Presented at the 2013 Blue and White Classic on Friday June 7, 2013

by E. Sargent Legard

A TRIBUTE TO BRUD STOVER

BY BRUD’S CLASS, THE CLASS OF 1953

15 years ago in 1998 at our 45th reunion the Class of 1953 established a special committee the create and outstanding gift at our 50th Reunion. We planned to write several letters urging classmates to attend and contribute monetary gift. We planned to have a number of money making events such as yard sales, auctions, raffles and so to attain our goal.

Later in 2001 Bill Bruce visited the Brick Store Antique Shop. Barbara Boyland asked him to the email the committee - tell them “It’s time for action! Light a fire under them!” BIll did so... A flurry of emails immediately ensued... Brud Stover “She stole our thunder... I will host the meeting.” Sarge Legard “Barbara’s fire is smoldering. It’s coming to a flame fanned by Brud’s offer for a meeting.” Martha Adams “I smell the smoke from the fires - let's get moving and do something construction!”

As a result we had several planning sessions at Brud’s home. Several money making plans were discussed. Brud suggested the possibility of a Golf Tournament. We all said “no way, we can’t afford such an undertaking. To do so would take far too many people” Several meetings followed the same pattern, telling Brud No! No, brud, NO! However Brud’s sincere tenacity continued

He spoke with Lew Kingsbury Pro at Sebasco And Shaun Arsenault at Bath Country Club. They both felt it was feasible money wise. Once our committee was convinced we could do it financially, we realized it would not be possible without a lot of help. We then contacted all of the Class of 50 members living the area and called a meeting for October 3, 2001. We had an excellent turnout and asked for their support. I recall stating if any classmate did not think they could give 110% of their assigned task, this golf event would not be possible so they might as well leave now. No one left. Thus we decided to do an Inaugural Tournament on year earlier than our 50th which we then called “The 2002 Blue and white Scramble.”

As the saying goes “The rest is history!”

So, what happened?

In November of 2001 at the suggestion of Jack Hart we renamed it the "Blue and White Classic”

Governor King was invited to attend

Squeak Irish was recruited to take bets on the 9th hole. “Double your money by hitting and holding the 9th green.”

At the conclusion of that first Blue and White Classic we had accolades from players from all over the U.S. “It’s the best tournament I have ever played in, it was the most fun I have ever had, I can’t wait ‘til next year... We also had many unsolicited offers, such as the high school band, unexpected donations of checks and cash, ... Not only that, we had 29 teams already signed up for 2003!

Later that year The Blue and White Classic was named the “Fundraising Arm of the Morse High School Scholarship Committee.”

How was all of this possible... two words.. Brud Stover!

Now bear with me for a moment... I want you to picture a very big beautiful cake covered with elaborate Blue and White frosting. This was our vision of the Blue and White... But wait!... now picture 23 candles on top of this scrumptious cake! Each of these candles represents one of Brud’s classmates that made the Blue and White possible. But wait, there’s more... Now picture these candles all ablaze... each of these classmates are now energized and empowered to eagerly fulfill their assigned task having been wonderfully encouraged by our Brud Stover as he lit each one of these candles.

Brud always said “Did I do my best?” Brud, created the best not only in himself but each of those dedicated members of the standing golf committee. Brud always treated every person equally with compassion and kindness while not losing sight of setting their individual goals. Brud made each of us a better person.

In these past 11 years, Brud’s trickle-down efforts make possible the obtaining of over 800 Raffle items; successfully attained over 1400 sponsors; over 2000 players have enjoyed this wonderful event; 30 individuals have been admirably recognized as Honorary Chairpersons; and over $335,000 has been donated to the Scholarship Fund which is now in excess of $4 millions dollars. Yes, those blazing candles that Brud lit so many years ago surely proved that he in fact did his very, very best.

May this blessed legacy of Brud Stovers.. The Blue and White Classic.. Continue on and on and on...

God Bless you Brud Stover... you're our man!!

_____________________________

MISSION STATEMENT

The Blue and White Golf Classic goal is to support Morse High School Graduates with the opportunity for advanced education. To achieve this end the Blue and White Classic will contribute all funds raised in the B&WCG name to the Morse High Scholarship Fund a 501 (c) 3 corporation.

Purpose

Prior to the class of 1953, Five year increment classes, particularly the 50th year class made rather small class gifts to Morse High School or the Alumni Scholarship Fund. Brud Stover from the class of 1953 championed an idea to hold a golf tournament to raise money as his class was approaching their 50th reunion. The first tournament was held in 2002 followed by a repeat classic 2003. The revenue from these tournaments was designated exclusively to the Morse High School Scholarship Fund.The the BLUE & WHITE GOLF CLASSIC was born and the ensuing years have continued the tradition. All funds from the B&WGC are exclusive to the scholarship fund. The purpose was to bring a large gathering of people from the Bath Community to rapidly enlarge the scholarship fund base in order to increase the scholarship awards given to graduation senior. In today’s environment the cost of advanced education regardless of universities, colleges, community colleges, or trade schools is expensive and deserves our support.

ORGANIZATION

There shall be a standing committee and a 50th reunion Blue & White committee. The 50th reunion class committee shall not have oversight of influence over the business of the B&WGC. However, the 50th reunion class is expected to contribute time and effort to the success of the B&WGC.

The Standing committee shall be comprised of members interested in sustaining the longevity of the Blue & White Golf Classic Tournament for the purpose of raising fund for the Morse High School Scholarship Fund. The committee shall be made up of lifetime charter B&WCG members and additional members that have demonstrated interest and shown performance for this event or other consistent with the objectives of the Blue & White Golf Classic. The standing committee shall have an elected chairperson. The chair shall preside over all meetings pertaining to the B&WCG. The chair shall also assign tasks to committee members and to the 50th class reunion B&WCG committee.

The 50th Class reunion shall elect a chairperson from the class to the Blue & White Class committee, with the class participants supplementing the committee needs. The 50th year Class reunion B&WCG committee should, at a minimum, become organized one year in advance of their reunion year. The advance year is expected to assist the current 50th year committee and support the tournament event with assignments as designated by the 50th reunion committee.

The 50th Year Class committee is organized to prepare their 50th year reunion and as such do not have a roll in direction the B&WCG. However, this committee is expected to provide assistance to the designated needs of the B&WCG event.

Future 50th year B&WCG committees should prepare to be organized at least one year in advance of their reunion year. Earlier organization is encouraged. Their role is to observe and participate wherever needed.

To qualify as a 5013c donation all checks should be made payable to Morse High School Scholarship Fund with a note in the memo "Blue & White Golf Classic"