Marists All: Issue #101 August 2010
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Issue number 101 August 2010
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Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
08087; 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
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386-426-6349; jkammer1@cfl.rr.com
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60016; 847-824-1073; RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Bro Ernest Beland
1958; tells us of his teaching at CCHSD in
Lawrence and his attendance at the OBbWat meeting at the
home of Ray Landry in Methuen MA.
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John and Joan Brady
1957; attended the Boothbay Harbor ME
and Methuen MA OBbWAT meetings this summer.
Dick Branigan
1950; recalls the days in the Esopus mansion
after receiving the Marist College Magazine.
Bill Byrne
1952; tells us of a practical joke of yesteryear. You
would have to be a Brother or former Brother to appreciate it.
Mike Flynn
1965; recalls the Confederate Brothers during the
1960s
Tony Fragale
1967; bemoans not keeping in contact with his
Tyngsboro group of 1966-1967
Jeff Johnston
1975; enjoyed his trip down memory lane after
viewing photos on the MaristsAll web site and reading the one
hundredth issue.
David Kammer
1942; notes a debt of gratitude to some quiet
partners to the editors of MaristAll, notable Elizabeth Nolan and
Jane Poisella. (He forgets to thank Judy Kammer. Oops!)
Charles Kennedy
1956; tells us of the death of his wife Regina
last year.
Bro Frank Klug
1944; notes the Champagnat ethos has
permeated the Brothers and ex-Brothers to spread the Marist
message.
Joan and Jeptha Lanning
1949; gives us a taste of retired live at
Delray Beach, where he and Joan have lived for 14 years.
Manny Lopez
1963; tells us that Barney Sheridan was a friend,
brother, and mentor to him.
Bro Jim Mc Knight
1961; took over the care of Senior Retired
Brothers from Brother James Adams, and gives the list of those
residing at Mount St Michael
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Frank and Cecelia McNiff
; update their email address and sends
good wishes to many MaristsAll members.
Jack Meehan
1961; resides in Ocean City NJ and Melbourne FL,
and tells of meeting with many MaristsAll members.
David and Elaine Murphy 1961
; invites us to experience the
quiet pleasures of retirement in the Black Hills near Pine Ridge
Reservation.
Vince Poisella
, editor 1958; invited us to the Marist Family
Picnic at MSM 11 Sept 2010, and thanks all Marists All
contributors, and seeks volunteers to carry on the work of the
Newsletter.
John Scileppi
1968; outlines some possible apostolates
developed at the recent weekend retreat held at Marist College.
Anne Sheridan
; notes the first anniversary of Barney Sheridan's
death and thanks those who consoled her and her family during
Barney's last few months on this earth.
Hugh Turley
1954; sends kudos to the editors and workers for
Gene Zirkel
1953; outlines some possible apostolates developed
at the recent weekend retreat held at Marist College.
Marist Family Picnic at Mount St. Michael: Saturday, September
11, 2010, the ninth anniversary of the World Trade Center
destruction, has been set for the annual Marist Family Picnic to
be held at Mount St. Michael in the Bronx from noon to five pm.
Bring a dish to share and your drink of choice. Enjoy this
tradition of "gathering around the table" with Marist family and
friends.
Marists All contributors: Thank you to all who contributed to
Marists All by writing to our readers in our one-hundredth issue.
I wish to apologize to Hugh Turley, Jeptha Lanning, and Dave
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Murphy for failing to recover their emails in time for the last
issue. Their words are printed in this issue, a bit late but not
less appreciated. Thanks also to those who sent contributions to
cover the expenses connected with printing and mailing: Pat
Conway, '61; Eugene Donnelly, '46; William Kawka, '62; and
William Kelly, '55
Web site Up-date: Thanks also to Rich Foy for the untold
hours he has dedicated to researching, learning, consulting, and
redoing the Marist's All web site. The new site is easier to read
and easier to use. It has a whole new look.
Backup Request/Trainees Sought· Our editorial staff is still
seeking interested individuals among the Marists All readers
who are willing to step forward to learn the ropes and be ready
to take over some of the editorial duties of publishing Marists
All. The current editors are not getting any younger. If
interested, please contact us.
From JOHN AND JOAN BRADY '57: The Marist Spirituality
Weekend held on July 9-11, 2010, at Marist College was a time
of enthusiastic spiritual renewal for the twenty-five participants
- Brothers, married, and single folks. Presentations by Br. Sean
Sammon, Br. Hank Hammer of Marist High School, Chicago, and
Ms. Alice Miesnik from Marist High School, Bayonne, addressed
the importance of lay involvement in Marist community,
mission, and spirituality. The generosity of these three
individuals in giving their time to make this weekend very
special for everyone was much appreciated as attested by the
positive response of all who attended. As always, the ultimate
success of the weekend relied on the participants' efforts in
making this a smooth operation -- college logistics for lodging
and meals, liturgy and prayer services, presentations and
discussion involvement, finances, fun-time and overall
organization. As one participant remarked in her reflections on
the time spent together, the weekend was "comfortable,
enriching, and lots of fun."
We welcome one and all to be part of this special weekend next
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year! (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730-2224;
732-739-3911 JEJPBrady@aol.com)
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From GENE ZIRKEL '53 AND JOHN SCILEPPI '68: We have
just finished another wonderful retreat weekend at Marist
College. The theme was "Companions on the Journey." Once
again both lay and vowed Marists shared their lives, and once
again the question was asked by many of those attending: How
can we become more involved in helping one another in our
various apostolates?
One idea proposed was to try to connect the many gifts we
have to offer with the many needs we have in our various
ministries. There are about 500 readers of Marists All.
Some of us have gifts such as time or talent that we might wish
to offer: Are you retired? Do you speak a foreign language? Can
you paint a picture (or a room)? Are you a handyman? Could
you be a tutor?
Others have needs. For example, do you work with anyone who
might need a tutor? We invite you to send a need of your
ministry to Marists All. We will print it Perhaps there is someone
among our readers who can help you. Please send the specifics
of what you are looking for and your contact information so that
a possible volunteer might get in touch with you.
On the other hand, have you been looking for a ministry that
could make good use of your talents? Again, please send us the
specifics of what you can offer along with your contact
information so that a fellow Marist - lay or vowed - could touch
base with you. In this way, we are attempting to initiate a new
application of the Marist apostolic spirit of service.
(genezirk@optonline.net;) (john.scileppi@marist.edu)
If you live on Long Island and are the least bit handy, we could
use your help. Wyandanch Homes and Property Development
Corporation is a non-profit organization housing thirty families
who would otherwise be homeless. We give them not only
shelter but also counseling, education and/or training and
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financial advice.
If you have ever owned a home, you are well aware that things
break, pipes leak, painting is needed, and so on. Multiply that
by thirty, and you will see why we need your help. A few (a very
few) of us gather each Thursday and do repairs on these
homes. Could you possibly help out on occasion? If so, contact
me at
genezirk@optonline.net
or 631-669-0273.
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From ANNE SHERIDAN: It will soon be a year (9/4/09) that
Barney (Frank) Sheridan left us. May he rest in peace! To all my
Marist brothers and sisters, I want to thank you for your
prayers, notes, telephone calls, and emails offering your loving
support and friendship. You all meant so much to Barney and to
me and our children, Rob and Rosemary, our daughter-in-law
Carole, and our super-duper grandson Lucas. You will always be
a part of our family and community as we go ahead without his
physical presence in our lives but so aware of his spirit present
in all of us. He loved all Marists, all things Marist, and especially
the spirituality of Marcellin. He tried to live it every day of his
life: may part of his legacy be that we all try to do the same.
Blessings and love to you all. (626 E 20th Street, Unit # 9-A,
New York, NY 10009-1515; 212-529-2257)
From MANNY LOPEZ '63: As my thoughts turn to Barney, t
think of the words to the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on
the Roof Barney enjoyed watching the sunrise over the East
River in Manhattan almost every day. He was a friend, brother,
mentor to me from the very first day I met him almost fifteen
years ago. I wish I had known him earlier in my youth as I
struggled with the world after leaving (not my choice) the
Brothers. My life story would have been entirely different. The
transition to the world after juniorate, novitiate, and
scholasticate would have been much easier and less painful,
and my decision to come out as a gay person would have been
grounded on the firm foundation of having a friend who knew
my sorrows, joys, and background. I definitely would have
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made fewer mistakes, and my life today would be more secure.
