Winnebago Alumni Newsletter

The Winnebago Alumni Association

Fall 2009

12316 Spur Lane, Rockville, VA 23146

Uncle Jim Astrove:

Retirement, and Inspiring Campfire Address

The summer of 2009 saw the end of an era at Winnebago, with the retirement of Uncle Jim Astrove, who had been a member of the staff for more than thirty years, the last seven as head counselor and eleven before that as program director. The post-camp group, numbers swelled by the announcement, and by the celebration of Camps 90th year, took note of the bittersweet occasion in an after-dinner toast and roast. Uncle Jim was feted in speeches, poetry and song by those assembled, many of whom had known him as a fellow camper, colleague, counselor, and counselor to their sons. Jim had filled many positions at Camp before assuming the role of program director in 1991. He had handled such diverse activities as boating, athletics and radio. In his seven seasons as head counselor, Jim firmly cemented his place in the history of Winnebago, admired, respected and loved by two generations of campers and staff. The Alumni News is pleased to reprint below selections from Uncle Jims 2009 Final Address.

In this issue:
Retirement - Uncle Jim Astrove 90th Anniversary - A Group Photo An Acrostic Poem - Rich Casden A Plea from Jim - Do the Math Post Camp 2010 - A Great Week Scholarship Fund - Share the Gift -1

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Winnebago Whispers -6 - Notes from Alumni

summer of 1991. A late night in the Athletic Office, getting the schedule done for the next day during my first year as Program Director. I was walking down to my cabin and something caught my eye on the library porch. From my recollection, there was Uncle Bennett. The same familiar smile and gesturethe subtle hello, a nod to me, and a motion to walk down to the lake. I looked down towards the lake and then back at the library porch, but he was gone. I walked down to the lake the sky was on fire with the Northern Lights. Pulses of joy and flashes of brilliance echoing on the lake, dashing and darting, full pallets of color swaying this was and that, exploding in an ancient rhythm. A gift, I thought. And Ive never seen him again. When I was a younger counselor, we used to debate whether the key to camp was the place
(Continued on page 4)

Council Ring, August 2009.

In the late winter of 1985 I visited with Uncle Bennett Meyers as he lay dying in Florida. He was very sick, with few weeks of life left, and he was sedated and spent. But there was something about those blue blue eyes of his that hadnt let go. I sat down next to the bed and took his hand in mine and those eyes lit up and took me in. Laser focus and recognition, a smile deep within them. The blue developed and got sharper. Without a smile or other gesture I knew he knew I was there, that camp was there. And all the moments of camp we had shared in our fourteen years at Winnebago together traveled throughout both our bodies and back to our mind and spirit. It was a powerful time and it gave me the distinct feeling that Winnebago was more than a summer camp, more than an experience, more than the special place it is. It struck me that he had waited for meto let me know that this place a lot of us call home stays deep, stays hard, and that theres a purpose to our presence here. Im mostly sure that I saw Uncle Bennett again in the

Winnebago on the Web! See photos of Camp Read the WAG Read the Echo online Find news of friends Post your latest news Watch the Camp video Take a virtual tour See Winnebago in winter All of this and more at www.Campwinnebago.com See also www.Winnebagoalums.com

Alumni, Family, Friends Celebrate Winnebagos 90th, Festive August Weekend at Camp
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Winnebago Alumni NewsletterFall 2009

Head Counselors Office: the Line of Succession

Canoeing trips on pristine lakes, the crackling spell a campfire makes. Androscoggin on the field, our young brave spirits would not yield. Majestic trees with scent of pine, the race to steal the Vega sign. Patrol games waged during final week, treasure hunts with clues to seek. Winnebago songs and cheers, memories transcending years. Inspired musicals and shows, reveille that daily blows. Names on trophies from the past, banners, photos that still last. Ninety years, yet it is true, the world has changed but oh, not you. Echo lake lit by the moon, the haunting call of a lonely loon. Brown and Green, not color war, life lessons learned were so much more. Alumni visits, azure skies, bedspring chickens, old Macs pies. Greenhouse jokes adorning stalls, bunks with faded campers scrawls. Oh, like summers long gone by, eternal embers never die. Richard Stephen CasdenAugust 2009

Three Winnebago Head Counselors: Paul Schwarz (1981-2002), Jim Astrove (2003-2009), E.J. Kerwin, who takes over in the summer of 2010.

