No rain...

The President led the way...

... will keep the Stedsmen from their floating! Torrential rains on Friday may have washed out many game weekend festivities, but it could not stop Steds and its game day tradition. Gathering at the edge of the Hesburgh Library reflecting pool, the Stedsmen waited for the appropriate signal to be given. Then, with President Josh Gambardella leading the Gentlemen out, the signal was given, and game day energy enthusiasm was released. While we often hear from those who participate in the Float, today we have a chance to hear from the man behind the camera who captures it all, Steds sophomore and Hall photographer, Ashton Bieri. On capturing the Steds UVA float, Bieri said, "I don't know how they can wake up so early on a  Saturday morning...I guess they're doing it 'For the Kids.' One thing I do know is these guys don't like Virginia!"

... chaos ensued...

... and then everyone headed back to the homeSteds.

Your Sunday picture...

An amazing start to a day...

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of a fall sunrise from God Quad earlier last week. As the sun rises, it looks as if La Fortune Student Center is on fire. It was a beautiful start to a beautiful day. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

No longer a stranger...

A few weeks ago, in the Saturday Squirrel posting, a caterpillar was highlighted. Now, this caterpillar was spotted trying to enter the Presbytery. With a bright red head, neon yellow body, and large black "antlers," this caterpillar could not do anything but capture one's attention. When this find was brought to our resident theologian and botanist, Fr. Terry Ehrman, CSC, a positive identification could not be made. But Fr Terry would not let us, the readership of the Gentlemen’s Monthly, to be left in the lurch. Suffice it to say, his resolve to identity problem only strengthen. After an extensive search, Fr. Terry struck insect gold, identifying our caterpillar as Orgia leucostigma, or more commonly known as the White Marked Tussock Moth (WMTM). Spotted from Florida to Canada, the WMTM has been said to be one of the most ubiquitous caterpillars around- it could turn up on virtually any woody plant in the Eastern US. On his search coming to an end, Fr. Terry said, "Identified!"

Why not?

Here come the Stedsmen: 

Top Row (L to R): Alex Wood, Miles Korth, Brian Closs, Matt Kane, Justin Schwartz

Bottom row (L to R): Phineas Andrews,Tom Roman,Dan Rish, and Patrick Yerkes

Why not more football? Yes, more football! Here is yet another installment of Irish football. Earlier this week, we have heard from our Stedsmen who did not go to the game. We have also heard from our Steds seniors who did go to the game. NOW, we are hearing from our Steds Alumni. No surprise, our Steds Alumni were also there in force, who among other things, increased the sightings of blue an gold in Athens. While members of the Steds Class of 2014 did not get to see the win that all Irish fans wanted, they nevertheless did enjoy their time down in Georgia. On his time with his fellow Stedsmen, Patrick Yerkes ’14, said,  “Old or new, we’re always Steds,” and on the chances of seeing an Irish win he also went on to say, before the game, “Irish by a million!”

They said it...

Steds Seniors enjoying some Southern cuisine... 

... couldn't be done, but we did it. More football! Earlier, we heard from the Stedsmen who remained behind on campus from the Georgia game, but today, we are hearing from those, our Steds seniors, who "went down" to Georgia. Traveling for the game was a highpoint for these seniors who are increasingly "dialing it in" for their final year at ND. Still, you're only a senior once! Great memories for sure, but some "breakthroughs" too. Yes, breakthroughs... and more than just converts to ND football. On Steds senior time in Georgia and the breakthrough, Eddie Johnson, Steds senior and Georgian, shared, "Despite the loss, it was a great weekend, getting all the guys down to Atlanta and bringing the ND presence to Athens. Still, Matt Turk, (an Ohioan) was on the record as saying, 'I now consider Georgia to be the greatest state in the US.'" A breakthrough indeed!

... Turk, Youseff, and Johnson sharing smiles and more before the game.

Can you have...

Steds came out shooting...

