The Annunciator

June 2012 The Annunciator

Find us on the web at www.school.Annunciationcrestwood.com First Grader Goes the Distance When she was just Miracle Network Hospitals 4-1/2 years old, An- Radiothon. And as a family, nunciation 1st grader, they have actively partici- Brooklyn Benedikt, pated in the hospital’s fund- was diagnosed as hav- raising Go The Distance ing a hole in her heart. walk and family fun day. Inside this issue... Five weeks later, she Earlier this year, Brook- Letters from the 2 underwent open heart lyn, who is now six years Pastor and Principal surgery at the Maria old, was named Grand Mar- Fareri Children’s Hos- shal for the 2012 walk 75th Graduation Held 3 pital at Westchester Brooklyn with her parents Gregg and which was held on April 22, Medical Center in Val- Andrea 2012. With the help of her 4 Around the School and halla, NY. parents, Brooklyn was look-

Parish The experience changed Brooklyn’s ing for a new way to raise significant funds Travels to Rome 9 whole family. Now they support the hospi- to benefit the hospital. tal any way they can. For Brooklyn, and her That is how her donation website Bits of Crestwood 10 little sister, Quinn, this means willingly do- www.donateyourcoffeemoney.org was born. nating their birthday presents every year to On the website, which is still open for dona- Lip Sync Tradition 14 the sick boys and girls at the hospital. For tions, Brooklyn asks, “Would you give up her parents, Gregg and Andrea, it means 16 Epic Poem telling Brooklyn’s story on the Children’s Continued on page 20 Spring Reunion 18

Milestones 24 Super Big Responsibility by Marie Villani-York ‘93

Class Notes 25 Growing up in Crestwood, Stadium in East Rutherford, NJ, Alfred F. Kelly Jr. ‘72 used to this is the first time that the big Annunciation Elementary School play football out on the street game is being held in a cold- with his buddies, and while it’s weather, outdoor arena, bring- 465 Westchester Avenue likely that some of those games ing a new set of challenges to an Crestwood, NY 10707 attracted a crowd of spectators, already demanding job. they pale in comparison to the Al is currently hard at work football game the Annunciation hiring, fundraising and coordi- alum is currently involved with: nating all of the behind-the- The Annunciator Editorial Board: Super Bowl 2014. scenes work that go into an Richard Burke ‘48 In April 2011, Al, 53, was event of this magnitude. His named the president and chief Alfred F. Kelly, Jr. team is charged with planning Patrick F.X. Brennan ‘53 executive officer of the NY/NJ and staging the game and all Chris Grealy Brown Daly ‘62 2014 Super Bowl Host Company, a job that events associated with it, and to work with Mary Theresa Gill McCombe ‘75 requires him to essentially become a master business leaders and public officials to make puppeteer as hundreds of thousands of sure the area gets the greatest economic John Sullivan ‘82 people descend upon the Tri-State area for benefit. It is believed the game will generate Marie Villani-York ‘93 one of the biggest sporting events in the some $550 million in revenue for the local Melissa Brennan ‘95 world. Taking place at the new MetLife economy. Continued on page 13 Page 2 The Annunciator

Letters to the Editor The Crestwood Throw is Back! To the Editor: The “Crestwood Throw”, When I see an email titled “Annunciation Newsletter”, I a lovely Afghan-type blanket never fail to rip right into it. It is always such a wonderful with all of our local points of and interesting update about The Annunciation Alumni interest pictured on it, is Community! back! It is the perfect bridal shower, wedding, or birth- Thanks so much for all your efforts. day gift, but it also is a warm

and comfy blanket during With appreciation, cold winter nights. It’s a Eileen Molloy Civitillo ‘70 unique heirloom item to New York share with your favorite An-

nunciation alumnus or for- To the Editor, Fantastic job with the newsletter. I did not realize how mer Crestwood resident! many talented artists emerged from Annunciation. Amaz- ing. Thanks again. Cost: $40 plus shipping Phil LoPresti ‘74 Colors available: Cranberry or Navy blue Connecticut Contact: Pat Leyden [email protected] 914-260-4584

Letter from the Pastor Letter from the Principal Dear Graduates of Annunciation, Dear Alumni,

Our church comes alive each spring with the cele- As I write to you our school is buzzing with the bration of First Holy Communion and Confirmation. end of year activities. Our inaugural Pre-K class is These sacraments are celebrated with a special rever- practicing for their end of year celebration and our ence and splendor at Annunciation. I pray that you kindergarten and eighth grade students are preparing have fond memories of reception of these sacraments. for their graduations. We held our first “state of the school” meeting this month giving us an opportunity Our newest alumni graduated on June 16th. Just to celebrate our accomplishments and to look forward think that their fiftieth anniversary will be in the year to goals for next year, always keeping our school phi- 2062 - what experiences they will have in those 50 losophy at the forefront. We have much to be thankful years. Please pray for them! for at Annunciation School, in particular, supportive parents, dedicated teachers, and students who con- I hope that the coming summer months will pro- tinue to make us all proud! As we look ahead to the vide you an opportunity to enjoy the wonder and summer and vacation time I wish you many blessings. beauty of God's creation. Remember you are always welcome to come back Be assured of my prayers, and visit! Sincerely,

PageJune 20123 Page 3 Dr. Catherine Hickey Speaks to 75th Graduating Class Annunciation School ham University. graduated its 75th class on “I’ve spoken at many Saturday, June 16, 2012. A graduation ceremonies be- total of fifty-eight students fore, but when Monsignor received diplomas at a Keane called to ask me to ceremony held in the up- speak at my granddaugh- per church which was pre- ters’ graduation, I was very sided over by Annuncia- happy to accept,” said Dr. tion Pastor Monsignor Hickey. Dennis Keane, Principal In addition to speeches Maureen Noonan, Assis- and the awarding of diplo- tant Principal Erin mas, a variety of subject McHale, and 8th grade and specialty awards and teachers Mrs. Muriel Dr. Catherine Hickey with her grandchildren, Cora recognitions were made. O’Neil and Mrs. Mary Wirchansky, left, and Meredith Taylor, both of whom Memorial scholarship win- Ellen Elliott. Families and are part of Annunciation’s 75th graduating class. ners were announced (see friends celebrated the ac- the June 2011 edition of complishments of the The Annunciator). graduates and listened to the words of graduation speaker, Seven of this year’s graduates are the children of alumni Dr. Catherine Hickey who is the former Secretary for Edu- and were awarded their diplomas by their proud parents. cation and Superintendent of Schools in the Archdiocese of Participating in this tradition were: Christian Angelori New York. (Richard ‘79), Katherine Conner (Casey ‘79), Jack Maghak Dr. Hickey, who is also the grandmother of two current (Joe ‘70), Connor Gilchrist (Tommy ‘77), Caitlyn Martyn graduates, Cora Wirchansky and Meredith Taylor, thanked (Tom ‘83), Kristian Moyna (Kathleen Gilchrist ‘84), and the parents for all that they have done for their children. Macklin Moyna (Michele DeSola ‘80). She focused on how the graduates will need to strive for the things that they want to accomplish in life and how they will have to use the gifts of the Holy

Spirit to achieve those goals. Dr. Hickey discussed the importance of Graduates Head to High School living true to your faith and of tak- Annunciation graduates will be heading for thirteen different high schools in ing the lessons the graduates have learned at Annunciation with them September. Our students continue to make Catholic education a priority for into high school and beyond. their secondary school experiences and are willing to travel throughout West- As the former Secretary for Edu- chester, the Bronx and Manhattan for it. cation and Superintendent of Academy of Our Lady of Good Counsel 6 Schools, Dr. Hickey was responsible Archbishop Stepinac High School 10 for overseeing 220 grammar schools Convent of the Sacred Heart 1 and 55 high schools, which educated Dominican Academy 1 over 107,000 students and employed over 3,000 teachers. She was the Fordham Preparatory School 15 first lay person to hold the position Hackley School 1 of Superintendent of Schools and Iona Preparatory School 5 followed this by becoming the first Loyola School 2 lay person to be named Secretary Maria Regina High School 3 for Education in the Archdiocese. Regis High School 1 Dr. Hickey retired from this posi- St. Vincent Ferrer High School 1 tion in 2009, but she remains active The Ursuline Academy 9 in a variety of charitable and educa- Xavier High School 3 tional organizations. She earned her Doctorate in Education from Ford- Page 4 The Annunciator Around the School and Parish

High School Information Fair

On March 22, 2012, Annunciation hosted a high school information fair for its 6th and 7th graders and their families. In all, eight high schools were represented, coming from Westchester, Manhattan and the Bronx. Above, Caroline Sohr ‘08 and Abigail Dolgos ‘11 are prepared to answer questions about The Ursuline School. Lower left, families, recruiters and students mingle at the fair, which was held in the school gym. Lower right, girls cluster around the table for Dominican Academy to fill out information sheets.

