The 2002 sage would end with the head women's coach taking the men's duties too. Soon after, the men's team would be cut.
Notes and bits of my resume.
Wednesday, October 02, 2002
Duquesne Univ Swim Coach Interview
This sage, in 2002, was the second time I sat for an interview at Duquesne University. The first was interesting, but our Peoria relay with a 7th grader, two eighth graders and one ninth grader was about 5 seconds faster than the DU women's school record at the time.
My cover letter for the DU swim coaching job
Brian Colleary
Director of Athletics
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Dear Mr. Colleary,
Please consider this letter, resume and associated information as an application for the open position of Head Coach for the Men's Swimming and Diving Team and Aquatics Director.
I am excited about the possibilities of becoming a member of the Duquesne Athletic Department. I think my qualifications and goals match the position.
I've coached NCAA Division I Men's Teams for six seasons. Additionally, the aquatic management position matches my desires and experiences. I have the necessary CPO (Certified Pool Operator) as well as CAM (Certified Aquatic Manager) credentials.
The combination of positions with coaching and aquatics is exactly what I am looking for at this time. As you will see from my resume, I have a strong background in coaching and pool management.
When I met my wife and moved back to Pittsburgh I was combining my love and knowledge of coaching and swimming with my degree in journalism into a book publishing business. When we decided to start a family, I decided to take the lead role in our children's care while my wife pursued tenure at the University of Pittsburgh. In the past year my wife has received tenure and our boys are school age. I had decided to go back into coaching full time and as you can see, I have re-certified in all necessary areas.
The posting of his job comes at an ideal time -- a time when I want to coach at the college level, run a pool in a manner that includes service to the community, and stay in the Pittsburgh area where we are surrounded by a large, wonderful family.
This is an ideal opportunity. I know many of the elements of the community and live less than one mile from the campus. I think my background and awareness of local matters will be a great asset.
The Rauterkus family has a strong history at Duquesne University. My grandfather, Joseph A. Rauterkus, Ph.D., was asked by the President of the University to found the School of Music. He did so and continued to teach and develop programs for DU and the larger community for many years. His son, my father, graduated with a teaching degree from DU and spent his career teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
My participation at DU has included assistance to the Head Volleyball Coach in the development, publishing and duplication of his team's playbook for a number of seasons. I worked at volleyball events and was the announcer for some matches.
I'd love to join your team in the Athletic Department, I think the match is going to be warmly welcomed as my talents and approach blend well with the mission of DU. I have applied myself in efforts to prepare others by stressing broad, well-balanced, integrated education and perspective of themselves and the world. These messages are woven into my being and the DU mission. The mission to disseminate knowledge within a moral and spiritual framework in order to prepare leaders has always been central in my life.
I'll be a dependable and effective recruiter, promoter and outreach advocate for Duquesne University on many fronts. I hope to make a lasting impact with the institution that extends well beyond the successes for the Men's Swim Team.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely Yours,
Mark Rauterkus
Director of Athletics
Duquesne University
600 Forbes Avenue
Pittsburgh, PA 15282
Dear Mr. Colleary,
Please consider this letter, resume and associated information as an application for the open position of Head Coach for the Men's Swimming and Diving Team and Aquatics Director.
I am excited about the possibilities of becoming a member of the Duquesne Athletic Department. I think my qualifications and goals match the position.
I've coached NCAA Division I Men's Teams for six seasons. Additionally, the aquatic management position matches my desires and experiences. I have the necessary CPO (Certified Pool Operator) as well as CAM (Certified Aquatic Manager) credentials.
The combination of positions with coaching and aquatics is exactly what I am looking for at this time. As you will see from my resume, I have a strong background in coaching and pool management.
When I met my wife and moved back to Pittsburgh I was combining my love and knowledge of coaching and swimming with my degree in journalism into a book publishing business. When we decided to start a family, I decided to take the lead role in our children's care while my wife pursued tenure at the University of Pittsburgh. In the past year my wife has received tenure and our boys are school age. I had decided to go back into coaching full time and as you can see, I have re-certified in all necessary areas.
