Thanks for the photos

Thanks to so many for sending some great photos that we hope to use in the 2010 brochure and on the new website (launching by Nov 25). Nice to see so many have joined our Facebook "fan" site, up over 140 now. I had mentioned seeking newer photos, and made reference to some of our former campers, which made me think of how often odd items become permanent nick-names. At teen softball in the 80's, there was a camper named Rob who often wore a Mets jersey (Dykstra), and his nickname became Lenny. In fact, most people here thought his name was actually "Lenny", and 20 years later, when his parents refer to him in talking with me, they say "Lenny" because they know that I'll know who they mean. Another prime example is long-time employee Jon M. There are probably plenty of folks who think his nickname of "Pills" is some inappropriate quaalude reference, but it came from his classic Pillsbury Doughboy t-shirt. I guess I even answer to "Gilligan" pretty regularly due to the hat. A few others that come to mind, including another Mets fan, this time an adult. Since "Bud" was already a nickname for Walter, it did not change...but when a 2nd adult starting showing up at adult softball in a Met jersey, he became "Bud Light", which 15 years later is still how he is known by many (in fact, I am not sure I know his real name). Camp nicknames are often needed when there are multiple people with the same first name (we had 5 Georges pose for a photo last year, and half the horseshoe players one weekend were named Tom), and some classics have been provided by Rich L. Unfortunately, most of the ones he attaches are derogatory and sarcastic, so I can't repeat them (but they are very funny). Ever since "Cranky Phil" left, there has been no real need to refer to "Black Sox Phil", as he is the only Phil in town. And yes, Cranky Phil earned that one (how many horseshoe players force their inexperienced partners to practice at the trees between games?). I am sure there are plenty of other examples, but that is more than enough. One Gene becomes "Scoop", one John becomes "LJ" (how is someone that big Little John? I don't want to see Big John). And who could forget the one that many kids called "the many with the funny hats". Not sure what the native American translation would be for that title that Roger had...might just have to ask Eskimo Dave.