Broken Item at Carol's House

I do know what was broken at the party at Carols house, because I tried to hide it (with her help) from her father. We broke a lamp of some kind in her living room, and she was afraid her dad was going to kill her. I remember smuggling the lamp out under my coat somehow, bringing it to my house, and my mother took it somewhere to get repaired. Of course, we never figured Carols dad would actually NOTICE that a lamp was missing from his living room, but he did, and we used some fancy verbal footwork to explain why there was a lamp missing, but coming right back(we said).

As for the snow angels, I honest to God, cant remember doing it ( but that is so true of many things these days), but it sounds like something I would have done. I love the snow (ha! and I live in Florida!!!). How do you remember all these minute facts, Leo?

Tommy,You have not changed!

Ok, NOW show yourself! That was great! March is Ok for me on the 6th and 20th only,but I'm more concerned about the inclement weather we usually experience around that time.For those traveling,it may become a problem. What about May 15th or June 12th? Has anyone checked with everyone else,besides the few of us that are posting on the Blogger? I hope everyone had a wonderful Thanksgiving. I was especially happy to have my son here from college, he's getting so mature (Thank-God), boys take so much longer than girls. Anyway,lets READ,from everyone so we can finalize this thing. Talk later. Zeida

audioBLOGGER....What next?

OK Zeida, I'll speak up. Take this, an audio post!

-Tom

audio post powered by audblog

Happy Thanksgiving

I think we all agree that our reunion should take place in an informal setting where we can eat,drink and hang out as long as we want. Up to this point that place would be the Sly Fox Inn,where we would be given a small private room with choice of entrees, and drinks for 4 hours. After that time we could go out to the bar where we could hang out and continue our party. The other suggestion that would fit the qualifications would be to have it catered to someone's home. We would need a volunteer and then explore the cost of having it catered. Marlene,I had suggested April 17th but Susan said she couldn't make it ,so we went to May 1st. Most places I've called are booked for most of April and May. The Sly Fox told me to let them know as soon as possible because they are already taking reservations for that time.Anyway,have a great Thanksgiving and think about this some other time. I'm taking the day off from the Blogger. Tom,you started this and we haven't heard from you. Let's Go,speak up!!!!! Enjoy ! Zeida

Yes Giants

I don't remember this,but my sister Ivy remembers you, Doug ,as the kid that played the piano. Did you? Where was I? My husband Ted is a die-hard Giants fan. His wolf-like cheers sometimes pierce through my ears,when I'm not expecting them. Frankly,I'm scared to be in the vicinity of a Giants game,if he's around. If they loose,it's silence and reflection.Men are really little boys forever,which is not a bad thing to be. Less hair is OK,no one will see with your Giants cap on. GOOOOOOOOO GIANTS!!!!!!!!!! Have fun. Alright everyone,we need to decide on a place soon because we need to make reservations. Communions,confirmations and proms are taking place around that time. We can always see who has the largest house,and have it there. Who wants to volunteer?HEHEHEHE. I would offer my backyard if we had good weather guaranteed,but lately the weather is totally unpredictable. Ok all,have a good night. Zeida

Date, Anyone?

Are we set on the date of May 1st as our reunion date? Let's get it in stone so we can all begin to make plans around it, please. We, out of towners, have lots of plans to set in motion before the "big day", so lets do some decision- making so things can get started. I believe that most people are comfortable with May 1st. Am I right?

No one has been on the blogger for a while now - although I keep checking back. Let's get going boys and girls. Get the chip off your shoulders and get things started.

Happy Thanksgiving to all and a safe trip if you are driving to see friends and family.
Suzette

I'll find out

Tommy,up to last year,I think my parents were still receiving Christmas cards from Fr.Frazzata. I think he retired to a parrish in Brooklyn. I hope he is still around. My parents,befriended him and stayed in touch with him for many years. I spoke to him about 7 years ago,and he was doing well then. Suzette,Williamsburg is evolving into a very exclusive neighborhood. Yuppies are moving in,and it's now the place to be. Only,in NY,can these things happen! I Love it! Although I plan to retire to Longboat Key,Florida,I'll never stop loving being a New Yorker or thinking this is the greatest place in the world. I just think I'll need better weather and a closer proximity to family,as I get older. I plan to,nevertheless,keep my homes in Queens and in PA,in order to spend time here. I have 5 more years to go!!!!!!(God willing) Does anyone know who I danced with,at that teen dance? What I remember most about the grasshoppers was how after dying,their egg sacks would still be moving. I thought that was horrible,because I saw the eggs as potential grasshopper babies with no mother to take care of them. My career as executioner,ceased once I internalized that thought. And,no,Leo I'm not up to eating any of those "crunchy"critters. Talk later all. Zeida P.S. Tommy can you make the pictures even larger????? hehehehe

Oh My God!!!

Was it you, Josephine, who enlarged my "lovely"(????) graduation picture and put it into our album? Gad zooks, do you think my hair could have gotten any more "bananna curl" into it? How could my mother have allowed me out of the house, let alone encouraged me into wearing my hair that way???Oh well, I guess I need to just grin and bear it. All I can say is, thank goodness that look is far away into my past.
Let's just keep the pictures of our past activities and the school coming. I loved that one of one of the classrooms - empty. I never thought they were that small. After all, didnt we have lots of kids crammed into them? I know in my previous elementary school (in Brooklyn) we had 64 kids in one classroom - 32 boys and 32 girls. That school was St. Leonards of Port Maurice in Williamsburg. I doubt whether the school is still in existance, since it was in what is now such a terrible neigborhood. I think the convent was closed YEARS ago, when nuns were getting raped right inside the convent gates. I am sure that without a convent, the school did not survive long. It's a shame.
Oh well, keep those memories coming. It will be fun to see what we can unearth in the way of old photos. What happened to pictures taken at dances and at the "Teen Club"? And I think Fr. Frazetta'z first name was Vincent(for some reason I remember that). Ah, the mind is an amazing thing - with what it chooses to remember, or not.
Are we all still set for May 1st as T-H-E date? Or are we still negotiating amongst ourselves? Please advise.
Suzette

Italian Genealogical Group: Resources on Italian Parishes and Italian Catholics

Does anyone know where Fr. Frazetta is? What is his first name?