... more football at Notre Dame? Yes. Yes, you can! The day after the big game in Georgia, the Steds inter-hall football team gathered at Ricci Fields for their season opener against Duncan. While many players were away from campus thanks to the away game, Steds had no problem fielding a talented, spirit filled, and a “fundamentals” focused team. Sorry, Duncan, but Steds doesn’t forfeit games. Sadly, the breaks didn’t go the way for the men in green and gold as Steds lost in the end. Still, it was a fight right up to the bloody end. Oh the tenacity of Steds! On the season opener, Noah Viner, Steds junior and starter, stated, “We didn’t get the win we wanted, but that wasn’t one to hang our heads about. With a couple players away at Georgia and a few injuries, we had some freshman and newcomers come in and play their hearts out. A valiant effort put forth by our guys against a very strong (and big) Duncan. The future is looking bright for Steds football!”

Enjoy these photos taken by the Hall Photographer, Ashton Bieri....

... and had an early breakout or two...

... and some early shutdowns... 

... and runaways too...

... with a lot of sideline strategizing...

... and some tomfoolery at halftime...

... with just a tinge of bribery to keep it fair and let the kids play!

An amazing achievement...

The stunning Steds mom, Joanne, and the dashing Steds Gentleman, Jackson 

... for such a young Gentleman. It’s been a busy couple of days of TV watching. First, there was the Georgia game. While we saw the Irish play their hearts out on the field, we also saw a number of Irish fans from Steds in the stands. Yes! They were there, and if you put the game on pause, and get very close to the TV screen, you can see them. They’re in the ND section of the stadium, and they are wearing blue and gold.

AND it was the same story at the Emmy’s. Yes...the Emmy's. A Stedsman was there. Maybe you did not see him seated in the audience, but you certainly couldn’t miss him as he made his entrance on the red carpet. Walking down the carpet this year was Jackson Herrfeldt ’18 with his mom, Joanne. Herrfeldt is on the writing staff of the Emmy nominated The Late Show with Stephen Colbert, and after receiving an invite, he chose to bring his mom as his date to the star studded event. Without any doubt, Joanne’s Steds moms group went crazy with excitement.

On seeing familiar faces on the red carpet, Cindy Olmanson, Emmy watcher and Steds mom of Nick ’18 and Jack ’21, stated, “It makes my heart melt that Jackson chose to bring his mom to such a special occasion—clearly all the thoughtful activities he planned as the 2016 Steds Moms’ Weekend Commissioner were just a warm-up for his appreciation and love for his mom, THE stunning Joanne Herrfeldt. Congratulations Jackson—so proud of you!”

Congratulations indeed to Jackson, and it just goes to show you that Steds really does love their moms!

They were...

There but in a different way...

... there... sort of. While many Stedsmen, especially the seniors, traveled to Athens, the vast majority did not. Perhaps, they cannot "dial it in" as the seniors can or perhaps there was a budgetary concern not going. Still, whatever the reason may have been, it did not mean those who stayed were any less enthusiastic for the game in Georgia. At the direct of Hall Government, a Hall game watch was had in the newly renovated Flounge where Chick-Fil-A sandwiches, various LaCroix waters, and ice cream novelties were served. Suffice it to say, the air was heavy anticipation and excitement... just like in Athens. And while the game did not go the way everyone had hoped, the Stedsmen kept their chins up. On the game watch in the now "SoHo Chic" Flounge, Jack O'Leary, Steds freshman and resident Floridian, quipped, "Overall, I had a great time watching everything with my fellow Stedsmen. The game watch confirmed that the only good thing to come out of Georgia is Chick-Fil-A."

Your Sunday picture...

Someone paint this...

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of the reflection of the trees of Duck Island in the calm and placid waters of St. Mary's Lake. Even though it has been a bit warm as of later, the days have been dry, sunny, and picture prefect, making any walk about the lakes a photographic wonderland. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Hope to see you around

There is a new furry friend about campus. Early last week, Fr. Terry Ehrman, C.S.C., theologian and James Audubon figure for campus, spotted this black squirrel during a walk around the lakes. The population of black squirrels is quite small when compared to the grey squirrel of which we are more accustom to seeing. Since squirrels are very territorial, we see if our new furry neighbor stays around or is sent packing to another neck of the woods of Northwest Indiana by the grey squirrels. On the new furry friend moving in, this black squirrel non-verbaled, "Can't we all be friends?"