The posting of his job comes at an ideal time -- a time when I want to coach at the college level, run a pool in a manner that includes service to the community, and stay in the Pittsburgh area where we are surrounded by a large, wonderful family.
This is an ideal opportunity. I know many of the elements of the community and live less than one mile from the campus. I think my background and awareness of local matters will be a great asset.
The Rauterkus family has a strong history at Duquesne University. My grandfather, Joseph A. Rauterkus, Ph.D., was asked by the President of the University to found the School of Music. He did so and continued to teach and develop programs for DU and the larger community for many years. His son, my father, graduated with a teaching degree from DU and spent his career teaching in the Pittsburgh Public Schools.
My participation at DU has included assistance to the Head Volleyball Coach in the development, publishing and duplication of his team's playbook for a number of seasons. I worked at volleyball events and was the announcer for some matches.
I'd love to join your team in the Athletic Department, I think the match is going to be warmly welcomed as my talents and approach blend well with the mission of DU. I have applied myself in efforts to prepare others by stressing broad, well-balanced, integrated education and perspective of themselves and the world. These messages are woven into my being and the DU mission. The mission to disseminate knowledge within a moral and spiritual framework in order to prepare leaders has always been central in my life.
I'll be a dependable and effective recruiter, promoter and outreach advocate for Duquesne University on many fronts. I hope to make a lasting impact with the institution that extends well beyond the successes for the Men's Swim Team.
Thanks for your consideration.
Sincerely Yours,
Mark Rauterkus
Thursday, September 26, 2002
Notice of the open swim coaching position at D.U. was seen
A friend from Illinois, and then from Michgan, sent me this email.
Subject: Check out Duquesne University Men's Swimming - Official Athletic Site
Hey Mark,
It lterally showed up this morning. I check most swim sites daily. I hope that it pans out for you. I checked out the Duquesne Mens web site and it appears the coach had been there for 16 years with moderate success. They split the mens/womens coaching duties 3 years ago and have about 15 male swimmers including 3 freshmen on scholarship. The team includes swimmers from around the USA as well as Canada.
I truly hope that this works out for you as it appears to be the kind of team that would benefit from your experience and passion.
Keep me informed.
peace
Al Ledgin
Monday, September 23, 2002
Erik won an essay contest about the Underground Railroad and Morning Glory Inn
Award for an essay contest, with a $500 check too.
Wednesday, September 11, 2002
Job Posting for DU swimming
From: http://ncaa.thetask.com/market/ads/swimming/
DUQUESNE UNIVERSITY, located in Pittsburgh, PA and a member of the Atlantic 10 Conference, has an immediate vacancy for the position of Head Men's Swim Coach/Aquatic Director. This is a full-time, 12 month position, salary commensurate. Responsibilities include total operation of a Division I men's swimming program, including training program, strength training, recruiting, team travel, scheduling, meet management and other duties relevant to the position of Head Men's Swim Coach. Additional responsibilities include operation of the University's pool, including maintaining, hiring staff, and scheduling. Qualifications: Bachelor's degree required, as well as all licenses and certifications required to operate a pool in the City of Pittsburgh and Allegheny County. Three years of successful college/club coaching experience preferred. Effective communication, organization and administrative skills required. Knowledge of NCAA, Duquesne University and Atlantic 10 rules and regulations required. Interested candidates should submit letter of interest, resume, and names and phone numbers of three references to Brian Colleary, Director of Athletics, Duquesne University, 600 Forbes Avenue, Pittsburgh, PA 15282. Screening will begin immediately and applications will be accepted until the position is filled. Duquesne University is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.
Off the table
The Auqatic Director role was taken by the existing womens coach and news of this came to me on Sunday morning before the Monday interview.
