VOL. IV, No. 3                                                                                                 July, 2006

 

 

A Message from the President

 

 

YOUR DONATIONS TO GAA

 

 

No alumni who have donated money to GAA have ever questioned how it is spent. However, those of you who are considering such a tax-deductible gift should know where the money goes and why.

 

Money raised from membership donations and fundraisers is used to pay GAA operating costs, such as office supplies, printing, and postage, and to aid school programs and activities. Board members receive no financial compensation.

 

Beneficiaries

 

In early discussions on how to assist Galileo Academy, the GAA Board decided contributions should be made to the school - departments, classes, clubs, and teams - to benefit groups of students, rather than individuals.  Helping non-funded or under-funded school programs was made the priority.

 

GAA has responded to requests of staff, primarily the principal and student activities director, and student leaders for financial assistance. The entire Galileo staff has been invited to identify any specific financial need of a group and present it to the Board. While GAA may not be able to fund every request, all will be considered.

 

To date, GAA donations to the school are as follows: $1,200 to the Pendulum, the school newspaper; $1,500 to the Dragon Boat Club to participate in annual races; $350 for the graduation of the class of 2004; and $3,500 to the Athletic Department. The latter, along with Dick Bechelli’s alumni challenge, helped to offset the state funding cutback of 20% to Galileo’s athletic budget this year and was acknowledged by Ethan Winterling, Athletic Director http://galileoalumni.org/letters/2006-Galileo-Athletic%20Director.pdf.

 

 

Gifts from Individual Alumni

 

The generous endowment of more than $15,000 by Jerome Solari ’46 was made with the stipulation that the money be used for Galileo at the discretion of the principal. Ms. Chiu has asked GAA to maintain the funds until she identifies a specific need. 

 

In addition, individuals may identify specific areas they would like to assist. For example, Dick Bechelli ’51 challenged alumni to raise money for athletics and offered to match up to $1,000. Alumni who wished to contribute did so. As a result, in February 2006, a check for $2,040 was presented to the Galileo Athletic Department.

 

Donations from Groups of Alumni

 

Groups who plan events for alumni may give money to GAA with the agreement that it be passed on to Galileo for a specific use. This ensures the school will benefit from the full donation. Such was the case with the Reno Reunion committee’s recent donation of $6,500 that was presented to the school at the GAA Sports Hall of Fame Dinner.  (See letter of appreciation from Margaret Chiu, principal.)

 

Fundraisers

 

Since its inception in 2002, GAA has raised funds at 2 variety shows, 4 Belasco productions, and 3 Sports Hall of Fame dinners and held an alumni get-together. While many alumni enjoy participating, only two have volunteered their time and energy to help organize activities. GAA would like to plan more alumni events and fundraisers, but the Board is limited in number and cannot take on more activities without additional help.

 

So we are pleased to announce a partnership with Galileo’s Parent-Teacher-Student Association.  On October 28, 2006, GAA will hold a dinner-dance fundraiser in association with PTSA. For more information, see the enclosed flyer, or check the GAA website http://galileoalumni.org/events-future.html#GAA-din-dance.

 

Assistance to Individual Students

 

Although GAA funds are not used for financial assistance to individual students, alumni can set up their own programs. The Joan Lucchesi Ertola ’51 Scholarship Fund, established by Ron Ertola ’49 to honor his deceased wife, is such an example.  Alumni are invited to contribute to the program, and many have chosen to do so.  Last year, scholarship awards of $1,000 each were presented to three deserving Galileo seniors continuing on to college. This year, two scholarships were awarded. 

 

Support Galileo

 

In the past, three alumni have suggested specific donations, but either they don’t benefit a group or match areas of need identified by the school. However, if you have a special cause (such as the Princess Project), there is nothing to stop you from donating personally, offering a challenge to others, starting a special fund, or organizing a fundraiser (such as a sea cruise or other event).  GAA will advertise the project and acknowledge the effort.

 

Your contributions to GAA support Galileo Academy and its students. However, if you prefer, you can donate time or money directly to the school or initiate your own program of giving, such as alumni specifically mentioned.  Either way, our alma mater greatly appreciates your assistance.

 

Go Lions!

 

Jim Dresser ‘51

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

An Excerpt from Principal Chiu’s New Year’s Message

(taken from The Galileo Communicator)

 

We also want to thank our alumni for keeping Galileo in their hearts.  Over the past five years, the Galileo Alumni Association (GAA) has established itself as a strong organization with a focus on building connections amongst Galileo alumni and supporting their alma mater.  Most recently, Mr. Dick Bechelli (Class of 1951) has donated $1,000 to the Galileo Athletic Department and his donation has been matched by GAA.  Another alumnus, Mr. Jerome Solari (Class of 1946) has set up a $15,000 endowment fund for the school.  We appreciate their ongoing care and contributions to keep Galileo an excellent school in San Francisco. 

