Marists All: Issue #56 September 2000
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ISSUE # 56
September 2000
From DON (Damian Eugene) SCHMIDT (’53): The years have passed and
copy after copy of Marists All has arrived and been read from cover to cover.
Guilt has mounted for not having written to contribute to this wonderful vehicle
of God’s grace. To hear what God has wrought through each person who has
written is truly awe-inspiring. My own association with all that is Marist dates
back to the fifties. This year I am celebrating a special 50th anniversary of
Marist relationship.
As I write, I am attending the Marist Institute of Spirituality at Marist College
for the first time. To see and hear former colleagues – confreres – is a very
special treat. I have also had the privilege of attending the canonization of St.
Marcellin Champagnat in Rome last year. Both occasions have impressed upon
me the importance of that thread of Marist spirit which binds us all together.
Even though the years have separated us, a single encounter brings floods of
memories of our shared past, and reconnects.
As Brother Damian Eugene I worked at Holy Trinity in Poughkeepsie, Molloy,
Mexico, St. Mary’s in Manhasset, Christ the King, and finally in Spain. Since
then I have taught Spanish in the Bellmore Merrick School District, retiring in
1995. An urgent request for help from a dear friend drew me back to the
classroom for a short ten-week period. Being in front of the classroom one more
time was an experience that I treasure. The students and faculty provided a new
opportunity for me to touch them and to be touched.
A visit to the Esopus cemetery has given me a chance to renew contact with old
teachers, companions, and, yes, even a student. I marvel at the memories that
ensue walking down each row of headstones. Thoughts and fond memories of
saintly men who were so instrumental in my formation and have aided me in my
near four decades of teaching, spring forth, along with prayers of gratitude for
exemplifying the true Marist spirit of doing good quietly.
On July 31, 1971, I married Mary Frances Maggiore. This year will be our 29th
anniversary. We share our love for children by our teaching, almost seventy-five
years combined. Mary still teaches and I am retired for the second time. Yet
there’s never a dull moment. I could go on, but suffice it to say that the Marists
All letters are opened immediately and read with relish. Keep them coming! You
do a phenomenal job!(712 Koelbel Court, Baldwin NY 11510; 516-623-4052)
STRAGGLERS As all readers of this newsletter know by now, we are in the
process of pruning our mailing list, and as we do so, we keep receiving word
from stragglers stating that by all means they wish to remain on the Marists All
mailing list. If there are any more of the stragglers out there, would you please
come forth quickly!
From TOM CORCORAN (’69): I had the privilege of attending the celebration
honoring those Brothers who were marking a jubilee year, the year 2000 Marist
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Jubilee Celebration. It was a wonderful event and an opportunity to renew many
friendships and acquaintances. The Brothers of the Roselle Catholic community,
led by Br. Vincent Damian, did an outstanding job of hosting a truly memorable
event and of honoring the Brothers celebrating their special day.
I heard a number of Brothers and former Brothers mention Marists All and how
they enjoy receiving it regularly. I would appreciate it, if you could include me
on the mailing list. I left the Marist community in 1979 and went to work for
Macy’s in the department of Human Resources. Many years and assignments
later, I’m now completing a four-year appointment as Vice President for Human
Resources at Herald Square. It has been an interesting and rewarding twenty
years with a company second only to the company of Marist Brothers that I was
so privileged to spend ten years with. I frequently remember you and the many
Marists responsible for my college education. (712 North Broad Street (#7E),
Elizabeth NJ 07208; 908-352-0832)
From JOHN “Okee” O’CONNELL (’58): I am alive and well, but an older guy
with two new titanium hips! Still doing the work of the Lord in public education,
currently in western Maryland, as a superintendent. I am married 31 years to
Sandra Joan Smith of Poughkeepsie; she is the “wind beneath my wings.” We
have a son with our two grandkids in Edgewater, Maryland, and daughters in
Tucson and Waynesville, Maryland. Please keep Marists All coming.
Thanks. (15802 Plainview Lane, Bowie MD 20716-1628)
From JOE (Joel Gilmary) STRANG (‘53): After reading M.A. this month I e-
mailed a few old friends whose e-mail addresses were with the write-ups. I am
happy to say that they all replied. Looks like the way to connect with Marist
friends is online. I just returned to California after a week’s vacation in New
York. I drove out to Bellport and left a note for the three monks that I believe are
still there. I need to get hold of a current Marist directory to know who is where
next time I come to the East Coast. I came back early so that I could attend
graduation for my students at Heald College School of Business and Technology.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive an award for my dedication to my students.
Guess the old Marist spirit has stayed with me. As my employer is a business
college, we only have a two-week vacation in the summer, so I begin a new
quarter next week, teaching English and Microsoft Word. I am contented with
my job, beginning my third year, and hope to keep teaching full time as long as I
can. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove Ca 93950; 831-375-8672;
joestran09@pacbell.net
From MIKE FLYNN (’65): Please keep me on the mail list for Marists All. I
have enjoyed every issue since the beginning, and will be sending you a letter
up-dating my “profile’ sometime soon. I am the newly-named chairman of the
advisory board for Camp Marist, so I have “stayed in touch” through my annual
visits to Center Ossipee during the summer! Thanks for all your effort with
Marists All! (5850 S.W. 53rd Terrance, Miami FL 33155)
From JACK (Timothy Joseph) CRAVEN (’48): Many thanks for the
wonderful work you do keeping the Marist spirit alive. Your efforts are much
appreciated. Many of the names appearing on the pages are strange to me, but
none of the publications I receive has more meaning to me than does that which
you and your colleagues do such a masterful job in producing.
At 72 I have taken on the most challenging of the roles I have played in my near
50 years as an educator: Director of Education for the Diocese of Boise, Idaho.
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Much of the challenge flows from the size of the diocese, which is more than the
size of New England, some 84,000 square miles. Enclosed is a copy of an article
which recently appeared in our diocesan paper; it speaks to my new duties and
summarizes my involvements of the past 30 years in education here in the west.
(Ed: We adapt the article)
On April 10th Bishop Michael Driscoll appointed Jack Craven as Director of the
Office of Education for the diocese of Boise. “I am delighted that Jack is coming
on board,” said Bishop Driscoll. “We are blessed to get a man of Jack Craven’s
caliber to go forward with the education ministries of the diocese.” During his
career Craven has taught language arts, been a counselor, high school
administrator, and director of curriculum.
A native of Massachusetts and member of St. Mary’s parish in Boise, Craven
holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Marist College and a master’s degree
from Fordham University. He has done significant graduate work at several other
universities around the country. He has been involved in civic, professional, and
church organizations, and for five years was on his parish’s parochial school
committee, serving as its chairperson for three years. Currently Jack is president
of The Arc (L’Arche) of Ada County, which provides for the needs of physically
and mentally handicapped people in a five-county area of Southwest Idaho. He
got involved in Arc at the birth of the youngest of his five children. The
youngest has Downs Syndrome.
While the principal of Boise High School from 1975 to 1985, Jack established
the Boise District Evening School for dropouts and served as its director for nine
years. In 1985 he became director of curriculum and instruction for the Boise
public school system, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. In the fall
of 1995 he joined the staff of Bishop Kelly High School, where he helped with
staff and curriculum development.
