From rforno at infowarrior.org Sat Mar 8 17:27:25 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sat, 08 Mar 2008 12:27:25 -0500 Subject: [sticklist] - The VFMA&C Trivia Quiz Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Announcement of the VFMA&C Trivia Quiz Think you know all there is to know about Valley Forge's history, customs, traditions, former staff and faculty, alumni, buildings, and miscellany? Think again! ContinentalOnLine (www.continentalonline.org) is pleased to announce a VF Trivia Quiz that will award a prize for the first person to correctly answer the five questions that will be posted each week. The contest will begin Monday, March 10. The quiz will be located under the category Alumni Are Talking in a forum entitled VF Trivia Quiz. Every Monday, five new questions covering various categories will be posted. If you know the answers, be sure to promptly submit them to Susan Rapp. The first responder that includes all correct answers in an e-mail will win a fabulous prize! The rules for the Quiz are listed below. Rules: 1. Five questions will be posted every Monday morning under the thread entitled "Weekly Trivia Contest" and answers will be provided every Friday. 2. Quiz participants should e-mail their numbered responses to sr19380 at yahoo.com. The first e-mail that includes all correct answers in the order in which the questions were presented will be the winner. To receive your prize, include your mailing address. 3. Contestants can only win once per month. 4. Additional questions (with correct answers) may be submitted to the e-mail address in rule #2. The quiz committee reserves the right to modify the questions, if necessary. 5. All questions included in the quiz are the property of ContinentalOnLine and may not be reproduced without the written permission of the website's administration. -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH0sx1KWZyO29ebPYRAngXAJ4x6vXQtHBa1ezWiUSdfH53ajIneQCgxBkj af8BdjUyP8CVWjLkIEOm8Go= =/EsE -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sun Mar 9 20:52:19 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sun, 09 Mar 2008 16:52:19 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - VFMAC takes top awards at band festival Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Valley Forge Military takes top awards at band festival http://www.philly.com/inquirer/breaking/chester_breaking/20080227_Valley_Fo rge_Military_takes_top_awards_at_band_festival.html Valley Forge Military Academy & College continued its musical domination of military schools, sweeping the major awards at the 32nd Military School Band Festival Concert, which it hosted in February. The weekend competition started on Feb. 22 when about 100 musicians from 11 military schools each auditioned for the coveted first chairs for their instruments. Members of Valley Forge's Regimental Band earned 7 of the 11 first-chair slots, and Valley Forge took home both the best prepared high school band award and the best prepared college band award for the third straight year. Cadet Jonathon Banasihan, an alto saxophone player and freshman at the college, won the award for most outstanding musician of the competition, the second straight year a Valley Forge student won the award. The musicians, coming from as far as California for the weekend, rehearsed Friday and Saturday for Sunday's concert. Among the songs played on Sunday were tunes you'd expect at a military band concert (the U.S. National Anthem, classical selections from English composer Gustav Holst and some you wouldn't (a sampling of works by the Blues Brothers). Will Hobson -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH1E36KWZyO29ebPYRAqZlAJ0bPqdp4uQexUJv5NseID27jY7JPACfacoX jxHlSQa/7j2kE9V1krgA7yg= =KtRX -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Mar 13 18:40:33 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 13 Mar 2008 14:40:33 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Alumni Weekend Update Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 All, Information (schedule & registration) regarding 2008 Alumni Weekend has just been posted at the VF website in the Alumni area. http://www.vfmac.edu/alumni.html Please check that site for ongoing updates and online registration details. Looking forward to seeing you on-post this spring! Rick Forno '90 '92C Sticklist Administrator -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH2XUYKWZyO29ebPYRAsRNAJ4xeBYaQI1VwsX4sg+1sw8bwrAaJgCdH6Es qJIzPIaKFPQvBdZ71cWmKMU= =IMuV -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Fri Mar 14 20:16:28 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Fri, 14 Mar 2008 16:16:28 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - TAPS LTC Romulo J. Diez '56 Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 From: Spano, Frank [mailto:FSpano at vfmac.edu] Sent: Friday, March 14, 2008 3:58 PM Gentlemen of the AABOD, I regret to inform you that the Forge Family has lost an alumnus and long-time employee. I have received word that LTC Romulo J. Diez, VFMA&C ?56 recently passed away. While a cadet LTC Diez was a Cadet Sergeant assigned to C Company and was a member of the following activities and organizations: Anthony Wayne Legion Guard, Chapel Vestry, Legionnaire Staff, Motion Picture Club, Intramural Volleyball, Intramural Basketball, Intramural Baseball, and Intramural Softball. I welcome any personal reflections or comments you have regarding LTC Diez and his contribution to the Forge Family. Respectfully, Frank Spano 1LT Frank M. Spano III, '01C Director of Alumni Relations Valley Forge Military Academy & College FSpano at vfmac.edu -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH2t0LKWZyO29ebPYRAil6AJ4ztj1R8sftQi5KkrYz36g3pv+oCwCg+1ST X6DPAynitIFo8J1lAz3Zuqg= =afeN -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Tue Mar 18 01:23:35 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Mon, 17 Mar 2008 21:23:35 