Marists All: Issue #53 February 2000
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ISSUE # 53
February 2000
We're already two months into the year 2000! At least one of your editors had
not ever expected to see 2000 A.D. And this newsletter – who would have
predicted that it would reach toward the third millennium. Then there's the poor
old typewriter, too. An Underwood Five, it has pounded out over 500 pages,
twice, once in preliminary form and again in final form. Actually it is a convert;
it was purchased by Judy and David for $100 when they were still living in a
converted chicken coop, purchased to produce dittoes for language and math
handouts and tests. It has done yeoman service for the newsletter. Who would
have expected it to stand up so long to the modern electronic age? We have been
castigated for not retiring the poor old fellow and for not moving Marists All
into the "with it" generation. But we doubted our longevity and we were
uncertain about the longevity of the newsletter.
Now time has caught up with us. With the transition from one millennium to
another it seems that neither we nor the newsletter will be able to get along
efficiently without a computer. Thus, we have finally purchased our very own
PC. Of course, just as the Underwood was converted to a higher purpose, so our
PC, with the help of computer literate angels, will also be used for Marists All.
Be tolerant of our initial simplicity of format. We are learning by hit and miss,
trial and error, seek and find! We must mention, though, that Br. Francis Klug of
the Marist community in Augusta, Georgia, sacrificed ("enjoyed immensely," he
insists) his Christmas vacation helping us tame our new electronic monster, and
for that we are most grateful!
We're on line now, too. Our addresses: kammer@mpinet.net &
gusnolan@aol.com. Now you can take the easier route of e-mailing your articles;
no more looking for paper and envelopes and for postage, no more running to
the mailbox or the post office. We await your incoming mail. With this page we
go into a new era! Thanks Underwood!
From GENE (Louis Francis) ZIRKEL ('53): The year 1999 was a Marist year
for me. In the spring I attended the day of prayer at Molloy put together by Jack
Duggan and Br. Charles Marcellin. Then this summer Pat and I enjoyed four
wonderful prayer-filled, fun-filled days at our second Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality at Marist College.
My third Marist contact was in Esopus. For several years I had spent a week
working with the Edmundites in Selma, Alabama. When that wonderful, grace-
filled apostolate was no longer available, I began searching for something to
replace it. In Brother Hugh's news-letter I read about camps in Esopus. Inquiries
to Brother Leonard Voegtle led to Brother Donald Nugent who runs eleven one-
week camps for cancer kids, deaf kids, HIV kids, Downs kids, etc. Don allowed
me to work in the kitchen for a week. It was exactly what I needed. I must admit,
though, I was pretty tired come quitting time each evening. I am sure God
accepted my "prayer in action" as I fell quickly asleep at night. I look forward to
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returning next summer.(Six Brancatelli, West Islip NY 11795; 631-669-0273;
genezirk@mindspring.com)
From REV. RICHARD (Lawrence Richard) TINKER ('49): I am a retired
Russian Orthodox priest of the diocese of N.Y./N.J. I was ordained in 1965 and
served seventeen years at the cathedral in Brooklyn. These days I am not able to
do much because my health is not good. Imagine, I will be 70 on the feast of the
Annunciation. By the way, I have been trying to locate James Gormley; he was
in my group of 1949. Any idea what has become of him? (124 Stevens Ave.,
West Hempstead NY 11552; 516-292-8635)
From BOB FALISEY ('65): Every issue of Marists All has been a joy to read
and almost a spiritual journey, reconnecting to some of the beautiful Marist
people it has been my privilege to know. While on a recent business trip to New
York, I was invited to a wonderful brunch hosted by Alex and Estelle Senes. At
the brunch was Tom Nolan, and Alex was kind enough to even invite my mother
and my wife Sharon. The conversation moved as if thirty years never went by. I
am deeply indebted to Marists All, for without you that reconnection with these
quality people would never have taken place. For those of you who do not know,
Alex is a psychiatrist working with New York's poorest and Tom is a clinical
social worker helping families get through their problems.
Equally wonderful was a recent unexpected visitor to my office, Gregory
Ballerino. Greg has lived in California for the last twenty years. He got my name
from Marists All, called, and dropped by the office. Without Marists All another
beautiful relationship would have been lost to time. Greg and I talked about his
dissatisfaction with where he was working and after some five hours of
discussion and dinner, Greg is now working with my firm. He starts Friday.
I am certainly not a placement service, but maybe I am helping to discover a new
apostolic niche in the Marist world, networking. I will never do the great
humanitarian work of Alex and Tom, nor will I achieve the spiritual height of so
many I read about in Marists All, but in the business world I am well connected.
I am sure I can help some in the Marist family connect to better employment
somewhere around the country. Give me a call and say hello or begin the
conversation with "Laudator Jesus Christus" and I will try to remember my "Et
Maria Mater Ejus" – do forgive the Latin spelling. If you are in California, our
yacht, Terra Incognita, is in the harbor ready to take two or three couples on a
weekend trip to Catalina Island. We have had over thirty aboard for parties. (520
Washington Blvd. #595, Marina del Rey CA 90292; 800-956-7574 ex 108)
From BILL REGER ('61): Life is great in West Virginia. In spite of the drought
of the decade, the endless hills are deep green with wild growth. The rare beauty
of West Virginia remains ever dramatic. Jan and I will be celebrating our third
anniversary this month! We have much in common; we pray, meditate, do
spiritual reading, bike, laugh, and just be together. We have a "San Juan 21" on
which we leisurely pass many carefree hours, often sailing on Deep Creek Lake
in western Maryland about an hour from our home. I love my job in the School
of Medicine at WVU. The teaching, writing, and challenge of keeping up
professionally are sources of stimulation. (37 Era St., Wheeling WV 26003; 304-
242-1417; wreger@wvu.edu)
From JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): Since my last letter I have moved
to Tampa, Florida, with my wife Dolores and my younger daughter Joelle. My
wife finally retired and we are now enjoying newly found retirement life. Joelle
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decided to join us after graduating from Boston University as a licensed social
worker with an M.S. She hated the snow, and so is now seeking employment in
Tampa. I hope someone is taking the initiative to begin preparations for our 50th
anniversary reunion for year 2000. Being so far now makes it difficult for me to
do much. We could do some things through e-mail.(10200 North Armenia Ave.,
#3404, Tampa FL 33612; 813-935-7402; jahoran@aol.com)
From BR. JAMES (Peter Damian) ADAMS ('55): I just read #51. I think it's
been almost ten years since I've written anything for Marists All, not that I didn't
want to. The spirit is willing … I am now finishing my last year as a missioner to
the Marist Philippine Province. I first came in 1963. In fact, I landed in Manila
on my 26th birthday in September of that year. I'll be returning to the United
States around May of the year 2000. God willing, my service here will reach just
four months short of 37 years.
For the first twelve years I taught mostly English subjects in the post-novitiate
training house and in two or three Marist colleges and one Jesuit college. I also
completed a PhD in Chemical Biology and after a year of teaching and research I
soon wound up in college administration, at different times holding positions of
Academic Vice President, Dean of Graduate School, Administrative Vice
President, mainly in our Marist university, Notre Dame of Marbel. My last
eleven years have been spent as Director of Notre Dame of Cotabato, our first
high school in the Philippines. The first American Brothers who opened the
Marist Philippine mission took over this school from the OMI priests in 1948.