In 1996 the pastors of the Catholic parishes in Ada County asked Jack to study
the Catholic schools in the area. The study was broadened to incorporate
religious education in parishes from kindergarten to grade 12. Based on the
results of that study, the pastors felt a need to train catechists, so Jack established
the Faith Formation Program in 1997. More than 40 people have obtained their
catechist certification through the program, which has grown into a very
successful adult education program and lecture series. As many as 5000 people
will benefit from the program by the end of this year. Bishop Driscoll said, “I’m
very excited about Jack’s experience and the good work he has done with the
Faith Formation Program.”
Craven said that his immediate goal in his new position is to make contact with
the clergy of the diocese. “I’m convinced that our priests are a critical element in
the success of any diocesan program. The two greatest challenges for the Office
of Education Ministries are the geographical and the cultural differences. My
long-term goal is to bring uniform Catholic education services to all parts of the
diocese.”(3202 Wagon Wheel, Road, Boise ID 83702-1421)
From CATHERINE CHERRY: Even though I am only part of the Marist
extended family, and in Canada at that, I love to hear about all those I have met
over the years, especially at the summer Marist Family Institute of Spirituality.
All the stories of Marists and former Marists are so encouraging. Grace is meant
to spread. Please keep the issues coming. Thanks. I will write for Marists All
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when I return from the Institute.(440 Courtland Avenue, Montreal, Canada, H9S-
2R9; 514-633-9542; ccherry@total.net)
From RAY (Raymond Lawrence) LANDRY (‘56): This July the Institute of
Spirituality in Poughkeepsie again provided a wealth of meaningful experience
and thought. However, for me the most memorable event of the four days was
totally unplanned and unexpected. In search of a souvenir shop at the Culinary
Institute of America, Don Mulcare and I made a hike to the former St. Andrews-
on-Hudson, once a Jesuit seminary. The Culinary was closed for vacation and
renovations, but as we talked with a security guard about the former Jesuit
seminary, we learned of the Jesuit cemetery on the property. The guard was kind
enough to unlock the gates to the cemetery, and we had the opportunity to visit
the burial place of the renowned and revered Teilhard de Chardin. This was a
genuinely touching experience for me. The little I know of Chardin causes me to
honor him for his awareness of the earth, its workings and its transcendent
beauty. I had not even known that Chardin was buried there. Perhaps for next
year’s institute a volunteer pilgrimage to Chardin’s grave could be an optional
activity.
All I can now say is: thanks Don Mulcare for your companionship, the
opportunity to exercise, and the thrill of being able to call to mind and briefly
celebrate the life and achievements of a person who has contributed so
significantly to our appreciation of our earth and our God.
While I’m on the thank-you motif, I’d like to express my gratitude to Barney
Sheridan, to Larry Keogh, and to everyone else responsible for running the
gathering in Poughkeepsie. In 1998 I attended this institute for the first time for
the sole purpose of re-connecting with old friends, especially with Brother Luke
Driscoll. Over the past three years, I have received far more than I had ever
hoped for.(6 Appletree Lane, North Reading MA 01864; 978-664-2248;
landry2804@aol.com)
From BR. ALBERT PHILLIP (’51): A note to let you know that I enjoy
Marists All. After teaching in Laredo and in Brownsville for 13 years, I helped
the Diocese start a low-income housing program in Mission, Texas. Since then I
have been initiating various social projects such as a rural potable water supple
corporation, a low income credit union, and a nonprofit corporation to do
ministry near Brownsville. This is where I’m located now. Thanks again for your
dedication to this worthwhile ministry helping people keep in touch. (P.O. Box
8093, Brownsville TX 78526; 956-550-8826)
From ED WILLIAMS (’62): Although I have not responded to your requests
till now, please do keep me on the mailing list of Marists All. I read each issue as
soon as I receive it, and I enjoy hearing about former colleagues and friends.
Lots of good memories are stirred up with each issue. One of these days I will
write and let you know where life has taken me. Thanks for all the work you
have put into the newsletter.(58 N. El Camino Real (#119), San Mateo CA
94401; ed@gss.com)
From DON MULCARE (’57): Shortly after arriving at Marist College for the
Marist Family Institute of Spirituality on July 6th, I was asked, “Why are you
attending the Institute?” Actually, I had asked myself the same question. Over
the years as the Institute was announced through Marists All, my interest grew to
the point that 2000 seemed like the fullness of time. And it was 40 years since I
had left Marist College.
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I hoped the institute would fill in many of the gaps in my knowledge about
Marist friends. Christmas cards, letters, and occasional meetings provided a
limited spectrum of news. And Marists All came on the scene and provided more
of a steady stream of information, but still I had questions to be answered. The
Institute allowed face to face contact with long time friends, new friends, and
people known only through Marists All.
At times it is difficult to recognize an individual after a separation of 40 years.
Some have not changed significantly; others have. There was David Kammer
instead of a master of novices. Dave was a new person altogether. I could easily
recognize his appearance, his voice and gestures, but he was no longer “the
Master.” Our conversations ranged on topics that would never have been part of
a master-novice interview.
Two other Agnesians, Don Schmidt and Frank Casey, and I took a side trip to
Esopus, which gave us a chance to talk with Br. Leonard Voegtle and Br.
Thomas Coyne. Br. Leonard was a St. Agnes faculty member in my high school
days. Br. Thomas was in the class ahead of me at St. Agnes and also in
Tyngsboro and at Marist College. It was great to see them. Don, Frank and I
stopped by the Esopus Cemetery. One or the other of the three of us had known
most of the Brothers in repose, and we remembered something about each of
them.
The weather for the stay in Poughkeepsie was perfect. There were few clouds
and the temperatures were cool and crisp. We had plenty of time to walk the
grounds, look for landmarks of our scholasticate days, visit the Hudson, and talk
to Marist Family members. Many of the participants were close to the same age
and were in the process of changing careers. My own retirement is three years
away. We had a great opportunity to exchange information about opportunities
and obstacles, like “ageism” that prevents very talented people from continuing
work at which they excel.
Much of my free moments were spent with Ray Landry. Ray gave one of the
formal presentations, but our informal talks clearly illuminated the Marist
Family spirit. Most of the participants have served in people professions such as
education and social services, continuing along the trajectories launched during
Marist training. All bear signs of the Marist charisma; all are deeply Marist.
Br. Rene Roy demonstrated the flexibility of the Marist vocation as he told of
serving in Native American communities and in the Rwanda affected by the
genocide. And Br. Stephen Minogue brought his special touch to the Marist
mission in Liberia. Needless to say, Africa needs help. Both Brothers are
organizing aid.
My overall impression of the Institute was very favorable. The presentations
were substantial. They have given me new perspective on spirituality that
remains active as I write. The Institute will perhaps be closest to me as I
remember the faces of assembled Marists singing the Salve Regina, “Ever
Forever,” and the hymn honoring Saint Marcellin Champagnat, all of which link
us back to so many familiar experiences. Many thanks to the organizers,
especially to the Sheridans and the Keoghs. I plan to return to Poughkeepsie
again next year and hope to see more of the readers of Marists All.(7 Staffon
Road, Fairhaven MA 02719; 508-994-8605; Dmulcare@umassd.edu)
DANIEL JOSEPH KIRK: October 1928 -- August 1984
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Dan Kirk was a dedicated teacher, an exceptional educator. He was a quiet and
generous person who labored to change unjust conditions around him. His
greatest contribution was in affecting the lives of those he lived with, those he
taught, and those he worked for in his comparatively short life of 56 years.
