0611-305 A News Spreads€¦ · reminder to challenge future Executive Directors to continue building the legacy that started with Father Flanagan’s dream almost 90 years ago

Alumni NewsAlumni Mission: We exist to unite and grow our alumni family, and

champion the dream and values of Father Flanagan through leadership.

Winter 2006 – Volume 45, Issue 4

www.boystownalumni.org

CHRISTMAS IS A TIME FOR REFLECTION – thinking of the joys of Christmases past and anticipating the excitement the New Year holds. Christmas at Girls and Boys Town is a sacred time, for it is the beginning of fond holiday memories for many of America’s youth. Christmas traditions began with Father Flanagan nearly 90 years ago and continue to this day throughout the country. As Father Boes said, let us capture Father Flanagan's dream and spread it to children in every corner of the land. On behalf of everyone at Girls and Boys Town, we wish all our alumni a blessed Christmas and a wonderful New Year!

Father Boes looks on as Santa Claus brings joy to the lives of young children.

Dear Alumni,The story of the first

Christmas at Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home, which is reprinted in this newsletter, serves to remind us of the

beauty of Father Flanagan’s dream, of the quality of the hope he gave to the boys of 1917, and of the resiliency and joy of the youth of his time.

It is not by chance that we celebrate the coming of the Christ Child when the days are the shortest and the nights are the longest. The light of hope that springs forth in this darkest time of the year gives us the courage and strength to move out of the darkness. Father Flanagan gave those young boys a chance to find hope, to chase the darkness out

of their young lives, and to learn the joy of giving in a time when they were given nothing but pain and sorrow.

In this holy Christmas season, let us lift the cover of darkness from our lives by sharing the light of hope with our family, our friends, and the strangers in our midst. Let us capture Father Flanagan’s dream and spread it to children in every corner of our land.

As alumni of the Home and benefactors of Father Flanagan’s dream, you are in a unique position to bring light to children in your cities, towns and villages. Let people know that you were once given the gift of light that started in a little Village on the prairie in Nebraska. Let them know that today, children at our locations across America are still coming out of the darkness of

their lives and that the dream of Father Flanagan is still warming them with the light of love and care.

As you sit down with your families to share the gifts of your life, both material and spiritual, remember the children living in Father Flanagan’s homes all across America. Keep them in your prayers and help where you can.

God bless you and your families during this Christmas Season.

Merry Christmas and a Happy New Year,

Father Steve Boes National Executive Director Girls and Boys Town

From the Executive Director

From the BTNAA PresidentDear Brothers and Sisters,

Recently, while attend-ing a BTNAA National Board meeting in Omaha, we were privileged, on behalf of all alumni, to

present to Father Steve Boes, a Father Flanagan Statuette to display in perpetu-ity in the Executive Director’s Office.

The presentation of the Statuette to Father Boes is significant to all of us. It is a “Director Statuette,” given in appre-ciation of the current and past Executive Directors for their hard work, dedication and love of children. It will serve as a reminder to challenge future Executive Directors to continue building the legacy that started with Father Flanagan’s dream almost 90 years ago.

In accepting the statuette Father Boes said, “...this statuette will always have a special place of honor in the Director’s office. It will serve as a daily reminder of our heritage and of the legacy started by Father Flanagan and carried forward by his successors.”

The Executive Directors who dedicate their lives to the care of youth are deeply appreciated and earned the eternal grati-tude and respect of all alumni. Please continue to keep them in your prayers.

Stay well and stay in touch.

Bob Nelson BTNAA President

P.S. Replicas of the Father Flanagan stat-ue are available for $1,850. Please call the alumni office at (800) 345-0458 to order one today.

Editor Robb Giambrone

Graphic Designer Eli Hernandez

Contributing Writers Brandon Geary Katina Gordon

Tom Lynch Suzie Schierbrock

Alumni Advisors George Buckler ’64

Sarah Cambridge ‘92 John Mollison ’64 Edwin Novotny ’43

Stan Struble ’68

Printer Girls and Boys Town Print Shop

h

The Alumni News is published by

Girls and Boys Town 14100 Crawford St.

Boys Town, NE 68010

[email protected]

1-800-345-0458 (402) 498-1150

Fax: (402) 498-1159

2 ALUMNI NEWS www.boystownalumni.org

WINTER 2006 3www.boystownalumni.org

Christmas Spirit Shines Bright with Alumni in Nevada and California

Alumnus’ Mission Spans World

Alumni from six states traveled to Nevada to celebrate the holiday with Girls and Boys Town of Nevada youth.