Italian Genealogical Group: Resources on Italian Parishes and Italian Catholics

Yet another collection contains material similar to the Hurley, Parish Journal, and Sharp collections. It is the Chancery Records, Parish Files, 1939-1985. This series consists of the Chancery Office files on individual parishes. The series contains official appointments of pastors, parish boundaries, some programs, newspaper clippings, an occasional commemorative journal and, for Queens County parishes, replies to Msgr. Sharp’s questionnaire. Those documents subsequent to 1964 and correspondence and documents regarding baptisms, marriages, etc. are restricted and not available to researchers.

Chronological List of Churches in the Diocese of Brooklyn (one for Kings and one for Queens). Revised by Sr. M. Caritas Bonifer, 1995. These brief publications list the parishes of Kings and Queens counties in chronological order. They are useful for determining what parishes existed at a particular time period. They are available for purchase for $2 each to cover duplication and postage.

Anyone wishing further information may contact the Archives as follows:


Diocese of Brooklyn
7200 Douglaston Parkway
Douglaston, NY 11362
Telephone (718)229-8001 ext. 475
e-mail: FXMLIB2@concentric.net

Now it's your turn

Thanks Suzette. Josephine followed my lead and was quick to upload one of her photos. How about the rest of the class? Check your photo albums.

-Tom

How GREAT!!!

Tommy-
You did a wonderful job getting some of our old pictures out for us to enjoy. Oh my God, it was a jolt down memory lane. sure I have our yearbook, but I honestly dont know when the last time I opened it. But it was so enjoyable to see the snapshots of us, in all our youth and innocence(???????). The shot of us in the auditorium/cafeteria/multimedia room ( did we even have that then?) was a chuckle. Douglas and Paul - together as always. Douglas looked so thrilled to be there, for whatever reason we were all gathered. Oh man, it will be a hoot to see everyone again. I hope and pray this comes to fruition. It will be lots of fun.

I look forward to viewing more pictures. Thanks again, Tom.
Suzette

OLA Lunchroom

Take a look at the first photo I uploaded!

Go to www.hpphoto.com, then log in as OLA1969. The password is OLA1969. Click on My Albums and view OLA1969.

-Tom

More Housekeeping

Participation in this blog is free.

The OLA Reunion Blog will attempt to keep all objectionable messages and images from being posted here. All messages express the views of the author, and neither the owners nor the operators of this service will be held responsible for the content of any message or any image or link to any image posted here. By participating in this blog, you warrant that you will not post any messages or upload any images that are obscene, vulgar, sexually-orientated, hateful, offensive, threatening, or otherwise violative of any laws. The administrators of this blog have the right to remove, edit, or move any image or post for any reason whatsoever.

Photos

Doug,

Your point is well taken with regard to protecting your children by not putting their photos on the web.
There are laws protecting children and the collection of information from children. See: http://www.ftc.gov/bcp/conline/edcams/kidzprivacy/index.html

Photos

Thanks Josephine. You can upload and view digital photos on HP Photo. Go to www.hpphoto.com, then log in as OLA1969. The password is OLA1969. Click on My Albums and view OLA1969. -Tom

Much Too Kind !

Zeida-
Thanks for the accolades, but I really did and do, enjoy "my" kids. Although there are days, like today, when I think I will pull all my hair out from them!!! But yes, I did, and do, work with language and learning impaired children. In the past I've used total communication boards, sign language and other means of communication to assist them with their speech production and educational goals. I think its fun to never be stuck in the same rut. With "my" kids, the one constant is that there is never a routine day! Now, for the other side of the coin, I also have emotionally and severely emotionally disturbed kids mixed with oppositional defiant disorder and conduct disordered kids,(all in the same room) and that really puts a whole different spin on things. Add all those exceptionalities together in one room with one teacher all day long, and things are guarenteed never to be boring. Welcome to my world. Things in special ed are done very differently down here than they are up in NY - maybe not better than, but definately different than NY.

The venue for our reunion definately needs to be an easily accessible place. I know I, for one, shall be relying on cabs or public transportation, since I hate to rent a car for such a short time away. Bell Blvd. is nice, as is Austin Street, but the parking there is always horrendous. For a feeling of intimacy, at a fair price, I still return to The Sly Fox across from SJU. I have been out of NY for many years now, and I am sure that tons of new places have opened of which I am unaware, so I shall defer to present day New Yorkers to make the decisions regarding our choice of dining arrangements. Count me in, no matter where we end up.

Pictures Anyone?

Carol, and Many Others Who Had a Mini-Reunion Nov. 9th-

OK How come the only person I've read about willing to post pictures is Carol? Didn't you all bring cameras? How come this blog isnt flooded with faces vaguely reminiscent of the past?Why isn't everyone posting at least a few pictures for the enjoyment of the many who weren't so fortunate as to meet up with old friends? Come on, you guys! Let's get those pictures into the "public domain" of the blog. Can't wait to see them.

How did you find the time!

Suzette,what an impressive educational career you've had! I'm so happy for you and can totally understand your excitement for what you have chosen to do in life. I completely agree that connecting with the population you service is an asset in this type of work. Try to remember some of your professors so we can compare notes. I have great memories of all of them and still keep in touch with some. Did you also work with speech impaired children? That's wonderful! You're definitely a woman on the move. I wish you all the best. I think May 1st is emerging as the appointed date and I've given Leo some info. about the two places I called. The Sly Fox Inn is a small place ,but we would have our own private area and afterwards could move out to the bar,which also has a small dance floor.Terrace on the Park is beautiful but a bit costly if we can not guarantee 60 people. I'm also going to look for places by me,in Bayside. Bell Blvd. has great restaurants.I think Anna may also be searching the Forest Hills area,so hopefully something great will turn up.My husband will be coming,as he is enjoying this "blast from the Past" very much.He is partial to Austin Street since he spent many years working out of the 112th precinct ,before going to 1 Police Plaza. He likes many of the restaurants there, but admits that the parking and the crowds are a problem.Have a great night all,talk soon. Zeida

To Answer Questions

Leo- First of all, right now May 1st weekend is the ONLY time I would be able to come to the reunion. I plan on traveling alone, so childcare worries are not an issue for me. I would be willing to do whatever the majority vote for - although personally, I prefer the more formal setting of Terrace on the Park (price br damned!), although I did also suggest the Sly Fox Inn as an affordable alternative, since I know ( or knew from years past) that they have good food at a moderate price.

