The Tam's Selected to Play at Homecoming! Friday, October 23, 2009
From Atlanta, Georgia, the original Tams will be performing at the Lambda Chi Alpha fraternity house! All Alumni are encouraged to attend!
THE TAMS have been entertaining and thrilling audiences for over 40 years! Known for such hits as "Be Young, Be Foolish, Be Happy", "What Kind of Fool", "I've Been Hurt" and "Untie Me", The Tams have had 2 Gold Records, and 1 Platinum Single. "What Kind of Fool" hit #1 on the Billboard charts, and #6 on the R&B charts. While "Be Young, Be Foolish" only hit #26 on the Top 40, the single sold over 1,000,000 copies, sending it to Platinum status. Though their style of music has historically been referred to as Beach Music, it can be also classified as a mixture of Smooth Soul, and R&B. Their show is fun, fresh and exciting and appeals to audiences of all ages and musical tastes.
Dance with The Tams
No, really dance with The Tams. We will be holding a $5 raffle where the lucky winner(s) will have the chance to dance with The Tams. Do the Hokey Pokey!
LXA: 2008 State of the Fraternity January 1, 2009 Brothers: It is hard to believe that another year has come and gone, and we are each one year older.Maybe not wiser, but at least one year older.This is the second annual State of the Fraternity message and I hope that it finds you well and prosperous.I thank you for allowing me to be the "Voice of the Alumni". I have referred to 2008 several times as "The Year of the Kitchen",as that is where we have made most of the financial contributions during 2008, but in reality, 2008 was "The Year of the House", Epsilon Psi Zeta alumni took complete financial control of the chapter house.Some may remember that in November of 2007 we received a letter from Lambda Chi Alpha Properties (LCAP) informing the alumni of their intentions to vacate the property management business by June 30, 2008.The options were to either acquire the assets and obligations ($1.1M) of the facility or LCAP would sell them to another fraternity organization.Not much of a choice. The relationship with LCAP dates back to about 2003 when they stepped forward and agreed to sign for the mortgage, which at the time was a stumbling block for the alumni that were involved with the project; we all wanted it; there just was not anybody that was willing to sign for a $1M plus mortgage.LCAP managed the construction process, and also managed the facility.The alumni provided funds towards the construction and also furniture, fixtures and the kitchen operation.Looking back, we gave up a lot of control to LCAP, but we stayed actively involved in the operation. I want to give credit to Brother Jim Tothill for his negotiations with Carolina First, LCAP and the University.He handled the bulk of the negotiations with these three entities.You have to understand that we do not own the fraternity facility Fee Simple; we have a land lease through the University; they own the dirt, so they control what happens with the building.The University was quite happy to have LCAP remain on the lease agreements.It took a long time to get our documents in order for the University to accept the alumni corporation as an amended party to the land lease. What should have been the biggest hurdle, assuming the mortgage, really became one of the smallest obstacles.Being in the real estate business, my first assumption was that Carolina First would require the alumni corporation to take out a new mortgage to close the mortgage with LCAP.You can imagine our surprise when we were told that they were willing to allow us to assume the old mortgage at the original rate; no commercial appraisal, no new mortgage application fee.The cost to assume the existing $1.1M mortgage through Carolina First was $1000 on a building that probably would cost close to $2M to reproduce. We have one semester under our belt, and it looks like we are operating in the black, but just barely.The key to the long term success of the operation is:
Growth of the chapter, which is currently at about 65 members
Requiring the membership to keep the facility full; 40 beds
Requiring all members to take the Board Plan
Recruitment is the cornerstone to the long term viability of the facility operation and the chapter operation.More members, more social revenue; more members, the easier it is to fill the house; more members, more members on the Board Plan.Because of the economy of scale, the Board Plan should generate more operating cash than the Room Plan, so it is very important to our success.