The Girls and Boys Town Christmas spirit shines bright with alumni throughout the country. Elmer Marshall, ’51, Raul Parra, ’64, and Bob Nelson, ’53, do all they can to bring good cheer to youth in Nevada and Southern California.

Marshall hosted 120 Girls and Boys Town of Nevada youth, employees and alumni from as far away as Wisconsin at the Hacienda Hotel in Boulder City, Nev., for the annual Thanksgiving dinner Nov. 18.

“Giving back and helping our kids is

important,” said Marshall. “Boys Town ended up being my home, and I enjoy sharing my stories and fun memories with the kids.”

Marshall said he looks forward to the event each year, especially when each person gives thanks. “Everybody gets up and speaks into the microphone what they are thankful for,” he said. “It always turns out great.”

Just like their brothers and sisters in Nevada, Girls and Boys Town of Southern California youth quickly got into the Christmas spirit at a party hosted by Parra and Nelson Dec. 2 at the Trabuco Canyon residential campus.

More than 20 alumni, along with Family-Teachers and youth, attended the event, enjoying festive food at five homes.

“This made for a good beginning to the holiday season for the kids,” said Parra. “The party helps make reality of what Father Flanagan wanted us to do as residents of the Home.”

The party culminated with smiles on children’s faces when Santa Claus arrived at the final home with gifts for everyone.

“This party was an amazing opportunity for our kids,” said Neda Zaengle, Girls and Boys Town of Southern California Program Operations Manager. “The kids see others giving back and helping.”

“This is a real worthwhile time to be with the kids,” said Parra. Elmer Marshall, ‘51, stands by as Girls and Boys

Town of Nevada youth receive presents he provided at a Thanksgiving party Nov. 18.

Dr. Max Rittgers, ’56, has taken up Father Flanagan’s mission to help improve the lives of children—a mission that takes him to Cuba and Africa.

“It’s all about doing things unselfishly for others,” said Rittgers, who is able to fund his trips through the profits of his Florida vineyard, Dakotah Winery. “We (alumni) are reflective of Father Flanagan’s actions.”

For the past 10 years, Rittgers, who received his doctorate in theology and min-istry at Emory University of Atlanta, has traveled to Cuba, bringing medical supplies to children. He started his relationship with Cuba thanks to an Episcopal church in Cedar Key, Fla., near his vineyard. It had a sister church in Santiago, Cuba, but hadn’t been in contact for 50 years.

“I said, ‘Why don’t I go down there and see how they’re doing?’” said Rittgers, who received the alumni's Father Flanagan Award in 2003. When he arrived, he gave each parishioner $20. “The sister church

was overjoyed that someone 90 miles away cared about them.”

Rittgers’ also treks to Lesotho, Africa, bring support to an AIDS clinic for orphans—a cause close to his heart after losing his first-born son, Danny, to AIDS. Many of Lesotho’s young end up at Beautiful Gate, a place that cares for unwanted and HIV/AIDS-infected chil-dren. “This is where all the little children are brought and given the option—get adopted or die,” said Rittgers.

Rittgers credits four things to his success and desire to help others. “Number one is God’s closeness to me during my failures. Number two, I credit Girls and Boys Town for refuge from the storms of my youth; number three is my awareness of life with a purpose.”

Rittgers is grateful to his Boys Town football coaches, Clarence “Mitt” Stoffel, Maurice “Skip” Palrang, William Ojile and George Pfeiffer, for teaching him skills and

guiding his way. “The coaches gave me that sense of responsibility and father figure that made all this possible,” said Rittgers.

Like Father Flanagan, Rittgers’ mission transcends traditional barriers. “Helping children regardless of religion, politics or geography is key,” said Rittgers. “The posi-tion of the soul begins with the posture of one’s heart.”

When asked if he will continue his trips, Rittgers’ answer was simple. “Of course. It’s my life.”

Dr. Max Rittgers, '56, dedicates his life to helping sick children in Cuba and Africa.

1921


The help, healing and hope began by Father Flanagan, took roots at Overlook Farm 85 years ago this past October when Father Flanagan and his boys moved to their new home.

The first Christmas at Overlook Farm, the present site of Boys Town, Neb., and Girls and Boys Town National Headquarters, was a time of reflection for Father Flanagan. “A Dream,” published in Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home Journal in December 1921 and reprinted here, reflects on Father Flanagan’s dream of providing a home and joyous Christmas for wayward boys.