Dan was a member of the Marist Brothers for over twenty years, group of 1945.
He graduated from Marist College with a BA in 1950, and went on to St. John’s
University in Jamaica, New York, for a Masters degree and for a Doctorate in
Psychology. He taught with distinction in several Marist high schools, but the
major portion of his career was at Marist College where he was a faculty
member for over twenty-five years. His main enterprise there was to institute
and consolidate the Psychology Department. He developed the department by
careful recruitment of personnel and the establishment of both required and
elective courses. He was responsible for pioneering an internship program in
psychology that attracted national attention. Dan introduced graduate education
at Marist. In 1972 he succeeded in getting the first Master’s Degree, one in
Community Psychology, passed by the college and approved by the State of
New York.
One colleague uses the example of his mastering the art of skiing as typical of
his persistence. He was simply undaunted by the coldness of the weather, the
difficulty of a hill, the lateness of the day; he would try and try again until he
mastered the moves.
Dan demonstrated special concern for the less fortunate. He was an effective
worker for the poor and for those suffering from mental problems. He served on
various community boards where he often found himself in the leadership
position. He played an early role in bringing attention to those who formed
minority groups, either because of race or because of disability. He provided
leadership in organizing local housing and good programs for migrant workers.
He advised state authorities to release from cruel confinement harmless mildly
retarded people into local neighborhoods where they could lead productive, self-
satisfying lives. He secured property for the creation of the Dutchess County
Mental Health Center. He staged the first Marist College Conference on
Retardation in 1974, which has evolved into an annual research conference.
Dan’s concern for people led him to build a home for his elderly parents and
himself on the college campus where he could continue his teaching and yet be a
presence for his parents. He also cared for his older sister who, after several
years serving as a nurse in surgery, had to be permanently institutionalized.
In the early 1980’s Dan Kirk developed a melanoma that eventually led to his
death on the 9th of August in 1984. He is remembered each year through the
Sabina and Daniel Kirk Psychology Lecture Series named after his parents, and
in the Kirk Endowment which he donated to Marist College. The virtues
inculcated in the days Dan was with the Brothers -- especially the virtues of
humility, simplicity, and modesty -- remained with him and were clearly
reflected in his life. They allowed Dan to endure setbacks, denials, and
disappointments. He could not accept ostentation and insincerity; he saw them as
enemies of truth and humility, virtues rooted in his character......(Adapted from a
tribute by Gus Nolan in Br. Joe Belanger’s “Marist All Saints”)
A VOLUNTEER to the MARIST MISSION in LIBERIA
by Tony Cantu, a 1975 graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Brownsville, Texas, and
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faculty member there since 1982, who is said to be totally involved in the life
and spirit of SJA
My experience in working with the Brothers in Liberia for a month has had a
profound effect on me. Some of the images and memories continue to haunt me;
they probably will never leave me. Liberia is coming out of a civil war that
ended in 1998. The country is still reeling from the effects of that violence.
There were many victims: buildings, industry, the infrastructure, the people, the
children. The Marist Brothers decided to return to Liberia a year ago to renew
their presence.
The brothers live in an area called Gardensville about 10 miles outside
Monrovia, the capital. They have a nice cement house on a dirt road. There are
four Liberian Marist Brothers and one American brother, Denis Hever. There are
two other Liberian brothers who are finishing their studies in Kenya. The house
is the former convent of the Adorers of the Precious Blood from Illinois. Five of
their U.S. sisters were murdered by the rebel forces in 1992. The chapel is
named Holy Martyrs Chapel in their memory and in memory of Marist martyrs
from other parts of Africa.
I volunteered to do some work with the brothers and see if I would like to go
back to be a presence with the Marist community and with the people. There are
some conveniences that you learn to live without. The city is without electricity
unless you have a generator; we have one. There is no postal system nor are
there many telephones. Communication with the States is very limited; my
family found this very frustrating. We had running water because we had a well.
Many people don't have these basic necessities.
Skin color was never an issue; obviously, I was white, and the people were
black. The neighborhood children called me “white man” until they learned my
name, and I called them “black children.” Our neighborhood is very poor. The
house across the dirt road from us was made of tin and woven pieces of palm;
three families live in one room. The house next to us was bombed out – no
windows, no doors, all open. Families live there. Because it is so hot, everyone
is outside until bedtime, including us.
The brothers teach at St. Michael’s Elementary and High School. The school has
no electricity nor are there books. Everything is dictated or written on the
chalkboard. Paper and pens become precious commodities. Learning does take
place; the brothers are conscientious and work hard. These kids, though, struggle
with the basic necessities. One kid told me he didn’t do well on a test. I had
talked to him several times and had a good sense about him. I proceeded to give
him the teacher-student talk about how smart he was, that he needed to do well,
and all that. Without batting an eye he said, “Brother Tony, it is hard to
concentrate when you haven’t eaten in two days.” What a shock!
I met kids who had seen more than anyone should ever see. One child was
beaten so severely with a rifle butt that he still has scars; he would not fight on
the side of the rebel forces. Many saw friends and family members killed right in
front of them. Remember a lot of these kids were anywhere from seven to
fourteen years old when the war started.
The people live from day to day. The brothers do as much as they can. They find
odd jobs around the house for people to do. Brother Denis has created a health
plan for folks that work at the house. We own a van, and it is always full. Since
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most of the kids don’t have money for a taxi to get to school, they are at the
house early to get a ride. Not only do the brothers teach full time; they also
volunteer at different places. The Marist presence is very important.
In Liberia if you are white, you are either a priest or a brother and rich. I threw
them for a loop by saying I was none of these! I was proud to explain that I was
a lay Marist volunteer. One day one boy asked if I was coming back. I told him I
didn’t know. I said that if I did, I would live in community with the brothers and
would not have the financial resources I had then. He looked at me and said,
“But at least you would be here with us.” Living and working in Liberia for that
month taught me what it means “to walk with the people.” Will I go back? I
don’t know yet. I do know that, regardless of the decision, my life will not be the
same. .....(Adapted from a two-page article circulated with the province
newsletter.)
From JIM O’BRIEN (‘54): In June Rose Ann and I moved to North Carolina,
and we were not able to attend the July meeting of the Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality. We hope that all went well at this year’s gathering. We plan to be
there in 2001! We received Marists All #55, very good stories. I still plan to
write an article for the newsletter soon. We are both in good health and enjoy
living near the ocean. Please change our address to: 311 Laughing Gull Court,
Shallotte NC 28470-5161; 910-575-4880; jimroseob@aol.com
From BOB JOYCE (’65): Like many others I have enjoyed reading the
newsletter that I have received second-hand from Jim Guldner. Please add me to
the mailings. I’d enjoy hearing from old friends. It has been 35 years since I left
the novitiate during the middle of my postulant year. I remember three
wonderful years in the juniorate, two in Esopus and one in Cold Spring. I
enrolled at St. John’s University where I earned a BA in Education. I received
my MA from Queens College and then returned to St. John’s for a PhD in
Education. I have spent the past 32 years teaching mostly 4th and 5th grades in
the Lynbrook Public Schools. My teaching has included special subjects such as
Math, Science, and Computer. Hopefully I have positively affected the
youngsters who have passed through my classroom doors.