Moms asked...

In mailboxes now...

... and we acted. We got our act together, and we're planning ahead! During the summer, an epiphany was had as to how we could better communicate the date for Moms Weekend- a postcard! Over the last two weeks, postcards have been sent to all Steds moms announcing the date for our special weekend in the Spring. On finding a Steds Moms Weekend postcard in the mailbox, Mark “Father Poz” Posluszny, father of Matt "Poz" '09 and John "Poz" '20 Posluszny said, “Steds made Mrs.Poz’s day today, and therefore, you made my day too!  She just received the Moms’ Weekend Save the Date postcard and immediately reserved a hotel room! Kudos to Moms’ Weekend team this year on their forward date planning!"

They got married!

Fr. Ralph with the newly married couple...

It's official. Domers, Paul Martin “PM” Rodriguez ’14 and Teresa Ciambrone ’14, of were married at Assumption Church in downtown Chicago on July 27th, a most beautiful day. With Fr. Ralph officiating and surrounded by family, friends, and his Steds family, PM and Teresa tied the professed their vows with much emotion and joy. Suffice it to say, there were tears of joy but also a lot of smiles. On Teresa marrying into the Steds Family, Andrew Blonigan ’14, Stedsman and wisdom figure, said, “After five years of punting for the Steds football team, PM showed us he’s still capable of out kicking his coverage one last time, this time with Father Ralph’s blessing.”

Best wishes and congratulations and best wishes to Teresa and Paul Martin!

... but just in case, he gave them an out...

...but they were adamant in their decision...

...and then there was a phenomenal party...

... with family, friends, and graduates from ND (pictured)!

They're getting married.

Beaming happiness all around: Ryan and Abby

It’s official. They’re getting married! Stedsman Ryan Meder ’18 and Abigail “Abby” Krauss ’18, Belle of St. Mary’s, are getting married. Ryan proposed to Abby this past weekend, AND she said YES! Someone of you might be wondering, and yes, Abby is the sister of Pat Krauss '16. A wedding date has been set for July of 2020 in the D.C. On their engagement, Kristin Meder, “We are SO EXCITED to announce the engagement of our son, Ryan Meder to Abigail Krauss.” Indeed you are... indeed you are Kristin!

Best wishes and congratulations and best wishes to Abby and Ryan!

There's was much...

Gearing up for this Sunday

... preparing in the run up to the first home game last Saturday. In addition to Game Day festivities, there was an event held the Saturday BEFORE the first home home game at Ricci Fields that saw the Stedsmen trying out their own football skills. Again, with perfect weather, the Stedsmen played a friendly game which at one level only increased the anticipation for the upcoming New Mexico game but yet on another level was a great way for helpful Steds Hall players for the inter-hall league to  show off their skills before the team captains. And believe me, the captains were watching, and one captain, Josh Blossfeld, Steds RA and one of the organizers of the outing, was thoroughly impressed. On the footballing outing, Blossfeld said, "There were no broken bones, and I think we have a real chance of winning a game this year."

A tradition...

Everyone's ready for the Float...

... kept. In keeping with tradition, Steds held its Game Day Float at the Hesburgh Library's reflection pool. Waking up at almost the crack of dawn and with perfect weather, Stedsmen of all ages ran to the reflecting pool, assumed diving positions, and then, when the sign was given, jumped in that bluest of blue waters for King and Hall... and the ND Marching band who marched past. After frolicking about in the pool, the Stedsmen then rushed back to the Hall for the official photo, and starting this year, something new... a post Float cookout. Yes, thanks to Grill Master, Jared Walsh, and his assistants, a cookout was held for hungry Stedsmen at Plaza St. Edwards. It was a busy Game Day morning for the Stedsmen! 