Above: Boys open presents at their home on Overlook Farm. Left: On Oct. 22, 1921, the residents of the Home gathered excitedly outside of the German American Home anticipating the journey to what Father Flanagan promised would be the “Mecca of Their Dreams”—Overlook Farm. Two trucks loaded with furniture led the procession along the Lincoln Highway (Dodge Street) past the city limits of Omaha. Boys followed on foot, pushing wheelbarrows or carrying suitcases holding their scant belongings.

Boys Celebrate their First Christmas at New Home on Overlook Farm

“A week before Christmas the packages started coming in, and they enabled us to give the boys a most enjoyable Christmas. Boxes of candy and nuts, fruits, eggs, and a real live turkey, together with many other gifts were received.”

-THE FIRST CHRISTMAS AT OVERLOOK FARM AS DESCRIBED IN FATHER FLANAGAN’S BOYS’ HOME JOURNAL, FEBRUARY 1922


Voices of Boys Town Christmas Tradition

A Time for Reflection

The Voices of Boys Town are an estab-lished Girls and Boys Town tradition, spreading Christmas spirit throughout the community now for 65 years.

December performances at Dowd Memorial Chapel and Chambers Chapel, as well as at Omaha’s Durham Western Heritage Museum in front of a 50-foot Christmas tree provide festive music for the Girls and Boys Town community.

“Our Christmas performances are a high-light for the kids in the choir,” said Jennifer Fitzke, co-director of the choir. “They get excited knowing that people want to hear them. I got requests that probably started in February or March of this year.”

Thanks to the generosity of RBC Dain Rauscher, the Voices performed at the Holland Performing Arts Center before the Omaha Symphony’s Holiday Fanfare concert Dec. 16. This special performance came with tickets to the symphony’s con-cert for all in the choir.

Originally an all-male choir named the Boys Town Choir, it performed to help pay for food and rent, gaining fame in the 1940s when Father Francis Schmitt was

named director. Under his leadership and direction, the choir quickly rose in the limelight, traveling the country singing for President Truman, entertainer Ed Sullivan

and performing on radio and television. The choir also recorded a Christmas album with the Everly Brothers in 1962 and Gordon MacRae in 1978.

With recent performances at Chambers Chapel (above), the Voices of Boys Town uphold the tradition of performances on Girls and Boys Town’s Home Campus. The choir performed at Dowd Chapel (right) in the 1940s.

The best Christmas I ever had was here at Girls and Boys Town last year. In staying here, I learned the true meaning of Christmas. I learned that presents are nice, but love is better. I really don’t care about material things. Family to me is much more important. What a gift. – Greg, Age 14

If I could give any gift to the Lord, I would give Him the gift of my faith. I have not always had faith in God. I blamed God for all the bad things in my life and I didn’t believe in Him. I didn’t like Him. Now I believe Him and I trust Him. – Tina, 12

The best Christmases I have ever spent are the ones here at Girls and Boys Town. Here I feel like a kid all over again. We have traditions here in our family, which is something we never had back home. I love every Christmas that I spend here. A Merry Christmas to all. – Heather, 16

If I could give any gift at home, it would be the gift of success because I have gone from straight F’s to A’s and B’s. To know that I am going to be the first in my family to go to college and be the first one to be sober makes my family proud. Pride isn’t a word we use in our family a lot. It is nice when we can accomplish something this big. That is what makes me try my hardest to be the best. – Alan, 16

Dear Santa, For the first time in my life I want a good education for Christmas so I can do something with my life when I get older and do good in college. All kids have dreams. This is my dream. Thanks. – Jamaal, 11

I am praying that this will be my best Christmas. I can feel the love around me and it brings tears to my eyes. So many people love me and I have never realized it. I know now they really do care, and so do I. – Hannah, 17

I remember the worst Christmas was in an apartment with only candlelight. It was night. I prayed the most in my life to have a better Christmas the next year. My prayers were answered – that next year I came to Boys Town. – Marty, 15

Boys Town National Research Hospital-West Opens on Home Campus

Boys Town National Research Hospital-West cared for its first patients Oct. 16, treating children with both behavioral and health care needs.

“Girls and Boys Town is making a com-mitment to an underserved population of children and families by expanding its health care programs,” said Dr. Patrick Brookhouser, Girls and Boys Town Vice President of Health Care and BTNRH Director

Boys Town National Research Hospital-West is located near the Pacific Street entrance of Home Campus. Doctors and specialists will treat children from around the nation who suffer from hearing, vision and mobility problems, and research how these problems affect a child’s behavior.