2008 also saw the hiring of a professional chef to manage and operate the Board Plan.In the previous four semesters, we had seen four cooks coming and going, and the quality and consistency of the food preparation was obvious from the complaints of the members.
Now back to 2008, the Year of the Kitchen. Alumni funds have purchased the following items during 2008:
Juice Machine that provides 4 juice choices; purchased new from EBay for $800
Milk Dispensing Machine; purchased new from EBay for $250
Hot Dog Grill like you see in QuickTrip or Raceway; purchased used from EBay for $250
True two door deep freeze; purchased new for $3450.This gave us three times the frozen food storage space; our original freezer held about 12cf, which was like using an ice chest to feed 50 people.
24? Char grill.Without this device, all meats were baked, broiled or fried; not much of a choice.Most of the boys would not be able to name anything that we have purchased for the kitchen, except the juice machine and the char grill.This device was $1500.
Gas powered Rice Cooker.55 cups in 25 minutes, and it is perfect every time.This item was $450.
Food Warmer; purchased used from EBay for $200.
Extension to the overhead kitchen exhaust system and stainless steel behind the cook line, required by the University, $2000
Additional dining room table and chairs; $900
Mustard, Ketchup and Mayo condiment dispensers
Cereal Dispenser (2)
Ice Tea Machine
Coffee Machine
Small wares, which are everything from cups, knives, forks and spoons, pots and pans, etc.
To each and everyone that contributed financially during 2008, especially to the Freezer Campaign, I thank you.Without your generous donations, it could not be done. Outside of the kitchen operation, the alumni funded the following:
Paint and materials to paint the upstairs hallway; labor provided by alumni and brothers.
Social Activities Obviously the annual Alumni/Chapter Homecoming party is the highlight of the year.This year saw almost 60 alumni return for an evening of entertainment provided by The Catalina's.Special thanks go out to brother Rob Samuels of Makers Mark who sponsored the bar for the second year in a row. A legacy that I want to leave is that there will always be an alumni/chapter homecoming party with live music at the chapter house.We still have not determined the exact date of homecoming this fall, but in a previous email it was mentioned that The Tams could be an entertainment option.Most of the comments have been positive; the negative have been, how are you going to put a 10 piece band in the dining room?Where there is a will, there is a way.No decisions have been made, but an announcement will be made in the next few months. We had two alumni/brother work days last summer that were attended by many alumni.Next summer when the dates are announced, if the idea of work turns you off, just come for a day of fun with other alumni.Nothing that we do is terribly difficult, but it requires manpower. Carolina Cup Races The Carolina Cup Races are always held the last Saturday of March, which this year is March 28th.I know many of you personally that were out there 30 years ago jumping hedges and to the rest of you, yes, there really were horses out there.This event has grown from about 30,000 attendees to almost 90,000 attendees, which means it is too big for me to attend. The alumni are sponsoring a BBQ upon the bus return from Camden Saturday evening for the chapter, so if you live in a 3-4 hour radius from Columbia and want to smell/watch BBQ cooked on a smoker, come to Columbia that afternoon, sit on the back porch, and just enjoy the afternoon.Your favorite beverage will be provided.We are looking for a donation of $25; if you bring you kids, please add $10 per head.Depending on the commitment of the alumni to attend, we might add a band and turn it into a party.Special thanks to John Coleman for his agreement to be in charge of the cooking. 2009 Projects Just like a boat, there is always something that needs to be fixed, repaired or improved at the chapter house.Every year the upstairs hallway needs to be repainted, the bathrooms and sleeping rooms will need to be repainted this year.It is just a function of wear and tear.Downstairs the Grand Foyer, hallway and staircase need to be repainted.We have tried doing this with alumni/active labor, but it really should be done by a professional painting contractor.Obviously this costs money. We have a palmetto tree that has died that will need to be replaced this spring when the boys are there to water it. Signage If you have visited the house, or seen the photos on the website, we have three Greek letters on the front of the house that really don?t give a dramatic impression on the front.On the rear of the house, we have spelled Lambda Chi