I met my wife Nancy as a junior in college; we married in August of 1970. We
have spent 30 wonderful years together, and God has blessed us with three
wonderful children; they are our pride and joy. Jeremy graduated from Notre
Dame in 1998 and is a CPA for Price Waterhouse in NYC. Josh is a junior at
Notre Dame and Jonathan is a sophomore there.
I have kept in contact with Ed Gerrity and Jim Guldner. I have also run into
Mark Moran, Fred Brand, John Wesp, and Bill White. I have enjoyed Marists All
and the wonderful work I see many of Marist finest are doing. (17 Dorset Ct.,
Farmingdale NY 11735; RVJoyce@aol.com)
A reminder: GMC PICNIC, Mt. St. Michael, Saturday, September 16th
Editors’ note: We have an accumulation of a number of promises made by
people who have pledged to write for Marists All. Some are probably too busy.
Some may have overlooked their promise. Some just keep putting it off. May we
send encouragement.
Gus Nolan, 50 So. Randolph Ave., Pksie NY 12601; 914-454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
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David Kammer, 476 LaPlaya, Edgewater FL 32141; 904-426-6349;
kammer@mpinet.net
Again, the Editors: We had settled on eight pages for this issue, and had prepared
them and printed them up; then we received additional correspondence to enable
us to include these two additional pages nine and ten.
DECEASED: Bob Englert (’60) died Sunday evening, August 20th, after a long
illness with cancer. We had been kept apprised of Bob’s condition by Dan St.
Jacques (’51) who is a cancer care volunteer at Mercy Medical Centre on Long
Island. Bob’s wife Merril and daughter Jenny live at 42 Orchard Street,
Lindenhurst NY 11757. ....May all of our friends rest in peace.
From HELEN TOBIN: This summer at the Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality we had two very special presenters --- Brother Rene Roy and Brother
Stephen Urban. Both men had us fascinated and horrified at the same time, as
they told about the conditions existing in our Marist missions in Liberia and
Rwanda. These men lived under conditions that we can’t begin to imagine!
Brother Stephen spent eight weeks in Liberia during the monsoon season. In that
country, one of the smallest and easily the poorest in Africa, the Brothers have
no radio, no phone, no newspapers, and no mail – neither does anyone else. Talk
about isolation! The Brothers do have a decent place to live and are fortunate to
own a generator which they are permitted to use between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
each day; there is no electricity. Their diet consists of fish and rice (Ugh),
occasionally some chicken.
Brother Rene lived in Rwanda for four years in the aftermath of a devastating
period of genocide. There, too, the poverty is beyond our imagination. The
Brothers run a grade school and high school there. Brother Rene showed a video
where all the children were neatly and cleanly dressed. However, they own only
two shirts and two pairs of pants, which are in sad shape by the end of the school
year.
In both Liberia and Rwanda the biggest need is for textbooks. How can children
be taught what they need to know in today’s world without textbooks? There is
also a great need of books for just plain reading: novels, magazines, etc. They
can also use simple games, such as chess, checkers, scrabble.
Those of us who were fortunate to attend Catholic school should well remember
bringing nickels and dimes to help the missions. However, when you have dear
friends who have personally lived under such deplorable conditions, the
missions take on a whole new meaning. At least they do for me. Our Brothers in
the African missions desperately need our help; may we be inspired to open our
hearts and our wallets to help as best we can. And as you clean out your closets,
basements, and attics, should you discover any textbooks or other useful items,
get in touch with one of the Marist communities. The Brothers have the
necessary contacts to see that the books and the other helpful things reach their
destinations. Of course, our prayer for the Brothers’ safety and success is most
important and will be appreciated more than we will ever know. (75 Revere
Court, Montville NJ 07045; 973-335-3758)
From JOE (Gabriel Francis) HORES (’49): It’s good to see a new crop of
younger guys writing for the newsletter. I saw Joe Bel’s letter to the editor in the
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May issue of the “Catholic Worker.” Keep up the good work; keep the show on
the road. (700 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersboro FL 33701; 727-550-9011)
From FRANK RIZZA (‘67): I just finished reading Marists All #55. I was
disheartened to hear about the tornado damage in Esopus, but glad that no one
was hurt and that the buildings are not seriously damaged. Most of the names in
the newsletter are not familiar to me, yet I do see some that ring bells. For
example, this month I see the names of Andy Zoccoli and Matt Bianco; does
Matt still play drums? I would love to get in touch with Fred Bauer again.
Anyone know his address? Last I heard he was in the Raleigh-Durham area of
North Carolina. Fred was in Esopus with me in 1966-67.
One thing that amazes me is that almost ALL of us work in the helping
professions. Shows the kind of spirit we Marists have, perhaps what drew us to
the congregation in the first place. (32 Beaumont Lane, Lake Grove NY 11755-
2704; 516-467-2726)
From RICHARD LAPIETRA (’50): The reunion of the classes of 1950/51,
June 22/23, was like pages of Marists All come to life. I experienced the feelings
and memories that so many readers have reported in page after page of that
remark-able publication. How satisfying to see so many well-remembered faces
and to share so many wonderful memories. Many thanks to Bill Lavigne for
spearheading the preparations from far-off West Virginia and to Marist College
for its generous hospitality personified by Gerry Cox. Particularly touching was
the invitation by the Brothers of the Esopus and the Poughkeepsie provinces to
join with them for lunch on the 23rd as they began their inter-provincial
convocation. This was the second reunion of these two classes, the first ten years
ago. Perhaps we ought not wait another ten years? (richard.lapietra@marist.edu)
From GUS NOLAN (’48): Update on the Esopus Summer Camps. In the last
issue Brother Leonard Voegtle reported on the terrible condition a tornado
wrought on the Esopus property. I thought it would be fitting in this issue to
report on the summer camps of 2000. Brothers Don Nugent and Frank Klug,
who are involved with the program, provided the data below. I am grateful for
their help.
Here is a list of the camps that were held:
Transfiguration Parish / Chinese Retarded Young Adults
Retarded Children / 2 camps Retarded Adults
Deaf People / Retarded Children with Cancer
Sacred Heart Parish / Inner City School Children with HIV Virus
Molloy Freshmen Orientation Program Blessed Sacrament Choir Program
Volunteer staffs came mostly from Marist schools, as well as Fordham Prep,
Bishop Ford, and Marist College. Twenty-five Marist Brothers work weekly
sessions, helping in the kitchen, doing clerical work, maintenance work, etc.
This is the 26th summer, though the actual first year is difficult to determine.
Much has been done to recover from the tornado, thanks to many contributions.
The roads, lawns, and fields are mostly cleared, except fort the road to the boat
house; but the woods particularly will have to wait for frozen ground before
heavy equipment can get to them. Piles of logs and some rather devastated
woods greet the visitor’s eye on much of the property. Clearly, the Lord has
decreed a “new Esopus.”(50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com)
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ISSUE # 56
September 2000
From DON (Damian Eugene) SCHMIDT (’53): The years have passed and
copy after copy of Marists All has arrived and been read from cover to cover.
