Marists All: Issue #107 March 2012
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Issue number 107 March 2012
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http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
8087; 609-294-2148;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Rich Foy: 24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603;
845-454-1393;
Richard.foy@verizon.net
Gus Nolan: 65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603;
845-454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141;
386-426-6349;
jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
Rob Schmid: 1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016;
847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Christine Columban
sends updated information about the
Marist Laity Program, including access to Fr. Edwin Keel's
recent presentation on the Liturgy.
Bill('53) and Marge Deschene
write of his admiration for
Brother John Francis on the feast of Our Lady Of Guadeloupe.
Rich Foy
('46) asks for help to locate photos of buildings near
the Poughkeepsie Novitiate
Pat Gallagher
'53 while remembering Ceil McNiff's care of
Charlie McNiff thinks of the debt of gratitude former brothers
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owe to their wonderful wives.
Ron Guglielmo
'68 a recent reader of MaristsAll tells us of his
background and his many friends among the Marists.
Karen Douglas Johnson
, a retired professor at Salve Regina
University, shares her memories of the McNiff family.
Robert Judge
'63 give an interesting account of his career since
leaving the Novitiate.
Joe McMahon
'51 did not write, but his instructions to join
Vision Circles are listed for your use.
Ceil McNiff
wrote a short note to MaristsAll readers the
morning her husband Frank McNiff '51 died.
Gus Nolan
'48 sends us a letter he received from Robert
Pinard's wife June. They were married 42 years.
John "oke" O'Connell
'58 sends us news of Ob/Wats' members
and of the events scheduled for this summer.
Vince Poisella
'58 describes the plans for the endgame of the
current format of MaristsAll and shows how to become a
member of Vision Circles with direction for us dummies.
Jack Ryan
'60 has brief but charming words as he envisions the
changes in MaristsAll.
Bro Edmund Sheehan
'59 appreciates the work done on the
Marist cemeteries by Gus Nolan and published in the November
Newsletter.
Gene Zirkel
'53 recalls his time at Cardinal Hayes with Brother
James Venantius Gaffney and his admiration for JV.
Marist Spirtuality Weekend
scheduled for July 13, 14, 15, 2012
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In Memoriam
- a list of recently departed B/brothers.
Marist Spirituality Weekend
Marist College
July 13, 14, 15, 2012
In July 1995, a group of the Brothers, former brothers and
spouses came together for a weekend at Marist College. It was
part a time of reflection, a time of retreat, and a time of
reunion. These many years later, a group fewer in number but
stronger in resolve continues to gather at the College to share
the journey begun through the spirit of Champagnat and
continued by a sense of community and willingness to grow in
that same spirit. The central focus this year is Marist
Discipleship: Human and Spiritual Growth over the Life Span.
Marists All readers are encouraged to join us.
Express interest or direct questions to Vince Poisella at the
address, phone number, or email above. Further information
will be sent out shortly concerning the program.
Reservations may be made by sending a deposit of $25 to
Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY, 12538, by
June 1, 2012. Checks should be payable to The Marist
Brothers. The remaining balance is due upon arrival at Marist
College. The cost of the weekend, including six meals and
lodging at Marist College, is $185.00 per person or $330.00
per couple.
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The Marists All Endgame
From VINCE POISELLA '58: As each of you are aware, we are
nearing the end of the quarterly Marists All process begun
almost twenty-five years ago. I know that you share my
misgivings. I am having a difficult time closing things out
although I know it is time. Something in me still wants to keep
the lines open so that our readers might share and, in addition,
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benefit by the sharing of others in the Marist world.
Although enough material surfaces for each new issue, we
know in our hearts that it is a matter of time when our editorial
staff will be forced to close shop. Rather than wait for that
moment, we are trying to be proactive and transition into
something that is more dependent on the individual contributor
than on the editors.
I keep pumping out an additional issue, and Rich continues to
keep current our Marists All web site with the same enthusiasm
and expertise that he has shown over these last several years
by keeping up with the changes in the electronic age. Our
readers are still informed by Rob of each issue and of
important events, and Gus and David muster energy to provide
still another print copy for the more traditional readers.
At this point I am planning two more issues. This February
2012 issue - a month late since I was traveling - will be
followed by a July/August issue. That issue may be the last one
using this format.
Aside from our editorial team, I want to express gratitude to
Br. Sean Sammon, Tony Miserandino, and Joe McMahon for
stepping forward to help find direction for a new format. After
much discussion with each, I felt that the most convenient
format to continue Marists All is a recommendation made by
Joe McMahon. He has set up for us the use of a web site that
will serve as an avenue for our readers to share with others
among our Marists All group of readers and writers.
This site, Vision Exchange, can do what the newsletter did plus
more. In addition to being able to access posted articles, a
member will be able to interact on line with the group or
contact each other via email.
In the words of Joe McMahon, "the Vision Circles program was
not written for the Marists All community. The Vision Exchange
part, however, can be used to achieve the aims of Marists All.
