Alumni News Spring 2003 – Volume 42, Issue 1

We exist to unite and grow our alumni family; champion the dream and values of Father Flanagan through leadership Easter Joys At The Home

(Described by Edward King) April, 1921 After supper we had a moving picture show in the school room and we did appreciate it very much, you may rest "Happy Easter to you, Father," "Blessed Easter to you, assured. It was real comical. Sisters," "Joyful Easter to you, boys." Such were the gleeful When saying our night prayers, we added "extra" petitions exclamations at the sacred Easter time. for those who made us so happy at Easter. That of course Joy and happiness was our portion on that day and I want included the Mothers’ Guild and the highly esteemed to thank everyone who in any way contributed towards mak- Daughters of Isabella from David City, Neb., and from ing Easter a "Red Letter Day" for the boys. Earling, Iowa; they surprised us with eggs. It was our first effort to sing at High Mass, and we feel sure May God bless and reward them all! that our endeavors were appreciated. Holy Communion of the Catholic boys and prayers for all our benefactors made a special impression on us that morn- ing, and festivity was evident at every place. Breakfast was exceptionally good and in accordance with our taste. A big rabbit was on every table and Easter eggs around it; funny-looking dough figures were a source of gen- eral enjoyment, as there was such a variety of them. We wondered that the good Sisters took so much pains to prepare it so nicely for us. But they are just like Father Flanagan when it comes to giving joy to the boys. Nothing is hard for them and they are always ready for the greatest sacrifices. After breakfast we had egg-hunting. Our dear Father Flanagan was with us, and what joy we had in looking for the Easter eggs hidden all over the playground in the bushes, on the trees, etc., could not be depicted by a boy of twelve. Father Flanagan was just like one of us, and oh! We were so glad, so happy, so grateful for it all! Dinner was splendid. It was more like a regular "banquet" and the finishing course "cakes and ice-cream" was the best of it all. After this feasting, Father called on some boys who sang and recited and we even had some boxing and various games. Benediction followed and visitors came, as Easter Sunday happened to be the "fourth Sunday of the month", our regular visiting day. A youth from the 1980s helps out with the sheep on the farm.

See Page 3 for Convention Information! From the Executive Director Goodness And Truth Will Prevail Dear Alumni, kids have been here a while they dis- thanks to each and every one of you cover this is a real home to for being true sons and daughters of A graduate of the them…their anger subsides…they Father Flanagan. I promise you I will class of 1980, James Duffy, a cousin of find peace…and fun and happiness, do everything I can, as those who mine, has recently announced a law- too. They leave and look with great have labored here before us did, to suit against our beloved Girls and fondness upon the Home. So the vast keep the Village of Boys Town as a Boys Town. He recently remembered majorities of alums are grateful for shining beacon of light for help for and has alleged that two staff who left what the Home did and feel good today’s and tomorrow’s children of more than 20 years ago abused him about having been here. America whom life has failed, not at and because of this he is suing us. But there are a very, very small the end, not at the middle, but at the I want each and every one of you to number of kids that come here and very beginning. know that if it really did happen, I not only come with a great anger, but I hope each one of you has a won- want the people who did the abuse they keep the anger all the time they derful Lenten season. It is a good time thrown in jail and the key thrown are here. They nourish it, they foster to humble ourselves before the Lord, away. If this turns out to be a shake- it, and when they leave through grad- to ask for His mercy, to open our down then our collective anger will be uation or however, they take with hearts to His love and forgiveness. a righteous anger. No one has the them that enormous anger against the Thanks for caring and sharing. Have right to harm the reputation of every adult world that is still in their heart. a great Lent and a great Easter. Please Girls and Boys Town girl and boy or And that adult world includes Girls say a special prayer for the good work damage Father Flanagan’s dream. and Boys Town. of Father Flanagan that continues You all know how safe we try to If Father Flanagan’s dream had even today and pray also for James make Girls and Boys Town and how withered and died when he suffered Duffy. For even though he is on a dif- we will do whatever we can to prevent his fatal heart attack in Berlin, ferent path than we are, he still abuse. But if it happens, we want the Germany, in May of 1948, think of all remains one of us. person prosecuted and to go to jail. the thousands of kids who would not God bless you now and always. You all know that. It’s very important. have found healing and hope. Think So, to repeat: If we find out that abuse of all the dreams that have come true Sincerely yours, occurred, we want the abuser sent to because Father Flanagan’s faith, hope jail. and love are still alive and well. Here’s the way I see things and I Think of all the goodness that has would surely like feedback about it. been poured out upon countless boys Almost everyone who comes here and girls over countless years by comes out of sadness and with lots of countless staff. anger. Not all but most. Tragedy may That’s got to count for something have happened in your life and the in the Lord’s eyes, I truly believe. Yes, Father Val J. Peter, JCD, STD anger was likely very strong. After it’s got to count for an awful lot. So Executive Director

