A need for more men volunteers; notes from the mailbag | Bob Shryock

Susan Kagan, a Washington Township resident, writes about an "issue of need" in Gloucester County.

Bob ShryockTimes file photo 

From the mailbag:

Received a nice note from Salem resident John Keith Davis about Dr. Eugene Thamon Simpson, retired Rowan University music professor who has established a national spirituals competition.

Davis said the column "took me back" to 1977 when he was an undergraduate performance major in classical guitar at what was then Glassboro State College.

"After nearly flunking my junior recital my guitar professor sought to have me removed from the performance degree program. I was sort of sent to the principal's office. That's when I met Dr. Simpson, who was in charge at the time. I was 19 and quite worried about my future.

"A fellow music student had recently thrown a brick through one of the beautiful windows in the new music building after not getting her way on some issue with the music department. After shaking hands at our meeting the first thing Dr. Simpson said, in jest, was 'Are you going to break a window, also?'

"I'm so grateful for the calm counsel Dr. Simpson provided to one scared guitar major.

"I patched things up with my professor and with a lot of work and help actually passed my senior recital and received by B.S. in musical performance in 1978.

"Somewhat ironically, I eventually became a Christian and today play pretty much only gospel folk music including many spirituals.

"I was so glad to hear of Dr. Simpson's accomplishments, but when I thought i over, I wasn't surprised at all. From the start, he was a great musician and man. Thanks for the memories."

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Susan Kagan, a Washington Township resident, writes about an "issue of need" in Gloucester County:

"There are many kids in foster care in this county who could use some positive male role modeling. I have just become a Court Appointed Special Advocate (CASA) in Gloucester County and I see a need for men in the community to help many of these boys who are hurting in foster care. They need some time with good, healthy, positive men.

"There is a little boy, M, who I am advocating for, who has only women in important roles in his life. His father is absent and there is only one pastor who is infrequently involved. 'M' is in second grade and dresses up in a shirt and tie every day to go to school. He does this because he wants to be a man and only can imagine that this is part of the way. Except for the principal at his elementary school and his pastor, he doesn't see many men in shirt and tie.

"He and I are calling out to men in Gloucester County to please step up and help."

Call CASA at 609-502-7592.

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Nick Dalsey, Foundation Assistant Director at Inspira, is leaving his Woodbury post next month to take the position of Outreach Specialist with Cooper Bone & Joint at Inspira Medical Center Woodbury.

"Nick made quite a lasting impact during his three years with the Foundation," said Allison Kulak, Inspira Woodbury Foundation executive director. "During his time here, he has proven that his superb writing ability, Excel wizardry, and ability  to connect with people are second to none. He helped lead many events to success."