Alumni Meeting Minutes 12/6/07

Attendance:
Craig Coolidge, Kevin Murphy, Rick Haney, Steve Doucette, Peter Madden, Christopher Kelley, Clyde Perkins, Zach Longely

Next meeting will be held THURSDAY FEBRUARY 7 at Thatchers in Portland starting at 7pm.

National Headquarters & Other Correspondence

• Follow-up to Nationals requests for our vote on the decision to accept or deny acceptance of the Sigma Chi Omega Colony at the University of West Florida. Alumni Chapter reviewed the Petition submitted, and voted to approve/accept admittance.
• Employments opportunities are available at National Headquarters for various positions to include; AD of Major Gifts, Online Marketing Specialist, AD of Comm. and Donor Relations, and Lead & Sch. Pgm Coordinator. PDF files containing specific
• information about these positions are posted on our Alumni Chapter Website (Members Section) under the Files folder “Nationals Employment”.
• Order of Constantine nominations are now being excepted. Please check out our Chapter website or Nationals website for more info.
• The Sig House, a quarterly Newsletter published by the Grand Board of Trustees has also been added to our website. It includes a detailed discussion about the formation and operation of House Corporations. Very interesting article, please check it
• out! This file is also included under our Members Section (Files) of our new Website under “Nationals Correspondence”.

Business:

• Website–Our website is now up and running!!! PLEASE CHECK IT OUT AND FILL OUT YOUR PROFILE! Most members should have received an email with a log-in name and password. If you did not, please email myself with your full name and email address you wish to
• use for your account. I’m very excited about this new website, it features both a public page and private members section. The private members section includes message forums, space to post articles and other website links, upload and viewpictures (WE NEED PHOTOS!), view other member Biographies and profiles for contact information, and to store files (Such as Newsletters, etc.) A copy of our Bylaws are also posted under the members file section.
• PLEASE USE AND UTILIZE this website! It will only be effective if you put in the effort to make that way. This is a professionally built site funded by Nationals, which we now have administrative control over. Comments and suggestions are recommended!
• Link: http://maine.alumnisigmachi.org/index.php

New Years Party 2007/2008

• Annual New Years Party is being held at THATCHERS PUB in Portland starting at 8pm. They have agreed to close the bar for our private party. Details include DJ music provided by MCD’s Entertainment, light appetizers, champagne toast, and other bar enmities including pool tables, dart boards, big screen tv’s, etc. This is our flagship event, don’t be left behind! Significant others and close friends welcome.
• Cost is $15/person, $25/couple
• Evite link: http://www.evite.com/pages/invite/viewInvite.jsp?inviteId=RWFCMZQRKCBTKGCALJXO&li=iq&src=email&trk=aei4

Brotherhood Retreat w/Active Chapter (Rho Rho)

• Brotherhood retreat with the RhoRho is being held January 18 at the Hovell in Lovell. Please plan to attend, this is always a great time and it is very important that we have a good showing of Alumni to make the meetings much more productive.
• Contact Steve Doucette or myself for more information.

2008 Officer Elections
Officer elections for 2008 made. Voting results are as follows:

• Philanthropy Chair – Kevin Murphy
• Event Coordinator – Rick Haney
• Chapter Editor -Christopher Kelley
• Chapter Liaison – Steve Doucette
• Treasurer – Peter Madden
• Vice President – Clyde Perkins
• President – Craig Coolidge

Closure
In closing, I would just thank the guys that were able to attend the last meeting. Also, I would like to congratulate our new officers. I would like to plan an informal meeting with the officers to set forth an agenda for the 2008 year. If you have any suggestions regarding meetings times, events, etc. and cannot attend the next meeting in February, please send me an email. As always, feel free to email or call with any question or comments as well.

In Hoc,
Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Initiation Set for Saturday (12/8/07)

The Rho Rho chapter of Sigma Chi continues to increase its numbers.  This fall’s initiation is scheduled for this Saturday December 8, 2007.  If you want to witness the final ceremony, you should arrive at the Sigma Chi Heritage House by 8:00 am.  More news on our new brothers will be released in the near future.