Zeida- To answer just some of your questions. I attended SJU from 1978 to 1981 for my graduate work. I received a BS in elementary education K-12 from SJU previous to that. I received a Masters in Learning Disabilities and a Masters in Emotional DIsturbances also from SJU. I did lots of my speech path work at Queens College in their on-site clinic with apraxia and aphasia patients also.
Right now I cant honestly say I remember many of my professors. It was a long time ago. But I will try to locate my college yearbook and find these people so we can trade names when we meet. I remember one heavy set, short woman with pitch black short hair, (an Aunt Bea sort of person - from Andy Mayberry) who was my Statistics prof. Thank God for her - she took pity on my poor addled brain and helped me limp through that course.
The year 1990 was the year my husband and son left NY and headed to Florida where we have lived ever since. My second son was conceived and born here, although he denies being a Floridian by birth. My oldest son (born in NY) has a Floridian accent, and my younger son (Floridian by birth) has a definate NY accent.Go figure!
As for District 75, I am VERY familiar with its structure. For years I taught under Robin Ward, principal of many special ed units throughout Queens. She is wonderful, but I understand quite ill at this point. I worked in PS 154 with the autistic population, then a school right off the LIE and 188 St. in Fresh Meadows.(where I worked with the SIE 6 population) From there I went to P9 in Maspeth where I worked with severely emotionally disturbed kids going into or coming out of prisons. Of course I also worked at Creedmore and Willowbrook Hospitals (quite the eye-opener there), and then I came down to Fla and worked all special ed again. I guess either I attract those kind of kids, or I love what I do. In any event, I have never had the urge to teach "normal" (whatever that looks like) kids in any school I've ever been in. I have an ability to reach these troubled kids and have fun doing it - most days, that is!!! If you are mentioning my name to people in District 75 you may need to use my previous names of Bianchi and then briefly Del Rosso ( for about 4 years). It was Casabianca way before we moved here, so give that one a try too. Yes, you can say I've been "special" all my teaching career!
Gotta go. My husband just came home and is taking us out to dinner. Yeah, another night away from the stove - not a problem for me!!! Write soon.
Suzette

Can't wait to meet

Suzette,we must know the same people! I was at St John's in 1990. Who were some of your teachers ? Were your Degrees in Special ED.? I know many of the psychologists involved in teaching the autistic child. Developing the curriculum was hard since the state mandates were very specific. The psychologist in my school now,Dr.Serrano,was and still is very involved with that population,in what has become District 75. I will have to mention your name to her. Do you know her? Jo,thank you for your compliments but you should be talking about yourself. After having left one exceptional career,you're embarking on another with additional degrees. I think that your thoughts of going to Medical School one day,can really become reality. If anyone can do it , you can. Suzette,Law School has always been on my mind,also. I don't see it, so much as politics but as a venue of advocacy. I see the injustices in the educational system and I think that an attorney in defense of people suffering these injustices would be a great thing. I adore my profession,it's through these kids that I see the most change. Leo,I'm faxing you some info.tonight. Call me if you don't get it. Tommy,the kids call White Castle hamburgers,"Barf Burgers". They WERE good,weren't they? Jo,Do you remember who I danced"Hey Jude" with at one of our teen dances? It came to me today. I'll tell the tale tomorrow. Nite all Zeida

Zeida

How wonderful that you and I have such similiarities. I, too, worked for the NYC Bd. of Ed. teaching autistic childrenfor 15 years. I wrote the curriculum for that population, and when I left NY in 1990, that was the same curriculum they were still using at the time.
Also, I went to SJU and earned both my undergrad and graduate degrees there - but those were in learning disabilities and emotional disturbances. Then I took a year and went into SJU Law School, where, although it was intellectually stimulating, I found that politics was just not my cup of tea - as I was never, and shall never be, politically correct. I have always called a spade a spade . I don't know if thats an advantage or a disadvantage to my personality, but it is a part of me, never the less.
So now, I venture forth into a new career of mental health counseling. I plan to work with a specialized niche of adults ( No more kids for me for a while), and then teach the only population I havent experienced yet - college. After that I plan on turning my credits already earned into my PhD. and those which are applicable from this most current Masters, and finish off my PhD. in Clinical Psych. I have met a wonderful group of women here in Florida who are engaged in a group practice for all aspects of counseling. If things work out, then perhaps I will join them, as well as do some freelance work from home. It's a bit of a ways down the road yet, so I wont wish my life away. It will be good to speak with you at the reunion and compare notes. Looking forward to seeing you.
Suzette

Venue,Date & Hotel

Well, Leo, you are doing a fine job and I, for one, vote that you continue in the job of unofficial class president. The choices you have made sound just fine to me. Has anyone checked out prices at The Terrace on the Park, or what they offer? Music? Dancing? Quiet enough place to chat till we all go haorse? It sounds wonderful, Leo. Way to go. Just what I like - decisions being made and acted upon. YEAH!!
Suzette

Fairyland, etc.

There was a small group of kids in the complex where I lived on 65th Road. We were occasionally treated to trip to Fairyland. Carol, maybe you knew Chris Dyer and Paul Caron. Paul went to OLA and was in Robert Troy's class. Chris went to PS 175.

Zeida, again I'm open on the date and look forward to hearing more about the Terrace on the Park. Thanks for checking on that.

I hope to speak with Susan Powers tomorrow and get her logged into the Blog.

