[Michael Goode]

Mike, nice post, but the button is so big. And what does the Society do at the New York Conference? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Members of the C. Shaw Smith Society are asked to take a little extra time to introduce us to one another, to make the newcomer feel especially welcome, and to share the best in ourselves and bring out the best in others.? That’s what Shaw did and we can continue doing it.

What do we do? The most important thing to do is to assume the role that Shaw assumed which is that of a host.? Greet everyone and make sure they know how welcomed they are.? Make sure people in groups know each other ? make introductions. Pay particular attention to new conference attendees.?Make sure they are included ? are they seated with someone at meals?? Are they aware of the various committee and special interest meetings?? Are they introduced at social functions?? Make sure in your regional meetings new professionals are introduced. Spend some time hanging out in the lobby.? The lobby was Shaw’s special place.? He gathered people around him to share ideas or just shoot the breeze.? Each night of the conference some of us will gather to welcome people back from their nights on the town.?Wear your C. Shaw Smith button(s) with pride and understand that it gives you complete license to act a little crazy.? If you don’t happen to have an exploding cigar or a dove up your sleeve, you still can make magic and be a little silly.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 07:43
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Volunteer the C Shaw Smith Society now to connect new professionals at the NYC Conference. Begun at Philadelphia in 1996, the Society seeks to informally welcome folks to the Association and connect them with the people who make our profession so great. Society members will wear a Society Button throughout the conference and get to know and make connections with folks who are new to the conference, the Association, or the profession.

To volunteer now send an email to Mike Goode or Victoria Angis. Relatively low commitment with potential for high rewards. Help SPAR revive the Society and do our part to build the community that is ACUI.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

[Michael Goode]

Okay, great. I understand what Society members are supposed to do at the conference, but who is this C Shaw Smith fellow anyway?

Also great question. In 2002, Audrey Hozackc delivered the following during the Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico to partially answer that great question.

A man of great wisdom, we loved his quick wit
He always remembered and never quite missed
To welcome each person with a smile and embrace
And made certain he spoke warmly to every new face.

His energy seemed endless but I’ll tell you why,
He dosed through the sessions without closing an eye.
He usually wore grey in a most unpressed state
And managed to keep all and sundry up late.

At the end of long intros (a thing he hated)
A shot from his pistol all boredom abated.
Who else would blow bubbles when a speaker did linger
Or startle us all with real fire from his finger?

He was ACUI incarnate and not just a myth.
The name of this icon?? Of course C. Shaw Smith!

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 22:23
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Mike, nice post, but the button is so big. And what does the Society do at the New York Conference? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Members of the C. Shaw Smith Society are asked to take a little extra time to introduce us to one another, to make the newcomer feel especially welcome, and to share the best in ourselves and bring out the best in others.  That’s what Shaw did and we can continue doing it.

What do we do? The most important thing to do is to assume the role that Shaw assumed which is that of a host.  Greet everyone and make sure they know how welcomed they are.  Make sure people in groups know each other ? make introductions. Pay particular attention to new conference attendees. Make sure they are included ? are they seated with someone at meals?  Are they aware of the various committee and special interest meetings?  Are they introduced at social functions?  Make sure in your regional meetings new professionals are introduced. Spend some time hanging out in the lobby.  The lobby was Shaw’s special place.  He gathered people around him to share ideas or just shoot the breeze.  Each night of the conference some of us will gather to welcome people back from their nights on the town. Wear your C. Shaw Smith button(s) with pride and understand that it gives you complete license to act a little crazy.  If you don’t happen to have an exploding cigar or a dove up your sleeve, you still can make magic and be a little silly.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 07:43
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Volunteer the C Shaw Smith Society now to connect new professionals at the NYC Conference. Begun at Philadelphia in 1996, the Society seeks to informally welcome folks to the Association and connect them with the people who make our profession so great. Society members will wear a Society Button throughout the conference and get to know and make connections with folks who are new to the conference, the Association, or the profession.

To volunteer now send an email to Mike Goode or Victoria Angis. Relatively low commitment with potential for high rewards. Help SPAR revive the Society and do our part to build the community that is ACUI.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

[Michael Goode]

Okay, so he was a poet? I thought you said something about him being a magician. Which is it?