 

Dec. 6 Alumni Chapter Meeting

Brethren,

Just a reminder, we are having our Alumni Chapter meeting Thursday night December 6 at Thatchers in Portland at 7pm.  See many of you then!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Upcoming Alumni Chapter Meeting–November 8

Greetings All:

Next Alumni Chapter meeting will be Thursday NOVEMBER 8 held at Thatchers in Portland at 7pm. Will be discussing current status of website, New Years Party 2007/2008, and nominations for new 2008 officers. Hope to see many of you there!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
207-318-7761

 

Alumni Chapter Minutes 10/4 & 10/13

Alumni Chapter Minutes 10/4/07 & 10/13/07

Attendance:

(10/4/07)
Craig Coolidge, Clyde Perkins, Kevin Murphy, Rick Haney, Jeff Charette, Steve Doucette, Peter Madden, Robert Akerley, Ron Milley
Thursday’s meeting was held at Thatchers in Portland.

(10/13/07) Ritualistic Meeting
Craig Coolidge, Rick Haney, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Clyde Perkins, Nate Staples, Rich Veilleux, Ryan Parsons, Ben Hauck, Brian Fanning, Jason Mclaughlin (active), Neal Spillane (active)
Saturday Ritualistic Meeting was held at the Sigma Chi Heritage house chapter room in Orono.

Next meeting will be held THURSDAY NOVEMBER 8 at Thatchers in Portland starting at 7pm.

National Headquarters & Other Correspondence

New Grand Consul (Bob Jones) – 5 Step Plan to improve Sigma Chi (Leadership, Expansion, Housing, Unite, and Clean governing laws)
Includes improvements to chapter housing situations, looking to raise $50 million in funds for housing improvements

Nationals to provide free setup service for professional quality alumni chapter websites, nationals has been notified of our interest, should have things going shortly!

Business:

UMO Homecoming 2007

Homecoming, great time had by all attended.  Cocktail hour at the house was a success.  Softball game, Alumni Chapter was victorious over the Active Chapter in a 54 to 38 victory in 9 innings played!

Ritualistic meeting held at 10 am Saturday morning.

University of Maine Greek Housing

Verbal report made available by brother Pat Maiorino; the University of Maine is considering plans to construct a new “Greek Village” which will consist of land “lots” provided by the University, for development by outside investors/developers, in
which the constructed building shells would then be furnished/finished by a prospective Greek house corporation representing their respective organization.  Plans for this development are still preliminary, however, it appears evident that the
University of Maine is strongly considering new construction as the primary method for improving the “degrading Greek housing situation” inplace of renovation/improvements to the existing Greek houses.

Fall Social Event – Booze Cruise

Booze cruise was a success.  Approximately 40 plus in attendance, great time had by all.  End balance came up slightly short by $300.  Slight improvement in next years attendance and/or slight increase in cover charge should cover costs and allow
for a yearly mainstay social event sponsored by the Alumni Chapter.

Website

Sigma Chi nationals recently announced it will provide technical services to build and help host professional quality websites to all Alumni Chapters, free of charge.  We have contacted nationals and are in the process to having our website
completed shortly!

New Years Party 2007/2008

Annual New Years party is now going to be held at a private VIP room at The Stadium in Portland, please plan ahead!  Always a great event!  Details will follow shortly!

2008 Officer Nominations

Just a reminder that officer nominations for 2008 will be made at the November 8 meeting.  Voting will occur at the December chapter meeting and elected officers will assume positions at the start of the 2008 calendar change.

Closure

In closing, I would just thank the guys that were able to attend the past couple of very productive meetings.  The ritualistic meeting was a great experience that I hope many will plan to attend in 2008.  The new years party is just around the
corner and its now time to focus on our objectives for 2008, so the next couple of meetings will be very important!  Please feel free to email or call with any question or comments.

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Homecoming Schedule

Fellas,

It’s that time of year again, and this year looks to be very busy.  First and foremost, our Alumni Chapter (yes, chapter – now formally recognized by Sigma Chi nationals) will hold a ritualistic meeting in the Chi Lodge chapter room beginning at 10 a.m.  Don’t be late!  The rest of the day is as follows:

11 am (or directly after meeting):  Annual softball game between actives and alums.  Game will take place at H.E. Sergeant Community Center on the Bennoch Road in Old Town, just off Stillwater Ave by the legendary Riverplex. 

12 – 3 pm:  Annual tailgate party with Kimball & Co. in Lot A between TKE and the football field.  Bring along whatever spirits you fancy as well as any foods you would like to share with everyone.  Word has it that Abe Frohman, the “Sausage King of Chicago”, will be serving up his famous sausage bombs during the party. 