Marlene (Martha) Rodriguez [mar9454@hotmail.com] is keeping a detailed contact sheet including name, spouse and children names and ages, address, phone number, IM address, etc. If you have not done so already, please send your info to Marlene.

-Tom

I love Counseling

Suzette,How nice that you're going into counseling. I've been with the NYC Board of Ed. for 26 years now as a school counselor. I was also involved with the Red Cross,during 9/11 as a trauma/crisis counselor. I was fortunate enough to have received my Master's Degree and Later my PD from St. John's University where I worked for a while as an adjunct professor in the counseling department. I have a few credits left in order to complete my PHD. I Love this profession,and I hope to open my own Counseling Center some day,after I retire. Maybe even in Florida,since that's where we're thinking of going.I find it rewarding and fulfilling.Good luck. I called Terrace on the Park today to get info. That's the restaurant in Flushing Meadow Park. They recently renovated it and it's gorgeous. You can see most of the city from the top.They are having someone call me tomorrow so I'll report back. Havewe decided on May 1st? Post your answers,please. John and Leo,you have the best memories!!!!! I hope it's all true and you're not making anything up,because I'm TOTALLY believing every word you say. ::::) zeida

Estelle / Renee

Dear Renee-
Please post your phone number so that I may contact you this coming Thanksgiving vacation up at my moms. If you don't wish to put it on the blog, please email me at gcasabia@tampabay.rr.com
Thanks,
Suzette

Newest Information

I just heard from my coach, and the next session at my University begins 2 weeks after the previous one ends. Therefore, I will be free for the 2 weekends after 4/4/04 and then go back to every other weekend having to attend classes. This means, for me, that I will be available the weekend of May 1st, but not the one before or after. I KNOW its a tight window, but its my own fault for deciding to return to grad school. So, just keep me posted as to the final date, and that will decide if I can attend or not.
Suzette

Reunion Dates

It looks like the majority are heading towards early May. Thats good for a variety of reasons - the biggest being the better weather. I just checked my Spring class schedule, as promised, and my classes will end as of April 4th; then I will await the summer posting. I am leaning towards the last weekend of April or the first weekend of May also because I need to be available for 12 to 15 hour days at work once IEP time comes around early May. I will work around the end of April or the very beginning of May, but I know I will be unable to be free of work committments after the second week of May until after school is out (my job, that is), at the beginning of June. I really hope I can attend the reunion. I know it will be wonderful to see everyone again.
And yes, Leo, I AM happy now that something has been decided. I hate indecision!!!
And Barbara - You're welcome for the compliment, but it was the truth.
Suzette

Fairy Land

Zeida-
I remember Fairy Land. It was situated where the present days Macy's is. They knocked it down, and a few private homes that were older than God right along there, and plowed it over for Macys YEARS ago. Its sad, but I remember driving my mother nuts to take me there and let me have a few rides. It was a big deal if we could do that AND eat at White Castle too! Then I knew mom had "hit " the milk envelope too - or at least worked some overtime and had a little extra spending cash. I did not recall it until I read your blog, and then it came back loud and clear. Thanks for the memory. It was a fun time in my life.
Suzette

YES

May 1st is great! Leo,I was Mortisha for my Highschool initiation,so I know the streak very well. Do any of you remember a little amusement park that was located on Queens Blvd. towards the city,it was called"Fairy Land" and it was right next to White Castle. I loved that park and I've yet to find anyone that remembers it. It was across from the Elmwood Movie theater.For some strange reason I keep hearing songs on the radio from that era,like Little Green Apples. Remember?I feel so old now. Zeida

Priorities

Select the date, then the hotel. If we are booking six, eight or ten rooms in a hotel in advance, we can negotiate a group rate. If you are all set on Queens, the Holiday Inn Crown Plaza at LaGuardia may be an option and offer good value for lodging. I've always stayed at the Marriott and will happily vote that out. Marriott is the most expensive hotel in Queens.

-Tom

Assorted

On the rennion date, I'm open and will go with the majority.

Was Gigi one of the Snow Angles and was Franchesca Figlia in a red dress?

I sent a note to Rober Bubello asking him to come onto the Blog and say a few words.

-Tom

i AGREE

Suzette,I agree about setting a date,this is why I came up with the first one. These are the dates I can make it,in order of preference April 17th,May1st and May 15th. My children are off from school also ,on April 17th but I could find a babysitter for one night.I thought that would be convenient to most ,since many take that time off for Easter.Tommy also indicated ,that date was good for him.So lets hear from everyone else.Leo,the restaurants you mentioned are mostly in Forest Hills and the parking is crazy. Also it may be hard to find a place that is not packed. Saturday nights are very crowded in most places on Austin Street.Take out your calendars and post your preferences ,then we can arrive on a date.Now,someone else,please take the Helm. I've had the worst weekend of my life. Next time you guys see me,I'll be a natural GREY. BYE BYE Zeida

PLEASE Let's Decide on a Date

To All-

On behalf of us who need to book air travel to arrive at the reunion, as well as make other family arrangements, PLEASE lets make a deadline for a definitive date and then stick to it. Once we have a date "set in stone" so to speak, then we can make other arrangements around that. Obviously, we will not be able to please everyone, so lets aim for the majority, and then other who need to make alternate arrangements can do so. If I may, I propose that the definitive date for the setting of a date for the reunion be (arbitrarily) December 1st. As of that evening, a definate date will be set by Leo???(do you want to take this task on??? )We can all log into the blog with our first, second and third choice of dates, and then the majority votes for the most convenient date will rule. Once that is set, then we can all work on a choice of venue, hotels, resturaunts,activities, etc. I honestly believe the date has to be firmly decided FIRST, and then all esle will fall into place. I am open to any and all suggestions, but it seems we are all "talking" about how wonderful it will be to get together, but thats all thats happening TALK. Lets take the first step, and the others will follow.