Cotabato City has slowly become a Muslim town and now the school has 40%
Muslim students. The school has a talented staff of Filipino teachers and
administrators. The principal is a woman.
It is time for me to go, for we always held that the missionary Brother is on
mission to set things up, make the maximum contribution, and when the locals
are ready, they should take over. That's the theory anyway, and I must do my best
to see that it works in practice, too. After 36 years it is not easy to disengage, but
with God's grace I have no doubt it will be for the better. And the timing is right.
I've been blessed with exceptional health. In fact, I'm now in training to run once
again in the New York marathon. I had my first try in November of 1998, and I
did it in more than four hours but less than five. Closer to five hours, but good
enough for age 61.
I enjoy reading Marists All. Over the last few years it has helped me keep
abreast of the American Marists and of the extended Marist family, and now it is
helping me to fit in once again and get back to my roots. (P. O. Box 180, 9600
Cotabato City, Philippines; jfadams@marist.edu.ph)
DECEASED: John (Ignatius Anthony) Nevin ('44) died in early December. He
had moved from New York City several years ago to be near family in Franklin,
N.C. We have very late word that Bill Karges ('74) died his past August in
Gastonia, N. C. where he had moved to be of help to his ailing parents. We
understand that an infection and uncontrollable fever led to a coma.
From ED (Edward Lawrence) CASHIN ('46): We buried John Nevin today in
Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta where his ancestors lie. He joined the Brothers
out of high school in 1943, and as Brother Ignatius Anthony he taught at old
Boys Catholic High in Augusta and for a long time at St. Agnes in New York
City. When he left the Marists in 1961, he taught at Bishop Kenny in
Jacksonville, Florida, and then in the New York Public School system until his
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retirement eight years ago. He died of cancer in Golden, Colorado. He never
married. He remembered the Marists generously in his will.
I retired as chair of the History Department at Augusta State University in 1996,
and started the Center for the Study of Georgia History at Augusta State, which I
enjoy hugely. I hope someone will want to read my latest effort, William
Bartram and the American Revolution on the Southern Frontier, forthcoming in
February from the University of South Carolina Press. Fordham University Press
has reissued my The King's Ranger: Thomas Brown and the American
Revolution on the Southern Frontier. I am doing my bit for the southern frontier.
Our daughter Milette married a fine young man of Italian descent, Victor
Esposito. Mary Anne and I are planning to take them to Italy for the Jubilee year.
Our son Ed (Edward Lawrence Cashin) is deep into the arcane regions of
computer programming in the computer department at the University of Georgia.
Mary Anne retired in 1998 and goes with me on lots of trips – research and just
for fun. Along with all your readers, I look forward to Marists All and read it
through. I think you have discovered a new apostolate.(3412 Woodstone Place,
Augusta GA 30909-1843; 706-736-1561; ecashin@aug.edu)
From BR. PATRICK EUGENE MAGEE ('43): I would like to thank you for
continuing the publication of Marists All. I have enjoyed reading it from page
one to its conclusion, and I am pleased to report that it always provides me with
inspirational reading. The newsletter is duplicated and shared with the Brothers
of our community, so that each has his own individual copy. I am returning for
another year at Marist High in Chicago, my seventh year, for a total of thirteen
years. It is a great school community with Brother Rick Carey as our second
president. He is assisted by a complete team of laymen in the administration of
the school.
My work involves fund raising. I am the moderator of the Marist High School
Fathers' Club. I assist regularly with the Wednesday night bingo games. The
spirit of Brother John of the Cross has rubbed off on me. I often reflect on those
thirty some years that he worked bingo games at Mount St. Michael and at
Marist High in Eugene, Oregon. By the way, that school in Eugene continues to
flourish. There are over 560 students enrolled for the 1999-2000 academic year.
(4200 West 115th Street, Chicago IL 60655; 773-881-6380)
From TOM KIRKMAN ('61): Sorry for the delay in responding to the
questionnaire. The last six months have been very busy. In June I sold my home,
retired from my job in Lawrence, and relocated to San Diego. In August I drove
west and moved into my new place. After visiting my new surroundings, I'm
now looking for some creative work. (4050 Third Avenue, #304, San Diego CA
92103; 619-292-5773; taksdca@aol.com)
From RICHARD COUTO ('60): It's been a long time since I wrote. I am
somewhat intimidated because the choices I have made have taken me from
much of what others talk about, the Church and the Marist tradition especially. I
enjoy hearing from so many former teachers and ever present friends. An alumni
letter from CCHS, Lawrence, finally sparked my realization of the part of Marist
that has transformed me. The high school and college education provided by the
Brothers instilled a love of learning and a passion to express the meaning of my
life and that of others. They stay with me today and mark my teaching style. I
am in a wonderful place to express and continue the gifts the Brothers gave me.
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I am a professor and now have a chair in leadership studies at the Jepson School
at the University of Richmond. Jepso is the first school of leadership studies. I
am a political scientist and contribute to the political leadership, social
movement, community contexts of the curriculum, as well as critical thinking
and experiential education, especially service learning and participatory action
research.
When I got around to writing the acknowledgments for my recent book, Making
Democracy Work Better, the University of North Carolina Press, I took note of
one Marist Brother in particular. Here's what I wrote:
"Putting the pieces of a manuscript together, however complex, is always
simplerthan figuring out the puzzle of who helped me. I mean helped in a
fundamental way, the people who planted ideas in my mind, challenged me and
somehow provided me -- son of loving, working-class parents who had little
formal education(a sixth-grade education and night school diploma) -- with the
ambition to write a book.
"I thought a lot of Brother Michael Kieran, FMS, who taught me English in high
school. Those who helped me in countless revisions of this text will testify that I
still cannot do justice to the grammar that he tried to teach me. But I think of him
still, every day, carrying his books in a pile under his arm, resting on a ledge that
he made with his hip. He set those books down on the teacher's desk in the front
of the room and in the next forty-five minutes, each and every day, he evoked
and demanded my attentive collaboration, and that of my classmates, in
developing a level of potential that he insisted we had but that we protested. He
tempered his determination to challenge us to realize our own importance with a
gentleness and humor that I have found in exactly the same combination in no
human being since. He checked our increased sense of competence with his own
firm belief, which he exemplified, that the ability to laugh at ourselves made the
serious business of life manageable and success at it possible. To all my teachers
I am grateful, and to them I dedicate this book."
Thank you Marist Brothers; I hope that despite some changes in setting and
issues, you can still see the seeds that you planted. (2424 Trefoil Way, Richmond
VA 23235-3814; 804-330-9831; rcouto@richmond.edu)
From EUGENE (Philip Damian) DONNELLY ('46): I'm living in Stamford
and enjoying my retirement these past seven years. I've taken philosophy courses
and enjoy traveling with my wife Adrienne. We spend a lot of enjoyable time
with our daughters, son-in-law, and five grandchildren. We enjoy receiving and
reading Marists All. (1 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford CT 06902; 203-323-
5421)
Bro Joseph Belanger ('43) … adapted from the Poughkeepsie Journal
Joseph Belanger was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in1925 and has tried in
the 74 years since, to become a citizen of the world. He has been around the
world twice, visiting such places as Africa, Japan, and Australia. He has made
some 30 trips to Europe. A recent trek to China led to a book which Belanger
hopes will open people's minds to China. "I've always had a keen interest in
other countries. I firmly believe in one world," the professor emeritus from
Marist College said.