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Online Chat with AABOD President John Rapp Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 The ContinentalOnLine Boodle Shop Chat Room Has Returned! Greetings, everyone, I am pleased to announce that the Boodle Shot Chat Room will return this Thursday evening at 9:00 PM (EDT). Our guest that evening will be the President of the Alumni Association, John Rapp '74JC. John will answer your questions about proposed changes to the Association, including changes to the Alumni Association By-Laws. In order to participate in the chat room, however, you must be registered on ContinentalOnLine. I encourage you to do so as soon as possible by going to: www.continentalonline.org. Once you have received your confirming e-mail from the site administrator (which may take 24 hours) you are good to go. In order to access the chat room, go to http://boodleshop.continentalonline.org/ and sign in. The conversation with John will begin promptly at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. It is a little later than we have done in the past, but we want to make sure that any of our West Coast members have the chance to participate. The conversation will last for one hour (hey, John has to work on Friday!) We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either the administrators or the moderators on ContinentalOnLine. Cheers, Susan Rapp Chat Moderator -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH3xmTKWZyO29ebPYRAmA8AKDZ9tV0PzyNrU5HmPWomc4qzRwEGACgpokf fokaNa9QDX/66vESwuFCQz8= =cOoi -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Thu Mar 20 16:52:29 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Thu, 20 Mar 2008 12:52:29 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Tonight: Online Chat with AABOD President John Rapp In-Reply-To: Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Reminder: Online Chat with AABOD President John Rapp Tonight! Greetings, everyone, I am pleased to announce that the Boodle Shot Chat Room will return tonight Thursday (3/20) evening at 9:00 PM (EDT). Our guest will be the President of the Alumni Association, John Rapp '74JC. John will answer your questions about proposed changes to the Association, including changes to the Alumni Association By-Laws. In order to participate in the chat room, however, you must be registered on ContinentalOnLine. I encourage you to do so as soon as possible by going to: www.continentalonline.org. Once you have received your confirming e-mail from the site administrator (which may take 24 hours) you are good to go. In order to access the chat room, go to http://boodleshop.continentalonline.org/ and sign in. The conversation with John will begin promptly at 9:00 PM Eastern Time. It is a little later than we have done in the past, but we want to make sure that any of our West Coast members have the chance to participate. The conversation will last for one hour (hey, John has to work on Friday!) We look forward to your participation. If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact either the administrators or the moderators on ContinentalOnLine. Cheers, Susan Rapp Chat Moderator -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH4pYvKWZyO29ebPYRAgOaAJ9hXiI+fzfKzdKDu6R/iN1ip35AUACg1DIY wzmg/f5ELsGRgMUcR40+d+g= =+YyO -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sat Mar 29 13:37:55 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 09:37:55 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Support the Choir Robe Project Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Choir Robe Project Announced! One of the most memorable aspects of attending Chapel service at Valley Forge Military Academy and College is the sight and sound of the Choir as they process down the aisle at the start of services. Whether as a cadet sitting in a pew, a cadet participating in the Choir, or an alumnus and guest returning to witness the services you remember from your own cadet days, it is an image that is indelibly etched into your memory as an important part of your days at Valley Forge. ContinentalOnLine.org is proud to announce that it is sponsoring a fund raising project to support the purchase of new choir robes at Valley Forge. The robes that are currently in use are old and in very fragile condition. The Choirmaster and Chaplain are eager to replace the robes and restore the level of pageantry that is such an important part of each Chapel service. The cost of each robe and stole is $90.00. The goal is to raise enough funds to purchase fifty robes, for a total cost of $4,500. We are excited to tell you that one pledge of $500 has been made by an individual and a contribution of $300 from another individual has been received! We hope that this generous support will encourage you to join us, whether it is for the purchase of one robe or perhaps more. Please assist us in this important effort to maintain the level of tradition that is important to all Alumni. Your check, made payable to VFMAC Foundation, with a notation that it is for the Choir Robe Project, should be sent directly to Colonel John E. Steele, Chaplain. Colonel Steele will retain a record of the donors and donation amounts, and he will ensure that a restricted account is established in the Finance Office until sufficient funds are collected to purchase the new robes. We thank you for assisting us in this very worthwhile project. Courage, Honor, Conquer! Joseph Allen '86C Thomas Balish '78, '80JC Paul McKenna '79JC John Rapp '74JC Susan Rapp Dan Wolfe '74, '76JC -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH7kYtKWZyO29ebPYRAsxRAJ9Jl6wPZRldq/9bk7eFPaLmUxy3lQCZAQPp m1TAjxqHhz44rmwlhGNoJ78= =RcM6 -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sun Mar 30 01:37:27 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sat, 29 Mar 2008 21:37:27 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Invite: VFMAC Parents Forum Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Relayed