Who is C. Shaw Smith?
C. Shaw Smith with his laughter and commitment was the embodiment of the best of ACUI.? Shaw served as president of ACUI in 1974-75 and received the Butts-Whiting Award in 1972.? Shaw was a witty and inspiring speaker at innumerable regional and national conferences.? No one has been more zealous in getting to know and support so many of ACUI’s members.? He cared passionately about others and his relationships with them.? C. Shaw Smith was a “Character” in the best sense of the word.? A friend described Shaw as “a merry prankster and bon vivant, one of the great nuts of all time.”? Shaw had a number of records within the Association (and beyond).? He fell asleep in the most sessions, kept the latest hours, wrote the longest sentences, performed the most magic tricks, developed the most unusual squatting style, and chased off the most roommates with his snoring.? Shaw has worked magic wherever he has been.? Each of us felt more loved, more understood, and more alive because of Shaw.? This Magic Man has brought us together, has filled us with merriment, and has chosen us as heirs of his grace and vision.? That is serendipity.
From the Memorial Resolution at the 1992 Conference in Atlanta

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 22:17
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Okay, great. I understand what Society members are supposed to do at the conference, but who is this C Shaw Smith fellow anyway?

Also great question. In 2002, Audrey Hozackc delivered the following during the Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico to partially answer that great question.

A man of great wisdom, we loved his quick wit
He always remembered and never quite missed
To welcome each person with a smile and embrace
And made certain he spoke warmly to every new face.

His energy seemed endless but I’ll tell you why,
He dosed through the sessions without closing an eye.
He usually wore grey in a most unpressed state
And managed to keep all and sundry up late.

At the end of long intros (a thing he hated)
A shot from his pistol all boredom abated.
Who else would blow bubbles when a speaker did linger
Or startle us all with real fire from his finger?

He was ACUI incarnate and not just a myth.
The name of this icon?  Of course C. Shaw Smith!

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 22:23
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Mike, nice post, but the button is so big. And what does the Society do at the New York Conference? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Members of the C. Shaw Smith Society are asked to take a little extra time to introduce us to one another, to make the newcomer feel especially welcome, and to share the best in ourselves and bring out the best in others.  That’s what Shaw did and we can continue doing it.

What do we do? The most important thing to do is to assume the role that Shaw assumed which is that of a host.  Greet everyone and make sure they know how welcomed they are.  Make sure people in groups know each other ? make introductions. Pay particular attention to new conference attendees. Make sure they are included ? are they seated with someone at meals?  Are they aware of the various committee and special interest meetings?  Are they introduced at social functions?  Make sure in your regional meetings new professionals are introduced. Spend some time hanging out in the lobby.  The lobby was Shaw’s special place.  He gathered people around him to share ideas or just shoot the breeze.  Each night of the conference some of us will gather to welcome people back from their nights on the town. Wear your C. Shaw Smith button(s) with pride and understand that it gives you complete license to act a little crazy.  If you don’t happen to have an exploding cigar or a dove up your sleeve, you still can make magic and be a little silly.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 07:43
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Volunteer the C Shaw Smith Society now to connect new professionals at the NYC Conference. Begun at Philadelphia in 1996, the Society seeks to informally welcome folks to the Association and connect them with the people who make our profession so great. Society members will wear a Society Button throughout the conference and get to know and make connections with folks who are new to the conference, the Association, or the profession.

To volunteer now send an email to Mike Goode or Victoria Angis. Relatively low commitment with potential for high rewards. Help SPAR revive the Society and do our part to build the community that is ACUI.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

[Michael Goode]

In 2000, at the 80th Annual Conference of ACUI, which was held in New York City, Michael Bowen and Chris Basso Bowen from Wright State University stepped up to coordinate the society. Chris shared some fun files from that and later years, but we really don’t have much to share beyond 2000. And now, we are back in New York with the opportunity to get the CSS Society back in gear. If you haven’t already, please let me know if you will be in NYC and want to help greet and connect folks at the conference. Shaw would be pleased to be remembered in this way. He’d probably say something shyly like, “shickle trickle!” None of us really knew what he meant by that, but there you have it. It’s time to “Continue to spread the magic of conviviality and good cheer … as we continue to build the House of Serendipity.” (From Chris Basso’s certificate of participation in 2000)

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2025 10:01
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Okay, so he was a poet? I thought you said something about him being a magician. Which is it?