3 pm :  Maine Black Bears take on The Tribe of William & Mary.  It would be great to have an all Sig section to cheer them on; maybe our support will help to pull them out of a four-game losing streak…

5 pm – 8 pm:  Homecoming reception at the old Sigma Chi house on College Ave for all alumni and actives.  Light refreshments, snacks, etc. will be provided, as well as a CASH BAR on the first floor.  Bring plenty of cash; it’s been a long time since anyone’s been able to reminisce over cocktails in our beloved house, and it could be a great time for all of us.

8 pm – Whenever we fall:  Party with the actives in their new location in Old Town.  Come see the new underground bar!  Ice cold beer always on tap and plenty of young co-eds that love to dance (let’s see if any of you old codgers have still got it….this means you, Tipsy McStagger!)

Directions to new house:

Follow Stillwater Ave toward Old Town.  After the Hannaford on your right, the first street you come to will be Abbott.  Take a right on Abbott and follow it until you come around a sharp bend.  A little ways after the bend, look for the house on the corner of King St and Abbott, and more than likely you will see plenty of cars around the house.

I hope everyone can make it to Homecoming this year.  Any Sigs who attend the game but are unaware of our plans will more than likely see the giant Miller Lite ‘Welcome back Rho Rho Alums’ banner hanging from the pillars of our old house.  Chances are, it will grab their attention as well as their curiousity and maybe they’ll swing by for a beer.  I’ll be there waiting.  See you this weekend!

IHSV

Rick

 

Homecoming Football Tailgate Party–Sat. Oct. 13 12 noon

Homecoming has a special meaning for all University of Maine Sigs and fellow Greeks. We hope that you will return this year for Saturday October 13 (or even better the full weekend) to rekindle some past friendships and meet more of your Rho Rho brothers (active and alumni).

There is much more to the full weekend plans including the traditional softball game and chapter meeting, but I wanted to share the football tailgate plans now so that you can make plans to come to the University and meet your brothers and their significant others prior to the football game.

Click on the graphic above to go to the UMaine Football webpage.

Bring a drink or two and something small to share. There will be snacks, desserts, hot dogs, chili, and the famous tailgate sweet sausage sandwiches available with grilled onions and peppers on fresh Brick Oven sub rolls.

We look forward to seeing you at the tailgate party. Right now the plan is to locate in Tailgate Lot A between TKE and the football field.  Each year I try to get as close to the field and along the wooden fence farthest away from Alfond Arena.  That gives us some extra grassy area and something to tie a tarp to in case of inclement weather.  Yes, this is a rain, snow, or sunshine event.

Come early as we need to get caught up on the past and present while getting fired up for a good football game.

For more information, email (kimballs@hermon.net) or call Shawn Kimball at 207-735-3704 (leave a message if there is no answer).

 

Alumni Chapter Meeting Set for October 4

Greetings Brethren,

Just a reminder, our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting will be at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday October 4 at 7:00 pm in the back conference room.  Hope to see many of you there!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Alumni Chapter Minutes 9/6/07

Note: Alumni Chapter President Craig Coolidge provides these detailed minutes for all to see.  I am posting these now without the attachments so everyone can see the time sensitive information.  I will post the attachments as soon as time permits.  Thanks for your understanding.

Alumni Chapter Minutes 9/6/07

Attendance:
Craig Coolidge, Mark Pare, Kevin Murphy, Chris Kelley, Rick Haney, Steve Doucette, Peter Madden, Alec Dodd

Thursday’s meeting was held at Thatchers in Portland.  Our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting will be at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday October 4 at 7:00 pm in the back conference room.

National Headquarters & Other Correspondence

Attached is the August edition of the national newsletter (Sigma Chi Preview).  Please note the official revisions made to the “Sweetheart Song” and newly added Character-in-Action Leadership award in honor of Mark V. Anderson.  Also attached is a
copy of the In The Lead by brother Keith Krach – 64th Grand Consul.  (Download the attachment, then open as Explore or other web browser to view).

Attached is a PDF copy of a stated communication received from Susan Lorimor from the Sigma Chi Corporations communication department announcing that there is a job opening for an Associate Editor.  Please view if interested.

Message from Bob Shortle, RPI 1974 & past Houston Alumni Chapter President;
>Bob Hutnick, RPI 1971 rounds up about 16 sigs from RPI to join a memorial tournament for Ken Sullivan, RPI 1973.  We join the offical tournament sponsored by Ken’s widow, Sharon Sullivan, owner of The Ledges in York.  Contact information for Bob is
>[ mailto:vahuts@aol.com ]vahuts@aol.com.  However, this year I think they are holding the Saturday tourney at Fox Ridge.  but there’s also a warm-up Friday at The Ledges.  “The Ledges is the unofficial Snags-Ruff Handicap Golf Tourney on Friday,
>September 7, 12 noon.  The Official Tourney is the next day, September 8, in Fox Ridge.”

