Do you remember these lyrics?,

“Oh, put me in coach, I’m ready to play today,

Oh, put me in coach, I’m ready to play today. 

Look at me I can be centerfield!”

They are from John Fogerty’s 1985 hit, “Centerfield”.  How many of us remember a great coach that served to inspire and help us grow.  The “coach” could have been associated with a particular sport, talent, or academic pursuit.  “Coach” initially helped us to develop a skill.  As we gained confidence he/she helped us begin the fine-tuning process that took the skill to another level.…

I remember being formally introduced to the “Ripple Effect” when I was a senior in High School.  My physics teacher, Mr. Pitt, demonstrated Newton’s third law of motion by dropping a stone into a container of water.  The resulting waves illustrated the idea that if a force acts, then an equal and opposite force must act upon another body. There are countless other definitions for this term, but what is important to understand is that this “ Law of Physics” has and continues to have profound impact on our daily lives.…

Good Evening!  This One’s for Amy!

It’s been a rough week!  Many of my conversations have included discussions that sought to understand the tragedy that occurred last week in Nevada; a tragedy that has occurred several times before and, in all likelihood, will occur again.  One friend said, “I’ve never felt so vulnerable.  It doesn’t matter whether you are at work, shopping, or simply going to a concert, you’re not safe anywhere!”  A second, more personal tragedy occurred Friday with the passing of a former student who would later become a professional colleague, friend, and teacher to many.…

Muhammad Ali is credited with the phrase, “ Service to others is the rent you pay for your room here on earth”  Over the past week I’ve had the opportunity to witness something wonderful, people who’s lives are already filled with responsibility are taking the time to pay that rent, to volunteer and give something back to their community.  For example, Ron has served as President of our local school board and the Lions, a civic group in the community. Craig was recently recognized for his work with homeless families, youth and people facing housing crises.…

It’s been another interesting week.  The theme for this newsletter emerged after attending the PA Chamber of Commerce Dinner this past Monday evening.  The keynote speaker was Chris Wallace who moderated a discussion between former Obama White House Press Secretary Jay Carney and former Bush II Chief of Staff Andrew Card.  Their topic was simply, “Perspectives From the West Wing”.  Prior to the discussion, former Governor and Director of Homeland Security Tom Ridge set the stage for the presentation of the Inaugural Allegheny College Prize for Civility in Public Life.…