Sunday, September 01, 2002
Friday, August 16, 2002
American Swim Coaches Association - payed $745
The ASCA World Clinic, Las Vegas, in September 2002, cost $745.00.
Also attended the Certified Pool Operator's Course and the Certified Aquatic Managers Course.
Audio tape for sale:
Single, $10
Set of 12 for $96
Set of 24 for $168
Set of 36 for $216
All 45 tapes, $225
Monday, July 29, 2002
Swim lesson cheer at Homestead
Everywhere we go,
People want to know,
Who we are,
So we tell them.
We are from Homestead,
Mighty, history Homestead.
We're no stinkers,
We all are thinkers.
We will lead,
We love to read.
Sound off,
1, 2, 3, 4 ... 3, 4.
People want to know,
Who we are,
So we tell them.
We are from Homestead,
Mighty, history Homestead.
We're no stinkers,
We all are thinkers.
We will lead,
We love to read.
Sound off,
1, 2, 3, 4 ... 3, 4.
Tuesday, July 23, 2002
The day they tried to take our school board away from the citizens' votes by appointment.
I was dead set against this measure suggested by Tom Murphy, a poor mayor if there ever was one.
Sunday, July 14, 2002
County Taxes
The 2002 Tax Levy for our property was 4.690 mills or .4690 per $100 valuation.
The Assessed valuation at full market value was $106,100.
The net Tax was $487.66 and the Gross tax was $497.61.
The Assessed valuation at full market value was $106,100.
The net Tax was $487.66 and the Gross tax was $497.61.
Sunday, June 30, 2002
Read & Swim, Carnegie Library of Homestead, 510 Tenth Ave, Munhall, 15120
Monday & Thursday, 8:30 am, or
Tuesday & Friday, 8:30 am.
Level 2:
Monday & Thursday, 9:30 am, or
Tuesday & Friday, 9:30 am.
Level 3:
Monday & Thursday, 10:30 am, or
Tuesday & Friday, 10:30 am.
Pay $50 at first class.
Lots of waiting lists as the classes filled at 12 slots.
Level 5 & 6 had 23 kids.
I think it went for 6 weeks or so (June 14 to August 9) in the summer of 2002. Budget income = $50 x 12 x 3 x 2 = $3,600. I think it was a single coach and one lifeguard.
Crazy thing is, when the fall came, we were going to do it again but better with a home-school swim team and the success blew them away and they choked. Ended the program because there were kids anxious to come who were from outside the service area of the library. The library is a REGIONAL ASSET, and got RAD money even. Remember the Regional Asset District. Ugh. Go figure.
Thursday, May 16, 2002
Public Statement by Mark Rauterkus - No Toll Road to Pittsburgh
Against the Mon Valley Toll Road
My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street on the South Side. I have a home on the internet, Rauterkus.Com.
My internet site has a copy of this statement and additional information about my stands on this and other transportation projects. This statement makes mention of only a few points -- other observations are on-line.
The Mon Valley Toll Road has a few different parts. Each part has its own merits and strengths. And, as a organic web of life -- the sum of the parts needs to be considered as well.
What has already been built is fine. The thrust of what I hate is what has NOT been built and what has been shown about in some of the Turnpike Plans. What is already there now is much different situation to what is present among the plans.
The treatment of the city's fabric, the brownfields, the river, and the tax burden are matters of a different color. What is NOT yet built in the plans for the Mon Valley Toll Road is a bad idea.
The Toll Road is NOT prudent and far too costly.
The thinking from the Turnpike folks needs to be extended. They need to be told, "Think Again." They need to be pulled out of their narrow focus.
West End
Recently in the West End, Pittsburghers were passing around the hat to collect money to purchase a traffic signal at a dangerous intersection. We have kids getting run over. The city is in such a way that it can't afford to buy a stop light. This toll road is going to run us over too. The steam-rolling agenda has been set in place. The disparity is wide.
