High School Time is Bullying Time
Social bullying, sometimes referred to as relational bullying, involves hurting someone’s relationships. Social bullying includes:
- Leaving someone out on purpose
- Telling other children not to be friends with someone
- Spreading rumors about someone
Scott Goold has devoted his adult life to standing up to bullies. As a union vice president, Scott protected his minority female coworkers. In the 1990s, Scott directed a social coalition, MASCOT, to prevent youngsters from initiating tobacco, drinking alcohol or using illicit drugs.
Scott took on Big Tobacco, TobaccoFreedom, assisting states in their legal action with the multi-billion dollar Master Settlement Agreement (1998), and helped pass Clean Indoor Air ordinances to end second-hand smoking.
Scott continued work to extend protections to families living in apartments, Citizens for Clean Air in Apartments (CCAA), and exposed tobacco industry deceptions in various states, Project Smokeout. Scott stands up to bullies — corporate or high school.
Scott Goold unfortunately had to stand up to bullying from his former classmates. They pushed him out, blocked Scott from their social media pages, as well as the class Facebook page, and obstructed his efforts to hold a class vote on the Reunion 50 agenda. The pettiness is shocking — over a classmate gathering.
At the committee's initial meeting, members who worked on the 40th reunion demanded to use the same agenda for Reunion 50: Ray Allen, Bob Brown, Ann Jesse Driever and Jeff Waldron were forceful, "Why reinvent the wheel."
The LDS Mormons wanted to take the easy path. Didn't want classmates to vote; didn't want to consider options. Simple format. Not much effort. They joined the committee for personal status; not your interests. Scott Goold came to work. We're retired, said Scott. Let's have some fun!
Scott therefore championed an enhanced format. Susan Mattivi-Gierga had urged Scott to make this recommendation. An enhanced agenda however would require a complex web application for organizational control, communication, voting and registration. Scott built a web app (at right).
Susan Mattivi-Gierga warned Scott members were hostile to change:
Sometimes you have to do more than wait. I wouldn't assume it's a territorial thing until you speak with her. (Maybe you can tell — I'm not one to stand by)
I hope that didn't come across as rude. I'm completely happy to let someone else do it as long as it is getting done. It's important to me.
Susan had a rough time in high school. She hoped for a fun reunion:
Today, I regret my choice to essentially blow off high school. There was so much to learn there. It could have been a 3-year walk in the park. But, I was so anxious to escape the reality of my life in the house with a flat roof on Jefferson.
Leaving Someone Out on Purpose
Jeff Waldron and Bob Brown refused to coordinate with Scott on the integration of the website. Using the website application, the committee could contact classmates "en mass" — by sending out a blast communication at once. Classmates could return to the website and vote on Reunion 50 format and agenda.
Ann Jesse Driever admitted people from "Poky" didn't understand how an automated website application functions. Scott assigned Susan Mattivi-Gierga to give them a tour. The web app appeared to scare members:
Sorry. I don't know what a URL is. Just live in Poky. I'm [in] for what ever you guys want. Just let me know how to access it. [Ann Driever]
Susan Mattivi-Gierga explained how the group rejected the web app and preferred an "old school" manual process:
Bob was to get whatever list you have accumulated to add to our master list and then divide them up. [Susan Mattivi-Gierga]
Bob Brown's plan was to distribute 50-100 names to each committee member and then have them contact classmates one-by-one. Time consuming. Burdensome. Much paperwork. Easy to make mistakes. And, committee members could "steer" or suggest the agenda they wanted. Wasn't an unbiased or efficient process.
Scott's plan was to "hit a button" on the web app, email all classmates at once, direct them back to the Agenda Option's page on the website, and have the classmate vote for preferences. Vote summaries would be live, in real time, and instantaneous. The committee would have a running, dynaic record of classmate choices and totals. Planning could be simplified.
Spreading Rumors About Someone
On behalf of Susan Mattivi-Gierga, Scott had championed the plan to have classmates vote on a simple or enhanced agenda. This stance put Scott at odds with other members — isolating him. Scott left the committee and began using the website to notify classmates of the obstruction.
Scott was no longer part of the committee. Susan became frustrated with the committee process as well:
I am very disappointed, but, I cannot work on this committee. [Susan Mattivi-Gierga]
Susan blamed Scott:
From my perspective you have turned everything into a YOU vs. US.