Who is C. Shaw Smith?
C. Shaw Smith with his laughter and commitment was the embodiment of the best of ACUI.  Shaw served as president of ACUI in 1974-75 and received the Butts-Whiting Award in 1972.  Shaw was a witty and inspiring speaker at innumerable regional and national conferences.  No one has been more zealous in getting to know and support so many of ACUI’s members.  He cared passionately about others and his relationships with them.  C. Shaw Smith was a “Character” in the best sense of the word.  A friend described Shaw as “a merry prankster and bon vivant, one of the great nuts of all time.”  Shaw had a number of records within the Association (and beyond).  He fell asleep in the most sessions, kept the latest hours, wrote the longest sentences, performed the most magic tricks, developed the most unusual squatting style, and chased off the most roommates with his snoring.  Shaw has worked magic wherever he has been.  Each of us felt more loved, more understood, and more alive because of Shaw.  This Magic Man has brought us together, has filled us with merriment, and has chosen us as heirs of his grace and vision.  That is serendipity.
From the Memorial Resolution at the 1992 Conference in Atlanta

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 22:17
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Okay, great. I understand what Society members are supposed to do at the conference, but who is this C Shaw Smith fellow anyway?

Also great question. In 2002, Audrey Hozackc delivered the following during the Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico to partially answer that great question.

A man of great wisdom, we loved his quick wit
He always remembered and never quite missed
To welcome each person with a smile and embrace
And made certain he spoke warmly to every new face.

His energy seemed endless but I’ll tell you why,
He dosed through the sessions without closing an eye.
He usually wore grey in a most unpressed state
And managed to keep all and sundry up late.

At the end of long intros (a thing he hated)
A shot from his pistol all boredom abated.
Who else would blow bubbles when a speaker did linger
Or startle us all with real fire from his finger?

He was ACUI incarnate and not just a myth.
The name of this icon?  Of course C. Shaw Smith!

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 22:23
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Mike, nice post, but the button is so big. And what does the Society do at the New York Conference? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Members of the C. Shaw Smith Society are asked to take a little extra time to introduce us to one another, to make the newcomer feel especially welcome, and to share the best in ourselves and bring out the best in others.  That’s what Shaw did and we can continue doing it.

What do we do? The most important thing to do is to assume the role that Shaw assumed which is that of a host.  Greet everyone and make sure they know how welcomed they are.  Make sure people in groups know each other ? make introductions. Pay particular attention to new conference attendees. Make sure they are included ? are they seated with someone at meals?  Are they aware of the various committee and special interest meetings?  Are they introduced at social functions?  Make sure in your regional meetings new professionals are introduced. Spend some time hanging out in the lobby.  The lobby was Shaw’s special place.  He gathered people around him to share ideas or just shoot the breeze.  Each night of the conference some of us will gather to welcome people back from their nights on the town. Wear your C. Shaw Smith button(s) with pride and understand that it gives you complete license to act a little crazy.  If you don’t happen to have an exploding cigar or a dove up your sleeve, you still can make magic and be a little silly.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 07:43
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Volunteer the C Shaw Smith Society now to connect new professionals at the NYC Conference. Begun at Philadelphia in 1996, the Society seeks to informally welcome folks to the Association and connect them with the people who make our profession so great. Society members will wear a Society Button throughout the conference and get to know and make connections with folks who are new to the conference, the Association, or the profession.

To volunteer now send an email to Mike Goode or Victoria Angis. Relatively low commitment with potential for high rewards. Help SPAR revive the Society and do our part to build the community that is ACUI.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

[Michael Goode]

This is the last post about the Society, I swear. This is the last button that I have from days gone by. I think the C Shaw Smith Society existed at the annual conference for a few more years, but only Bob Rodda would know!?
Join the fun in New York as we reinvigorate the Society. Send me an email if you want to officially participate and get the new and improved button. I look forward to seeing you at Lobby Duty each night of the conference. It starts each night when someone is in the lobby visiting with other ACUI folks and it ends when everyone has turned in for the night. Or you can just stay up all night and then fall asleep during sessions the next morning like Shaw became famous for doing!
My work here is done. ?