FYI from Dr. Robert Dana, Dean of Students UMO, it has been announced that the Maine Alpha Chapter of Sigma Alpha Epsilon (SAE) located at 117 college avenue has been suspended at the University of Maine and has been advise to not operate or live in
their house as if they were a UMaine fraternity.

Old Business:

For those who still have not paid any dues and are interested in helping support the alumni chapter, they are $30 for the year.  Payment can be mailed to our treasurer Peter Madden, pwm355@yahoo.com

New dues paid, Steve Doucette ($30).  Account balance is $869.60.

Newsletter

Its finally here!  Attached is a PDF copy of our 2007 Newsletter.  Big thanks to brother Mark Pare mpare97@aol.com our Chapter Editor for helping pull everything together.

Fall Social Event – Booze Cruise

Booze cruise on Casablanca Cruises is this Saturday September 8 from 6 to 9 pm followed by a Pub crawl.   PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE arrive no later than 5:30 p.m. so we can board as soon as possible!  Prices are $15 per person, $30 per couple. Cash bar,
music, and light appetizers will be provided.  Directions from the North and South are as follows:

295 to Franklin Arterial, Exit 7.

Go straight on Franklin St, up and over the hill through 4 lights traffic lights (about 1 mile or so) until Commercial street, at which point you will be looking at the Casco Bay Parking Garage. If available, finding a spot in there would be ideal.

Otherwise, turn right onto Commercial St.

On your left you will see RiRa, Dry Dock and Gilbert’s Chowderhouse Restaurants. In between Dry Dock and Gilbert’s will be a parking lot, and it will more than likely be full by the time we arrive. Our boat will be docked beyond the parking lot, in
front of the long, yellow building known as the Comedy Connection.

The meter parking is free after 6 pm and during the weekend (I believe) so you can park on the street all night if you wish.

If you have questions or concerns, please call Rick Haney at 615-4806 or Craig Coolidge at 318-7761

Website

A website domain name has been purchase ($9.15/yr) with the title mainesigmachialumni.com  A working website should be up shortly.  Brother Alec Dodd graciously donated $50 for the purchase of a website software package (such as Frontpage) to
generate our own website.  THANKS ALEC!  We are still entertaining options for a web hosting provider.  Anyone with information regarding hosting options and corresponding costs please contact us.  Also, we really need digital pictures that might be
available from past events (such as past new year parties, softball games, homecomings, brotherhood retreats, MS walks, etc.).  If you would like to have your contact information posted (such as employment, phone numbers, email, etc.) please send
that information along to be included in the brothers contact information section.  Please send any of the above to Craig Coolidge via email.

New Business:

University of Maine Orono Homecoming – (October 12 to 14, 2007)

A preliminary schedule and list of event for homecoming 2007 are as follows:

Saturday 10 am – Alumni Chapter ritualistic meeting at the Sigma Chi Heritage House chapter room

Saturday 12 noon – Alumni Chapter/Active Chapter annual softball game at field located near H.E. Sargent office on Bennoch Road

Saturday (afternoon) – Tailgating for University of Maine football game (UMaine vs. William & Mary) , kickoff starts at 3pm

Saturday 6 to 8 pm – Cocktail hour at the Sigma Chi Heritage House (Cash bar, appetizers)

Sunday Noon – Rho Rho active chapter meeting at Sigma Chi Heritage House

New Years Party 2007/2008

Annual New Years party going to be held at Thatchers pub in Portland, please plan ahead!  Always a great event!

Meeting Schedule Discussion

A discussion regarding our current meeting time and location was conducted.  In summary, based on the minimal response requesting a change in meeting time and location, it was collectively decided to finish the remainder of the year using our
current schedule and location.  Unfortunately, the state of Maine is widespread and to personally accommodate everyone’s schedule for every meeting is just not possible.  With that said, please keep in mind that to actively participate doesn’t mean
you have to attend every meeting (or any for that matter).  Simple paying dues, showing up at social events when possible, and providing support for both the alumni chapter and Rho Rho are more then sufficient.  However, for those that can attend
meetings, it is strongly encouraged.  Without productive meetings, the social events, support for Rho Rho, and all the recent communication and networking we all have the pleasure of sharing would not be possible.  With that said, I do appreciate
all the comments and requests that were receive from fellow brethren.  I encourage you all to continue to participate actively with events, pay dues if possible, and to keep me informed as to times and locations which best work for you as open
discussion regarding meeting time and location will resume again at the start of the new year.