As it is, I learned from my mistakes, and I find myself today in
a position of more relative security than I had thought possible.
I miss Barney deeply. His wife, Anne, as courageous as she is,
has been a source of comfort and stability as we both struggle
with our loss. He was a person of deep intellect and many
interests, and I was privileged as he accepted me into his
family. What I miss most is his courage in the midst of a
seventeen year bout with extensive cancer. He was a beacon of
light in a dark world and a source of true inspiration.
In addition, with his passing I have lost my Irish connection.
That Irish connection is a big deal because as a young student
and monk, I was surrounded and respected by Irish kids and
young men. They were my brothers and role models for a
Puerto Rican kid from the South Bronx.
And when I first met Barney, all of that came into focus. I
discovered my lrish roots from a friend who worked with and in
the midst of many Puerto Rican people. So Barney, religious
name Bernard Maura, has left quite a legacy.
"Laudetur Jesus Christus, et Maria, meter ejus"! Kudos, Barney,
and many thanks! You have made it to Heaven. (1493 Shore
Parkway, #3B, Brooklyn, New York 11214-6329; 718-373-
3482)
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From JEFF JOHNSTON '75: After spending a delightful
afternoon reading the one-hundredth edition of Marists All, I
couldn't leave the site without checking out the pictures.
There is a lot of history there!
I attended St. Mary's in Manhasset from '65-69, entered Esopus
in '70, and was graduated from Marist in '73. I began teaching
at Columbus in Miami and then at Union Catholic in Scotch
Plains. I did the Novitiate at Cold Spring, group of '75. I then
spent six great years back at St. Mary's, and in '82 I entered
Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington. I was ordained
in '86.
Putting all those years against all those pictures was the
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proverbial trip down Memory Lane! It was a fun way to spend
the afternoon! Thanks for all the memories!
(Jwi31451@aol.com
From CHARLES KENNEDY '58: I would like to mention to our
readers that my wife Regina died nearly a year ago. She would
have been seventy-two this year. We were married over thirty-
six years, having married on my name day, November 4. Our
daughter lives in Puerto Rico with our son-in-law and their
daughter. Laudetur, Jesus Christus! (80-08 45th Avenue,
Elmhurst, NY 11373-3545; 718-639- 1800 x1375)
From
From HUGH TURLEY FMS '54: I continue to read each issue
with pointed interest and am awed by how keenly our early
Marist training and experience have contributed to our values
and spirituality throughout life. It is a tribute to the older men
whose shoulders we stand upon and to St. Marcellin
Champagnat, who inspired it all. (4200 W. 115th Street,
Chicago, IL 60655-4397; hugh1 001@hotmail.com)
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From DAVID KAMMER '42: As Marists All reached its landmark
one hundredth issue, the publishers were acknowledged with
much gratitude. It is sincerely appreciated. As we move
forward, I recognize an oversight: the contributions of Liz Nolan
and of Jane Poisella Liz has shared much wisdom over the years
and has folded thousands of copies of the newsletter, and she
has stuffed and sealed many, many envelopes. For the last
thirty three issues, Jane has done the tedious and meticulous
work of proofreading. Thank you very much, ladies!
From BILL BYRNE '52: A good practical joke is, in the words of
one psychiatrist, a simulation of a crisis and not the real thing.
And it serves us a valuable reminder that what appears real is
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not always the real deal. Research has shown, he goes on, that
these counterfactual insights can kick-start new behaviors, new
self exploration, and, ultimately, self-improvement. Keep that in
mind as I recreate what big Br. Gilbert called, in his memory,
the best prank pulled on the monks."
Those of us who had the Marist juniorate experience in the 50's
might remember the first practical joke played on us
unsuspecting neophytes. Rumor had it, we were informed, that
there would be a barn dance, "so put on your best clothes."
Growing up as I did on the streets of Manhattan, I had no idea
what to expect at a barn dance, but I certainly was curious and
ripe for the taking. No such affair was in the offing, but there
would be the opportunity to talk at dinner when Brother Master
announced the occasion with a Benedicamus Domino. Gotcha!
Without giving myself too much credit, I think I decided then
and there that practical joking was going to be one of the
monkery rules of the game. I determined it was better to be the
duper rather than one of the duped.
A good practical joke relies on good stagecraft to be successful.
The stage for Brother Gil's high praise was Camp Marist in the
early sixties. In dem days, the camp was a Marist enclave,
staffed by some seventy Brothers from both the Poughkeepsie
and Esopus Provinces with some lay kitchen and laundry staff.
If you listened during those warm days and cool mountain
nights, you got to know a little about each monk's story - the
internecine squabbles. the successful programs, the
disagreements with authority, the good outcomes and the bad
outcomes, the pettiness and the saintliness the stuff that might
later surface given the right set of circumstances.
A good practical joke relies on timing to be successful. In the
summer, each monk knew that where he taught in the fall
depended on a decision made by the Brother Provincial (for us
in the Esopus Province it was the beloved Brother Leo Sylvius)
and his advisers. As a result, each monk either dreaded a
transfer if he enjoyed his present assignment or looked forward
to a change of scenery if he didn't. Needless to say, a great deal
of anxiety attached itself to both situations.
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The List of Employments for the coming school year took on
increasing importance and conversational conjecture as the
camp summer progressed. During the summer in question, The
List was uncharacteristically late. A good practical joke relies on
seizing the opportunity to fill the void. Several of us, mostly
Mendes and I, hatched a plot to preempt the official list and
publish our own version. The legendary Br. Francis Xavier once
dubbed me an agent provocateur, so that role fitted me
perfectly. With the last year's printed employment list in hand
and enough monk dirt to be mildly dangerous, we constructed
the bogus Employment List. I wrote a cover letter with sufficient
religious platitudes to make it look plausible - even scrawled a
barely legible Br. Leo signature on the letter.
Mendes retyped the new list and ran it off on the office
mimeograph when Br. Joe Abel wasn't looking. He posted the
list in the camp common room about ten in the morning, right
after the New Hampshire mail truck departed, and we waited to
see whether the prank would work.
It worked, maybe a little too well! As best I can recall them,
here are some of the highlights and one low light. Brother Gil
had had a run in with one of his former bosses. We assigned
him to a community run by -- you guessed it. To say he was
bummed would be an understatement. Br. Leo Richard was
taken out of the place where he spent his entire life, Archbishop
Molloy, and assigned to the Rego Park third grade. He took me
aside and told me how depressed he was. I had to confess to
him that the list was a fake to ease his suffering. He then went
on to play alonq with the gag, pretending to others that he
didn't know what he would do with such an assignment. Brother
Alex, the proprietor of the camp roller skating kingdom, was
singled out for special treatment. He had spent thirty years
(only an exaggerated guess) teaching Algebra 1 at St. Mary's,
Manhasset and was known to be a community pack rat. We
transferred him to Laredo, Texas. Legend has it that his irritable
bowel reacted badly to the assignment and that he immediately
called Brother Provincial to complain. No idea whether he heard
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back from Brother Leo Sylvius. We elevated one monk who had
been a boss and who, from the French, had broken his pipe (II
a casse la pip!). We put him back in charge of the Augusta
community. He was overly pleased with the appointment,
whereas one unnamed camp monk from that community had a
different take on the situation.
A monk from Roselle who spent more time on the golf course
across from the school than in the apostolate was placed in an
inner city school. That was typical of whatever in our misguided
sense of humor was fair game for a targeted monk. And so it
went for the better part of that day. The allotment of three
cases of beer that Brother Joe dutifully station wagoned up to
the monks' bungalow before noon each day, dubbed
Haffenreffer Kidney Wrecker by one monk wag, ran out long
before bull bat time. (You'll have to ask Br. Vincent Jerome for
the meaning of that reference!) The next day, the real list made
it to New Hampshire.
I mentioned a low light. Saintly Brother Simeon Gerald cornered
me that evening, having heard about the consternation the list
caused, and he insisted to me that the monks wouldn't play
such a trick on each other. I sheepishly confessed that indeed
they would. Simeon, who had a habit of raising his voice to a
strident pitch when he was upset, kept repeating: No, Bill! They
wouldn't do such a thing! The more I assured him they would,
the more he kept saying they wouldn't! Talk about slings and
arrows!
