Calvins Chronicles

The newsletter of the California Theta Chapter Alumni of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity January 2014

In this issue

Columns by Chic & SWP Jim Boyle Updates on Brothers Founders Day & GAC info

After Jay Babchuks (#145) 48,000-mile motorcycle trip from L.A. through South America, he visited Vern & Linda Preston (#162) at their home in Georgia.

January 2014 Dear California Theta Chapter Brothers, I am very happy to share that the Executive Council of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity has formally approve the recolonization of our California Theta Chapter! This collective Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity headquarters and local alumnus volunteers undertaking is slated for the Spring of 2015 by which the next twelve important months will be utilized to identify interested volunteer brothers to serve on a Colony Advisory Committee and our existing California Theta House Corporation. The recent January 12th marked the 20th Anniversary of the Northridge Earthquake and is a reminder of the two ensuing decades of chapter closure and of the long absence of Phi Kappa Psi on the CSUN campus. Coincidently, the year 2015 will mark the 50th Anniversary by which the local Kappa Delta Psi Fraternity at San Fernando Valley State College initiated a petition process to affiliate with the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity that resulted in the June 17, 1967 chartering of our California Theta Chapter. In 1965, a young ''Valley State'' undergraduate by the name of Fred Berson (#2) was assigned the task to investigate various national college fraternity organizations. The Badge #1 initiate of thirty proud chartering, founding members of the California Theta Chapter was Brother Jon Wiedenheft. As of this writing now 49 years later, both Brothers Fred Berson and Jon Wiedenheft have each asked to assist in this effort to help replant the proud banner of the Phi Kappa Psi Fraternity on the CSUN campus. These proud examples and unwavering display of immense dedication are not ones of sentimentally but rather of each individual's desire to ensure and perpetuate the ideals and purpose of ''life loyal'' Phi Kappa Psi that has been so important to each of us throughout our lives since our college days now spanning two to five decades.

John Ciccarelli (#106) as Chair of the Granada Hills Holiday Parade

In the coming months and in between the semi-annual email publication of the ''Calvin's Chonicles'' newsletter, there will be various email list information updates and a created social media site for the entire California Theta chapter roster to inform of steps being undertaken leading up to and throughout the entire re-colonization process which can typically cover 18 to 24 months. This process, while led by our professional staff, will require a strong participation of both California Theta alumni and other interested Los Angeles-area Phi Psi brothers. California Theta brothers living throughout the country can greatly assist in various direct and indirect ways to help ensure a successful future chapter rechartering. I do wish to take this special opportunity to especially recognize two additional and particular dedicated chapter brothers who have led behind the scenes to help make this exciting prospect of a return of our chapter possible. Brother John Soukup (#168) has served loyally as our Chapter House Corporation President for over twenty years, assuming the large responsibility of taking care of the physical chapter property in collecting tenant rent payments, writing mortgage checks and property tax payments, and doing the litany of ongoing chapter property maintenance, all in the sole purpose for the actual day when the house could be occupied by future Phi Psi members of a California Theta Chapter. John deserves the Congressional Medal of Honor for what he has quietly done without fanfare and in deep devotion to all of us. It has been Brother Gene Wilk (#334) who literally lives across the country in New Jersey and in great example and his immense personal efforts to create the most accurate Cal Theta contact roster by literal one-to-one individual 280 chapter roster contact and in the editor publication of the Chronicles newsletter that has brought us all together in ways unimaginable only a few years ago and witnessed by the litany of examples of countless reunited Cal Theta Phi Psi brothers. The constant mention and highlights of Cal Theta brothers accomplishments in recent issues of The Shield is due to Gene's efforts to promote our chapter and our brotherhood whenever and wherever possible. It is because of Brothers like Fred, Jon, John and Gene that I and all of us are constantly reminded of our lifelong oaths to something that is of strong importance and of great intrinsic value to those who will follow in the future. Fraternally, John... #106

Phi Psi Makes Its Long Awaited Return to Northridge!

The National Fraternity could not be more proud and excited to announce that Phi Kappa Psi is returning to the CSUN campus in the Spring of 2015! The reestablishment of Cal Theta as an active chapter of the Fraternity has been a long time coming, and so on behalf of the Fraternitys Executive Council and staff it is my privilege to say, Welcome Back!! On a personal level, I have a great appreciation for Cal Theta and its members. When I was elected Archon of District VI in 1989, John Ciccarreli was an important mentor to me as I learned the ropes of SWP Jim Boyle serving Phi Psi at the national level. It was my honor to pass the office of Archon to Rob Sostman at the end of my term in 1991. And when I served on the Fraternitys Staff beginning in 1992, Cal Theta was one of the chapters that I spent a good deal of time working with. I developed a terrific rapport with the members and spent a great deal of time in Northridge assisting the chapter. There was great optimism amongst the membership with the recently acquired chapter house, good leadership, and a clear focus on rushing new members providing the key ingredients. And then there was an earthquake. I recall my initial arrival in Northridge after the earthquake which was several weeks later. By that time, there had been some initial cleanup efforts and there was some normalcy returning to the area. But, the devastation was readily apparent. From the view from the chapter house, the campus damage was extraordinary: the library; campus buildings; and the multiple temporary trailers brought in to serve as classrooms. My most vivid memory was the force necessary to collapse a four story parking garage (shown here). Thousands of students had transferred to other colleges and universities or were taking classes