Alpha on the porch overhang, which can be clearly seen by the traffic on Blossom Street, and within the Greek Village.We want to install signage on the upper area above the overhang: ?Lambda Chi Alpha? and then below it ?Edward F. Nolan Chapter House?.This is probably a $2500-3000 project for the letters and installation.Something we would like to do, but don't have to do. There is probably someone that has an ego as big as mine that would like to step forward and say, "Hey, I put those letters up there"Get out your checkbook. To the rest of you that were in school between 1956 and probably the early 1990's this man made an impression on you, and we all need to honor him with his name on the building.It is time to pay it forward, so get out your checkbook and contribute. Bricks Many have asked when are the bricks going in?I had planned to have them installed last spring when the weather turned warm, but it was just that darned open heart surgery last October, the blood transfusions in January, the colon cancer surgery in March, and then chemotherapy for 24 weeks over the summer.I just really have not felt like laying brick for the last year. If there is someone out there that is willing to help me with the project, we might get it done earlier. Active Chapter Debt to National Two years ago during the previous chapter management, the chapter did not make payments for their national dues and insurance, to the point that the chapter was put on financial suspension by the national organization at the annual conference.The problem was that the national roster contained many brothers that had long since left the chapter either through attrition or graduation.
Regardless, it was this administration's watch and responsibility.When this was brought to the alumni's attention last spring, we provided guidance and financial support to the chapter.Special thanks to Jim Tothill who worked with the chapter and National to determine the exact chapter roster for the past two years, thus reducing the amount owed by approximately $5000.The chapter has paid approximately $7500 from its own funds, and the alumni hold a note for the remaining $5000 balance that will be paid by March 30. Alumni Involvement Currently the alumni board consists of Jim Tothill, Mike Hartley, Jim Lichty, Mike Malone and myself.If there are others that would like to participate, please step forward.We want alumni involvement.Maybe you don't think you have time to participate on the board, then participate by attending a chapter meeting (Monday's at 8pm), or participating in one of the annual cleaning days this summer.There are many who would prefer to participate with their check book, and that is fine also. Passing of EP1
William T. Ward passed away on April 7 at the grand old age of 90.He had become a great friend and I miss speaking with him.
Much was accomplished during 2008, and more is to be done in 2009.I hope to see you soon! 429
Epsilon Psi Zeta Celebrates Homecoming Weekend November 7-8, 2008
Alumni and Active Chapter Host annual Homecoming Party
On Friday, November 7, 2008 the Alumni and Active chapter hosted the annual homecoming party at the chapter house. Over 60 alumni were in attendance. Special thanks goes out to Brother Rob Samuels who once again sponsored the bar.
The evening began with a social gathering, silent auction and entertainment by The Catalina's. After expenses, the alumni raised over $3,500 for future renovation projects.
Saturday's homecoming football game was with the University of Arkansas, who were defeated 34-21; the Gamecocks are now Bowl Eligible!
Make plans for next years Homecoming event!
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Alumni Acquire Assets and Liabilities of Edward F. Nolan Chapter House
Jim Tothill and Sid Calvo Sign for Mortgage!
On Friday, August 8, 2008, the alumni corporation acquired the assets and liabilities of the Edward F. Nolan chapter house from Lambda Chi Alpha Properties (LCAP), after a 3 year relationship to manage the facility. The alumni corporation wishes to thank Nick Kallin for his outstanding management contribution during the past three years, Mike Smith, chairman of LCAP for his help during the ownership transition and Carolina First for allowing the alumni to assume the mortgage in our name.
The alumni entered into an agreement with LCAP to finance and manage the facility during the initial time that the alumni were raising funds to build the chapter house; the relationship was a mutual decision to build the chapter house, furnish and operate the facility. LCAP secured the mortgage, was involved with the construction process, and provided operation management services. The alumni provided the funds to acquire the furniture and fixtures, and provided local management of the facility.