“This hospital represents the bringing together – literally out to Home Campus – of youth care and health care,” said Father Steve Boes. “We are going to deal with kids’ medical problems to help us deal with their behavioral problems better.”

Dr. Brookhouser said Father Flanagan understood the importance of providing medical care to youth because he also suffered from physical ailments through-

out his life. Father Flanagan struggled with illness that would often keep him in bed, but he would always come back

to work to change the way children were treated throughout the world, explained Dr. Brookhouser.


From East to West, Father Flanagan’s Dream Expands Across the United States

Girls and Boys Town’s help, healing and hope came to one of Chicago’s most at-risk neighborhoods when Girls and Boys Town of Chicago’s Short-Term Residential Center was dedicated at a ceremony Dec. 12, the organization’s 89th birthday.

At the ceremony, the home was offi-cially named Casa Tepeyac, symbolic of Our Lady of Guadalupe’s feast day, also Dec. 12. It is believed that on this day in 1531, Our Lady of Guadalupe appeared to the peasant Juan Diego asking that a temple be built at Tepeyac in Mexico City, so all would have a place to seek comfort amidst turmoil.

“It is the desire of this community that all who come to this home might also

believe in the power of change and restora-tion, and find in Casa Tepeyac a place of help, healing and hope,” said Father Bruce Wellems, Girls and Boys Town of Chicago Executive Director and pastor of Holy Cross-Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish.

The four-story building will be a tempo-rary home for 250-300 children and families annually, thanks to a unique partnership between Girls and Boys Town, Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary Parish, and the Peace and Education Coalition of the Back of the Yards. In addition to the short-term emergency services, the program provides a respite for the neighborhoods at-risk teens as a model of a holistic community approach to care for high-risk youth.

Girls and Boys Town Comes to Chicago

The 40,000-square-foot facility, which opened Oct. 16, provides space for 22 beds, five operating rooms and one specialized treatment room. An additional 27,000 square feet of clinic and office space will open next year.

Girls and Boys Town of Chicago’s Short-Term Residential Center, named Casa Tepeyac, was dedicated at a ceremony Dec. 12.


Girls and Boys Town of Washington, D.C. Opens Four Residential Homes Oct. 5

The miracle that began in Father Flanagan’s heart nearly 90 years ago con-tinued this fall in Washington, D.C.

Four new 6,000-square-feet brick homes filled with children’s laughter and the pride of their success opened Oct. 5.

“Everything we see around us and across this great nation built by Girls and Boys Town began there in the heart of Father Flanagan,” Father Boes told the crowd of nearly 150 at the dedication ceremony. “Clearly, the miracle of Father Flanagan, who made a place in his heart for kids, has come true. What I ask you today is to make that miracle happen in your heart—to make a place for kids in your heart.”

Each home provides help, healing and hope to six severely at-risk, abused, abandoned, neglected and minority handi-

capped children - something the site has been doing for the past fourteen years through its Long-Term Residential Program, Short-Term Emergency Center, Specialized Treatment Foster Homes and Common Sense Parenting program. These new homes expand the site’s mission.

Those attending the grand-opening dedication included Msgr. Joseph Ariano, ’40, who assists the site, and Robert Cross, ’58. In his remarks to the group, Ariano reflected on his journey to Boys Town in 1939, when the current Home Campus site was surrounded by a cornfield.

“Here we are now celebrating the open-ing of four new homes in an area quite distant from the Nebraska cornfield,” he said. “That is certainly progress.”

Frank, a youth in Jocelyn and Donnell Potts’ home, provided a current perspec-tive telling invited guests of his success at Girls and Boys Town.

“I would like to thank Girls and Boys Town for accepting me because I didn’t have a family, and now I have a family,” said Frank, 16.

“Let us pray that these homes will be filled with help, healing and hope and for the spirit of Father Flanagan, who never gave up on kids,” said Father Boes.

New Specialized Treatment Homes Contain Many Conveniences

Scheduled to open early next year, Girls and Boys Town of Southern California Lennar Campus near Compton, Calif., will feature the first Short-Term Emergency and Assessment Center for Compton’s severely at-risk girls. The cen-ter will offer programs and services for

up to 16 girls at a time and nearly 300 children in Southern California each year. The Lennar Campus was adopted by HomeAid, Los Angeles/Ventura Chapter, a non-profit organization that partners to help build shelters for people in need.

The help, healing and hope the Specialized Treatment Homes—commonly known on Home Campus as Community 1—provide its youth just got a little closer.