You can find us on the Web at www.School.AnnunciationCrestwood.com June 2012 Page 5 Around the School and Parish

A long-standing tradition at Annunciation Parish, the Ladies’ Guild Palm Sunday Bake Sale offers the Ladies’ Guild Palm Sunday tastiest, most appetizing treats. Pies, cakes, cook- ies, brownies and more are offered for sale. Beauti- ful flowers, including tulips and lilies, were also of- Bake Sale fered for sale.

Father Sal’s 50th Anniversary

Father Sal Ricciardi, ordained in the Congregation of the Passion (Passionists) and long-time Pastoral Asso- ciate at Annunciation Church, celebrated the 50th anniversary of his ordination on Sunday, May 6. After a celebratory Mass, a reception was held in the gym where Father Sal mingled with parishioners.

Annunciation School can now be found on Facebook! https://www.facebook.com/#!/groups/29340651170/ Page 6 The Annunciator Around the School and Parish

Earth Day Concert The Junior Choir and the Five O’Clock Band held an Earth Day Concert prior to the Sunday, 5:00 p.m. Mass. The Junior Choir was under the direction of Miss Taffy Wil- liams, Annunciation Church organist.

The Boys and Girls of Summer are Back! Let’s play ball at Schultze Field! Hillcrest Lakers held its opening day festivities on Sunday, April 29, 2012. In addition to traditional opening day speeches, there were hot dogs and sodas and bouncing castles and slides for the children to enjoy. The weather was spectacular. In the back- ground of the photo above is Hillcrest Lakers new clubhouse. June 2012 Page 7 Around the School and Parish

The cast of Cinderella takes the stage for the finale.

Cinderella The after-school Drama Club presented Cinderella with two performances on May 4 and 5, 2012. The musical showcased the talent of the forty-five students who are part of the club, which is moderated by Sr. Theresa Dadabo PVBM. Dr. Daniel Leguizamon, Annunciation’s music teacher, directed the production, and alumnus Alyssa DiPanfilo ‘08 provided the choreography. (You can see Alyssa’s profile in the February 2012 issue of The Annunciator.) The Prince and Cinderella take to the In addition to the two performances for the general public, there dance floor. was a dress rehearsal that was eagerly watched by the Pre-K and 1st Grade.

Honor Band Members Hannah and William White (left) and Niamh McEnerney (right) were named to the Lower Hudson Valley Catholic School Honor Band. They performed in a concert, held on March 25, 2012. All three play the clarinet. Page 8 The Annunciator

Newest Faculty Members Enjoy Their First Year at the School

Annunciation’s newest teachers are NY for twelve years. A resident of Ma- dedicated, experienced Catholic School hopac, NY, she and her husband, Doug, educators. Both Marisa Bowring and have a son named Benjamin who is 2- Diane Dentini were tenured faculty mem- 1/2 years old. bers at Catholic grammar schools in the Marisa says that she is happy to be Archdiocese that were closed in the Spring part of a warm and welcoming commu- of 2012. When Annunciation had open- nity. “Annunciation is full of life. The ings for faculty, both teachers were excited Pre-K program is new to Annunciation for the new opportunity. this year. I think that the young children Marisa Bowring teaches Pre-K. She have added even more enthusiasm to holds a bachelor degree in special educa- New faculty members Diane Den- the school. I am lucky to be teaching in tion from the College of St. Rose and is tini, left, and Marisa Bowring the early childhood wing and to be able certified to teach K-12. Prior to coming to inspire the children to learn. There is to Annunciation, she taught at St. Joseph’s in Croton Falls, no better feeling than seeing one of your students finally understand a concept you’ve been teaching.” Diane Dentini teaches 5th and 6th grade science at An- Sr. Kathleen Marks 20 Years nunciation, in addition to being a 6th grade homeroom teacher. Prior to this, she taught for seventeen years at Sts. at Annunciation Peter and Paul in Mt. Vernon, NY and before that at Our Lady of Mercy in Port Chester, NY. Diane lives in Yonkers This school year marks twenty years of teaching at An- in St. John the Baptist Parish. She and her husband, Sam, nunciation for Sr. Kathleen Reilly PBVM. The beloved sec- Continued on page 16 ond grade teacher joined the faculty in September 1992. Sr. Kathleen was born in the Inwood section of Manhat- tan and attended Good Shep- Do You Recognize this Man?

herd Elementary School and St. Michael’s High School. She entered the convent in Sep- tember 1957 and took her vows in April 1965. She earned her undergraduate degree from Fordham University and her master’s from SUNY New Paltz. Sr. Kathleen was recently honored by the parish as one of Annunciation’s Sr. Kathleen Reilly PBVM “Treasures.” Her first teaching assign- ment was as a 1st grade teacher at St. Frances of Rome. This was following by assignments at St. Bartholomew’s in Yonkers, St. Mary’s in Fishkill and then Our Lady of Solace in the Bronx before she arrived at Annunciation. Sr. Kathleen says, “I enjoy spreading the Good News to the children of God. I have been privileged to teach the second graders in both Annunciation and our Religious Education program about the Sacraments of Reconciliation and the Holy Eucharist. I also enjoy teaching the other sub- jects and preparing them for third grade.” When she is not teaching, Sr. Kathleen enjoys cooking, baking and taking care of her plants. Turn to page 13 to see who our mystery man is! June 2012 Page 9

A Memorable Trip to Rome for the Elevation of New York’s

Newest Cardinal by Nancy Waters ‘61

When I opened my eyes on On my previous trips, I stayed on the Wednesday morning, February 22, I via Veneto in a very chic section of was back home from my week-long Rome. My hotel was within walking dis- journey to Rome—this time, as part of tance of Rome’s via Condotti with its a pilgrimage of people from St. Louis, exquisite shops, the Spanish Steps, and Milwaukee, and New York—who the best gelato shop by the Fontana di came together to honor Timothy Mi- Trevi. I bought many things, even Christ- chael Cardinal Dolan by attending his mas gifts. This pilgrimage trip was differ- Consistory Service. Each person who ent. I received gifts beyond the scope of made this pilgrimage felt that Cardinal any Euro or Dollar. The spiritual gifts I Dolan had touched his or her life in received were priceless. some unique and unforgettable way… In 2009, barely 3 weeks into his term to the point that there was no place on as Archbishop of NY, Timothy Dolan earth that week that we would rather Timothy Cardinal Dolan and Nancy attended the Ladies of Charity Luncheon be. Most pilgrims I encountered re- Waters ‘61 in Rome in NY, at the prescient invitation of our ferred to this week as a “once-in-a- President, Dorothea McElduff. His small lifetime experience.” entourage attempted to move The photos I developed and the personal journal I kept Archbishop Dolan along. I detained the Archbishop to ask give a firm, chronological basis to a week otherwise filled him to pray for someone who was “actively dying.” That’s a with more indefinable moments of religious conviction and hospice term to indicate they are really and truly dying at this personal contact with Timothy Michael Cardinal Dolan—it’s moment…not six months from now. And then Archbishop his personal preference to include his middle name, Michael, Dolan did what he always does with everyone he meets: in his formal name. clergy or lay, rich or poor, mighty or powerless – he put his I befriended a woman named Margaret Myhan who is arm on my shoulder and related to Cardinal Dolan on her maternal side. When I re- stared into my eyes as if I marked that many of us, including Margaret, armed with the were the only one in the room, latest digital cameras were still having difficulty taking a pic- instead of the couple of ture of Cardinal Dolan in which he was not blurred, she hundred others who were laughed and said, “That’s because he’s in PERPETUAL mo- waiting. I explained that tion.” PERPETUAL motion…that’s also a good descrip- the husband of a dear tion of a pilgrim’s tour. friend was actively dying The folks from Missouri, where he was born in 1950 and and would he please re- ordained a priest in 1976, always knew he’d be a priest be- member him in his cause he told them so from his earliest days. The folks from prayers. He asked me the Milwaukee, who only had him 7 years, somehow always felt man’s name. I replied that they’d never keep him for long. They knew he was des- “Arthur.” And at that very tined for greater things. moment, in that frenzy of Pope Benedict XVI addresses The entire Dolan clan accompanied the pilgrims includ- a room packed with media the crowds. ing his brother, Bob, who wrote a witty, family memoir, Life and his entourage and im- Lessons from my Life with my Brother, Archbishop Timothy M. Do- patient clergy and hotel lan [Tau Publishing, 2011]. Bob introduces you to Timothy: staff, he prayed for “Arthur” in both Latin and English and the son, the brother, and the priest. Through conversations then blessed me. It doesn’t get any better than that. That is between the two brothers, Bob conveys his brother’s reli- a PRIEST, in every sense of the word, in the meaning of his gious convictions. It is an easy as well as amusing read. vocation. The two questions I am most consistently asked since my Pilgrimage to Rome are: What did you buy and how do you know Cardinal Dolan, both of which I am happy to answer. Continued on page 11 Page 10 The Annunciator Bits of Crestwood: Games of Long Ago

