Category Archives: From the President’s Desk

From the President's Desk

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT – ISSUE NO. 122 ‐ Fall 2015

Dear Family and Friends of SSVC,

Let me start by saying thanks for the faith you have in me as your new Alumni President. It is an honor to be working for all of you. I’ve been told a few times already how hard it’s going to be to fill Jim Lowe’s shoes. Well, I look at it like this: I’m not trying to fill his shoes but more like following in his footsteps. Jim has a good thing going and I just want to keep it going. So don’t look for things to change. Let’s keep a good thing going.

What a great time we had at reunion. So good seeing friends. Hope everyone got a chance to see the museum. A lot of hard work went into getting it ready for reunion. Yes, we know it was very hot. Time and money will take care of that. Still a lot to do.  “Thanks” to all the people that worked with us to get it ready. While I’m thanking  people I want to give a special “Thanks”  to the Chambersburg  American Legion Post #46 for what they do for us. Trust me when I say they do a lot for us and without their help, these events would not be as successful as they are.

We do have many events coming up for everyone to enjoy: a picnic on September 12<sup>th</sup> at Greene Township Park; on October 24th we are teaming up with Special Olympics for another day of Bingo; then, our 12<sup>th</sup> Annual Golf Tournament is on October 3<sup>rd</sup>. Get your clubs out for this one. We would like to see more alumni playing. I will say this, it does fill up fast so don’t wait. Sign up now.  I also must ask that you pay when you send in your registration. Then, on November 14<sup>th</sup> we will have our Homecoming Dinner at the Chambersburg American Legion. This is a great time to see and talk to old and new friends. All these events will be in the newsletter so please check them out.

In closing I would like say….Let’s keep all the good work going. I want to work with and for all alumni. I do have a Facebook page so I can be reached there and through email. All I ask is you keep comments positive and helpful. Thanks again and hope to see and meet a lot of you in the near future.

Respectfully,

Ken Beck ‘74
President
SSVC Alumni Association

From the President's Desk

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT – ISSUE NO. 121 ‐ Spring 2015

Dear Alumni and Friends of SSVC:

As many of you may know, I have made the decision not to run for re-election as President of the SSVC Alumni Association.  As I sit here writing my last President’s letter, I think back and reflect on the seven years as a student, 35 years as an employee, and the past 12 years as President of the alumni association.  I am deeply grateful for the opportunity I have had to serve SSVC and to work so closely with a truly amazing group of people from faculty, staff, students,

James A. Lowe ‘70, President, SSVC Alumni Association
James A. Lowe ‘70, President,
SSVC Alumni Association

and alumni from the 1930’s all the way up to 2009.  I am blessed to have built so many friendships with each of you over the years.  I want to thank the past and current SSVC alumni association officers for their dedication and hard work.  As I step aside, I feel confident that I am leaving my successor a strong team.  I have many people who I would like to personally thank but rather than have a president’s letter that is 14 pages long, I will save this for our June business meeting.  However there is one exception; there is a special person who deserves to be recognized for her patience, understanding, and support.  My wife, Ruby, thank you!

I look forward to staying involved working with the golf committee and helping with the renovations of the Museum.  This October will be the 12th year for our annual golf tournament.  The volunteer committee is dedicated and enthusiastic each year to raise funds and works hard to surpass the amount raised the previous year.  Every year we have had a full player roster as well!   Mark your calendars and plan to join us this year on Saturday, October 3, 2015.  It is a great time reminiscing with alumni and friends.

I continue to thank Winebrenner Theological Seminary for setting aside a building for our Museum.  They have such an appreciation of the school and are compassionate to our feelings.  The history of SSVC will long be preserved through their kindness.  We continue to make great improvements to the Museum due to the hard work of so many people and the donations of others.  I am amazed by our wonderful network of alumni and friends for their time, energy, and resources that they bring to make the renovations of our Museum a success.  I am proud of what we have accomplished thus far and just know that when renovations are complete, we will have a Museum to be very proud of with its history and heritage and many artifacts and exhibits.  SSVC will have a place in history and its story and memories will live on.

The key to making any organization successful, is volunteers.  Another group of volunteers is the Bowling Committee.  They have taken the initiative to organize a bowling tournament solely to raise funds for the Museum.  This is no easy endeavor and takes a lot of planning and a lot of work to be successful.  This commitment is another example of SSVC brothers and sisters coming together for the passion of their school that was once their home.  Please mark your calendars for Saturday, June 13, 2015, to support this fun filled event.

In closing, again, I thank each and every one of you for your trust, respect, and support for the past 12 years.  I could not have asked for a better opportunity to serve as your president and it has been a privilege working with all the alumni of the great Scotland School for Veterans’ Children.

As the late Jim Ramsden, Class of ’43, wrote on the museum wall,

“Memories all good!”.

Respectfully,

James A. Lowe’ 70
President
SSVC Alumni Association

From the President's Desk

FROM THE DESK OF THE PRESIDENT – ISSUE NO. 120 ‐ Fall 2014

Dear Alumni and Friends of SSVC:

As we are approaching the fall season, we have a number of events planned for SSVC Alumni.  First, I MUST begin with our number 1 fundraising event – the Annual Alumni Golf Tournament!  Each year – and this is our 11th tournament – I must express how extremely thankful and grateful I am for your continued support to the Scotland School for Veterans’ Children Alumni Association.  And that is no different again this year!  It continues to be a joyous feeling knowing that each of you still care so deeply about the school that we hold close to our hearts.

The Annual Alumni Golf Tournament is right around the corner…Saturday, October 4, 2014.  Please contact me if you would be interested in sponsorship opportunities, player registration and/or volunteering for this fun filled day or to donate a door prize.

And I ask that each of you go one step further – help us surpass our goal by simply donating only $5.00 each!  The class with the most donations will be recognized at our annual alumni dinner.  Are you up for the challenge?!?

Another event you may be interested in attending is our Annual Picnic at the Greene Township Municipal Park.  The date is Saturday, September 13, 2014, and there will be a special guest attending.  Many brothers and sisters have been asking about Mike Smith ’70.   You will have the opportunity to pass along your well wishes to Mike personally as he is planning to attend the picnic!  Mike is excited to see everyone and sends his heartfelt thanks for all the cards and prayers.

Don’t forget to mark your calendars for another exciting event – our Homecoming Dinner/Dance.  This event is always one of my favorites!  The SSVC family will be able to share memories and reminisce on Saturday, November 8, 2014, at the American Legion Post 46, Chambersburg.  You can enjoy the musical talent of the band, The Headliners!  Please be sure to complete the Homecoming Dinner/Dance Reservation included in this newsletter quickly so that we can plan another successful dance.

Lastly, in each newsletter I will continue to thank Winebrenner Theological Seminary.  I do not want us to forget how kind and compassionate they have been to the Alumni Association and to allow our Museum to remain on campus.  I’m not sure they understand how SPECIAL this is to us.  Progress on the Museum continues – though maybe a little slower than we would like.  Improvements are being made due to your kind donations and volunteer help.  We are nearing the next stage that we will be making contact to those who signed up to help volunteer.  Hope you are ready!

Please remember, by supporting any and all of these events, you are helping to keep Scotland’s heritage alive.

Respectfully,

James A. Lowe
President
SSVC Alumni Association