Four new homes, dedicated in a rib-bon-cutting ceremony Nov. 21, can now be seen on a hill near the southeast edge of Home Campus after moving from the farm on Giannelli Circle, west of 144th Street.

“Those homes were built just after World War II and have long outlived their util-ity,” said Gary Feller, Clinical Director of Community 1, who oversees these homes. “These homes are bigger, roomier and have special touches that offer more opportuni-ties for our children to get better.”

“These four homes begin a new era in our specialized treatment program and enhances the continuum of care we offer to children,” said Father Steve Boes. “I can’t imagine a more beautiful spot for change and treatment to take place in the lives of our youngest and most needy citizens.”

The four families—including Joe and Whitney Julian—still enjoy the strong community bonds. “We have a very tight-knit community,” said Joe.

The proximity to the rest of campus is

probably the biggest benefit for the youth. “It says to them, ‘Everybody is looking out for you. Everybody cares for you,’” said Whitney.

Not only do the new houses maintain the strong community feel, but they also boast a much-improved location and floor plan.

“The first benefit is all the boys have their own bedroom,” said Whitney. With only three small, cramped bedrooms in the old houses, two of the boys had to share a room.

While the Julians are enjoying their new house, the farm has received some new occupants. “Our exit from Giannelli has allowed more room for the transition Family-Teachers and after-care youth,” said Feller. “The transition Family-Teachers live there.”

Southern California Site Expanding into Compton

Father Boes, Msgr. Joseph Ariano, ’40, Robert Cross, ’58, and Lyn Corbett, Washington D.C. Site Director, cut the ribbon dedicating the new homes in Washington, D.C., Oct. 5.

Youth who live in the Specialized Treatment Program Homes help father Boes cut a ribbon dedicating the new homes Nov. 21.


Girls and Boys Town Alumnus Jamie Keatts, ’90, is home after serving his coun-try on a 10-month Naval tour on the Kuwait/Iraq border.

Keatts credits his wife, Tammy and their children – Taylor, 12,

Caddon, 6, and Hannah, 4 – as his motiva-tion in Kuwait.

“She would send care packages and we’d talk on the phone, and she was taking care of three kids all by herself the whole time,” he said. “Knowing that I had such an amazing wife back home kept me going in Kuwait.”

The foundation Keatts laid over nine years at Girls and Boys Town has served him well. He now is a sergeant with the Washington County Sheriff’s Office in Blair, Neb.

“Boys Town gave me a foundation,” said

Keatts. “I knew I had to follow orders and rely on teamwork. That wouldn’t have hap-pened without Boys Town.”

Keatts recognizes the guidance he received from Girls and Boys Town and his ability to heed advice brought him to where he is now.

“Boys Town was good for me. It was a highly structured environment and there were strict regulations and boundaries,” he said. “It was without a doubt a positive experience.”

Memories of Boys Town

In preparation for Girls and Boys Town’s 90th anniversary in 2007, the Hall of History is collecting special memories of alumni.

At the 2007 National Alumni Association Convention there will be several locations where alumni will be able to sit down and record their stories of life at the Home. Also any memorabilia–photographs, pylons, letter jackets, etc. alumni or their families are willing to donate will be gladly accepted by the Hall of History.

If you would like more information on this project please contact Tom Lynch, Director of the Hall of History and Father Flanagan House, at 402-498-1186 or [email protected].

Tracy Blake, ’95, utilizes his past at Girls and Boys Town to build up his community and improve the lives of those around him.

Since gradu-ating from Girls and Boys Town, Blake developed several aspects of his life as an athlete, student, professional and mentor. “Boys

Town taught me a lot about how to live life,” he said. “They taught me how to be self-sufficient and a productive member of society.”

For five years at Girls and Boys Town, Blake took advantage of nearly every extra-curricular activity - playing basketball, football, track and trumpet in the band. An accomplished athlete, he earned a full-ride Division-I athletic scholarship to play basketball for Idaho State University. He completed his psychology degree at Nicholls State University, graduating Cum Laude in 2003.

Currently, Blake is completing his mas-ters in Industrial Organization Psychology at George Mason University, and also owns Green Guru Lawn Service, a region-al lawn care company he founded. The company cares for notable clients such as the Virginia Department of Transportation and 7-11.

Through his company, Blake is pursu-ing his dream of providing jobs and bring-ing the community together. “I really just want to give people opportunities,” said

Blake. “I want to use my degrees to help companies have the most productive and effective employee relations.”

Blake utilizes some of the wisdom he garnered while at Girls and Boys Town by giving his time as a mentor to hurting kids through Action in the Community Through Service (ACTS).