On participating in his first Float, Gavin Shust, freshman and resident New Yorker, shared, “Floating for the first time was an experience unlike any other. Waking up to the chaos of upperclassmen screaming “IT'S GAMEDAY” throughout the hallways immediately put me in the spirit for one of my new favorite Steds traditions. Running barefoot, in only a Dunder Mifflin Michael Scott Fun Run t-shirt and a pair of Christmas boxers, across campus with a giant group of equally barely dressed Stedsmen brought a rush of joy that I had never experienced before. Although the reflecting pool had a unique smell and the blue dye probably stained my boxers permanently, that morning is one that I will never forget, and I’m so ready for the next home game float.”

... the sign was given and everyone rushed in...

...and then back again to the Hall...

... eventually ending up at the patio.

Your Sunday picture...

Enjoying the silence...

... from Notre Dame. After yesterday's football victory over the Lobos of New Mexico, a silence has fallen over campus. Gone are the crowds, the sounds of Game Day bagpipes, and tailgaters. Instead, there an eerie silence is all about as students make their way to the dining halls and, yes, even the library. If one wasn't here yesterday, you wouldn't know there was a football game. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Game Day Saturday.

Tomorrow Today's Irish fans: John and Evelyn Roman

Normally, Saturday is reserved for Saturday Squirrel, but today, we bring you tomorrow's Irish fans. Today was the first home Game Day for Irish fans at the Notre Dame Stadium as the Fighting  Irish took on the Lobos of New Mexico. We all know it was a resounding success for the Irish, but what we don't know are all the fans who are cheering from a far. Two such fans stopped by Fr. Ralph's Red Room during the New Mexico game, John and Evelyn Roman. John, who is two, and Evelyn, who is 9 months, are son and daughter of Andrew Roman, former Steds AR and ND Law grad. On their visit to the Red Room, John said, "Go Irish!" Indeed John... Go Irish!

Something worth...

Welsch: Telling it the way is

... reading! Finally, something worth reading in the student run Observer. Steds Junior, Johnny Welsch, was eating lunch with his brother at SDH, when a reporter asked him the page two "Question of the Day." The question? What is your favorite part about being back on campus? Welsch's response? Well, you're going to have to click on the picture. On Welsch's page two response, Fr. Ralph said, "If asked the same question, I would have responded, 'Johnny Welsch'!"

Finally...

Let it rain!

... a break in the heatwave! After three days of temps in high 80's, dew points in the high 80, and humidity that would make anyone sweat, a late night thunderstorm was a most welcome guest. A classic storm with lightning, thunder, rain... and of course, cooler temps. Yes, after the front moved through, cool temps rolled in behind it, bringing relief and an easier time sleeping at night. On the rain, Alex Morrison, Steds Sophomore and Ed's Culinary Representative, said, "As if the Great Flood came again, the Gentlemen of Steds were forced to stay inside for the night.  Zeus’ bolts were striking near and far, but the doors of Steds were not ajar!" Still, Josh Blossfeld, Steds senior and 4th floor RA, said, "Nothing calms the nerves and soothes the mind like the sound of a late night thunderstorm in Northern Indiana. It really helps to relax before a good night’s sleep!"

TO WATCH THE RAIN: CLICK HERE

Flashback Wednesday.

Lis, Smith, and Bergstrom: Mission Accomplished.

As the second full week of classes is quickly coming to an end and as everyone is gearing up for the first football game of the year, it's time to take a look back and see where we've been. Move-In Day and Welcome Week might have come and gone, but they are still fresh in everyone's mind. This year, under the direction of Assistant Welcome Week Captains, Alec Lis and Henry Bergstrom, Welcome Week Ambassadors were directed to make a welcome sign for the incoming freshmen. This sign would capture the essence and esprit de corp of the Hall and would be posted along the path leading to Steds on Move-In Day. 

Creating these signs fell to an athletically as well as artistically talented sophomore, Jake Smith. In the end, it was clear Smith pulled out every stop to produce an exquisite welcome sign; so exquisite that the very Muses who inspired him could only cry at seeing the finished product. And pensmanship... who knew Smith had such steady hands? A triumph for such a young artist and Stedsman! But what did the Steds freshmen think when they saw the sign? On seeing Smith's creation on Move-In Day, Drew McClimon, who happen to be the first freshman arrival that day, said, "The sign combined with the complementary window washing really made me feel like I truly was a part of the Steds brotherhood."