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Belanger spent his life as a professor, teaching English literature, French
language and culture, and world culture at Marist College in the town of
Poughkeepsie. Indeed, he believes that human history is leading to a great
spiritual convergence, and he wants to help it along. He says that teaching—and,
most importantly, teaching people to think—will help people of the world to
gain appreciation and understanding of one another.
A member of an international Catholic order of teachers founded in 1817, the
Marist Brothers, Belanger earned a bachelor's degree in English from Marist
College in 1948. He holds a master's degree in English and a doctorate in
French. "I just love literature," he said. "It's the greatest study in the world." He
has encouraged his students to experience other cultures, founding and directing
Marist Abroad Programs for 17 years and co-directing the Marist Foreign Film
Program for 12 years.
After a recent trip to China, where he taught English at Luijiang University in
Xiamen, he wrote "China Prism: Red-Yellow-Green." He said his aim in writing
the book is to offer a view of China that he found lacking in media accounts.
"The intent is to create a correct understanding of China because there is so
much misinformation and ignorance and that is dangerous to the world," he said.
He said that, as a teacher, he attempts to stress the importance of an open mind.
Learning, he said, is an ongoing process that involves being able to change one's
views as one gains understanding and is exposed to differing perspectives. Claire
Keith, chair at Marist, said, "We don't all have his charisma and ruthless
commitment. He is a tireless pursuer – and so open-minded about the world."
From BRIAN YEHLE ('61): I can't tell you how surprised I was to hear from
you and MaristsAll. Reading the notes from all over has certainly touched on
some great feelings and memories from the past. When I left in '69, I was
fortunate to be appointed to the police department here in Emerson, New Jersey,
a town of about 6800 people in Bergen County with a 20 man department. I am
currently a Detective Lieutenant, having served in the bureau since 1986. Thirty
years have gone by pretty quickly and my wife Ginny and I will be retiring in
June of 2000. We plan to move to Killington, Vermont, where we own a condo
and there to try the mountain life for a while. As in the Tyngsboro days, we love
the winter and outdoor activities. During the warmer months we hope to travel
and visit our children. Our oldest son is married, has two children, and is living
in California. Our other son is working and living in the area. Our daughter, the
youngest, is completing her MBA at Fairfield. The impact of my Marist years
will never be forgotten. Those years and experiences have always added
perspective to what life has brought to us. Thanks for Marists All; it's great.
Fraternally. 171 Dyer Avenue, Emerson NJ 07630; 201-262-4947)
From JIM (Luke Michael) MADDEN ('52): Writing for such an educated
audience is a bit intimidating. One does not want to appear too bombastic or too
puerile, but here goes anyway! Although separated from the Marist community
by several decades, I have, nevertheless, a deep spiritual and emotional
connection. When I see a phoebe, I think instinctively of the first nest I found
inside the Lourdes grotto by the Poughkeepsie juniorate. A kingfisher reminds
me of the nest dug into the sandbank near our ball field.
I live in Bayville on the North Shore of Long Island. It is a quiet village except
for the occasional nor'easter. My wife Mickey teaches at The School of the Holy
Child at Old Westbury, a private Catholic school. My son Richard is a fourth
grade teacher at Garden City. My daughter Mary Patricia has finished her
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student teaching at Newburg. I have retired from teaching computer science and
keep busy by tutoring mathematics, physics, and chemistry. With the booming
economy and living in the area described by F. Scott Fitzgerald as the Gold
Coast, the tutoring business is flourishing.
Retirement has afforded me time to travel. My wife and I chose to celebrate our
thirtieth anniversary by visiting Alaska. Although we spent less than half a day
in Denali Park, it was the most inspiring experience of our two-week tour across
Alaska, the Yukon, and the Inside Passage. We were fortunate to see Mount
McKinley clearly for only a brief time, but see it we did, twin peaks blanketed in
snow making the near mountains seem insignificant. Mount McKinley is known
as Denali, the Great One, to the Athabaska Indians. It is also known simply as
"The Mountain." The variety of wildlife and the extraordinary scenery make
Denali Park an unforgettable experience. I wrote an article for the North Shore
Audubon Society about this extraordinary experience.
Mickey and I have also traveled to Galway, London, Paris, Austria, Switzerland,
and the Hawaiian Islands. The whole family is scheduled to go to Paris this
February, the fourth time for my daughter, the second time for my wife and son,
and my third time. In 1992 I had four angioplasties, two on the same day. Since
then I have regimented myself to exercise and healthy eating. Unfortunately, I
cannot fully exert myself, so I had to give up skiing.
I can't remember which outstanding, stimulating teacher urged us in our
formative juniorate days to use an abundance of expressive adjectives when
writing; I hope I have met his ambitious expectations. I enjoy reading Marists
All as it jolts my brain and I hear myself saying, "Oh yes, I remember that!" (24
Hickory Rd, Bayville NY 11709; 516-628-1661; hailend@aol.com)
From ALBERT (Leonard Vincent) JEAN ('41): My wife and I are
coordinators for Respect Life in several parishes in Pasco County in the diocese
of St. Petersburg, Florida. We are also public policy advocates for the diocese.
That entails being abreast of all political bills in the state capitol and in
Washington, bills that may be of concern to the Respect Life agendas. It also
entails lobbying on such matters. Closer to home, we are members of the lay
Carmelite order in our parish. On November 26th we will be leaving for a family
visit to the Philippines; we should return by January 12th. Our love, and prayers
to our friends with Marists All (7327 Brookline Street, Wesley Chapel FL
33544; 813-242-1417)
From MICHAEL (Michael Vincent) KELLY ('50): I just read Marists All #50.
It was great hearing that Bill Powers has finally realized his dream to sound like
Brother Hugh. Hugh and I were in the same English class at Cardinal Hayes in
'46; I'm still trying to sound like him. It has been a wonderful year for all of us in
beautiful downtown Burbank. The greatest news of all is that our daughter Joan
had twin boys on August 25th. We couldn't be happier. It is wonderful to have
children; now we realize real rewards come when the grandchildren arrive.
A second big event in August was the purchase of our new home, which is just
three miles from Joan. As you might expect, Janet is now wearing out the roads
between our two homes. We have plenty of room for guests, a pool in the back
yard, and a beautiful view of mountains that frame the San Fernando Valley.
Consider our home your home.
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The third memorable event in August was my retiring from California State
University. I didn't have enough time to fix the house and to baby sit. I have a
number of part time jobs that help pay the mortgage, but there is very little
external pressure. I work for the California Office of Strategic Technology and
do consulting work for the Department of Defense. I have made three trips to
DC in the past month. That must not continue.
I'm sure that I will miss teaching, but there will be future opportunities to get
back into the classroom, without the commitments to fully participate in the
unreal university academic environment. I still have wonderful memories of
teaching in high school in Lawrence and in Poughkeepsie. I think it would be
rewarding to try to help high school students in California, where I am told only
five percent of graduates take physics; not a good sign for young people entering
the information age. I could emulate my brother Des (Br. Thomas Kelly '53)
who, besides being principal and giving sermons at local churches, is teaching
physics in West Virginia.