Closure

In closing, I would just thank the guys that were able to attend the meeting last night.  It was a very productive meeting with a lot of planning accomplished and some very good conversations had.  Overall, the status of this Alumni Chapter is very
strong, much stronger than it was over 4 years ago when everything first started.  I strongly encourage everyone to take the time and thoroughly read our attached Newsletter to see all of the accomplishments of this chapter thus far and the planned
upcoming events for a great finish to what has been a great year.  For those with any questions regarding the overall status of this chapter or just general comments, please feel free to email or call me personally at anytime.

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Next Alumni Meeting

Brethren,

Just a reminder that our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting is at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday August 2 at 7:00 pm.

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Minutes of Alumni Chapter Meeting 6/28/07

Alumni Chapter Minutes 6/28/07 for month of July (short/informal meeting)

Attendance:

Craig Coolidge, Mark Pare, Kevin Murphy, Alec Dodd, Jeff Charette, Rick Haney

July’s meeting (June 28) was held at Thatchers in Portland.  Our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting will be at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday August 2 at 7:00 pm.

Old Business:

For those who still have not paid any dues and are interested in helping support the alumni chapter, they are $30 for the year.  Payment can also be mailed to our treasurer Peter Madden, pwm355@yahoo.com

Summer Social Event

Tentative plans for a summer Sea Dogs game in Portland.  Date and time is still to be determined.  Target is for August.

Fall Social Event – Booze Cruise

Booze cruise on Casablanca Cruises is being held on Saturday September 8 starting at 6 pm followed by a Pub crawl.  Prices are $15 per person, $30 per couple.  Casablanca Cruises is located on the wharf behind the Comedy Connection in Portland.
Please contact Rick Haney rphaney@inhoc.com for more information along with an evite with more details (if you have not received one).  This is going to be a great event, PLEASE PLAN AHEAD!

Closure

Just want to close by saying that we have had a great start to the year.  Summertime tends to get very busy for many of us, however, this fall will be yet another very important time for us to get things accomplished.  We have the Booze Cruise in
September, Homecoming in October, and the New Years party to close things off.  Lots of planning and work needs to be done for these events.  Please plan to attend the next meeting so we can get things in order for a great second half to the year!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Alumni Chapter Meeting — Thurs. June 28

Greetings Brethren,

Our next scheduled meeting is going to be moved up to JUNE 28 at THATCHERS in Portland at 7:00 pm.  This is due to the following July 4th holiday weekend.  Top objective will be to complete the News Letter.  Other topics will include planning for
the Booze Cruise, Sea Dogs game, and continued conversation regarding a preliminary fund raising plan for Rho Rho housing.

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Alumni Chapter Minutes–June 7

Alumni Chapter Minutes 6/7/07

Attendance:

Craig Coolidge, Mark Pare, Kevin Murphy, Chris Kelley, Chris Austin, Austin Harrell, Jeff Charette, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Rick Haney, Jason McGlaughlin (Consul, Rho Rho)

Thursday’s meeting was held at Thatchers in Portland. Our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting will be at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday June 28 at 7:00 pm.

Old Business:

For those who still have not paid any dues and are interested in helping support the alumni chapter, they are $30 for the year. Payment can also be mailed to our treasurer Peter Madden, pwm355@yahoo.com

Newsletter

Reminder, our target date for the first publication is end of June, which will be distributed via email. OFFICERS, PLEASE HAVE YOUR ARTICLES DONE FOR THE NEXT MEETING! Mark Pare mpare97@aol.com is our Chapter Editor/Historian, if you have any material, pictures, etc. which may be useful please forward that information to him!

Summer Social Event

Tentative plans for a summer Sea Dogs game in Portland. Date and time is still to be determined.

New Business:

Fall Social Event – Booze Cruise

Booze crush is being planned for September 8 from 4 to 7 pm followed by a Pub crawl. Further details will be made available shortly! (Please look at the previous blog posting!)

Closure

Please note that our scheduled July meeting has been moved up to THURSDAY JUNE 28 due to the 4th of July holiday weekend. Topics will include finalization of our Newsletter, Website details, and planning for the fall Booze Cruise.