Every practical joke relies ultimately on an understanding that
we can't take things too seriously and that not everyone will see
the humor in any given one. I'm proud that I had a part in what
to this day causes me, along with a dwindling group of monks -
- ex- and extant- -- to laugh a little. And recent research, I've
learned, suggests that the experience of being duped can stir
self reflection in a way few other experiences can, functioning
as a check on arrogance or obliviousness. I'll take that. (154
West Church St., Clarkson, MI 48346; 248-625-6555;
byrne@oakland.edu)
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From MIKE FLYNN '65: I am sure that I
was not the only one thrilled with the
news of the mansion and property in
Esopus being gifted to Marist College to
establish the Raymond Rich Institute for
Leadership Development.
The cover story of the Spring 2010 issue
of Marist: the Magazine of Marist College
contains a wonderful history of the
property and its owners along with great
current and historic photographs of the
property.
When 1 saw the two-page color photograph of the mansion's
backyard from the hill that we so loved to toboggan down, the
sight of the American flag flying on the flagpole told me that I
had to write Marists All with the story of that very flag pole on
August 15, 1965, when I became a novice.
There were only a few of us southerners in those days in
Esopus, and long before political correctness was ever in our
lexicon, the few of us from the Marist schools in Florida (AI
Smith, Joe Zavertnik, and myself), Texas (Ricky Bauer), and
Georgia (George Halpin) were the only ones often kidded in a
friendly way about the twang in our voices.
When my family and Joe Zavertnik's family drove up from
Miami for Profession Day in 1965, they stayed overnight in the
mansion along with George Halpin's family from Augusta.
Since those were the days when the novices and postulants
were not allowed to see their families until after the ceremony,
to announce the arrival of the southern contingency, Joe's
brothers raised a confederate flag purchased along their way
from Florida on the flagpole behind the mansion!
Again, since this was long before the days of political
correctness and our proper education as to symbols and civil
rights, I only remember laughs and comments like Oh, those
southern boys, from all those visiting Esopus that day!
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Joe kept the flag in his trunk through his novice year and
brought it with him to New Hampshire when we all went to
Camp Marist for our two-week vacation to ready the camp for
the summer session.
Yes, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story is that on
June 3, 1966, the birthday of Jefferson Davis, the then southern
contingency in Esopus (Joe, George, myself, along with Rik
Flynn and Tom McKirchy from Miami and Joe Herrera from
Brownsville) raised that confederate flag on the flagpole at
Camp Marist!
To this day, we are pretty sure it was the South's northernmost
penetration since the Civil War! (5850 S.W. 53rd Terrace,
Miami, FL 33155; michaeleflynn@bellsouth.net)
From DICK BRANIGAN (Stephen Aloysius) '50: (The
following is a response to Gus Nolan.) Thanks for including me
in the mailing of the Marist College Magazine. That brought me
back to when the world was young and we were thin!
First thing I noticed was the busty statue in the front hall where
our Blessed Mother used to stand, holding her fingers out for us
to touch as we passed through. The rest of the photos of the
Esopus mansion sure struck a chord.
I recognized the old chapel, of course, and our dear old
refectory. I remember the stone carvings on either side of the
mantle, too. We called them the "Vestal Virgins." They're still
there. But the dining accommodations are a notch up from
when we signaled with our hands/fingers to pass the butter or
the main dish or the dessert. Long-term memory is a pal. You
are never alone when you have that.
Sure, I read the article about the gift to Marist College, and it is
all very wonderful. No question. But the photos of our old
haunts refurbished to meet a new need only served to
reconnect me with the bonds of old, the foundation we were
blessed with, and the continued solidarity with friends. Thanks,
Gus, for the treat. (1814 Fairview St., Oshkosh, WI 5490;
branigan@uwosh.edu)
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From TONY FRAGALE '67: I thank you for having sent me Marists
All for the past several years. I value the short time I spent with
the Marists as the seminal event of my adult life, but I now find
that I rarely know any of the people whose names appear in the
issues. It would appear that there is only one member of my group
(Tyngsboro, 1966-67) left. I therefore respectfully request that you
eliminate my name from the mailing list. (4674 Pheasant Run
Drive, Orlando, FL 32808-2044; 407-292-0170;
fragalt@bellsouth.net)
From JOAN AND JEP LANNING '49: Most sincere congratulations
to the editorial team of Marists All in reaching one hundred issues
of the newsletter. Who knew back in 1987 when some of us first
discussed it that, as they say in journalism, this story has legs !
Thank you for a job well done in keeping us all so connected.
We have now lived in Delray Beach for over fifteen years, the
longest period we have lived in one place. Coastal House, our 85
unit condominium, is situated between the Intracoastal Waterway
and the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Florida. Through the years,
we have made many friends. And as time has spooled onward,
several have passed on while others have returned north to be
closer to children and family. I conduct a film seminar once a
month during the winter season, and Joan has been busy with
work on our social committees. Over the years I have had a chance
to serve on several boards as well as a stint as president. In
addition, Joan, a registered pharmacist, does part-time work for
CVS and Humana,
We both are active in St. Lucy Catholic Church, one and one half
miles down A1A, the shore road, in Highland Beach. We serve as
Eucharistic ministers and lectors. I direct the lector program, serve
on the Liturgical Council, and also serve as spirituality chair of the
Men's Club. Joan is leadership chair of the parish's Council of
Catholic Women. It is a small parish of 642 families, mostly
retirees. Here, too, we have many friends and two wonderful
priests.
Our health is good. I had triple by-pass surgery in '07 and aortic
aneurysm repair in '09, but all is well. We have our team of doctors
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and list of medications, but at 76 and 78, who's complaining?
Joan often beats me to reading Marists All, and, I might add,
knows so many of the stories of bygone times. Ditto for me for the
Daughters of Wisdom. A few weeks back, we had dinner with Pat
and Gene Zirkel, who have a winter home here in Delray.
And so, we go forward in faith, thankful for the past and enjoying
the present. The members of the Marist family, those living and
dead, have a special place in our love and prayers. To all, God
bless and keep you! (lanndelray@att.net.)
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From FRANK AND CECELIA MCNIFF '51: Thank you so much for
alerting us about our email address. It changed a while ago when
we were scammed by a cyberspace genius/moral midget. He/she
compromised our password and personal info. Needless to say, it
was a nightmare as money was being extorted from our many
contacts whom we could not reach. We are much more careful
these days.
Our new email
iscmickey071@yahoo.com.
We would be most
appreciative if you would include us in the Marists All listing once
again. It is a wonderful way to keep in touch and enjoy the joys as
well as sorrows of dear friends. All of you are to be complimented
for your efforts. You have accomplished a great feat. In truth, you
will never really know fully how many lives you have touched in a
wonderful way. Your time and efforts certainly reflect Jesus' Great
Commandment. On the mundane side, recall the old Hallmark
motto, ... when you care enough to send the very best ! It's not
difficult to fill in the blanks. (39 Forest Lane, Westbury, NY 11590-
6532 tel 516-997-4934)
From DAVE AND ELAINE MURPHY '61: In '06, with both of us
being retired, we towed our trailer from the prairie of the Rez (Pine
Ridge) up to our land in the mountains. Elaine and I have
thoroughly enjoyed our home in the Black Hills.
During fall, winter, and spring most mornings begin with coffee in
front of the wood stove with a window in the door. We both enjoy
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spending time watching and learning from the fire. The dance of
the flames brings to mind the gifts of light and warmth that our
logs offer us. We try to grow in appreciation of our position as
being constantly gifted. Once we were comfortable enough to
accept the gifts of the logs, it was a simpler step to relax to the
extent of allowing the spirit of the forest into our inner space
bringing with it many other gifts: a humility to sit in awe of, and
accept the dynamism of, the spirit, in the simplicity of sitting on a
log, around a campfire with fellow pilgrims, and to share at a
feeling level what it's like living with a God who touches us with her
encouraging gentleness. If you're beginning to think, "Oh, those
poor Murphys. They've really lost it"! Consider that this just might
be an invitation. (27279 Memorial Road, Hot Springs, SO; 605-
745-7639; demurphy@goldenwest.net)
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From BRO. FRANK KLUG '45; Yesterday I picked up the latest
Marists All for the second time and read it from beginning to end.