by Mark L. Maiello ‘71

In the 1960s and 70s, my neighbor friends and I played  Basketball – OK, so no surprise here…It still is popu- games we devised ourselves. Sure, our parents had to fork out lar and still played in driveways with movable hoops. Ours money for the mechanisms and toys that made some of those were mounted in the ground with concrete. One nearby games possible, but for the most part our imaginations had to was mounted at the curb on MacArthur Avenue. The City be pretty active to make those games entertaining. Computers of Yonkers never noticed. Ironically, the family that were science fiction characters and if erected it rarely used it in our day. Af- they played games, it was only chess (no ter many years, they allowed it to be need to tell you that the humans invaria- excavated and moved two homes bly lost the match…remember Hal in down the street in front of a house the 1968 classic 2001: A Space Odyssey?). where it was used nearly every day. Of the activities that I can still recall, The former owners got some peace these are the stand outs. Though some and quiet. My neighbor friends had a could be played indoors, most kept my shorter walk to the hoop. friends and me in the sun for hours and  hours (and away from the television set Crash Cars – No, not what you – well, for a bit anyway). think…We did not drive. We pre- tended to be cars: Corvettes, Ferraris,  Army Men – usually played out of Pontiacs, Oldsmobiles, whatever. The doors on rocks, patios and lawns using hard part of this was that we attempted plastic soldiers and weapons ostensibly to ram each other with our elbows and of World War II vintage. How many shoulders (like the bumpers of cars)… hundreds of thousands (could it be mil- This game was played for years but lions?) of those green and gray soldiers were manufactured each game never lasted very long. To be blunt, it hurt and subsequently “killed in action” by “dirt bombs,” falls something awful. from unprecedented heights, and other forms of mayhem at the hands of primarily, militant-minded little boys?  Tree Climbing – Some of us had an obsession with trees (not me). Climbing as high as you could was a chal-  Stick Ball – imported from the Bronx I’m guessing, the lenge worthy of notice (I was not interested). A dogwood version I recall playing could actually be performed with only tree in my neighbor’s yard was climbed more times than two players: one who hit the ball “fungo” style (toss it up as if Everest. Despite our nearly flawless safety record (I recall you are serving a tennis ball) and one who played the field perhaps one non-fatal fall), I could not be found among the (the “field” being the street out front of our homes). The highest branches. two man version was resorted to  when all but one of my friends Match-Box Cars – Remember went away for the summer. It was those? They are still around. We gave actually do-able. Three outs came the cars personalities, names and a rudi- faster than you would think and mentary organizational hierarchy. Es- who cared if they took longer?. The sentially they were like a family. They batter even called the play-by-play had adventures too. Often, problems as if the game were broadcast. arose just like in human families. I can’t recall if they were ever resolved. Well,  Bicycles – Yes, just plain bicy- again, it was just like real people! We cles…where you rode for hours were way ahead of Transformers and around Crestwood to nowhere in Autobots. particular…without supervision…just for the fun of it…the  exercise was an unintended and unnoticed benefit. Ten speed Dinosaurs – Also still popular (see Dinosaur Train on bicycles existed but were the exception. We were in pretty PBS and the high-priced figures from the show that you good shape. Continued on page 12 June 2012 Page 11

Graduate Travels to Rome

Continued from page 9 Since that initial meeting, I have followed the now Car- snubbing anyone…and he carries it off to perfection. dinal Dolan in print through his blog (The Gospel in the Digi- But his most endearing quality is that he laughs at himself tal Age http://blog.archyn.org), through his Catholic NY and always at his own jokes. He tells a joke or an amusing column (Lord, To Whom Shall We Go? www.cny.org), and in story at a dinner or at the beginning of Mass and throws back the secular press. As I remarked to both reporters Tony his head and laughs harder at it than anyone else in the room. Aiello of CBS and Joe Torres of ABC, each of whom gave This is after processing down the aisle not solemnly but me my 15 minutes of fleeting fame on the evening news warmly…waving…embracing…constantly smiling. He radi- from 2012 Rome, Cardinal Dolan is a man of great charm ates happiness with himself and with his God. He is com- and inclusiveness and joy; simultaneously, he firmly defends fortable in his own skin, and he doesn’t care who knows it. the tenets of his faith and First Amendment Rights against And his happiness and love are contagious. Many a gentle- even the President of the United States. “Be not afraid,” man around me remarked, whether at Mass or at a dinner: said the Lord; and Timothy Dolan is not afraid. “He’s like a rock star!” He enters a room, and he is mobbed. Each pilgrim received a copy of February’s Magnificat, a Applause is spontaneous. Tim Dolan’s in town! daily Roman Missal published in Yonkers, NY. I have a Almost lost in the shuffle was the fact that, after the so- subscription to the large-print edition. Not only does it lemnity of the Consistory ceremony, we were privileged to contain all daily and Sunday Masses but also excellent com- witness Pope Benedict XVI conduct a canonization ceremony mentaries; prayers for morning and night; and a feature for seven saints. The new saints include two women familiar article each month on religious art. Reading the Magnificat to Americans: Native American Kateri Tekakwitha and is a form of Lectio Divina…a traditional Catholic practice, Marianne Cope, who assisted Fr. Damien when no one else recently revived: to read, contemplate, and pray. Traveling would. In one solemn and beautiful sentence, the Pope trans- alone as I was, the Magnificat was a comforting companion forms them from Blesseds to Saints. on airplanes or at the end of a hectic, albeit exciting, day. Both Cardinal Dolan and Pope Benedict are devoted to Just as I think of Jesus as The Good Shepherd, I think of Our Blessed Mother and do not hesitate to mention her as Cardinal Dolan in his position as our shepherd. So, imag- often as possible. In fact, at the first Mass Cardinal- ine my surprise and pleasure when I found a reference to Designate Dolan said for us, he recalled going to the novenas shepherds or pilgrims in the daily Magnificat readings for to honor Mary that we all made back in the day. I remem- almost every day of our stay. bered going with my Mother on Monday nights to Annuncia- Timothy Michael Dolan is a remarkable human being… tion Church in Crestwood for the Miraculous Medal Novena. you can’t teach that…you can’t learn it…it’s there or it is- Cardinal-Designate Dolan said, “We have to go through the n’t. Like Irish wit. Over and over again in Rome, every- Mother to reach the Son,” and he further commented upon where he appeared, he would endlessly say, with that great the deep meaning of Mary pondering everything in her heart. grin on his face and that sweet mid-Western twang: “Thanks, everybody”…or “Thanks for coming, every- Mary kept all these things, reflecting on them in her heart. (Lk body”…or “Isn’t this great?”…or “Where’s my Mom?”… 2: 19) because for him, in his mind, we were making this a great Communion Antiphon from the Magnificat Prayer: occasion for him…and not the other way around. Not He who is mighty has done great things for me, and holy is his once did he, age 62, display exhaustion or ill-humor or im- name. (Lk 1:49). Let us pray to Christ, the Good patience. Shepherd, who bears home the lost upon his shoul- Cardinal Dolan is everything a caring, loving shepherd ders. should be: shrewd, generous kind, interested, outreaching, firm…he greeted every single person more than once at I hope I have conveyed to you the life-changing spiritual- every arranged luncheon, dinner and occasion. From the ity we pilgrims experienced as we carried many a petition to first night, he stopped by each of the pilgrims’ hotels to Rome for not only ourselves but for those others in need of welcome the jetlagged and thank them for coming. He gave God’s grace who asked us to carry their petitions when they a party for the workers who served at the North American heard we were going to Rome. Cardinal Dolan remarked College in Rome. Before leaving NY, he gave a thank-you upon those serious petitions because, he said, “I hear them.” reception for the volunteers at St. Patrick’s Cathedral. Timothy Dolan tries to be all things to all people without Page 12 The Annunciator

Bits of Crestwood

Continued from page 10 bridge once stood many years before (the remnants are still can buy at Target)…Now that I think about it, this was a there). Had we not been stopped, the drop to the river variant of Match-Box cars with the little plastic Tyrannosau- would have been disastrous…Today, boulders placed at the rus leading the other dinosaurs as if it were the head of a foot of St. Eleanoras Lane preclude the very idea. family. Incredibly inaccurate (a real T. Rex would have eaten the rest of the dinosaurs), but what did we know – or care?  Star Trek - Trek was new and different in 1966. It was so outrageous, it was meant to be mimicked. We tried to be  Sledding – Still popular of course, but I’m not so sure accurate - up to a point. Our Captain Kirk never got the that sledding on a road is as accepted these days. After a girl…There was no girl to get. But we did fall out of the good snowfall, we commandeered the hill on Crestwood seats in response to every imagined enemy spaceship attack Avenue between Arrowhead Drive and St. Eleanoras Lane. (the patio furniture was arranged to face a “view screen” If you go there today, you will see why. Plenty of speed can which was a dining room window). Amazingly, our Dr. be acquired on that incline. One day we noticed the hill on McCoy did become a doctor when he grew up and our Mr. St. Eleanoras Lane between Crestwood Avenue and MacAr- Spock (guess who?) did become a scientist of sorts (no kid- thur Avenue. It too is quite steep and at the time such a tra- ding!). I’m pretty sure that Captain Kirk did get a girl too – jectory would end in the woods abutting the Bronx River finally. and the Parkway. We gave it a go without really thinking. Not good. The woods were not safe. There were many These games and many more common ones were played branches and stumps to stop you – abruptly. And they did. on and off for years until we approached the higher grades. Each of us in turn (about half a dozen) after gaining rela- Organized CYO baseball and basketball began to draw us tively high speeds, bumped into something rather hard and away from each other in the later years at Annunciation as suffered various bruises and nasty bumps. We were so high school also inevitably did. But for a time, a small group stunned, we couldn’t stop the next boy on his way down. of neighborhood boys were united in the pursuit of diver- As it turned out, the woods saved us. The “trail” in the sion, friendly competition, and wasting countless hours in woods on which each of us was “wiping out” ends at a rise the sun playing games unmanaged by many rules and super- above the Bronx River where an old St. Eleanoras Lane vised by no one in particular.

