A Pirate’s View
May 2008

Spring finally has sprung here in central Ohio. You wouldn’t know it today, though, with the temperature ready to dip near freezing tonight.
    As uncertain as the weather is, there’s no doubt your CHSAA activities are as dependable and enjoyable as ever. Already, your alumni association has two entertaining events under its belt this year—the 16th Annual Florida Reunion and the 25th Annual Spring Fling (formerly the Sweethearts Ball)—with more good times on tap.
    Before I share any details about your CHSAA events, past and present, I have the sad duty to note the passing of Dee Glandon Hallsteine, ‘52, your publicity & correspondence secretary.
    I also want to introduce your new publicity & correspondence secretary—Joan Thompson Reed, ‘47. Joan has been in the thick of alumni activities from the beginning, helping your CHSAA however she could, including playing piano early on at CHSAA events, as she did at Central. Welcome aboard, Joan!

    On Feb. 4, Carol Pettit Johnson, ‘52, and her volunteers had a great time putting on the Florida Reunion in Port Charlotte. Meanwhile, Fred Grady, ‘56, CHSAA special events director, and his volunteers successfully staged the Spring Fling April 5.

    On July 12, the 26th Annual Golf Outing will take place at the Foxfire Country Club, organized by Fred and his veteran committee. Invite your children, grandchildren, friends and fellow Pirates to be in your foursome or to make their own. Plenty of sale items and membership forms will be available at Foxfire. If you have a door prize you’d like to donate, please call Tom Jones, ‘49, 614-833-2689.

    On Oct. 4, we’ll gather for the 25th Annual Bean Dinner at the Mentel Memorial Golf Course Clubhouse at Bolton Field. Be ready to enjoy tons of delicious beans and other tasty food, plus topnotch entertainment and lots of fun.

    On Aug. 23, the Seventh Annual ‘Bottoms Up’ Potluck Picnic will get underway—Allen Evans, ‘47, will share the plans as they become available.

    Looking ahead to next year, we’ve set May 16, 2009 as the date for Central’s 85th anniversary celebration. The gathering will take place in front of COSI. Details to come ASAP. Your dues are due June 1, so please check your mailing label as noted.

    If you’d like one of your CHSAA officers to speak at your reunion or special event this year or if you’d like us to set up a Pirate merchandise table at your activity, please let us know. We’ll proudly wear our Pirate colors and pitch in however we can. If you’d like to be a COSI volunteer, contact Barbara Ludden. You need only commit to two to four shifts each month, working either four or eight hours each shift.

    A free COSI membership is but one of many benefits you’ll receive for your services. Many assignments are available. Please tell everyone you know who went to Central about our alumni association, anyone from any class. We’re especially seeking Pirate alumni from the 1960s, ‘70s and ‘80s. Share your Outlook with them, along with highlights of the good times you’ve had with your fellow Pirates at alumni events. Let’s get them aboard! I’ve been telling you recently that Roberta Raines Driscoll, ‘55, CHSAA membership secretary, has been sending info to area newspapers to attract new members and to encourage our former members to rejoin. More than ever, we need your help to spread the word. Here’s to a wonderful spring and summer!
        Jim Lane, ‘56 CHSAA President