I hope I will have the opportunity to join the class of '50 in 2000. Would you like
to come to the land of Disney? Maybe Jay Leno would host us on July 26, 2000.
It could be his greatest show ever. Hugh could sing "Old Man River" with Bill
Powers and have Des as guest singing "The Irish Rover." Forget about 9-9-99
and Y2K; think 7-26-2000! (2400 No. Orchard Dr., Burbank CA 91504-2207;
818-840-8993; jkelly@ix.netcom.com)
From PHILIP CAPPIO ('74): After spending 14 years in education teaching
English and religion coaching cross country and track, I have been in the
landscaping and lawn maintenance business for almost 15 years now. In 1976 I
married Mary Ball, a social studies teacher at Union Catholic High School. We
have three daughters: Mary 19, Claire 17, and Regina 15. The girls are all very
involved in music and sports. Maria and Claire are in Esopus at this moment
working at our church-sponsored camp for children with cancer. My distance
running days are gone, but I have become an avid roller blader; I highly
recommend it as a fun form of exercise. I have gotten into kayaking; one of my
first trips was on the Hudson in Cold Spring. This summer I had a chance to stop
at Camp Marist as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. I spent seven
wonderful years there working and taking care of the horses. I still keep in touch
with a lot of old Marist friends, but I definitely look forward to each new issue
of Marists All.(241 Katherine Street, Scotch Plains NJ 07076;908-889-6625;
maryphilip@msn.com)
MARIST COLLEGE In a memorandum to the Marist College community from
President Murray we learn that Jim Cannavino, a longtime Trustee and former
Chairman of the Board, has pledged $3,000,000 to support the new library. This
is the largest personal gift ever made to Marist, and it comes from one who has
served the college with dedication and genuine concern for its students. The
Board of Trustees has recognized Jim's exceptional commitment by naming the
new building The James A. Cannavino Library. Jim Cannavino is recognized as
one of the nation's technology leaders. In his tenure at IBM he was credited with
developing some of the company's most innovative products, ranging from
mainframe computers to laptops. In professional circles Jim proudly identifies
himself with Marist College.
From BILL KAWINA ('71): I have good memories of Marist College. I was one
of the Marist Brothers from Malawi. My good friend Jerry Cox was my coach
and director at Benoit House. Those were the good old days. I left the Marist
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congregation toward the end of 1971 and moved to Canada. I'm still in Quebec.
I've been teaching Shakespeare's language for the last 27 years at a senior French
high school. It's a challenge to teach English to French kids. To go to my school
I take a ferryboat every morning. The school is situated on a small island called
Ils-aux-Coudres; it's a lovely island.
I have two lovely daughters, Joyce and Ana. Both are very fluent in English and
in French. Lucky them, I'm not as bilingual as they. Joyce is 26 and Ana is 23. I
thank you for all the news I've been getting. I also thank Bob Buckley for giving
you my address. I hope to get back to Poughkeepsie to see many of you some
summer.(8 E. Veilleux, Baie St. Paul, Que., G3Z-1C7; 1-418-435-5829;
billkawina@yahoo.com)
From JOHN A. RYAN ('67): Having finished my Ph.D. in Biochemistry at
Uconn in 1997, I am now working for Corning Science Products in Acton MA
as their manager of scientific affairs. My wife Mei and I are now readjusting to a
more normal life after too many years as grad students. (7 Hillside Avenue,
Clinton MA 01510; 978-365-5994)
From BILL (William Maura) DESCHENE ('53): I like reading about former
and present Marist friends. The camaraderie I experienced and the stories
associated with these experiences conjure up a lot of smiles … and that is always
good medicine. The humility, simplicity, and modesty of the Marist vision fits in
well with the Native American lifestyle. The Apache Christ is a good model; the
Church, on the other hand, is very much connected with the taker culture that
tries to dominate other cultures, i.e. the Native American and others.
Work: lots! Homesteaders with all that implies, minus the plumbing and
carpenter talents of Sarge and the electrical skills of my Dad. Still things are
operational and fun. The motto here is: If it's worth doing, it's worth doing half-
assed. Hobbies: learning the ways of Native Americans, although strictly
speaking this is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Travels: lots of canoeing on
local lakes and rivers. (11 Lowell Street, Methuen MA 01844; 508-682-0687)
From SISTER VIRGINIA CONNORS, S.S.S. Your M.A. was postmarked
December 8th and I received it today, the 10th. It took me two and a quarter
hours, with some interruption, but I went right straight through it from top to
bottom. The questionnaire seems to have brought out the best in everyone's pen
and type. The adage "everyone has a story to tell" never seemed so right. And
every story is great. Believe it when they tell you that you are rendering a truly
appreciated service. (101 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901-5923)
From DON (Christopher Matthew) EDWARDS ('57): I am officially retired
from teaching now, working part time at the library in town where my wife
Elaine works full time. Extra cash is always appreciated. It is really great having
time to live and enjoy. We get to Chicago to see our son Chris and his wife
several times a year, and they visit here. Distance isn't fun, but Chris is happy
and doing very well. He received an advancement to senior designer. We still
attend the Met; I embarrass Elaine with my bravos when performances are
exciting and well sung. Needless to say, Elaine prays for mediocre performances.
We saw several plays this summer, Importance of Being Ernest in New Haven
and Candide at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont.
I would like to wish the Jubilarians, especially Br. Edmund Sheehan, the most
prayerful of congratulations on their anniversaries as Marist Brothers. Miami
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and Christopher Columbus don't seem that long ago. All these celebrations and
we are still in our late thirty-somethings. St. Marcellin bless all.(84 Bayberry
Rd., Cheshire CT 06410; donald.j.edwards@snet.net)
From REV. BILL SEARS ('52): Still going strong but slower. Between eight
medications and a drink now and then the ole heart keeps on ticking like that old
watch ad said long ago. Can't make Marist picnic at the Mount, doing a niece's
wedding down here on the 18th. Was away in July to Arizona for my sister's and
brother-in-law's 45th; could not attend their wedding in '54 because I was
interred in Marist College! I think Ed Castine's idea for a "Southern Picnic" is
great for winter or spring. Remembrance in my Masses and prayers for all in the
Greater Marist Family(1745 Padre Lane # 62, Englewood FL 34223-6432; 941-
474-5217)
From JIM GULDNER ('66): I am not yet ready to retire. I own a small
engineering and surveying company in northwest New Jersey. Fran and I have
two daughters, both recently married. Suzanne is a PsyD. in Clinical Psychology,
and Christine is a first year resident M.D. Fran and I are starting to get more
involved in our parish on the Grounds and the Liturgy Committees and as
Eucharistic ministers.(15 Stanley Place, Budd Lake NJ 07828; 973-347-9061;
franandjim@worldnet.att.net)
EDITORS' NOTE: Sorry that we could not fit several of the more recently
received articles. We promise to get them into the next issue. We do appreciate
all correspon-dence and are extremely grateful for the cooperation that helps to
keep this project going.
