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ISSUE # 52
December 1999
From DAVID MURPHY (’61): Seventeen years in Africa is a pretty sure way
to lose contact with friends in the States, especially for a person who is not a
great letter writer. Then, of course, if you come back and work out in South
Dakota, you’re not really improving your odds of re-establishing ties.
In Africa I went through a number of the normal growth experiences of a
somewhat passionate, celibate team player. The growing/diminishing process
was exhilarating. Africa is the place from which I can begin to trace my
experience of the romancing of vastness. Since January of 1987 I’ve been
working in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I left the community
and married in the summer of 1988. My wife Elaine is a woman of great
sensitivity tempered with a very special sense of humor; hey, she puts up with
my bizarreness. We had first met back in 1982.
My first nine and a half years here I worked in an alternative school for teens
whose needs were not being met in the existing schools. Their program had been
pulled together by Brother Joe Di, my wife, and Brother Derm. The first year or
so I was thinking that I was being asked to become a piece of silly putty but, of
course, after re-examining a few premises and trying out a few new ones, the
“new garment” felt very comfortable. The students, coming from their pain and
hurt, were amazingly gentle in reaching inside of me and calling on talents and
feelings that I was not much in touch with. I guess I’ve shouted (not so much at
people, but just out into the hills), bit my tongue, and cried a lot more in the last
dozen years than I had previously thought would have been necessary to become
more truly human.
Putting some of this on paper calls to mind listening to a wonderful friend
speaking of his Peace Corp experience in Nepal. Before coming home his group
went through a debriefing. The group leader asked them to share some of their
stories. When they had finished, he told the group that he hoped they had
enjoyed the telling of the stories, and he reminded them that for some it would
be the last time they would be able to tell the story to someone who had any idea
of what it was all about! However, I feel that I share the kind of bond with the
readers of Marists All that enables me not to hesitate to tell my story for fear of
being misunderstood as being boastful of my life experiences. I know that all of
you have processed similar, wondrous experiences.
Elaine and I live three miles east of Pine Ridge village. Elaine works at Oglala
Lakota College, and I’m now at Wolf Creek School, a large public elementary
school. We have a piece of land with a cabin up in the Black Hills. We are
looking toward getting ourselves organized and retiring up there in a few years.
If you are out this way to see the faces on Mt. Rushmore, or if you are on your
“hog” on the way to the Sturgis Rally, or if you are just interested in finding out
something about the goings on of the Pow Wow circuit, give us a call; company
is always welcome. We’d love to share our home and our world with you. I
would volunteer to show you the former residence of the Brothers in Oglala, but
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the tornado this past summer has left nothing but a barren hill. The Brothers’
contributions to the Lakota people live where they belong … in the hearts of the
Lakota people! (P.O. Box 742, Pine Ridge SD 57770; 605-867-5921;
davmu@scpschis.k12.sd.us)
From BR. MICHAEL LARATONDA (’62): I am beginning my ninth year at
Wellsprings, a renewal/sabbatical/retreat center in Glens Falls, New York, about
an hour north of Albany. I am Associate Director. Since most laity, if working
and raising a family, cannot take four months off for a sabbatical, September
through December, we have recently done some reconstructing of our programs
to meet requests for programs of shorter duration. We now have a variety of
formats: week-long directed and guided retreats, private sabbaticals of flexible
duration, structured or unstructured. We want to reach out to the laity as well as
to religious and to the ordained. Thanks for keeping the newsletter alive. (93
Maple Street, Glens Falls NY 12801; 518-745-1617)
From DONALD “Ted” GRAY (’63): I enjoy reading Marists All and am
surprised at how many of the contributors I remember. I left the brothers in 1971
after spending five years at my first assignment, St. Joseph Academy,
Brownsville, Texas. I spent one year in Austin teaching emotionally disturbed
children. Then I returned to St. Joseph’s in 1972 where I became the athletic
director and head football/basketball coach. I enjoyed that tremendously. I left
coaching to become a federal probation/parole officer in April of ’77 in
Brownsville. I moved up in the agency and was recently promoted to deputy
chief overseeing our offices in the cities of Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville.
We have to retire at age 57, so I have less than two years to go.
I married my wife Rosario in 1978, and in 1982 we were blessed with Katrina.
Rosario has been employed at St. Joe’s for the past eight years. She was hired as
a teacher, and is now running the cafeteria services. Katrina is a senior, a
member of the year 2000 class. I see the brothers at St. Joe’s, as well as the
brothers who come to visit there. I talk to Dee Hartnett, Jim Meehan, Tom
Crimmins, Ray Armstrong, Tom Mullin, and I saw Joe McKenna when he
dropped by Brownsville on business.
I enjoy the newsletter; keep me on the list. Sorry about being late in responding,
but the new position is quite a challenge; keeps me hopping. (85 Westchester
Circle, Brownsville TX 78521; 956-542-0212)
From DONALD MULCARE (’57): Br. John Malich sent me a copy of the
audio tapes that contain one of his workshops on community life. They are based
on the Marist spirit and have been enriched by stories and examples from St.
Marcellin Champagnat and from many of the uncanonized saints that we have
known during the Marist phase of our lives. The tapes include a section on
conflict resolution.
I am director of Gerontology Programs at the University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth. In classes at the university my students work in groups; conflicts
quickly emerge. Thanks to Brother John, I have a few new tools with which to
address a variety of conflicts. In my personal life, Brother John’s presentation on
leisure, Sunday as a day of rest, and our need to step back and look at the pace
and direction of our lives, offered me the greatest help. Thank you, Brother John.
(7 Saffon Road, Fairhaven MA 02719-4214)
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From GEORGE BIOLSI (’65): I enjoy reading Marists All and certainly look
forward to receiving every issue. The thoughts, comments, and recollections of
those who write are thought provoking and bring back memories of people and
places I haven’t seen in many years. So thanks for continuing to publish the
newsletter. 1016 Churchill Road, McLean VA 22101; 703-790-4990)
From JOHN (John David) DUNN (’55): I taught school as a Brother for two
years, 1959 to 1961, followed by teaching one year as a lay teacher. Now I am
sales manager for a division of Lilly Industries; I have been in this sales business
for 35 years. In September I will celebrate 34 years of marriage. My wife and I
have three children: Nancy is a Marist grad, Mary Ellen a graduate of
Misericordia, and James a grad from Villanova. (26 Quaker Ridge Road,
Westtown NY 10998; 914-726-3531)
From JOE CONKLIN (’64): It certainly was an ingenious idea to send out the
questionnaire. It caused me to move from a passive reader to an active
responder. I have been meaning to write ever since I received my first copy of
Marists All which was issue #3. How to start this story has been one of my
major deterrents from writ-ing in the past. My college composition prof, Gus
Nolan, would probably say, “ Start from the beginning.”
My involvement with the Marist Brothers started at Marist School in Bayonne in
1956. After two years there I decided I wanted to be a Brother, and I went to the
Juniorate in Esopus. I graduated and entered the Novitiate but only stayed for
two months. I spent the next three years working and going to college. In 1963 I
asked Brother Leo Sylvius if I could try the novitiate again. I completed the
novitiate and one year at the scholasticate at Marist College when I discerned
that religious life was not for me. It is amazing how my brief on-again, off-again
relationship with the Marists has left a permanent mark within me. I continue to
feel that bond thirty-three years later. As for many, Brother Leonard was my
main and sometimes only contact with the community before Marists All.
Though I have had little contact with others from the Marist family, the Marist
spirit has stayed with me.
After graduating from Marist College in 1966, I joined the Teacher Corps, a
federal anti-poverty program bringing teachers into needy school districts. With
that group I taught high school social studies in Gary, Indiana, for five years.
