Q4 2023 ePulse

Dear Sigma Epsilon Brothers,

The past year has been nothing short of extraordinary for our chapter. We began with the warmth of camaraderie at our senior welcome gathering, followed by the spirited competition of the Muller Classic and Turkey Bowl. Through these events, we’ve not only forged connections but also strengthened the bonds that define the Sigma Epsilon experience. Moreover, the 2nd Annual Charity Golf Outing served as a reminder of why we engage in acts of service – for the love of service itself. It further enriched the sense of brotherhood and community that lies at the heart of our fraternity.

As the holiday season wraps us in its excitement, it’s a fitting time to reflect on the accomplishments we’ve shared in 2023 and to usher in the promise of a new year filled with potential and growth.

Of course, let’s not forget the grandeur of the 61st Annual Ramble at the Factory Workers in Collingswood, NJ. It was an unforgettable night, a testament to our enduring spirit. Heartfelt thanks go to Brother William McGrath, our event coordinator, who added a touch of class and made the evening truly special.

We convened for our Annual Meeting on October 13, 2023, providing a platform to discuss our achievements, plans, and financials. For a detailed overview, please refer to our Annual Report.

As we turn the page to the next chapter of our journey, I am delighted to introduce the leaders who will guide us through the coming year:

• Chairman:  Mike O’Connor, TEP 75
• Vice Chairman: Bill McGrath, TEP 81
• President: Tony Triner, TEP 75
• Comptroller: Tyler Collison, TEP 79
• Secretary: Brian Dengler, TEP 109

Members at Large:

• Robert Spiegel, TEP 76
• Paul Chiarelli, TEP 75
• McKinsey Alston, TEP 75
• Austin Waller, TEP 81
• Kenneth Chann Jr., TEP 81

These dedicated individuals bring a wealth of experience, a commitment to our fraternity’s growth, and a shared vision for our future. I have complete confidence in their ability to lead us toward even greater heights.

As I pass the gavel to Chairman Mike O’Connor, I extend my heartfelt gratitude for the privilege of serving as your Chairman. The journey has been incredible, and I am excited to witness the continued success and prosperity of Sigma Epsilon under this new board’s capable hands.

Please join me in celebrating our achievements and supporting the 2024 SEAA Board. May the coming year be marked by unity, accomplishment, and the ongoing strengthening of our Sigma Epsilon bonds

Wishing you all a joyous holiday season and a fulfilling new year.

Fraternally yours,
Robert Spiegel
Chairman
Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association

Sponsored by Discount Pools and Supplies

Happy winter from the brothers of Sigma Epsilon! I hope everyone had a good fall. With the end of the semester only a few days away, let us give you a recap of all the excitement! The end of spring semester 2023 left us a little short on numbers, but that didn’t stop us from making the most of our brotherhood, and upholding the pillars and values that are so dear to all of us.

In the month of October, we held two philanthropic events with the Sigma Delta Tau sisters on our campus. The first was a breast cancer walk around Cooper River. The other was a sandwich-making/ distributing event to the homeless population of Camden that was held on three separate occasions. 

We also held our own philanthropic event in support of breast cancer during the semester. We partnered with the American Breast Cancer Association to hold a basketball tournament with all the proceeds going directly to them, shout out to the Rutgers-Camden Track Team for being our first winners. The pillar of philanthropy is important to all of us, and we must do our best to uphold these values despite the difficult circumstances we may all find ourselves in.

On a lighter note, We upheld one of our favorite traditions around the Sigma Epsilon house again this year, the Turkey Bowl! Team undergrad smoked Alumni team, as per usual, with a final score of 14-5. We appreciate all the alumni who come out (still got smoked though). Jokes aside we always appreciate our alumni, the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association and the time they take to contribute to this brotherhood.

Last but not least, another one of our favorites, the Muskrat Ramble! Once again a big thank you to all the alumni who could make it this year, you truly make this experience a special one for all of us. A shout out to the winners of our brotherhood awards as well. Congratulations to:

Undergraduate Brother of the Year: Brandon Velez 

Friendship Award: Brian Jones, TEP 110

Chivalry Award: Joway Medina, TEP 111

Service Award: Dylan Gattini, TEP 109

Rising Undergrad: Matthew Coppola, TEP 112

These brothers have truly made a difference in our fraternity and community and we couldn’t be prouder of their accomplishments.

Chapter V: Hell Night, Part 2

(Disclaimer:  The following experiences are the memories of a doddering idiot. The remembrances of these  events in no way condones them, nor suggests that they be attempted in modern times.)