Also, Renee, I am looking forward to getting together for lunch, coffee, drinks, etcover the Thanksgiving holiday. I will arrive at my mothers on Wednesday afternoon(Nov. 26th) and leave for home again on Sunday morning. Again, my cell number is 727-992-8860 and moms home number is 828-692-2372. Looking forward to seeing you for our own "micro-reunion"

Suzette

April 24th-Not good for me

Sorry Guys,April 24th is not good for me.May 1st,May15th are good.I have to run, but I'll check back later. Bye Zeida

Funerals, Weddings and Milk Envelopes

It was the sacristy on the left side of the altar where we were taught how to ask for tips. Cash for serving funerals and weddings.

The older altar boys taught us what to say. We asked bridal parties and bereaved families for tips, telling them to put the money in milk envelopes. I got in trouble for that once. I already had an income for sweeping the school floors with Ralph every day. Sr. Damian was not happy when she found out. Later, in the early days of Molloy I earned money for working at the switchboard. I made the ID cards every summer for Bro. Hugh Andrew, later Bro. James Maher and had all sorts of special projects that I got paid for. I was handed a milk envelope every week by Bro John Alexis, the Bursar. Remember him? I did the basketball scores for Jack Curran's Basketball Camp and got paid for that too. John Murphy did the same along with John Castelanetta. Ah, those were the days.


-Tom

Calling All Bloggers

Where is everyone tonight? Its Friday, and the night is young. What is everyone doing - watching TV or sleeping already? Urgh!!! Come on, we're not THAT old yet ! Oops, correct that. It's Saturday, and the dayis even younger than Friday night. So why am I the only one at the blog?????

Reunion Dates

I am VERY interested in making the reunion, whenever it might be. I will make every effort to attend, but right now I am up in the air regarding my schedule. This January I return to Graduate School to fulfill a dream - finish my counseling degree. I will be teaching full time and going to a University in Orlando on alternating weekends. So, until I get the class schedules, I will not know what weekends I'll need to be in class and what weekends are my "free" weekends. As soon as I find out my schedule, I'll let you know. But whether or not I am free to make it, please tell me how I can help - from a distance right now.

The Girl In The Red Dress

I can assure everyone that the girl in the red dress was definately NOT me. My mother never let me have any fun wearing "those" kinds of clothes. Like it or not, I had to pass her muster before I left the house. And now, years later, I thank her for her strickness.(sob,sob- for all I missed out on). But I do think I know who was wearing it. I believe it was Linda Cordero- correct me if I am wrong. Yes, she and Barbara used to both dress to catch the eye, and they had cute figures, to boot. But I doubt it was Barbara this time, and I do think it was Linda. Douglas might remember, since I think both he and Glen were "interested" in Linda.

Housekeeping Rules

1) The purpose of the Blog is to facilitate a light hearted discussion about our years at OLA
2) We want to re-kindle old friendships and plan for a class reunion next year
3) This is a public Blog that anyone can read at http://www.OLAreunion.blogspot.com/
4) The content should be keep clean and non-offensive
5) If you would like to contribute to this Blog and need a password, send an email to Tom@Kearns.net
5) Comments are always welcome

Thanks,

-Tom

P.S. April 17th works for me :-)

How does April 17 sound?

Figure I'd start the auction off,for our reunion date.It's the saturday after Easter.If not we can try May 1st or 15th,in which case we can dress more summer-y,since the weather might be nicer. Yes,Carol,I remember our paintings being displayed for our proud parents to see. My best one was a rose I once painted. I kept painting that same rose all through highschool and college whenever Art was involved. We were asked to paint a still life but I've forgotten what teacher was involved.Do you remember that door that led to the convent. It was always such a mysterious thing to me.I remember thinking it was like "HEAVEN'S GATE" at the end of the school hallway.And Tommy,I can say something about Sister Regina Rose,that woman never liked me. I walked to the back of the room on one occasion to get something out of my locker,and neglected to ask permission. She called my name and said" Zeida,Jesus does not love you" what explanation came after that,I do not remember because what she had said hurt so bad. This was the first and last time that my parents ever complained to Father Farrell about any teacher in that school.My father was outraged and gave her a piece of his mind. I had never seen him like that.I usually got into worst trouble,if a complaint came from school but this time my parents flipped.Alright, now I'm crying and depressed,so that probably explains why I tried to block Sister Regina Rose from my thoughts. But Thank you Tommy for helping me bring her back, in order to resolve my unfinished business with the deep pain she caused me. I FEEL BETTER NOW. Anyway, did anyone have a favorite pet nun? This is so therapeutic . Bye for now. Zeida

I really regret not being able to make Carol's mini-reunion. I think we should pick a date and have another one. I don't know about you but I can't wait until April of next year. Anna's idea of The Family Restaurant or the Italian restaurant on Queens Blvd. near the post office is good for the next mini. We need to get in practice for the big reunion. The places on Austin Street are not really good any more. I've been back there recently. It's not the same.

I'd like to have it in a nice place. Not the Marriott. ...Private, good food, nice music, etc. We'll need a podium and a microphone so that we can have a short program. Maybe even a guest speaker.....Certainly our Class President will want to make a few opening remarks. Glenn Korman and John Ryan can sing a duet. Let's think about a great location and make it a great event. We can book the place in advance, get a good rate, etc. I'll probably stay at LaGuardia, maybe one of the other newer hotels there. If there are a few of us, we can ask for a group rate. Time is on our side.
I agree with Carol: "Let's make some great decisions".

Frank, sorry, I never answered your question. Yes, I often stayed at the Mandarin Oriental Hotel in Hong Kong prior to moving there. As a matter of fact, I stayed there for a month while my apartment was getting set up. I would often use that hotel as my choice for western food. It's really nice. Jean-Georges Vongerichten still has a killer restaurant on the top floor of the Mandarin called Vong. There is a Vog in New York as well.

Frank, were you an altar boy? No seriously, how would you like your very own Blog deveoted exclusively to your new found pasion! This can certainly be arranged. Knock the price tag off young man!

Zeida, I absolutely remember playing backstage. Flicking the color lights on and off, opening and closing the curtains, etc. Good fun. Several of us used to stay late after school. We basically had the run of the place. Running up and down the stairs, etc. I would often stay until after dark and then get driven home by Ralph the Custodian after sweeping the floors of the school. Mrs. Trapani would give me a milk envelope with some money in it every week for helping Ralph.