POSTAL MAIL:
Gus Nolan: 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141
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ISSUE # 53
February 2000
We're already two months into the year 2000! At least one of your editors had
not ever expected to see 2000 A.D. And this newsletter – who would have
predicted that it would reach toward the third millennium. Then there's the poor
old typewriter, too. An Underwood Five, it has pounded out over 500 pages,
twice, once in preliminary form and again in final form. Actually it is a convert;
it was purchased by Judy and David for $100 when they were still living in a
converted chicken coop, purchased to produce dittoes for language and math
handouts and tests. It has done yeoman service for the newsletter. Who would
have expected it to stand up so long to the modern electronic age? We have been
castigated for not retiring the poor old fellow and for not moving Marists All
into the "with it" generation. But we doubted our longevity and we were
uncertain about the longevity of the newsletter.
Now time has caught up with us. With the transition from one millennium to
another it seems that neither we nor the newsletter will be able to get along
efficiently without a computer. Thus, we have finally purchased our very own
PC. Of course, just as the Underwood was converted to a higher purpose, so our
PC, with the help of computer literate angels, will also be used for Marists All.
Be tolerant of our initial simplicity of format. We are learning by hit and miss,
trial and error, seek and find! We must mention, though, that Br. Francis Klug of
the Marist community in Augusta, Georgia, sacrificed ("enjoyed immensely," he
insists) his Christmas vacation helping us tame our new electronic monster, and
for that we are most grateful!
We're on line now, too. Our addresses: kammer@mpinet.net &
gusnolan@aol.com. Now you can take the easier route of e-mailing your articles;
no more looking for paper and envelopes and for postage, no more running to
the mailbox or the post office. We await your incoming mail. With this page we
go into a new era! Thanks Underwood!
From GENE (Louis Francis) ZIRKEL ('53): The year 1999 was a Marist year
for me. In the spring I attended the day of prayer at Molloy put together by Jack
Duggan and Br. Charles Marcellin. Then this summer Pat and I enjoyed four
wonderful prayer-filled, fun-filled days at our second Marist Family Institute of
Spirituality at Marist College.
My third Marist contact was in Esopus. For several years I had spent a week
working with the Edmundites in Selma, Alabama. When that wonderful, grace-
filled apostolate was no longer available, I began searching for something to
replace it. In Brother Hugh's news-letter I read about camps in Esopus. Inquiries
to Brother Leonard Voegtle led to Brother Donald Nugent who runs eleven one-
week camps for cancer kids, deaf kids, HIV kids, Downs kids, etc. Don allowed
me to work in the kitchen for a week. It was exactly what I needed. I must admit,
though, I was pretty tired come quitting time each evening. I am sure God
accepted my "prayer in action" as I fell quickly asleep at night. I look forward to
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returning next summer.(Six Brancatelli, West Islip NY 11795; 631-669-0273;
genezirk@mindspring.com)
From REV. RICHARD (Lawrence Richard) TINKER ('49): I am a retired
Russian Orthodox priest of the diocese of N.Y./N.J. I was ordained in 1965 and
served seventeen years at the cathedral in Brooklyn. These days I am not able to
do much because my health is not good. Imagine, I will be 70 on the feast of the
Annunciation. By the way, I have been trying to locate James Gormley; he was
in my group of 1949. Any idea what has become of him? (124 Stevens Ave.,
West Hempstead NY 11552; 516-292-8635)
From BOB FALISEY ('65): Every issue of Marists All has been a joy to read
and almost a spiritual journey, reconnecting to some of the beautiful Marist
people it has been my privilege to know. While on a recent business trip to New
York, I was invited to a wonderful brunch hosted by Alex and Estelle Senes. At
the brunch was Tom Nolan, and Alex was kind enough to even invite my mother
and my wife Sharon. The conversation moved as if thirty years never went by. I
am deeply indebted to Marists All, for without you that reconnection with these
quality people would never have taken place. For those of you who do not know,
Alex is a psychiatrist working with New York's poorest and Tom is a clinical
social worker helping families get through their problems.
Equally wonderful was a recent unexpected visitor to my office, Gregory
Ballerino. Greg has lived in California for the last twenty years. He got my name
from Marists All, called, and dropped by the office. Without Marists All another
beautiful relationship would have been lost to time. Greg and I talked about his
dissatisfaction with where he was working and after some five hours of
discussion and dinner, Greg is now working with my firm. He starts Friday.
I am certainly not a placement service, but maybe I am helping to discover a new
apostolic niche in the Marist world, networking. I will never do the great
humanitarian work of Alex and Tom, nor will I achieve the spiritual height of so
many I read about in Marists All, but in the business world I am well connected.
I am sure I can help some in the Marist family connect to better employment
somewhere around the country. Give me a call and say hello or begin the
conversation with "Laudator Jesus Christus" and I will try to remember my "Et
Maria Mater Ejus" – do forgive the Latin spelling. If you are in California, our
yacht, Terra Incognita, is in the harbor ready to take two or three couples on a
weekend trip to Catalina Island. We have had over thirty aboard for parties. (520
Washington Blvd. #595, Marina del Rey CA 90292; 800-956-7574 ex 108)
From BILL REGER ('61): Life is great in West Virginia. In spite of the drought
of the decade, the endless hills are deep green with wild growth. The rare beauty
of West Virginia remains ever dramatic. Jan and I will be celebrating our third
anniversary this month! We have much in common; we pray, meditate, do
spiritual reading, bike, laugh, and just be together. We have a "San Juan 21" on
which we leisurely pass many carefree hours, often sailing on Deep Creek Lake
in western Maryland about an hour from our home. I love my job in the School
of Medicine at WVU. The teaching, writing, and challenge of keeping up
professionally are sources of stimulation. (37 Era St., Wheeling WV 26003; 304-
242-1417; wreger@wvu.edu)
From JOE (Eugene Michael) HORAN ('50): Since my last letter I have moved
to Tampa, Florida, with my wife Dolores and my younger daughter Joelle. My
wife finally retired and we are now enjoying newly found retirement life. Joelle
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decided to join us after graduating from Boston University as a licensed social
worker with an M.S. She hated the snow, and so is now seeking employment in
Tampa. I hope someone is taking the initiative to begin preparations for our 50th
anniversary reunion for year 2000. Being so far now makes it difficult for me to
do much. We could do some things through e-mail.(10200 North Armenia Ave.,
#3404, Tampa FL 33612; 813-935-7402; jahoran@aol.com)
From BR. JAMES (Peter Damian) ADAMS ('55): I just read #51. I think it's
been almost ten years since I've written anything for Marists All, not that I didn't
want to. The spirit is willing … I am now finishing my last year as a missioner to
the Marist Philippine Province. I first came in 1963. In fact, I landed in Manila
on my 26th birthday in September of that year. I'll be returning to the United
States around May of the year 2000. God willing, my service here will reach just
four months short of 37 years.
For the first twelve years I taught mostly English subjects in the post-novitiate
training house and in two or three Marist colleges and one Jesuit college. I also
completed a PhD in Chemical Biology and after a year of teaching and research I
soon wound up in college administration, at different times holding positions of
Academic Vice President, Dean of Graduate School, Administrative Vice
President, mainly in our Marist university, Notre Dame of Marbel. My last
eleven years have been spent as Director of Notre Dame of Cotabato, our first
high school in the Philippines. The first American Brothers who opened the
Marist Philippine mission took over this school from the OMI priests in 1948.