“I just hope I can reach one or two kids,” Blake said. “The kids love me there. They’re always asking when Mr. Tracy is coming in. I teach them what I learned at Boys Town, things like ‘don’t talk back’ and ‘just let it go.’ I teach them life skills and how to have healthy relationships.”

As Blake continues to pursue his dreams and increase his portfolio of good-will, he helps as many people along the way as he can. “It feels really great to give back and I feel like I am really mak-ing a difference,” he said.

Keatts, ’90, Home Safely from Kuwait

Alumnus Looks Forward and Gives Back

Tracy Blake recently shared stories of his successful basketball career and work within the community with the late Red Aurbach, legendary Hall of Fame coach with the Boston Celtics.

Jamie Keatts

Boys Town National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund

The mission of the Boys Town National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund is to promote examples of Father Flanagan’s love of God, family and community through the positive development of youth, community service, financial assistance toward higher education through scholarships and fellowship among all citizens of Boys Town.

The Boys Town National Alumni Association Scholarship Fund has assisted fellow alumni with $158,949.47 to aid in furthering their education.

Donations to the scholarship fund go directly towards providing further education for Girls and Boys Town youth. For further questions, or to make a donation, please contact the alumni office at (800) 345-0458.


Football Team Enjoys Another Successful Season

The Cowboys enjoyed another stellar football season finishing at 8-2.

Entering the playoffs with seven wins, the Cowboys shut out Wahoo 21-0 in the first round. The season ended in a 31-6 loss to Norfolk Catholic.

“The kids fought hard and gave a great

effort,” said Head Coach Kevin Kush.The team received terrific backing

from the students, faculty and community even at the away games.

“It has been crowded at every game and the support has always been great,” said Kush.“In everything you do, you do the best you can and at the end is your reward.”

Cross Country Team Abounds in Personal Success

In many ways 2006 was a banner sea-son for the Boys Town High School cross country teams.

With dedicated performances at each meet, Coach Amy Klein said the team had a lot to be proud of. “This is a very hard-working bunch of tremendous athletes,” said Klein.

The varsity runners took home four medals at the Platteview Invitational and all of the girls improved their personal times at the Boys Town Invitational, held on Home Campus.

Natalia and Tamara, sophomores at Boys Town High School, were extremely proud after placing for the first time at Platteview.

“You feel the support from the team and it motivates you to accomplish goals in every area of your life,” said Natalia.

Success continued to the end of the sea-son, as the girls junior varsity team placed first at the district meet. In addition, team members Malloree and Rudy advanced to compete in the state cross country meet in Kearney, Neb.

The team had a record of hard work and determination this season and a lot of per-sonal achievement to show for it. “Running helps many of the youth to deal with their frustrations,” said Klein. “They commit to something. They are part of a team. They have to really work.”

2006 Fall Sports Updates

The varsity volleyball team achieved their best season in Coach Jamie Nicolarsen’s eight years of coaching.

“A Boys Town Grad’s 50th Class Reunion”

Joe Schrantz, ’47, has compiled his book “Boys Town: Fifty Years Later” into a shortened edition titled “A Boys Town Grad’s 50th Class Reunion.” The book can be purchased for $10 by calling the alumni office at (800) 345-0458.

Varsity Volleyball Completes Hard-Fought Season

With four wins, the varsity volleyball team experienced its most successful season in years.

“It’s the best season in my eight years of coaching,” said Jamie Nicolarsen, the head coach of the varsity volleyball team. “In the last six or seven years, the varsity team has averaged about one win a year.”

The team competed with fire and spirit, shown during the Centennial Conference

Tournament Oct. 5 and 7. The Cowboys’ first opponent was Lincoln Lutheran—a team that usually wins the state champion-ship or at least finishes runner-up.

“They played the best I’ve ever seen,” said Nicolarsen.

In Sub-District play, the team lost in the first round to Ashland-Greenwood. The loss however, did not diminish their outstanding season.

“The girls just had a really good season,” said Nicolarsen. “I’m very proud of them.”

Plan is moving forward for 50-year reunions at the 2007 Convention

The class of 1956 and 1957 will celebrate 50 years in July of 2007! What an exciting landmark for those who will attend this upcoming convention. Reggie Welles, ’57, is working diligently to find all of his classmates – not an easy job to accomplish. If you know the whereabouts of any classmates from the years ’56 and ’57, please call Reggie at 402-346-2773. He will love to hear from you!