It reminded me that I had not congratulated all of you for reaching
the landmark one-hundredth edition. It has been no small
accomplishment. Clearly, many Brothers, former Brothers, and
others have welcomed each issue of Marists All. Thanks to you for
bringing such an important and enjoyable publication into our
homes
I would like to add a few personal reflections. Those who have
written for Marists All continue to weave the thread of
Champagnat's inspiration through our times. Each and every issue
has brought emotional reactions in me that were usually positive,
joyous, and uplifting. Yet, I must admit that each issue also
seemed to stir up some pain from the past. What could have been?
Where did I fail to support people in need?
All in all, though, it has been a consolation and a joy to see how
the Marist ethos has permeated the lives of so many and the lives
of the many that they touch. So many good people have been
blessed with love for the Church, with success and productivity,
and with love for all things Marist. God bless all who participate in
this venture. (fmsaug@yahoo.com)
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From JOHN AND JOAN BRADY
'57: Many thanks are due to Oke
(John O'Connell), his wife Sandy,
and Ray Landry for organizing the
get-together of brothers and wives
in Boothbay Harbor, ME, and
Methuen, MA.
The gathering was characteristic of
any great family reunion and "get-
away": good food (loved those lobsters and Ray's blueberry crisp);
laughter (even the old jokes); new sights and sounds (the rocky
Maine coast); trips down memory lane (rebuilding the college yet
again, cooking for hundreds without a cookbook (or knowing how
to crack an egg), teaching chemistry when you knew everything
about the Civil War and nothing about chemistry); making new
friends as spouses were introduced to our brothers and each other.
It was a comfortable gathering of folks who finally can connect
faces with names and stories they have heard over the years:
brothers, now mature men, who have woven "Marist" into the
fabric of their whole lives and so happy to be with each other once
again. (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730-2224; 732-739-
3911 J EJ PBrady@aol.com)
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From BR. ERNEST BELAND, '58: I teach English literature full
time at CCHS in Lawrence; and, over the years (forty-eight, to be
exact), I have taught Latin, French, English, world history,
Philosophy of Communism (required in the Boston Diocese years
ago), American history, and religion -- almost every course except
those in science - and have coached baseball and basketball for
over twenty-five years.
At the urging of John "Oke" O'Connell, I am writing specifically to
give a "Brother" perspective on a group calling itself OBbWAT, an
acronym for "0, Brother/brother, where art thou?" with big B for
Marist Brother and small b for former brother. Without going into
its history, it is a gathering of present and former Brothers from
my '58 profession group who come together to reconnect with each
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other and to share common experiences and memories of their
training as well as of their teaching experiences as Marists. Since
its inception, we have expanded the group to include Brothers and
former Brothers from the group one year ahead of us and/or one
behind.
On August 21, 2010, some of us met at Ray Landry's home in
Methuen. Aside from myself, those present included George
Bagnell, John Brady, George Conboy, Moe LaChance, Ray Landry,
Artie Lavigne, Don Mulcare, John O'Connell, Vinny Poisella , Bill
Shannon, Richie Shaw, Bob St. Amand, Russell Therriault, and John
Wilcox, together with their significant others.
This was the second gathering I had attended and must admit I
was profoundly affected by what ] heard and saw. As most of these
former Brothers explained their present-day situations, expanded
on their Marist experience, and expressed their deepest gratitude
for their Marist training, I could not help but feel a closeness to
these men, a deep bond that 1 had never ful1y realized had
actually existed for me in the past. Today, these laymen model the
values and ideals they learned while in the Order for their families,
friends, colleagues, and students. I was struck by the fact that so
many of them had become teachers, guidance personnel and
administrators in alternative schools, in schools for emotionally-
disturbed teenagers, and as facilitators for a variety of programs
aimed at helping the least favored in this world.
It was obvious that these are wonderful men who continue to
answer God's call in their lives to help the less fortunate in society.
They continue, albeit no longer vowed members of the Institute, to
spread the charism of Father Champagnat. I believe that they are
an extension of Marist influence around the world, that they had a
temporary vocation which was intended by God to prepare them
for some special purpose, namely to work for the good of society
and for the poor and needy they would encounter in their future
lives. They are a living testament to that truth.
Their temporary vocation was, I believe strongly, a call from God to
absorb the Marist Spirit, the charism of Father Champagnat, in
order to continue his work here on earth. Today, they share the
call, they continue to serve as Brothers (Big B and small b) with
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loving, caring, and compassionate hearts that expand and enhance
our sense of brotherhood. To quote Oke from our last meeting,
"Where two or three are gathered, God is with us!" (12 Sheridan
St., Lawrence, MA 01841; 978-682-1163;
ebeland@centralcatholic.net)
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From BR. JIM MCKNIGHT '61: I am currently the Provincial
Liaison for senior Brothers, having replaced Br. Jim Adams last July.
Jim did a tremendous job as the first Liaison for Senior Brothers.
He was on the job for six years. My office is in the remodeled
cottage at Mount St. Michael Academy.
Here is a current list of the Brothers who are retired and living in
Champagnat Hall: Valerian Doiron, Victor Serna, Godfrey
Robertson, AI Matuga, John Colbert, Eddie Vollmer, Jim Gaffney,
Jimmy "Butts" Ryan, Robert James, Bob Leclerc, Richard LaRose,
Tony lazzetti, Emil Denworth, and Joe Scanlon. Armand Lamagna is
doing a great job as Director. Dave Cooney and Joe Maxie McAlister
assist him. Fred Sambor, Nick Caffrey, Gus Landry, Joe Sacino, and
Vinnie Xavier are also in residence. Visitors are always welcome. In
1964 I left Marist College after my junior year there and was
assigned to the Philippines to finish my studies. After many happy
years and meaningful experiences and assignments, I returned to
the States in February of 1988. Since then I have completed a full
year at Our Lady of Peace Retreat House in Narragansett where I
studied and completed a course in Spiritual Direction. From 1989-
96 I was living in Esopus while working at John A. Coleman
Catholic High School in Kingston, NY. From there I was in Miami at
Christopher Columbus High School for two years and then seven
years at St. Brendan High School. In 2005 I was asked to go to
Marist High School in Chicago.
I enjoy reading Marists All and am grateful to all those who put the
issues together and mail them out. (26 First Avenue, Pelham, NY
10803; 914-738-1218; jimmckn@gmail.com)
From JACK MEEHAN '61: I was saddened to hear about Ron
Mulholland. Although I hadn't seen or heard from him in years, I
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have fond memories of our days at the college. Just before New
Year's Day I met up with Bill Ford, Bill Carroll, Don Kelly, Jim
McKnight, and Joe McAiister in New York City. We got caught up on
about forty years. It was great reminiscing about our days in
Esopus. Presently, we live in Melbourne Beach, FL, for about half
.the year and Ocean City, NJ, the other half. We just recently
relocated to OC from Long Island. I retired from the Deer Park
school system in 2000 where I worked first as a science teacher
and finally as a high school guidance counselor. In 2004, my wife
Janet retired from the Half Hollow Schools where she taught math.
In my spare time I operated an electrical contracting business for
thirty years. Janet and I have two children. Our daughter, Janine,
graduated from Loyola College in Maryland, is married with four
children. Our son Sean graduated from Notre Dame, where he
played lacrosse for the Fighting Irish. (By the way, we tailgated
with Jack Ryan, John Reynolds, and Br. Joe Maura for one of NO's
football games.) Sean lives in Connecticut and is married with two
children. Recently, we had a visit from Paul Stengel and his wife
Marilyn. We played golf with Tom Hourican and his wife, Kathy,
about a month ago. I spoke with Bill Reger not too long ago, and
we talked about our forty-fifth anniversary this coming year.
Hopefully, in the fall the Marist College class of '65 will have a
reunion at the college. (131 Aquarina Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32951-
3950; 321-327-2330; meehan meehan@yahoo.com)
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published on date here
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1/20
Issue number 101 August 2010
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better. The problem seems to be with the server, which translates some characters
differently than the way we wrote them in th original text. I discovered that this is a
vexing problem for many web designers, who suggested workarounds.)
http://academic2.marist.edu/foy/maristsall/
Vince Poisella: 61 Golf View Drive, Little Egg Harbor, NJ
08087; 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 Schmidt: 1013 Hollywood Avenue, Des Plaines, IL
60016; 847-824-1073; RJDB@comcast.net
Writers for this issue:
Bro Ernest Beland
1958; tells us of his teaching at CCHSD in
Lawrence and his attendance at the OBbWat meeting at the
home of Ray Landry in Methuen MA.