Cotabato City has slowly become a Muslim town and now the school has 40%
Muslim students. The school has a talented staff of Filipino teachers and
administrators. The principal is a woman.
It is time for me to go, for we always held that the missionary Brother is on
mission to set things up, make the maximum contribution, and when the locals
are ready, they should take over. That's the theory anyway, and I must do my best
to see that it works in practice, too. After 36 years it is not easy to disengage, but
with God's grace I have no doubt it will be for the better. And the timing is right.
I've been blessed with exceptional health. In fact, I'm now in training to run once
again in the New York marathon. I had my first try in November of 1998, and I
did it in more than four hours but less than five. Closer to five hours, but good
enough for age 61.
I enjoy reading Marists All. Over the last few years it has helped me keep
abreast of the American Marists and of the extended Marist family, and now it is
helping me to fit in once again and get back to my roots. (P. O. Box 180, 9600
Cotabato City, Philippines; jfadams@marist.edu.ph)
DECEASED: John (Ignatius Anthony) Nevin ('44) died in early December. He
had moved from New York City several years ago to be near family in Franklin,
N.C. We have very late word that Bill Karges ('74) died his past August in
Gastonia, N. C. where he had moved to be of help to his ailing parents. We
understand that an infection and uncontrollable fever led to a coma.
From ED (Edward Lawrence) CASHIN ('46): We buried John Nevin today in
Magnolia Cemetery in Augusta where his ancestors lie. He joined the Brothers
out of high school in 1943, and as Brother Ignatius Anthony he taught at old
Boys Catholic High in Augusta and for a long time at St. Agnes in New York
City. When he left the Marists in 1961, he taught at Bishop Kenny in
Jacksonville, Florida, and then in the New York Public School system until his
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retirement eight years ago. He died of cancer in Golden, Colorado. He never
married. He remembered the Marists generously in his will.
I retired as chair of the History Department at Augusta State University in 1996,
and started the Center for the Study of Georgia History at Augusta State, which I
enjoy hugely. I hope someone will want to read my latest effort, William
Bartram and the American Revolution on the Southern Frontier, forthcoming in
February from the University of South Carolina Press. Fordham University Press
has reissued my The King's Ranger: Thomas Brown and the American
Revolution on the Southern Frontier. I am doing my bit for the southern frontier.
Our daughter Milette married a fine young man of Italian descent, Victor
Esposito. Mary Anne and I are planning to take them to Italy for the Jubilee year.
Our son Ed (Edward Lawrence Cashin) is deep into the arcane regions of
computer programming in the computer department at the University of Georgia.
Mary Anne retired in 1998 and goes with me on lots of trips – research and just
for fun. Along with all your readers, I look forward to Marists All and read it
through. I think you have discovered a new apostolate.(3412 Woodstone Place,
Augusta GA 30909-1843; 706-736-1561; ecashin@aug.edu)
From BR. PATRICK EUGENE MAGEE ('43): I would like to thank you for
continuing the publication of Marists All. I have enjoyed reading it from page
one to its conclusion, and I am pleased to report that it always provides me with
inspirational reading. The newsletter is duplicated and shared with the Brothers
of our community, so that each has his own individual copy. I am returning for
another year at Marist High in Chicago, my seventh year, for a total of thirteen
years. It is a great school community with Brother Rick Carey as our second
president. He is assisted by a complete team of laymen in the administration of
the school.
My work involves fund raising. I am the moderator of the Marist High School
Fathers' Club. I assist regularly with the Wednesday night bingo games. The
spirit of Brother John of the Cross has rubbed off on me. I often reflect on those
thirty some years that he worked bingo games at Mount St. Michael and at
Marist High in Eugene, Oregon. By the way, that school in Eugene continues to
flourish. There are over 560 students enrolled for the 1999-2000 academic year.
(4200 West 115th Street, Chicago IL 60655; 773-881-6380)
From TOM KIRKMAN ('61): Sorry for the delay in responding to the
questionnaire. The last six months have been very busy. In June I sold my home,
retired from my job in Lawrence, and relocated to San Diego. In August I drove
west and moved into my new place. After visiting my new surroundings, I'm
now looking for some creative work. (4050 Third Avenue, #304, San Diego CA
92103; 619-292-5773; taksdca@aol.com)
From RICHARD COUTO ('60): It's been a long time since I wrote. I am
somewhat intimidated because the choices I have made have taken me from
much of what others talk about, the Church and the Marist tradition especially. I
enjoy hearing from so many former teachers and ever present friends. An alumni
letter from CCHS, Lawrence, finally sparked my realization of the part of Marist
that has transformed me. The high school and college education provided by the
Brothers instilled a love of learning and a passion to express the meaning of my
life and that of others. They stay with me today and mark my teaching style. I
am in a wonderful place to express and continue the gifts the Brothers gave me.
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I am a professor and now have a chair in leadership studies at the Jepson School
at the University of Richmond. Jepso is the first school of leadership studies. I
am a political scientist and contribute to the political leadership, social
movement, community contexts of the curriculum, as well as critical thinking
and experiential education, especially service learning and participatory action
research.
When I got around to writing the acknowledgments for my recent book, Making
Democracy Work Better, the University of North Carolina Press, I took note of
one Marist Brother in particular. Here's what I wrote:
"Putting the pieces of a manuscript together, however complex, is always
simplerthan figuring out the puzzle of who helped me. I mean helped in a
fundamental way, the people who planted ideas in my mind, challenged me and
somehow provided me -- son of loving, working-class parents who had little
formal education(a sixth-grade education and night school diploma) -- with the
ambition to write a book.
"I thought a lot of Brother Michael Kieran, FMS, who taught me English in high
school. Those who helped me in countless revisions of this text will testify that I
still cannot do justice to the grammar that he tried to teach me. But I think of him
still, every day, carrying his books in a pile under his arm, resting on a ledge that
he made with his hip. He set those books down on the teacher's desk in the front
of the room and in the next forty-five minutes, each and every day, he evoked
and demanded my attentive collaboration, and that of my classmates, in
developing a level of potential that he insisted we had but that we protested. He
tempered his determination to challenge us to realize our own importance with a
gentleness and humor that I have found in exactly the same combination in no
human being since. He checked our increased sense of competence with his own
firm belief, which he exemplified, that the ability to laugh at ourselves made the
serious business of life manageable and success at it possible. To all my teachers
I am grateful, and to them I dedicate this book."
Thank you Marist Brothers; I hope that despite some changes in setting and
issues, you can still see the seeds that you planted. (2424 Trefoil Way, Richmond
VA 23235-3814; 804-330-9831; rcouto@richmond.edu)
From EUGENE (Philip Damian) DONNELLY ('46): I'm living in Stamford
and enjoying my retirement these past seven years. I've taken philosophy courses
and enjoy traveling with my wife Adrienne. We spend a lot of enjoyable time
with our daughters, son-in-law, and five grandchildren. We enjoy receiving and
reading Marists All. (1 Strawberry Hill Ave., Stamford CT 06902; 203-323-
5421)
Bro Joseph Belanger ('43) … adapted from the Poughkeepsie Journal
Joseph Belanger was born in Lawrence, Massachusetts, in1925 and has tried in
the 74 years since, to become a citizen of the world. He has been around the
world twice, visiting such places as Africa, Japan, and Australia. He has made
some 30 trips to Europe. A recent trek to China led to a book which Belanger
hopes will open people's minds to China. "I've always had a keen interest in
other countries. I firmly believe in one world," the professor emeritus from
Marist College said.