As noted in the previous chapter, my pledge brothers and I had experienced a delightful dinner prepared and served by the brothers. After this, we (the pledges) had a great deal of fun cleaning up the resulting mess. It was then time for “Fun and Games!”

We played “Find the Emu”. As I remember it (perhaps a brother can vouch for this?), this event consisted of running around the house looking for the emu, which ended up being a brother’s bare backside. (Yeah, I know that sounds stupid and immature. But we weren’t as sophisticated as the cultured, cigar-smoking brothers of today.) Of course, there were events testing our abilities to recite the Greek Alphabet, and the Message To Garcia and other items – and, yes, I do remember a block of ice being involved. There was a “game” involving being blind-folded and searching for something in the toilet bowl (the something was actually a peeled banana). We were given a list of items and sent out for a scavenger hunt. This was great, as we got to get away from the brothers for about an hour and a half! We split up into groups to get the items. I only remember one of the items: 2 hookers! We ended up getting 2 girls who were brother’s girlfriends – they felt sorry for us and volunteered to help us. When we got back to the house, the presence of the two girlfriends caused quite a commotion. One brother, who had no class what-so-ever, made some lewd and suggestive comments and asked the girls how much it would cost to spend some time with him. Unfortunately for him, these girls were MUCH smarter than he was, and as they looked very coolly at him, one of them said scornfully, “You couldn’t afford us!” Well, this generated a LOT of hoots and laughter, after which the girls’ respective boyfriends claimed them – and the fun then continued for us pledges.

Late in the evening – or, more accurately, very early in the morning of the next day – I was approached by Bro. Franzen and told to follow him. We went up to the second floor, out the bathroom window and on top of the kitchen roof, crossed over to the vacant house next door (these were row homes on North Third Street), into the vacant house and down the stairs to the kitchen (this house was a mirror-image of ours). I was placed in a closet and told that in a short while my pledge brothers would be playing “Find the Missing Pledge” – and I was that missing pledge. I was told I had two choices: 1) I could promise to stay in the closet, not move or say anything – and I would not be tied or gagged; or 2) I would be tied and gagged. I said that I couldn’t promise to stay quiet or not move, as I would have to do whatever I could to help my pledge brothers. Bro. Franzen just sighed, and then proceeded to tie me up and gag me. And then he left. It was eerily quiet for about 5 – 10 minutes, and then I could hear all hell break loose next door, with yelling, and running and doors being opened and slammed as the pledges were searching for me. At some point they were told to go to the house next door, and I heard the “calvary coming to the rescue” charging down the stairs to the kitchen. Unfortunately, as my pledge brothers charged down the stairway from the second to the first floor, a number of brothers were on the stairway from the second to the third floor, and they dropped buckets of water and other “stuff” on the pledges as they descended the stairs. When they got to me in the kitchen, they were a mess, but I was VERY glad to see them. After they freed me, we then hustled back up the stairs (getting some more stuff dropped on us), out the window, across the roof, into our house, where we were escorted out into the back yard. We were given a hose and told to clean ourselves up from all of the stuff that had been dropped on us. Several brothers, who were most considerate of our plight of having only one hose for 13 pledges, stood on the roof of the kitchen and gave us an additional “shower” to help us clean off. 

At this point, things slowed down considerably, as everyone (brothers included) were running out of energy. Around 6 AM, shortly after sunrise, we were told to go home, not talk to each other, and to be back at the house on Sunday at 7 PM in jacket and tie. I remember how wonderful it was to get home, take a hot shower, and then sleep. 

On Sunday (May 7?), we all returned to 307 North Third Street at 7 PM, in jacket and tie, and were solemnly let into the house, where we were sworn in as brothers of Sigma Epsilon Phi. This was followed by a trip to a bar, and drinking and singing and merry-making. It felt weird being with the brothers as equals, but that wore off quickly. It was great – but also very weird! –  to enter the house the following day, and not have to do anything. Then, I believe it was 2 weeks later, all of the brothers again met at the house on a Sunday at 7 PM, and we were all sworn in as brothers of Tau Epsilon Phi. This was followed by a trip to a bar, and drinking and singing and merry-making (do you detect a pattern here?)

