As the calendar turns

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maf

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Apr 16, 2026, 4:41:49 PMApr 16
to Exile Ultimate
This weekend marks the beginning of the 30th year of this ultimate game. We first played in April of 1997, and I remember the date well. My brother Mike was down visiting from Watertown, MA because his first child was due in the end of June and he thought this would be the last time we could hang out together for a weekend before his life changed. My nephew (and godson) decided he had been inside long enough and the weekend that started with our first exile ultimate game ended with a frantic overnight drive from Philly to Boston to try to get him back in time for the delivery. In the pre-cellphone era, this was quite a ride as I drove straight through and wouldn't let him drive as he was alternately catatonic and manic on the ride. We missed the birth by about five hours but Liam turns 29 next week and is engaged.

Only 3 or 4 of the 13 players in that game ever played before so it was pretty comical but fun. By the fall of that year we began playing every week and have only missed for weather and pandemics since. I'm the only one still playing regularly. Dave and Mine are deceased, Pete & Mara married each other and live in Jenkintown but no longer play, Mahmet moved to Connecticut, Todd lives in Center City and we still get together for concerts and occasional high stakes Scrabble, Alexa lives in Center City and is the only person I know with a busier social calendar than Rick. Anna later married a different Todd who she met through the game and they live in Thailand doing charity work for trafficking victims. Mike still lives in Massachusetts and has played with us a few more times but mostly plays old guy rugby. I've lost touch with Joyce who lives in Jenkintown, Sukumar who moved to Baltimore, and Brenda moved to somewhere out west.

This game has been almost half my life, thanks to all of you for being part of it. It's been a lot of laughs.

Marty

Keith Karn

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Apr 16, 2026, 4:47:48 PMApr 16
to maf, Exile Ultimate
Thanks for the history Marty. 
Great memories.

Keith 

Keith Karn
Mobile: 215-531-1521


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Jesse Weisz

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Apr 16, 2026, 5:11:41 PMApr 16
to Keith Karn, maf, Exile Ultimate
Thanks Marty! I had never heard all of the details before.

I am missing you all, but enjoying life here in New Zealand. A few updates! I played in a summer league and my team finished in third place. There is also a weekly pickup game on Sundays, which is waaaay too intense for me, but the only option for a year-round game that is nearby. In April, I will be playing in an indoor league which is across the street from my house.

My wife has settled in well with her job at Auckland University of Technology. My daughter finds school here too easy and laid back, but that is probably a healthier way to teach, especially with AI making the future so hard to plan for. 

Auckland is a lovely place to be. Within ten minutes from me I can go on hikes:
  • Along the ocean with views of Rangitoto volcano, passing four different beaches.
  • In a cow pasture that was formerly a golf course.
  • In a gorgeous wetland sanctuary for birds
  • In the largest native bush remnant on the Auckland isthmus.
  • Up several different Volcanos


 I do hope some of you can come by for a visit. Our plan is to visit Philadelphia in early June of 2027.

Regards,
Jesse


Jesse Weisz | Executive Director

GEEO Teacher Travel Programs

p: 1-347-433-6674

m: 1-202-725-2151

w: geeo.org 

e: jes...@geeo.org

pro: He/Him/His

  




Sheila Kineke

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Apr 16, 2026, 10:14:58 PMApr 16
to Jesse Weisz, Keith Karn, maf, Exile Ultimate
Thanks for the history, Marty, and to Jesse for the update and pics. It looks beautiful there!
Sheila Kineke


On Apr 16, 2026, at 5:11 PM, Jesse Weisz <je...@geeo.org> wrote:


Thanks Marty! I had never heard all of the details before.

I am missing you all, but enjoying life here in New Zealand. A few updates! I played in a summer league and my team finished in third place. There is also a weekly pickup game on Sundays, which is waaaay too intense for me, but the only option for a year-round game that is nearby. In April, I will be playing in an indoor league which is across the street from my house.

My wife has settled in well with her job at Auckland University of Technology. My daughter finds school here too easy and laid back, but that is probably a healthier way to teach, especially with AI making the future so hard to plan for. 

Auckland is a lovely place to be. Within ten minutes from me I can go on hikes:
  • Along the ocean with views of Rangitoto volcano, passing four different beaches.
  • In a cow pasture that was formerly a golf course.
  • In a gorgeous wetland sanctuary for birds
  • In the largest native bush remnant on the Auckland isthmus.
  • Up several different Volcanos

<IMG_4365.jpeg>

Tom Normile

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Apr 17, 2026, 10:38:12 AMApr 17
to Jesse Weisz, Keith Karn, maf, Exile Ultimate
Marty:  Thanks so much for the history.  You should be very proud of what you started.

Jesse:  We miss you too.  Photos look awesome...

Tom

To view this discussion visit https://groups.google.com/d/msgid/exile-ultimate/CAGqsXP4KVtifWQ7AeWEuoeomA3S_5paCKd-Y1zC_tTiO6fjenw%40mail.gmail.com.
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