Before I jump into this week’s topic I need to give a shameless promotion for an old friend, John Bacon.
He’s author of a new book, ‘Three and Out,’ that will sure be of interest to Penn State football fans. It’s taking the country by storm!
John Bacon and I coached hockey at Culver Military Academy, a perennial powerhouse prep school hockey program, in 1986-1987. He used to work hockey camp here at PSU in the summer and we have remained close friends for 25 years. He has also written books about the history of Michigan hockey and Bo Schembechler.
His newest book is about three turbulent years of Michigan football under former coach Rich Rodriguez, from 2008-2010. During that time, our Nittany Lions defeated the Wolverines on the gridiron three consecutive times.
‘Three and Out’ is currently No. 23 on Amazon and the site’s No. 1 sports books, having recently passed ‘Moneyball.’
So get your order in now and get an inside look at a major college football program (that many at Penn State are happy to see get its comeuppance).
LEND A HAND
Now it’s on to the topic at hand. I want to strongly encourage you to take time to consider an end-of-the year gift to a charity of your choice. Maybe cut back just a bit on some holiday gifts to friends or family or better yet, make a gift in their name to your favorite charity.
Over the past few months I have been fortunate to be able to lend a hand, in a very small way, to a couple of local charities. While I wish I could give even more of my time and money, I know that any time people can give to others in need — no matter the hours, the size of a gift or the amount of effort — it is worthwhile, appreciated, and needed.
Here are a few of my favorite local charities. I hope you will consider lending a hand or contributing financially to one of them or a charity of your choice.
CROP WALK
I have served as the honorary chair for CROP Walk State College for the past three years and have watched the efforts of the local volunteers triple in size. Led by long-time friends Jim Campbell and Barbara and Joe Faulkner, the organization has helped raise a significant amount of money for the local food bank.
AMERICAN RED CROSS
I recently gave blood for the first time in years to support the Red Cross. Blood supplies are at critical stages and they can use your help. My long-time friend Ruth Markle has been at the Red Cross for years. Jump on their website and find a place to donate much-needed blood and/or plasma.
YOUNG LIFE
My oldest two kids have benefited greatly from being involved in the local Young Life program and summer camps of Young Life of Centre County.
My wife Heidi annually prepares a meal for our local leader Brad Schmitt and his group of leaders and we recently attended their celebration dinner at which a large contingent of the kids help serve and put on a number of hilarious skits.
They raised a lot of money at their silent auction held at the Ramada Inn Monday evening. My wife and I are proud supporters of the organization, which serves the teenagers of Centre County.
Check out this Lake Champion highlight video from summer camp.
THON
Has anyone who lives in Centre County or who is an alumnus of Penn State not at least heard of THON or participated in an activity related to the Four Diamond Funds?
What a great organization of kids helping kids. My personal friendships with former THON child Isabella Messina (and her parents, Renee and Pat) and Matt Seybert and his family, have made a lasting impression on my family and on my heart.
I have had the honor of speaking at the THON Kickoff Dinner, hosting the Athlete Hour Talent Show and giving the pre-THON pep talk to the dancers!
ON A SAD NOTE…
Like many others, I was shocked to hear of my friend Ed Thompson’s passing. I didn’t know many people quite like him.
He was friendly to everyone, and well-liked and respected by all. It is a sad day for everyone who knew him. I got to know Ed even better because of his friendship with my former next-door neighbors of 17 years, Ed and Marian Dornell.
I will never forget Ed and I know there are many whose lives were touched by this compassionate, kind and caring man. He will be sorely missed.