What Was Your Favorite Game to Play in the School Yard?

Our Annunciation School Facebook question for the month for May was “What was your favorite game to play in the school yard?” Responses from our totally unscientific poll identified the following winning games: Boxball Hitting tennis balls off the back wall Saluggi (with a variety of spellings!) Playing stickball on the back wall Red light, Green light Butts Up Rattlesnake, or RAT-TLE-SNAKE spells rattlesnake! Jump Rope Shake it Senorita Kick Ball Cat & Mouse Basketball Flipping or scaling baseball cards Red Rover June 2012 Page 13

Super Responsibility Continued from page 1

Needless to say, it is no easy task. “It’s very ‘78; Marie ‘83; and John ‘85. Five years time-bound,” he said of his job. “Kick-off is ago, his parents moved from the fam- at 6:28 on February 2 and it’s not going to ily home to one on Scarsdale Road. wait for us.” “Crestwood is such a special place Al is no stranger to high-profile, high- because it is such an enclosed commu- demanding jobs. From 2007 to 2010, the nity,” Al said. He recalled his days Iona College graduate was the president of playing football and stickball out on American Express Company, leading the Crestwood Avenue with dozens of global consumer businesses, worldwide ser- neighborhood friends, and playing vicing and enterprise wide risk management. baseball and basketball with Hillcrest In total, he spent 23 years with the financial Al’s children: Al, Kaitlin, Maggie, Jack Lakers. Crestwood, he explained, “is services giant. Before that, he held senior where I learned my sports.” and Elizabeth positions in government and private industry Years later, Al still plays sports and was head of Information Systems at the White House with some neighborhood buddies. He hits the golf course from 1985 to 1987. From 1981 to 1985, he held positions quite often with Jim Egan, who lived on Read Avenue and at PepsiCo in Information Systems and Strategic and Fi- who attended Annunciation up until the sixth grade, as well as nancial Planning. Jack Egan ‘69 and Terry Tracy ‘72. He has also stayed in touch Al is a member of the Boards of Directors of MetLife, with Jim Draddy ‘73, who now lives outside of Chicago. Inc. and Affinion Group, the Boards of Trustees of New Al, who has five children – Al, 25; Kaitlin, 22; Maggie, 21: York-Presbyterian Hospital, St. Joseph’s Seminary and Jack, 18; and Elizabeth, 8 – lives in Harrison, NY with his wife College, the New York Catholic Foundation, and Chair of of twenty-nine years, Peggy. the Board for the School of the Holy Child in Rye, NY. He is a member of the Council on Foreign Relations and has served for the past twenty-two years as a chairman of the Wall Street Charity Golf Classic, a major fundraiser for Mystery Man Revealed the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation. He was a trustee of Iona College and chairman of its Development Committee, as well as a founding member of the Alumni Association of Former Faculty Member Iona Preparatory School in New Rochelle, NY, where he served as its first president and, in later years, as chairman Mr. Fred Nicol of its board. His accolades are as varied and impressive as his career Mr. Fred Nicol, faculty member and affiliations. He has received the White House Distin- from 1967 to 1971 and teacher of 7th guished Service Award; the Boston College Presidential and 8th grades, is now a sales man- Medal; the Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Breath of Life ager for Swank, Inc., which is a men’s Award; the New York Downtown Hospital Corporate accessory firm that supplies major Leadership Award; the Distinguished Graduate Award of department stores with belts, wallets, The Department of Elementary Schools of the National cufflinks and other men’s items. He Catholic Education Association; Iona College’s William B. has been with Swank for forty-one Cornelia Founder’s Award and its Board of Trustees years. Award. During his years at American Express, he was Fred and his wife of thirty-five recognized as one of the Credit Card Industry’s Leaders of years, Nanette, have two wonderful the Year, as one of the “10 For the Future” in U.S. finan- children—Joanna and Louie. Nanette has been a pre-school cial services by American Banker, and was for 10 consecu- teacher at Saint John Vianney Church for the last twenty-two tive years among Irish America magazine’s Business 100. years. Joanna, who is 29, is a social worker at Garden Ter- Al and his parents moved into a house on Crestwood race-Houston, and Louie, who is 27, is a CPA with KPMG. Avenue when he was just one. From there, the family Fred lives in Houston, TX. In his spare time, he likes to grew. He is the oldest of seven children, all of whom go to Houston Astros and Rockets games along with visiting graduated from Annunciation. In addition to Al, the Kelly the Houston concert scene frequently at Jones Hall with the clan includes Bill ‘74; Tom ‘75; Anne ‘76; the late Sheila symphony. Page 14 The Annunciator

Lip Sync Tradition Continues, Started with Ellen

Something For Ellen—Major Fundraiser Master of Ceremonies for the evening. Held in 1996 was the Genesis of This There were raffles and tons of prizes to be won that evening. The highlight was Long-standing School Event a live phone call that was broadcast to the attendees between Scott and Ellen, In what has become one of the most enjoyable and who was in her hospital room at Me- creative evenings at Annunciation School, the annual Lip morial Sloan-Kettering in New York Sync event was held on April 20th. City listening to all of the evening’s This annual event began in 1996 when one of Annun- events! ciation’s then second graders, Ellen Moran ‘02, was diag- The main entertainment for the eve- nosed with bone cancer. With mounting medical bills and ning were the school’s students who lip the possibility that a stem cell transplant, which was con- sync’ed their way through favorite Ellen Moran ‘02 sidered experimental at the time, would not be paid by songs. With costumes and choreogra- insurance, parishioners in attendance at a Ladies’ Guild phy to delight the crowd, it was a thoroughly enjoyable eve- meeting brainstormed about ways to help the family. ning. The final performance was a surprise when the planning That was when the Lip Sync event was born. committee of mothers took to the stage in costume to lip The first lip sync was a huge event. The Men’s Club sync the song “I will Follow Him” in a scene straight out of served a sit down family the movie Sister Act. Bill Tully, style dinner that was do- father of Billy ‘82, Anne ‘96, nated by Colonial Caterers, Mary ‘99 and the late Michael which was owned by ‘85, videotaped the evening’s Vinny and Mary Scelsi, festivities and delivered the video parents of Michael ‘81, to Ellen’s hospital room the next Donna ‘85 and Christo- morning so that she could see all pher ‘78. All the beverages that had transpired. were donated as well. Fran In all, close to $40,000 was and Gene Maxwell, par- raised, with the proceeds benefit- ents of Meghan ‘99, Caitlin ting Ellen’s medical care. Subse- ‘00 and Erin ‘02, handled quently, Ellen received her stem the sound system for the cell transplant and completely evening and prevailed In a still taken from the video that was produced that recovered from the ordeal, beat- upon their friend, profes- ing the cancer and returning to sional radio disc jockey day, the women who organized the event take to the stage with a song from Sister Act. school. Ellen attended Maria Scott Shannon to be the Continued on page 17 More Than Anything, We Want to Hear From You!

 What song did you learn in school or in church that you can still sing today? Who taught it to you and why do you think you can still remember it?

 When was the last time you lit a candle? Who did you light it for and where did you light it?

 What class trip was the most memorable? Please email your answers to [email protected]. Be sure to include your full name and class year. June 2012 Page 15

The Power of the People

Annunciation and Hillcrest Laker Parents pool renovations at Tibbetts. However, the Hillcrest Lakers CC, which utilizes Tibbetts playing fields for both their soc- Get County to Relent on Parking Fees cer and lacrosse programs, argued that it was already paying high usage fees for the fields and that it would be unfair to As reported in the local Westchester newspaper, The Jour- charge parents to park in order to watch their children play. nal News, on March 31, several Annunciation families, who Hillcrest president, and alumni parent, John Van Bramer, also participate in the Hillcrest Lakers Community Club, was quoted in The Journal News article as was current and appealed to Westchester County to scale back on their pro- alumni parent Lisa Dolgos. posed 2012 parking fees at the county-owned Tibbetts After Hillcrest and other sports groups complained, Brook Park. County Executive, Rob Astorino, modified the fees. In addi- The county had proposed a $5 parking fee on weekends tion, parents who are just dropping their children off or in May and then seven days a week from Memorial to Labor picking them up at a field would be refunded any fee that Day. The fee was supposed to help offset the cost of new they paid to enter the park.