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Booze Cruise 2007

Fellas,

Mark your calendars for Saturday, September 8th, 2007, for that evening will kick off the first annual Rho Rho Alumni Chapter Booze Cruise at 6 p.m. in Portland!  Financial details are still being ironed out, but as of now we’ll be sailing courtesy of Casablanca Cruises, located on the wharf behind the Comedy Connection, Porthole Restaurant and Gilbert’s Chowderhouse on Commercial St.  The cruise will  last until 9 p.m., at which point we will continue our journey on a pub crawl through Portland’s Old Port District. 

This will be wonderful opportunity to bring people together for an enjoyable evening.  Those of us who now have families will have the chance to re-acquaint ourselves beyond our college years as well.  It goes without saying, but wives and children are encouraged to join us. 

Please stay tuned for details, and don’t be afraid to spread the word to other sigs who are not on the blog list!  This may also be a good opportunity to get some new blood in the blog as well.  If we fill this boat with 15o people, we will be welcomed back for future cruises.  Let’s do this!!!! 

Questions?  Send me and email or ring me at 615-4806.

For more info, click here:  http://www.maineharbourcruises.com/

I simply cannot wait…

Rick

 

Next Alumni Chapter Meeting–Thursday June 7

Greetings Brethren,

Just a reminder that our next scheduled meeting is at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday June 7 at 7:00 pm.  Officers, please work to have your articles done for the news letter!  We would like to send this out in June!  Hope everyone is having a
great start to the summer and lets make this a good productive meeting to get a jump start on the planning for a lot of scheduled events coming up soon!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Finally , after a long time coming!

I am officially able to write my own blogs! Thanks for the help Shawn. My password has been reset and I am an author now, so I hope to add to the blog soon. Hope Everyone has a Great Summer, if it ever warms up AND stops raining that is!

In Hoc

Jason

 

Alumni Chapter Minutes 5/3/07

Attendance:

Craig Coolidge, Mark Pare, Matt Crouse, Kevin Murphy, Chris Kelley, Peter Madden, Chad MacPherson, Chris Austin, Jason McGlaughlin (Consul, Rho Rho)

Thursday’s meeting was held at Verillo’s Banquet and Convention Center in Portland. Our next scheduled alumni chapter meeting will be at Thatchers in Portland on Thursday June 7 at 7:00 pm.

Old Business:

For those who still have not paid any dues and are interested in helping support the alumni chapter, they are $30 for the year. Payment can also be mailed to our treasurer Peter Madden, pwm355@yahoo.com

New dues paid, Ron Milley ($30), Robert Akerley ($30), Jeff Charette ($30)

Our current checking account balance is $929

April 28 2007 MS Walk in South Portland

Annual Philanthropy, the MS (Multiple Sclerosis) Walk was held in South Portland on Saturday April 28, 2007. Overall, our team raised over $1,600 exceeding our $1,000 goal for this year! Great job guys! Members in attendance included; Kevin
Murphy, Mark Pare, Jeff Charette, Peter Madden, Craig Coolidge, Andrew Fitzpatrick, Matt Crouse, Clyde Perkins, and Chad MacPherson.

News Letter

Reminder, our target date for the first publication is June, which will be distributed via email. OFFICERS, PLEASE HAVE YOUR ARTICLES DONE FOR THE NEXT MEETING! Mark Pare mpare97@aol.com is our Chapter Editor/Historian, if you have any material,
pictures, etc. which may be useful please forward that information to him!

Spring/Summer Social Event

Currently, the Alumni Chapter is planning a group trip to participate in a float down the Saco River on Saturday/Sunday July 21 & 22.

Also being planned is a group event for a summer Sea Dogs game in Portland. Date and time is still to be determined.

Please contact Chris Kelly our Event Coordinator for more details.

Website

It was decided and approved in the chapter meeting to work with a webhosting company obtained through a contact of Chad MacPherson. In general, preliminary details include an initial $200 startup/setup fee with $10/month hosting fee and a minimum 1
year contract. Hosting company is willing to train 2 alumni chapter members for administration use of the site. Once site is generated, Alumni Chapter will own all website rights a domain names.

New Business:

Stated Communication from Sigma Chi Headquarters

Nationals is looking for Philanthropy information from active Alumni Chapters. We plan to submit our recent MS walk information as part of this request.

