Maroons Online Vol. 1… No. 53
Acta non verba
Observer: Change Agents
Macky’s New York: The Ice Cream Shop
William Peay: Tales From The Wood…
RHS Hall Of Fame Induction Dinner: October 30, 2021
Did You Know? Some RHS Athletic History
RHS In Memory Of: By Graduating Class
PSA: 7 Cybersecurity Tips
Observer
Change Agents
People who make changes to our society in small ways or even big ways, more often than not do it alone. This is not to say they don’t ask for help. We all need a bit of encouragement or assistance sometimes to see us through trying times.
As noted by Maria Popova in her always intriguing newsletter Brain Pickings,
To create anything of beauty, daring, and substance that makes the world see itself afresh — be it a revolutionary law of planetary motion or the Starry Night — is the work of lonely persistence against the tides of convention and conformity, often at the cost of the visionary’s aching ostracism from the status quo they are challenging with their vision.
Making even a single change to our world is hard work and probably why the status quo holds such luster. Not because it is a good thing but because of the tremendous amount of inertia in our world. One of my favorite college professors told me that one day when, eighteen year old me asked him why things changed so slowly. He uttered his remarks and let them hang in the air for me to consider. Over forty years later I still believe them to be prescient.
The same man and his wife introduced me to classical music in an orchestral setting. They offered me rides throughout my college career to hear the Harrisburg Symphony Orchestra. Season tickets at the time for students were a dollar a piece for the 8 show season. I would send them a check for 16 dollars for a pair, which were off to the side and in the back row. Talk about your cheap dates!
I was reminded of my old professor because of the surging number of views of the Maroons Online pages In Memory Of By Class. I had been collecting names for years on Facebook and decided to simplify the efforts in a new channel and then let the FaceBook world know about it.
I believe that many people are finding reassurance in knowing that their friends have not been forgotten. Whether they are letting me know or simply reading what I have collected, the act of reflecting upon the names is stirring emotions in people, often in unanticipated ways. Many of these long departed might never have considered themselves capable of moving people emotionally, but their absence from this mortal coil is proving otherwise in many cases.
I can’t say these changes are categorically all for the best. Though I will hypothesize that by encouraging RHS alumni to remember their friends, families, and classmates, we are all being change agents. We are promoting an appreciation of our collective history and making sure that it is not too easily forgotten.
Macky’s New York
Matthew Cortellesi Photography
July 12, 2021 - Union Square
The Ice Cream Shop
The clerk turns his back and adds whipped cream as the customer stands on her tiptoes to look over the counter to see the treat that awaits.
Shot on top on a gold metal table inside Venchi looking out onto on Broadway just north of 17th street.
Time 430pm.
#mackysnewyork
William Peay
Tales From The Wood…
RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
October 30, 2021
Order Your Tickets For 2020 Induction Dinner Celebration
Visit The Online RHS Athletic Hall Of Fame
Did You Know?
Some RHS Athletic History
Did You Know?—-RHS Athletic History
Carlos Peay was Co-Captain of Ridgewood's 1950 State Champ Team. First Black Captain in RHS history... Of any team. Seen here with fellow RHS Athletic Hall of Fame inductee Head Football Coach Frank Mozeleski.
RHS In Memory Of
By Graduating Class
As much as I like the personal comments we’ve collected on FaceBook these last 10 years, this rendition on a stand-alone-website is easier to read and maintain. Check it out
Send me your additions and any errors you might find. We’ve included all classes dating back to 1892. If you want to recognize a departed alumna or alumnus we’ll do it.
PSA
7 Cybersecurity Tips
These are offered by the University of California Berkeley
I find it a good idea to review them, even if I know them by heart.
Understand you can be a target of hackers.
Keep your software update-to-date.
Beware of suspicious emails and phone calls.
Practice good password management.
Be careful what email attachments or web links you click.
Use mobile devices safely by locking them when not in use.
Back up your data regularly.
Nothing is full-proof when it comes to cybersecurity but you can lessen your chances of being hacked by following these tips.
Peace