Zeida, I remember running after you and I remember Suzette running after me!

I'm working on my website getting ready to publish some photos. I found an interesting photo of all of us in the OLA lunchroom. Very funny!

Carol, when you get the photographs developed, you may want to ask them to put the pictures on a disk. They all do that now. I'm working on possibly moving the blog to a site where we can post photos, etc. You can send me the disk and I can post them on the new blog once we move.

On the date for the big reunion, since many of are coming from out of town, I vote for a Saturday. I know there has been talk of a Sunday. It can be a late afternoon / evening event. Sunday afternoon will be a travel day back for many of us. I agree with Suzette, let's select the date first and then we can focus on the location, etc.

How come we're not talking about Sr. Regina Rose? Remember Sr. Marianne? Mrs. Donnelly: "Times tables 1 to 12, 10 times, Mr. Kearns!" Sr. Paul was my absolute favorite teacher. Ms. Maris used to make us write chapters of history as a punishment. I would get double punishment when my father came home from work and and see me writing chapters of history.

Remember going to Brooklyn Tech to take the entrance exam? I think we all applied so that we go to Brroklyn and have the day off.

Does anyone remember going over to Lefrak City on Wednesdays to help teach religious instructions (CCD) to the public school kids? Walking over the LIE bridge, etc.? Also remember going over to James Leigh's house after school? Has anyone tried to locate Richard Guzman? Does his fountain pen work yet?

Enough for now.

Who would like to go outside and clap the erasers clean?

-Tom (Tommy)

P.S. What is Manuela's email address?

Just a Suggestion

After reading the various blogs, I would like to add that I have gone to The Sly Fox (across from SJU) for many years when I went to college there - Many fond memories there, but thats for another time. They have good, failry reasonable food, a seperate resturaunt and a bar area, as well as music on the weekends, and a nice fireplace.
Or there is always Donovans Pub in Whitestone(I think), not the one in Woodside - no parking there. The date will also be important in our decision, since some places have alfresco rooms which can be opened to the air in good weather, but would be not very comfortable if the weather was cold. Why dont we all come to concensus about a firm date first, and then work from there? Also, anyway I can help, from a distance, just let me know.
Suzette

Just got in

Hi all! Just read your Blogs.I do not own a Red dress,JO, just alot of white underwear. Tom,if you are reading these,please educate me on why we were able to play behind the stage,and there was never anyone around. Were we monitors? Or just "very renegade" children. I remember playing hide and seek after lunch,I think, by ourselves.Send me your Website,I'd love to see it.Josehine a "Sphinx" ? Why? I don't understand!. Carol,Arnold seems like a very easy-going person( Unless he doesn't get his breakfast),he was really nice. I'm so happy you made a great life for yourself. Anna,you look as great as ever!Be firm,but loving to those wild teenage students and they'll always love you.Children "Crave" discipline. Remember,how we were all starving for punishments in OLA. I was taught it's all about the attention,children get.And John and Leo I think we should write a short play and call it, "ola O.L.A.". Your humor ties me up in laughter hard enough to compress the already weak bladder I have,after having given birth to three over eight pound babies. Instead of white panties,we'll be talking white "Pampers" very soon. Happy to hear you liked my blonde hair,but it was out of necessity and not real desire.And,John,a great life has had nothing to do with me looking like this,it's all genetic. If my life were to define my image,I'd probably look like a big,pile of seaweed, because it has been packed with all the ups and downs that plagues us all.I love the compliments,keep them coming? We know what good liars the"Carreras" brothers were? You still have 14 more lies to go!!!!!!!!to reach your quota for the week.Has anyone heard of the Sly FoX Inn, it's by St.John's University and it's a pretty nice place,for a reunion.It has a restaurant,a bar and a DJ at night. A small hall can also be rented.Forest Hills is great,but parking is horrible unless you have an NYPD courtesy card and are exempt,like us, HEHEHEHEHE.We also have to find a place in a safe neighborhood where Manuela will not get beat up or recognized. After hearing her stories,I'm concerned that she may be a "Bully Magnet". Thank you all for the laughter. Talk later. Zeida :)

Have Fun, Kiddies?

To All That Went to Malloy and FHHS Reunions:
Well, kiddies, this weekend should have been an eye-opener for you all. Please share with those left behind, how the reunions went and how everyone who attended looked and got along. From the one blog I just read, it appears Zeida and Carol connected with John and Leo also. When are the pictures going to be scanned onto the Blog so we can all see them???I guess that might be an item for Tom Kearns to handle, am I right?
Carol- Hope you had a blast. Did Arnold enjoy also? And what of this picture I hear he took. When can we all see it?
Suzette

Post Pre-reunion news

No one looks a day over 48 years old.It was great seeing everyone and hearing the old stories from our OLA years.Secrets were revealed and are available as audio cassettes,order on line at www.Leo@John.net. The women all looked fabulous and the men ,well they looked the same.(just kidding,John and Leo are HOTTTTTTTTTTTTTT) The nicest thing was that meeting all of you again made time seem irrelevant. We connected as kids and once again as adults. Time is really so insignificant and it's experiences like this that make our lives special.Anyway,I think that Josephine wants to be the one that wore the skirt with the slits,so I think we should award her that honor.For all we know it COULD have been her,anyway. Hence,the song "Lady in Red" was created.Carol,if you can send me a copy of the picture your husband took, it would be great! Darrell Strawberry was at the hotel and signed my OLA autograph book,he wrote"God Bless". How appropriate for this day. See you all soon. Zeida :)

Josephine.