Alumni Chapter Bi-Laws

Revisions to the Bi-Laws were approved and voted in as the current Bi-Laws for the Alumni Chapter. A copy of the ammended Bi-Laws can be downloaded by clicking here. Newly Approved Alumni Chapter By-Laws

Fall Social Event – Booze Cruise

Preliminary planning was held for a potential later summer to early fall booze cruise

Rho Rho Active Chapter Report

Jason McGlaughlin reports that the active chapter is now officially out of debt! Very nice work!

Also reported – June 9, Rho Rho is planning another Summer Retreat at the Hovel in Lovel, Maine.

Rho Rho was named most Improved Fraternity on campus by the IFC, GREAT JOB GUYS!

7 new brothers were initiated this spring, overall the chapters numbers are continuing to grow.

$1,375 were raised for this years Derby Days

Plans are in the works of a Pine Tree Sig publication for the next year.

A thank you note from Rho Rho was presented and available for download below. Thank you to Alumni from Active Chapter

Thank you guys, it’s the least we can do!

University of Maine Homecoming 2007

Preliminary plans for homecoming 2007 have been made by our event coordinator Chris Kelley. Currently, a cocktail hour at the Heritage house is being planned from 3 to 6 pm.

Closure

In closing, congratulations to Rho Rho for an outstanding year! Numbers are up, spirits are high, the chapter is debt free, and you’ve work hard to earn most improved fraternity of the year. It’s obvious Sigma Chi at the University of Maine, Orono
is moving in the right direction!

In closing, things are being accomplished but we still have plenty to do. It was a little disappointing to see our numbers down at the last meeting. Its a busy time of year, understood but now is not the time to mail it in. Instead, lets continue
to work hard on establishing a firm foundation for this chapter to continue its growth and planning for the many upcoming events! I look forward to seeing many of you at the next Alumni meeting!

In Hoc,

Craig Coolidge
Alumni Chapter President
318-7761

 

Consul McLaughlin Reflects on ‘06-’07

The following post was emailed to me by Consul Jason McLaughlin (’08). Hopefully we can work out some challenges real soon so he and other brothers can post here more easily. If you want to post something, email it to kimballs@hermon.net and then I will get make sure you can post your own articles. Thanks Glock for keeping all Rho Rho Brothers informed.

Greetings Brothers –

First off I would just like to say that this past year (Fall ’06 and Spring ’07) has been quite a year for the Rho Rho chapter and I would like to take the time to tell a little bit about our great accomplishments and goals for the future.

The latest feat of Rho Rho was receiving the Most Improved Fraternity award from the University earlier this month! I can honestly say that the chapter was very deserving of this reward this year and also that I am thrilled and honored to have led the chapter as Consul during such a great year.

The fall semester started out with a small chapter size of only 12 brothers. Rush went well this first semester, however, we were only able to have 2 pledges make it through the pledge process and they were initiated in December 2006. The two new brothers are Jason Knowles and Clay Cavness.

The first semester at UMaine also witnessed Sigma Chi’s First Annual “Camping for A Cure”. This is a new philanthropy that Rho Rho started this year and hopes to improve upon and strengthen it in the Fall Semesters to come. This philanthropy raises money for Huntsman Cancer Institute. Basically we decided to camp out on the mall by the library on campus for 24 hrs straight. We were sponsored by Coca-Cola and gave away free energy drinks, hot chocolate, and accepted donations, as well as sold raffle tickets for various prizes. The chapter was able to raise approximately $600 with this event, of which we are already planning ways to improve upon for next fall.

This past January many active brothers as well as Rho Rho Alums could be found at the “Hovell in Lovell” thanks to the generosity, as always, of Doug Duschenes and Tom Murphy. The Retreat proved to be very beneficial to the chapter and the alumni support was great as we had one of the biggest turnouts of alumni ever. Sigma Chi pretty much takes over the town of Center Lovell and always manages to have a blast. Thanks again to these generous alumni (Tom and Doug) and we hope to continue this tradition for years to come.

One of the biggest things that made the Spring Semester so successful was that the motivation of the actives was high after the Retreat, as it always is; however, it remained in tact as the Spring Semester got underway. This is something that is hard to keep as brothers get busy with their lives and schoolwork and whatnot. However, this year was different as the entire chapter was motivated to have a great rush and see the chapter grow for the Spring Semester, and that it did!

