Comment Rescue: Copeland Founded What?
Yesterday some Copeland booster posted Charlie’s “Challenge Program” email in the comment section. It reads in part…
In the late 1990s, I co-founded a non-profit organization called the Challenge Program. The Challenge Program’s construction apprenticeship program allows youth in New Castle County the opportunity to learn construction skills and provides many youth with tangible skills that they can use for years after they leave the program.
Recently, the Challenge Program was featured in a News Journal article entitled, “Youths help build a better life for others just like them.” I wanted to share this story with you because it is critically important that we provide our children with the education and the experiences they need to be successful in life. The Challenge Program is just one example of a program that has been successful at doing just that. (emphasis added)
That’s awesome right? Good for Charlie for having “co-founded” such a worthy program in the late 1990’s. Except wait a second…from the Challenge Program’s web site we learn the following:
Challenge Program History
The Challenge Program originated by offering small craft workshops to at-risk youth in 1995. Since then over 700 students have built and learned to paddle small boats at our Wilmington boat shop. Once a part of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, the Challenge Program obtained a separate 501(c)3 designation and a dedicated board of directors in 1999.
So in the mid-1990’s the program existed as part of the Kalmar Nyckel Foundation, but Copeland later “co-founded” it as a stand alone program in the late 1990’s. Was Copeland part of the Kalmar Nyckle Foundation that founded it? Maybe. But if so, why not say so?
I mean it is all good that Charlie helped get 501(c)3 status in 1999 for a program that had be going since ’95 – but c’mon, saying you founded it – when you just inherited it? That’s a bit much.
Then again taking credit for things they inherit is part of the GOP culture. What did Anne Richards say about George Bush? He was born on third base and thought he hit a triple.
“I wanted to share this story with you because it is critically important that we provide our children with the education and the experiences they need to be successful in life.”
Yea right ! He walks away from traditional public school and proclaims charter schools a success when in fact 24% of Delaware charter schools fail to meet the standards.
“In the late 1990s, I co-founded a non-profit organization called the Challenge Program”
What an egotistic comment! Why didn’t he name the other co-founders and there is never an “I” in teamwork!
Dam Charlie, “we” where in the hell were “we” during the aftermath of the Red Clay Financial Meltdown? It’s critical that we have leadership representative of all the people not special interest.
The Challenge Program was founded in the early 1990s by a good friend, and then Winterthur wood conservator, Mike Podmaniczky. The program was absorbed into the Kalmar Nyckel organization within a year or so before being once again spun off as a seperate non-profit.
I have lost track of the program, and am delighted to read that it has continued with its original vision of involving city youth in developing the craft of woodworking. They do stunning work, in contrast to the usual practice of training folks to hang sheetrock.
We can salute Charlie Copeland for supporting the program and serving as board president. Programs like this need patrons.
But my friend Mike, who I am sure is happy to see his vision being carried forward, deserves the credit as the true founder of the Challenge Program. Even the original logo, the sketch of a wooden boat frame, dates back to his creation of the program.
I liked Kilroy’s comment that “there is no I in team.” At least Lee has learned that lesson: “there is no ‘I’ in drunk.”
I should have mentioned that Mike remains on the Challenge board, at least according to the website. Mike left to work in England last year.
“Then again taking credit for things they inherit is part of the GOP culture”
Oh come on. Politicians on both sides of the aisle do that.
Between “saving” the Blue Water Wind project and “co-founding” this program Charlie has been busy.
At least that is Rick Jensen’s take.
It all depends on what the meaning of “is” is.
Well, it takes a lot of work to keep up with all the stuff
MinnerCarney is taking credit for.True dat.
co-founded, my guess is he is taking credit for writing a check.
also, anyone notice how ofter Al’s blog is on/off/on/off the wdel website?
Jenson on air denying what he said about Copeland. Claims he answered it…charlie copeland statement by him is a “stated point of fact”, thats not what he said on the air!
Rick never mentioned John Kowalko on that day, never gave John an ounce of credit for all his hard work.
John Kowalkos voice was more than “influential Rick”, he dogged the issue from the legislature.
Rick backstepping! Who has the tape of that show…put it up.
Wrong thread, Liz. Please try to keep up.