The costs for the Toll Road are too great. The pricetag per mile is wreckless with our tax money and bonds. This solution is too expensive.
This solution is full of corporate welfare. I understand that there are 17 engineering companies needed to finish this project -- as there are 17 sections to be built. This is amounting to HIGHWAY Robbery.
The taxes and debt to pay for this road is going to be a burden for my kids's kids. The costs are going to prohibit us from doing other things -- as we are blowing our wads on this.
I call myself a Free Market Republican. That is much unlike the overspending Democrats and much unlike the corporate welfare Republicans. The toll road is a big subsidy. And, the subsidy is NEVER going to pay off for the region.
There are many other more prudent options. The Mon Valley Toll is NOT prudent in the slightest.
Alternatives:
Buy out the railroads.
At a public hearing in these chambers it was mentioned that there are 65 miles of rail road track and right of way that could be obtained for a price. None of the leaders are exploring that option in meaningful ways.
Rail service goes to all of the Brownfields. Meanwhile, the Toll Road misses them all.
We can run trains from Century Three Mall --- up and down the Mon Valley and into Town.
In today's landscape, the trains are NOT going to be for bringing workers into town for day jobs. Rather, what is needed is rail service so city-residents can be workers in new jobs created in the brownfield locations. This is an inverse to the trian of thought (pun intended) for existing leaders.
Case in point: Eco Star in McKeesport
At a recent job fair at Goodwill, EcoStar recruiters were present. They had hoped to hire 1,000 employees as soon as possible. The office space is in McKeesport. A friend I know who has been out of work for the past year wouldn't consider that as a viable option because of the commute to McKeesport. We need to put him, in the city, onto a train, and taken to work in McKeesport. Then he can come back again, live car-free, enjoy the city life and thrive.
The rail road rights of way can be converted (if we must) to light rail. This can connect with the right of way on the East Busway. This can be connected to the Overbrook Line in the South Hills.
Another alternative
Fix and maintain what we have.
The intersection at Bates and the Parkway East is a complete mess. The frontage road in the Second Ave area was done poorly. Fix it. Don't make it more of a mess by terminating a four-lane superhighway there.
The intersection at Streets Run has to be the worst in the world. This is getting repaired now -- on your watch. It is a massive nightmare.
The Glennwood Bridge went out for repairs -- and now the on-ramps. Perhaps they could have been better coordinated.
The McArdle Roadway bridge has been out for years. That leads to the Liberty Bridge, Liberty Tunnel -- and helps the South Side and Mt. Washington. There is no excuse for this outage.
We should not be building any new roads until these are fixed.
Fix the Birmingham Bridge. It was built with two other exit ramps at the South Side. we can't even fix the bike bath sidewalk to drop into the park behind the Libary and swim pool.
We should be building pedestrian bridges, roundabouts, and better managed elements to ease the bottle-neck trouble points.
Think Again.
News from Saturday, May 25, 2002: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/regional/s_73139.htm
Jim Ritchie of the TRIBUNE-REVIEW wrote in part:
There are plenty of other alternatives that cost much, much less. The article is accurate when there is a total lack of imagination. Of the two alternatives, one is $1.xB. The other is $2.xB. To write as if one is a $788 M cheaper is cheap journalism.
Informational meetings hosted by PA Turnpike:
June 13, 1-8 p.m., Monroeville Expo Mart
June 18, 1-8 p.m., Braddock Volunteer Fire Department No. 2 Social Hall
June 25, 1-8 p.m., Burgwin Elementary School in Hazelwood
July 9, 1-8 p.m., West Mifflin High School Public hearings
July 16, 1-9 p.m., West Mifflin High School
July 23, 1-9 p.m., Burgwin Elementary School
July 25, 1-9 p.m., Monroeville Expo
My name is Mark Rauterkus. My family and I reside at 108 South 12th Street on the South Side. I have a home on the internet, Rauterkus.Com.