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Belanger spent his life as a professor, teaching English literature, French
language and culture, and world culture at Marist College in the town of
Poughkeepsie. Indeed, he believes that human history is leading to a great
spiritual convergence, and he wants to help it along. He says that teaching—and,
most importantly, teaching people to think—will help people of the world to
gain appreciation and understanding of one another.
A member of an international Catholic order of teachers founded in 1817, the
Marist Brothers, Belanger earned a bachelor's degree in English from Marist
College in 1948. He holds a master's degree in English and a doctorate in
French. "I just love literature," he said. "It's the greatest study in the world." He
has encouraged his students to experience other cultures, founding and directing
Marist Abroad Programs for 17 years and co-directing the Marist Foreign Film
Program for 12 years.
After a recent trip to China, where he taught English at Luijiang University in
Xiamen, he wrote "China Prism: Red-Yellow-Green." He said his aim in writing
the book is to offer a view of China that he found lacking in media accounts.
"The intent is to create a correct understanding of China because there is so
much misinformation and ignorance and that is dangerous to the world," he said.
He said that, as a teacher, he attempts to stress the importance of an open mind.
Learning, he said, is an ongoing process that involves being able to change one's
views as one gains understanding and is exposed to differing perspectives. Claire
Keith, chair at Marist, said, "We don't all have his charisma and ruthless
commitment. He is a tireless pursuer – and so open-minded about the world."
From BRIAN YEHLE ('61): I can't tell you how surprised I was to hear from
you and MaristsAll. Reading the notes from all over has certainly touched on
some great feelings and memories from the past. When I left in '69, I was
fortunate to be appointed to the police department here in Emerson, New Jersey,
a town of about 6800 people in Bergen County with a 20 man department. I am
currently a Detective Lieutenant, having served in the bureau since 1986. Thirty
years have gone by pretty quickly and my wife Ginny and I will be retiring in
June of 2000. We plan to move to Killington, Vermont, where we own a condo
and there to try the mountain life for a while. As in the Tyngsboro days, we love
the winter and outdoor activities. During the warmer months we hope to travel
and visit our children. Our oldest son is married, has two children, and is living
in California. Our other son is working and living in the area. Our daughter, the
youngest, is completing her MBA at Fairfield. The impact of my Marist years
will never be forgotten. Those years and experiences have always added
perspective to what life has brought to us. Thanks for Marists All; it's great.
Fraternally. 171 Dyer Avenue, Emerson NJ 07630; 201-262-4947)
From JIM (Luke Michael) MADDEN ('52): Writing for such an educated
audience is a bit intimidating. One does not want to appear too bombastic or too
puerile, but here goes anyway! Although separated from the Marist community
by several decades, I have, nevertheless, a deep spiritual and emotional
connection. When I see a phoebe, I think instinctively of the first nest I found
inside the Lourdes grotto by the Poughkeepsie juniorate. A kingfisher reminds
me of the nest dug into the sandbank near our ball field.
I live in Bayville on the North Shore of Long Island. It is a quiet village except
for the occasional nor'easter. My wife Mickey teaches at The School of the Holy
Child at Old Westbury, a private Catholic school. My son Richard is a fourth
grade teacher at Garden City. My daughter Mary Patricia has finished her
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student teaching at Newburg. I have retired from teaching computer science and
keep busy by tutoring mathematics, physics, and chemistry. With the booming
economy and living in the area described by F. Scott Fitzgerald as the Gold
Coast, the tutoring business is flourishing.
Retirement has afforded me time to travel. My wife and I chose to celebrate our
thirtieth anniversary by visiting Alaska. Although we spent less than half a day
in Denali Park, it was the most inspiring experience of our two-week tour across
Alaska, the Yukon, and the Inside Passage. We were fortunate to see Mount
McKinley clearly for only a brief time, but see it we did, twin peaks blanketed in
snow making the near mountains seem insignificant. Mount McKinley is known
as Denali, the Great One, to the Athabaska Indians. It is also known simply as
"The Mountain." The variety of wildlife and the extraordinary scenery make
Denali Park an unforgettable experience. I wrote an article for the North Shore
Audubon Society about this extraordinary experience.
Mickey and I have also traveled to Galway, London, Paris, Austria, Switzerland,
and the Hawaiian Islands. The whole family is scheduled to go to Paris this
February, the fourth time for my daughter, the second time for my wife and son,
and my third time. In 1992 I had four angioplasties, two on the same day. Since
then I have regimented myself to exercise and healthy eating. Unfortunately, I
cannot fully exert myself, so I had to give up skiing.
I can't remember which outstanding, stimulating teacher urged us in our
formative juniorate days to use an abundance of expressive adjectives when
writing; I hope I have met his ambitious expectations. I enjoy reading Marists
All as it jolts my brain and I hear myself saying, "Oh yes, I remember that!" (24
Hickory Rd, Bayville NY 11709; 516-628-1661; hailend@aol.com)
From ALBERT (Leonard Vincent) JEAN ('41): My wife and I are
coordinators for Respect Life in several parishes in Pasco County in the diocese
of St. Petersburg, Florida. We are also public policy advocates for the diocese.
That entails being abreast of all political bills in the state capitol and in
Washington, bills that may be of concern to the Respect Life agendas. It also
entails lobbying on such matters. Closer to home, we are members of the lay
Carmelite order in our parish. On November 26th we will be leaving for a family
visit to the Philippines; we should return by January 12th. Our love, and prayers
to our friends with Marists All (7327 Brookline Street, Wesley Chapel FL
33544; 813-242-1417)
From MICHAEL (Michael Vincent) KELLY ('50): I just read Marists All #50.
It was great hearing that Bill Powers has finally realized his dream to sound like
Brother Hugh. Hugh and I were in the same English class at Cardinal Hayes in
'46; I'm still trying to sound like him. It has been a wonderful year for all of us in
beautiful downtown Burbank. The greatest news of all is that our daughter Joan
had twin boys on August 25th. We couldn't be happier. It is wonderful to have
children; now we realize real rewards come when the grandchildren arrive.
A second big event in August was the purchase of our new home, which is just
three miles from Joan. As you might expect, Janet is now wearing out the roads
between our two homes. We have plenty of room for guests, a pool in the back
yard, and a beautiful view of mountains that frame the San Fernando Valley.
Consider our home your home.
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The third memorable event in August was my retiring from California State
University. I didn't have enough time to fix the house and to baby sit. I have a
number of part time jobs that help pay the mortgage, but there is very little
external pressure. I work for the California Office of Strategic Technology and
do consulting work for the Department of Defense. I have made three trips to
DC in the past month. That must not continue.
I'm sure that I will miss teaching, but there will be future opportunities to get
back into the classroom, without the commitments to fully participate in the
unreal university academic environment. I still have wonderful memories of
teaching in high school in Lawrence and in Poughkeepsie. I think it would be
rewarding to try to help high school students in California, where I am told only
five percent of graduates take physics; not a good sign for young people entering
the information age. I could emulate my brother Des (Br. Thomas Kelly '53)
who, besides being principal and giving sermons at local churches, is teaching
physics in West Virginia.