Pledging was a great experience, and I remember it with immense fondness. I made some great friends, and lots of wonderful memories. Every time I watch “Animal House”, I smile and say to myself, “I knew those guys!” – and I am so glad that I did! I imagine pledging has changed considerably. I know there are no more Greek Week Parades, and I suppose toga parties are a thing of the past. I am very thankful that I had the opportunity to experience pledging a great fraternity, and am very grateful for the good friends and wonderful memories that are still mine to enjoy. While I haven’t seen some pledge brothers since graduation, and while I may see some others several times a year, and while a few have ascended to the Chapter Eternal, I am most thankful to the men of “Sig Ep the Last”, and the support they gave me while pledging and with the making of the   memories that bring me much happiness now. It is with unbounded appreciation and respect that I fondly salute the men of

Sig Ep the Last

Countess, Carver, Hammer, Hendry, Lehr, Lieberman, Lucchessi,

Pedrick,   Romano,   Roberts,   Stubbins,   Underwood,   Zane

Sponsored by Chascsa Agency

On behalf of the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association, we extend our heartfelt gratitude to all who graced the 2023 Ramble. The 61st Ramble was held on November 18th at the Factory Workers in Collingswood, NJ. Your presence and active participation made this event an overwhelming success, leaving indelible memories for all involved.

We extend a special note of appreciation to our generous donors, whose unwavering support made this Ramble a remarkable affair. Our profound thanks go out to:

• Rutgers University Alumni Association, for the generous grant
• Our Gold Sponsors: Discount Pools & Supply, Spiegel Investments, and Farmer’s Insurance – Chascsa Agency
• Our Silver Sponsors: Accounting office of Calzaretto & Company and Law office of Calzaretto & Bernstein
• Our Bronze Sponsors: Meridian Bank Mortgage, Brian Weldon
• The Event Sponsors: The Real Dusty Mags (for the Seltzers & Programs) and Krukowska Design Studio (for the Decor)

Their commitment and generosity significantly contributed to the event’s triumph.

We, also, want to acknowledge the commendable efforts of the brothers who donated baskets and those who generously contributed to the creation of the Super Basket of Cheer. Your thoughtful donations added an extra layer of excitement and joy to the Ramble, creating a lively atmosphere that resonated with everyone present.

Furthermore, we encourage all attendees to keep an eye out for the upcoming event feedback survey. Your opinions and suggestions are immensely valuable to us as we strive to enhance and elevate future Rambles. Stay tuned for more information on the 2024 Ramble, as we are already gearing up to make it even more spectacular.

Once again, our sincere appreciation goes out to everyone who supported and attended the 2023 Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association Ramble. Your enthusiasm and dedication have made a significant difference, and we eagerly anticipate your continued support in our future endeavors.

Sponsored by Spiegel Properties

Cigar: Sinistro Mr Desflorado

Participants: Austin Tsang & Jesse Williams (TEP 79)

Start Time: 2:23pm

End Time: 3:15pm

Today, we’re reviewing the Mr. Desflorado in the Toro vitola (54 x 6) priced at $11 a cigar. This is the fifth installment to the core “Mr” lines produced by Sinistro Cigars. The originals are the Red, Black and White, then the Candela released in 2020 which included the addition of a candela leaf over the core Red line, all of which are darker smokes in comparison to this 2023 release. As always, all research was done after the initial review was finished.

The Desflorado uses a Connecticut seed Desflorado wrapper, from an undisclosed country of origin, an African Cameroon binder, and a mix of Dominican, Colombian and Nicaraguan fillers. Sinistro Cigars released the following in a press release: “The Connecticut Desflorado wrapper involves a precise, rare procedure implemented during the cultivation phase of the tobacco plant. In this distinctive process, the uppermost pink flowers of the plant are deliberately removed prior to seed formation. The outcome of this technique deepens the shade of the leaf’s hue and imbues it with a significantly sweeter taste profile.” The makers have released only two vitola: the Toro (6×54) and the Robusto (5×52). 

Jesse chose to use the punch on his cigar while I straight cut mine. We both paired this smoke with some Eagle Rare bourbon whiskey. The construction is good, there are no soft spots or blemishes. The pre-light draw is open no matter which way the head was cut (punch/straight), there is a hay-like scent and almost a cardboard-ish flavor on the palate. We both used a dual flame torch to light. 

The draw stayed open post light and maintained the very mild hay flavor with a hint of white pepper, along with good smoke output. Great cigar for a new smoker looking to break into the mild/medium smokes. Retrohale is very subtle with the barest hint of pepper, no tears to the eyes. The bourbon complemented the sweetness of the smoke. It added complexity to the smoke, by a bit. 

My ash fell at about the 1-inch mark, which is odd as Jesse’s ash was still holding on at 1.5 inches. My draw started closing up, but I pulled out the trusty PerfecDraw tool which pulled a small plug of tobacco out and the draw opened right back up. Jesse tapped his ash off at the 2-inch mark. 