The Vision Circles program is, to use a fancy word, a meta-
theory, to help people dialogue with each other by getting in
touch with their best thinking.
It 's like traditional meditation practices dressed up in more or
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less modern clothing. Having been in the counseling
psychology business in schools and a mental health center, I
discovered how little reflection was going on. It seemed to me
that the dominant approach to human development was
mechanical."
With that in mind, these are the steps to take to access the
Marists All part of the Vision Exchange site:
1. Click onto www.visioncircles.net.
2. Click onto Vision Exchange on the heading.
3. Click on: JOIN US NOW; IT'S FREE. Follow
instructions to register.
4. When Vision Exchange pops up, enter
username (own name) and an individual
password. Log in.
5. Click on profile and enter information
appearing with an *
6. Click on Groups in the heading.
7. In next screen click on All Groups
8. In next screen click on Special Groups under
Categories
9. In next screen click on Religious under
Categories
10. Voila! Up pops Marists All.
Please do not get frustrated on the first attempt. There are still
"glitches " in attaining access. We hope that this site will be
up-and-running at full speed very shortly. Let us know of
problems you encounter.
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From BR. EDMUND SHEEHAN '59: A word of thanks for your
compilation of deceased Marist Brothers from the Esopus
cemetery monuments. Although the record was out of date no
sooner than you completed it, this is a very helpful document.
Also, thanks for the Marists All work the team has done over
the years. (3000 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165; 305-221-
0834 ext. 21; elsfms@hotmail.com
From JACK RYAN '60: Vince, thanks to you and the other
editors for a job well done. I will miss reading Marists All, but it
is difficult to argue with your reasoning. There is something to
be said about going out at the top of your game. (123
Berkshire, Grosse Point MI 48230; 313-882-3085;
jcryan1214@sbcglobal.net
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From RICH FOY '46: I am working on a
history of the grounds under and around
Marist College. I am looking for pictures
of St. Mary's dormitory and the bee
house/cannery. These two buildings were
just behind the main novitiate building. I
have some photos of summer workers near St. Mary's, but no
photo of the complete building. Black and white or color shots
would be appreciated, even if not professional quality.
(n.b. click on photos to see enlargement)
The bee house/cannery has a unique
aspect. You may remember it had a
curved roof. The roof was made of
beams from the roller coaster from
Woodcliff Pleasure Park, an amusement
park just north of the Brothers' property,
but now a part of the campus. Think
Gartland Commons dorms, Gartland
athletic complex, the next Fontaine
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Building, and the former Dutchess Bank building. They are all
on the former park grounds!
For those of you who don't believe there was a WoodCliff, I
offer this excerpt from David Kammer '42 who was there!
"I really do hope you get some replies to your request for
photos of old St. Mary's and of the famous bee house. Those
curved beams of the bee house were carried over from the
amusement park by the more hefty novices and postulants
when I was in the novitiate. We had to remove the nails
projecting from the beams. Then Henry Charles had us pound
the nails straight, either for future use or more likely to fill in
the need to occupy all of the novices and postulants. I
remember straightening those nails."
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From JOHN "OKE " O'CONNELL '58: Greetings from the "O
B/brother, Where Art Thou" searchers (OB/bWAT@aol.com).
We're tending to "lose" more of our '54-'64
HS/Novitiate/College groups than accounting for the
"whereabouts" of others yet "unfound."
Most recently, though, we "found" Joe Maraglino HS '57 and
Charlie ("Bud") Jacklin '58 and have a lead on Milo Bushnell '58
and learned of the passing on of Gene ("Jim") Zanni, once B.
Eugene Philip '58, back on 8/22/11.
We have been corresponding with Gene's widow, Priscilla, in
Vancouver, WA (BTW, classmate, Owen Gormley, is in Renton,
WA.) and continue to stay in touch intermittently with widows
Darlene Hall (Vinnie '58), Elaine Reffelt (Bill '58), Editha
Ortueste (Bernie '58), and Elaine Edwards (Don '57). So far,
we've been able to account for 39/43 of Esopus '57
graduates/Tyngsboro '58 habit takers plus many others once in
training with us -- about 120 "B/brothers."
Our 10th Annual OB/bWAT "Gathering" will be at "Ray's Eats"
in Methuen, MA, on Saturday, August 11, 10 am -- 5 pm with
"pre-Gathering" doses of affirmation and vacationing in
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Boothbay Harbor, ME, for a few days before (3rd annual
"laubstah feast", Thursday evening, 8/9/12). A caravan of
sorts will leave for Ray Landry's early Saturday am with
significant others to join us for some of Ray's "home cooking"
about 5 pm. (Info and expressions of interest should be sent to
OB/bWAT@aol.com, or call 207-841-9144). Take good
care...and think New England in August
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From BILL DESCHENE (William Maura '53) and MARGE: So
sorry to see Marists All go. We'll miss hearing of the goings on
of many of this special group of friends. I regret not taking the
time to write more anecdotes about special men like Pete
Ginnity, Victor Tertullian, Paul Acyndinus, and Paul Ambrose.