I can not believe that you divulged my sensitive conversation with you,recalling our OLA years. Yes,WE did dissect grasshoppers.I am positive we did. Yes,I would place them in little jars with acetone to humanely place them into their eternal sleep ,but you were right there with me.You need to examine the reason for your refusal to see yourself as the GRASSHOPPER KILLER, that you were. In fact we competed to see who would catch the most. We also had that sick obsession with baseball card flipping.It was all about winning the most cards.I remember you having a shoebox full of them.And,no I didn't kill any fish because I don't even think they existed. Ms.Marus had fish at her home and I remember once visiting her house,but I don't know why I was there or who went with me.Does anyone remember going to see La Traviota? I had no clue what the opera was about and found out years later that it was about a prostitute. I hope this reunion doesn't land me in therapy trying to unravel the mysteries of my past.Anyway we'll talk later. Zeida

Carol

Hi,so happy to hear from you ! I found my autograph book and the yearbook,last night. The rush of memories were incredible. I think that what makes our elementary years so inviting was the innocence in our lives(except for some that, I refuse to mention at this time) .There were no horrific experiences,and if there were, a child's mind often blocks them out so life was all good and filled with fun.Are you still tall and thin? I couldn't find "me" in the yearbook and when I did it was pretty scary.We will most certainly meet soon. :) Zeida

Dear John

Do you remember what color my socks were? What color were my eyes? Why were you looking,anyway????? Tommy was always running after me,so naturally this was bound to happen. GOD,was it a SET-UP??? Bottom line is, I know,you absolutely saw my white panties because you mentioned the wonderful contrast it cast against my "sun baked,long,sleek legs".Actually I always wore gym shorts under my uniform,my mother insisted on this to protect me from boys like you and your little accomplices. No doubt this experience left a lasting memory in your mind. Is white your favorite color? I'm going to call my parents in Florida and tell them that their lack of attention to my dress attire on that day caused so much of a stir,35 years later. In the Cuban tradition they will blame it on the communists, Fidel Castro or the hippies, who undoubtedly must have infiltrated OLA. OMG, I'm crying from laughter,again. Some things never change. Does anyone remember Sister Joseph's Boxing Gloves or was it a nightmare of mine that became reality? Also,does anyone remember catching grasshoppers and using them for science projects?I'm going to try to find Father Frazzeta? I have some cool stories about him that I will not put in writing. The man was "a wild and crazy guy" but down to earth and a great priest. Anyway see you all soon. Zeida

Reunion Info

I, also, think a tour through OLA, maybe would be fun. But as for dining and chatting, a resturaunt would be more conducive to that. As for catering, John, why make things complicated? Let a resturaunt handle the whole thing, sit back and enjoy the reunion like the rest of us. I will need to keep posted on the date, since I am returning to school to finish up my counseling degree and will be in school on alternating weekends. As soon as I get my calendar for the January semester, I will let this post know.
I am flexible and whatever the majority of the group decides is fine with me. As for hotels, either the Pan Am or the Mariott are fine with me, since I will be flying in from Tampa.
Dont remember the dead fish incident with Miss Marus, but I do remember being put "in charge" of the fishtank during the winter, and feeling sorry for the fish all alone on the weekend in the cold school, so I raised the little heater thing-a-ma-bobber on the side of the tank - basically cooking the fish over the weekend. Surprising that I never was given that job EVER again in the rest of my years at OLA. Hmmmm, wonder why???Poor Miss Marus - how she sufferred with some of us!
Suzette

Hi All,From Zeida

My panties must have been exceptional ,if still remembered after 35 years. I hope all who witnessed the soccer incident,and lied about what their little holy faces saw,later confessed it. Of course, if Father Frazzata happened to be the one hearing your confession,he was probably taking notes for his next sex ed. lecture.To this day,stepping into a church still brings back memories of how many of us would break into the uncontrollable,contagious laugh that would so often get us into trouble.I couldn't even look at Josephine's or Tom's face sometimes for fear of being stricken. Tom,you ran after me too much! Remember playing behind the curtains on stage? (In the Lunchroom) You were able to spook me very easily. I can't remember why we were roaming like that around the school. Father Frazzata still sends my parents a Christmas card. I heard he retired in a parish in Brooklyn. Let me know about the reunion,I'd love to go.

Invitations pending

Paul DeCurtis............grrttm@aol.com 2003-11-02 pending
Matthew Monahan.....Vale702@aol.com 2003-11-02 pending
Zeida Causo..............teze1215@aol.com 2003-11-06 pending (thanks Josephine!)
Paul DeCurtis.............pdecurtis@briarcliffschools.org 2003-11-03 pending
Paul Langowski..........pq4move@comcast.net 2003-11-06 pending
Susan Powers............paulschott23@aol.com

Remember When

I remember the Sound of Music at Radio City Music Hall. We had to meet at Rockerfeller Plaza and it was a Saturday, and I felt so strange being with the class on a weekend.
I remember the Teen Club and its ping pong tables; the dances where the nuns made sure they could shine a flashlight between our bodies as we "slow danced".
I remember the high school entrance exams we had to take and pass and live through towards the end of 8th grade. Then, waiting for the mailman to see if we made the high schools we choose. I remember our pretty little church (OLA) and the country feel it gave off.I remember Mrs. Trippani always complaining that my FATHER needed to come to school to do this and that, and then calling my mother at work to say "again your daughter did not bring her note back from her father". Well, as many of you may remember, my parents were divorced when I was 3, so it was next to impossible for me to comply with Mrs. Trippani's wishes, but she never wanted to understand why I didnt bring those notes back.

I also remember class with Sr. Jospeh. She would stand in the front of the room, teaching something, and one of the Troy brothers would be in the back of the room sassing her about something. One day, Sr. Joseph turned to the board, whipped around so fast she almost got whip lash from her rosary beads, and chucked a board eraser. It whizzed past my face and hit Robert(?) Troy right in the forehead. He never lost a beat, continued doing what he was doing, and just laughed at Sister. Has anyone heard from him or his brother John?
Suzette

ME???