The Girls and Boys Town Alumni Editor Newsletter Kelly Nieman is published and printed by Graphic Designer ALUMNI Eli Hernandez Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home 14100 Crawford St. Contributing Writer CONVENTION Jaime Ellithorpe Boys Town, NE 68010 Alumni Advisors JULY 24-27 www.girlsandboystown.org John Mollison ’64 E-mail: [email protected] Stan Struble ’68 See Alumni Director’s Phone: 1-800-345-0458 or Edwin Novotny ’43 Jerri Novotny Column for Details! (402) 498-1150 Fax: (402) 498-1159 George Buckler ’64

2 Helping Children Alumni Director A World Away Dear Alumni: Girls and Boys Town Continues It’s spring. The trees are budding and leafing-out. The campus is so Fr. Flanagan’s Work in Capetown much prettier now that Fr. Peter has In a country, where 50 percent of people live below pover- planted 1,000 trees throughout cam- ty, where nearly 20 percent of adults have HIV or AIDS, and pus during his tenure. The best of 2003 where 30 percent of its people are unemployed, Girls and is yet to come—our biennial Convention, July 24-27, here at the Home. If you’re still undecided about return- Boys Town has followed in Father Flanagan’s footsteps to ing, read this itinerary of events: help South African children in need. After completing eight years of training, Boys Town of South Africa located in 1. Our WWII generation classes of ’42, ’43, and ’44 Capetown, recently became certified in the Girls and Boys are holding their 60th. This may be the last time home Town Residential Services program. for some of these guys. All of them knew Fr. Flanagan. 2. Our senior citizens from 1952-53 will hold their The relationship between the two organizations began 50th Golden Anniversary Reunion. Only those attend- long ago. "Father Flanagan inspired the beginning of South ing the convention will take home a special 50th Africa’s Boys Town," says Father Peter. The late Bishop Anniversary book. Reginald Orsmond started Boys Town in South Africa in 3. A Silver Anniversary celebration will be held for the classes of 1977-78. Yes … it’s been 25 years, guys. 1958 based on Father Flanagan’s principles of self-govern- You, too, are starting to age a little. Time to come Home ment, education, spiritual development, equality and chil- and see your fellow classmates. dren’s rights to happiness and prosperity. The organization 4. If you missed the unveiling of our life-size Fr. has no direct affiliation with Girls and Boys Town except in Flanagan statue last October, you can attend the statue’s its mission and commitment to help children. "blessing" ceremony. See for yourself how great the stat- ue looks in front of Fr. Flanagan’s home near the Rose Girls and Boys Town has always had an international Garden. presence stemming from the efforts of Father Flanagan. 5. If you purchased an engraved paving brick to During his tours of Europe and Asia for President Truman, establish your legacy and enhance the landscaping Father Flanagan pushed others to recognize the importance around the statue, come and see it! of helping children. His work inspired the start of 89 Boys You will soon receive a separate convention mailing Towns all over the world. with information and forms needed to register for the convention and select a hotel. Registration forms and information will also be available online at www.girlsandboystown.org. Click on “about us” at the top. Then click on “alumni” at the right. We have secured quality rooms at very reasonable prices; howev- er, you must reserve your hotel room 30 days in advance or our hold on the rooms may disappear. July weekends are very busy in Omaha and hotels fill up fast. Don’t pro- crastinate! We are looking for leadership in the classes of ’77 and ’78 to help contact and encourage your classmates to return for their 25th Anniversary. Please contact me at 800-345-0458 or [email protected] if you can help.

All best,

Above, the Boys Town boys eat as a family in their Capetown home. Currently, under the direction of one of its first boys, Joe Araujo, Boys Town of South Africa provides care to as many as 300 boys on any given day through four res- Stan Struble, ‘68 idential family homes and three youth development centers. The organization Alumni Director also offers parent training, education training, a National Hotline, an inde- pendent living program. It is currently working towards providing Family Preservation services as well as opening a home for girls. 3 Comradery Is Most Important

Gary Neely graduated from Boys Town 34 years ago, but he says he will never forget the lessons he learned, not only from the program, but also from his experience as a lifeguard and member of the swim team.

