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Post by kitchennurse on Jul 8, 2006 5:25:35 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I was with the Magic for the day on July 5, volunteering. I took many pictures that I will soon forward to Janice. I saw 135+ happy, HEALTHY kids who were thoroughly enjoying their tour. I was there in the trenches, even went on the busses and took pictures! scary-ooooooh!! Go to this link and read the article about our children. Very nice picture, too: www.poststar.com/articles/2006/07/06/news/doc44ace4ae3eab7176459022.txtNot so good news: in case anyone didn't know, Pam is struggling by herself in the kitchen truck, trying to feed the masses. Please search your schedules to try and arrange some time to help out. She would truly appreciate even a few HOURS during a meal so she could get some time to rest. Also, Matt Stratton quit the corps. So did Mike Longdo- he took his mellophone daughter with him. This news was very disappointing. Frankie has taken charge of the brassline and is doing an excellent job. And the scores are going up despite the lack of staff. So there, I said it. Any questions about details, ask the administrative staff if you wish. I've learned as a rookie parent that the corps isn't for everyone- young and old alike. But the end result (when you hang in there) is a diamond, just like the quote. The bottom line: our kids are having the most fun in their lives. See you sometime this summer. Sally |
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Post by rosiesmom on Jul 8, 2006 12:40:09 GMT -5
Sally, thank you for volunteering your time over the fifth! I know that you must have been tired, but were rewarded by being around 135 grateful kids.
There are some things we cannot control- like people quitting. But if you are a parent of one of the 135 kids that have paid a lot of money to experience drum corps, here is something you can help with:
"Not so good news: in case anyone didn't know, Pam is struggling by herself in the kitchen truck, trying to feed the masses. Please search your schedules to try and arrange some time to help out. She would truly appreciate even a few HOURS during a meal so she could get some time to rest."
The amount of physical exertion required to prepare meals, serve, clean up, and then pack the semi, only to drive several hours, unpack, prepare meals again... this doesn't include getting the trailer ready for a food delivery, or finding the time to go to SAMs to get milk and bread....
If Pam is truly alone, she is going to burn out, and quit. When I was on the food truck, there were five, sometimes six people (two cooks, three parents, one truck driver), and it was physically exhausting for us. It is NOT a one person job!
Parents- there's at least 230 of you out there- if you can step up and volunteer- PLEASE do so NOW. I've heard people say they would help, if only they knew that they were needed.
It doesn't have to be for weeks- just a few days. Don't have time? Call Janice or Curt, find out where they are gonna be, call the local Dominos for 100 pizzas, and pay with your credit card. Call Janice and ask her what you can do to make this season rewarding for your kid.
For rookie parents, this isn't "normal". What is normal is for the parents to embrace their kids and help out as much as you can. Thanks, Sally, for letting others know.
Patty
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Post by dbressler on Jul 8, 2006 13:05:46 GMT -5
Hi everyone, I was with the Magic for the day on July 5, volunteering. I took many pictures that I will soon forward to Janice. I saw 135+ happy, HEALTHY kids who were thoroughly enjoying their tour. I was there in the trenches, even went on the busses and took pictures! scary-ooooooh!! Go to this link and read the article about our children. Very nice picture, too: www.poststar.com/articles/2006/07/06/news/doc44ace4ae3eab7176459022.txtNot so good news: in case anyone didn't know, Pam is struggling by herself in the kitchen truck, trying to feed the masses. Please search your schedules to try and arrange some time to help out. She would truly appreciate even a few HOURS during a meal so she could get some time to rest. Also, Matt Stratton quit the corps. So did Mike Longdo- he took his mellophone daughter with him. This news was very disappointing. Frankie has taken charge of the brassline and is doing an excellent job. And the scores are going up despite the lack of staff. So there, I said it. Any questions about details, ask the administrative staff if you wish. I've learned as a rookie parent that the corps isn't for everyone- young and old alike. But the end result (when you hang in there) is a diamond, just like the quote. The bottom line: our kids are having the most fun in their lives. See you sometime this summer. Sally Hi Sally, Thanks so much for the update. Enjoyed the article and picture, too. Re the not so good news. The kids LOVE Frankie; too bad he has to leave in a few weeks when band camp starts at Oveido....wish he could get a reprieve! How do I get in touch with Pam? I may be able to help (maybe even my hubby) for a few hours in Houston, San Antonio, and when they return to Pittsburgh again. Debbi |
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Post by kitchennurse on Jul 9, 2006 5:25:24 GMT -5
Debbi,
I haven't had much luck with reaching Pam via her cell #. But you really don't need to let her know you're coming, just show up. She would be thrilled.
I'll be in San Antonio starting my week-long tour. My son and step-daughter are also volunteering for the week. Suen Garvin will be there. Please join us if you can. When Pam sees me, she always gives me a hug and then goes to take a nap.
I forgot to mention: July 5 was Pam's birthday!!
see you soon
Sally
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Post by guardparents on Jul 9, 2006 16:46:49 GMT -5
Hello all. We're brand new Magic parents (dropped off our guard girl in Westminster, MD) from Virginia Beach. This thread bothers me. I talked at length with Mike Longdo while the group was here. We had heard about the dark spot in Magic's history and he put all my fears to rest. Now he has quit the group. If he had things going on at home and had to leave, that's one thing. But to pull his daughter out too makes me wonder. Those of you that might be in the know, please do not hide anything. Please tell us what is going on.
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Post by stempers on Jul 9, 2006 18:51:06 GMT -5
Sounds like they had a rough ride to Erie, PA. The percussion bus broke down. Turned a 5hr drive into a 10hr ordeal. But, they made it OK & get a full night of "floor time" to sleep. Weather forecast doesn't look too good for tomorrow's show - might end up being another standstill. Unfortunately, they need to work on the drill.
Scott
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