Related Interests
Scott has a number of interests that reflect how he “walks the walk” in his personal as well as professional life. One of these is cooking. While not a professional chef, Scott has been accused of serving gourmet meals to family and friends. He enjoys preparing good meals with a careful selection of ingredients, using organic selections wherever possible and practical. Another example of "walking the walk" is Scott has contracted with Trinity Solar to have a 8.26 Kilowatt Photovoltaic Solar system installed, which is projected to offset 90%+ of his electric usage.
Scott also has a strong interest in photography. With a deep appreciation for nature and a desire to preserve it for the sake of our planet and future generations, Scott felt strongly about having his photographs on this web site. Some were taken on his annual trip to the SRI Conference. (Please go to www.sriconference.com for more information on this conference). Photographs shown include Bryce Canyon in Utah, a sunset in Castine Maine, and Falling Water in Western Pennsylvania, which is Frank Lloyd Wright’s masterpiece, known for its enhancement of the natural site.
Having a strong interest in the arts, Scott is fortunate to own a timeshare in New York City where he stays while enjoying performances of operas, ballet, Broadway shows, recitals, and concerts. He also enjoys time spent in New York’s many museums, central park, and of course, some excellent restaurants. When it comes to music, most of the time, Scott listens to classical, opera, and Jazz. However, being a child of the sixties, Scott grew up listening to and playing rock n’ roll as a bassist. In fact, Scott’s band from the ‘60’s, the Gross National Product (GNP) gets together once a year for a reunion concert at Waynesburg University in Waynesburg, Pa.
The annual GNP concert has become a tradition at the University, and April 27, 2019 marked the 49th year that the event has taken place. Of the original 6 members, Scott and two others formed the nucleus of the band, and were joined by 40 additional musicians and singers this year. The concert, offered free to the students and the community, featured many types of music, including Bluegrass, Jazz, Classical, Folk, Country, Rhythm & Blues, plus good old Rock n’ Roll. Scott serves as principal bassist and also as the musical director for the event.
As such, he manages rehearsals, writes many of the arrangements, and organizes the many types of music for a well balanced show that showcases many talented performers. When asked how he does this each year, Scott stated that he uses the model that he brings to Financial Planning. As a CFP®, Scott applies the same comprehensive and synergistic way of thinking to organizing the event that he applies to organizing his clients multi-faceted financial lives. He is able to bring together many seemingly disconnected songs, musicians, arrangements, and other elements to craft a show that has filled the house for 49 years and has the University invite the band to return each year. The 50th and final concert, scheduled for April 25, 2020, was postponed due to Covid 19. It is now tentatively scheduled for May 21 or 28, 2022.
Scott has a strong charitable interest, touching on several related areas. At his local church, Red Bank United Methodist, Scott has served on the investment and finance committees, in addition to his ongoing management of the church’s Restricted Gift Account’ in an SRI portfolio. For many years, he served as the chairman of the Stewardship committee, organizing the annual pledge drive to fund the church’s annual budget.
In the area of Human Rights, Scott supports a number of powerful and effective charitable organizations. These include the ASPCA and the Monmouth County SPCA which express a commitment to the adoption of homeless animals as pets. Directly related to his work with Socially Responsible Investing, Scott supports Green America, GreenAmericaToday.org, formerly Co-Op America.
Consistent with his strong interest in animal rights, Scott is strongly opposed to the barbaric practice of testing consumer products on animals, as well as “harvesting” animals solely for their fur. Towards this end he supports several animal right’s organizations such as the International Fund for Animal Welfare www.ifaw.org. Sadly, last year Scott lost the last of his four “boys”, who was a cat named “Barley” – his brother was named “Oats”. He will be adopting two siblings when the right ones come along” – probably through the Monmouth County SPCA.