In all four years of high school, Gary swam the 50 and 100-meter freestyle, freestyle medley and the 200-meter relay.

Gary remembers the many hours the team spent practicing for each meet. After school each member practiced between two and a half to three hours, five days a week and were also encouraged to swim on weekends, he said.

"We weren’t that great, but we had fun. I remember the year we took six boys to state and placed 10th in all the relay events. It was exciting because no one had ever done that before."

"Swim team taught me to be a team player. You have to be in a team to win and be able to get along with peers. I learned that competition is important, but not the most important. Comradery is the most important."

Aside from the swim team, Gary was also a lifeguard for the pool and spent two summers as head lifeguard at Lake Okoboji.

After graduation, Gary was drafted into the army and fought in Vietnam. As a disabled veteran, he has worked for Boys Town lifeguards 1967. Front row, left to right: T. Roth; M. Klein; R. Ford Motor Company for 34 years as an inspector in four Sackett. Back row: G. Hill; S. Postert; D. Bagley; G. Neely. parts divisions. He currently lives in Indiana with his wife, Joyce, and 16-year-old daughter, Carrie. Palrang Pool Renovated When the 60-year old, 183,600-gallon Palrang swim- ming pool started coming apart at the seams last year, the Home’s maintenance staff searched for the best defense. After much research, they glued 1/8-inch thick liner strips made of PVC materials to the original pool surface. The seams were melted to form a new membrane lining.

"Built in the 1940s, the 3,000 square foot pool’s copper expansion joints finally wore out," said Robert Hayes, director of physical resources. "The cost savings from the new membrane liner allowed Girls and Boys Town to replace other important accessories." Those improvements included: new water pumps, filtering systems, water lines, The pool reopened on July 7, 2002 for Girls and Boys Town drain lines, ladders and pool deck. The maintenance staff children and employees. It also remains a great place for replaced the whole ceiling themselves and implemented a Omaha area school competitive events. Everyone will enjoy new chlorination system. the much-needed renovations for many years to come. 4 Bucher Receives Freedom Award Commander Lloyd M. (Pete) Bucher, class of 1947, received the "Edward J. Bronars Defender of Freedom" award on December 6th, 2002.

Oliver L. North, founder and honorary chairman of "Freedom Alliance", created the award. North’s founda- tion strives to educate the general public about govern- ment affairs and acts as a liaison between citizens and America’s troops.

The award Bucher received demonstrates his " faith, courage and fidelity in the face of adversity." Bucher was recognized for his outstanding courage when units of the North Korean navy captured his U.S. navel ship, USS Pueblo, on January 23, 1968. Bucher and his crew were imprisoned for 11 months until being released on December 23, 1968.

He is a true hero to Girls and Boys Town and all of America. The BTNAA extends our deepest congratula- tions to brother Bucher. Lloyd Bucher, December 1967 Inset Picture: Bucher was inducted into the BTNAA Hall of Fame at the 2001 Alumni Convention.

Troop 49

When Joe Wherry, ’66, and his late wife Marcia became Family-Teachers in 1976, he had discovered that the two Boys Town Boy Scout Troops from the 60s had folded. In 1977, Joe re- opened Troop 49 with just five boys, ages 11 to 15. He fulfilled the role of Scout Master. Joe Ortega, Jr., acted as Assistant Scout Master. "Twenty-five years ago this summer, the troop went to summer camp and earned 17 merit badges (required for an Eagle Scout) in one week with no scouting experience," said Wherry.

Wherry has served with dedication in the Scouts for 38 years often playing multiple roles. Of those years, he served 32 as Volunteer Leader, 25 as Commissioner and 10 as Assistant Commissioner In 1977, Joe Wherry, ’66, re-opened the Boys Town Boy Scout Troop 49. Pictured in the back row for Retention. He still remains involved today as are three international commissioners from Canada, Australia and Germany, a BT boy scout (mid- dle), and Wherry (far right). Pictured in the front are four scouts. If you can identify these boys new Cub Master for Cub Pack 650 at St. Patrick’s or commissioners, please contact the Alumni Office at 800-345-0458, 402-498-1150 or Catholic Church in Elkhorn, Neb. [email protected]