Guilt has mounted for not having written to contribute to this wonderful vehicle
of God’s grace. To hear what God has wrought through each person who has
written is truly awe-inspiring. My own association with all that is Marist dates
back to the fifties. This year I am celebrating a special 50th anniversary of
Marist relationship.
As I write, I am attending the Marist Institute of Spirituality at Marist College
for the first time. To see and hear former colleagues – confreres – is a very
special treat. I have also had the privilege of attending the canonization of St.
Marcellin Champagnat in Rome last year. Both occasions have impressed upon
me the importance of that thread of Marist spirit which binds us all together.
Even though the years have separated us, a single encounter brings floods of
memories of our shared past, and reconnects.
As Brother Damian Eugene I worked at Holy Trinity in Poughkeepsie, Molloy,
Mexico, St. Mary’s in Manhasset, Christ the King, and finally in Spain. Since
then I have taught Spanish in the Bellmore Merrick School District, retiring in
1995. An urgent request for help from a dear friend drew me back to the
classroom for a short ten-week period. Being in front of the classroom one more
time was an experience that I treasure. The students and faculty provided a new
opportunity for me to touch them and to be touched.
A visit to the Esopus cemetery has given me a chance to renew contact with old
teachers, companions, and, yes, even a student. I marvel at the memories that
ensue walking down each row of headstones. Thoughts and fond memories of
saintly men who were so instrumental in my formation and have aided me in my
near four decades of teaching, spring forth, along with prayers of gratitude for
exemplifying the true Marist spirit of doing good quietly.
On July 31, 1971, I married Mary Frances Maggiore. This year will be our 29th
anniversary. We share our love for children by our teaching, almost seventy-five
years combined. Mary still teaches and I am retired for the second time. Yet
there’s never a dull moment. I could go on, but suffice it to say that the Marists
All letters are opened immediately and read with relish. Keep them coming! You
do a phenomenal job!(712 Koelbel Court, Baldwin NY 11510; 516-623-4052)
STRAGGLERS As all readers of this newsletter know by now, we are in the
process of pruning our mailing list, and as we do so, we keep receiving word
from stragglers stating that by all means they wish to remain on the Marists All
mailing list. If there are any more of the stragglers out there, would you please
come forth quickly!
From TOM CORCORAN (’69): I had the privilege of attending the celebration
honoring those Brothers who were marking a jubilee year, the year 2000 Marist
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Jubilee Celebration. It was a wonderful event and an opportunity to renew many
friendships and acquaintances. The Brothers of the Roselle Catholic community,
led by Br. Vincent Damian, did an outstanding job of hosting a truly memorable
event and of honoring the Brothers celebrating their special day.
I heard a number of Brothers and former Brothers mention Marists All and how
they enjoy receiving it regularly. I would appreciate it, if you could include me
on the mailing list. I left the Marist community in 1979 and went to work for
Macy’s in the department of Human Resources. Many years and assignments
later, I’m now completing a four-year appointment as Vice President for Human
Resources at Herald Square. It has been an interesting and rewarding twenty
years with a company second only to the company of Marist Brothers that I was
so privileged to spend ten years with. I frequently remember you and the many
Marists responsible for my college education. (712 North Broad Street (#7E),
Elizabeth NJ 07208; 908-352-0832)
From JOHN “Okee” O’CONNELL (’58): I am alive and well, but an older guy
with two new titanium hips! Still doing the work of the Lord in public education,
currently in western Maryland, as a superintendent. I am married 31 years to
Sandra Joan Smith of Poughkeepsie; she is the “wind beneath my wings.” We
have a son with our two grandkids in Edgewater, Maryland, and daughters in
Tucson and Waynesville, Maryland. Please keep Marists All coming.
Thanks. (15802 Plainview Lane, Bowie MD 20716-1628)
From JOE (Joel Gilmary) STRANG (‘53): After reading M.A. this month I e-
mailed a few old friends whose e-mail addresses were with the write-ups. I am
happy to say that they all replied. Looks like the way to connect with Marist
friends is online. I just returned to California after a week’s vacation in New
York. I drove out to Bellport and left a note for the three monks that I believe are
still there. I need to get hold of a current Marist directory to know who is where
next time I come to the East Coast. I came back early so that I could attend
graduation for my students at Heald College School of Business and Technology.
I was pleasantly surprised to receive an award for my dedication to my students.
Guess the old Marist spirit has stayed with me. As my employer is a business
college, we only have a two-week vacation in the summer, so I begin a new
quarter next week, teaching English and Microsoft Word. I am contented with
my job, beginning my third year, and hope to keep teaching full time as long as I
can. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove Ca 93950; 831-375-8672;
joestran09@pacbell.net
From MIKE FLYNN (’65): Please keep me on the mail list for Marists All. I
have enjoyed every issue since the beginning, and will be sending you a letter
up-dating my “profile’ sometime soon. I am the newly-named chairman of the
advisory board for Camp Marist, so I have “stayed in touch” through my annual
visits to Center Ossipee during the summer! Thanks for all your effort with
Marists All! (5850 S.W. 53rd Terrance, Miami FL 33155)
From JACK (Timothy Joseph) CRAVEN (’48): Many thanks for the
wonderful work you do keeping the Marist spirit alive. Your efforts are much
appreciated. Many of the names appearing on the pages are strange to me, but
none of the publications I receive has more meaning to me than does that which
you and your colleagues do such a masterful job in producing.
At 72 I have taken on the most challenging of the roles I have played in my near
50 years as an educator: Director of Education for the Diocese of Boise, Idaho.
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Much of the challenge flows from the size of the diocese, which is more than the
size of New England, some 84,000 square miles. Enclosed is a copy of an article
which recently appeared in our diocesan paper; it speaks to my new duties and
summarizes my involvements of the past 30 years in education here in the west.
(Ed: We adapt the article)
On April 10th Bishop Michael Driscoll appointed Jack Craven as Director of the
Office of Education for the diocese of Boise. “I am delighted that Jack is coming
on board,” said Bishop Driscoll. “We are blessed to get a man of Jack Craven’s
caliber to go forward with the education ministries of the diocese.” During his
career Craven has taught language arts, been a counselor, high school
administrator, and director of curriculum.
A native of Massachusetts and member of St. Mary’s parish in Boise, Craven
holds a bachelor’s degree in English from Marist College and a master’s degree
from Fordham University. He has done significant graduate work at several other
universities around the country. He has been involved in civic, professional, and
church organizations, and for five years was on his parish’s parochial school
committee, serving as its chairperson for three years. Currently Jack is president
of The Arc (L’Arche) of Ada County, which provides for the needs of physically
and mentally handicapped people in a five-county area of Southwest Idaho. He
got involved in Arc at the birth of the youngest of his five children. The
youngest has Downs Syndrome.
While the principal of Boise High School from 1975 to 1985, Jack established
the Boise District Evening School for dropouts and served as its director for nine
years. In 1985 he became director of curriculum and instruction for the Boise
public school system, a position he held until his retirement in 1994. In the fall
of 1995 he joined the staff of Bishop Kelly High School, where he helped with
staff and curriculum development.