How did I get chosen/nominated/suckered into being the judge for the funniest story? Anyhow, I have one to submit, although I already spoke to Douglas about it. I remember one day being in the recess yard, and Carol and I were giggling about something or the other. I was wearing those God-aweful braids my mother used to love putting my hair into. Douglas came up on one side of me, and Paul DeCurtis came up on the other side and each one grabbed a braid and yanked (HARD!). The two braves each ran off in opposite directions ( a good tactical move, now that I think about it, since I could only conceivable "get" one of them) and laughed themselves silly the rest of the day. I cried, Carol chased off after one of them, and Sonja walked up to Douglas(I think) and punched him in the arm for me. Thank goodness for good friends. Funny the things you remember, even after all these years. And no, I no longer plait my hair into braids.
That night I went home and my mom and I spoke, and the hair pulling issue came up. When she and I walked down to school(for me) and the subway(for her) the next day, she went into the schoolyeard with me. She grabbed Douglas by the lapel of his coat and gave him a severe dressing down about the incident.(including wagging her finger in his face) Then she asked him who Paul was and Douglas almost stumbled over himself in an effort to "sell out his partner in crime", in order to get away from my petite mother. Hmmm, in retrospect, it seems like people were always defending me. Never looked at it like that before. Guess the story isnt so funny(ha ha) as intospective. Oh well!

Oh, and I second Sonja's question as to what is going on with Francisco and his religious preaching?

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (New York)

CATHOLIC ENCYCLOPEDIA: Sisters of Charity of St. Vincent de Paul (New York)
The Sisters of Charity - New York

Archbishop Molloy High School Class of '73 Reunion

-----Original Message-----
From: Hogan Patrick [mailto:MOLLOY@worldnet.att.net]
Sent: Tuesday, October 21, 2003 1:19 PM
To: mford@molloyhs.org
Subject: Bro. Pat Hogan Molloy Class of 73


Hi, I just wanted to remind that your class reunion will be held at Molloy on November 8th. The details are listed below - It is not to late. Let your friends know so that you can have a great time. Look forward to seeing you then. Bro. Patrick Charles Hogan

Archbishop Molloy High School - St. Ann's Academy
Cordially invites you and your guest to
Return, Remember and Celebrate Your Class Reunion
Honoring the Classes of
1933, 1938, 1943, 1948, 1953, 1958, 1963, 1968, 1973, 1978, and 1983

Hall of Fame Inductees
Louis Brusco '56
Dr. James Reilly '61
James McDermott '63
&
Stanner Outstanding Achievement Award
Dino Mavrogiannis

Date: Saturday, November 8th, 2003
Time: 5:30 PM - Check In
6:00 PM - Alumni Mass and Induction Ceremony
7:30 PM - Class Cocktail Receptions
8:30 PM - Dinner and Dancing
Place: Archbishop Molloy High School
Price: $70.00 per person
$100.00 per couple
Dress: Business Attire
RSVP: October 27, 2003
If you would like to help organize your reunion, please contact Bro. Pat Hogan,
Alumni Director at 718/441-9210 - 866/STA-NNER or Email: molloy@worldnet.att.net .

To Anna

I was with MCI Telecommunications and would often go to the office on Third Avenue. I've been living in Asia for the past 5 years based in Hong Kong and traveling the AsiaPac region. Why Japanese? I studied both Japanese and Cantonese for four years.

Email me if you are still having problems logging in with the new username and password.

-Tom

From Anna

The reason, Tom you wanted to talk to me about travel is because the last
time I saw you was in the elevator of the building where I worked -and I guess
you were visiting on Third Avenue and 47th Street. That must be already 7-8
years ago. Would love to hear your questions, stories. How come people are
talking Japanese to you? Have you learned to speak it?

Renee and Suzette are talking up a storm and it is great to finally find out
about Ms. Marus who has been a total inspiration to me too. I loved her
aquarium, her African violets and her stern approach with us. I especially liked
the field trips she managed to the 1964-65 Worlds Fair which I got to go on
since my older sister was in the class. When I think about it, that was a
tremendous responsibility.

I will look for Carol at the FHHS reunion, is anyone else going to be there
for sure?
Aren't you guys having a Molloy reunion at the hotel that night too?

Sonja...I miss you too - How is your home, your dog, and your hog? Anna

Thanksgiving Meeting

Dear Renee-
I WILL be in Hendersonville for the Thanksgiving holiday. At the present time I am unsure of our itinerary each day. How far are you from Hendersonville? How about I give you my mothers home phone number and my cell number, so if we have to do things at the last minute, then we can. I would prefer something planned out ahead of time, but my time isnt always my own when I visit mom. I'm sure you can understand. Mom's home phone is 828-692-2372 and my cell is 727-992-8860. Hope to see you soon.
Suzette

Missing in Action??

We have been chatting back and forth for a while now, but I was sure Douglas would have gotten Paul DeCurtis to be a member already. What happened to your "buddy" Douglas???
Suzette

Ms. Marus

No, Josephine, Ms. Marus never did marry. She never went into her reasons for why she left the convent, just that she had. She also requested me not to spread it around - and so for all these years I have held to my promise. However, after all this time, and her death, and our upcoming reunion, I decided to bring the information out into the open to share with the group - since she was a part of all our lives.
I always thought she was an awesome teacher, but she intimidated the heck out of me at the time I was in her classes. Did anyone else feel intimidated by her?
Suzette

From Anna Kostro

April 17 is fine with - I would love to see everyone again also. John Ryan story... I remember he had a really good voice also- he and glen always did wonderful
duets. On his own I think it was John R who taught the song about "This old man, he played one...he played knick knack on my thumb With a Knick, knack paddy whack give a dog a bone This old many came rolling home."

I loved that song...and still sing it (but only when I walk the dog...in the
country...where no one hears me...)

I remember Pierangela Shaw and I were convinced to participate in a talent
show in the city one time by (Sister) Maryanne Kraft. I remember that my
knees
knocking was heard over the microphone much better than my voice. Pierangela
sang great. We didn't win.

I remember the Irish girls dancing every year, especially Elizabeth Griffin
and her sister. Were any of you guys in that show - I know you Tom was
always
helping out on stage during these performances.

and one last remembrance I will share tonight is Michael Ryan and his being
sent to a military academy in 4th grade when his Mom remarried.

I'll some more later since this e-mail is getting a little too long.

Thanks,

- Anna