5 BTNAA President No matter when, no matter where, Alumni share one thing... FATHER FLANAGAN’S DREAM Meeting Our A new program has been initiated for alumni to collective- ly purchase statues by their class, region or chapter. Just Obligations send in a donation to the Statue Fund. Statues purchased in this manner will be gifted to one of each of Girls and Boys Town’s satellite homes throughout the U.S. The stat- ue will be presented by and in the name of the class, region Father Flanagan was and continues to be a world-class gift to humanity. He certainly or chapter making the gift. Individual purchases are still made a difference in each and every one of our available. lives. Every youth served by Girls and Boys Town over the past 85 years has directly ben- Read the BTNAA President’s column (at left) for more efited from Father Flanagan’s sacrifices, hopes information. To make a donation, contact the Alumni and dreams. It does not matter your race, Office. creed or color to recognize this absolute fact. OW: BTNAA He and each of his successors wanted us to ’S H P. O . Box 2 simply go into the world to hold our own by RE Boys Town, NE 68010 E Toll-free phone: 1-800-345-0458 being good, honest and productive citizens. H ! Phone: 402-498-1150 By that measure the vast majority of our alum- ACT NOW Email: [email protected] ni are tremendous success stories no matter Web: http://www.girlsandboystown.org/aboutus/alumni/index.asp your vocation and income. The Father Flanagan statue project is a profound way for all of us who received his gift to say thank you to him and to the Home. Chapter News Through our success, we act as witnesses to the world for his accomplishments. The sale California of exact, miniature bronze replicas of this On November 15, alumni from and several former employees and work of art is the sole means to pay for the Nevada and California gathered in friends of the Home attended. Just statue project. Boulder City, Nevada to be part of In Thyme, a food service belonging We are taking a new tact in the sale of the the annual Thanksgiving dinner to alumnae Ann Daugherty-Mize, remaining statues to ensure we pay our bills. for the Girls and Boys Town site ’89, and her husband, catered the This approach, explained below, will help event. Fr. Peter was in attendance, extend Father Flanagan’s presence throughout located in Las Vegas. This was the the U.S. 10th time that brother Elmer as was alumnus Andy Olivo, ’66, We respectfully ask that you send in a Marshall, ’51, hosted this gathering from Dallas, Texas. Olivo is the donation toward the statue fund. Your dona- of Girls and Boys Town kids and alumni’s newly appointed represen- tion will go toward the purchase of a minia- alumni. More than 100 people tative on the Girls and Boys Town ture statue for each satellite Home. The stat- attended the event and all had a Board of Trustees. ue will be presented to the site in the name of good time. The children received The Omaha Chapter will hold your class, region or chapter. Individual pur- presents and were treated to an elections in May, the same month chases remain available. We want to ensure additional surprise drawing of ten, of their annual Senior Potluck that each youth receiving the help, hope and $10 gift certificates. They were all Dinner given for all the graduating healing of Girls and Boys Town understands seniors at the Village of Boys that they, too, are blessed by Father Flanagan’s very grateful saying many "thank dream. yous" throughout the evening. Town. This year’s potluck dinner is scheduled for May 4. See you at the convention this summer! Omaha The Omaha Chapter held their Kansas City Your Brother, annual Christmas party on Kansas City Chapter President, December 7, at the Washington Joe Ortiz, ’69, reports that they will Heights Apartments Club House. meet in February to plan their Steve Wolf ’80 Long time employee and friend of annual Summer Family Picnic. For President alumni, Pierre Bossant, rented the the past two years, the picnic has building for the Omaha Chapter. been held at the home of John More than 40 alumni with families Abare, ’81. 6 Where Are They Now? James Lloyd Hall, ’41 Mark Hall, son of alumnus James Lloyd Hall, ’41, was fea- tured this winter on Nebraska Public Television for an essay he wrote about his father’s journey to Girls and Boys Town. As a child, Mark remembers seeing an old metal box with a sticker on the lid hidden in one of his father’s drawers. When Mark was 15, his father asked him for understanding as he revealed the haunting memory hidden in the little box. James told Mark that when he was a teen in 1939, he had an argument with another man and shot him. James’s mother had seen the movie "Boys Town" and fought for her son to be Pictured: Boys Town class of 1941. James Hall is the third boy from the right sent there instead of the electric chair. Mark said newspapers in the back row, wearing a black coat and tie with a white shirt. as far as Chicago reported the story and Father Flanagan decid- Mark sat there and recounted the story his father had just ed to help the desperate family. revealed to him, he decided he could do nothing but forgive When Father Flanagan brought James to Boys Town, he was him. "Forty years later I can still see regret in my father’s so lonely he ran away, only to be rearrested. James’s mother eyes. It is both remembrance and torment for him." came to Omaha and to Father Flanagan begging again for his After James’s experience at Girls and Boys Town, he life. Boys Town took him back and in 1941 he graduated high joined the Marine Corps. and fought in the Pacific during school. Mark says that Father Flanagan never let his father for- World War II. Later he graduated from South Dakota State get that he had been spared from death twice. University and worked as a printer in Sioux Falls until he "My father had never smiled more as he received his diplo- retired in 1996. James passed away five years ago and is sur- ma along with Father Flanagan’s approval," said Mark. As vived by one daughter, two sons and his wife.