Jude Driscoll is another one - what great stories about this
very special person. I can see them all! Thank you for your
great work with Marists All. It was always appreciated and read
immediately.
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of John Francis. I always
wanted him as a teacher. When I was cooking in Tyngsboro, I
watched him take his English classes outside to write about
what they saw. Once John called to ask if I was interested in
taking a bike trip to Ireland with him. We would only ride forty
miles a day and would stop at every pub. Sadly, I had to
decline as my Dad was not well, and my Mom needed help.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, my favorite
Marian feast, since it commemorates the legend of her
appearance to an indigenous person in Mexico, thereby giving
recognition to a group not positively acknowledged by the
European conquistadors. Yeah! The local folks had more
spirituality in their little fingers than the whole bunch of
conquistadors put together. Gratias, B.V.M. Well, it's off to chop
wood and carry water. It's supposed to drop to the mid-teens
tonight. Much peace to all! (184 Bryant Ridge Road, Grand
Falls, ME 04417; 207-290-1886)
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From ROBERT JUDGE '63: I left Tyngsboro in 1963 and found
Marists All in 2011. That's 1963-2011. The little dash between
the years represents so much living. In September, 1963, I
entered St. Francis College (Brooklyn). I lived at home and
commuted. I had a good experience at the college and also
had good friends in my neighborhood. I majored in English
and minored in education. When I graduated I was twenty, too
young to be ready for the bigger world. I went to SUNY Albany
for my MA in English. While on the registration line, I met
another English major who would eventually be my wife. I
finished the MA by June, 1967.
I taught in NYC and there found that I was teaching English at
the junior high school level to students who, for the most part,
did not know how to read. I moved to Schenectady and
pursued my doctorate in Reading at SUNY Albany. I got
married. I worked as a reading teacher in Clifton Park, NY. I
was in one of the largest suburban school systems in NYS. I
became department chairperson and then Director of Reading
and Language Arts for the district. Later, I became the
Assistant Superintendent for Hudson Falls School District.
Along the way I spent eighteen years as an adjunct professor
for SUNY Plattsburgh's MS program. Overlapping those years I
was an adjunct for The College of St. Rose in Albany in its
graduate division. When I retired from public school
administration, I put in five more years as assistant professor
for St. Rose. When my wife retired, I left the full-time position
at St. Rose and went back to adjunct work for them. Overall, I
have been working for St. Rose for forty years.
I had an interesting experience traveling to West Africa under
the auspices of the US State Department to offer training to
US- operated International Schools in Mauritania, Upper Volta
(now Burkina Faso), and Mali.
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I have tried to be involved with my three children: scouting,
youth sports, that kind of thing. I enjoyed every minute of
helping my wife Judy rear them properly. My oldest son Steve
is an internist. My daughter Jennifer is a psychologist, currently
working as a school psychologist. My youngest son, Dave, is a
veterinarian. We have five grandchildren.
My wife and I have done some traveling and plan to do more.
Our most recent trip was to France. We visited the Loire Valley,
Brittany, Normandy, Giverny, and Paris. (1862 Sanford Ridge
Road, Queensbury, NY, 12804-7547, robert
judge@roadrunner.com)
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From GENE (LOUIS FRANCIS '53) ZIRKEL: (concerning Br.
James Venantius Gaffney '49, RIP)
As a young Brother at Cardinal Hayes I spent four years with
Jimmy. I have never seen anyone more charitable. For
example, in those days Brothers with final vows received
cigarettes, but those of us with temporary vows did not.
Jimmy smoked about a pack a week, but he always took his
full allotment and passed them out to those who smoked more
than their allotment, including me.
One day while out walking, he passed a store that sold twenty
cigars for a dollar! Jimmy went in and bought $1 worth. When
he arrived home, he promptly passed them out to everyone.
And as we lit them up, we all gagged and coughed -- and
quickly extinguished them. They weren't worth the five cents
each he paid, and you get what you pay for. But the point is,
he bought them for us.
Jimmy was all heart. (6068 Golf Villas Drive, Boynton Beach,
FL 33437-4116; 631-655-6426)
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From RON GUGLIELMO '68: I heard of the Marists All site from
Phil Cappio a while back, and I'd like to be added to its mailing
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From GUS NOLAN '48: A
letter sent by June
Pinard, wife of Bob
Pinard (Maurice Robert
'40);
Dear Brother Nolan,
I received the latest
bulletin/newsletter from
Poughkeepsie and
enjoyed reading about
the works done by so
many brothers
I am June Pinard - my
husband, Robert Pinard,
died June 5, 2011. We
were married forty-two
years, and he was always
a Marist.
We visited Camp Marist
several times, and I
enjoyed seeing him share with his "Brothers." (This was his
favorite time in life.)
Bob said his rosary and daily prayers every day of his life.
He suffered before he died, but he never forgot his "beads."
list.