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John and Joan Brady
1957; attended the Boothbay Harbor ME
and Methuen MA OBbWAT meetings this summer.
Dick Branigan
1950; recalls the days in the Esopus mansion
after receiving the Marist College Magazine.
Bill Byrne
1952; tells us of a practical joke of yesteryear. You
would have to be a Brother or former Brother to appreciate it.
Mike Flynn
1965; recalls the Confederate Brothers during the
1960s
Tony Fragale
1967; bemoans not keeping in contact with his
Tyngsboro group of 1966-1967
Jeff Johnston
1975; enjoyed his trip down memory lane after
viewing photos on the MaristsAll web site and reading the one
hundredth issue.
David Kammer
1942; notes a debt of gratitude to some quiet
partners to the editors of MaristAll, notable Elizabeth Nolan and
Jane Poisella. (He forgets to thank Judy Kammer. Oops!)
Charles Kennedy
1956; tells us of the death of his wife Regina
last year.
Bro Frank Klug
1944; notes the Champagnat ethos has
permeated the Brothers and ex-Brothers to spread the Marist
message.
Joan and Jeptha Lanning
1949; gives us a taste of retired live at
Delray Beach, where he and Joan have lived for 14 years.
Manny Lopez
1963; tells us that Barney Sheridan was a friend,
brother, and mentor to him.
Bro Jim Mc Knight
1961; took over the care of Senior Retired
Brothers from Brother James Adams, and gives the list of those
residing at Mount St Michael
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Frank and Cecelia McNiff
; update their email address and sends
good wishes to many MaristsAll members.
Jack Meehan
1961; resides in Ocean City NJ and Melbourne FL,
and tells of meeting with many MaristsAll members.
David and Elaine Murphy 1961
; invites us to experience the
quiet pleasures of retirement in the Black Hills near Pine Ridge
Reservation.
Vince Poisella
, editor 1958; invited us to the Marist Family
Picnic at MSM 11 Sept 2010, and thanks all Marists All
contributors, and seeks volunteers to carry on the work of the
Newsletter.
John Scileppi
1968; outlines some possible apostolates
developed at the recent weekend retreat held at Marist College.
Anne Sheridan
; notes the first anniversary of Barney Sheridan's
death and thanks those who consoled her and her family during
Barney's last few months on this earth.
Hugh Turley
1954; sends kudos to the editors and workers for
Gene Zirkel
1953; outlines some possible apostolates developed
at the recent weekend retreat held at Marist College.
Marist Family Picnic at Mount St. Michael: Saturday, September
11, 2010, the ninth anniversary of the World Trade Center
destruction, has been set for the annual Marist Family Picnic to
be held at Mount St. Michael in the Bronx from noon to five pm.
Bring a dish to share and your drink of choice. Enjoy this
tradition of "gathering around the table" with Marist family and
friends.
Marists All contributors: Thank you to all who contributed to
Marists All by writing to our readers in our one-hundredth issue.
I wish to apologize to Hugh Turley, Jeptha Lanning, and Dave
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Murphy for failing to recover their emails in time for the last
issue. Their words are printed in this issue, a bit late but not
less appreciated. Thanks also to those who sent contributions to
cover the expenses connected with printing and mailing: Pat
Conway, '61; Eugene Donnelly, '46; William Kawka, '62; and
William Kelly, '55
Web site Up-date: Thanks also to Rich Foy for the untold
hours he has dedicated to researching, learning, consulting, and
redoing the Marist's All web site. The new site is easier to read
and easier to use. It has a whole new look.
Backup Request/Trainees Sought· Our editorial staff is still
seeking interested individuals among the Marists All readers
who are willing to step forward to learn the ropes and be ready
to take over some of the editorial duties of publishing Marists
All. The current editors are not getting any younger. If
interested, please contact us.
From JOHN AND JOAN BRADY '57: The Marist Spirituality
Weekend held on July 9-11, 2010, at Marist College was a time
of enthusiastic spiritual renewal for the twenty-five participants
- Brothers, married, and single folks. Presentations by Br. Sean
Sammon, Br. Hank Hammer of Marist High School, Chicago, and
Ms. Alice Miesnik from Marist High School, Bayonne, addressed
the importance of lay involvement in Marist community,
mission, and spirituality. The generosity of these three
individuals in giving their time to make this weekend very
special for everyone was much appreciated as attested by the
positive response of all who attended. As always, the ultimate
success of the weekend relied on the participants' efforts in
making this a smooth operation -- college logistics for lodging
and meals, liturgy and prayer services, presentations and
discussion involvement, finances, fun-time and overall
organization. As one participant remarked in her reflections on
the time spent together, the weekend was "comfortable,
enriching, and lots of fun."
We welcome one and all to be part of this special weekend next
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year! (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730-2224;
732-739-3911 JEJPBrady@aol.com)
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From GENE ZIRKEL '53 AND JOHN SCILEPPI '68: We have
just finished another wonderful retreat weekend at Marist
College. The theme was "Companions on the Journey." Once
again both lay and vowed Marists shared their lives, and once
again the question was asked by many of those attending: How
can we become more involved in helping one another in our
various apostolates?
One idea proposed was to try to connect the many gifts we
have to offer with the many needs we have in our various
ministries. There are about 500 readers of Marists All.
Some of us have gifts such as time or talent that we might wish
to offer: Are you retired? Do you speak a foreign language? Can
you paint a picture (or a room)? Are you a handyman? Could
you be a tutor?
Others have needs. For example, do you work with anyone who
might need a tutor? We invite you to send a need of your
ministry to Marists All. We will print it Perhaps there is someone
among our readers who can help you. Please send the specifics
of what you are looking for and your contact information so that
a possible volunteer might get in touch with you.
On the other hand, have you been looking for a ministry that
could make good use of your talents? Again, please send us the
specifics of what you can offer along with your contact
information so that a fellow Marist - lay or vowed - could touch
base with you. In this way, we are attempting to initiate a new
application of the Marist apostolic spirit of service.
(genezirk@optonline.net;) (john.scileppi@marist.edu)
If you live on Long Island and are the least bit handy, we could
use your help. Wyandanch Homes and Property Development
Corporation is a non-profit organization housing thirty families
who would otherwise be homeless. We give them not only
shelter but also counseling, education and/or training and
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financial advice.
If you have ever owned a home, you are well aware that things
break, pipes leak, painting is needed, and so on. Multiply that
by thirty, and you will see why we need your help. A few (a very
few) of us gather each Thursday and do repairs on these
homes. Could you possibly help out on occasion? If so, contact
me at
genezirk@optonline.net
or 631-669-0273.
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From ANNE SHERIDAN: It will soon be a year (9/4/09) that
Barney (Frank) Sheridan left us. May he rest in peace! To all my
Marist brothers and sisters, I want to thank you for your
prayers, notes, telephone calls, and emails offering your loving
support and friendship. You all meant so much to Barney and to
me and our children, Rob and Rosemary, our daughter-in-law
Carole, and our super-duper grandson Lucas. You will always be
a part of our family and community as we go ahead without his
physical presence in our lives but so aware of his spirit present
in all of us. He loved all Marists, all things Marist, and especially
the spirituality of Marcellin. He tried to live it every day of his
life: may part of his legacy be that we all try to do the same.
Blessings and love to you all. (626 E 20th Street, Unit # 9-A,
New York, NY 10009-1515; 212-529-2257)
From MANNY LOPEZ '63: As my thoughts turn to Barney, t
think of the words to the song "Sunrise, Sunset" from Fiddler on
the Roof Barney enjoyed watching the sunrise over the East
River in Manhattan almost every day. He was a friend, brother,
mentor to me from the very first day I met him almost fifteen
years ago. I wish I had known him earlier in my youth as I
struggled with the world after leaving (not my choice) the
Brothers. My life story would have been entirely different. The
transition to the world after juniorate, novitiate, and
scholasticate would have been much easier and less painful,
and my decision to come out as a gay person would have been
grounded on the firm foundation of having a friend who knew
my sorrows, joys, and background. I definitely would have
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made fewer mistakes, and my life today would be more secure.