Christian Creed, ’90, and his wife Ismael Torres, ’99, graduated from Keri live in St. Louis, Mo., with their 4- the University of Nebraska-Kearney in year-old daughter, Olivia. Their second December of 2002 with a B.A. in In Loving Memory child is due in June. Chris was recently Communications. He is married to promoted to Marketing Director for Andrea, whom he met through the William "Billie Joe" Heslin, *D’58, Gannon Management Co., which Kearney campus ministry program. died January 4, 2003, in Arkansas administers apartment communities in Tim Cederdahl, ’94, graduated from City, Kan. Tampa and St. Louis. the University of Nebraska-Omaha in Audie Desbrow (Darrel McAllister), December of 2002 with a B.S. in Rudy Papalini, ’47, died June 15, 2002, in Santa Clarita, Calif. ’81, uses Ohio as his base of operations Information Management Systems. when not in his Beverly Hills or Florida Lisa Hans Avila, ’84, graduated from Chris Paczesny, ’98, died December homes. Audie left Boys Town in 1981 and the University of Nebraska-Lincoln in 23, 2002, in Battle Creek, Mich. later became a drummer in the famous 80s December with a B.S. in Chemistry. rock band Great White. As a stand-in, Tom Burnes, ’50, former Boys Town Michael Goad, ’67, died December Audie has played with notable entertainers Alumni Director, recently relocated 15, 2002, in St. Louis, Mo. such as Tina Turner, Taylor Dayne, and back to Omaha from Greeley, Colo. Meat Loaf. Most recently he was playing John Browers, ‘67, was recently Joe Kacerik, former Girls and Boys drums for hard rock band Warrant. Audie is hired by the newly created federal Town Asst. Family-Teacher, died semi-retired, but likes to stay involved in the agency, Homeland Security. John January 8, 2003, in Omaha, Neb. music business. He volunteers in charitable is in charge of Traffic Security Larry Fesler, *D ’37, died on January projects, owns a recording studio and limou- Administration at the airport in North 10, 2003, in Sacramento, Calif. sine business, and recently purchased the Platte, Neb. world famous Flying Machine Concert Club Andrew Vaughn, ’57, of Clinton, Glen Elliott, ’57, died January 18, in Lorraine, Ohio. Maryland, has been in the hospital for 2003, in Newark, Calif. Frank Culp, ’55, lives in Newton over two months. Please remember him Falls, Ohio. Frank lost his wife two years in your prayers. * "D" is year departed prior to graduation ago. He has been declared legally blind, Art Ludwig, ’52, of Ladson, SC, had from Boys Town High School. and now lives by himself with his dog quadruple by-pass surgery in December. "Frankie." He is now at home recuperating. 7 Non-Profit Org. U.S. Postage PAID Boys Town, Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home Nebraska Boys Town, NE 68010 PERMIT NO. 1

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The Original Father Flanagan’s Boys’ Home

How have chicks and rabbits taken over A holiday of mystical rebirth? Perhaps the Lord has let them make it over, Pleased with all the gentlefolk of Earth. Youngsters needn’t dream of agony: Easter, for children, must wear more festive clothes; And so the soft, defenseless babes they see Symbolize Christ’s love when He arose. The Spring was always time for holidays. Easter fun for tots no truth betrays: Redemption is approached in many ways.

- Girls and Boys Town youth poem

Above from left to right: Charles Powell, Jr. ’51, Bob Kasser, D ’50, and Art Baisley, ’51 sing at Easter Mass.