Fellegara Siblings Reach New Heights

When students move on to high making the adjustments that your school, many like to try some of the new coach points out could be the opportunities that high schools offer. difference in clearing a bar that is For Vincent ‘06 and Kiera Fellegara ‘09 just an inch or two higher.” that meant soaring to new heights as well. Vince’s personal best is 14 feet, 6 The siblings decided to give pole vaulting inches, and he still holds the Iona a try and have been successful competi- Prep Freshman record at 11 feet, tors in the field. 6 inches. Though Vince did not run track in Kiera’s personal best is 9 feet, grammar school (he played basketball and a height that puts her at a higher baseball for Annunciation), he did try out rank amongst her peers. As a for cross-country as a freshman at Iona junior, she was named “All West- Prep and found that he did well and en- chester County” in pole vaulting joyed it. At a team meeting following the in 2012. “The hardest part of end of the season, Iona’s coach met with Vince Fellegara ‘06 coaches his sister, pole vaulting for me is that I am the freshman to see who wanted to try Kiera ‘09. Vince was a pole vaulter for Iona the only girl on my team. I work out for the “field” events for the upcom- Prep and Sacred Heart University. Kiera out with the Iona Prep pole ing track and field season. Wanting to try vaults for The Ursuline School. vaulters which was hard to get something “unique and extreme”, Vince used to at first. Many girls think decided to give pole vaulting a try after being impressed with of pole vaulting as scary and manly, but that is not true at upper classmen pole vaulters and their coach, Jerry Cahill. all. I would definitely encourage more girls to try pole- Kiera, on the other hand, had run cross country and vaulting.” spring track at Annunciation beginning in 6th grade. She had Vince took his skill with him to college where he was taken second place in the CYO school girls race in 8th grade. part of the Sacred Heart University Division 1 Track and When she attended Ursuline, track was a natural choice. Field program for two years. He was proud to “train and “The competitiveness of track and the team bonding really compete with athletes who share the same drive to better drew me to the sport. Being a champion Irish dancer for the themselves within their respected sport at the highest level prior six years, I transitioned into being a ‘trackie’ with the of collegiate sports.” Recently retired from vaulting, Vince same determination and drive I had when I was a dancer.” has been able to focus more on his schoolwork. He is a For Vince, the hardest part of pole vaulting was learning business major who has just finished his sophomore year. to jump on bigger poles. “The key to clearing and raising the He has also been able to help his sister. “Having a little bar is being able to jump on longer and more weight-bearing more free time, I was able to attend the recent Westchester poles. Having confidence in yourself before a jump as well as Continued on page 28 Page 16 The Annunciator

Alumnus is Author of Epic Poem by Marie Villani-York ‘93 Each day, for nearly forty years, Julia was willing to Julia Budenz ‘48 sat down to write. give up all other as- The result of her long literary toil is pects of life in order an impressive poem that spans five to pursue this poem,’’ volumes, titled The Gardens of Flora her sister Josephine Baum, thought by some to be the said in a 2011 Boston longest poem ever written. Globe article. “She Sadly, Julia, who died on Dec. lived a very austere 11, 2010 at the age of 76, did not life. At one time she live long enough to see her master- said, ‘The poem is my piece published. A memorial poetry life.’ As her sister, reading was held in her honor at the sometimes it worried Lamont Library at Harvard Univer- me, and sometimes I sity, where she studied and worked was in awe of it.’’ for many years as a research assis- The epic poem, tant, on March 7, 2011, and her which spans 2,000 poem, published in five books and pages, is divided into available on Amazon, was released Poetess Julia Budenz ‘48 five books: The Tree of seven months later. Life; Towards a Greek While born in New York City, Julia and her family moved Garden; Rome; Towards the Farthest Thule; and By the Tree of to Crestwood in the 1940s. She was the oldest of four girls. Knowledge. Mary Freeman, a close friend of Julia’s, said of the Her sister Josephine ‘51 currently lives in Los Altos, Calif. work, “The Gardens of Flora Baum is after all a poem, not a Justine lives in London, and Joanna resides in San Francisco. sequence or series or collection of poems, though she did The family lived on Manhattan Avenue. “It was a lovely tell me once with a smile, it does have a plot.” place,” recalled her sister Joanna, who has visited the She continued, “She builds by analogy that which melds neighborhood in recent years. “It looked exactly as it did in into something inimitable, the voice of human thought itself. the 1950s.” She said she understood why her parents chose This voice speaks with a kind of disembodied ambiance to make a home in Crestwood. which serves as a means of transportation for the poet, or of After graduating from Annunciation, Julia went on to at- communication between the poet and the reader. One thing tend The Ursuline School. She graduated summa cum laude Flora Baum communicates about Julia is that becoming wor- from the College of New Rochelle in 1956, majoring in the thy as a poet is what the poet becomes in death.” classics, and became an Ursuline sister from then until 1965, when she left the convent and began her graduate work at Catholic University. She then went on to study comparative literature at New York University and Harvard. She taught New, Experienced Faculty Greek, Latin, English and mythology at Berea College in Kentucky, Colby College in Maine and at her alma mater in Continued from page 8 New Rochelle. In later years, she assisted with research, have a daughter and two sons. She received her degree in translation and editing in the Department of History of Sci- English with a minor in education from Pace University, ence at Harvard. and is working on her master’s degree at The College of Over the years, she held residencies with the Rockefeller New Rochelle. Foundation and the Djerassi Foundation. She was granted “The faculty have been warm, welcoming and helpful. fellowships by the Bunting Fellowship Program of the Rad- It has made for an easy transition.” Looking around the cliffe Institute for Advanced Study, the Department of Com- classroom, she says, “I am enjoying working with the parative Literature at Harvard and the National Endowment SmartBoards (see January 2009 The Annunciator). The for the Arts. She had been a visiting scholar and artist in the whole world is at your fingertips, and they are a wonderful American Academy of Rome and at Harvard. teaching tool.” Diane has also enjoyed watching her stu- For Julia, The Gardens of Flora Baum had become her life’s dents explore their potential in after school activities. “I work. Two sections, Carmina Carmentis and From the Gardens of went to see Cinderella (see page 7) and was amazed at the Flora Baum had been published prior to the larger poem. quality of the performance, the professionalism, the cos- “I guess what interested me over the years was how tumes, the sets...just stunning.” June 2012 Page 17

Lip Sync Event Continues Tradition

Continued from page 14 Regina High School after graduation from An- nunciation. She then went to LeMoyne Col- lege where she graduated with a degree in history with a concentration in secondary education and special education. In May 2102, Ellen graduated with a master’s in guidance and counseling Chris Gallin interviews a star. from the College of Chairpeople of the 2012 Lip Sync were Beth Dolis and New Rochelle. She is Jennifer Hefner who are surrounded by enthusiastic currently a substitute teacher in the Ardsley, Ossining, and participants at the end of the annual school event. Harrison school systems, and she hopes to find a full-time job teaching beginning this fall. The first lip sync was such a hit, and the children had such a wonderful time, that the Home School Association decided to continue this event and make it an annual tradition. This year’s lip sync showcased the talents of nineteen groups of students in grades 2 through 8. In all, 166 students performed in April. Master of Ceremonies for the evening was Chris Gallin, father of Kevin ‘02, Pat- In the 2012 Lip Sync event, 1st grade performers were rick ‘05 and Con- pretty in pink, above, while 4th Graders, below, rock out! nor ‘08.