From there I took a teaching position in a rural junior/senior high school in
Douglas, Wyoming, where I continued to teach for eight more years. I met my
wife Leslie there. She was the French and Spanish teacher. We have been
married 26 years and have two children: a son Michael, who is a tax accountant,
married and with a son of his own, and a daughter Erica, who is a sophomore
pre-physical therapy major at Northern Illinois University.
In 1980 I decided to change my career. I went back to the University of
Wyoming and earned an accounting degree. I got my CPA and joined Arthur
Andersen Consulting’s corporate training center in St. Charles, Illinois, where I
am now the controller.
I have taught sixth grade religious education for fifteen years at my local parish,
but I retired from that last year. My parish is very active in social ministry; I
volunteer at a homeless shelter once a month. I belong to a hiking club; I hike
10/12 miles each weekend. Spoiling our grandson Sean has become a major
focus for Leslie and me these last two years. We love to travel; two years ago I
went hiking in the Andes. My first night in Quito I stayed at a hotel across the
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street from a high school. What a surprise I had the next morning when I saw
that the name of the school was Colegio Mariste.
I want to thank Gus and David for putting this communication vehicle together. I
also want to thank all those men who affected my life in its formative years by
imparting that Marist spirit which has nurtured me all these years. (727 Fellows
Street, St. Charles IL 60174; 630-377-6479; jconklin41@aol.com)
From PETER SEDLMEIR (’61): Thanks for the obvious work you put into
Marists All. It is inspiring to see how the spirit of Champagnat has spread
through the actions of men who have lived that spirit for some portion of their
lives.
My wife Margaret and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this
October; we took a tour to the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been there before, and I
have never experienced such overwhelming size and beauty. It’s truly an
experience that helped me recognize a bit more my relationship with God.
As a deacon I have recently been involved in organizing our Renew 2000 parish
mission which was conducted entirely by the laity. It was much work, but I
believe that the Spirit of God was most definitely at work. I continue my job as a
substance abuse counselor in several schools in Greene county. Dealing with
these kids whom “society considers God’s least favored’ certainly makes one
recognize one’s own powerlessness and fosters increased recognition of God’s
power. Thanks again. 2 Pearson Road, Preston Hollow NY 12469; 518-239-
6282)
From BILL KARGES (’74): I moved south in 1995 after many years in NYC
at the Mount, at St. Agnes, and finally at the Collegiate School over a long
stretch. The primary reason for the move was my parents’ health. I know that
many of you have met them over the years. My mom is now in a nursing home
with terminal Alzheimers, and Dad is undergoing an experimental cancer
treatment. I’m happy that I made the move when I did.
My life in education continues much as before. I’m now the Assistant Head at a
small independent school in North Carolina, Gaston Day School in Gastonia. I
have been recruiting some of my friends from New York to come down and help
get the place stirred up. I’ve very much enjoyed the quality of life here. I’m
paying less on the mortgage for a three-bedroom brick ranch than I did for rent
of a studio apartment in New York. However, I do miss friends and, of course,
the restaurants of the Big Apple. Thanks for Marists All. 2616 Redbud Drive,
Gastonia NC 28056; 704-868-2289; wek@gastonday,pvt.k12.nc.us)
From JOE OLIVET (’64): In September I began my 30th year teaching
elementary school in the Bronx for the public school system. Most of those years
have been spent teaching physical education, but for the past four years I have
been teaching science in grades 3 to 6.
When I remarried, my wife brought four children to the marriage. At first that
was tough, but after 15 years we have come together as a group. My son from a
previous marriage is in the Air Force and is married. My wife’s children have
grown into wonderful professionals: one is a chef, one is doing payroll, one is
graduated from college after struggling for six years. The youngest I have raised
since she was three years old; she is now a college junior at SUNY Albany, and
is continuing to amaze me with her competence as she grapples with coming of
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age and taking her place in society as a productive member. I am really pleased
that she considers me her “dad” and only father. No grandchildren yet, and I am
in no hurry.
This year will be my last in teaching. I am looking forward to retiring in
December of 2000. After retirement I will probably continue working the part
time job I have now, as a bus driver or supervisor for Shortline Bus Company. I
will cross that bridge when I come to it. Recently we bought a used motor home
and are fixing it up. So travel will definitely be in our plans. Thanks for this
sharing opportunity. (134 Rockwell Avenue, Middletown NY 10940; 914-343-
2981)
From CHARLIE (James Martin) SCOTT (’50): It’s been several years since
I wrote last. Although I evidently misplaced the August issue of Marists All and
have just now discovered it, I usually read each issue from first to last page
eagerly and avidly. Marists All, from its inception to its present issue #50, is a
remarkable record of the Marist influence in the lives of many men, both those
who have remained in the religious community and those many others who have
found their way outside the community. I am so impressed by the
accomplishments of my Marist brothers and the depth and extent of commitment
in their everyday lives that I have come to regard Marists All as a kind of
“spiritual reading.”
I am in my thirty-seventh and final year of my teaching in the English
Department at the University of Wisconsin. I plan to retire at the end of this
academic year, though I have already agreed that, if need be, I would teach next
fall. Apart from being somewhat hobbled by a bone spur in my left heel, I am in
good health and, so far as I know, still have my wits about me; teaching another
semester or two should not be a problem. On the other hand, retirement as a new
state in life looks to be very attractive, financially and emotionally, and thus
seems the right next step. If returning to the pitcher’s mound is no longer a
realistic option, catching up with reading and writing, my next great loves, will
fill my days very nicely.
Anne will retire from her position as Ticket Office Manager of the Civic Center
the following year. Then, she says, we will clean out the closets! We will
continue to live in Madison, one of the nation’s most “livable” cities, but will
spend more time at our lakeshore cabin in the Nicolet National Forest. We will
also find more time to visit Rob in New York, Mike and granddaughter Hannah
in Savannah, Liz and Grant in Jacksonville, and Sheila in Los Angeles.
In recent years I have visited Northern Ireland twice, once with Anne, once with
Rob, where the last member of my grandmother’s family (Shannons) still lives
just off the Ormeau Road in Belfast, a tough place to be during the “marching
season” in June and July each year. In spite of the British checkpoints and
frequent street patrols, we were able to drive back and forth across the border
with the Republic and so managed to visit not only in the North but also most of
the west country from Donegal down to the Dingle, then back to Belfast through
Enniskillen, County Monaghan, and Armagh.
A few years ago Anne and I had a wonderful 2000 mile drive in England and
Scotland, from the Salisbury Plain in the south of England to Inverness in
Scotland, with a wonderful side trip to the western isles of Mull and Iona.
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More recently, my ongoing project for Japanese teachers of English, funded
through the Council on International Educational Exchange, has sent me to
professional meetings in Washington, New Orleans, London, San Francisco, and
next February, Tokyo. My profession has been good to me in this respect: the
opportunity to visit, and to live and work, in places I never thought I would get
to: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Japan, Taiwan, and China, as well as Germany
and Poland. I don’t foresee travels of this sort in my retirement, but we will be
trying hard to visit many of the wonderful places in our own country that have so
far eluded us.
Several of my classmates--Joe Horan, Brendan Haggerty-- have mentioned a
50th reunion. I hope it happens. Though I have been fortunate to see Dick
Branigan and Bill Powers on occasion, and have stayed in touch with Len
Voegtle, Hugh Crowe, Dick Jambor, and Bill Lavigne, it would be quite
wonderful to see the whole class once again. Meantime, I hope you all noticed
that the Wisconsin Badgers won the Rose Bowl last January, that the “Pack” has
been back for a few years now, and that the Brewers are going to get themselves
out of the dust bin one of these years. All best wishes! (4737 Lafayette Drive,
Madison WI 53705; 608-233-3995)
From JIM CARGER (’64): I am delighted to see each arrival of Marists All. It
is a wonderful link to people and times that have shaped my life and that
continue to enrich my spirit. I am a clinical psychologist in private practice
outside Chicago. My wife Chris is a Marist College graduate of 1974. She
teaches Children’s Literature/Bilingual Education at Northern Illinois University.