from Nan Newman, mother of Cadet Sergeant Julian Newman '09, A Co), who invites Alumni to visit and participate in this forum for VF parents. Cheers, Rick '90 '92C < - > Fellow Parents and Family Members of Valley Forge Military Academy Cadets: We now have an online forum for VF parents! http://www.setbb.com/vfmaforum We have decided to create this Message Board to provide an online community where we can freely and openly discuss?our experiences, concerns, and Other general stuff about Valley Forge Military Academy and our Cadets. All comments and suggestions are welcome. Lini Stevens and the Parents Association do a WONDERFUL JOB of keeping parents involved in the goings-on in Wayne,?and this Forum will hopefully facilitate their efforts as well as offer additional support and information by allowing direct parent-to-parent communication and honest, direct sharing of concerns, victories and experiences. It will also provide a searchable history for new parents. Though I independently initiated this Board and it is not officially affiliated with VFMAC, President McGeorge supports the site as a vehicle for parent communication, and Lini is working closely with me on the project. Valley Forge is at a critical time in it's distinguished history in many ways. Our sons are Cadets there now, and parents need to be able to share information and talk with each other. PLEASE JOIN! -- http://www.setbb.com/vfmaforum We look forward to seeing you on The Forum! Nancy Newman (VFMA Son Julian '09 - Supply Sergeant, "A" Company)? Nancy Marcus Newman, Esq. VFMA Parent Forum Site Administrator http://www.setbb.com/vfmaforum nnewmanesq at aol.com -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH7u7NKWZyO29ebPYRAtFkAJ0VzABkGL77+9vDaDeqb2DpwMwU/gCeI736 Qt4viD5DNLPHF4UenknZ14o= =9ubg -----END PGP SIGNATURE----- From rforno at infowarrior.org Sun Mar 30 17:51:32 2008 From: rforno at infowarrior.org (Richard Forno) Date: Sun, 30 Mar 2008 13:51:32 -0400 Subject: [sticklist] - Clarification: Females in the Academy Message-ID: -----BEGIN PGP SIGNED MESSAGE----- Hash: SHA1 Gentlemen -- Over the past few weeks I've received several inquiries regarding the assimilation and integration of females into the Academy. Apparently, this news item started gathering momentum and increased interest within the Alumni and Parents communities recently after several individuals received a survey from the school soliciting feedback on the matter. Rather than blindly fuel the flames of speculation, last week I penned a note to VFMAC President Tony McGeorge asking for some official clarification that could be relayed to the Alumni community regarding this matter. As such, Tony's response to me appears below, and I appreciate his taking the time to respond to my inquiry so promptly. Relayed for your information, Rick Forno '90 '92C - - - - ------ Forwarded Message From: "McGeorge, Tony" Date: Mon, 24 Mar 2008 15:13:24 -0400 To: Richard Forno Cc: "Spano, Frank" , "Boyden, Ken" , "Myers, Jennifer" , "Doyle, James" , Conversation: Clarification requested Subject: RE: Clarification requested Hello Rick, The Board of Trustees voted to approve the assimilation of females into the academy as part of the three year strategic plan presented in July 2007. The approach would be to accomplish the assimilation by the 3rd year of the plan. You may recall the assimilation of females was included in both the alumni updates of June 28 and then again on December 15, 2007. As an initial step, a survey was sent to parents, students, alumni and staff to: a) identify associated issues and sentiments, and b) ascertain possible assimilation strategies. Valley Forge has assimilated women in the college more successfully than any other Military College. It is our aim to be equally successful in the Academy if that is the course of action chosen upon completion of the research. The first phase of the program referenced above, market research, was launched last week with the mailing of surveys to the four groups mentioned above. Each survey recipient received the enclosed explanation: With the adoption of the "Three-Year Strategic Plan" in spring 2007, the Valley Forge Military Academy Foundation Board of Trustees approved the assimilation of females at the school. The goal of Valley Forge Military Academy is to gather input from all constituencies who are vested in the successful growth of the Academy (grades 7 through 12). Your assistance in completing the attached survey regarding the assimilation of females into the Academy will provide input through which we can filter national trends in private secondary enrollment. For example: * VFMA represents a very small market niche: The boarding-only and boarding/day markets represent less than 10% of the total private school market. Nearly all students attend day-only schools. * Single-sex, all-male schools have experienced an 8.6% decline in enrollment since 2003, while military schools (boarding only and boarding/day) have experienced a 25.2% decline (on average) during that same time period. * Co-educational institutions have experienced an enrollment increase of 3.4% since 2003. Your input regarding the Academy integration will be greatly appreciated, and we welcome your comments. Thank you for contributing your time and your voice, and we look forward to hearing from you. Should you receive a survey, please help us by taking the time to complete it. You may also be of help by answering any question which may be directed your way. I hope this brief explanation is helpful to you and your constituency. Tony McGeorge President Valley Forge Military Academy & College 610-989-1204 tmcgeorge at vfmac.edu -----BEGIN PGP SIGNATURE----- Version: PGP Desktop 9.8.1 (Build 2523) Comment: Rick's Current Public Key @ http://infowarrior.org/pgpkey.txt wj8DBQFH79L4KWZyO29ebPYRAlqRAKDi8F/JMLdehbOmIz3vCke93xnARACcC+iT NuqzBccOwCUuwwgjQ18v8H0= =2g6t -----END PGP SIGNATURE-----