Now it feels fucked up and I'm out. [Susan Mattivi-Gierga]
Susan spread a horrific and false rumor about Scott:
Following your last text, I spoke with one of our committee and we determined what we would like to see (or NOT see) on the class website ie your penis). [Susan Mattivi-Gierga]
What a terrifying thing to say about a man. Wasn't true. Scott called Susan that afternoon, evening for Susan. Susan sceamed at Scott. She was like an "insane person" and hung up on their conversation. Scott's wife overheard. She asked Scott why he participated with people who treated him this way.
Committee members resigned May 22nd. When informed, Scott assumed chair role the next day. Ann Jesse Driever refused to forward class funds; Jeff Waldron "stole" Scott's intellectual property, posted to the class Facebook page without permission, and refused to transfer the class Facebook page to Scott.
After hanging up on Scott, Susan Mattivi-Gierga now refuses to transfer a copy of the most-updated class roster. Scott has battled obstinate members who are working to sabotage his efforts. Scott wrote letters, sent text and posted web articles hoping to motivate members to end the negative and bullying behavior.
Joy Black Hartley added to the bullying campaign against Scott:
The things your are sending me are very disrespectful to our former classmates and I do not want to have any contact with a person (you) that continually tries to tear apart the class of 1975 with slander, bullying, and mistruths. [Joy Black Hartley]
Scott responded to Joy Black Hartley:
Thank you! I simply tell truths. If I have misstated something, you have an obligation to bring the issue to my attention if you are honorable. I’ve always “fought” for the class. Do have concerns about a FEW MEMBERS dictating choices and obstructing others. Appreciate the feedback.
“Just honor my request” — “slander” and “mistruths” — you seek honor. So do I. You falsely accused me. I’ve always treated you with respect. My focus has been on others who chose to disrespect me.
Now, if you seek honor, you must justify and support your claims of slander and mistruths. You’re essentially calling me a liar. I deny these allegations. You are smearing me. That’s not honorable. Please back up your claims or apologize for the unsupported charges. Calling me a “bully” is your opinion.
A woman who is a boss is called a “bitch.
A man who is a boss is called a “bully.”
I admit to DEMANDING our classmates vote on the agenda and format of Reunion 50. If you consider me a bully, I accept the criticism. I do not accept false charges.
Please HONOR my request. Support the claims or apologize. Thank you!
Joy Black Hartley refused to respond. As bullies do, she "gaslighted" Scott for defending himself, and had no justification for the claims. Joy denied Scott's numerous requests for help ending the obstruction.
Telling Other Children Not to be Friends with Someone
Scott had politely asked Jeff Waldron to transfer the class Facebook page to him when they spoke. Jeff ignored him. Scott officially asked Jeff Waldron to cease using his intellectual property. Jeff defied him. Scott filed a legal complaint.
On June 1st, Jeff wrote, "I'm done! When do you want the Facebook page?"
Scott responded courteously, Good morning. You can transfer login credentials to me here using text. We can end this matter. Thank you!
Jeff didn't comply. Jeff didn't transfer the login information. Jeff stopped communication and blocked Scott from his personal Facebook account (right), unfriendng Scott after 10+ years, and blocked Scott from the class Facebook page (right).
Jeff Waldron blocked Scott because Jeff was cheating Scott and classmates, and Scott stood up to Jeff's bullying.
Ann Jesse Driever continues to ignore Scott's requests to formally transfer authority and class funds so Reunion 50 could get to work.
Roy Allen claimed Ann was on vacation and unavailable:
Hi Scott, missed your call. FYI Ann left last Friday for her planned week long vacation. Please give her time next week to address what you want. A little patience on your part about now would go a long way.
Roy
Wasn't true. Ann was posting to her Facebook account and instructing former committee members to frustrate Reunion 50 efforts. The enhanced agenda required time to plan and prepare. Delay closed the window of opportunity. Ray refused to assist Scott to end Ann's obstruction and allow committee progress to continue.
Scott wrote to Roy:
[Ann] posted to Facebook yesterday. Can't have this confusion. Takes only a minute to text me formal resignation. I can wait on Class funds. Need materials from Jeff and Susan immediately. No reason to obstruct our efforts. Please ask them to cooperate! Thank you!