We have two wonderful daughters; Mary is entering 9th grade at St. Ignatus
High School and Elizabeth is a sophomore at the University of Chicago.
After a long hiatus I am back playing the guitar and am teaching my older
daughter to play. I don‘t see anyone from my days at Marist any more but I do
relish every word in Marists All that revives memories long cherished. Thank
you so much. I am sure there are many people on your list whom I would love to
contact but have not seen their names in print. Have you ever thought of putting
out a directory? (408 Nuptial Road, Riverside IL 60506; 708-442-0093;
jcarger@gateway.net)
From BR. THOMAS DELANEY (’55): I am starting my 10th year at Marist
College. I am living in Leo Hall as a resident mentor. My “extra hobby” is
teaching Spanish. Summer vacation takes me to Dublin, Ireland, where I teach
English as a second language to Brothers and students from Portugal, Spain, and
Italy. Life is quite interesting here at Marist College. We have been blessed with
a great community of faculty, students, and staff. (P.O. Box 10-957,
Poughkeepsie NY 1260l; 914-575-3725; Thomas.Delaney@marist.edu)
From JOE (Joel Gilmary) STRANG (’53): I am still on the faculty of Central
Texas College as a part-time English instructor in their program of teaching
aboard U.S. navy warships at sea. However, I have spent the past eighteen
months teaching English and computer full time for Herald Business College in
Salinas. In my spare time I teach a composition course to the national guard for
Vincennes University. My college students enjoy my tales of life as a Marist
Brother.
I have lived on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for almost two decades. I am
single and live with my Boston terrier. I spent two weeks in July visiting friends
and relatives on the east coast. At that time I visited the widow of Dan (Robert
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Fidelis) Nolan. I am currently considering an offer to run a retreat house on Cape
Cod, owned by a lady I met 35 years ago when I coached debate at Archbishop
Molloy. I look forward to each issue of Marists All, but have not been able to
attend any Marist functions for many years due to work and distance. Thanks for
keeping me in touch. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove CA 93950; 831-375-8672;
joestran09@pacbell.net)
From BILLDOHERTY (’62): I am presently a teacher/administrator for the
MTA/NY transit. I work with a software package called People Soft-tracking; it
is an authority-wide project for human resources. My wife Jody is Director of
Human Resources for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. Our daughter
Kate, 25, is working for an investment banking firm, and our son Andrew, 23, is
with KTV-103.5 FM.
We recently traveled to Fort Kent Mills in Maine for vacation. Last year we were
in London. We are planning a trip to Ireland in May/June of 2000. We hope this
will be a family trip if all can coordinate their busy schedules. Many thanks for
Marists All. (124-16 84th Road (Apt 1-L), Kew Gardens NY 11415; 718-849-
2335)
From JOE McGRATH (’52): Marists All has been a wonderful tie to a former
world, one that is remembered warmly as the pictures of many “heroes” of my
growing-up years float past my internal monitor. As you have many times heard,
the first note to Marists All is proving very difficult to write. ‘Tis strange for an
Irishman to be tongue-tied!
Sue and I are splitting the seasons between Savannah, Georgia, and Warren,
Vermont. We spent the summer in Vermont working on our house. So many
times I had to smile as I remembered the monks at Tyngsboro who tried to teach
this New York raised city boy how to weed, hay, fell trees, lay maple floors, feed
cows, split rocks, woodworking, canning, silo filling, etc., etc. Would you
believe that I used most of those basic skills this summer?
I have many happy memories of Henry, Paul, Aloysius, Peter, Monsieur
Ouellette, and most of all John B. Lots of renewed praise for these special
human beings and lots of wishes that they be remembered by all of us who
benefited so much from knowing them.
In Vermont Sue and I spend a good bit of time at Sugarbush Ski area. No doubt
Foy is responsible for that move. Whenever I come down one of the trails, I get a
flashback to the time he introduced me to skiing at Beacon Mountain, er, hill. If
you have a yen to strap on some boards, Foy, hope you’ll drop into Warren.
To my contemporaries, best of wishes; be assured of continued prayers for your
continued good graces. Now that I am retired (Ernst & Young LLP) I hope to
have the opportunity to write a little more. In the meantime, to Hopi, McGuire,
McSweeney, Stafford, McNulty, Duggan, Gil D, Luke, Madden, Lozeau, et all, a
great big “hey” from Savanaah. To monks who taught here, the priests and
brothers of Benedictine send their best. Cheers! (14 Seawatch Drive, Savannah
GA 31411; 912-598-7053; joemvt@accessvt.com)
From CHARLES MAHON (’66): In preparing to help our son get set up for
grad school at Virginia Tech, Dolores and I spent a day at the Wild Geese Inn,
visiting with Mary and Pat Gallagher. We had a wonderful time with two
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wonderful people. Pat was my high school English teacher who helped me chose
novitiate over college.
I am still taking the bus from Union, New Jersey, to NYC each day. It’s been a
hectic year at work, building a new program system while maintaining an old
minicomputer system in the midst of company changes.
Dolores and I did manage last year to take a cruise to Portugal on the Rotterdam.
We saw Fatima and other places on day trips from Lisbon. Last winterwe flew to
London and had a great week as we met with friends from Tampa.
Our son Patrick is a year away from his certification exams in Civil Engineering.
Daughter Andres is into her sophomore year at the University of Maryland.
We’ve made numerous trips to visit and to bring supplies to her! On the way we
were introduced to the Inner Harbor at Baltimore, a lovely place to visit.
Dolores started a new job last week. She is the assistant to the director of “The
Center for Hope Hospice.” This organization took care of her father when he
died last year. The job offer came to Dolores quite inadvertently when she went
to volunteer to help an organization whose purpose met a need for her family
and did it in such a wonderful, Christian way. Now Dolores is employed full
time and is doing something she loves! 1352 Vauxhall Road, Union NJ 07083-
7027; 908-964-0846)
From BOB HOLM (’60): It’s been forty years, Gus, since you gave me that
100% on the religion final. Berky was a generous marker, too - in deducting
points! I am completing my 35th year with the NYPD, presently a Lieutenant in
the Mounted Unit where I have been assigned for the past fifteen years. A recent
shoulder reconstruction (yes, you do have mishaps on those steeds now and
then) will lead to my filing for retirement this October. I finally heard the alarm
clock!
Nevertheless, one of the most cherished windows of any day is when the
mailbox reveals an issue of Marists All. I then set aside some quiet moments and
follow the developments of the congregation and of so many lives, often of
fellow students and teachers, who have had such an important impact on my life.
It is a very special return to a time when I learned my first conversations with
God, a time that prepared me for the bobbing and weaving that waited me in life.
Knowing myself, I doubt if I could have slipped many punches without the
foundation I received from my Marist experience.
I have four grown daughters, two of whom are high school teachers, in some
way carrying out the direction I was seeking. I’ve also walked two of them down
the aisle in the past two years, two more and Spencer Tracy will have nothing on
me.
I stay in touch with Br. Leonard Voegtle. I know I’m one of the legions who
have sought counsel and friendship from him. With due respect for Gus and
Dave, Brother Leonard in some ways was an early version of Marists All. Like
that energizer bunny he does keep turning out his own personal warmth and
news to those so fortunate to be on his mailing list. As a former provincial,
historian of St. Champagnat, and now designated archivist, he is definitely a
Marist giant. If he reads this, his modesty will look to give me a good swat.
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Following my retirement I hope to be exploring South Carolina for those golden
years, assuming I can work these new shoulder parts into some semblance of a
golf swing. Thanks to Gus and Dave for Marists All, for the hard work and for
the perseverance. The questionnaire was a great idea; it got us off the mark.