Spring Rush was great, and under the leadership of Rush Chairman Eric Anderson the chapter was able to have a Spring Pledge Class of 7, the biggest since I pledged in the Spring of 2004. One strategic plan of the chapter that was decided at the Winter Retreat was to shorten the rush period so that brothers and rushes alike would not grow bored with the process. So, we cut our rush period down to 3 and organized 2 or 3 rush events per week. We gave our bids earlier than normal this semester, and had brothers perform a lot more one on one interaction with the recruits. Our actions proved successful as we will start the Fall ’07 with 18 brothers.

So, on April 14th, the Rho Rho Chapter happily initiated Zach Hunt, James Spilsbury, Andrew Haley, Brad Bachelder, Maxwell Beck, Steve Barker, and Ken Harvey. These 7 men show a lot of heart for the organization and I personally see leadership coming from them very quickly.

Great things also happened to the active chapter in the end of March when Rho Rho was given the chance to have Mission 365 brought to UMaine. This is a Recruitment Workshop that is totally paid for by Sigma Chi National and is a weekend long event where a facilitator comes to town and teaches brothers about Rush Techniques and ways to Recruit New Members all year long and not just during the “Rush Period” at the beginning of each semester. There were many interesting tactics that were preached and demonstrated during this workshop and the actives plan on implementing a few of the new ideas into recruitment this fall.

Alumni were very supportive this year as well. I cannot use words to express all the help and success that newly appointed chapter advisor Rick Haney has had for the active chapter and its individual members such as myself. He has been very motivated, has attended many chapter meetings and events, and helped with Initiations as well as history night during pledging, just to name a few. The alumni chapter itself has helped out immensely as well. They have tightened the bonds of the chapter I do believe, because we always know that we have them to fall back on for help and support. Whether it be myself or Quaestor Neil Spillane, we tried to make as many monthly alumni meetings down in Portland to keep the two groups as closely tied together as possible.

I had a tremendous year being Consul of the chapter and would like to extend many thanks to my great fellow top-5 officers and Exec Board composed of Nick Webster (Pro Consul), David Parker (Magister), Eric Anderson (Rush Chair) , and Neil Spillane (Quaestor).

This summer we have several brothers that will be attending the Balfour Leadership Training Workshop in August out in Missouri. Also, brother Clay Cavness will be attending Grand Chapter out in California!

One final note, PLEASE MARK YOU CALENDARS FOR THE WEEKEND OF JUNE 9TH, as Sigs will be gathering in Lovell again for the summer retreat. Lets get a little work done on the house, talk about the upcoming semester, and have one hell of a weekend as always.

Guard Well Brothers,
Jason McLaughlin (’08)
Consul

 

A long time coming…

Brothers,

Remember back when you were in school, when that dark cloud known as “finances” hung over Rho Rho?  I know I do; In fact, our financial affairs in the early 1990’s overshadowed everything we did.  I have never known a Rho Rho chapter that hasn’t shared its crop of financial burden, but I’m pleased to announce that today, we have once again passed a milestone at Rho Rho.

Worthy brothers, it is written:  Rho Rho is officially out of debt!  Dedicated and highly motivated Quaestor and Consul-elect Neil Spillane is the man to thank for this, as his skills and perseverance have carried our chapter into new territory.  To my knowledge, Rho Rho has been in continuous debt since its reformation campaign in 1992.  That year was supposed to mark a new direction for us, but bad decisions were made that set a negative tone for the following decade.  Thanks to Neil and the rest of our highly committed active brotherhood, those days appear to be long behind us now. 

What an exciting time to be an active brother!  With all these great things happening at Rho Rho, I hope we can all find some time to get involved again and share the excitement.  It hasn’t happened overnight, but the wheels are in motion for a bright future for our chapter, and it all starts with the active brotherhood.  Keep up the fantastic work, brothers!  Your efforts are very much appreciated!

In Hoc,

Rick Haney

 

Rho Rho Soars to New Heights

Brothers,

It is my great pleasure to inform you that Sigma Chi has just been voted UMaine’s Most Improved Fraternity for the 2006 – 2007 academic year!  The award was presented to Rho Rho at a ceremony earlier this evening, and will no doubt serve as a testament to the hard work and tireless dedication our active brothers have recently shown.  I can speak for all of us when I say I’m particularly proud of this accomplishment; if it doesn’t prove that alumni involvement can make a difference, I don’t know what would. 

Cheers, brothers!  Tip a few cold ones back and celebrate.  You’ve certainly earned it!

In Hoc!

Rick Haney

Very Proud Rho Rho Chapter Advisor