First Up:  Our Friend Bob Watson

IN AMES IOWA!  Yup, on January 24^th.  Mark your calendars.  Supposedly will be at Movies 12.

Spirit of the Marathon

1/24/2008

NCM Fathom, in partnership with Active.com and Wasserman Media Group, is proud to present “Spirit of the Marathon” on the big screen in high-definition with Cinema Surround Sound on Thursday, January 24^th at 7:30PM (local). Don’t miss your chance to see the Chicago International Film Festival’s “Audience Choice Award” winner! “Spirit of the Marathon” is the first ever non-fiction feature film to capture the drama and essence of the famed 26.2 mile running event. Filmed on four continents, the production brings together a diverse cast of amateur athletes and marathon luminaries. As six unique stories unfold, each runner prepares for and ultimately faces the challenge of the Chicago Marathon. More than a sports program, “Spirit of the Marathon” is an inspirational journey of perseverance and personal triumph; a spectacle that will be embraced by runners and non-runners alike. 

Four years in the making, “Spirit of the Marathon” is the collaborative effort of three-time Academy Award winner Mark Jonathon Harris, Telly Award winner and marathon runner Jon Dunham and producer/marathoner Gwendolen Twist. A “Behind-the-Scenes” featurette produced specifically for and shown only at this one-night event includes interviews with the director and producers as well as marathon veterans reminiscing about their first marathon experiences. The featurette highlights deleted scenes, dramatic race footage and previews the upcoming 2008 Olympics with a Q&A session with Olympians Deena Kastor and Ryan Hall. Tickets are limited – buy yours today! Just enter your zip code above to find nearby theatre locations. Please note: this event is at participating US locations only. After purchasing your tickets here, visit Active.com to enter an EXCLUSIVE “Spirit of the Marathon” sweepstakes for one of 35 event posters signed by Deena Kastor and for more information about the film.


And Art’s Buying A Stairway To Heaven

Happy New Year Vardo's!   Click on the link below to see what's going on in Des Moines on February 24th!

http://www.mrsnv.com/evt/e01/part.jsp?rid=724486&id=1593&acct=4173312652

This is a great opportunity to help the American Lung Association with a fully tax deductible donation, and to help my Capital City Moose Lodge No. 2589 gain some local name recognition!  If you would like to climb with me, please join the Mooseheart team! Thanks in advance for whatever financial and/or muscle support you can give. Yours Sincerely, Art Barton


Professor Tom Schultz:  Internet Genius

Has anyone noticed what a fine job Professor Schultz continues to do with the Team Vardo website?  I mean, for crying in a bucket, there’s now a most delightful snow scene on the gosh-darned (I’d say damned, but it’s Lent) thing now. He’s got the calendar on there, and pictures, and links, and etc.  He makes me look like I are a idiot when it comes to organizing things.  I mean, look here: Team Vardo


The Other Bill:  He Bikes. He Runs. He Swims. He Crawls On His Belly Like A Reptile

“Attached in .pdf file format is a copy of an application for an indoor triathlon in Marshalltown on January 27^th.  This race’s availability made it a better idea for a Vardo mid-winter triathlon opportunity than trying to organize one myself.  Also, all the distances are doable for any Vardo true believer, and the Marshalltown facility is first rate. I’ve already signed up for it and I’ll be happy to organize a car pool and or a post-race brunch opportunity if there are enough takers.” The Other Bill  (wjp6838@gmail.com)

Father Fencl Farewell FAQ

Q:  So, what exactly is Father Fencl doing?
A:  He is going out to North Carolina or Virginia or Maine or something, and he will be training to become a commercial airline pilot.

Q:  Has the Our Lady of Vardo church council named an interim spiritual leader?
A:  Bishop Sacco will tend to the flock in Father’s absence. He will be assisted by Brother Mullins and Lay Leader The Other Jennifer.

Q: What role will Sister The Goodman play during Father Fencl’s sabbatical?
A: She will continue to monitor Father Fencl’s status as “mostly celibate”.

Q:  After Father Fencl becomes Captain Father Fencl, will it be necessary to show him any additional respect?
A:   No. You may address him as Father Fencl, Captain Fencl, or That Shit Head From Protovin.

Q:  What are Father Fencl’s plans upon graduation from commercial pilot school?

A:  Church bylaws pertaining to unpaid sabbaticals require him to return to Ames and reclaim his position with Our Lady of Vardo. VardoNation ordinance A-103(b) requires him to give all Team Vardo members free flights to running/triathlon events.

Group Runs / Activities This Week

The VardoGram Writer’s Guild is still on strike – please consult the Team Vardo website for this week’s events.