With the aquisition of the facility, the alumni have assumed a $1.2M mortgage for a facility that would approach $2M to reproduce.
The alumni board members that made this possible are: Jim Tothill 387, President, Sid Calvo, 429, Secretary Treasurer, Mike Hartley, 571, Member at Large, Jim Lichty 843, Member at Large and High Pi, and Mike Malone, Member at Large.
We need to raise in excess of $100,000 as our portion of the fundraising effort to obtain permanent funding for the chapter house mortgage.This is your opportunity to have your name permanently attached to the Edward F. Nolan Chapter house.The bricks will be placed on the front porch entry of the house.The cost of each brick will be $375, if you graduated after 2003, the cost will be $225, if you are still an undergraduate, the cost will be $125.If you would like to purchase a second brick as a memorial, the cost will be 50% of the first brick.In addition you will receive a certificate that can be framed to commemorate your donation.
All credit card orders will appear on your statement as "Contract Interiors". The back number is the three digit code on the back of your Visa or MasterCard.
The campaign will end December 31, 2008 or when 300 bricks have been ordered.All bricks are 4x8 and will be engraved with all capital letters and will be centered on the brick; examples are your name and epsilon psi number, in memory of, Fall Pledge Class 1970, etc.
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Yes, I will answer the call and reserve a permanent brick. Please engrave my brick as follows:
ANY SYMBOL IS CONSIDERED ONE SPACE (PERIOD, COMMA, DASH) ALL TEXT IS CENTERED UNLESS OTHERWISE NOTED 4 x 8 Brick
4 x 8 Brick
EXAMPLE
P
H
I
L
I
P
S
C
A
L
V
O
I
I
I
E
P
4
2
9
1
9
7
0
-
1
9
7
4
N
A
U
G
H
T
W
I
T
H
O
U
T
L
A
B
O
R
PLEASE RETURN THIS FORM AND YOUR CHECK PAYABLE TO: Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni 2781 Glenwood Avenue Atlanta, GA30317 Name: ________________________________________ Phone: (_______) _________________________ Address: _______________________________________________________________________________ City:____________________________________ State: __________________ Zip: __________________ Email Address:___________________________________________ Amount Paid: ___________________
FORMS MUST BE RECEIVED BY December 31, 2008 If you have any questions, please call or email Sid Calvo (404) 316-3045 calvops@Bellsouth.Net YOU CAN ALSO ORDER ON OUR ON-LINE ORDERING WEBSITE:WWW.LXASC.COM
Homecoming September 27-28, 2007
The second annual Lambda Chi Alpha, Epsilon Psi Zeta homecoming party was once again held at the Edward F. Nolan chapter house on Friday, September 28, 2007. Music was provided by the Entertainers Band from Charlotte, North Carolina and the bar was sponsored by brother Rob Samuels of the Makers Mark family. Our best estimates were that 150-175 alumni, actives, associates and their significant others attended the festivities.
Brother Bill Ward, EP 1 was in attendance from Huntsville, Alabama. A great time was had by all, and there were no alcohol violation arrests made that night. Thank you Greek Life!
USC was victorious over Mississippi State 38-21, and Klempsen was humiliated by Georgia Tech. A perfect football weekend!
Make plans to attend next years homecoming event!
Bill Turbeville 563, Jim Rhode 616, Sid Calvo 429, Jerry Wells 649, Mike Hartley 571, Marty Fraizer 479, Jim Trammell 476
Austin Taylor 1070 awarded $500 scholarship by the Alumni Association
Bill Ward, EP 1 in attendance
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Marty and Sid go grocery shopping for the party
Marty, are you sure that 13 cases of beer, 15 cases of soft drinks, 4 cases of water, 1 case of wine, 6 HG of Makers Mark, 6 HG of Absolute, 1 HG of Jack Daniels, 1 HG of Chevis, 1 HG of Rum, 1 HG of Gin, 1 HG of Tequila are going to fit in a VW?