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

Galileo Alumni Association

&

Galileo Parent-Teacher-Student Association

 

 

Fundraiser for Galileo Academy

 

 

Dinner-Dance and Silent Auction

 

Saturday, October 28, 2006

 

Italian Athletic Social Club

25 Russia Street (at Mission)

San Francisco, CA 94112

 

6:30 P.M. – No Host Cocktails

8:00 P.M. – Dinner

9:00 P.M. – Dancing to Music from 1950’s - 2000

 

$50 per person includes prime rib or salmon dinner, wine, tax, & tip

 

Reserve early.  Seating is limited.

 

No new reservations or refunds after October 15, 2006

 

 

Complete the form below, make check payable to GAA, and mail both to:

 

Galileo Alumni Association

1150 Francisco Street

San Francisco, CA 94109

 

 

 

Questions?  Contact: Cordy Porter Surdyka at 415-898-1119 or jsirduke@comcast.net

 

Reservation Form:

 

GAA & PTSA Dinner Dance and Silent Auction 

 

Saturday, October 28, 2006

 

 

Number of reservations _______________   at $50 each =     $____________________

 

DONORS CHOOSE

During the month of May, in honor of Teacher Appreciation Month, GAA publicized efforts to raise money for projects submitted to Donors Choose by Galileo teachers. Most of the proposals met grant criteria (identified with an "apple" symbol next to the title). These projects received 50% of the funding request from Bank of America, the San Francisco Challenge partner. 

As of June 1, 42 proposals were submitted by teachers, and 34 of them were fully funded for a total of $17,085.  These creative projects will benefit countless students and move Galileo further forward as an outstanding school!

 Due to the huge media publicity at the Giants pre-game ceremony on May 9, more people have become aware of this program and are participating. Galileo’s librarian, Patrick Delaney, was one of the teachers honored at the May 9th event. See highlights on Galileo's web site: http://www.galileoweb.org/teacherThankYou.

Teachers may continue to submit projects/funding requests to Donors Choose.  Since this program is year-round, new projects may be added at any time. 

To find projects submitted by Galileo teachers, go to Donors Choose web site: www.donorschoose.org. On the left-hand side of the screen, under "Quick Search" type in "Galileo Academy", then hit "Go".  It will bring up a list of proposals that still need funding.

If you haven’t already done so, please consider helping a Galileo teacher and his/her students by making a tax-deductible donation to your favorite project.

___________________________________________________________________________________

 

GAA Needs YOU!

 

 

Currently, there is one open Board position for which we have been trying to recruit all year. In addition, 6 positions are up for re-election this fall.

 

After reviewing how often other alumni associations meet, the Board agreed to reduce the number of meetings to no more than 5 times a year. Meetings are held at Galileo and start at 6:30 PM. The Board needs more diversity and encourages new ideas.  Please consider volunteering a little of your time and energy to benefit other alumni and Galileo Academy. 

 

If you’d like to be nominated for the Board of Directors, know of someone interested, or have any questions about what is involved, please contact any Officer or Director by email http://galileoalumni.org/committee.html or write to Galileo Alumni Association, 1150 Francisco St., San Francisco, CA 94109. Better yet, join us at our next meeting on September 14, at which time the nominating committee will be appointed.

 

According to GAA Bylaws, nominees for the upcoming election will be accepted through September 30. All GAA members present at the November meeting will vote on the ballot for Board of Directors. 

 

At that same meeting, Board members will elect a president and treasurer for the 2006-2008 term of office.  The vice president and secretary are elected on alternate years.

 

____________________________________________________________________________________

 

GAA MEMBERSHIP

 

Did you know that less than half of you who receive this newsletter are members of GAA?  Help us meet our goal of maintaining current contact information so we can keep you informed about Galileo and assist alumni who are planning reunions.

 

If you haven’t yet registered, please download a membership application at http://galileoalumni.org/membership.html, complete it, and mail it in today. We will welcome you as a member of the Galileo Alumni Association whether or not you send any money. While a tax deductible donation is requested, it is optional.

 

If you have any questions, contact Diane Cowart ’55, Membership Chairperson, at membership@galileoalumni.org.