Looking to future issues. (245 Cook street, Huntington Station NY 11746; 516-
673-8419)
RE: GERARD BRUNELLE (’47): Gerry wrote to Marists All in the spring of
’97. He told us about his Marist education from 1943 to 1950, his 33 years as a
music teacher in the Lowell public school system, and his living after retirement
in 1992 at his hermitage off the shores of Lake Winnepasaukee at the Weirs in
New Hampshire. He concluded with “My works - canes and walking sticks,
poetry and music composition - are all little bridges, even if toil bridges, from
the island of my hermitage to the mainland of society.”
Inspired now by the canonization of the Founder, Gerry writes about his
attachment to all things Marist in extended poetic correspondence. He has great
respect for Saint Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist history, charisma, and
influence on his life. Brother Henry Charles and Brother Paul Ambrose come in
for deep gratitude, the former who “was everywhere and knew everything” and
the latter who impressed with “All we take with us to heaven is the good that we
do.” And there is the memory of Brother Abelus: “What a magnificent man he
was!”
Gerry sees Marists All as a charismatic way of learning of others and
maintaining the solidarity of brotherhood. He encourages us to be involved in
the field of life rather than in the bleachers; he especially encourages us to
second the work of the Marist Brothers. (664 Scenic Road (Box 5157), Weirs
NH 03246; 603-366-4168)
From JOHN (James Austin) McALEER (’42): When I read Donald Ryan’s
(Joel Matthew ’42) short entry in the August issue of M.A., I called him in New
Jersey. I discovered for the first time that he left the order in 1958, the year after
I did. Donald had to fill me in on 41 years of stuff. He promises to write to M.A.
at greater length soon.
In early August Ruth and I flew to Chicagoland for nine days. We stayed in the
city for a few days with our son Sean who is teaching philosophy courses at
Elmhurst College and at National Lewis University - also painting houses -
while finishing his dissertation for a PhD fromSyracuse. While in the windy city
I had a long chat on the phone with Br. Alfred George who was at the Marist
High residence. I taught with him at CCHS in Wheeling in 1952-53. Same
pleasant voice, same easy laugh! He was in town for a short time preaching in
churches (!) raising money for the missions.
Ruth and I spent the bulk of our short vacation with friends in Lake Bluff about
30 miles north of the Loop where we raised our family. From there we drove up
to Milwaukee one evening and had dinner at the home of Bill Murphy (Joseph
William ’40) and his wife Sandy. I hadn’t seen Bill for about 25 years; we had a
lot to catch up on. While admiring the art in Bill’s home, I spotted a plaque on
the wall. I would like to share the content with you: “1999 Impact Award given
to William J. Murphy, whose wisdom and leadership has dramatically affected
the greater Milwaukee community.” Bill did not like the idea, but I copied the
wording in spite of him. I continue to enjoy correspondence with a number of
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GMC people who responded to my initial entry in Marists All. (8700 Metcalf,
#102, Overland Park KS 66212; jjmcaleer@earthlink.net)
From WILLIAM (David Marcellin) QUINN (’44): April 15th was one of
those days in my lifetime that I will never forget, leaving JFK for Rome for the
canonization of Father Champagnat with a great group of people. The next few
days flew by so quickly, over too soon. The account by Joan and Jeptha Lanning
tells the story very well. The most moving day was the day of the Mass at St.
Paul’s. To see, hear, and be with all four of the branches of the Marist Family.
That was it for me.
I sold my house about for years ago and bought a two-bedroom co-op. All my
windows look to NYC, what a view. I still do sacristy work in our parish church
five days a week. (142-15 26th Avenue (#6C), Flushing NY 11354-1759; 718-
353-5304)
From BOB (Joseph Kevin) COLLINS (’56): Overdue greetings from
Farmingville, Long Island. Congratulations to my Tyngsboro classmates on the
45th celebration of their Marist vocations. You have stood the test of time well,
Brothers. God bless you all!
I retired fifteen months ago after 27 years as a steamfitter. I developed
asbestosis; my doctor’s advice was to “get out and enjoy living.” I remain very
active in Alcoholics Anonymous and in the Matt Talbot retreat movement. Being
a “beach bum” since my early days at Rockaway Beach, I’m almost a daily
walker along the beaches of Fire Island. At the moment I’m coordinating an
October/November A.A. state convention in Hawaii (more beach time!); there
are about 100 registered from Suffolk County. Sobriety has been a marvelous
adventure! I recently celebrated 25 years in recovery. God has led me on an
awesome journey that has been beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for your
dedication to Marists All.(1 Kimberly Avenue, Farmingville NY 11738; 516-
736-1724
From BR. DOMINIC O’BRIEN (’52): I’ve enjoyed getting Marists All, and I
read it ASAP from cover to cover. Many of the names are not familiar to me
since I’ve been somewhat out on my own for the past 30 years. I moved into full
time parish ministry in ’69 and have worked in youth ministry in the
Archdioceses of Newark and Hartford and in the dioceses in Kentucky and in
Oklahoma. And then God blessed me with my present position as Director of
Christian Formation at St. Catherine’s in Orange Park, Florida.
The parish is quite ahead of its time. There are more than 3400 families. Talk
about size! Think of 150 in first Eucharist, 110 in Confirmation, almost 1000
children in religious education programs. Think of hundreds of adults in other
education programs and of 50 young adults meeting weekly for spiritual
nourishment. Think of a parish mission with over 1000 people in attendance two
years in a row. This year we’ll have two parish missions.
All of this is my responsibility. I have a full time secretary, a principal who
handles the elementary and junior high programs, and a small faith community
coordinator, all of whom are on salary. I have a volunteer director of the pre-
school program also. Our professional staff includes a director of social ministry,
a director of liturgy, a director of stewardship, and a parish administrator. We co-
sponsor an elementary school with two other parishes.
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I cover the religious education programs of the youth ministry 10th through
12th. My favorite activity is RCIA, a program that has had about 40 people come
into the Church each of the past two years. I think that says something about the
vitality of the parish. On our registration form a person can sign for any of 100
different activities. We are trying to become a full stewardship parish, as the
director of stewardship makes sure the find something for everyone to do. Some
of our doctors and dentists go to Haiti and to the Dominican Republic. We
encourage tithing; 15% of our Sunday collection goes to charity.
We have two diocesan priests, one is part-time Navy; the others are Italian,
Indian, and Irish - five in all. The parish makeup is quite ethnically mixed. One
Sunday Mass is in Spanish. There is a monthly Mass in French and another in
Italian. About 50% of the parish is active or retired military.
I have never been so happy in ministry. I have wonderful community here, but I
do miss Marist community. Unfortunately most Marist Brothers’activities
conflict with regular parish activity. I hope to have someone to look after things
next June so that I can get up to Marist College. P.S. The idea of a GMC picnic
in Florida has appeal.(1649 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park FL 32073; 904-264-
0577 ex 322; 904-317-5070)
EDITORS’ NOTE:
Would you believe, we still have in hand, waiting for publication,
correspondence from nineteen people; most of that material consists of short
notes, only one item exceeding a half page. We promise to get all of this into our
next issue. Sorry for the unavoidable delay.
Please do not think that no one could possibly be interested in your more
extended stories. There is much evidence to the contrary. We still look to every
mail delivery for the thoughts, news, and stories you have to share with all of us.
Write to:
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
(After 1-1-2000: 737 Bella Vista, Edgewater FL 32141)
David Kammer, 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141; 904-426-6349.
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ISSUE # 52
December 1999
From DAVID MURPHY (’61): Seventeen years in Africa is a pretty sure way
to lose contact with friends in the States, especially for a person who is not a
great letter writer. Then, of course, if you come back and work out in South
Dakota, you’re not really improving your odds of re-establishing ties.