Sure Sid, Not a Problem!
Marty Fraizer and Sid Calvo go Shopping; just like old times.
Gosh Marty, that degree from Notre Dame came in handy!
$1,000 Earned by Undergrads Donated to Building Fund!
This past September 2006, the undergraduate members of Epsilon Psi donated their time and energy in a very big way to Columbia's Greek Festival. The four (4) day Greek Festival, which is held annually by Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church in Columbia, has been the beneficiary for the past five (5) years of manpower provided by the Lambda Chi Alpha Chapter. In return for the outstanding efforts of the men of Lambda Chi Alpha, Holy Trinity Greek Orthodox Church has once again donated $1,000 to the Epsilon Psi Zeta Building Fund.
Columbia's Greek Festival attracts over 70,000 people over the four days (Thursday - Sunday) of the Festival. The most popular (and most profitable) booth at the Greek Festival is the Gyro Booth. This past year, approximately 16,000 Gyro Sandwiches were made and sold. The Lambda Chi undergrads commit 12 to 20 members to the Gyro Booth for each day of the Festival. (When fully staffed, the Gyro Booth requires 37 volunteers.) These young men work extremely hard for many hours without complaint (and frequently without the ability to take a break) in hot conditions and in an extraordinarily fast paced environment. Importantly, these young men are polite to all with whom they come in contact while working at the Festival. And, without exception, these young men have exhibited a strong work ethic and a spirit of teamwork that has not gone unnoticed by those who work at and attend the Festival.
In short, the amazing success of the Columbia Greek Festival's Gyro Booth simply would not be possible without the generosity and hard work of the undergrads of Lambda Chi Alpha. (Since the undergraduate members started helping with the Gyro Booth, a new record for sales and profits has been set with each new year.)
All Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni need to recognize that the undergraduate members are striving to do their part to raise funds for the Edward F. Nolan Chapter House. There is much more work to be done in this regard.
Are there any Lambda Chi Alpha Alumni out there who are willing to match with a pledge/contribution the $1,000 earned by and donated to the Building Fund on behalf of the undergraduate members of Lambda Chi Alpha - Epsilon Psi Zeta in the fall of 2007?
The dedication weekend for the Edward F Nolan Chapter house was November 3-4, 2006. In attendance were many alumni that came from great distance to be in attendance for both the party Friday night and the dedication on Saturday. Representing the national fraternity were Euqene F. Dunham, vice chairman of LXA Properties, former Grand High Alpha, Fred Suggs, Jerry Brewer, Director of Student Life. Special guests were William T. Ward, EP1, Dr. Ed's children, Ted Nolan and Lucy Nolan. A special thanks to Mike Malone for organizing the dedication program on Saturday.
The house dedication plaque (right) was unveiled during the ceremony. In addition, there were twenty (20) room memorials, plus 5 significant room dedication plaques unveiled.
Friday nights party featured Charleston's Pie Bar Band, the first live band to play in the house, who played until 1:pm!
Contributions received during the weekend approached almost $5,000!
Coat of Arms
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Brother Mike Dodds, EP 638, Secures Flagpole for Edward F. Nolan Chapter House!
Please send thank you's to Brother Mike Dodds, EP638 for raising the funds to buy and install a flagpole for the front yard of our fraternity house! This is an outstanding addition to our facility and makes Lambda Chi Alpha unique in the Greek Village.
Lambda Chi Alpha House Flag Pole
Members Weekend August 11-12, 2006 Photos
Unfortunately for the brothers that attended the Members weekend August 11, 2006, the General Contractor could not secure the occupancy permit from the city of Columbia. We had planned to spend the first weekend in the chapter house, but that was not to happen. Thanks to the University we were able to use the health and wellness center for both nights activities. Here are the photos from the weekend!
