(This article, reprinted with permission, featuring Judah Folkman, class of 1950, appeared in The Columbus Dispatch on February 8, 2004)   05/16/04

CELEBRATING THE RAMEYS’ YEARS OF SERVICE TO AASWG

There was a most festive atmosphere in the Omni Parker House Rooftop Ballroom for the 25th Symposium Plenary Luncheon on Saturday, October 18. Lots of people, lots of conversation! The focus was a tribute to John for his twenty-five years of “faithful, generous and creative service as General Secretary”.

Carol gave a few comments from her perspective of those twenty-five years.
Tributes came from all the past presidents: Katy Papell spoke first for herself and then for Ruth Middleman, with whom she had had a lengthy telephone conversation.

Charles Garvin’s first statement was that he has known John for forty-five years. Judy Lee was unable to attend but sent a message that was read by Ella Harris. Jim Garland’s comments recalled family encounters in Vermont. Alex referred to John’s breathing, living, and sleeping group work--if he gets any sleep. Toby referred to the many decisions made in the recent three years.

Group workers have more than group work skills, and this was proven when Angie Rice sang one of John’s favorite song’s, George Gershwin’s “Summertime”. What a gorgeous voice Angie has--and we never knew before!

More music came from Paul Abels and his guitar. Paul wrote a song about how to become a successful group worker--marry a girl named Carol!

Everyone joined in the singing of two of John’s favorite camp songs: “I’ve Been Working on the Railroad” and “Erie Canal” There were song sheets on the table--some younger group workers don’t know these songs!

The highlight of the celebration was a skit written by Tim Kelly about John and Carol. Yes, it was hilarious!! There was even competition for the role of Carol, and it was won by Paul Abels. (See photos at next year’s Symposium of Paul wearing the blonde wig!) Tim played the role of John, and Nancy Sullivan was the narrator. Tim had visited John and Carol in Akron, and he captured the atmosphere perfectly! A few exaggerations, but none the less true! You had to be there to believe it. Many thanks to Tim for his creative writing!

Ingrun Masanek translated a German folk song for all to sing, and we gave it a good try! Translation was, “When one person dreams alone, it is only a dream. When many of us dream together, then we can enter into a new reality. Dream our dream!”

Carol was presented with a lovely bouquet of flowers, John received a plaque and a generous gift. Alex enjoyed a laugh at an error that, he commented, would not have occurred if John or Carol had been doing the proofreading.

In his response John said. “Thank you for this lovely recognition luncheon and the wonderful program ........

“For me our work together represents an important purpose in life. It’s what one has to do if things are to be right and to get better. So I have devoted these many years to our working together to build AASWG. When I retired from the University fourteen years ago, many people asked me what we were going to do. My first reaction was that I was retiring because my employment had gotten in the way of my work. That work was AASWG...

“It’s been an interesting and meaningful experience, these twenty-four-plus years now. I wish you the best as you continue to build AASWG.

“Carol and I thank you very much for this wonderful party, for the presentations, for the plaque and the very generous gift.”

Each table had pieces of construction paper for members to write notes to John and Carol. Katy put all these in a scrapbook, and John and Carol enjoy reading them over and over! Thank you, all!

It was indeed a wonderful tribute to John, and both John and Carol thank everyone who took part in the planning and the performances. There were many serious statements but also a lot of laughter! Thank you, Alex, for chairing this wonderful event and to the whole committee for putting it together so gloriously.

Back to Features