow will pair you with other Spartans.

Spaces are limited. Reserve your spot early.
Pay directly to the Desert Willow Golf Resort.

The Host committee is composed of
Diane and Lee Brandenberg, Carl Best,
Judy and Bruce Cameron, Natalie and Vince Castaldo, Sharon and Mike Devine, Lynette and Dick DiNapoli, Stephen Doyle, Marilyn Reed and Mike Filing,
Beth and Jim Greulich, Tom Hennessy,
Huette and Bob James, Steve Larson and Katherine “JJ” Frazer, Connie Lurie, Diane and Brooks Mancini, Jean Porter Nielsen, Patricia Rees-Miller,
Barbara and Jim Rountree, LaVern and Gerald Schmidt, Pat and Steve Schott, Carolyn and John Sherman, Peter Snell, Diane and Nick Speno, Fernando Torres-Gil, Suzanne and Gene Valla, Linda and Jim Watts.

You must RSVP.
Contact: Sheri Bragg at San Jose State Athletics
(408) 924-1472
Email: desert.spartans@sjsu.edu