I attended Molloy as a freshman and sophomore (1963-1965),
Marist Prep in Cold Spring (1965-1967) (but I'm considered a
1967 graduate of Molloy), Marist Novitiate in Esopus (1967-
1969) (with Phil as well as Joe Sacino, Tom Potenza, George
Howard, Ray Pasi, and several others on the mailing list), and
graduated from Marist College in 1971. I also lived in the
Marist community on St Joseph's Place in Poughkeepsie during
the summer of 1971. (36 Carriage Rd, Delmar, NY 12054; 518-
439-0147; rguglielmo@msn.com)
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Brother Norbert Rodriguez visited with us over the years,
and, of course, he and Bob played golf.
We have a son, named after Bob, but Bob prayed for him
every day as "drugs" became a problem in his teen years;
but he did come to his father's funeral Mass. I just wanted
you to know. I miss him so.
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From CEIL MCNIFF (concerning Frank McNiff, Charles Patrick
'51): My dearest Frank went home to the Lord early this
morning. He is at peace with his loved ones who went before
him.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support over these
difficult days and always. It is a great gift to have you as
family and friends.
Your continued prayers will be our greatest support.
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From PAT GALLAGHER '53: Recently, when Charlie McNiff
passed on, Cecilia, his wife, was by his side. It occurred to me
that Marists All should not overlook the outstanding support,
consolation, and loving care that wives (these "valiant women"
of Ecclesiastes) have brought to those brothers whose time
here has run out and they have passed into total spirit. How
many of them have been there when our brothers have gone
through those last days, possibly accompanied by previous
months and even years of serious medical problems? In
addition to Cecilia, there was Loraine, Barbara, Ann, and Betty.
I am sure there are many others.
At 76, with a gap of ten years between Mary and myself,
actuarially I can presume that the measure of my days will be
up before hers. Again Ecclesiastes: "The heart of the husband
safely trusts in her, " and "strength and honor are her
clothing." I think we all place our trust in them, relying on their
hidden strength and their love and support. At the end for the
Brothers the community will gather around them. For us, the
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brothers who have found in our deep relationships with our
wives the making of wonderful memories, it is fitting to
recognize them, to thank them not only for the end but for all
that has preceded it. These "valiant women" will be there for
us.
(P.O. Box 310, Springtown, PA 18081; 610-346-6637
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net)
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From KAREN DOUGLAS JOHNSON: Hi there - I'm glad that
someone sent Frank's obituary to you. I worked at Salve
Regina University and retired from there in 2002. Br. John
McNiff, Frank's brother, came to Salve during my twenty-plus
years there and became the Chair of the English Department.
Br. John met an untimely death about ten-plus years ago on
the day after the Super Bowl, so I am sure that this is a very
difficult time for the family. Br. John and I were best friends.
He would bring his mom to Newport, and at the time, my aunt
with Alzheimers was living with me. We would all go out to
dinner together, and John would make us all order a different
meal so that we could "share ". He was the funniest guy and
the most caring person I have ever met. Obviously, his family
came up to visit him often, and that's when I became friends
with the McNiffs. I should say, that's when I became an
honorary McNiff. They welcome you into their family, each and
every one of them; they included me in all of their celebrations
and in their losses. Patrick stayed in Rhode Island after
graduating from PC, and when they would come to visit Patrick
after John's death, we would always get another chance to
visit. So that's my connection to the family, and a better family
would be difficult to find. Frank and Ceil are the best and will
always be in my heart and soul. You are right - Frank indeed
had a very big heart! I wish his larger "family" strength and
extend my sympathy to all.
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From CHRISTINE COLUMBAN: The website
www.maristlaity.com has been updated, and you may listen to
the 26th presentation of Fr. Edwin Keel called "Liturgy - The
Gathering Rites." It can be found under "Spirituality,"
"Exploring the Marist Way," or copy this link:
http://www.maristlaity.com/ExploringtheMaristWay.html. Also,
the new Marist laity email address: MaristWayUSA@gmail.com.
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In Memoriam
Br. Raoul Molnar
'59
Br. Victor Serna
'40
Br. Edward Vollmer
'44
James (Eugene Philip) Zanni '58
Br. Charles Howard '42 former Superior General
Br. James Venantius Gaffney
'49
Br. Godfrey "Jack" Robertson
'41
William J.(William Ignatius) McNamara '50
Br. Valerian Dorion
'31
Charles (Paul Charles) Kennedy '58
Br. Vincent Xavier Woodman
'51
Frank (Charles Patrick) McNiff '51
Bob (Maurice Robert) Pinard
'40
n.b. click on the highlighted name to move to an initial
obituary for that person
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More information on the Brothers may be obtained on the
Marist Brothers website, www.Maristbr.com. The Marists All
website contains some information on former brothers.