As it is, I learned from my mistakes, and I find myself today in
a position of more relative security than I had thought possible.
I miss Barney deeply. His wife, Anne, as courageous as she is,
has been a source of comfort and stability as we both struggle
with our loss. He was a person of deep intellect and many
interests, and I was privileged as he accepted me into his
family. What I miss most is his courage in the midst of a
seventeen year bout with extensive cancer. He was a beacon of
light in a dark world and a source of true inspiration.
In addition, with his passing I have lost my Irish connection.
That Irish connection is a big deal because as a young student
and monk, I was surrounded and respected by Irish kids and
young men. They were my brothers and role models for a
Puerto Rican kid from the South Bronx.
And when I first met Barney, all of that came into focus. I
discovered my lrish roots from a friend who worked with and in
the midst of many Puerto Rican people. So Barney, religious
name Bernard Maura, has left quite a legacy.
"Laudetur Jesus Christus, et Maria, meter ejus"! Kudos, Barney,
and many thanks! You have made it to Heaven. (1493 Shore
Parkway, #3B, Brooklyn, New York 11214-6329; 718-373-
3482)
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From JEFF JOHNSTON '75: After spending a delightful
afternoon reading the one-hundredth edition of Marists All, I
couldn't leave the site without checking out the pictures.
There is a lot of history there!
I attended St. Mary's in Manhasset from '65-69, entered Esopus
in '70, and was graduated from Marist in '73. I began teaching
at Columbus in Miami and then at Union Catholic in Scotch
Plains. I did the Novitiate at Cold Spring, group of '75. I then
spent six great years back at St. Mary's, and in '82 I entered
Immaculate Conception Seminary in Huntington. I was ordained
in '86.
Putting all those years against all those pictures was the
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proverbial trip down Memory Lane! It was a fun way to spend
the afternoon! Thanks for all the memories!
(Jwi31451@aol.com
From CHARLES KENNEDY '58: I would like to mention to our
readers that my wife Regina died nearly a year ago. She would
have been seventy-two this year. We were married over thirty-
six years, having married on my name day, November 4. Our
daughter lives in Puerto Rico with our son-in-law and their
daughter. Laudetur, Jesus Christus! (80-08 45th Avenue,
Elmhurst, NY 11373-3545; 718-639- 1800 x1375)
From
From HUGH TURLEY FMS '54: I continue to read each issue
with pointed interest and am awed by how keenly our early
Marist training and experience have contributed to our values
and spirituality throughout life. It is a tribute to the older men
whose shoulders we stand upon and to St. Marcellin
Champagnat, who inspired it all. (4200 W. 115th Street,
Chicago, IL 60655-4397; hugh1 001@hotmail.com)
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From DAVID KAMMER '42: As Marists All reached its landmark
one hundredth issue, the publishers were acknowledged with
much gratitude. It is sincerely appreciated. As we move
forward, I recognize an oversight: the contributions of Liz Nolan
and of Jane Poisella Liz has shared much wisdom over the years
and has folded thousands of copies of the newsletter, and she
has stuffed and sealed many, many envelopes. For the last
thirty three issues, Jane has done the tedious and meticulous
work of proofreading. Thank you very much, ladies!
From BILL BYRNE '52: A good practical joke is, in the words of
one psychiatrist, a simulation of a crisis and not the real thing.
And it serves us a valuable reminder that what appears real is
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not always the real deal. Research has shown, he goes on, that
these counterfactual insights can kick-start new behaviors, new
self exploration, and, ultimately, self-improvement. Keep that in
mind as I recreate what big Br. Gilbert called, in his memory,
the best prank pulled on the monks."
Those of us who had the Marist juniorate experience in the 50's
might remember the first practical joke played on us
unsuspecting neophytes. Rumor had it, we were informed, that
there would be a barn dance, "so put on your best clothes."
Growing up as I did on the streets of Manhattan, I had no idea
what to expect at a barn dance, but I certainly was curious and
ripe for the taking. No such affair was in the offing, but there
would be the opportunity to talk at dinner when Brother Master
announced the occasion with a Benedicamus Domino. Gotcha!
Without giving myself too much credit, I think I decided then
and there that practical joking was going to be one of the
monkery rules of the game. I determined it was better to be the
duper rather than one of the duped.
A good practical joke relies on good stagecraft to be successful.
The stage for Brother Gil's high praise was Camp Marist in the
early sixties. In dem days, the camp was a Marist enclave,
staffed by some seventy Brothers from both the Poughkeepsie
and Esopus Provinces with some lay kitchen and laundry staff.
If you listened during those warm days and cool mountain
nights, you got to know a little about each monk's story - the
internecine squabbles. the successful programs, the
disagreements with authority, the good outcomes and the bad
outcomes, the pettiness and the saintliness the stuff that might
later surface given the right set of circumstances.
A good practical joke relies on timing to be successful. In the
summer, each monk knew that where he taught in the fall
depended on a decision made by the Brother Provincial (for us
in the Esopus Province it was the beloved Brother Leo Sylvius)
and his advisers. As a result, each monk either dreaded a
transfer if he enjoyed his present assignment or looked forward
to a change of scenery if he didn't. Needless to say, a great deal
of anxiety attached itself to both situations.
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The List of Employments for the coming school year took on
increasing importance and conversational conjecture as the
camp summer progressed. During the summer in question, The
List was uncharacteristically late. A good practical joke relies on
seizing the opportunity to fill the void. Several of us, mostly
Mendes and I, hatched a plot to preempt the official list and
publish our own version. The legendary Br. Francis Xavier once
dubbed me an agent provocateur, so that role fitted me
perfectly. With the last year's printed employment list in hand
and enough monk dirt to be mildly dangerous, we constructed
the bogus Employment List. I wrote a cover letter with sufficient
religious platitudes to make it look plausible - even scrawled a
barely legible Br. Leo signature on the letter.
Mendes retyped the new list and ran it off on the office
mimeograph when Br. Joe Abel wasn't looking. He posted the
list in the camp common room about ten in the morning, right
after the New Hampshire mail truck departed, and we waited to
see whether the prank would work.
It worked, maybe a little too well! As best I can recall them,
here are some of the highlights and one low light. Brother Gil
had had a run in with one of his former bosses. We assigned
him to a community run by -- you guessed it. To say he was
bummed would be an understatement. Br. Leo Richard was
taken out of the place where he spent his entire life, Archbishop
Molloy, and assigned to the Rego Park third grade. He took me
aside and told me how depressed he was. I had to confess to
him that the list was a fake to ease his suffering. He then went
on to play alonq with the gag, pretending to others that he
didn't know what he would do with such an assignment. Brother
Alex, the proprietor of the camp roller skating kingdom, was
singled out for special treatment. He had spent thirty years
(only an exaggerated guess) teaching Algebra 1 at St. Mary's,
Manhasset and was known to be a community pack rat. We
transferred him to Laredo, Texas. Legend has it that his irritable
bowel reacted badly to the assignment and that he immediately
called Brother Provincial to complain. No idea whether he heard
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back from Brother Leo Sylvius. We elevated one monk who had
been a boss and who, from the French, had broken his pipe (II
a casse la pip!). We put him back in charge of the Augusta
community. He was overly pleased with the appointment,
whereas one unnamed camp monk from that community had a
different take on the situation.
A monk from Roselle who spent more time on the golf course
across from the school than in the apostolate was placed in an
inner city school. That was typical of whatever in our misguided
sense of humor was fair game for a targeted monk. And so it
went for the better part of that day. The allotment of three
cases of beer that Brother Joe dutifully station wagoned up to
the monks' bungalow before noon each day, dubbed
Haffenreffer Kidney Wrecker by one monk wag, ran out long
before bull bat time. (You'll have to ask Br. Vincent Jerome for
the meaning of that reference!) The next day, the real list made
it to New Hampshire.