In a photo taken from the original lip sync video, Christina Gallinari ‘01 as a biker chick, above, and the “men” of the YMCA below. Page 18 The Annunciator

Five Classes Attend Spring Reunion

Saturday, April 28, from California. The was reunion day for the male alumnus who Classes of 1967, 1972, came the farthest was 1977, 1982 and 1987. Jerry Annunziata who The reunion events traveled from Florida started at 4:00 p.m. at the and was given an school, where seven of alumni baseball cap by the school’s current 7th Miss Pizzuti. and 8th graders volun- The dining room teered their time on a was decorated with Saturday afternoon to put blue and gold balloons on their uniforms and and classes were give returning graduates a Class of 1967 (L ro R): Barbara Grote Reddington, George O’Loughlin, seated at tables tour of the school. At Kathleen Petrilli Mattare, Mary Jo Lee Dennis, Arthur Vlasaty, Mary grouped together. But 5:00, graduates were in- Petrilli Rossy, Tom Sculco, Roseann DePinto Naber, Grace Donovan very few alumni vited to participate in the Feighery, Kevin Kirchoff seemed to sit since Saturday evening Mass, they were so happy to which was celebrated by see each other. Monsignor Dennis Keane, who expressed a welcome to re- Though music was provided, it could barely be heard over turning alumni during the Mass. the sound of happy shouts of recognition, laughter and ani- The main festivities got underway at 6:30 at Leewood Golf mated conversations. Club. Over 135 people arrived at the club, some bearing All planning for the reunion was done by email with memorabilia. In addition to graduates, former faculty mem- interested alumni responding to an initial mailed letter ask- bers Miss Ethel Pizzuti and Mr. Tom Casserta attended as ing if they were interested. Those who responded to the guests of the reunion classes. letter were placed on an email list. While there were some Monsignor Keane offered an opening prayer and Miss emails with plans and updates, by far the most entertaining Pizzuti was invited to the front of the room to award a T- emails were sent when one or another alumnus would hit shirt to the female graduate who had traveled the farthest to “reply all” and send around an email full of memories of attend. Alice Dillon Brown ‘77 won by coming all the way Continued on page 19

Class of 1967: Mary Petrilli Rossy, Kathleen Petrilli Mat- Class of 1967: Mary Jo Lee Dennis and Mary Aiello tare, Christina Ranaudo Colletti, Barbara Grote Redding- Jackson ton June 2012 Page 19

Spring Reunion (Continued from page 18) their times at Annuncia- tion...memories sparked by the upcoming reunion. A spontaneous after party was held at Stephen’s Green, formerly the Crestwood Mar- ket, at the Crestwood train station. Rumor has it that those in attendance arrived home in the wee hours of the next morning. The following day, emails and photos were being circulated. Two classes, the Class 1982 Classmates Eva Pos- of 1977 and the Class of 1982, savino Puorro and Andrea had created Facebook pages Doria where those in attendance and those unable to attend were connected and could easily share their photos of the evening. Two classes also prepared biography booklets. The classes of 1967 and 1982 circulated a booklet comprised of numerous autobiographies written by many members of the class. Seventh and 8th graders volunteered their time on a Thanks to Gaily Von Schlicthing ‘67 and Eva Possavino Saturday afternoon to show returning alumni around the Puorro ‘82 who coordinated the biography booklets for their school. Graduates saw many changes in the school but respective classes. still found some classrooms to be amazingly familiar. The number of siblings in attendance broke all previous records! Those attending with a brother or sister included Sullivan, Theresa and Mary Ryan, Brian and Jeanine Ellen and Michael Tedaldi, George and Patricia O’Loughlin, McDermott, Rob and Eugenia McGovern and Denise and Kathleen and Mary Petrilli, Mark and Mike Avallone, Louise Suzanne Reda. There were two families with three siblings and Toni-Lynn Vitello, Joe and Sheila Molloy, Lori and Kerry in attendance: Mary Jo, Kathleen and Paul Lee and Ed- Sullivan, Maura and Jennifer McCallen, John and Mary Jane Continued on page 20

John Sullivan, Edward Brady, and Michael DeSola, all Class Mary Ryan-Platoni ‘82 with long-time first-grade teacher, of 1982. Miss Ethel Pizzuti. Page 20 The Annunciator

Spring Reunion Continued from page 19 ward. Suzanne and Nancy Brady. In addition, Pamela Pizzuti ‘67 was in attendance with her sister, Ethel Pizzuti, and two graduates brought their fathers as their guest. Summing up the evening’s festivities, John Manning ‘77 said, “It was great to see everyone and be back in Crestwood for a short time. I have lots of fond memories of growing up there.” Brian McMahon ‘82 had similar senti- ments. “It was a great night, and it was incredibly fun to have the opportunity to see you all once again! Many thanks to all who put in their Lee Woodriffe ‘77 and former faculty efforts to make it happen. It was so worth it,” member, Tom Caserta. Lou Cordasco and John Mills are he said in an email the following day. Kate all smiles. Both are Class of Kearney-Patch ‘67 agreed. “I had such a great 1977. time too. What a treat to find all these wonderful new/old friends!”

Trish Gibbons Zapanta and Joe Visconti enjoying the reunion with the Class of 1977.

Nancy Brady Desiderio, Mary-Jo Hill DelGuer- cio, Aileen Gallivan, all class of 1987.

Going the Distance This is Computer Class!

Continued from page 1 your coffee money for one day to the hospital who saved my life?” Her story was told on Facebook and Twitter, and on WCBS newsradio 880. Numerous people heeded the call, and Brooklyn raised over $17,000 to benefit the hospital, raising the most money by a single person in the history of this event. When asked what her favorite part about being the Grand Marshall was, Brooklyn responded, “It was super- coolio!” (Translated, that means better than anything.) Brooklyn is a typical 6-year-old whose favorite television show is The Fresh Beat Band, and whose favorite singer is Justin Beiber. She loves to swim and play soccer and her favorite food is pizza. When she grows up, Brooklyn would like to be a fashion designer. Two Annunciation students focused on their computer during class! June 2012 Page 21

Alumni Reconnect with Personal Reunions

Left: Chris Norman- dia Lundquist and Gina Mirra Iadar- esta, both Class of 1973 enjoy a get together.

Right, Gina meets Gina Corey Ferrante for dinner.

The production of an alumni database, the publication of newsletters, and the celebration of reunions continues to result in personal reconnections by some alumni. Gina Mirra Iadaresta ‘73 arranged two personal reunions this past winter. On January 24, 2012, she and former Annunciation student Gina Corey Ferrante ‘73, who now lives in Massachusetts, were reunited for the first time in thirty-seven years near Gina Iadaresta’s home in Florida. Then one month later, Gina and Chris Normandia Lundquist ‘73 were reunited in Winter Park, CO, where Chris lives and Gina had gone on a vacation. It had been almost forty years since they had last seen each other. They will all have the opportunity to get together again when the Class of 1973 has their official reunion in April 2013 (see page 22). Reconnecting in Florida, Colorado, Missouri and New York!

Pat Hanifer Carufe ‘54 with Jean Fordrung Stellato ‘50 and Claire Fordrung met for lunch at Beekman Arms in Rhine- beck, NY where they talked for hours! Pat recently took a trip to Crestwood to visit her old house on Westchester Avenue before heading a few blocks north to stop and see both the upper and lower churches at Annunciation.

Frank Doherty ‘75, his son, Frank Doherty IV, Ryan McCombe ‘08 and his mother, Mary Theresa Gill McCombe ‘75, pose for a photo at the graduation of Frank and Ryan from Washington Univer- sity in St. Louis in May. Frank and Mary Theresa were classmates and lived just a block from each other growing up in Crestwood. Frank now lives in Knoxville, TN, and Mary Theresa still lives in Crest- wood. Page 22 The Annunciator

Reunion News

The Class of 1962 is planning its 50th Anniversary reunion for the weekend of September 28-30, 2012. A committee has been formed, and they can be contacted for more information: Janet O’Moore Speight—email [email protected] Tina Hult Brown—email [email protected] Chris Grealy Brown Daly—email [email protected] Joe McBrien—email [email protected] Gordon Duffield—email [email protected]

The reunion begins Friday night with casual cocktails at the Bantz residence in Crestwood. The central event, dinner and dancing to tunes of the 50s, 60s and 70s, is scheduled for 6:30 Saturday night at the Sheno- rock Beach Club in Rye. Sunday morning is scheduled to begin with 11:30 Mass and then brunch and a tour at Annunciation School. The committee is wrapping up information on Saturday day- time fun events such as golf or museum tours. Please email a member of the committee for more information and to get on the email notification list!

Repeat Reunion! The Class of 1961 had such a good Class of 1962 Reunion Committee: (L to R): Chris Grealy time at their 50th reunion in April 2011, that they are planning another reunion to be held on October 19, 2012, in Scottsdale, Brown Daly, Tina Hult Brown, Gordon Duffield, Janet AZ. For more information, please contact Maurice Powers at O’Moore Speight, Joe McBrien. [email protected]. Plans for an entire weekend celebration are already being made.

SAVE THE DATE Classes of 1968, 1973, 1978, 1983, 1988, 1993 and 1998, your reunion has been set for April 27, 2013! Order your Annunciation Alumni T-shirt or Hat!! They Make a Great Gift!