Winnebago Alumni NewsletterFall 2009

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Thank You!
Since the Spring 2009 Newsletter, the Winnebago Alumni Association has received contributions from the following alumni, parents, and friends:
Ty Alper & Tamar Todd Tony & Jane Asch Jim and Ann Astrove Debi Baydush Leslie & Wayne Becker Robert & Susan Caine Jesus Cantero & Santa Ventura Adele & Rick Carter Kim & Mark Cheiken George & Zach Cole Nancy & Marty Dionne Richard Eisner Mary & Richard Felix Arthur & Jill Frankel Bruce & Kathy Fried Dude Friedman Patty & Alex Gellman Carol Gile Michael Givertz Brad Gold & Patricia Khouri Tom Grant Jeff & Karen Grant Alan Hartman The David and Barbara B. Hirschhorn Foundation John Intorcio Ann Jooste Allison & Jeff Karpf Lina & Donald Katz Barry & Melissa Kazan Michael & Bettina Klein David Landis Bruce & Kate Lee Sharyn & Jonathan Lewis Dick Lewis Lynn Lilienthal Ben Lilienthal Ray Londa Harry Lowenberg Macquarie Group Foundation Tony & Sally Mann Graham Mcgregor Darren Meyers Adam Meyers-Spector Aaron Nathan Danny Nathan Larry & Sheila Pakula, Frank Pakula Daniel Perreault & Andrew Waldholtz Dick & Carol Papper Margaret & Lance Podell David Reichert

From the Association PresidentA W.I.

Hello everyone: Every summer boys come up to camp and have the time of their lives. They swim, go on trips, play Intercamp and B&G games, meet new friends, and enjoy Echo Lake. This summer was no exception. It was camps 90th summer and it was wonderful. Eight campers had a particularly special summer because without a scholarship none would have spent a single day at campnot ever. The Winnebago Alumni Association began in 1976 and since its inception it has helped to send hundreds of boys to camp. I say helped, because without both Phil and Andy Lilienthal, the scholarship program would not exist at all. Whats important to keep in mind is that the WAA still makes a big contribution. For the 2009 summer, we had eight campers and we are asked to contribute $4000 for each boy. So heres the math. Once we make this 2009 payment, we will be close to being out of money. Since 2004, we have raised in each year $13K, $18K, $21K, $15K, $22K, and so far $23K in 2009. If these trends continue, we will not have enough money to fund eight campers for the 2010 summer. And with that will effectively be the end of our associations main purpose. Can we let this happen? We very well might. Should we let this happen? Should we deny those boys the opportunity to be at camp? Wed better not. And the only way we can make sure it doesnt happen is to give like we never have before. Larger giftshow about a year of 1.9X your usual amount? And more of us giving how about everyone? It really is now or never. Being a Winnebagan is a privilege, and with it comes this responsibility. Winnebagos legacy is in your hands. Sincerely, Jim Astrove, President
Tucker Risman Jeanne B. Ackerman H. Rosen Rochelle & Mark Rosenberg Jack Rosenblum Marc Rubenstein & Jill Hai Ned Salter Gary & Valerie Schanzer Susan & Todd Schwartz Richard & Joan Siegel Pat, Rob, Elliott & Bennett Silverman Bob Simon Larry & Nanci Steiner Elliott & Betsy Sterenfeld Louis Stern Donald Strait & Debra Fins Eric Tanner Ann Tenenbaum & Tom Lee Mort Thalhimer Larry Wagenberg Baila, Bruce & Andrew Waldholtz Joshua & Alejandra de Losada Welch Adam Wolf Stephen & Freida Wolff David Wong

Winnebago Alumni Association Board of Directors

PresidentJim Astrove Vice PresidentPeter Newman SecretaryPaul Schwarz TreasurerEthan Ris Erik Hartog, Todd Levy, Dick Lewis, Ben Lilienthal, Peter Sheehy Alumni Newsletter Editor, Paul Schwarz [PKSchwarz@Verizon.net]

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Winnebago Alumni NewsletterFall 2009

Uncle Jim AstroveFinal Campfire Address...