In Africa I went through a number of the normal growth experiences of a
somewhat passionate, celibate team player. The growing/diminishing process
was exhilarating. Africa is the place from which I can begin to trace my
experience of the romancing of vastness. Since January of 1987 I’ve been
working in South Dakota on the Pine Ridge Reservation. I left the community
and married in the summer of 1988. My wife Elaine is a woman of great
sensitivity tempered with a very special sense of humor; hey, she puts up with
my bizarreness. We had first met back in 1982.
My first nine and a half years here I worked in an alternative school for teens
whose needs were not being met in the existing schools. Their program had been
pulled together by Brother Joe Di, my wife, and Brother Derm. The first year or
so I was thinking that I was being asked to become a piece of silly putty but, of
course, after re-examining a few premises and trying out a few new ones, the
“new garment” felt very comfortable. The students, coming from their pain and
hurt, were amazingly gentle in reaching inside of me and calling on talents and
feelings that I was not much in touch with. I guess I’ve shouted (not so much at
people, but just out into the hills), bit my tongue, and cried a lot more in the last
dozen years than I had previously thought would have been necessary to become
more truly human.
Putting some of this on paper calls to mind listening to a wonderful friend
speaking of his Peace Corp experience in Nepal. Before coming home his group
went through a debriefing. The group leader asked them to share some of their
stories. When they had finished, he told the group that he hoped they had
enjoyed the telling of the stories, and he reminded them that for some it would
be the last time they would be able to tell the story to someone who had any idea
of what it was all about! However, I feel that I share the kind of bond with the
readers of Marists All that enables me not to hesitate to tell my story for fear of
being misunderstood as being boastful of my life experiences. I know that all of
you have processed similar, wondrous experiences.
Elaine and I live three miles east of Pine Ridge village. Elaine works at Oglala
Lakota College, and I’m now at Wolf Creek School, a large public elementary
school. We have a piece of land with a cabin up in the Black Hills. We are
looking toward getting ourselves organized and retiring up there in a few years.
If you are out this way to see the faces on Mt. Rushmore, or if you are on your
“hog” on the way to the Sturgis Rally, or if you are just interested in finding out
something about the goings on of the Pow Wow circuit, give us a call; company
is always welcome. We’d love to share our home and our world with you. I
would volunteer to show you the former residence of the Brothers in Oglala, but
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the tornado this past summer has left nothing but a barren hill. The Brothers’
contributions to the Lakota people live where they belong … in the hearts of the
Lakota people! (P.O. Box 742, Pine Ridge SD 57770; 605-867-5921;
davmu@scpschis.k12.sd.us)
From BR. MICHAEL LARATONDA (’62): I am beginning my ninth year at
Wellsprings, a renewal/sabbatical/retreat center in Glens Falls, New York, about
an hour north of Albany. I am Associate Director. Since most laity, if working
and raising a family, cannot take four months off for a sabbatical, September
through December, we have recently done some reconstructing of our programs
to meet requests for programs of shorter duration. We now have a variety of
formats: week-long directed and guided retreats, private sabbaticals of flexible
duration, structured or unstructured. We want to reach out to the laity as well as
to religious and to the ordained. Thanks for keeping the newsletter alive. (93
Maple Street, Glens Falls NY 12801; 518-745-1617)
From DONALD “Ted” GRAY (’63): I enjoy reading Marists All and am
surprised at how many of the contributors I remember. I left the brothers in 1971
after spending five years at my first assignment, St. Joseph Academy,
Brownsville, Texas. I spent one year in Austin teaching emotionally disturbed
children. Then I returned to St. Joseph’s in 1972 where I became the athletic
director and head football/basketball coach. I enjoyed that tremendously. I left
coaching to become a federal probation/parole officer in April of ’77 in
Brownsville. I moved up in the agency and was recently promoted to deputy
chief overseeing our offices in the cities of Laredo, McAllen, and Brownsville.
We have to retire at age 57, so I have less than two years to go.
I married my wife Rosario in 1978, and in 1982 we were blessed with Katrina.
Rosario has been employed at St. Joe’s for the past eight years. She was hired as
a teacher, and is now running the cafeteria services. Katrina is a senior, a
member of the year 2000 class. I see the brothers at St. Joe’s, as well as the
brothers who come to visit there. I talk to Dee Hartnett, Jim Meehan, Tom
Crimmins, Ray Armstrong, Tom Mullin, and I saw Joe McKenna when he
dropped by Brownsville on business.
I enjoy the newsletter; keep me on the list. Sorry about being late in responding,
but the new position is quite a challenge; keeps me hopping. (85 Westchester
Circle, Brownsville TX 78521; 956-542-0212)
From DONALD MULCARE (’57): Br. John Malich sent me a copy of the
audio tapes that contain one of his workshops on community life. They are based
on the Marist spirit and have been enriched by stories and examples from St.
Marcellin Champagnat and from many of the uncanonized saints that we have
known during the Marist phase of our lives. The tapes include a section on
conflict resolution.
I am director of Gerontology Programs at the University of Massachusetts
Dartmouth. In classes at the university my students work in groups; conflicts
quickly emerge. Thanks to Brother John, I have a few new tools with which to
address a variety of conflicts. In my personal life, Brother John’s presentation on
leisure, Sunday as a day of rest, and our need to step back and look at the pace
and direction of our lives, offered me the greatest help. Thank you, Brother John.
(7 Saffon Road, Fairhaven MA 02719-4214)
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From GEORGE BIOLSI (’65): I enjoy reading Marists All and certainly look
forward to receiving every issue. The thoughts, comments, and recollections of
those who write are thought provoking and bring back memories of people and
places I haven’t seen in many years. So thanks for continuing to publish the
newsletter. 1016 Churchill Road, McLean VA 22101; 703-790-4990)
From JOHN (John David) DUNN (’55): I taught school as a Brother for two
years, 1959 to 1961, followed by teaching one year as a lay teacher. Now I am
sales manager for a division of Lilly Industries; I have been in this sales business
for 35 years. In September I will celebrate 34 years of marriage. My wife and I
have three children: Nancy is a Marist grad, Mary Ellen a graduate of
Misericordia, and James a grad from Villanova. (26 Quaker Ridge Road,
Westtown NY 10998; 914-726-3531)
From JOE CONKLIN (’64): It certainly was an ingenious idea to send out the
questionnaire. It caused me to move from a passive reader to an active
responder. I have been meaning to write ever since I received my first copy of
Marists All which was issue #3. How to start this story has been one of my
major deterrents from writ-ing in the past. My college composition prof, Gus
Nolan, would probably say, “ Start from the beginning.”
My involvement with the Marist Brothers started at Marist School in Bayonne in
1956. After two years there I decided I wanted to be a Brother, and I went to the
Juniorate in Esopus. I graduated and entered the Novitiate but only stayed for
two months. I spent the next three years working and going to college. In 1963 I
asked Brother Leo Sylvius if I could try the novitiate again. I completed the
novitiate and one year at the scholasticate at Marist College when I discerned
that religious life was not for me. It is amazing how my brief on-again, off-again
relationship with the Marists has left a permanent mark within me. I continue to
feel that bond thirty-three years later. As for many, Brother Leonard was my
main and sometimes only contact with the community before Marists All.
Though I have had little contact with others from the Marist family, the Marist
spirit has stayed with me.
After graduating from Marist College in 1966, I joined the Teacher Corps, a
federal anti-poverty program bringing teachers into needy school districts. With
that group I taught high school social studies in Gary, Indiana, for five years.
From there I took a teaching position in a rural junior/senior high school in
Douglas, Wyoming, where I continued to teach for eight more years. I met my
wife Leslie there. She was the French and Spanish teacher. We have been
married 26 years and have two children: a son Michael, who is a tax accountant,
married and with a son of his own, and a daughter Erica, who is a sophomore
pre-physical therapy major at Northern Illinois University.
