We need everyone’s help because classmates will be encouraged to contact Al Huck when they suffer a stressful situation or become aware of a fellow ’62 who has. Al can be reached at 941-358-1858 (home), or by E mail at alexhuck@comcast.net

Charlie Balch is in the process of building a data base which will segment classmates by fraternity, clubs, teammates, former roommates, etc. This will help identify class members who are or were close to our “stressed classmate.”

Al, using the data base of past or current connections, will contact the identified “close friend” to see if they would be willing to make some initial contact with the stressed classmate or his family. Possibly, that person will be the original classmate who notified Al of the situation.

If they agree to make the contact, their role would be to try to identify, in a very sensitive, non intrusive & tactful manner, how they or other classmates could best lend support. In some cases, none may be desired. In others, the friend can help develop the most appropriate strategy, including the amount of desired publicity about the situation.

This might entail sending cards, a book by a favorite author, a C.D. by a favorite musician, appropriatephone calls, etc. The class has allocated up to $100 for each situation to help on these type of gifts.

Al & Charlie will remain available for appropriate feedback & support during this total process.

This will be an evolving initiative, & we will probably develop optimum strategies as we deal with the individual cases. The overall goal is to help where we can while also renewing & further cementing past relationships.

However, in order for this to be a success, the critical ingredient is the initial flow of information identifying specific situations. We need all classmates to keep their ears to the ground & provide feedback.

The other critical need is for classmates to volunteer to make contact with their friends & classmate in need if there is a link & a comfort level in doing so.

Conceptually, this could be a very helpful & meaningful initiative, especially as we all work our way up the timeline. Thanks to you all for your help & participation.