I hope I will have the opportunity to join the class of '50 in 2000. Would you like
to come to the land of Disney? Maybe Jay Leno would host us on July 26, 2000.
It could be his greatest show ever. Hugh could sing "Old Man River" with Bill
Powers and have Des as guest singing "The Irish Rover." Forget about 9-9-99
and Y2K; think 7-26-2000! (2400 No. Orchard Dr., Burbank CA 91504-2207;
818-840-8993; jkelly@ix.netcom.com)
From PHILIP CAPPIO ('74): After spending 14 years in education teaching
English and religion coaching cross country and track, I have been in the
landscaping and lawn maintenance business for almost 15 years now. In 1976 I
married Mary Ball, a social studies teacher at Union Catholic High School. We
have three daughters: Mary 19, Claire 17, and Regina 15. The girls are all very
involved in music and sports. Maria and Claire are in Esopus at this moment
working at our church-sponsored camp for children with cancer. My distance
running days are gone, but I have become an avid roller blader; I highly
recommend it as a fun form of exercise. I have gotten into kayaking; one of my
first trips was on the Hudson in Cold Spring. This summer I had a chance to stop
at Camp Marist as they celebrated their 50th anniversary. I spent seven
wonderful years there working and taking care of the horses. I still keep in touch
with a lot of old Marist friends, but I definitely look forward to each new issue
of Marists All.(241 Katherine Street, Scotch Plains NJ 07076;908-889-6625;
maryphilip@msn.com)
MARIST COLLEGE In a memorandum to the Marist College community from
President Murray we learn that Jim Cannavino, a longtime Trustee and former
Chairman of the Board, has pledged $3,000,000 to support the new library. This
is the largest personal gift ever made to Marist, and it comes from one who has
served the college with dedication and genuine concern for its students. The
Board of Trustees has recognized Jim's exceptional commitment by naming the
new building The James A. Cannavino Library. Jim Cannavino is recognized as
one of the nation's technology leaders. In his tenure at IBM he was credited with
developing some of the company's most innovative products, ranging from
mainframe computers to laptops. In professional circles Jim proudly identifies
himself with Marist College.
From BILL KAWINA ('71): I have good memories of Marist College. I was one
of the Marist Brothers from Malawi. My good friend Jerry Cox was my coach
and director at Benoit House. Those were the good old days. I left the Marist
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congregation toward the end of 1971 and moved to Canada. I'm still in Quebec.
I've been teaching Shakespeare's language for the last 27 years at a senior French
high school. It's a challenge to teach English to French kids. To go to my school
I take a ferryboat every morning. The school is situated on a small island called
Ils-aux-Coudres; it's a lovely island.
I have two lovely daughters, Joyce and Ana. Both are very fluent in English and
in French. Lucky them, I'm not as bilingual as they. Joyce is 26 and Ana is 23. I
thank you for all the news I've been getting. I also thank Bob Buckley for giving
you my address. I hope to get back to Poughkeepsie to see many of you some
summer.(8 E. Veilleux, Baie St. Paul, Que., G3Z-1C7; 1-418-435-5829;
billkawina@yahoo.com)
From JOHN A. RYAN ('67): Having finished my Ph.D. in Biochemistry at
Uconn in 1997, I am now working for Corning Science Products in Acton MA
as their manager of scientific affairs. My wife Mei and I are now readjusting to a
more normal life after too many years as grad students. (7 Hillside Avenue,
Clinton MA 01510; 978-365-5994)
From BILL (William Maura) DESCHENE ('53): I like reading about former
and present Marist friends. The camaraderie I experienced and the stories
associated with these experiences conjure up a lot of smiles … and that is always
good medicine. The humility, simplicity, and modesty of the Marist vision fits in
well with the Native American lifestyle. The Apache Christ is a good model; the
Church, on the other hand, is very much connected with the taker culture that
tries to dominate other cultures, i.e. the Native American and others.
Work: lots! Homesteaders with all that implies, minus the plumbing and
carpenter talents of Sarge and the electrical skills of my Dad. Still things are
operational and fun. The motto here is: If it's worth doing, it's worth doing half-
assed. Hobbies: learning the ways of Native Americans, although strictly
speaking this is more of a lifestyle than a hobby. Travels: lots of canoeing on
local lakes and rivers. (11 Lowell Street, Methuen MA 01844; 508-682-0687)
From SISTER VIRGINIA CONNORS, S.S.S. Your M.A. was postmarked
December 8th and I received it today, the 10th. It took me two and a quarter
hours, with some interruption, but I went right straight through it from top to
bottom. The questionnaire seems to have brought out the best in everyone's pen
and type. The adage "everyone has a story to tell" never seemed so right. And
every story is great. Believe it when they tell you that you are rendering a truly
appreciated service. (101 Silver Street, Waterville ME 04901-5923)
From DON (Christopher Matthew) EDWARDS ('57): I am officially retired
from teaching now, working part time at the library in town where my wife
Elaine works full time. Extra cash is always appreciated. It is really great having
time to live and enjoy. We get to Chicago to see our son Chris and his wife
several times a year, and they visit here. Distance isn't fun, but Chris is happy
and doing very well. He received an advancement to senior designer. We still
attend the Met; I embarrass Elaine with my bravos when performances are
exciting and well sung. Needless to say, Elaine prays for mediocre performances.
We saw several plays this summer, Importance of Being Ernest in New Haven
and Candide at the Weston Playhouse in Vermont.
I would like to wish the Jubilarians, especially Br. Edmund Sheehan, the most
prayerful of congratulations on their anniversaries as Marist Brothers. Miami
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and Christopher Columbus don't seem that long ago. All these celebrations and
we are still in our late thirty-somethings. St. Marcellin bless all.(84 Bayberry
Rd., Cheshire CT 06410; donald.j.edwards@snet.net)
From REV. BILL SEARS ('52): Still going strong but slower. Between eight
medications and a drink now and then the ole heart keeps on ticking like that old
watch ad said long ago. Can't make Marist picnic at the Mount, doing a niece's
wedding down here on the 18th. Was away in July to Arizona for my sister's and
brother-in-law's 45th; could not attend their wedding in '54 because I was
interred in Marist College! I think Ed Castine's idea for a "Southern Picnic" is
great for winter or spring. Remembrance in my Masses and prayers for all in the
Greater Marist Family(1745 Padre Lane # 62, Englewood FL 34223-6432; 941-
474-5217)
From JIM GULDNER ('66): I am not yet ready to retire. I own a small
engineering and surveying company in northwest New Jersey. Fran and I have
two daughters, both recently married. Suzanne is a PsyD. in Clinical Psychology,
and Christine is a first year resident M.D. Fran and I are starting to get more
involved in our parish on the Grounds and the Liturgy Committees and as
Eucharistic ministers.(15 Stanley Place, Budd Lake NJ 07828; 973-347-9061;
franandjim@worldnet.att.net)
EDITORS' NOTE: Sorry that we could not fit several of the more recently
received articles. We promise to get them into the next issue. We do appreciate
all correspon-dence and are extremely grateful for the cooperation that helps to
keep this project going.
POSTAL MAIL:
Gus Nolan: 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601
David Kammer: 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141