In 1980 I decided to change my career. I went back to the University of
Wyoming and earned an accounting degree. I got my CPA and joined Arthur
Andersen Consulting’s corporate training center in St. Charles, Illinois, where I
am now the controller.
I have taught sixth grade religious education for fifteen years at my local parish,
but I retired from that last year. My parish is very active in social ministry; I
volunteer at a homeless shelter once a month. I belong to a hiking club; I hike
10/12 miles each weekend. Spoiling our grandson Sean has become a major
focus for Leslie and me these last two years. We love to travel; two years ago I
went hiking in the Andes. My first night in Quito I stayed at a hotel across the
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street from a high school. What a surprise I had the next morning when I saw
that the name of the school was Colegio Mariste.
I want to thank Gus and David for putting this communication vehicle together. I
also want to thank all those men who affected my life in its formative years by
imparting that Marist spirit which has nurtured me all these years. (727 Fellows
Street, St. Charles IL 60174; 630-377-6479; jconklin41@aol.com)
From PETER SEDLMEIR (’61): Thanks for the obvious work you put into
Marists All. It is inspiring to see how the spirit of Champagnat has spread
through the actions of men who have lived that spirit for some portion of their
lives.
My wife Margaret and I are celebrating our 20th wedding anniversary this
October; we took a tour to the Grand Canyon. I’ve never been there before, and I
have never experienced such overwhelming size and beauty. It’s truly an
experience that helped me recognize a bit more my relationship with God.
As a deacon I have recently been involved in organizing our Renew 2000 parish
mission which was conducted entirely by the laity. It was much work, but I
believe that the Spirit of God was most definitely at work. I continue my job as a
substance abuse counselor in several schools in Greene county. Dealing with
these kids whom “society considers God’s least favored’ certainly makes one
recognize one’s own powerlessness and fosters increased recognition of God’s
power. Thanks again. 2 Pearson Road, Preston Hollow NY 12469; 518-239-
6282)
From BILL KARGES (’74): I moved south in 1995 after many years in NYC
at the Mount, at St. Agnes, and finally at the Collegiate School over a long
stretch. The primary reason for the move was my parents’ health. I know that
many of you have met them over the years. My mom is now in a nursing home
with terminal Alzheimers, and Dad is undergoing an experimental cancer
treatment. I’m happy that I made the move when I did.
My life in education continues much as before. I’m now the Assistant Head at a
small independent school in North Carolina, Gaston Day School in Gastonia. I
have been recruiting some of my friends from New York to come down and help
get the place stirred up. I’ve very much enjoyed the quality of life here. I’m
paying less on the mortgage for a three-bedroom brick ranch than I did for rent
of a studio apartment in New York. However, I do miss friends and, of course,
the restaurants of the Big Apple. Thanks for Marists All. 2616 Redbud Drive,
Gastonia NC 28056; 704-868-2289; wek@gastonday,pvt.k12.nc.us)
From JOE OLIVET (’64): In September I began my 30th year teaching
elementary school in the Bronx for the public school system. Most of those years
have been spent teaching physical education, but for the past four years I have
been teaching science in grades 3 to 6.
When I remarried, my wife brought four children to the marriage. At first that
was tough, but after 15 years we have come together as a group. My son from a
previous marriage is in the Air Force and is married. My wife’s children have
grown into wonderful professionals: one is a chef, one is doing payroll, one is
graduated from college after struggling for six years. The youngest I have raised
since she was three years old; she is now a college junior at SUNY Albany, and
is continuing to amaze me with her competence as she grapples with coming of
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age and taking her place in society as a productive member. I am really pleased
that she considers me her “dad” and only father. No grandchildren yet, and I am
in no hurry.
This year will be my last in teaching. I am looking forward to retiring in
December of 2000. After retirement I will probably continue working the part
time job I have now, as a bus driver or supervisor for Shortline Bus Company. I
will cross that bridge when I come to it. Recently we bought a used motor home
and are fixing it up. So travel will definitely be in our plans. Thanks for this
sharing opportunity. (134 Rockwell Avenue, Middletown NY 10940; 914-343-
2981)
From CHARLIE (James Martin) SCOTT (’50): It’s been several years since
I wrote last. Although I evidently misplaced the August issue of Marists All and
have just now discovered it, I usually read each issue from first to last page
eagerly and avidly. Marists All, from its inception to its present issue #50, is a
remarkable record of the Marist influence in the lives of many men, both those
who have remained in the religious community and those many others who have
found their way outside the community. I am so impressed by the
accomplishments of my Marist brothers and the depth and extent of commitment
in their everyday lives that I have come to regard Marists All as a kind of
“spiritual reading.”
I am in my thirty-seventh and final year of my teaching in the English
Department at the University of Wisconsin. I plan to retire at the end of this
academic year, though I have already agreed that, if need be, I would teach next
fall. Apart from being somewhat hobbled by a bone spur in my left heel, I am in
good health and, so far as I know, still have my wits about me; teaching another
semester or two should not be a problem. On the other hand, retirement as a new
state in life looks to be very attractive, financially and emotionally, and thus
seems the right next step. If returning to the pitcher’s mound is no longer a
realistic option, catching up with reading and writing, my next great loves, will
fill my days very nicely.
Anne will retire from her position as Ticket Office Manager of the Civic Center
the following year. Then, she says, we will clean out the closets! We will
continue to live in Madison, one of the nation’s most “livable” cities, but will
spend more time at our lakeshore cabin in the Nicolet National Forest. We will
also find more time to visit Rob in New York, Mike and granddaughter Hannah
in Savannah, Liz and Grant in Jacksonville, and Sheila in Los Angeles.
In recent years I have visited Northern Ireland twice, once with Anne, once with
Rob, where the last member of my grandmother’s family (Shannons) still lives
just off the Ormeau Road in Belfast, a tough place to be during the “marching
season” in June and July each year. In spite of the British checkpoints and
frequent street patrols, we were able to drive back and forth across the border
with the Republic and so managed to visit not only in the North but also most of
the west country from Donegal down to the Dingle, then back to Belfast through
Enniskillen, County Monaghan, and Armagh.
A few years ago Anne and I had a wonderful 2000 mile drive in England and
Scotland, from the Salisbury Plain in the south of England to Inverness in
Scotland, with a wonderful side trip to the western isles of Mull and Iona.
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More recently, my ongoing project for Japanese teachers of English, funded
through the Council on International Educational Exchange, has sent me to
professional meetings in Washington, New Orleans, London, San Francisco, and
next February, Tokyo. My profession has been good to me in this respect: the
opportunity to visit, and to live and work, in places I never thought I would get
to: Afghanistan, Pakistan, India, Japan, Taiwan, and China, as well as Germany
and Poland. I don’t foresee travels of this sort in my retirement, but we will be
trying hard to visit many of the wonderful places in our own country that have so
far eluded us.
Several of my classmates--Joe Horan, Brendan Haggerty-- have mentioned a
50th reunion. I hope it happens. Though I have been fortunate to see Dick
Branigan and Bill Powers on occasion, and have stayed in touch with Len
Voegtle, Hugh Crowe, Dick Jambor, and Bill Lavigne, it would be quite
wonderful to see the whole class once again. Meantime, I hope you all noticed
that the Wisconsin Badgers won the Rose Bowl last January, that the “Pack” has
been back for a few years now, and that the Brewers are going to get themselves
out of the dust bin one of these years. All best wishes! (4737 Lafayette Drive,
Madison WI 53705; 608-233-3995)
From JIM CARGER (’64): I am delighted to see each arrival of Marists All. It
is a wonderful link to people and times that have shaped my life and that
continue to enrich my spirit. I am a clinical psychologist in private practice
outside Chicago. My wife Chris is a Marist College graduate of 1974. She
teaches Children’s Literature/Bilingual Education at Northern Illinois University.