elsewhere, and as everyone now knows there was a real sense of what now? that permeated the campus. Certainly, that was the impact on Cal Theta the turmoil was just too much for the Chapter to survive But that was then. There is no doubt that CSUN has bounced back. Now its time for Phi Psi to make a triumphant return! At the national level, Phi Kappa Psi is at the strongest point in its history. With 105 chapters and four active colonies, 51 alumni associations and nearly 6,000 undergraduate members, we are thriving. The Fraternitys leadership programs are second to no one. And this past year, we have rolled out an amazing education program for new members known as the Phi Psi Experience. In scholarship, member development, chapter organization, and alumni cultivation, Phi Psi is truly hitting on all cylinders. (See for yourself at www.phikappapsi.com.) So, its a fantastic time for Cal Theta to rejoin the family! There are so many incredible pieces already in place to ensure that the Chapter is successful. Certainly, the existing chapter house will provide a central location and identity for the members. But the most important cornerstone is the energetic, dedicated and loyal alumni from Cal Theta. To maximize the opportunity for success, were going to need effective alumni leadership, positive and dynamic chapter advisors and business-oriented House Corporation members. The Fraternitys staff will work with the local alumni team to ensure that the new membership represents the best of CSUNs students: focused; studious; positive and committed to building an outstanding Phi Psi chapter! I urge all of you to be active in the reestablished California Theta as well. Together, were going to be proud to see the Phi Psi banner again flying over the chapter house to let everyone know that Phi Kappa Psi and California Theta are back at CSUN! And I look forward to seeing you all and having an opportunity to meet you at the rechartering celebration! In the bond, James D. Boyle Washington Alpha 88 National Treasurer Phi Kappa Psi

Ralph Buoncristiani (#95)

Ralph Buoncristiani (#95) and his wife Lori continued to do a lot of traveling, first with a trip in June to Italy and France to attend a wedding. Later that summer, they were back in Europe for another wedding, this time traveling to Germany on the Rhine and later Amsterdam. In September, Ralphs son Scott did his first triathlon with both competing in the Malibu Nautica Triathlon. Shown here are Ralph, Scott and Scotts wife Samantha. Finishing up the year were Ralph & Lori taking a week-long trip to the Bighorn Mountains outside of Cody, Wyoming on horses doing ranching and cow work.

Jim Perley (#107)

In retirement in Tennessee, Jim Perley (#107) is a paid volunteer at the Franklin Farmer's Market where he is shown here monitoring the voting for the best heirloom tomato contest. His wife Valarie will be retiring next year and his daughter is a junior at Belmont University.

Vern Preston (#162)

Over the summer, Vern Preston (#162) and his family took a trip to Scotland and England to visit with the families of a couple of U.K. college students whom they earlier hosted at their Georgia home. The college students both came to the United States on soccer scholarships and attended a small college in north Georgia. The Prestons have been their family away from home for the past two years and have gotten to know them and their families well. In addition to spending time with good friends who were very gracious hosts, the Prestons visited London and took a private Beatles tour in Liverpool. They also visited the towns of Verns ancestors on both of his parents sides, which by coincidence are just about an hour from each other: Preston, Lancashire and Newby Bridge, Cumbria, both in England. In one of the photos shown here are the Prestons by the Newby Bridge in the background with the extended family of one of the young men they hosted.

Mike Epler (#206)

Shown here at a LazerTag family outing are Mike Epler (#206), his wife Helene and their daughters Danielle and Alexandra. As of November 2013, both Mike & Helene completed eight years working for their respective employers, Bank of America and Blue Shield of CA. Mike has begun training for the 2014 Grand to Grand 170mi Stage Race, raising money for an English Tutoring project through Aura's House and implemented by the non-profit Children International. Updates on his training will be posted in the future. Danielle joined her sister Alexandra at the University of Indianapolis where they are both working to complete their Doctorate in Clinical Psychology. Alexandra is seeing clients at Southern Indianapolis Pediatrics and Danielle continues her behavioral therapy with autistic children at Damar Services. Danielle will begin her clinical patient work in the fall.

David Smith (#216)

During a long weekend trip to Indianapolis for a Broncos-Colts game, David Smith (#216) toured Laurel Hall, our Fraternitys national headquarters.

Kurt Wedberg (#280)

In December, Kurt Wedberg (#280) was in Argentina guiding two climbs of Aconcagua (6962m/22,841'), the highest mountain in the Western Hemisphere. Shown here is a photo of the first summit with his team on December 15th. Two days later, Kurt and his team enjoyed an Argentine style celebration dinner with steak and Malbec by a world renowned chef in Mendoza at a famous restaurant called 1884 Francis Mallmann.

Two pairs of two brothers each at Frozen Fury XV

In the first photo, Glenn Winter (#285) and Ross Drucker (#260) are shown at the MGM Grand in Las Vegas at the Frozen Fury XV game between the Los Angeles Kings and Colorado Avalanche in September. In the second photo, Arturo Velasquez (#326) & Derek Greenlee (#322) are shown at the same game.

Bryan Fisher (#295)

Bryan Fisher (#295) and Gene Wilk (#334) in Bryans hometown of Boston in September.

Four Brothers in Pasadena

Gene Wilk (#334), Eric Palmstrom (#344), Sergio Rodriguez (#332) and Jess Siordia (#333) in August.

http://socalfoundersday.weebly.com/

July 9-13, 2014 at the Arizona Biltmore

Registration to attend the 77th Grand Arch Council (GAC) is now open on Nationals website and the registration costs are as follows: Early Bird Pricing (before April 7th) Alumni: $325 / Undergraduate: $300 General Registration (April 7th-June 16th) Alumni: $345 / Undergraduate: $320 Late or On-Site Registration (after June 16th) Alumni: $365 / Undergraduate: $340

Lodging: To reserve a room at the Arizona Biltmore, call Hilton customer support at (800) 445-8667 and make a reservation under the 2014 Grand Arch Council block.