I mentioned a low light. Saintly Brother Simeon Gerald cornered
me that evening, having heard about the consternation the list
caused, and he insisted to me that the monks wouldn't play
such a trick on each other. I sheepishly confessed that indeed
they would. Simeon, who had a habit of raising his voice to a
strident pitch when he was upset, kept repeating: No, Bill! They
wouldn't do such a thing! The more I assured him they would,
the more he kept saying they wouldn't! Talk about slings and
arrows!
Every practical joke relies ultimately on an understanding that
we can't take things too seriously and that not everyone will see
the humor in any given one. I'm proud that I had a part in what
to this day causes me, along with a dwindling group of monks -
- ex- and extant- -- to laugh a little. And recent research, I've
learned, suggests that the experience of being duped can stir
self reflection in a way few other experiences can, functioning
as a check on arrogance or obliviousness. I'll take that. (154
West Church St., Clarkson, MI 48346; 248-625-6555;
byrne@oakland.edu)
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From MIKE FLYNN '65: I am sure that I
was not the only one thrilled with the
news of the mansion and property in
Esopus being gifted to Marist College to
establish the Raymond Rich Institute for
Leadership Development.
The cover story of the Spring 2010 issue
of Marist: the Magazine of Marist College
contains a wonderful history of the
property and its owners along with great
current and historic photographs of the
property.
When 1 saw the two-page color photograph of the mansion's
backyard from the hill that we so loved to toboggan down, the
sight of the American flag flying on the flagpole told me that I
had to write Marists All with the story of that very flag pole on
August 15, 1965, when I became a novice.
There were only a few of us southerners in those days in
Esopus, and long before political correctness was ever in our
lexicon, the few of us from the Marist schools in Florida (AI
Smith, Joe Zavertnik, and myself), Texas (Ricky Bauer), and
Georgia (George Halpin) were the only ones often kidded in a
friendly way about the twang in our voices.
When my family and Joe Zavertnik's family drove up from
Miami for Profession Day in 1965, they stayed overnight in the
mansion along with George Halpin's family from Augusta.
Since those were the days when the novices and postulants
were not allowed to see their families until after the ceremony,
to announce the arrival of the southern contingency, Joe's
brothers raised a confederate flag purchased along their way
from Florida on the flagpole behind the mansion!
Again, since this was long before the days of political
correctness and our proper education as to symbols and civil
rights, I only remember laughs and comments like Oh, those
southern boys, from all those visiting Esopus that day!
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Joe kept the flag in his trunk through his novice year and
brought it with him to New Hampshire when we all went to
Camp Marist for our two-week vacation to ready the camp for
the summer session.
Yes, as Paul Harvey would say, the rest of the story is that on
June 3, 1966, the birthday of Jefferson Davis, the then southern
contingency in Esopus (Joe, George, myself, along with Rik
Flynn and Tom McKirchy from Miami and Joe Herrera from
Brownsville) raised that confederate flag on the flagpole at
Camp Marist!
To this day, we are pretty sure it was the South's northernmost
penetration since the Civil War! (5850 S.W. 53rd Terrace,
Miami, FL 33155; michaeleflynn@bellsouth.net)
From DICK BRANIGAN (Stephen Aloysius) '50: (The
following is a response to Gus Nolan.) Thanks for including me
in the mailing of the Marist College Magazine. That brought me
back to when the world was young and we were thin!
First thing I noticed was the busty statue in the front hall where
our Blessed Mother used to stand, holding her fingers out for us
to touch as we passed through. The rest of the photos of the
Esopus mansion sure struck a chord.
I recognized the old chapel, of course, and our dear old
refectory. I remember the stone carvings on either side of the
mantle, too. We called them the "Vestal Virgins." They're still
there. But the dining accommodations are a notch up from
when we signaled with our hands/fingers to pass the butter or
the main dish or the dessert. Long-term memory is a pal. You
are never alone when you have that.
Sure, I read the article about the gift to Marist College, and it is
all very wonderful. No question. But the photos of our old
haunts refurbished to meet a new need only served to
reconnect me with the bonds of old, the foundation we were
blessed with, and the continued solidarity with friends. Thanks,
Gus, for the treat. (1814 Fairview St., Oshkosh, WI 5490;
branigan@uwosh.edu)
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From TONY FRAGALE '67: I thank you for having sent me Marists
All for the past several years. I value the short time I spent with
the Marists as the seminal event of my adult life, but I now find
that I rarely know any of the people whose names appear in the
issues. It would appear that there is only one member of my group
(Tyngsboro, 1966-67) left. I therefore respectfully request that you
eliminate my name from the mailing list. (4674 Pheasant Run
Drive, Orlando, FL 32808-2044; 407-292-0170;
fragalt@bellsouth.net)
From JOAN AND JEP LANNING '49: Most sincere congratulations
to the editorial team of Marists All in reaching one hundred issues
of the newsletter. Who knew back in 1987 when some of us first
discussed it that, as they say in journalism, this story has legs !
Thank you for a job well done in keeping us all so connected.
We have now lived in Delray Beach for over fifteen years, the
longest period we have lived in one place. Coastal House, our 85
unit condominium, is situated between the Intracoastal Waterway
and the Atlantic Ocean in southeastern Florida. Through the years,
we have made many friends. And as time has spooled onward,
several have passed on while others have returned north to be
closer to children and family. I conduct a film seminar once a
month during the winter season, and Joan has been busy with
work on our social committees. Over the years I have had a chance
to serve on several boards as well as a stint as president. In
addition, Joan, a registered pharmacist, does part-time work for
CVS and Humana,
We both are active in St. Lucy Catholic Church, one and one half
miles down A1A, the shore road, in Highland Beach. We serve as
Eucharistic ministers and lectors. I direct the lector program, serve
on the Liturgical Council, and also serve as spirituality chair of the
Men's Club. Joan is leadership chair of the parish's Council of
Catholic Women. It is a small parish of 642 families, mostly
retirees. Here, too, we have many friends and two wonderful
priests.
Our health is good. I had triple by-pass surgery in '07 and aortic
aneurysm repair in '09, but all is well. We have our team of doctors
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and list of medications, but at 76 and 78, who's complaining?
Joan often beats me to reading Marists All, and, I might add,
knows so many of the stories of bygone times. Ditto for me for the
Daughters of Wisdom. A few weeks back, we had dinner with Pat
and Gene Zirkel, who have a winter home here in Delray.
And so, we go forward in faith, thankful for the past and enjoying
the present. The members of the Marist family, those living and
dead, have a special place in our love and prayers. To all, God
bless and keep you! (lanndelray@att.net.)
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From FRANK AND CECELIA MCNIFF '51: Thank you so much for
alerting us about our email address. It changed a while ago when
we were scammed by a cyberspace genius/moral midget. He/she
compromised our password and personal info. Needless to say, it
was a nightmare as money was being extorted from our many
contacts whom we could not reach. We are much more careful
these days.
Our new email
iscmickey071@yahoo.com.
We would be most
appreciative if you would include us in the Marists All listing once
again. It is a wonderful way to keep in touch and enjoy the joys as
well as sorrows of dear friends. All of you are to be complimented
for your efforts. You have accomplished a great feat. In truth, you
will never really know fully how many lives you have touched in a
wonderful way. Your time and efforts certainly reflect Jesus' Great
Commandment. On the mundane side, recall the old Hallmark
motto, ... when you care enough to send the very best ! It's not
difficult to fill in the blanks. (39 Forest Lane, Westbury, NY 11590-
6532 tel 516-997-4934)
From DAVE AND ELAINE MURPHY '61: In '06, with both of us
being retired, we towed our trailer from the prairie of the Rez (Pine
Ridge) up to our land in the mountains. Elaine and I have
thoroughly enjoyed our home in the Black Hills.
During fall, winter, and spring most mornings begin with coffee in
front of the wood stove with a window in the door. We both enjoy
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spending time watching and learning from the fire. The dance of
the flames brings to mind the gifts of light and warmth that our
logs offer us. We try to grow in appreciation of our position as
being constantly gifted. Once we were comfortable enough to
accept the gifts of the logs, it was a simpler step to relax to the
extent of allowing the spirit of the forest into our inner space
bringing with it many other gifts: a humility to sit in awe of, and
accept the dynamism of, the spirit, in the simplicity of sitting on a
log, around a campfire with fellow pilgrims, and to share at a
feeling level what it's like living with a God who touches us with her
encouraging gentleness. If you're beginning to think, "Oh, those
poor Murphys. They've really lost it"! Consider that this just might
be an invitation. (27279 Memorial Road, Hot Springs, SO; 605-
745-7639; demurphy@goldenwest.net)
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From BRO. FRANK KLUG '45; Yesterday I picked up the latest
Marists All for the second time and read it from beginning to end.
