A Class Act . . .

As publisher of LASN, one of the most fun and fruitful relationships I?EUR??,,????'???ve enjoyed is with the people and purpose of the California Landscape Architectural Student Scholarship (CLASS) Fund.

Back in 83 when I was sales manager for Western Landscaping News, we put together a trade show called the National Interior Landscape Expo (or the NILE Show) that attracted several hundred of the local bigwigs, including a fledgling organization . . . the CLASS Fund. Even before I started The Landscape Architect back in ?EUR??,,????'???85, I was a member and working on the brochure for the organization.

While I didn?EUR??,,????'???t get everyone?EUR??,,????'???s name, my good ol?EUR??,,????'??? dad (third from right) placed second in the putting contest. Standing to his left are Marty McPhee & Andy Bowden.

The purpose was and still is to bring together landscape architects, contractors and suppliers to promote the professionalism of the business, while encouraging and training students in their quest to join the industry. In those early years, many of the leaders of the profession in Southern California were members: Paul, Sullivan, Hogan, Cathcart, Cardoza, Temple, Hourian, Ahlers, Sawyer, Bowden . . . oh man . . . I?EUR??,,????'???m going to get in trouble now for leaving out a dozen or so . . . but these pros were all successful in their field, very busy with their firms and companies yet willing to donate enormous amounts of time and money to the Fund . . .

In the first 10 years or so, the CLASS Fund raised more than a half-million dollars, which was turned into a perpetual fund that doles out tens of thousands of dollars every year for student scholarships and activities.

Over the past couple of years some of the original founders have passed on to that big landscape in the sky, others have left the area. I seem to have become too busy to do much more than keep my membership, but many have kept the flame afire . . .

Standing at the 16th hole (sponsored by Sullivan Concrete Textures) are my playing partners (from left): Cedric Campbell and Ed Pongs of Imperial Sprinkler Supply, and my father, Ed Schmok.

Just last week I rekindled my fire by joining the group in the 23rd Annual CLIC/CLASS Fund Golf Tournament. How great it was to see so many of the original crew and so many new faces supporting the cause, while keeping the fun spirit of the CLASS Fund alive and well.

It reminded me of the importance of giving back and getting involved . . . This is a wonderful profession, with great people who make an important impact on society . . . We all need to remember that part of what makes this profession so great is the fellowship, camaraderie and willingness of the established to lift up the newbies.

Obviously, the CLASS Fund is not the only group out there supporting the profession and giving back. If you are a part of a group, be it a chapter of the ASLA or independent group, we?EUR??,,????'???d like to hear your story and chip in if possible. Please take a minute or two and let us know what you are doing to give back . . . But even more important . . . spend some time getting involved and giving back. It is always a good idea . . .

- God Bless

This Valley Crest sponsored hole (Valley Crest was a major sponsor of the event) seemed to be a meeting place. From left: Chuck DeGarmo, Dave Pagano, Javier Cuellar, and yours truly. The other guys were just hackers looking for free beer . . .