From The Alumni Director


Chapter News

Dear Brothers and Sisters,

What a wonderful holiday season this has been so far! Many alumni are reconnecting with the Home after being away for

countless years. This brings great oppor-tunities for old classmates to reunite and get to know one another again as adults. Yearbook sales have been phenomenal! Not only are past graduates purchasing yearbooks, but many alumni who were here for just a few years are buying them as well.

We at the alumni office find great joy in locating old pals and listening to their recollections of the past. Lately, we have received many phone calls and emails from alumni who have located addresses and phone numbers of alumni who have been missing from our database system

for years. This is like a Christmas gift that can be given during all seasons!

Our alumni chapters around the coun-try are very busy organizing meetings and thinking of ways to give back to those in need. Last month, I attended the Illinois Chapter meeting held at the new Girls and Boys Town of Chicago. During the meeting, they introduced plans to help others through the Christmas season. Also last month, I had a wonderful expe-rience at Girls and Boys Town of Nevada in Las Vegas. Many alumni traveled from all over the country to be involved in a Thanksgiving dinner for the youth and Family-Teachers at the site.

Giving to others who are in need was exactly what Father Flanagan did for each and every child at Girls and Boys Town. This season is a terrific time to look back at the positive experiences each of us have had at the Home and be

grateful. During this Christmas season, please carry on Father Flanagan’s spirit by giving to those who are in need in your own communities.

Merry Christmas and Happy Holidays to all of my brothers and sisters,

Sarah Williamson-Cambridge, ’92Alumni Director

P.S. For those who plan to attend the 2007 Convention, we have a travel agent, Shelly Rempe, who is offering travel discounts on several airlines and hotels. Please call (877) 391-4300 ext. 15 to make arrangements. Leave a mes-sage and she will get back to you as soon as possible.

OmahaThe Omaha Chapter of the Alumni

Association held its annual Christmas party on Sunday, Dec. 10 at Justin Thyme Café, a great Ralston restaurant owned by fellow alumni Larry and Ann (Daugherty) Mize, ’89. We enjoyed a delicious buf-fet dinner, including several choices of cheesecake for dessert. Many alumni from throughout the area shared stories of Christmas at Girls and Boys Town and talked about the upcoming convention this summer. 2007 is going to be an excit-ing year and we look forward to sharing it with our fellow brothers and sisters.

Kansas CityThe Kansas City Chapter of the

Alumni Association held two meetings this past fall. At our October meeting we welcomed two new members, Dennis Deere, ’67, and Duane Sanders, ’74. We discussed our Christmas families program and a memorial donation to the Father Flanagan House renovation in memory of our recently deceased brother James Collins, ’80.

Our Christmas banquet/meeting was held Dec. 3. Bob Curtin, ’58, supplied the turkey, Julie Spring, ’92, supplied the ham and other members brought side dishes. We held a gift exchange and talked about our two Christmas families. On Dec. 16, we gathered for breakfast and divided up our Christmas family list. As a group, we went shopping and wrapped gifts at Sam Vargas’, ’65, house. We would like to thank Sylvia Rasa, owner of Sylvia’s restaurant for the use of her facilities for our meetings.

Illinois

The Illinois Chapter of the National Alumni Association held its quarterly meeting Nov. 4 at the new Girls and Boys Town of Chicago. More than 20 people attended the event, including several National Board of Trustees, Illinois chapter officers, many alumni, Sarah Cambridge,

Father Bruce Wellems, Girls and Boys Town of Chicago Executive Director; and Rita Cardoso, Girls and Boys Town of Chicago Program Coordinator.

Father Wellems opened the meeting with a prayer and spoke about the pro-grams in Chicago. Rita Cardoso then spoke about the history of the Chicago site and hopes of the children they serve.

After we heard about the new Chicago site, the National Board pre-sented the chapter’s charter to Illinois Alumni Chapter President John Corrigan. Sarah Cambridge also out-lined some short-term plans to improve and grow our alumni membership.

After a good meeting and a great lunch, we toured the new four-story building in construction and Holy Cross/Immaculate Heart of Mary Church, located on the same block as Girls and Boys Town of Chicago.

The next meeting will be March 4, 2007 in Peoria, Ill. Please look to www.boystownalumni.org for further informa-tion. The Illinois Alumni Chapter and its membership thank all who attended these events.

Wallace Baker, ’43, passed away Sept. 21, 2006, in Scottsdale, Ariz.

Daniel Dean Orris, D ’53, passed away March 13, 2006.

Jerome "Jerry" Gosewisch, '54, passed away Nov. 28, 2006, in Maple Plain, Minn.