It reminded me that I had not congratulated all of you for reaching
the landmark one-hundredth edition. It has been no small
accomplishment. Clearly, many Brothers, former Brothers, and
others have welcomed each issue of Marists All. Thanks to you for
bringing such an important and enjoyable publication into our
homes
I would like to add a few personal reflections. Those who have
written for Marists All continue to weave the thread of
Champagnat's inspiration through our times. Each and every issue
has brought emotional reactions in me that were usually positive,
joyous, and uplifting. Yet, I must admit that each issue also
seemed to stir up some pain from the past. What could have been?
Where did I fail to support people in need?
All in all, though, it has been a consolation and a joy to see how
the Marist ethos has permeated the lives of so many and the lives
of the many that they touch. So many good people have been
blessed with love for the Church, with success and productivity,
and with love for all things Marist. God bless all who participate in
this venture. (fmsaug@yahoo.com)
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From JOHN AND JOAN BRADY
'57: Many thanks are due to Oke
(John O'Connell), his wife Sandy,
and Ray Landry for organizing the
get-together of brothers and wives
in Boothbay Harbor, ME, and
Methuen, MA.
The gathering was characteristic of
any great family reunion and "get-
away": good food (loved those lobsters and Ray's blueberry crisp);
laughter (even the old jokes); new sights and sounds (the rocky
Maine coast); trips down memory lane (rebuilding the college yet
again, cooking for hundreds without a cookbook (or knowing how
to crack an egg), teaching chemistry when you knew everything
about the Civil War and nothing about chemistry); making new
friends as spouses were introduced to our brothers and each other.
It was a comfortable gathering of folks who finally can connect
faces with names and stories they have heard over the years:
brothers, now mature men, who have woven "Marist" into the
fabric of their whole lives and so happy to be with each other once
again. (3 Brookside Avenue, Hazlet, NJ 07730-2224; 732-739-
3911 J EJ PBrady@aol.com)
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From BR. ERNEST BELAND, '58: I teach English literature full
time at CCHS in Lawrence; and, over the years (forty-eight, to be
exact), I have taught Latin, French, English, world history,
Philosophy of Communism (required in the Boston Diocese years
ago), American history, and religion -- almost every course except
those in science - and have coached baseball and basketball for
over twenty-five years.
At the urging of John "Oke" O'Connell, I am writing specifically to
give a "Brother" perspective on a group calling itself OBbWAT, an
acronym for "0, Brother/brother, where art thou?" with big B for
Marist Brother and small b for former brother. Without going into
its history, it is a gathering of present and former Brothers from
my '58 profession group who come together to reconnect with each
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other and to share common experiences and memories of their
training as well as of their teaching experiences as Marists. Since
its inception, we have expanded the group to include Brothers and
former Brothers from the group one year ahead of us and/or one
behind.
On August 21, 2010, some of us met at Ray Landry's home in
Methuen. Aside from myself, those present included George
Bagnell, John Brady, George Conboy, Moe LaChance, Ray Landry,
Artie Lavigne, Don Mulcare, John O'Connell, Vinny Poisella , Bill
Shannon, Richie Shaw, Bob St. Amand, Russell Therriault, and John
Wilcox, together with their significant others.
This was the second gathering I had attended and must admit I
was profoundly affected by what ] heard and saw. As most of these
former Brothers explained their present-day situations, expanded
on their Marist experience, and expressed their deepest gratitude
for their Marist training, I could not help but feel a closeness to
these men, a deep bond that 1 had never ful1y realized had
actually existed for me in the past. Today, these laymen model the
values and ideals they learned while in the Order for their families,
friends, colleagues, and students. I was struck by the fact that so
many of them had become teachers, guidance personnel and
administrators in alternative schools, in schools for emotionally-
disturbed teenagers, and as facilitators for a variety of programs
aimed at helping the least favored in this world.
It was obvious that these are wonderful men who continue to
answer God's call in their lives to help the less fortunate in society.
They continue, albeit no longer vowed members of the Institute, to
spread the charism of Father Champagnat. I believe that they are
an extension of Marist influence around the world, that they had a
temporary vocation which was intended by God to prepare them
for some special purpose, namely to work for the good of society
and for the poor and needy they would encounter in their future
lives. They are a living testament to that truth.
Their temporary vocation was, I believe strongly, a call from God to
absorb the Marist Spirit, the charism of Father Champagnat, in
order to continue his work here on earth. Today, they share the
call, they continue to serve as Brothers (Big B and small b) with
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loving, caring, and compassionate hearts that expand and enhance
our sense of brotherhood. To quote Oke from our last meeting,
"Where two or three are gathered, God is with us!" (12 Sheridan
St., Lawrence, MA 01841; 978-682-1163;
ebeland@centralcatholic.net)
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From BR. JIM MCKNIGHT '61: I am currently the Provincial
Liaison for senior Brothers, having replaced Br. Jim Adams last July.
Jim did a tremendous job as the first Liaison for Senior Brothers.
He was on the job for six years. My office is in the remodeled
cottage at Mount St. Michael Academy.
Here is a current list of the Brothers who are retired and living in
Champagnat Hall: Valerian Doiron, Victor Serna, Godfrey
Robertson, AI Matuga, John Colbert, Eddie Vollmer, Jim Gaffney,
Jimmy "Butts" Ryan, Robert James, Bob Leclerc, Richard LaRose,
Tony lazzetti, Emil Denworth, and Joe Scanlon. Armand Lamagna is
doing a great job as Director. Dave Cooney and Joe Maxie McAlister
assist him. Fred Sambor, Nick Caffrey, Gus Landry, Joe Sacino, and
Vinnie Xavier are also in residence. Visitors are always welcome. In
1964 I left Marist College after my junior year there and was
assigned to the Philippines to finish my studies. After many happy
years and meaningful experiences and assignments, I returned to
the States in February of 1988. Since then I have completed a full
year at Our Lady of Peace Retreat House in Narragansett where I
studied and completed a course in Spiritual Direction. From 1989-
96 I was living in Esopus while working at John A. Coleman
Catholic High School in Kingston, NY. From there I was in Miami at
Christopher Columbus High School for two years and then seven
years at St. Brendan High School. In 2005 I was asked to go to
Marist High School in Chicago.
I enjoy reading Marists All and am grateful to all those who put the
issues together and mail them out. (26 First Avenue, Pelham, NY
10803; 914-738-1218; jimmckn@gmail.com)
From JACK MEEHAN '61: I was saddened to hear about Ron
Mulholland. Although I hadn't seen or heard from him in years, I
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have fond memories of our days at the college. Just before New
Year's Day I met up with Bill Ford, Bill Carroll, Don Kelly, Jim
McKnight, and Joe McAiister in New York City. We got caught up on
about forty years. It was great reminiscing about our days in
Esopus. Presently, we live in Melbourne Beach, FL, for about half
.the year and Ocean City, NJ, the other half. We just recently
relocated to OC from Long Island. I retired from the Deer Park
school system in 2000 where I worked first as a science teacher
and finally as a high school guidance counselor. In 2004, my wife
Janet retired from the Half Hollow Schools where she taught math.
In my spare time I operated an electrical contracting business for
thirty years. Janet and I have two children. Our daughter, Janine,
graduated from Loyola College in Maryland, is married with four
children. Our son Sean graduated from Notre Dame, where he
played lacrosse for the Fighting Irish. (By the way, we tailgated
with Jack Ryan, John Reynolds, and Br. Joe Maura for one of NO's
football games.) Sean lives in Connecticut and is married with two
children. Recently, we had a visit from Paul Stengel and his wife
Marilyn. We played golf with Tom Hourican and his wife, Kathy,
about a month ago. I spoke with Bill Reger not too long ago, and
we talked about our forty-fifth anniversary this coming year.
Hopefully, in the fall the Marist College class of '65 will have a
reunion at the college. (131 Aquarina Blvd, Melbourne, FL 32951-
3950; 321-327-2330; meehan meehan@yahoo.com)
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