Annunciation graduate, Ashtyn Lange ‘11, models the An- nunciation alumni T-shirt and baseball cap. You too can identify yourself as a proud Annunciation graduate! Order the baseball cap for $15 or the T-shirt for $10, plus postage. The baseball cap is size adjustable and T-shirts are available in large and extra-large. Proceeds go to support our alumni program. Email [email protected] or call 914-337-3953 to place your order today! June 2012 Page 23

Volunteer Needed for Help with Deaths Please pray for the repose of the souls of the fol- Social Networking lowing alumni:

Annunciation School’s alumni program continues to grow. Nancy Burlinson Finnegan ‘56, sister of Robert ‘52 and Diane With the database containing over 3,500 names and our news- Bernadette Manley ‘56, sister of Andrew ‘50, Jack, letter being distributed to over 1,900 people by email three Marilyn and the late Eva times a year, as well as our reunions and the deceased alumni Donna Byrne Lafaro ‘62, sister of James ‘64, Michael ‘66, Mass, the volunteer hours can really add up. Peter ‘70, Mary ‘73, Patricia ‘75, Nancy ‘76, Jay, Adam, Like many other organizations, social networking is some- John, Tom, and the late Linda ‘62. thing that we believe our alumni program can benefit from. If Lawrence Murphy ‘72, brother of Robert ‘68, Margaret you are an expert on Facebook and Twitter, and you have some ‘70 and Marianne ‘77 time to volunteer, we’d like to speak to you about how you can Frank Sinatra III ‘02, brother of Robert ‘05 help us continue to grow our database and reach out to graduates, former students, parents, faculty and other friends through Please pray for the repose of the soul of our social networking channels. Please email Mary Theresa Gill former Pastor: McCombe ‘75 at [email protected] or Monsignor Eugene V. Clark, Pastor 1980-1986 [email protected]. We also pray for the souls of the following family of alumni:

Anthony J. Vitello, father of Louise ‘72 and Toni- Save the Date Lynn ‘77 William R. Fazzalaro, father of Bill ‘81 and Steve ‘83 Deceased Alumni Mass Frank Battaglia, father of Frank ‘67, Nancy ‘74 and the late Diane George Coleman, father of Virginia ‘89 and the late Our next deceased alumni Mass will be held on Saturday, George ‘84 November 3, 2012 at the 5:00 p.m. Mass. The names of Alice Dillon, mother of Alice ‘77, Chris ‘79 and all deceased alumni will be read aloud at this Mass. Brian ‘81

Upcoming Articles  Calling all doctors, nurses, medical researchers and therapists. If you work in the field of medicine, we’d like to speak to you about an upcoming article.

 Have you ever wondered what happened to your favorite teacher? Please send the name of your favorite teacher and an explanation of why they were your favorite. We will try to find them and then feature both of you in a future article about the paths you each have taken. Please send an email to [email protected] with your name, year of graduation and a short note about either of these topics. Page 24 The Annunciator

Milestones Milestone Spotlight Births Matthew John Hollywood Dylan Joseph Sadowski was born May 29, 2011 to Glenn Sadowski ‘81 and his wife, Claudia. Dylan’s big sister is Julia Mae, and his godfather is Wally Powers ‘80. The Sadowski family recently moved back to Crestwood, NY where they plan to raise their family.

Kevin and Cami Zinzi O’Brien ‘90 are happy to announce the birth of their first child, Thomas Mason O'Brien, born on March 30, 2012. He weighed in at an even 7 pounds and made his appearance at 4:23 in Matthew John Hollywood was born in White Plains the afternoon. The O’Brien family Hospital on November 17, 2011. He is the first child of lives in Stamford, CT. Melissa Butkowski Hollywood and her husband, Michael. Melissa, who is currently on maternity leave, teaches 5th grade at Annunciation. She was the school’s assistant Isabelle Marie Velasco, daughter of principal from 2007 to 2009 and a former 5th grade Catarina and Jose Velasco ‘93 was teacher from 2000 to 2007. when she was known as Miss born in Newburgh, NY at St. Luke’s Hospital on December 6, 2011 and Butkowski. baptized at Annunciation Church on Melissa and her husband, who is a Yonkers police offi- April 15, 2012. Jose is a law enforce- cer, live in Yonkers, NY. They were married at Annuncia- ment officer for the state of New tion in 2007, where little Matthew was baptized on Febru- York and Sullivan County SPCA. Ca- ary 12, 2012. tarina works in sales part-time. The family resides in Ulster County on the Catskill mountain region of New Hollatz. Myles was born on December 13, York. 2011, in Manhattan, NY. His godfather is Frederick DeDona, Jr. ‘81. Laura and

Maggie Laureen Cosgrove, daughter of Megan and Joseph Stephen have recently moved from Cali- Cosgrove ‘90, was born February 18, 2012, at St. John’s fornia to Scarsdale, NY in order to raise Riverside Hospital and was bap- baby Myles closer to his extended family. tized at Annunciation on April 21, Laura is now a stay-at-home mother, and 2012. Maggie joins her siblings Stephen is a real estate attorney with his Sean, Emma and JT. The own practice. Cosgrove family lives in Yonkers and are members of Annunciation Martin and Meghan Dougherty Ryan Parish. Joe is a Senior Application ‘94 baptized their daughter, Aisling Emilie Developer for Burson-Marsteller Ryan, April 15, 2011 at Annunciation and owner of Broken Knuckle Fin- Church. Aisling was born at Phelps Me- gerboards. Maggie is the grand- morial Hospital on October 6, 2011. She is daughter of long-time Annuncia- Martin and Meghan’s second daughter. tion School nurse, Evelyn Cosgrove. Big sister, Abigail, is 2-1/2 years old. Meghan is currently a speech-pathologist Stephen and Laura DeDona Hollatz ‘84 are pleased to Continued on page 26 announce the birth of their first child, Myles Frederick

June 2012 Page 25 Class Notes 1948 White Plains, NY, are making wine sug- audio books, gestions and pairings notes for The Journal TV and radio Richard Burke is still active in high- News over a twelve-week period in the commercials, way/railroad engineering. His new Life & Styles section of the newspaper. video games, extra activity is certification as a Na- You can read about their wine recom- online learning, tional Safety Council Defensive Driv- mendations, entitled “Mixed Case,” in the and public ser- ing Course Instructor. The course paper on Wednesdays or search for them vice announce- consists of six, one-hour sessions on on the paper’s web site www.lohud.com. ments. She can how to become, and then stay, a de- adapt her skills fensive driver. The course asks the Paul Collins and his wife, Marilee, are for both profit and non-profit clients. question, “RUA Defensive Driver?” R pleased to say that their oldest, JuliAnn, Lori produces the voice over at = Recognize the hazard; U = Under- and her husband, Matt, are expecting sound studios, and is currently develop- stand the defense; A = Act correctly, their second baby. With Nancy’s two, ing a home studio, with portable equip- in time. Richard says, “I find myself that will make four grandkids for Paul ment, so she can produce quality, ed- asking that question every day driving and Marilee. They recently sold their ited audio files wherever her travels on I-90! It’s a good course that every home in Mahopac. “It was home for 38 take her. Turnaround time for audio driver can benefit from.” years and the closing was bittersweet,” demos and finished products is a maxi- said Paul. mum 24-hours. With today’s technol- 1952 ogy in audio recording, flexibility for 1964 fast responses and professional-studio Bob Burlinson and his wife, Mary quality is possible. Anne, have relocated to Burlingame, Lori Samuels has transitioned from a 26 Lori will volunteer her time to non- CA to be close to their three children -year career in corporate sales and train- profits and local access TV channels to and five grandchildren. ing to a combined career in teaching Eng- continue growing her expertise and lish as a Second Language (ESL) to adults build her portfolio of sound demos. If 1961 at a Westchester County based college’s you, your business, or a non-profit for Language Institute. Ever the teacher, which you volunteer could use a talented voice actor, think of Lori! Andrea Petillo Kish and Tony Russo, Lori has also expanded her skills to voice Continued on page 26 owners of Aries Wine & Spirits in acting for a variety of venues, including

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All information can be emailed to [email protected]. Please don’t forget to include your full name and year of graduation. Page 26 The Annunciator

Class Notes Continued from page 25 Milestones 1977 Mary Fitzgerald walked the red car- duty on May 19, 1997. Funds raised Continued from page 24 pet when she attended the Screen Ac- from the tour support the National Law tors’ Guild Enforcement Officer’s Memorial and working as an independent contractor