In 1996 the pastors of the Catholic parishes in Ada County asked Jack to study
the Catholic schools in the area. The study was broadened to incorporate
religious education in parishes from kindergarten to grade 12. Based on the
results of that study, the pastors felt a need to train catechists, so Jack established
the Faith Formation Program in 1997. More than 40 people have obtained their
catechist certification through the program, which has grown into a very
successful adult education program and lecture series. As many as 5000 people
will benefit from the program by the end of this year. Bishop Driscoll said, “I’m
very excited about Jack’s experience and the good work he has done with the
Faith Formation Program.”
Craven said that his immediate goal in his new position is to make contact with
the clergy of the diocese. “I’m convinced that our priests are a critical element in
the success of any diocesan program. The two greatest challenges for the Office
of Education Ministries are the geographical and the cultural differences. My
long-term goal is to bring uniform Catholic education services to all parts of the
diocese.”(3202 Wagon Wheel, Road, Boise ID 83702-1421)
From CATHERINE CHERRY: Even though I am only part of the Marist
extended family, and in Canada at that, I love to hear about all those I have met
over the years, especially at the summer Marist Family Institute of Spirituality.
All the stories of Marists and former Marists are so encouraging. Grace is meant
to spread. Please keep the issues coming. Thanks. I will write for Marists All
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when I return from the Institute.(440 Courtland Avenue, Montreal, Canada, H9S-
2R9; 514-633-9542; ccherry@total.net)
From RAY (Raymond Lawrence) LANDRY (‘56): This July the Institute of
Spirituality in Poughkeepsie again provided a wealth of meaningful experience
and thought. However, for me the most memorable event of the four days was
totally unplanned and unexpected. In search of a souvenir shop at the Culinary
Institute of America, Don Mulcare and I made a hike to the former St. Andrews-
on-Hudson, once a Jesuit seminary. The Culinary was closed for vacation and
renovations, but as we talked with a security guard about the former Jesuit
seminary, we learned of the Jesuit cemetery on the property. The guard was kind
enough to unlock the gates to the cemetery, and we had the opportunity to visit
the burial place of the renowned and revered Teilhard de Chardin. This was a
genuinely touching experience for me. The little I know of Chardin causes me to
honor him for his awareness of the earth, its workings and its transcendent
beauty. I had not even known that Chardin was buried there. Perhaps for next
year’s institute a volunteer pilgrimage to Chardin’s grave could be an optional
activity.
All I can now say is: thanks Don Mulcare for your companionship, the
opportunity to exercise, and the thrill of being able to call to mind and briefly
celebrate the life and achievements of a person who has contributed so
significantly to our appreciation of our earth and our God.
While I’m on the thank-you motif, I’d like to express my gratitude to Barney
Sheridan, to Larry Keogh, and to everyone else responsible for running the
gathering in Poughkeepsie. In 1998 I attended this institute for the first time for
the sole purpose of re-connecting with old friends, especially with Brother Luke
Driscoll. Over the past three years, I have received far more than I had ever
hoped for.(6 Appletree Lane, North Reading MA 01864; 978-664-2248;
landry2804@aol.com)
From BR. ALBERT PHILLIP (’51): A note to let you know that I enjoy
Marists All. After teaching in Laredo and in Brownsville for 13 years, I helped
the Diocese start a low-income housing program in Mission, Texas. Since then I
have been initiating various social projects such as a rural potable water supple
corporation, a low income credit union, and a nonprofit corporation to do
ministry near Brownsville. This is where I’m located now. Thanks again for your
dedication to this worthwhile ministry helping people keep in touch. (P.O. Box
8093, Brownsville TX 78526; 956-550-8826)
From ED WILLIAMS (’62): Although I have not responded to your requests
till now, please do keep me on the mailing list of Marists All. I read each issue as
soon as I receive it, and I enjoy hearing about former colleagues and friends.
Lots of good memories are stirred up with each issue. One of these days I will
write and let you know where life has taken me. Thanks for all the work you
have put into the newsletter.(58 N. El Camino Real (#119), San Mateo CA
94401; ed@gss.com)
From DON MULCARE (’57): Shortly after arriving at Marist College for the
Marist Family Institute of Spirituality on July 6th, I was asked, “Why are you
attending the Institute?” Actually, I had asked myself the same question. Over
the years as the Institute was announced through Marists All, my interest grew to
the point that 2000 seemed like the fullness of time. And it was 40 years since I
had left Marist College.
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I hoped the institute would fill in many of the gaps in my knowledge about
Marist friends. Christmas cards, letters, and occasional meetings provided a
limited spectrum of news. And Marists All came on the scene and provided more
of a steady stream of information, but still I had questions to be answered. The
Institute allowed face to face contact with long time friends, new friends, and
people known only through Marists All.
At times it is difficult to recognize an individual after a separation of 40 years.
Some have not changed significantly; others have. There was David Kammer
instead of a master of novices. Dave was a new person altogether. I could easily
recognize his appearance, his voice and gestures, but he was no longer “the
Master.” Our conversations ranged on topics that would never have been part of
a master-novice interview.
Two other Agnesians, Don Schmidt and Frank Casey, and I took a side trip to
Esopus, which gave us a chance to talk with Br. Leonard Voegtle and Br.
Thomas Coyne. Br. Leonard was a St. Agnes faculty member in my high school
days. Br. Thomas was in the class ahead of me at St. Agnes and also in
Tyngsboro and at Marist College. It was great to see them. Don, Frank and I
stopped by the Esopus Cemetery. One or the other of the three of us had known
most of the Brothers in repose, and we remembered something about each of
them.
The weather for the stay in Poughkeepsie was perfect. There were few clouds
and the temperatures were cool and crisp. We had plenty of time to walk the
grounds, look for landmarks of our scholasticate days, visit the Hudson, and talk
to Marist Family members. Many of the participants were close to the same age
and were in the process of changing careers. My own retirement is three years
away. We had a great opportunity to exchange information about opportunities
and obstacles, like “ageism” that prevents very talented people from continuing
work at which they excel.
Much of my free moments were spent with Ray Landry. Ray gave one of the
formal presentations, but our informal talks clearly illuminated the Marist
Family spirit. Most of the participants have served in people professions such as
education and social services, continuing along the trajectories launched during
Marist training. All bear signs of the Marist charisma; all are deeply Marist.
Br. Rene Roy demonstrated the flexibility of the Marist vocation as he told of
serving in Native American communities and in the Rwanda affected by the
genocide. And Br. Stephen Minogue brought his special touch to the Marist
mission in Liberia. Needless to say, Africa needs help. Both Brothers are
organizing aid.
My overall impression of the Institute was very favorable. The presentations
were substantial. They have given me new perspective on spirituality that
remains active as I write. The Institute will perhaps be closest to me as I
remember the faces of assembled Marists singing the Salve Regina, “Ever
Forever,” and the hymn honoring Saint Marcellin Champagnat, all of which link
us back to so many familiar experiences. Many thanks to the organizers,
especially to the Sheridans and the Keoghs. I plan to return to Poughkeepsie
again next year and hope to see more of the readers of Marists All.(7 Staffon
Road, Fairhaven MA 02719; 508-994-8605; Dmulcare@umassd.edu)
DANIEL JOSEPH KIRK: October 1928 -- August 1984
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Dan Kirk was a dedicated teacher, an exceptional educator. He was a quiet and
generous person who labored to change unjust conditions around him. His
greatest contribution was in affecting the lives of those he lived with, those he
taught, and those he worked for in his comparatively short life of 56 years.