At the midway point and there has been no significant changes to the flavor or body of the cigar. Jesse anticipates that the flavor and body profiles will be consistent straight through to the end. We discussed the development of the Mr series from Sinistro. Their original core line were all nice powerhouses boasting maduro wrappers and all had nice spice when lit. The Mr Candela and the revamp of the Mr White making it the Mr White Gold Series was an interesting turning point. The Candela wrapper added to the Mr Red added a definite flavor change but didn’t really reduce the punch of the smoke, and the Mr White Gold Series continued to be a strong smoke, so we’re interested in learning how the decision to make Mr Desflorado came about. 

Final burn time was just under an hour. As stated above, there were no significant changes to the flavor or body, but there were no issues with the cigar either. 

Rating

Construction 9

Burn 9

Flavor 3

Strength Mild-Medium

Overall 7

Final Thoughts:

We both agreed this is a great cigar for an entry level smoker looking to break into the mild/medium bodied smokes. It’s a stick that you should keep in the humidor for people who prefer a lighter smoke.

T’was a sunny mid-autumn day sometime between Halloween and The Ramble. The men and the children began to enter the river-side stadium to see each other for the first time in a long time, about a year since their last meeting. They were both full of ambition and nerves for what was about to happen. 

The 2023 Turkey Bowl. 

The alumni warriors, 5 and one half deep (that is what she said) came to Camden to fight it out with the 30 or 40 undergraduates in the battle of the pigskin. The opening drive started as a shock to many, with a long TD scored by the ambitious undergrads. Answered then by a TD from the Alumni. And back and forth the game went through the morning. Two 30-minute continuously running clock halves, to be exact. Ken “wacko” Waco was at maximum hustle, all game, creating havoc for the Undergrads! Oak stepped in from his rule administration role to save a TD and also expose his under carriage with a rip of his pants. The Undergrads secret weapon Pledge X, truly ran the old guys in circles.  The battle raged on, the tired, older, Alumni were beaten down without substitutions available, had succumbed to defeat. Lead by their quarterback, Brian “desean jackson” Jones. The undergraduates maintained their lead, maybe just barely or by about 3 or 4, possibly, until the clock had runneth over. 

Congrats to the Undergrads, for they took the 2023 Turkey Bowl! 

Til the time they meet again, next year same time 10:00 AM the Sunday before THE RAMBLE, IN CAMDEN. 

Ghost Herd

Ghost Herd tells the story of the Cody Easterday’s $244 million dollar fraud against 2 large meat conglomerates. In six episodes, reporter (and narrator) Anna King tells the story of this made-up herd and how it all came apart due to increased due diligence by the meat companies during economic changes from COVID-19. The story leads off with a mysteriously-timed suicide of Cody’s father and winds its way through the region telling of accounting, gambling and cowboys. Cattle is raised on contract so a company, typically, reimburses farmers for feed and living expenses as the cattle are raised. Then when farmers deliver the animal, the farmers are paid the difference between price of finished cattle minus what was paid in expenses. Cody floated a ghost herd of 200,000 head with an alleged fraud of $244 millon. If you like business stories or the american west. It is for you.

The show is relatively short at roughly 3 hours total. If you have a long drive this holiday season, it’s worth a listen. It is produced by Northwest Public Broadcast and KUOW with support from NPR so it has the audio polish that I look for in a podcast. 

As always…If you liked my recommendations, let me know. If you didn’t, let me know. If you think my writing is bad, I know; so, keep that to yourself. If you have a show that you think I should listen to, email me at atriner@gmail.com. Hope to hear from you, any subject welcome.

On Friday, October 13th, 2023 the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association held an election for the 2024 Board of Trustees at the Rutgers-Camden Campus Center.  The candidates to serve as members on the board were: 

• McKinsey Alston, TEP 75
• Kenneth “KC” Chann, TEP 81
• Paul Chiarelli, TEP 75
• Tyler Collison, TEP 79
• Brian Dengler, TEP 109
• Mehul Khedekar, TEP 103
• Mike O’Connor, TEP 75
• Mike Monteiro, TEP 105
• Miguel Martinez, TEP 94
• William McGrath, TEP 81
• Parth Patel, TEP 99
• Robert Spiegel, TEP 76
• Anton Triner, TEP 75
• Dominic Wilson, TEP 105
• Austin Waller, TEP 81

After votes were tabulated, the 2024 board was elected as follows: 

• McKinsey Alston, TEP 75
• Kenneth “KC” Chann, TEP 81
• Paul Chiarelli, TEP 75
• Tyler Collison, TEP 79
• Brian Dengler, TEP 109 
• Mike O’Connor, TEP 75
• William McGrath, TEP 81
• Robert Spiegel, TEP 76
• Anton Triner, TEP 75
• Austin Waller, TEP 81