Down by the...

A lazy day on the Susquehanna

... river is where one can find Dan Rish '14. Taking a break before he begins his new job, Rish decided to past the time by going on a canoe trip. Canoe by himself on the Susquehanna River in Pennsylvania, Rish is not only clearing his head but also really taking it easy because he paddling downstream. Rand it's a good thing too as Rish is on a twenty-one day river cruise. Still, he'll get there when he gets there. Starting on August 23rd in Cooperstown, New York, Rish is scheduled to arrive at his final destination, Havre de Grace, Maryland, on September 10th. On his canoeing, Rish said, " A canoe is basically a minivan on the water, a minivan that you push by hand."

To see more pf Rish's river adventure, read his blog postings by clicking HERE.

Seniors being...

Stuck the landing: Pat and Julia

... seniors. Yes, seniors are up to seniors things, and that's certainly the case with Pat Digenan and his girlfriend Julia. But in Pat's case, it could be said he got a head start to doing senior things thanks to his 21st birthday which happened just before the start of school. What does a senior do to celebrate his 21st birthday AND the start of his senior year? By going skydiving of course! Diving close to campus, Pat and Julia jumped into the wild blue yonder and touching down in one piece and with a good adrenaline high. On his skydiving, a clear moving experience, Digenan said, “Senior year is going to be too hard. I am dropping out of school a bit early and becoming a skydiving guide." Good luck Pat... good luck indeed.

MUST SEE VIDEO: CLICK HERE.

Your Sunday picture...

Good night!

... from Notre Dame. Here's a sunset from this weekend. Perfect days turned into perfect evenings with amazing sunsets. Taking from Flanner Hall's 10th floor, here's a view of the ND skyline against the glow of a setting sun and a shining half moon on the rise. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!

Saturday Squirrel.

Enjoying the solitude 

Wildlife abounds at Notre Dame, and to see it, all one needs to do is look for it. With eyes open, during a walk around St. Joseph Lake, this blue heron was spotted taking a break on the pathway to Duck Island. Usually seen at St. Mary's Lake, this heron now splits time between the two lakes, perhaps because St. Mary's has seen an explosion of fishermen since the start of school. On having his picture taken, this blue heron non-verbaled, "Next time, please knock at the gate!" 

The few...

Hall Heroes: The Ed's Crew

... the culinary gifted, the Ed's Crew. Yesterday marked the reopening of the Hall's beloved eatery, Ed's, and once again, it is raining pizza sticks, paninis, milkshakes, and much more. But how does this all happen? How does this culinary goodness find its way to a paper plate? It's because of these dedicated men- the Ed's Crew. From sandwiches artists to culinary representatives, these are the Stedsmen who fill the hungry stomachs of their fellow Stedsmen. Why? For the smiles. Yes, the smiles they see on the faces of their satisfied customers. They are, seated from left to right, James Cook, Kyle Crudele, and Henry Bergstrom, standing from left to right, Mark Giugliano, Jared Walsh, Alex Morrison and Parker Imlay. On seeing the Ed's Crew, a new freshman, speaking on the condition of anonymity, said, "Someday I want to be a part of the crew!"

When it rains...

Henry Bergstrom: all smiles cooking the first pizza sticks for the year

... it pours! Yesterday, Stedsmen saw the return of their beloved King, and today, they saw the opening of their favorite hall eatery... Ed's! Established in 2010 during the Renaissance of St. Ed's by President Fritz Schoenhut, Ed's quickly became the place for Stedsmen to satisfy their late night cravings. Offering a fare of paninis, milkshakes, pizza sticks, and much more,  Ed's won over the discerning pallets of the Stedsmen so that every night was an Ed's night. And if you didn't come for the food than you came for the free smiles because like the Olive Garden you're always family at Ed's. So, tonight it rained paninis, milkshakes, and pizza sticks... and just in time too for the Bears Packers game. On the opening night of Ed's, Parker Imlay, Steds senior and manager of Ed's, said, "St. Ed's without Ed's would be like Ed's without pizza sticks." Indeed, Parker... indeed!