Dan was a member of the Marist Brothers for over twenty years, group of 1945.
He graduated from Marist College with a BA in 1950, and went on to St. John’s
University in Jamaica, New York, for a Masters degree and for a Doctorate in
Psychology. He taught with distinction in several Marist high schools, but the
major portion of his career was at Marist College where he was a faculty
member for over twenty-five years. His main enterprise there was to institute
and consolidate the Psychology Department. He developed the department by
careful recruitment of personnel and the establishment of both required and
elective courses. He was responsible for pioneering an internship program in
psychology that attracted national attention. Dan introduced graduate education
at Marist. In 1972 he succeeded in getting the first Master’s Degree, one in
Community Psychology, passed by the college and approved by the State of
New York.
One colleague uses the example of his mastering the art of skiing as typical of
his persistence. He was simply undaunted by the coldness of the weather, the
difficulty of a hill, the lateness of the day; he would try and try again until he
mastered the moves.
Dan demonstrated special concern for the less fortunate. He was an effective
worker for the poor and for those suffering from mental problems. He served on
various community boards where he often found himself in the leadership
position. He played an early role in bringing attention to those who formed
minority groups, either because of race or because of disability. He provided
leadership in organizing local housing and good programs for migrant workers.
He advised state authorities to release from cruel confinement harmless mildly
retarded people into local neighborhoods where they could lead productive, self-
satisfying lives. He secured property for the creation of the Dutchess County
Mental Health Center. He staged the first Marist College Conference on
Retardation in 1974, which has evolved into an annual research conference.
Dan’s concern for people led him to build a home for his elderly parents and
himself on the college campus where he could continue his teaching and yet be a
presence for his parents. He also cared for his older sister who, after several
years serving as a nurse in surgery, had to be permanently institutionalized.
In the early 1980’s Dan Kirk developed a melanoma that eventually led to his
death on the 9th of August in 1984. He is remembered each year through the
Sabina and Daniel Kirk Psychology Lecture Series named after his parents, and
in the Kirk Endowment which he donated to Marist College. The virtues
inculcated in the days Dan was with the Brothers -- especially the virtues of
humility, simplicity, and modesty -- remained with him and were clearly
reflected in his life. They allowed Dan to endure setbacks, denials, and
disappointments. He could not accept ostentation and insincerity; he saw them as
enemies of truth and humility, virtues rooted in his character......(Adapted from a
tribute by Gus Nolan in Br. Joe Belanger’s “Marist All Saints”)
A VOLUNTEER to the MARIST MISSION in LIBERIA
by Tony Cantu, a 1975 graduate of St. Joseph Academy, Brownsville, Texas, and
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faculty member there since 1982, who is said to be totally involved in the life
and spirit of SJA
My experience in working with the Brothers in Liberia for a month has had a
profound effect on me. Some of the images and memories continue to haunt me;
they probably will never leave me. Liberia is coming out of a civil war that
ended in 1998. The country is still reeling from the effects of that violence.
There were many victims: buildings, industry, the infrastructure, the people, the
children. The Marist Brothers decided to return to Liberia a year ago to renew
their presence.
The brothers live in an area called Gardensville about 10 miles outside
Monrovia, the capital. They have a nice cement house on a dirt road. There are
four Liberian Marist Brothers and one American brother, Denis Hever. There are
two other Liberian brothers who are finishing their studies in Kenya. The house
is the former convent of the Adorers of the Precious Blood from Illinois. Five of
their U.S. sisters were murdered by the rebel forces in 1992. The chapel is
named Holy Martyrs Chapel in their memory and in memory of Marist martyrs
from other parts of Africa.
I volunteered to do some work with the brothers and see if I would like to go
back to be a presence with the Marist community and with the people. There are
some conveniences that you learn to live without. The city is without electricity
unless you have a generator; we have one. There is no postal system nor are
there many telephones. Communication with the States is very limited; my
family found this very frustrating. We had running water because we had a well.
Many people don't have these basic necessities.
Skin color was never an issue; obviously, I was white, and the people were
black. The neighborhood children called me “white man” until they learned my
name, and I called them “black children.” Our neighborhood is very poor. The
house across the dirt road from us was made of tin and woven pieces of palm;
three families live in one room. The house next to us was bombed out – no
windows, no doors, all open. Families live there. Because it is so hot, everyone
is outside until bedtime, including us.
The brothers teach at St. Michael’s Elementary and High School. The school has
no electricity nor are there books. Everything is dictated or written on the
chalkboard. Paper and pens become precious commodities. Learning does take
place; the brothers are conscientious and work hard. These kids, though, struggle
with the basic necessities. One kid told me he didn’t do well on a test. I had
talked to him several times and had a good sense about him. I proceeded to give
him the teacher-student talk about how smart he was, that he needed to do well,
and all that. Without batting an eye he said, “Brother Tony, it is hard to
concentrate when you haven’t eaten in two days.” What a shock!
I met kids who had seen more than anyone should ever see. One child was
beaten so severely with a rifle butt that he still has scars; he would not fight on
the side of the rebel forces. Many saw friends and family members killed right in
front of them. Remember a lot of these kids were anywhere from seven to
fourteen years old when the war started.
The people live from day to day. The brothers do as much as they can. They find
odd jobs around the house for people to do. Brother Denis has created a health
plan for folks that work at the house. We own a van, and it is always full. Since
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most of the kids don’t have money for a taxi to get to school, they are at the
house early to get a ride. Not only do the brothers teach full time; they also
volunteer at different places. The Marist presence is very important.
In Liberia if you are white, you are either a priest or a brother and rich. I threw
them for a loop by saying I was none of these! I was proud to explain that I was
a lay Marist volunteer. One day one boy asked if I was coming back. I told him I
didn’t know. I said that if I did, I would live in community with the brothers and
would not have the financial resources I had then. He looked at me and said,
“But at least you would be here with us.” Living and working in Liberia for that
month taught me what it means “to walk with the people.” Will I go back? I
don’t know yet. I do know that, regardless of the decision, my life will not be the
same. .....(Adapted from a two-page article circulated with the province
newsletter.)
From JIM O’BRIEN (‘54): In June Rose Ann and I moved to North Carolina,
and we were not able to attend the July meeting of the Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality. We hope that all went well at this year’s gathering. We plan to be
there in 2001! We received Marists All #55, very good stories. I still plan to
write an article for the newsletter soon. We are both in good health and enjoy
living near the ocean. Please change our address to: 311 Laughing Gull Court,
Shallotte NC 28470-5161; 910-575-4880; jimroseob@aol.com
From BOB JOYCE (’65): Like many others I have enjoyed reading the
newsletter that I have received second-hand from Jim Guldner. Please add me to
the mailings. I’d enjoy hearing from old friends. It has been 35 years since I left
the novitiate during the middle of my postulant year. I remember three
wonderful years in the juniorate, two in Esopus and one in Cold Spring. I
enrolled at St. John’s University where I earned a BA in Education. I received
my MA from Queens College and then returned to St. John’s for a PhD in
Education. I have spent the past 32 years teaching mostly 4th and 5th grades in
the Lynbrook Public Schools. My teaching has included special subjects such as
Math, Science, and Computer. Hopefully I have positively affected the
youngsters who have passed through my classroom doors.