Awards in Museum. Chris raised over $2,800 on through multiple agencies. The Ryan J a n u a r y this trip, which took place in May. family lives in Bronxville, NY. 2012. The awards were 2006 Laurel Grace Crabtree, daughter of held at the Salem and Will Crabtree ‘86 was bap- Shrine Audi- Giuliana Addesso is currently a sopho- tized at Annunciation on June 3, 2012. torium in more at Manhattan College with a dou- She has two older brothers, William California. ble major in secondary education and and Graydon, both of whom are stu- In addition English. She recently was elected as the dents at Annunciation School. Laurel to attending co-president of Mu Sigma Pi, the Man- was born on December 28, 2011 at the event, hattan College chapter of the Kappa Stamford Hospital. She weighed 8 lbs., Mary at- Delta Pi Education Honors Society. 5 oz. Her godmother is Kim White tended an after party where she met This accomplishment is especially sig- Breen ‘86. Will is a charterer for Free- Dick Van Dyke, Julianna Margulies nificant as it is the first time in the his- point Commodities. The family lives in and Sophia Vergara. Mary was invited tory of the chapter that an underclass- Crestwood. by a friend who is a member of the man has held this position. Along with Screen Actors’ Guild. that, Giuliana has been selected to participate with the Honors Society in a Marriages 1989 service trip/pilgrimage to Bethlehem in the Middle East. There they will meet Brianne O’Toole ‘97 married Emmet Thomas Quinlan recently changed and work with the Education Depart- Donnelly on May 19, 2012 at Annun- jobs, moving from Booz Allen Hamil- ment of Bethlehem University, a fellow ciation Church. They met at Catholic ton to a small Norwegian security firm LaSallian school. Their work will include University while applying to study called Norman ASA, where he works working with children in schools, or- abroad in Australia. Brianne is an ac- doing malware analysis. He also phanages, and refugee camps. Giuliana count executive in television ad sales completed his dual Masters degree in hopes that this experience will not only for CBS television stations, and Emmet Information systems and Business help to build bridges between cultures, is an attorney with Heidell, Pittoni, administration at John Hopkins in but to also better herself as a future edu- Murphy & Bach, LLP. After a honey- May. cator. moon in Bali, the couple will reside on On June 20, you can see Thomas the Upper East Side of Manhattan, NY. speak on malware analysis (http:// 2004 Annunciation alumni in the wedding www.brighttalk.com/r/Rk5). Thomas party included Mara O’Toole ‘99, will be broadcasting remotely from Dan Fiorito was Caitlin Duffy ‘97, Kara Duffy Mylod Singapore that day! named Manhattan- ‘97, Maggie Leyden ‘98, Patrick ville College’s co- O’Toole ‘01 and Conor O’Toole ‘07. 1995 male athlete of the year for his perform- Nancy Battaglia ‘74 married Don Chris Weigand participated in his ance as a shortstop Frankmano on March 5, 2012. They third Police Unity Tour. The bicycle for the Valiant’s live in Chester Heights, NY with their trip which begins at the World Trade baseball team. Dan four dogs, Emily, Snowy, Alex and An- Center site and ends in Washington was also named gel. Nancy is lead technician for desk- D.C. takes four days and covers ap- Player of the Year by side support services for American Ex- proximately 300 miles. the Freedom Confer- press. She works in the World Finan- Chris is riding in this year’s tour in ence in addition to earning all- cial Center in Manhattan. memory of Police Officer Anthony conference first team and All-American Sanchez, who was killed in the line of honors. June 2012 Page 27

Mike Casella Retires as Athletic Director

Mike Casella, Annunciation’s Athletic Director for seven son, Jack, for three years. When not juggling CYO sched- years, received a surprise “retirement” party that was attended ules, Mike is the Director of Merchandise Services for the by over 100 people at Stephen’s Green, an Irish restaurant Wildlife Conservation Society, also known as The Bronx and pub located at the site of the former Cretwood Market, in Zoo. Mike is also the Chairman of the Fr. David Casella Tuckahoe at the Crestwood Station. Memorial Scholarship, which helps boys and girls in the Mike, who is father to three children, Matthew ‘07, Kath- Bronx afford Catholic high school. In the fall, Mike will leen ‘09 and Jack ‘12, all of whom played multiple CYO join the varsity football coaching staff at Fordham Prepara- sports, took over the reins of Annunciation’s CYO program tory School where Jack is a student and Matt an alumnus. when he replaced Mike and Mike will be replaced by a committee of five individuals. Sue Boulhosa as athletic di- “We have been working in the committee format for the rector in the Fall of 2005. last two years, and it has worked out really well. I am leav- Reflecting on his years in ing the school’s sports program in very capable hands.” the position, Mike said that The school community wanted to thank Mike for his the best thing was working service, so they threw a surprise retirement party for him with all of the volunteer on Friday, April 27, 2012. At the event, they informed coaches and the hardest thing Mike that a new annual award will be given at Knight’s was addressing parent con- Night (Annunciation’s annual sports dinner). The new cerns when tough decisions award will be in Mike’s name and will honor the parent vol- had to be made. unteer of the year. Fittingly, this award plaque will hang in “The thing I am proudest the gym’s kitchen, where many parent volunteers labor for of is that the athletic program hours to support the snack program that runs during bas- at the school has expanded so ketball season. much in those seven years. “The most amazing thing about Annunciation is the Mike Casella We’ve introduced volleyball at sense of community. Every year when our teams make the both the JV and varsity levels, CYO playoffs that are held at Iona Preparatory School’s and our basketball program has increased from fifteen teams gym or the CYO Archdiocesan championships that are to twenty-two teams. Almost half the student body, 240 stu- held at Dunwoodie, the entire neighborhood comes out to dents, are involved in one CYO sport or the other.” support each team. I am always awed by the level of sup- In addition to being athletic director, Mike was also a port that our student athletes receive from our commu- baseball coach for his son, Matt, for four years and for his nity.” High School Athletes Head to College

Four Annunciation alumni who have just recently gradu- 2012). In addition to being the captain of the basketball ated from high school will be heading to college where they team, Arianna was named to All League, All County and All will continue to play the sports that have brought them suc- State teams. She plans to major in criminal justice. cess during the last four years.

Vincent DeMaria ‘08, the son of Arianna Apostolopoulos, An- Tina Innamorato Zagrobelny ‘79, nunciation ‘08 and Ursuline ‘12, played shortstop for Iona Prep’s and daughter of Lisa Innamorato baseball team and will be heading to Apostolopoulos ‘76, will be Iona College in New Rochelle, NY, heading to Kutztown University where he will continue his baseball in Kutztown, PA, where she will career. Vincent was a three year let- play basketball. Arianna has terman and captain of the baseball been a talented point guard on team for two years. He helped lead the Ursuline team for four years the team to 2011 and 2012 CHSAA (see The Annunciator, February Continued on page 28 Arianna Apostolopoulos Vincent DeMaria Page 28 The Annunciator College Athletes Pole Vaulting Siblings Continued from page 27 Continued from page 15 Bronx Westchester Division Championship and was named to County Championships where Kiera was competing. I the 2012 CHSAA All-Star team as well as the All League and was able to help coach her to jump higher, score in the All Bronx Westchester teams. In addition, Vincent played bas- meet and take 2nd place.” ketball for Iona Prep for three years. He plans on majoring in Kiera acknowledges that she probably would never psychology. have started pole vaulting if not for her older brother. “Attending his practices and meets really opened my eyes Brian Sussingham ‘08 has com- up to what an individually based, intense sport it was, mitted to play football for Endicott which intrigued me into trying it. Knowing my brother College, in Beverly, MA. He has would be there to help me, I wasn’t afraid to give it a try played football since he was five and see if I liked it.” years old, first with the Eastchester Like Vince, Kiera is considering pursuing pole vaulting Blue Devils and then at Fordham in college. The Fellegara’s live in Yonkers, NY with their Preparatory School, where he parents, Kathy and Rich. played tight end and wide receiver on offense and defensive-end, outside linebacker and strong-safety on defense. As a freshman, Brian Brian Sussingham was named Defensive Player of the Annunciation Continues CYO Year and as a sophomore he was named Outstanding Back. As a junior, Brian helped his team to an undefeated regular Success season in the AAA Conference. In senior year, Brian served as captain and helped his team become AA Conference Champi- Annunciation School continues to be a leader in CYO ons in the CHSFL. While at Fordham, Brian also played bas- programs. Recently 8th grader Paige Clark won the 800 ketball and rugby and was captain of the varsity rugby team. meter CYO Championships with a time of 2:31. She also He plans to be a business major. brought home the gold medal in the long jump at a distance of 14’ 11 3/4”. Eighth Grader Conor Lundy won Danny Lee ‘08, son of Paul Lee ‘77, will be attending Ford- the boys’ 800 meter race with a time of 2:19:07. Both ham University where he will be a high jumper on the track Conor and Paige, who also won the CYO Schoolboys and and field team. Danny discovered that he had a talent for run- Schoolgirls race in Cross Country this past fall, have quali- ning at things and jumping over them fied for the AAU finals, which will be held in Florida in backwards during the Freshmen June. In addition to their success, 7th grader Keira Tobia Field Day at Fordham Prep. Though brought home a silver medal in the 400 meter race, 6th he participated as a runner during the grader William Maghak, son of Joe Maghak ‘79, silvered in indoor and spring seasons all four the 400 meter and 7th grader Nicole Longo placed 5th in years at Fordham it quickly became the 100 meter. evident that high jump would be his The Cheerleading Biddies (2nd and 3rd grade) won the specialty. Danny performed his per- County and Archdiocesan Cheerleading Championship, sonal best when he won the New while the Debs (6th, 7th and 8th grades) won the County York City Mayor’s Cup at the Ar- championship. mory this past January with a height In basketball, the 6th Grade boys won the County and of 6 feet 3 inches. In addition to Archdiocesan Championships as well as the WCAA Junior track, Danny played soccer for his Varsity title. Both the 3rd grade boys and the 3rd grade Daniel Lee freshman and sophomore years at girls teams won the County Championship. Fordham. Danny will be attending Volleyball season is underway with teams competing at the university’s Gabellli School of Business. both the varsity and JV levels. Baseball is also in season. Annunciation fields two teams at the JV level with teams at both the 5th and 6th grades and two teams at the varsity level (7th and 8th grades). Annunciation has two teams competing in the varsity level, comprised of 6th through 8th grade girls.