(Thanks to Bill Kawka for his contribution for the expenses
accrued in publishing Marists All). Editor
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First edition 24 March 2012
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Issue number 107 March 2012
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http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
8087; 609-294-2148;
poisellavincent@yahoo.com
Rich Foy: 24 Prestwick Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603;
845-454-1393;
Richard.foy@verizon.net
Gus Nolan: 65 Muirfield Court, Poughkeepsie, NY 12603;
845-454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater, FL 32141;
386-426-6349;
jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
Rob Schmid: 1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines, IL 60016;
847-824-1073;
RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Christine Columban
sends updated information about the
Marist Laity Program, including access to Fr. Edwin Keel's
recent presentation on the Liturgy.
Bill('53) and Marge Deschene
write of his admiration for
Brother John Francis on the feast of Our Lady Of Guadeloupe.
Rich Foy
('46) asks for help to locate photos of buildings near
the Poughkeepsie Novitiate
Pat Gallagher
'53 while remembering Ceil McNiff's care of
Charlie McNiff thinks of the debt of gratitude former brothers
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owe to their wonderful wives.
Ron Guglielmo
'68 a recent reader of MaristsAll tells us of his
background and his many friends among the Marists.
Karen Douglas Johnson
, a retired professor at Salve Regina
University, shares her memories of the McNiff family.
Robert Judge
'63 give an interesting account of his career since
leaving the Novitiate.
Joe McMahon
'51 did not write, but his instructions to join
Vision Circles are listed for your use.
Ceil McNiff
wrote a short note to MaristsAll readers the
morning her husband Frank McNiff '51 died.
Gus Nolan
'48 sends us a letter he received from Robert
Pinard's wife June. They were married 42 years.
John "oke" O'Connell
'58 sends us news of Ob/Wats' members
and of the events scheduled for this summer.
Vince Poisella
'58 describes the plans for the endgame of the
current format of MaristsAll and shows how to become a
member of Vision Circles with direction for us dummies.
Jack Ryan
'60 has brief but charming words as he envisions the
changes in MaristsAll.
Bro Edmund Sheehan
'59 appreciates the work done on the
Marist cemeteries by Gus Nolan and published in the November
Newsletter.
Gene Zirkel
'53 recalls his time at Cardinal Hayes with Brother
James Venantius Gaffney and his admiration for JV.
Marist Spirtuality Weekend
scheduled for July 13, 14, 15, 2012
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In Memoriam
- a list of recently departed B/brothers.
Marist Spirituality Weekend
Marist College
July 13, 14, 15, 2012
In July 1995, a group of the Brothers, former brothers and
spouses came together for a weekend at Marist College. It was
part a time of reflection, a time of retreat, and a time of
reunion. These many years later, a group fewer in number but
stronger in resolve continues to gather at the College to share
the journey begun through the spirit of Champagnat and
continued by a sense of community and willingness to grow in
that same spirit. The central focus this year is Marist
Discipleship: Human and Spiritual Growth over the Life Span.
Marists All readers are encouraged to join us.
Express interest or direct questions to Vince Poisella at the
address, phone number, or email above. Further information
will be sent out shortly concerning the program.
Reservations may be made by sending a deposit of $25 to
Maurice Bibeau, 4 Van Wert Place, Hyde Park, NY, 12538, by
June 1, 2012. Checks should be payable to The Marist
Brothers. The remaining balance is due upon arrival at Marist
College. The cost of the weekend, including six meals and
lodging at Marist College, is $185.00 per person or $330.00
per couple.
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The Marists All Endgame
From VINCE POISELLA '58: As each of you are aware, we are
nearing the end of the quarterly Marists All process begun
almost twenty-five years ago. I know that you share my
misgivings. I am having a difficult time closing things out
although I know it is time. Something in me still wants to keep
the lines open so that our readers might share and, in addition,
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benefit by the sharing of others in the Marist world.
Although enough material surfaces for each new issue, we
know in our hearts that it is a matter of time when our editorial
staff will be forced to close shop. Rather than wait for that
moment, we are trying to be proactive and transition into
something that is more dependent on the individual contributor
than on the editors.
I keep pumping out an additional issue, and Rich continues to
keep current our Marists All web site with the same enthusiasm
and expertise that he has shown over these last several years
by keeping up with the changes in the electronic age. Our
readers are still informed by Rob of each issue and of
important events, and Gus and David muster energy to provide
still another print copy for the more traditional readers.
At this point I am planning two more issues. This February
2012 issue - a month late since I was traveling - will be
followed by a July/August issue. That issue may be the last one
using this format.
Aside from our editorial team, I want to express gratitude to
Br. Sean Sammon, Tony Miserandino, and Joe McMahon for
stepping forward to help find direction for a new format. After
much discussion with each, I felt that the most convenient
format to continue Marists All is a recommendation made by
Joe McMahon. He has set up for us the use of a web site that
will serve as an avenue for our readers to share with others
among our Marists All group of readers and writers.
This site, Vision Exchange, can do what the newsletter did plus
more. In addition to being able to access posted articles, a
member will be able to interact on line with the group or
contact each other via email.
In the words of Joe McMahon, "the Vision Circles program was
not written for the Marists All community. The Vision Exchange
part, however, can be used to achieve the aims of Marists All.
