Frank 'Scotti' Carter, Avid Volunteer and Holder of Several Senior Records, Passes Away
Posted Wednesday, 10 October, 2007
(Plymouth, Massachusetts...October 2007) ‘Youth’ is a relative term…certainly a word befitting a teenager who anxiously awaits that special day when the cap and gown becomes the reward for satisfying years invested in public school life. For those at the other end of the age spectrum, cliché are the expressions ‘you’re as young as you feel’ and ‘you certainly have aged well’. But for Frank ‘Scotti’ Carter of Sandwich (MA), age is simply a random number…and for his 90 years, Scotti has lived with the calendar in reverse, becoming more ambitious and goal-driven as years pass.
Scotti closed his eyes one final time on Saturday, September 15 after battling a long illness; but even though no longer with us physically, his ‘being’ will forever linger with those whose lives he touched. Perhaps the most appropriate memories are best illustrated by the Sandwich Community School Pool Coordinators for whom Scotti worked during his 20 years of volunteer service through the spring of 2007. Readers, however, should be aware of amazing running records he established as reported by USA Track & Field New England from the 2002 Masters Age Records booklet (performances up through October 31, 2001):
Outdoor, 1500 Meters:
· Time of 5 minutes, 4.3 seconds (5:04.3) at age 69 set 6/14/86 (world and US best);
· Time of 5:28.5 at age 75 set 6/28/92 (world and US best)
Mile:
· Time of 5:57.2 at age 75 set 7/12/92
3000 Meters:
· Time of 12:04.0 at age 75 set 7/12/92
Indoor Track, Mile:
· Time of 5:32.4 at age 70 set 3/15/87 (best ever by 70 year old, indoor or outdoor)
Scotti’s most current Pool Coordinator, Maria Richard, would marvel at his eternal energy…early each volunteer morning bounding onto the Sandwich High pool deck delivering his usual cheerful ‘HOWYADOING’ greeting…then tackling a half-hour of floor exercises and an hour of water aerobics instruction. According to Maria, Scotti loved to teach and to see people challenge themselves. He would volunteer for anything and was a master at engaging in conversation with everyone, especially newcomers to the pool and its programs.
Sherry Romanowicz, who preceded Ms. Richard as Pool Coordinator, also saw Scotti as a true friend to all…one who inspired and one who had the uncanny ability to remember the name and personal interests of every lifeguard and swim team member at the pool. Sherry comments ‘my water exercise class were always awed by Scotti’s ability to complete 120 sit-ups…which probably kept them from complaining about their own abdominal workout!’ She adds ‘I will miss his singing, his ever-cheerful smile and his ability to have an encouraging word for everyone from the gifted athlete to the senior trying to get back into shape after surgery.’
Joan Nagle, Scotti’s first Pool Coordinator, indicated ‘he was a true mentor to many of us as he never let his life shrink…and boy did he love to volunteer!’ Scotti was a volunteer fixture at every New England Triathlon Tour short-course event and many a Cape Cod road race.
Like a teenage ‘youth’, Scotti had many satisfying years invested in public school life. Proud of his family (particularly his grandchildren), Scotti did not receive a cap and gown for as his reward for his work at Sandwich Community School. He did not need that. Trophies and certificates of achievement were not for him. Scotti’s reward was in teaching…in mentoring…in befriending. Simply…in giving. Scotti, you broke the mold. Run on friend. Run on.
For Further Information Contact:
Rich Havens/ New England Triathlon Tour
48 Great Kame; Plymouth, MA 02360
Phone: (508)-224-3601
Web: www.timeoutproductions.com; E-mail: rich@timeoutproductions.com
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