We have two wonderful daughters; Mary is entering 9th grade at St. Ignatus
High School and Elizabeth is a sophomore at the University of Chicago.
After a long hiatus I am back playing the guitar and am teaching my older
daughter to play. I don‘t see anyone from my days at Marist any more but I do
relish every word in Marists All that revives memories long cherished. Thank
you so much. I am sure there are many people on your list whom I would love to
contact but have not seen their names in print. Have you ever thought of putting
out a directory? (408 Nuptial Road, Riverside IL 60506; 708-442-0093;
jcarger@gateway.net)
From BR. THOMAS DELANEY (’55): I am starting my 10th year at Marist
College. I am living in Leo Hall as a resident mentor. My “extra hobby” is
teaching Spanish. Summer vacation takes me to Dublin, Ireland, where I teach
English as a second language to Brothers and students from Portugal, Spain, and
Italy. Life is quite interesting here at Marist College. We have been blessed with
a great community of faculty, students, and staff. (P.O. Box 10-957,
Poughkeepsie NY 1260l; 914-575-3725; Thomas.Delaney@marist.edu)
From JOE (Joel Gilmary) STRANG (’53): I am still on the faculty of Central
Texas College as a part-time English instructor in their program of teaching
aboard U.S. navy warships at sea. However, I have spent the past eighteen
months teaching English and computer full time for Herald Business College in
Salinas. In my spare time I teach a composition course to the national guard for
Vincennes University. My college students enjoy my tales of life as a Marist
Brother.
I have lived on the beautiful Monterey Peninsula for almost two decades. I am
single and live with my Boston terrier. I spent two weeks in July visiting friends
and relatives on the east coast. At that time I visited the widow of Dan (Robert
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Fidelis) Nolan. I am currently considering an offer to run a retreat house on Cape
Cod, owned by a lady I met 35 years ago when I coached debate at Archbishop
Molloy. I look forward to each issue of Marists All, but have not been able to
attend any Marist functions for many years due to work and distance. Thanks for
keeping me in touch. (P.O. Box 857, Pacific Grove CA 93950; 831-375-8672;
joestran09@pacbell.net)
From BILLDOHERTY (’62): I am presently a teacher/administrator for the
MTA/NY transit. I work with a software package called People Soft-tracking; it
is an authority-wide project for human resources. My wife Jody is Director of
Human Resources for the Eastern Paralyzed Veterans Association. Our daughter
Kate, 25, is working for an investment banking firm, and our son Andrew, 23, is
with KTV-103.5 FM.
We recently traveled to Fort Kent Mills in Maine for vacation. Last year we were
in London. We are planning a trip to Ireland in May/June of 2000. We hope this
will be a family trip if all can coordinate their busy schedules. Many thanks for
Marists All. (124-16 84th Road (Apt 1-L), Kew Gardens NY 11415; 718-849-
2335)
From JOE McGRATH (’52): Marists All has been a wonderful tie to a former
world, one that is remembered warmly as the pictures of many “heroes” of my
growing-up years float past my internal monitor. As you have many times heard,
the first note to Marists All is proving very difficult to write. ‘Tis strange for an
Irishman to be tongue-tied!
Sue and I are splitting the seasons between Savannah, Georgia, and Warren,
Vermont. We spent the summer in Vermont working on our house. So many
times I had to smile as I remembered the monks at Tyngsboro who tried to teach
this New York raised city boy how to weed, hay, fell trees, lay maple floors, feed
cows, split rocks, woodworking, canning, silo filling, etc., etc. Would you
believe that I used most of those basic skills this summer?
I have many happy memories of Henry, Paul, Aloysius, Peter, Monsieur
Ouellette, and most of all John B. Lots of renewed praise for these special
human beings and lots of wishes that they be remembered by all of us who
benefited so much from knowing them.
In Vermont Sue and I spend a good bit of time at Sugarbush Ski area. No doubt
Foy is responsible for that move. Whenever I come down one of the trails, I get a
flashback to the time he introduced me to skiing at Beacon Mountain, er, hill. If
you have a yen to strap on some boards, Foy, hope you’ll drop into Warren.
To my contemporaries, best of wishes; be assured of continued prayers for your
continued good graces. Now that I am retired (Ernst & Young LLP) I hope to
have the opportunity to write a little more. In the meantime, to Hopi, McGuire,
McSweeney, Stafford, McNulty, Duggan, Gil D, Luke, Madden, Lozeau, et all, a
great big “hey” from Savanaah. To monks who taught here, the priests and
brothers of Benedictine send their best. Cheers! (14 Seawatch Drive, Savannah
GA 31411; 912-598-7053; joemvt@accessvt.com)
From CHARLES MAHON (’66): In preparing to help our son get set up for
grad school at Virginia Tech, Dolores and I spent a day at the Wild Geese Inn,
visiting with Mary and Pat Gallagher. We had a wonderful time with two
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wonderful people. Pat was my high school English teacher who helped me chose
novitiate over college.
I am still taking the bus from Union, New Jersey, to NYC each day. It’s been a
hectic year at work, building a new program system while maintaining an old
minicomputer system in the midst of company changes.
Dolores and I did manage last year to take a cruise to Portugal on the Rotterdam.
We saw Fatima and other places on day trips from Lisbon. Last winterwe flew to
London and had a great week as we met with friends from Tampa.
Our son Patrick is a year away from his certification exams in Civil Engineering.
Daughter Andres is into her sophomore year at the University of Maryland.
We’ve made numerous trips to visit and to bring supplies to her! On the way we
were introduced to the Inner Harbor at Baltimore, a lovely place to visit.
Dolores started a new job last week. She is the assistant to the director of “The
Center for Hope Hospice.” This organization took care of her father when he
died last year. The job offer came to Dolores quite inadvertently when she went
to volunteer to help an organization whose purpose met a need for her family
and did it in such a wonderful, Christian way. Now Dolores is employed full
time and is doing something she loves! 1352 Vauxhall Road, Union NJ 07083-
7027; 908-964-0846)
From BOB HOLM (’60): It’s been forty years, Gus, since you gave me that
100% on the religion final. Berky was a generous marker, too - in deducting
points! I am completing my 35th year with the NYPD, presently a Lieutenant in
the Mounted Unit where I have been assigned for the past fifteen years. A recent
shoulder reconstruction (yes, you do have mishaps on those steeds now and
then) will lead to my filing for retirement this October. I finally heard the alarm
clock!
Nevertheless, one of the most cherished windows of any day is when the
mailbox reveals an issue of Marists All. I then set aside some quiet moments and
follow the developments of the congregation and of so many lives, often of
fellow students and teachers, who have had such an important impact on my life.
It is a very special return to a time when I learned my first conversations with
God, a time that prepared me for the bobbing and weaving that waited me in life.
Knowing myself, I doubt if I could have slipped many punches without the
foundation I received from my Marist experience.
I have four grown daughters, two of whom are high school teachers, in some
way carrying out the direction I was seeking. I’ve also walked two of them down
the aisle in the past two years, two more and Spencer Tracy will have nothing on
me.
I stay in touch with Br. Leonard Voegtle. I know I’m one of the legions who
have sought counsel and friendship from him. With due respect for Gus and
Dave, Brother Leonard in some ways was an early version of Marists All. Like
that energizer bunny he does keep turning out his own personal warmth and
news to those so fortunate to be on his mailing list. As a former provincial,
historian of St. Champagnat, and now designated archivist, he is definitely a
Marist giant. If he reads this, his modesty will look to give me a good swat.
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Following my retirement I hope to be exploring South Carolina for those golden
years, assuming I can work these new shoulder parts into some semblance of a
golf swing. Thanks to Gus and Dave for Marists All, for the hard work and for
the perseverance. The questionnaire was a great idea; it got us off the mark.
