At last a day of rain!  But how lucky we were this past weekend to enjoy all the outdoor activities surrounding Homecoming at Davidson College.  Today in Around Davidson we highlight Alex Porter, who was honored at the college, as well as Tom Cotter honored by family and friends as he ran in the NYC marathon.  Lastly there is a report of a favorite fall activity held recently at The Pines and sponsored by the Sherrill family of Statesville.

Tom at the 9 mile mark (Washington and Lafayette in Brooklyn)

RUN, TOM, RUN

Remember a few weeks back when DavidsonNews.net featured Tom Cotter raising marathon money by selling body parts?  Tom found sponsors for enough “parts” to cover a special charity entry fee in the Nov. 7 New York Marathon.  So how did he do? He sends the following report:

“I finished in 4 hours, 2 minutes. I missed a sub four-hour run by just two minutes overall, or just five seconds per mile! (Actually I wanted to run a 3:57 so I could beat Sarah Palin’s marathon time…  Next time!)

“I was one of 45,000 competitors who ran in front of more than 2 million spectators!  They lined the road for the entire 26.2-mile route, sometimes five people deep.  130 bands, playing every type of music, entertained us as we ran past.  Spectators handed runners oranges, water, candy, tissues.  It was such an incredible experience.  And the organization was spot-on.  Everything was planned out to the finest detail.  The volunteers were friendly and kind and glad to be there.  And they made us glad to be there.

“I ran for a charity — Team For Kids — which secured nearly $4 million for children’s sports programs.  They were amazing, and if I run New York again, I’ll certainly do it with Team For Kids.  I was responsible for securing a minimum of $2,620 in donations, but by selling sponsorship on my limbs, I have collected more than $4,000 so far and counting. I’m still on a runner’s high, but also still very sore.  The last three or four miles were torture, with my legs cramping up pretty badly.  But I’m feeling better every day and can’t wait to start running again in a week or so. Now I just need to enter a nice, flat marathon — maybe on the coast — so I can make that 3:57 goal!”

Kudos to you, Tom, on a great run and a special charity.  Thanks to Tom’s wife, Pat, for having the camera phone handy for this photo.

James Grant (l) and his wife, Patricia Kavanagh (r) established a scholarship in Alex Porter's name at Davidson College

HONORING ALEX PORTER

Last Saturday Davidson College alumnus Alex Porter was honored during halftime of the Homecoming football game against San Diego.  Officials announced the establishment of an A. Alex Porter Jr. Scholarship for students demonstrating financial need – with a preference for students who are members of the Wildcat football team.  Given by James Grant and his wife, Patricia Kavanagh (parents of Philip ’05, Charles ’08 and Alice ’10), the scholarship honors Alex, Class of ’60, a scholar athlete, trustee emeritus, Hendrix Award recipient, friend and loyal Davidsonian.  It was also noted that Alex considers his time playing football at Davidson one of the best experiences of his life.

Since Alex’ sister, Sarah Porter Boehmler, lives in Davidson now with her husband, Bill, there was much merriment at the Boehmler home on Avinger Lane.  Sarah and Bill’s three daughters were here for the occasion to cheer for their Uncle Alex.  In addition there were other family members and many friends in town to wish Alex well.

Anderson Sherrill and his brother, Jack, a resident of The Pines

THE REAL APPLE CIDER

Many of our readers have tried their hand at chipping and pressing apples to make fresh juice.  Residents of The Pines got to see firsthand how cider is made last Tuesday morning.  Statesville residents Anderson Sherrill and Herman Speece brought 20 bushels of utility apples (a mixture of varieties not suitable for retail sale).  With the help of Pines’ staffer Stuart McCachern and a little electricity to run the chipper, the washed apples were dropped in the chipper a few at a time and then pressed with a hand crank until the juice flower.

Anderson’s brother, Jack Sherrill, is a resident of The Pines, a big fan of cider and the person who donated the press to the retirement community.  Residents, staff and even visiting CNA students came with water bottles, carafes, jugs and drinking glasses to hold a bit (or quite a lot) of the finished product.  Beautiful crisp weather kept the yellow jackets at bay making for a perfect fall event.  Thanks to Anderson for the good idea to share his cider making skill.  Hope this becomes an annual event.

Hard at work making cider were (l-r) Stuart McCachern, Anderson Sherrill and Herman Speece

And what about the leftover juice?  Right now it is “cooking” in large demi-john jugs in kitchens from Davidson to Statesville.  Real cider with a kick?  Or vinegar for the pantry?  Stay tuned for periodic updates … it takes a month or two!

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Have news for Around Davidson? Write to Brenda Barger at hbarger@bellsouth.net.