 

______________________________________________________________________________________________

 

GALILEO SPORTS HALL OF FAME DINNER

May 6, 2006

 

 

From the comments of Galileo alumni and staff, this year’s dinner was a success. The number of alumni, staff, and friends who attended exceeded past years.  It was a pleasure to have so many young athletes there, thanks to Coach Kane. (Photo)

 

 

ENTERTAINMENT

 

Vince Gomez ’52 (bass/vocals) and John Houghton (piano) provided music in the cocktail lounge before dinner. Vince Gomez ‘52 and Vince LaRocca ’50 (piano) continued the entertainment after dinner. (Photo)

 

 

DONATION TO GALILEO

 

On behalf of GAA, Jim Dresser ’51, President, welcomed everyone. He introduced Anthony Waiss ’55, dinner guest of the  Alumni Association.

 

As chairman of the planning committee for the Decade of the ‘50’s Reunions in Reno,  Waiss presented a check for $6,500 to Margaret Chiu, principal. (Photo) Ms. Chiu expressed thanks for the generous donation, especially in view of anticipated budget cuts for the 2006-07 school year. She said the money will be used for new furniture and other capital equipment.

 

Nina Pattini Clima ’50, a committee member, acknowledged the commitment of all 25 alumni who participated on the 2000 and 2005 Reno Reunion committees.  Special recognition was given to Tamara Lee Chan ’56, Alvin Joe ’56, Jennie Wong Lee ’55, Kay Lazzari Michelis ’53, Lucy Lum Waiss ‘57, and Anthony Waiss ’55.

 

 

SPECIAL GUESTS

 

Nekeisha Maxie, an 18 year old senior, and her mother, Patricia, dinner guests of GAA, were introduced. (Photo)  Nekeisha, her parents, and two sisters were relocated from New Orleans, Louisiana, last fall because of Hurricane Katrina.

 

When her family moved to San Francisco last fall, Nekeisha brought her basketball skills from John F. Kennedy High School to Galileo Academy. As point guard or shooting guard, she led the Galileo girls’ basketball team in points scored, averaging 18 points per game, and assists (too many to count).

 

After graduation, Nekeisha plans to attend City College and play basketball. Her goal is to transfer to a four year college and continue to play there.  She hopes to get a degree in Business Management and work in the field of real estate some day.

 

 

 

PRESENTATION OF HONOREES

 

Ron Ertola ’49, chairman of the Galileo Sports Hall of Fame Committee, presented this year’s honorees and read the highlights of their achievements. (Photos 1, 2, 3, 4) Medals and certificates were given them by committee members Pete Pompei ’51 and Bernard Valdez ’49. Bob Randall, Jr. accepted the award for his deceased father, Bob Randall ’31.

 

 

DONATION TO GALILEO ATHLETIC DEPARTMENT

 

On behalf of the Galileo Alumni Association Sports Hall of Fame, Ron Ertola ’49 presented a check for $2,500 to Ethan Winterling, Athletic Director for Galileo Academy of Science and Technology. Mr. Winterling thanked the Association for its continuing support. (Photo) Principal Margaret Chiu expressed gratitude for GAA’s ongoing support and hope that younger alumni would follow the example set. 

 

 

RAFFLE

 

Nekeisha Maxie ‘06 assisted with the raffle by drawing the winning tickets.

 

Three gift certificates for dining were awarded:

Caesar’s Restaurant, 2299 Powell St. at Bay, San Francisco – Gary Ernst

Pompei’s Grotto, 340 Jefferson Street, San Francisco - Ron Sligar ’52 (Galileo Sports Hall of Fame ’05)

Prime on the Avenue, 1425 Burlingame Avenue, Burlingame - Tim Phu ’00 (Captain of the Galileo wresting team that won the city championship) (Photo)

 

Other prizes:

Bay cruise - Jan Baumel

Case of red wine - Lorin Scola ’51 (Galileo Sports Hall of Fame ’04)

Case of white wine - Jackie Brown

 

Grand prize (value over $500):

Two-night stay in a deluxe king suite at Carmel Country Inn, Carmel, CA www.carmelcountryinn.com  - Augie Venezia ’53(Photo)

 

 

ACKNOWLEDGMENTS

 

Thanks to the following people:

 

Bettie Grinnell, assistant to the principal at Galileo, for all of her hard work, including preparation of announcements and programs.

 

Barbara Lombardi for arranging table seating and making name tags.

 

Tom Collins, retired art teacher at Galileo, for the attractive GAA signs.