The Vision Circles program is, to use a fancy word, a meta-
theory, to help people dialogue with each other by getting in
touch with their best thinking.
It 's like traditional meditation practices dressed up in more or
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less modern clothing. Having been in the counseling
psychology business in schools and a mental health center, I
discovered how little reflection was going on. It seemed to me
that the dominant approach to human development was
mechanical."
With that in mind, these are the steps to take to access the
Marists All part of the Vision Exchange site:
1. Click onto www.visioncircles.net.
2. Click onto Vision Exchange on the heading.
3. Click on: JOIN US NOW; IT'S FREE. Follow
instructions to register.
4. When Vision Exchange pops up, enter
username (own name) and an individual
password. Log in.
5. Click on profile and enter information
appearing with an *
6. Click on Groups in the heading.
7. In next screen click on All Groups
8. In next screen click on Special Groups under
Categories
9. In next screen click on Religious under
Categories
10. Voila! Up pops Marists All.
Please do not get frustrated on the first attempt. There are still
"glitches " in attaining access. We hope that this site will be
up-and-running at full speed very shortly. Let us know of
problems you encounter.
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From BR. EDMUND SHEEHAN '59: A word of thanks for your
compilation of deceased Marist Brothers from the Esopus
cemetery monuments. Although the record was out of date no
sooner than you completed it, this is a very helpful document.
Also, thanks for the Marists All work the team has done over
the years. (3000 SW 87th Ave., Miami, FL 33165; 305-221-
0834 ext. 21; elsfms@hotmail.com
From JACK RYAN '60: Vince, thanks to you and the other
editors for a job well done. I will miss reading Marists All, but it
is difficult to argue with your reasoning. There is something to
be said about going out at the top of your game. (123
Berkshire, Grosse Point MI 48230; 313-882-3085;
jcryan1214@sbcglobal.net
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From RICH FOY '46: I am working on a
history of the grounds under and around
Marist College. I am looking for pictures
of St. Mary's dormitory and the bee
house/cannery. These two buildings were
just behind the main novitiate building. I
have some photos of summer workers near St. Mary's, but no
photo of the complete building. Black and white or color shots
would be appreciated, even if not professional quality.
(n.b. click on photos to see enlargement)
The bee house/cannery has a unique
aspect. You may remember it had a
curved roof. The roof was made of
beams from the roller coaster from
Woodcliff Pleasure Park, an amusement
park just north of the Brothers' property,
but now a part of the campus. Think
Gartland Commons dorms, Gartland
athletic complex, the next Fontaine
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Building, and the former Dutchess Bank building. They are all
on the former park grounds!
For those of you who don't believe there was a WoodCliff, I
offer this excerpt from David Kammer '42 who was there!
"I really do hope you get some replies to your request for
photos of old St. Mary's and of the famous bee house. Those
curved beams of the bee house were carried over from the
amusement park by the more hefty novices and postulants
when I was in the novitiate. We had to remove the nails
projecting from the beams. Then Henry Charles had us pound
the nails straight, either for future use or more likely to fill in
the need to occupy all of the novices and postulants. I
remember straightening those nails."
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From JOHN "OKE " O'CONNELL '58: Greetings from the "O
B/brother, Where Art Thou" searchers (OB/bWAT@aol.com).
We're tending to "lose" more of our '54-'64
HS/Novitiate/College groups than accounting for the
"whereabouts" of others yet "unfound."
Most recently, though, we "found" Joe Maraglino HS '57 and
Charlie ("Bud") Jacklin '58 and have a lead on Milo Bushnell '58
and learned of the passing on of Gene ("Jim") Zanni, once B.
Eugene Philip '58, back on 8/22/11.
We have been corresponding with Gene's widow, Priscilla, in
Vancouver, WA (BTW, classmate, Owen Gormley, is in Renton,
WA.) and continue to stay in touch intermittently with widows
Darlene Hall (Vinnie '58), Elaine Reffelt (Bill '58), Editha
Ortueste (Bernie '58), and Elaine Edwards (Don '57). So far,
we've been able to account for 39/43 of Esopus '57
graduates/Tyngsboro '58 habit takers plus many others once in
training with us -- about 120 "B/brothers."
Our 10th Annual OB/bWAT "Gathering" will be at "Ray's Eats"
in Methuen, MA, on Saturday, August 11, 10 am -- 5 pm with
"pre-Gathering" doses of affirmation and vacationing in
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Boothbay Harbor, ME, for a few days before (3rd annual
"laubstah feast", Thursday evening, 8/9/12). A caravan of
sorts will leave for Ray Landry's early Saturday am with
significant others to join us for some of Ray's "home cooking"
about 5 pm. (Info and expressions of interest should be sent to
OB/bWAT@aol.com, or call 207-841-9144). Take good
care...and think New England in August
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From BILL DESCHENE (William Maura '53) and MARGE: So
sorry to see Marists All go. We'll miss hearing of the goings on
of many of this special group of friends. I regret not taking the
time to write more anecdotes about special men like Pete
Ginnity, Victor Tertullian, Paul Acyndinus, and Paul Ambrose.