Alfred Avina, ’68, passed away in Aug. 2006, in Long Beach, Calif.

James E. Collins, ’80, passed away Sept. 27, 2006, in Gladstone, Mo.

From the Auxiliary President

In Loving Memory…

Dear Auxiliary:

As Christmas season approach-es, I want to wish each of you a Merry Christmas. I’m sure as spouses

of alumni, you have heard stories about memories of Christmas at Boys Town. I have heard what a wonderful time it was, with twelfth night, Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars, Boys Town Choir and midnight Mass. Cottages were decorated and a win-ner was selected usually Christmas day or the day after. There was always a Christmas dinner in the dining hall. Boys Town was home and family to most of the alumni. Many alumni have much to be grateful for.

Please remember to pray for the young women and men who are at Girls and Boys Town now, and for all of your alumni brothers and sisters. And always remember all deceased alumni and their families, and those who are in the military and unable to be with their loved ones for the holiday.

I am proud to announce that we have 10 new lifetime members and one bi-annual member. Thank you to those joining our association. Your suggestions are always welcome. Please send them to:

Carol Trevino 7216 N. WoodlandGladstone, MO 64118,816-436-1236 [email protected]

God Bless you all,

Carol TrevinoAuxiliary President


Robert Maddux, ’56: Bob is enjoying his life maintaining an ocean-view Bed and Breakfast in Pahoa, Hawaii, along with his wife Christine Waters. The retired school superintendent has many memories of Boys Town, including camaraderie with fellow youth, athletics and student government. He says he also remembers “Christmas gambling” for Baby Ruth and Butterfinger candy bars. Bob also has fond memories of the many who influenced him: Skip Palrang, famed athletic coach, Frank Hart, counselor; and John Scott, grade school athletic director and coach. “Boys Town was a very beneficial part of my development. It gave me opportunities I wouldn’t have had,” said Maddux.

Guy Garrigan, ’67: Guy currently lives in Two Rivers, Wis., and is a semi-retired roofer enjoying hunting and fishing. He says he has fond memories of scout camping trips and joining the Order of the Arrow while at Boys Town. After leaving the Home in 1967, he joined the Navy. He has two children, Matt, 39, and Katie, 37, and looks forward to fully retiring soon.

Tonya Wyatt-Walker, ’94: Tonya is married with three children living in Newcastle, Del. She received her RN degree from Delaware State University and owns her own transpor-tation service called Fast Lane Transportation. The service transports kids with drug and alcohol problems to and from appointments and also helps those with chronic back pain. Tonya says that she and her husband, Michael, are doing well and raising their children in a God-filled relationship.

The new National Alumni Association website, www.boystownalumni.org, is proving an excellent resource for the Association and alumni. It is serving as a source of information for all alumni mem-bers to learn about their peers, current alumni events and provides a directory to keep alumni in touch with one another.

Alumni Membership has grown sub-stantially in the last quarter. Since publi-cizing the new website in the last Alumni News, the Association has received eight lifetime members, and eight annual dues paying members.

“We owe this influx in membership to our new BTNAA website,” said Sarah Cambridge, National Alumni Director. “Each day we see more alumni logging

on to the website, updating their personal information, posting to forum topics, and uploading current photos.”

Easy user instructions are available on the site’s home page to help alumni navi-gate throughout site. Those having dif-ficulties can email or call the alumni office at [email protected] or (800) 345-0458.

New lifetime members of the BTNAA in the past quarter include: Wallace L.E. Baker, G’43 (deceased), James D. Mattox, G’53, Edward Summers, G’55, Donald Buergey, G’58, James L. Reitz, G’58, William D. Eley, G’61, John Miller, G’62, James Wolfe, G'62, Gene Dicks, G’64, David Aaron, G’68, Jimmy R. Harmon, D’86.

New Website Bringing Alumni Closer Together

Where are They Now…

The Original Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home

Non-Profit Org.U.S. Postage

PAIDBoys Town, NE PERMIT NO. 1

Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home Boys Town, NE 68010

0611

-305

www.boystownalumni.org

Boys from the Home and members of the community gather to celebrate Christmas at the German American Home in 1920, the last Christmas before coming to Overlook Farm. Santa Claus (far right) distributed bread, nuts and fruit provided by the Mother’s Guild and Daughter’s of Isabel to all who attended.

Merry Christmas

and Happy New Year!

Documents

0611-305 A News Spreads€¦ · reminder to challenge future Executive Directors to continue building the legacy that started with Father Flanagan’s dream almost 90 years ago