Serving as Chairman of the 2024 board will be Mike O’Connor (TEP 75).  Vice Chairman will be William McGrath (TEP 81).  President is Anton Triner (TEP 75).  Comptroller is Tyler Collison (TEP 79).  Real Estate Chair is McKinsey Alston (TEP 75).  Kenneth “KC” Chann (TEP 81), Paul Chiarelli (TEP 75), Brian Dengler (TEP 109), Robert Spiegel (TEP 76), and Austin Waller (TEP 81) will serve as members-at-large and on various committees in the coming year.  Congratulations to the 2024 SEAA board and here’s to another year of good work and continued momentum.  

Winterizing your house is an important process to prepare for the colder months, especially in regions with harsh winter conditions. Remember that the specific steps you need to take may vary depending on your location and the severity of the winter weather in your area. It’s always a good idea to consult with professionals for tasks such as heating system inspections and chimney cleaning. Here are various ways to winterize your home:

Windows:

• Install storm windows or use window insulator kits to add an extra layer of protection.
• Consider using thermal curtains or heavy drapes to help keep the cold out.

Doors:

• Install door sweeps at the bottom of exterior doors to block drafts.
• Check for gaps around doors and windows and seal them with weatherstripping or caulk.

Heating System:

• Schedule a professional inspection of your heating system to ensure it is working efficiently.
• Replace furnace filters regularly to maintain optimal performance.

Roof and Gutters:

• Inspect the roof for any damaged or missing shingles and repair as necessary.
• Clean out gutters to prevent ice dams and ensure proper drainage.

Thermostat Setting: 

• Lower the thermostat when you are away from home and at night to save energy.
• Consider installing a programmable thermostat for more precise control.

Draft Prevention:

• Use draft stoppers at the base of doors to block cold air.
• Seal gaps around electrical outlets and switch plates with foam gaskets.

Exterior Maintenance:

• Trim tree branches that could potentially damage your home during winter storms.
• Inspect and repair the exterior of your home, including siding and foundation.

Chimney and Fireplace: 

• Have your chimney inspected and cleaned before using the fireplace.
• Close the damper when the fireplace is not in use to prevent heat loss.

As the Fundraising Chair for the Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association, I am delighted to extend my deepest appreciation for our sponsors  generous support in 2023. Their commitment to our cause has played a crucial role in making a significant impact on the success of our fraternity and its future endeavors.

A Collective Achievement:

This year, our alumni community witnessed remarkable growth and accomplishments, thanks to the unwavering support from sponsors like you. Their contributions have directly contributed to the success of our initiatives, enabling us to uphold the values and traditions that define our beloved fraternity.

Empowering the Future:

The funds raised through their sponsorships have been instrumental in the success of the Golf Outing 2023 and Ramble 2023.  Whether it’s providing scholarships to deserving students, enhancing the fraternity experience, or contributing to community outreach efforts, their generosity has made a lasting impact on the lives of those involved.

Building Lasting Connections:

Their commitment to our fraternity extends beyond financial support; it builds a bridge for our alumni community. We value the partnerships we have formed and look forward to continuing to strengthen these bonds in the years to come.

Looking Ahead:

With their continued support, we are confident that our fraternity will reach new heights of excellence. The legacy we are building together is a testament to the collective power of our alumni community, and we are immensely grateful for the pivotal role they played in shaping the future of our fraternity.

Once again, thanks to them and to each of you for generosity, commitment, and belief in the mission of Sigma Epsilon Alumni Association. We are truly grateful to our partners in our journey.

Whalemoods Studios, the authority in content, presents; it’s 2023 Holiday Special.  We can’t call it the Christmas Special because of Joe Biden’s policies.  Please enjoy.

January 10th, 2024, 7:30-9:00 PM

Meeting of SEAA Board of Trustee, online

The goal of this newsletter is to be a resource for all alumni; for not only the  business of SEAA but also the social connection of our social fraternity. To that  end, more diverse content is better. Do you have a hobby that you want to write  about? I bet another alumni wants to hear your opinions on it. Did something  worth announcing happen in your life that you want to tell us all about? Do you  want to advertise your small business? In the same vein, if you have feedback  about the E-pulse, then we want to hear it. Just like with interesting content, an  enjoyable reading experience reinforces the purpose of this newsletter. We  want to engage with you all.  

Email us at SEAApresident@gmail.com.  

Check out our Facebook Group: https://m.facebook.com/groups/seaa.58/

Sponsored By John Calzaretto