My internet site has a copy of this statement and additional information about my stands on this and other transportation projects. This statement makes mention of only a few points -- other observations are on-line.
The Mon Valley Toll Road has a few different parts. Each part has its own merits and strengths. And, as a organic web of life -- the sum of the parts needs to be considered as well.
What has already been built is fine. The thrust of what I hate is what has NOT been built and what has been shown about in some of the Turnpike Plans. What is already there now is much different situation to what is present among the plans.
The treatment of the city's fabric, the brownfields, the river, and the tax burden are matters of a different color. What is NOT yet built in the plans for the Mon Valley Toll Road is a bad idea.
The Toll Road is NOT prudent and far too costly.
The thinking from the Turnpike folks needs to be extended. They need to be told, "Think Again." They need to be pulled out of their narrow focus.
West End
Recently in the West End, Pittsburghers were passing around the hat to collect money to purchase a traffic signal at a dangerous intersection. We have kids getting run over. The city is in such a way that it can't afford to buy a stop light. This toll road is going to run us over too. The steam-rolling agenda has been set in place. The disparity is wide.
The costs for the Toll Road are too great. The pricetag per mile is wreckless with our tax money and bonds. This solution is too expensive.
This solution is full of corporate welfare. I understand that there are 17 engineering companies needed to finish this project -- as there are 17 sections to be built. This is amounting to HIGHWAY Robbery.
The taxes and debt to pay for this road is going to be a burden for my kids's kids. The costs are going to prohibit us from doing other things -- as we are blowing our wads on this.
I call myself a Free Market Republican. That is much unlike the overspending Democrats and much unlike the corporate welfare Republicans. The toll road is a big subsidy. And, the subsidy is NEVER going to pay off for the region.
There are many other more prudent options. The Mon Valley Toll is NOT prudent in the slightest.
Alternatives:
Buy out the railroads.
At a public hearing in these chambers it was mentioned that there are 65 miles of rail road track and right of way that could be obtained for a price. None of the leaders are exploring that option in meaningful ways.
Rail service goes to all of the Brownfields. Meanwhile, the Toll Road misses them all.
We can run trains from Century Three Mall --- up and down the Mon Valley and into Town.
In today's landscape, the trains are NOT going to be for bringing workers into town for day jobs. Rather, what is needed is rail service so city-residents can be workers in new jobs created in the brownfield locations. This is an inverse to the trian of thought (pun intended) for existing leaders.
Case in point: Eco Star in McKeesport
At a recent job fair at Goodwill, EcoStar recruiters were present. They had hoped to hire 1,000 employees as soon as possible. The office space is in McKeesport. A friend I know who has been out of work for the past year wouldn't consider that as a viable option because of the commute to McKeesport. We need to put him, in the city, onto a train, and taken to work in McKeesport. Then he can come back again, live car-free, enjoy the city life and thrive.
The rail road rights of way can be converted (if we must) to light rail. This can connect with the right of way on the East Busway. This can be connected to the Overbrook Line in the South Hills.
Another alternative
Fix and maintain what we have.
The intersection at Bates and the Parkway East is a complete mess. The frontage road in the Second Ave area was done poorly. Fix it. Don't make it more of a mess by terminating a four-lane superhighway there.
The intersection at Streets Run has to be the worst in the world. This is getting repaired now -- on your watch. It is a massive nightmare.
The Glennwood Bridge went out for repairs -- and now the on-ramps. Perhaps they could have been better coordinated.
The McArdle Roadway bridge has been out for years. That leads to the Liberty Bridge, Liberty Tunnel -- and helps the South Side and Mt. Washington. There is no excuse for this outage.
We should not be building any new roads until these are fixed.
Fix the Birmingham Bridge. It was built with two other exit ramps at the South Side. we can't even fix the bike bath sidewalk to drop into the park behind the Libary and swim pool.
We should be building pedestrian bridges, roundabouts, and better managed elements to ease the bottle-neck trouble points.
Think Again.