I met my wife Nancy as a junior in college; we married in August of 1970. We
have spent 30 wonderful years together, and God has blessed us with three
wonderful children; they are our pride and joy. Jeremy graduated from Notre
Dame in 1998 and is a CPA for Price Waterhouse in NYC. Josh is a junior at
Notre Dame and Jonathan is a sophomore there.
I have kept in contact with Ed Gerrity and Jim Guldner. I have also run into
Mark Moran, Fred Brand, John Wesp, and Bill White. I have enjoyed Marists All
and the wonderful work I see many of Marist finest are doing. (17 Dorset Ct.,
Farmingdale NY 11735; RVJoyce@aol.com)
A reminder: GMC PICNIC, Mt. St. Michael, Saturday, September 16th
Editors’ note: We have an accumulation of a number of promises made by
people who have pledged to write for Marists All. Some are probably too busy.
Some may have overlooked their promise. Some just keep putting it off. May we
send encouragement.
Gus Nolan, 50 So. Randolph Ave., Pksie NY 12601; 914-454-6116;
gusnolan@aol.com
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David Kammer, 476 LaPlaya, Edgewater FL 32141; 904-426-6349;
kammer@mpinet.net
Again, the Editors: We had settled on eight pages for this issue, and had prepared
them and printed them up; then we received additional correspondence to enable
us to include these two additional pages nine and ten.
DECEASED: Bob Englert (’60) died Sunday evening, August 20th, after a long
illness with cancer. We had been kept apprised of Bob’s condition by Dan St.
Jacques (’51) who is a cancer care volunteer at Mercy Medical Centre on Long
Island. Bob’s wife Merril and daughter Jenny live at 42 Orchard Street,
Lindenhurst NY 11757. ....May all of our friends rest in peace.
From HELEN TOBIN: This summer at the Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality we had two very special presenters --- Brother Rene Roy and Brother
Stephen Urban. Both men had us fascinated and horrified at the same time, as
they told about the conditions existing in our Marist missions in Liberia and
Rwanda. These men lived under conditions that we can’t begin to imagine!
Brother Stephen spent eight weeks in Liberia during the monsoon season. In that
country, one of the smallest and easily the poorest in Africa, the Brothers have
no radio, no phone, no newspapers, and no mail – neither does anyone else. Talk
about isolation! The Brothers do have a decent place to live and are fortunate to
own a generator which they are permitted to use between 6 p.m. and 10 p.m.
each day; there is no electricity. Their diet consists of fish and rice (Ugh),
occasionally some chicken.
Brother Rene lived in Rwanda for four years in the aftermath of a devastating
period of genocide. There, too, the poverty is beyond our imagination. The
Brothers run a grade school and high school there. Brother Rene showed a video
where all the children were neatly and cleanly dressed. However, they own only
two shirts and two pairs of pants, which are in sad shape by the end of the school
year.
In both Liberia and Rwanda the biggest need is for textbooks. How can children
be taught what they need to know in today’s world without textbooks? There is
also a great need of books for just plain reading: novels, magazines, etc. They
can also use simple games, such as chess, checkers, scrabble.
Those of us who were fortunate to attend Catholic school should well remember
bringing nickels and dimes to help the missions. However, when you have dear
friends who have personally lived under such deplorable conditions, the
missions take on a whole new meaning. At least they do for me. Our Brothers in
the African missions desperately need our help; may we be inspired to open our
hearts and our wallets to help as best we can. And as you clean out your closets,
basements, and attics, should you discover any textbooks or other useful items,
get in touch with one of the Marist communities. The Brothers have the
necessary contacts to see that the books and the other helpful things reach their
destinations. Of course, our prayer for the Brothers’ safety and success is most
important and will be appreciated more than we will ever know. (75 Revere
Court, Montville NJ 07045; 973-335-3758)
From JOE (Gabriel Francis) HORES (’49): It’s good to see a new crop of
younger guys writing for the newsletter. I saw Joe Bel’s letter to the editor in the
6/22/2021
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May issue of the “Catholic Worker.” Keep up the good work; keep the show on
the road. (700 Beach Drive NE, St. Petersboro FL 33701; 727-550-9011)
From FRANK RIZZA (‘67): I just finished reading Marists All #55. I was
disheartened to hear about the tornado damage in Esopus, but glad that no one
was hurt and that the buildings are not seriously damaged. Most of the names in
the newsletter are not familiar to me, yet I do see some that ring bells. For
example, this month I see the names of Andy Zoccoli and Matt Bianco; does
Matt still play drums? I would love to get in touch with Fred Bauer again.
Anyone know his address? Last I heard he was in the Raleigh-Durham area of
North Carolina. Fred was in Esopus with me in 1966-67.
One thing that amazes me is that almost ALL of us work in the helping
professions. Shows the kind of spirit we Marists have, perhaps what drew us to
the congregation in the first place. (32 Beaumont Lane, Lake Grove NY 11755-
2704; 516-467-2726)
From RICHARD LAPIETRA (’50): The reunion of the classes of 1950/51,
June 22/23, was like pages of Marists All come to life. I experienced the feelings
and memories that so many readers have reported in page after page of that
remark-able publication. How satisfying to see so many well-remembered faces
and to share so many wonderful memories. Many thanks to Bill Lavigne for
spearheading the preparations from far-off West Virginia and to Marist College
for its generous hospitality personified by Gerry Cox. Particularly touching was
the invitation by the Brothers of the Esopus and the Poughkeepsie provinces to
join with them for lunch on the 23rd as they began their inter-provincial
convocation. This was the second reunion of these two classes, the first ten years
ago. Perhaps we ought not wait another ten years? (richard.lapietra@marist.edu)
From GUS NOLAN (’48): Update on the Esopus Summer Camps. In the last
issue Brother Leonard Voegtle reported on the terrible condition a tornado
wrought on the Esopus property. I thought it would be fitting in this issue to
report on the summer camps of 2000. Brothers Don Nugent and Frank Klug,
who are involved with the program, provided the data below. I am grateful for
their help.
Here is a list of the camps that were held:
Transfiguration Parish / Chinese Retarded Young Adults
Retarded Children / 2 camps Retarded Adults
Deaf People / Retarded Children with Cancer
Sacred Heart Parish / Inner City School Children with HIV Virus
Molloy Freshmen Orientation Program Blessed Sacrament Choir Program
Volunteer staffs came mostly from Marist schools, as well as Fordham Prep,
Bishop Ford, and Marist College. Twenty-five Marist Brothers work weekly
sessions, helping in the kitchen, doing clerical work, maintenance work, etc.
This is the 26th summer, though the actual first year is difficult to determine.
Much has been done to recover from the tornado, thanks to many contributions.
The roads, lawns, and fields are mostly cleared, except fort the road to the boat
house; but the woods particularly will have to wait for frozen ground before
heavy equipment can get to them. Piles of logs and some rather devastated
woods greet the visitor’s eye on much of the property. Clearly, the Lord has
decreed a “new Esopus.”(50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com)
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