(Continued from page 1)

is just right, the loons letting us know they are here too, more gifts. There are others here who know this is a time of closure at camp. Ive said to so many that theres a whole wide world out there. The key is to know that world, make your place in it, and feel good about that. To a staff rife with talent, wonder, and care, I would ask the same of you. Take this place, with its pines, birches, and soul; and take these people you are sitting with around this final campfire, and as you arrive homewherever there happens to be, give Winnebago as your gift. If it hurts to leave, then take it with you too. Look into those embers, down to the lake, up to the sky, to your left and right awash in this glow, and seal it in. Its ready now. Ready for you to give, so that for you too, it will remain.
(Continued on page 5)

or the people. We ended up on different sides of it each time we bantered this about in our discussions. There was the belief that this place gave people the opportunity to be this way, and on the other hand, the belief that the people gave the place the opportunity to be this way. I think its the people first, a group of folks that come here committed to make the summer an experience that is valuable, safe and fun. We come here, intentionally acting in a way to create this environment, and then the place helps to make it happen. It is beautiful here. Make time to see the lake after dinner when the sun gives the other side a golden hue as the waters reflect and play with the woods. Another gift. Right now, the velvet sky sparkling with worlds away, the moon keeping an eye on us, and if the timing

Post Camp 2010

Our 1 Session will be from Tuesday, August 17 to Friday, August 20. It provides a wonderful family experience replete with games, talent shows and exploring. The 2nd Session (August 20-August 29) is a similar, but more complete, experience for the family. It is a wonderful 10 days in which you can have as much activity as you like and as much relaxation as your family will allow you to have. At Family Camp you will enjoy your own cabin and participate in a wide variety of activities, or just enjoy the quiet by the lake or in the woods.
ST

Talent Show, Tennis, Happy Hour, Pemaquid Point, Canoeing, Swimming, Softball, Campfires 8/17-20 Rates Adult Child (2-15 years) Under 2 years 2009 Camper 1st Session $325.00 $225.00 Free $200.00 8/20-8/29 2nd Session $675.00 $500.00 $400.00 Free $350.00 8/17-8/29 Both Sessions $895.00 $650.00 $500.00 Free $450.00 Daily $105.00 $90.00 $70.00 Free $55.00

Young Adult (16-29) $275.00

Please complete the form below if you would like to join us. ____ Parent/Son Camp: Sign us up for August 17-20, at a cost of $325 for a parent and $200 for your son. Enclosed is $100.00 per person deposit, refundable in full until August 1. Name of Adult(s)_________________________Name(s) of children______________________ ____ Family Camp: We'll be there for Family Camp, August 2029 (Partial stays are negotiable) ____ Both: Well be there from August 17-29. Names and relationship of all attending (birth dates of those under 18). Enclosed is a $100.00 per person deposit, refundable in full until August 1.

Send to: Camp Winnebago, 131 Ocean Street, South Portland, ME 04106

Winnebago Alumni NewsletterFall 2009

The Gift of Camp:
Over the years, so many boys have enjoyed Camp through the Associations Scholarship Fund. Winnebago underwrites the greatest share. Your contribution makes it possible, just as it does for your college. Can you help to give a boy a Winnebago summer? Please use this coupon to become a part of this important effort.

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Yes, Ill Help the Winnebago Scholarship Fund!

I want to make it possible for minority scholarship campers to enjoy The Gift of Camp by attending Camp Winnebago. I enclose the following taxdeductible contribution, payable to The Winnebago Alumni Association: __ $500 __ $250 __ $100 __ $50 __ $25 $______ (any amount) Name ______________________________________________ Address _____________________________________________ City ____________________________ State ___ Zip _________ Email_____________________________Phone_______________ My years as a camper: _____________ counselor: _____________ News for the next Alumni Association Newsletter: ______________ ____________________________________________________ ____________________________________________________ _______________________________________ (or attach a page) Mail to: Jim Astrove, 12316 Spur Lane, Rockville, VA 23146

Uncle Jim AstroveFinal Campfire Address...