News from Saturday, May 25, 2002: http://www.pittsburghlive.com/x/tribune-review/regional/s_73139.htm
Jim Ritchie of the TRIBUNE-REVIEW wrote in part:
The cost of building the state-endorsed Mon-Fayette Expressway route through Allegheny County is $788 million cheaper than the only other alternative, according to a long-awaited government document released Friday.
There are plenty of other alternatives that cost much, much less. The article is accurate when there is a total lack of imagination. Of the two alternatives, one is $1.xB. The other is $2.xB. To write as if one is a $788 M cheaper is cheap journalism.
- Statements from other citizens
- Biz Times: Report favors river's north shore for Mon/Fayette Expressway
Informational meetings hosted by PA Turnpike:
Wednesday, May 15, 2002
Game vs. the Rec Center Staff
This is the end of a fast-break... Dan K took the photo. We used to have a couple events at the Market House each year with a parents and volunteers play against the Market House staff.
A softball game was played each summer as well.
Now, you can't have such games games as the staff had all be fired.
It always took a village -- staffers and volunteers to make the programs work as they did. Those were the days.
Monday, April 15, 2002
South Side Market House -- Orange Team and trophy night
Orange team's trophy time. We had some good players on this squad. Some have moved to Castle Shannon.
Friday, March 15, 2002
Market House Family Fun night -- action photo from Dan K
Parent's play against the kids in a final family fun night at the Market House. In the photo above, that's Grant with the white helmet about to push the puck near the mouth of the goal. I'm playing defense -- in case he hits is wide of the post, I guess.
Tuesday, March 05, 2002
Thursday, February 14, 2002
Saturday, December 15, 2001
Happy Holidays 2001 from the Palmer/Rauterkus Family
108 South 12th Street, 15203
email addreeses
Advent is a time of anticipation and as long as we expect, as long as we hope, someone will light a candle against the revailing darkness -- and neigh the winds of hate nor the gales of evil will extinguish it (John A. Taylor)
In the midst of world crisis, there has been joy in the Palmer/Rauterkus household and we thought we would share a little of it with you. We hope you are finding joy in this season and hope to see all of you in the coming year.
Mark provided lots of new and interesting activities and friendships as he ran in the primary as a Republican candidate for the mayor of Pittsburgh. Although he didn't make it beyond the primary as a candidate, he transitioned this energy into being an advocate for many city related issues. Mark continues his involvement with the Unitarian Universalist church of the South Hills and currently is creating the web presence for the congregation. Mark made a new foray into being a swim parent (instead of head coach) this summer as Erik joined his first swim team -- Mark did a great job of cheering everyone on (with secret coaching of Erik during free swim).
Catherine received tenure at the University of Pittsburgh this year which was a great milestone for the whole family. Her work teaching, doing research, and directing the Audiology clinic in the medical school continues to keep her challenged and rewarded. Meetings this year included visist to Denver, San Francisco, Philadeplhia, St. Louis, and Chicago. The whole family made it out to San Diego and we combined Catherine's meeting with lots of fun visiting our friends (erik's godparents) the Bratts (from San Francisco).
Erik is a first grader at Phillips Elementary School where he seems to have a talent for math and is quickly learning to read. He continues his violin music and has performed in several concerts this past year. He also is now part of the children's choir at church and will be a singing manger animal in the upcoming pageant. Erik proved to be a terrific athlete this summer as he brought home ribbons from all of his swim meets (a ver fast six year old frestyler). He is missing both hit top front teeth this Christmas!
Grant just turned four and is enjoying a few days per week at the University Child Development Center (pre-schoo). Otherwise, he and Dad hang out during the week. Grant is well known in the political scene since he did much of Mark's campaigning with mim. Grant started violin this fall and also had a summer of terrific swimming. With a new pair of hockey skates for his birthday, Grant no is joining Mom and brother at the local ice rink (Schenley). Grant's curent passion is reading the bible; a few of his more interesting intrepretations include,
"I think Eve was just bored and wanted more ups and downs in life."