Remember the...

St. Ed: You look marvelous!

... 4th of September! Yes, all Stedsmen will remember the 4th of September. This day will be a perpetual memorial for the Hall marking the return of the patron, St. Edward, King and Confessor. Back after an extensive refurbishing, St. Edward returned to campus and his plinth in St. Edward's Park unceremonious. Indeed, there was no triumphant return for the patron as he arrived in the back of a GMC pickup truck (see below). Arriving when most students were in class, two workmen quickly returned St. Ed to his perch. Once again, reigning over his realm, St. Ed's Park, and guarding the apple of his eye, St. Edward's Hall, St. Ed is back looking better than ever and a feeling of security and peace has descend upon us all. On St. Ed's return, Peter Ferraro, Steds freshman and resident New Jerseyan, said, "Today, September 4th, will always remain a special date for me because during my first meeting with Fr. Ralph, I witnessed the statue of St. Edward being placed in its rightful position. Having the statue standing on the pedestal once again is an amazing way to kickoff the school year. I look forward to celebrating St. Edward’s return with all of the Stedsmen!"

MUST SEE: WATCH THIS VIDEO

Ferraro with an empty plinth...

...which Junior Jake Harris took advantage of...

... as did their rector... one last time!

My king, my king... in the back of a pickup truck!

For the kids...

Resting on their laurels: Pres. Gambardella, V.P. O'Brien, and V.P. Merrick

... the Flounge, the first floor lounge, was remodeled over the summer. Initiated by the outgoing administration of President Cole Edwards, steered by a blue ribbon committee, and guided to complete by the new administration of President Josh Gambardella, the Flounge has emerged refreshed and renewed in a way that no one thought possible. Yes, it has become the proverbial pièce de résistance for the oldest and most storied residence hall at Notre Dame. We thank the vision and leadership of many Gentlemen, but we would be remiss if we did not thank all of YOU and your fantastic support during Notre Dame Day. Indeed, what we enjoy today is all thanks to you, and we are MOST grateful. 

On the transforming of the Flounge, which is also the gathering place for the weekly Hall Council Meeting, Vice President Dan O'Brien, Steds Junior and Bengal Bouts Champion, said, "The new Flounge decor is both proud and elegant. Spending time in there imparts feelings of power, humility, and community. I am personally 120% more productive since I began spending time in our new Flounge” while fellow Vice President, Ben Merrick, Steds junior and aspiring, said, “The remodeled Flounge is a true masterpiece. With tasteful new furniture and a rekindled sense of home, this re-done space is a perfect hangout for the St. Ed’s Gentlemen.” Still yet, Josh Gambardella, Hall President wanted to add his two cents, and declared, "Our new first floor lounge reminds me of a penthouse suite in Soho, Manhattan. There’s no better place to kick back and hang out with fellow Stedsmen. It was also most recently the destination of our first Hall Council of the 2019-2020 Academic Year, and the place is still buzzing.”

Finally, Fr. Ralph said, "As a Hall, we have truly entered into a realm that no one thought possible- the high gilded golden age of Steds. Fr. Sorin would be proud. Roll Steds."

On this Labor Day...

A view of the Dome on Labor Day morning 

... there was no rest from labors here at Notre Dame. Unfortunately, that was the case as classes were session. A surprise to many for sure, and an air of severe disappointment wafted throughout the Hall. Still, giving up this one holiday between the 4th of July and Thanksgiving will allow for Fall Break... well, that's what the registrar tells us... as he enjoys Labor Day off. On having to go to class on Labor Day, Keegan Grealish, Steds freshman, said, “The Stedsmen’s eternal thirst for knowledge made classes on Labor Day a real treat.”

Your Sunday picture...

A summer time scene

... from Notre Dame. Here's a view of Mary and the Main Building as the sun sets. Thanks to the sun, not only do the clouds look surreal but also the Dome. Throw in some assorted color impatiens in the foreground, and what you got is a very special picture for the blog. Enjoy your Sunday wherever you may be!