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————
——————————————-
Original Message:
Sent: 03-11-2025 16:10
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

In 2000, at the 80th Annual Conference of ACUI, which was held in New York City, Michael Bowen and Chris Basso Bowen from Wright State University stepped up to coordinate the society. Chris shared some fun files from that and later years, but we really don’t have much to share beyond 2000. And now, we are back in New York with the opportunity to get the CSS Society back in gear. If you haven’t already, please let me know if you will be in NYC and want to help greet and connect folks at the conference. Shaw would be pleased to be remembered in this way. He’d probably say something shyly like, “shickle trickle!” None of us really knew what he meant by that, but there you have it. It’s time to “Continue to spread the magic of conviviality and good cheer … as we continue to build the House of Serendipity.” (From Chris Basso’s certificate of participation in 2000)

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————

Original Message:
Sent: 03-08-2025 10:01
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Okay, so he was a poet? I thought you said something about him being a magician. Which is it?

Who is C. Shaw Smith?
C. Shaw Smith with his laughter and commitment was the embodiment of the best of ACUI.  Shaw served as president of ACUI in 1974-75 and received the Butts-Whiting Award in 1972.  Shaw was a witty and inspiring speaker at innumerable regional and national conferences.  No one has been more zealous in getting to know and support so many of ACUI’s members.  He cared passionately about others and his relationships with them.  C. Shaw Smith was a “Character” in the best sense of the word.  A friend described Shaw as “a merry prankster and bon vivant, one of the great nuts of all time.”  Shaw had a number of records within the Association (and beyond).  He fell asleep in the most sessions, kept the latest hours, wrote the longest sentences, performed the most magic tricks, developed the most unusual squatting style, and chased off the most roommates with his snoring.  Shaw has worked magic wherever he has been.  Each of us felt more loved, more understood, and more alive because of Shaw.  This Magic Man has brought us together, has filled us with merriment, and has chosen us as heirs of his grace and vision.  That is serendipity.
From the Memorial Resolution at the 1992 Conference in Atlanta

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-05-2025 22:17
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Okay, great. I understand what Society members are supposed to do at the conference, but who is this C Shaw Smith fellow anyway?

Also great question. In 2002, Audrey Hozackc delivered the following during the Poetry Slam in Albuquerque, New Mexico to partially answer that great question.

A man of great wisdom, we loved his quick wit
He always remembered and never quite missed
To welcome each person with a smile and embrace
And made certain he spoke warmly to every new face.

His energy seemed endless but I’ll tell you why,
He dosed through the sessions without closing an eye.
He usually wore grey in a most unpressed state
And managed to keep all and sundry up late.

At the end of long intros (a thing he hated)
A shot from his pistol all boredom abated.
Who else would blow bubbles when a speaker did linger
Or startle us all with real fire from his finger?

He was ACUI incarnate and not just a myth.
The name of this icon?  Of course C. Shaw Smith!

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 22:23
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Mike, nice post, but the button is so big. And what does the Society do at the New York Conference? Well, I’m glad you asked.

Members of the C. Shaw Smith Society are asked to take a little extra time to introduce us to one another, to make the newcomer feel especially welcome, and to share the best in ourselves and bring out the best in others.  That’s what Shaw did and we can continue doing it.

What do we do? The most important thing to do is to assume the role that Shaw assumed which is that of a host.  Greet everyone and make sure they know how welcomed they are.  Make sure people in groups know each other ? make introductions. Pay particular attention to new conference attendees. Make sure they are included ? are they seated with someone at meals?  Are they aware of the various committee and special interest meetings?  Are they introduced at social functions?  Make sure in your regional meetings new professionals are introduced. Spend some time hanging out in the lobby.  The lobby was Shaw’s special place.  He gathered people around him to share ideas or just shoot the breeze.  Each night of the conference some of us will gather to welcome people back from their nights on the town. Wear your C. Shaw Smith button(s) with pride and understand that it gives you complete license to act a little crazy.  If you don’t happen to have an exploding cigar or a dove up your sleeve, you still can make magic and be a little silly.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC

Original Message:
Sent: 03-04-2025 07:43
From: Michael Goode
Subject: Help SPAR at the Conference by Joining the CSS Society

Volunteer the C Shaw Smith Society now to connect new professionals at the NYC Conference. Begun at Philadelphia in 1996, the Society seeks to informally welcome folks to the Association and connect them with the people who make our profession so great. Society members will wear a Society Button throughout the conference and get to know and make connections with folks who are new to the conference, the Association, or the profession.

To volunteer now send an email to Mike Goode or Victoria Angis. Relatively low commitment with potential for high rewards. Help SPAR revive the Society and do our part to build the community that is ACUI.

——————————
Michael Goode
Retired
Davidson NC
——————————