Jude Driscoll is another one - what great stories about this
very special person. I can see them all! Thank you for your
great work with Marists All. It was always appreciated and read
immediately.
I'm so sorry to hear of the passing of John Francis. I always
wanted him as a teacher. When I was cooking in Tyngsboro, I
watched him take his English classes outside to write about
what they saw. Once John called to ask if I was interested in
taking a bike trip to Ireland with him. We would only ride forty
miles a day and would stop at every pub. Sadly, I had to
decline as my Dad was not well, and my Mom needed help.
Today is the feast of Our Lady of Guadalupe, my favorite
Marian feast, since it commemorates the legend of her
appearance to an indigenous person in Mexico, thereby giving
recognition to a group not positively acknowledged by the
European conquistadors. Yeah! The local folks had more
spirituality in their little fingers than the whole bunch of
conquistadors put together. Gratias, B.V.M. Well, it's off to chop
wood and carry water. It's supposed to drop to the mid-teens
tonight. Much peace to all! (184 Bryant Ridge Road, Grand
Falls, ME 04417; 207-290-1886)
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From ROBERT JUDGE '63: I left Tyngsboro in 1963 and found
Marists All in 2011. That's 1963-2011. The little dash between
the years represents so much living. In September, 1963, I
entered St. Francis College (Brooklyn). I lived at home and
commuted. I had a good experience at the college and also
had good friends in my neighborhood. I majored in English
and minored in education. When I graduated I was twenty, too
young to be ready for the bigger world. I went to SUNY Albany
for my MA in English. While on the registration line, I met
another English major who would eventually be my wife. I
finished the MA by June, 1967.
I taught in NYC and there found that I was teaching English at
the junior high school level to students who, for the most part,
did not know how to read. I moved to Schenectady and
pursued my doctorate in Reading at SUNY Albany. I got
married. I worked as a reading teacher in Clifton Park, NY. I
was in one of the largest suburban school systems in NYS. I
became department chairperson and then Director of Reading
and Language Arts for the district. Later, I became the
Assistant Superintendent for Hudson Falls School District.
Along the way I spent eighteen years as an adjunct professor
for SUNY Plattsburgh's MS program. Overlapping those years I
was an adjunct for The College of St. Rose in Albany in its
graduate division. When I retired from public school
administration, I put in five more years as assistant professor
for St. Rose. When my wife retired, I left the full-time position
at St. Rose and went back to adjunct work for them. Overall, I
have been working for St. Rose for forty years.
I had an interesting experience traveling to West Africa under
the auspices of the US State Department to offer training to
US- operated International Schools in Mauritania, Upper Volta
(now Burkina Faso), and Mali.
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I have tried to be involved with my three children: scouting,
youth sports, that kind of thing. I enjoyed every minute of
helping my wife Judy rear them properly. My oldest son Steve
is an internist. My daughter Jennifer is a psychologist, currently
working as a school psychologist. My youngest son, Dave, is a
veterinarian. We have five grandchildren.
My wife and I have done some traveling and plan to do more.
Our most recent trip was to France. We visited the Loire Valley,
Brittany, Normandy, Giverny, and Paris. (1862 Sanford Ridge
Road, Queensbury, NY, 12804-7547, robert
judge@roadrunner.com)
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From GENE (LOUIS FRANCIS '53) ZIRKEL: (concerning Br.
James Venantius Gaffney '49, RIP)
As a young Brother at Cardinal Hayes I spent four years with
Jimmy. I have never seen anyone more charitable. For
example, in those days Brothers with final vows received
cigarettes, but those of us with temporary vows did not.
Jimmy smoked about a pack a week, but he always took his
full allotment and passed them out to those who smoked more
than their allotment, including me.
One day while out walking, he passed a store that sold twenty
cigars for a dollar! Jimmy went in and bought $1 worth. When
he arrived home, he promptly passed them out to everyone.
And as we lit them up, we all gagged and coughed -- and
quickly extinguished them. They weren't worth the five cents
each he paid, and you get what you pay for. But the point is,
he bought them for us.
Jimmy was all heart. (6068 Golf Villas Drive, Boynton Beach,
FL 33437-4116; 631-655-6426)
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From RON GUGLIELMO '68: I heard of the Marists All site from
Phil Cappio a while back, and I'd like to be added to its mailing
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From GUS NOLAN '48: A
letter sent by June
Pinard, wife of Bob
Pinard (Maurice Robert
'40);
Dear Brother Nolan,
I received the latest
bulletin/newsletter from
Poughkeepsie and
enjoyed reading about
the works done by so
many brothers
I am June Pinard - my
husband, Robert Pinard,
died June 5, 2011. We
were married forty-two
years, and he was always
a Marist.
We visited Camp Marist
several times, and I
enjoyed seeing him share with his "Brothers." (This was his
favorite time in life.)
Bob said his rosary and daily prayers every day of his life.
He suffered before he died, but he never forgot his "beads."
list.