Looking to future issues. (245 Cook street, Huntington Station NY 11746; 516-
673-8419)
RE: GERARD BRUNELLE (’47): Gerry wrote to Marists All in the spring of
’97. He told us about his Marist education from 1943 to 1950, his 33 years as a
music teacher in the Lowell public school system, and his living after retirement
in 1992 at his hermitage off the shores of Lake Winnepasaukee at the Weirs in
New Hampshire. He concluded with “My works - canes and walking sticks,
poetry and music composition - are all little bridges, even if toil bridges, from
the island of my hermitage to the mainland of society.”
Inspired now by the canonization of the Founder, Gerry writes about his
attachment to all things Marist in extended poetic correspondence. He has great
respect for Saint Marcellin Champagnat and the Marist history, charisma, and
influence on his life. Brother Henry Charles and Brother Paul Ambrose come in
for deep gratitude, the former who “was everywhere and knew everything” and
the latter who impressed with “All we take with us to heaven is the good that we
do.” And there is the memory of Brother Abelus: “What a magnificent man he
was!”
Gerry sees Marists All as a charismatic way of learning of others and
maintaining the solidarity of brotherhood. He encourages us to be involved in
the field of life rather than in the bleachers; he especially encourages us to
second the work of the Marist Brothers. (664 Scenic Road (Box 5157), Weirs
NH 03246; 603-366-4168)
From JOHN (James Austin) McALEER (’42): When I read Donald Ryan’s
(Joel Matthew ’42) short entry in the August issue of M.A., I called him in New
Jersey. I discovered for the first time that he left the order in 1958, the year after
I did. Donald had to fill me in on 41 years of stuff. He promises to write to M.A.
at greater length soon.
In early August Ruth and I flew to Chicagoland for nine days. We stayed in the
city for a few days with our son Sean who is teaching philosophy courses at
Elmhurst College and at National Lewis University - also painting houses -
while finishing his dissertation for a PhD fromSyracuse. While in the windy city
I had a long chat on the phone with Br. Alfred George who was at the Marist
High residence. I taught with him at CCHS in Wheeling in 1952-53. Same
pleasant voice, same easy laugh! He was in town for a short time preaching in
churches (!) raising money for the missions.
Ruth and I spent the bulk of our short vacation with friends in Lake Bluff about
30 miles north of the Loop where we raised our family. From there we drove up
to Milwaukee one evening and had dinner at the home of Bill Murphy (Joseph
William ’40) and his wife Sandy. I hadn’t seen Bill for about 25 years; we had a
lot to catch up on. While admiring the art in Bill’s home, I spotted a plaque on
the wall. I would like to share the content with you: “1999 Impact Award given
to William J. Murphy, whose wisdom and leadership has dramatically affected
the greater Milwaukee community.” Bill did not like the idea, but I copied the
wording in spite of him. I continue to enjoy correspondence with a number of
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GMC people who responded to my initial entry in Marists All. (8700 Metcalf,
#102, Overland Park KS 66212; jjmcaleer@earthlink.net)
From WILLIAM (David Marcellin) QUINN (’44): April 15th was one of
those days in my lifetime that I will never forget, leaving JFK for Rome for the
canonization of Father Champagnat with a great group of people. The next few
days flew by so quickly, over too soon. The account by Joan and Jeptha Lanning
tells the story very well. The most moving day was the day of the Mass at St.
Paul’s. To see, hear, and be with all four of the branches of the Marist Family.
That was it for me.
I sold my house about for years ago and bought a two-bedroom co-op. All my
windows look to NYC, what a view. I still do sacristy work in our parish church
five days a week. (142-15 26th Avenue (#6C), Flushing NY 11354-1759; 718-
353-5304)
From BOB (Joseph Kevin) COLLINS (’56): Overdue greetings from
Farmingville, Long Island. Congratulations to my Tyngsboro classmates on the
45th celebration of their Marist vocations. You have stood the test of time well,
Brothers. God bless you all!
I retired fifteen months ago after 27 years as a steamfitter. I developed
asbestosis; my doctor’s advice was to “get out and enjoy living.” I remain very
active in Alcoholics Anonymous and in the Matt Talbot retreat movement. Being
a “beach bum” since my early days at Rockaway Beach, I’m almost a daily
walker along the beaches of Fire Island. At the moment I’m coordinating an
October/November A.A. state convention in Hawaii (more beach time!); there
are about 100 registered from Suffolk County. Sobriety has been a marvelous
adventure! I recently celebrated 25 years in recovery. God has led me on an
awesome journey that has been beyond my wildest dreams. Thank you for your
dedication to Marists All.(1 Kimberly Avenue, Farmingville NY 11738; 516-
736-1724
From BR. DOMINIC O’BRIEN (’52): I’ve enjoyed getting Marists All, and I
read it ASAP from cover to cover. Many of the names are not familiar to me
since I’ve been somewhat out on my own for the past 30 years. I moved into full
time parish ministry in ’69 and have worked in youth ministry in the
Archdioceses of Newark and Hartford and in the dioceses in Kentucky and in
Oklahoma. And then God blessed me with my present position as Director of
Christian Formation at St. Catherine’s in Orange Park, Florida.
The parish is quite ahead of its time. There are more than 3400 families. Talk
about size! Think of 150 in first Eucharist, 110 in Confirmation, almost 1000
children in religious education programs. Think of hundreds of adults in other
education programs and of 50 young adults meeting weekly for spiritual
nourishment. Think of a parish mission with over 1000 people in attendance two
years in a row. This year we’ll have two parish missions.
All of this is my responsibility. I have a full time secretary, a principal who
handles the elementary and junior high programs, and a small faith community
coordinator, all of whom are on salary. I have a volunteer director of the pre-
school program also. Our professional staff includes a director of social ministry,
a director of liturgy, a director of stewardship, and a parish administrator. We co-
sponsor an elementary school with two other parishes.
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I cover the religious education programs of the youth ministry 10th through
12th. My favorite activity is RCIA, a program that has had about 40 people come
into the Church each of the past two years. I think that says something about the
vitality of the parish. On our registration form a person can sign for any of 100
different activities. We are trying to become a full stewardship parish, as the
director of stewardship makes sure the find something for everyone to do. Some
of our doctors and dentists go to Haiti and to the Dominican Republic. We
encourage tithing; 15% of our Sunday collection goes to charity.
We have two diocesan priests, one is part-time Navy; the others are Italian,
Indian, and Irish - five in all. The parish makeup is quite ethnically mixed. One
Sunday Mass is in Spanish. There is a monthly Mass in French and another in
Italian. About 50% of the parish is active or retired military.
I have never been so happy in ministry. I have wonderful community here, but I
do miss Marist community. Unfortunately most Marist Brothers’activities
conflict with regular parish activity. I hope to have someone to look after things
next June so that I can get up to Marist College. P.S. The idea of a GMC picnic
in Florida has appeal.(1649 Kingsley Avenue, Orange Park FL 32073; 904-264-
0577 ex 322; 904-317-5070)
EDITORS’ NOTE:
Would you believe, we still have in hand, waiting for publication,
correspondence from nineteen people; most of that material consists of short
notes, only one item exceeding a half page. We promise to get all of this into our
next issue. Sorry for the unavoidable delay.
Please do not think that no one could possibly be interested in your more
extended stories. There is much evidence to the contrary. We still look to every
mail delivery for the thoughts, news, and stories you have to share with all of us.
Write to:
Gus Nolan, 50 South Randolph Avenue, Poughkeepsie NY 12601;
gusnolan@aol.com
(After 1-1-2000: 737 Bella Vista, Edgewater FL 32141)
David Kammer, 476 La Playa, Edgewater FL 32141; 904-426-6349.