"I don't think anyone would name their son Cain."
"If Noah took tow of every animal on the ark and the first thing he did on dry land was sacrifice a lamb, hos is that we have sheep today?"
We'll cover the New Testament (or as Erik says, "the sequel") next Holiday letter.
Trips for 2002 include a visit to Maine in the spring to see Grandpa, a visit to New England in the summer to see much of the Palmer family and college friends, another great trip to Virginia to enjoy SUUSI, and a visit to California in the fall to see lots of friends. Hope to see you in our travels or here in Pittsburgh.
The flip side of the one page letter had a page from the past on my web site. It showed the results of the WTAE TV poll hosted at PittsburghChannel.com -- and gave my "winner's inishgts."
http://Rauterkus.com/buzz/wtae-tv-poll.html
email addreeses
Advent is a time of anticipation and as long as we expect, as long as we hope, someone will light a candle against the revailing darkness -- and neigh the winds of hate nor the gales of evil will extinguish it (John A. Taylor)
In the midst of world crisis, there has been joy in the Palmer/Rauterkus household and we thought we would share a little of it with you. We hope you are finding joy in this season and hope to see all of you in the coming year.
Mark provided lots of new and interesting activities and friendships as he ran in the primary as a Republican candidate for the mayor of Pittsburgh. Although he didn't make it beyond the primary as a candidate, he transitioned this energy into being an advocate for many city related issues. Mark continues his involvement with the Unitarian Universalist church of the South Hills and currently is creating the web presence for the congregation. Mark made a new foray into being a swim parent (instead of head coach) this summer as Erik joined his first swim team -- Mark did a great job of cheering everyone on (with secret coaching of Erik during free swim).
Catherine received tenure at the University of Pittsburgh this year which was a great milestone for the whole family. Her work teaching, doing research, and directing the Audiology clinic in the medical school continues to keep her challenged and rewarded. Meetings this year included visist to Denver, San Francisco, Philadeplhia, St. Louis, and Chicago. The whole family made it out to San Diego and we combined Catherine's meeting with lots of fun visiting our friends (erik's godparents) the Bratts (from San Francisco).
Erik is a first grader at Phillips Elementary School where he seems to have a talent for math and is quickly learning to read. He continues his violin music and has performed in several concerts this past year. He also is now part of the children's choir at church and will be a singing manger animal in the upcoming pageant. Erik proved to be a terrific athlete this summer as he brought home ribbons from all of his swim meets (a ver fast six year old frestyler). He is missing both hit top front teeth this Christmas!
Grant just turned four and is enjoying a few days per week at the University Child Development Center (pre-schoo). Otherwise, he and Dad hang out during the week. Grant is well known in the political scene since he did much of Mark's campaigning with mim. Grant started violin this fall and also had a summer of terrific swimming. With a new pair of hockey skates for his birthday, Grant no is joining Mom and brother at the local ice rink (Schenley). Grant's curent passion is reading the bible; a few of his more interesting intrepretations include,
"I think Eve was just bored and wanted more ups and downs in life."
"I don't think anyone would name their son Cain."
"If Noah took tow of every animal on the ark and the first thing he did on dry land was sacrifice a lamb, hos is that we have sheep today?"
We'll cover the New Testament (or as Erik says, "the sequel") next Holiday letter.
Trips for 2002 include a visit to Maine in the spring to see Grandpa, a visit to New England in the summer to see much of the Palmer family and college friends, another great trip to Virginia to enjoy SUUSI, and a visit to California in the fall to see lots of friends. Hope to see you in our travels or here in Pittsburgh.
The flip side of the one page letter had a page from the past on my web site. It showed the results of the WTAE TV poll hosted at PittsburghChannel.com -- and gave my "winner's inishgts."
http://Rauterkus.com/buzz/wtae-tv-poll.html
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