Ann was deceiving Roy. Ann was intentionally ignoring Scott and urging other children on Facebook not to work with him. Scott only required a 30-second text message, and Ann was active on Facebook. (right)
Ann Jesse Driever had been avoiding Scott:
Scott. I’m not trying to avoid you. As you know I had back surgery 3 weeks ago. Still trying to recover. I’ve been walking around 2 miles a day which takes a toll on my body. We don’t recover as we did in our 20’s. 😜.
Scott has undergone five major surgeries. Ann is not being truthful. Patients text from their hospital bed. Ann is intentionally obstructing Scott. Ann apparently wants to frustrate Reunion 50 efforts. Takes 30 seconds to send a text. Instead, Ann is saying, "Don't play with Scott. Let's sabotage his efforts."
Grumpy Grannie Ann Jesse Driever sent a text to Scott Goold (6.9.24: right). She's available to chat. She's not willing to attempt ending this conflict. Scott's intuition about this situation has been spot on. Ann, Bob, Jeff, Joy and Roy — The LDS Mormons — never wanted to team with Scott in the first place.
These selfish, spiteful and hateful hillbillies want to plan your 50th reunion. 🤣 Maybe you can have drinks by the cement pond.
Scott. I’m not trying to avoid you ... no, Ann. Try not. Do or do not. There is no try.
Fear of Technology
For an unknown reason, previous committee members work to ensure Reunion 50 committee fails their mission to allow classmates to vote. We are doing the best we can to recover Class of 1975 funds and property. We unfortunately are compelled to share this negative behavior. Your 50th reunion is priceless. We only get one shot at this opportunity.
Scott Goold designed and created a database-driven web app that allowed mass communication with classmates, voting and registration of preferences, as well as payment. Committee members from the 40th didn't need an elaborate information management system. They hosted only a Friday Meet & Greet, and Saturday Dinner. The more enhanced Reuion 50 proposal requires sophisticated communications.
It's a simple question. Scott is open, transparent and seeking to talk. Other members have blocked all communication. Scott just wants classmates to vote. Other members DENY Scott the resources he needs to hold a vote. Why?
The technology scared the Poky Kids. They pushed Scott out.
Sorry. I don't know what a URL is. Just live in Poky. I'm [in] for what ever you guys want. Just let me know how to access it. [Ann Driever, 40th committee chair]
Jeff Waldron Blocks Scott Goold from his personal page
Jeff Waldron Blocks Scott Goold from the class Facebook page
Ann Driever Deceives Roy Allen. Tells Others Not to Play with Scott
Ann Driever Blocks Scott Goold from her Facebook page
Ann Driever Sends Note to Scott Goold
Ann Jesse Driever sent a short text (6.9.24), "The most joyful human being." Scott Goold responded positively, "Yay!!! So happy to finally hear from you. Maybe we can get this tension resovled."
Scott has always been the eternal optimist. Wishful thinking again. Ann did not respond. Scot made numerous attempts to start communication flowing. Nada!
Scott concluded, "OK. Apparently you did not want to talk. I'll note this incident in my web article. I can be joyful. I can battle. Depends on the behavior of others."
Ann could have resolved this tension today. She had promised to forward materials and authority to the Reunion 50 committee after May 23rd. Now, she continues to frustrate the transfer. Has cost the committee over two weeks in lost time and added distress for others.
Ann suggests sarcastically that Scott is "joyful." How can Scott be joyful around cruel people like Ann and her Mormon friends? Today is Sunday, by the way. Maybe she should go to church and ask Jesus about this behavior.
Grumpy Grannie Ann Driever Explains Her Note to Scott Goold
Grumpy Grannie Ann wrote (6.9.24), "So sorry to everyone. I was outside putting up my swimming pool and must have bumm dialed the whole committee. Nothing to say. Sorry again. Have a good day."
Scott Goold responded, "Thanks Ann! Shows my read on the situation is spot on. Nothing to say means not enough COURAGE and HONOR to end conflict. What an enlightened learning experience this has been for me. Friend came to visit. We had a blast watching a surf contest at our swimming pool."
"I'll add your latest comments to my article ... 'putting up my swimming pool'" 🤣
"You mean the cement pond, don't ya! Hillbilly Grumpy Grannie Ann. Found an updated picture of you ... HaHaHaHaHa!!!"