 

See http://galileoalumni.org/event-sportsHallDin-2006-May.html for photos from the Hall of Fame dinner.

 

********************************************************

 

2006 GALILEO SPORTS HALL OF FAME HONOREES

 

 

 

KEVIN ADAMS                                                                                                                                      COACH                        

 

Serramonte High, Daly City - Basketball, Baseball, Football, Track.  Outstanding Senior Athlete 1972.  All City Basketball

Skyline College – Track Team Captain.  Inducted into Skyline College Hall of Fame.  San Francisco State – NCAA Finalist 400 Relays 1975.  Team Captain 1976.  Coached 5 years Serramonte High School.  Coached 2 years Skyline College.  Coached 25 years Galileo High School. 

1981-Present - Football Coach.

Basketball Coach – 1992-2005.  200 Wins Boys, 140 Wins Girls – Total 340 Wins.

            Football – Championships 1996, 1998, 2001 (Undefeated 12 – 0)

            Coached two NFL Players – Bobby Shaw and Lenny Wahls

            Coach of the Year 1992 and 2005

 

 

 

GEORGE ALVARADO               Baseball                                                                                               1938

 

Basketball – First String 1935-38.  All city 1937 & 38.  Block G Society – Scholarship to University of San Francisco. Southern Air Force all League Team 1944.  Organized Basketball Team for the Air Force in San Diego, Hawaii and Enscenal. Played in Southern California Industrial League.  At age16,  beat the great Hank Luisetti in a half-court shoot out at Helen Wills Playground.

 

 

 

JOHN BOLOGNA                                  Soccer - Football - Track Coach                                                  1950

 

Soccer, Football, Track.  Track—Member of All Star 100-120 Relays Track Team 1948.  All City Shotput 1949. Soccer Champion Team 1946.  Block G Society.  San Francisco State Far Western Conference Shotput Champion 1955.  Leading scorer on Soccer Team 1957-58.

                                                            32 years as teacher and coach

                                                            2 Track Team Championships 1961 and 1962

                                                            2 Cross Country Championships 1967 and 1968

                                                            2 Wrestling Team Championships 1974 and 1976

                                                            4 Fencing Team Championships

                                                            ASA Wrestling Coach—produced 25 All City Wrestlers in 5 years                         

 

 

 

GENE DE MARTINI                                Football                                                                                     1947

 

Starting center on football Team – 1944-46.  Block G Society.  Football scholarship to University of San Francisco.  Played on undefeated Frosh Team.  During the Korean War he played defensive tackle for the Marine Corp Team.  Went undefeated and untied winning 11 games.  He played against Arizona State, San Diego State, Pepperdine, Camp Pendleton, El Toro Marines, and the Los Angeles Rams.  Inducted into the North Beach  - Marina Sports Hall of Fame 2005.

 

 

 

SISVAN DER HAROOTUNIAN                Special Recognition (Sports Editor, Analyst, Writer)                      1951

                                                           

Basketball – 120’s -1949, 130’s – 1950-51.  Block G Society.  Sports Editor of Galileo Telescope and Editor of Pendulum which was awarded Best High School Publication nationally.  Recipient of Bank of America Achievement Award   Life Member of California Scholarship Federation, Straight “A” Student.  Valedictorian of Graduating class.  Scholarship to University of California.   Presently Editor of  “The Galileo Observer,” Galileo Alumni Association newsletter.   Member of the Galileo Alumni Association Board.

 

 

LAWRENCE KANE                                                          COACH

 

Penfiel High School, Columbia College and University Law School.  New York State Freestyle Champion and National AAU Freestyle Champion.  All-Ivy and All East Honors in Wrestling at Columbia.  Presently Corporate Securities Attorney. Since 1993, Head Coach of the Galileo Wrestling Team.

                                                            Overall Record – 94 Wins, 21 Losses, 1 Tie

2004-5 Team Placed first in SF AAU, SF City Championships and Berkeley Beehive Tournament.

2^nd Place at Marin Catholic Championships.

League Round Robin Champs 1997, 98, 99, 2000 and 2001. 

City Champs 1998, 1999 and 2005         

San Francisco Chronicle stated:  “Galileo has gone from door mat to King of the Mats due to Kane’s exuberance and commitment to helping mostly under-privileged kids learn a sport called wrestling.  Kane does more than teach.  He funnels his coaching salary back into the program to purchase shoes, head-gear, and other equipment. His law firm donates thousands of dollars to the Galileo athletic program each year.”

 

 

 

VINCE LA ROCCA                                 Basketball - Track                                                          1950