I attended Molloy as a freshman and sophomore (1963-1965),
Marist Prep in Cold Spring (1965-1967) (but I'm considered a
1967 graduate of Molloy), Marist Novitiate in Esopus (1967-
1969) (with Phil as well as Joe Sacino, Tom Potenza, George
Howard, Ray Pasi, and several others on the mailing list), and
graduated from Marist College in 1971. I also lived in the
Marist community on St Joseph's Place in Poughkeepsie during
the summer of 1971. (36 Carriage Rd, Delmar, NY 12054; 518-
439-0147; rguglielmo@msn.com)
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Brother Norbert Rodriguez visited with us over the years,
and, of course, he and Bob played golf.
We have a son, named after Bob, but Bob prayed for him
every day as "drugs" became a problem in his teen years;
but he did come to his father's funeral Mass. I just wanted
you to know. I miss him so.
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From CEIL MCNIFF (concerning Frank McNiff, Charles Patrick
'51): My dearest Frank went home to the Lord early this
morning. He is at peace with his loved ones who went before
him.
Thank you for your love, prayers, and support over these
difficult days and always. It is a great gift to have you as
family and friends.
Your continued prayers will be our greatest support.
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From PAT GALLAGHER '53: Recently, when Charlie McNiff
passed on, Cecilia, his wife, was by his side. It occurred to me
that Marists All should not overlook the outstanding support,
consolation, and loving care that wives (these "valiant women"
of Ecclesiastes) have brought to those brothers whose time
here has run out and they have passed into total spirit. How
many of them have been there when our brothers have gone
through those last days, possibly accompanied by previous
months and even years of serious medical problems? In
addition to Cecilia, there was Loraine, Barbara, Ann, and Betty.
I am sure there are many others.
At 76, with a gap of ten years between Mary and myself,
actuarially I can presume that the measure of my days will be
up before hers. Again Ecclesiastes: "The heart of the husband
safely trusts in her, " and "strength and honor are her
clothing." I think we all place our trust in them, relying on their
hidden strength and their love and support. At the end for the
Brothers the community will gather around them. For us, the
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brothers who have found in our deep relationships with our
wives the making of wonderful memories, it is fitting to
recognize them, to thank them not only for the end but for all
that has preceded it. These "valiant women" will be there for
us.
(P.O. Box 310, Springtown, PA 18081; 610-346-6637
gpatrickgallagher11@verizon.net)
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From KAREN DOUGLAS JOHNSON: Hi there - I'm glad that
someone sent Frank's obituary to you. I worked at Salve
Regina University and retired from there in 2002. Br. John
McNiff, Frank's brother, came to Salve during my twenty-plus
years there and became the Chair of the English Department.
Br. John met an untimely death about ten-plus years ago on
the day after the Super Bowl, so I am sure that this is a very
difficult time for the family. Br. John and I were best friends.
He would bring his mom to Newport, and at the time, my aunt
with Alzheimers was living with me. We would all go out to
dinner together, and John would make us all order a different
meal so that we could "share ". He was the funniest guy and
the most caring person I have ever met. Obviously, his family
came up to visit him often, and that's when I became friends
with the McNiffs. I should say, that's when I became an
honorary McNiff. They welcome you into their family, each and
every one of them; they included me in all of their celebrations
and in their losses. Patrick stayed in Rhode Island after
graduating from PC, and when they would come to visit Patrick
after John's death, we would always get another chance to
visit. So that's my connection to the family, and a better family
would be difficult to find. Frank and Ceil are the best and will
always be in my heart and soul. You are right - Frank indeed
had a very big heart! I wish his larger "family" strength and
extend my sympathy to all.
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From CHRISTINE COLUMBAN: The website
www.maristlaity.com has been updated, and you may listen to
the 26th presentation of Fr. Edwin Keel called "Liturgy - The
Gathering Rites." It can be found under "Spirituality,"
"Exploring the Marist Way," or copy this link:
http://www.maristlaity.com/ExploringtheMaristWay.html. Also,
the new Marist laity email address: MaristWayUSA@gmail.com.
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In Memoriam
Br. Raoul Molnar
'59
Br. Victor Serna
'40
Br. Edward Vollmer
'44
James (Eugene Philip) Zanni '58
Br. Charles Howard '42 former Superior General
Br. James Venantius Gaffney
'49
Br. Godfrey "Jack" Robertson
'41
William J.(William Ignatius) McNamara '50
Br. Valerian Dorion
'31
Charles (Paul Charles) Kennedy '58
Br. Vincent Xavier Woodman
'51
Frank (Charles Patrick) McNiff '51
Bob (Maurice Robert) Pinard
'40
n.b. click on the highlighted name to move to an initial
obituary for that person
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More information on the Brothers may be obtained on the
Marist Brothers website, www.Maristbr.com. The Marists All
website contains some information on former brothers.
(Thanks to Bill Kawka for his contribution for the expenses
accrued in publishing Marists All). Editor
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First edition 24 March 2012