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Theres a tranquility here of which Ive spoken. A peacefulness and comfort that Ive have grown to love and call home. All of these summers, all the people, places, times, and experiences have shaped how I see the world and all of our roles in its revolving. As a 9-year old living in Bunk 2, through all the years of camp and the years on staff, most of the people I know today are from here. Its almost all I know. And it is as fine a group of people as I could possible know. The depth of knowledge, lore, and experience gives us all a common bond of Winnebago, smile, and care. Its been a lifetime and more of everything a life should and could be. And now its time to go. Im comfortable and happy to be leaving a place with such a solid core of people, with such a strong culture, and such a loving and capable feel. It has been an honor to be a part of Winnebago and I have been given so much. And now its time to grow, time to change, time to continue to give in other places. Theres a tree planted next to Chiefs. Its a Variegated Norway Maple. Its that pretty tree with the two-toned green leaves near the entrance. That tree was planted for Dr. Al Stein, who was the camp doctor here for many years. He died about 18

months ago. I have so many fond memories of Al. Theres Josh, his son, running down to the volleyball court, shouting out, Uncle Jim, Uncle Jim! Al needed me in the infirmary as a second pair of hands. Gloves on and in the action, side by side with Doc, being included and being trusted. There am I, walking into the infirmary with a raspberry covering half my shin, covered in dirt. Als response (with a perfect scolding tone), Jimmy, go take a shower and clean that up, and then get back up here. I still bear a faint scar from that one and I always get a smile thinking of his face when I showed up all full of blood and dirt. And our annual talks on Major League Baseball, debating the pros and cons that faced our Pirates and Mets. Ill always have the 1986 Mets World Series signature ball that he gave me years ago. A precious gift from a precious friend. A gift given to me. And as with all the other gifts of love, friendship, fun and wonder, I want to have them forever as a part of me. So it means it is time to leave and time to give, as we all must, for only what we give remains our own. Thank you, thank you very much, thanks, goodnight, goodbye and have good dreams. The Council Ring, August 16, 2009

Winnebago WhispersNews from Alumni...

A note from David Shribman (1960s, staff 1970s): I stopped into Winnebago Sunday morning en route to my annual appointment at Colby and was struck, not only at camp but in the 10 miles leading to and leading from camp, at the timelessness of it all. For gosh sakes, Mac's Garage is still there, standing stronger than either you or I. The commercial rot that has contaminated so many beautiful rural places has not reached into Fayette or its environs. I spent a nice few minutes at the store, passed a thought for Mike DeArmott as I passed his house, peered into what we used to call the serpentine, and lingered as I always do at the apple store at Kent's Hill, pausing for a moment to remember my hero Bennett Meyers. The lake was turbulent; it was a cloudy, windy day. But the old tree roots we used to skip over are precisely where they used to be, leading me to think that, in this corner of the world, as at Grandchester, the clock still stands at ten to three, and there is honey still for tea. (David is the Executive Editor of the Pittsburgh PostGazette, and writes a Sunday column, My Point.)
In September, Fred Mogul (camper and staff 1980s)proudly announced the arrival of Helene Suzanne Teleki Mogul. It should come as no surprise to find the byline of A.G. (Arthur) Sulzberger (1990s) in the New York Times. Arthur reports that he has become an avid river rafter and kayaker. Richard Kahn (1965 1970) has been living and working in India for over 12 years. From 1997 to 2002 he taught the Transcendental Meditation program to MBA students and executives in Bangalore and since 2002 he has enjoyed a quiet life in the silent seclusion of the Himalayas. Emily Beth Marx and Matthew Perl (1990s) were married recently. The couple met in 2001 during their freshman year at Cornell, from which they both graduated. Dan Goff was recently married, inspiring Ethan Ris to announce his engagement to his girl friend Liana. A fall 2010 wedding is planned. Fellow Dartmouth student Eric Tanner sent us the following bulletin from Hanover: Competing against game development teams from around the world, Teddy McNeill recently won the second-place prize for game development at the 2009 Microsoft Imagine Cup competition, held in Cairo, Egypt.

Winnebago Alumni Association 12316 Spur Lane Rockville, VA 23146

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