Updated April 14, 2021
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Journalette by Joy
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WISHING YOU ALL GOOD HEALTH!
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From Gene Sweeney
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"Got together for dinner while John and Maureen were escaping from the Big Apple" --
Gene Sweeney
Vince Barra
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Our Yogi is one cool dude...congratulations on your spread in the Autumn Years Magazine! Go directly to the article: https://www.omagdigital.com/publication/?m=32491&i=698871&p=32 Click on the photos to enlarge.
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Drive-Thru Vaccination
Contribution by Joy
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The following was sent to Eileen Femenia by Joy. One of your reunion organizers was featured in the TWA Museum newsletter of March 2021. Enjoy!
http://www.twamuseum.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/02/TWA-Museum-Newsletter-March-2021.pdf |
Christmas Greetings
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Apologies for these late updates of Christmas greetings from John Wilson and Father Huvane.
Father Huvane sent us an E-card! View it by clicking on the image.
A Christmas letter from John Wilson:
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A Surprise for Jim McNamara!
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Awhile back, Jim and Connie's daughter Carolyn, sent me the following photos and text, asking me to put it online sometime in December, as a surprise for Jim and Connie.
Jim ('64) and Connie McNamara will celebrate their 50th wedding anniversary on December 26,2020. See pictures attached from their wedding day and then a picture taken this October (albeit at a social distance) of them with their two adult children and families. Pictured on the left: Jamie McNamara (SUNY Maritime, '94) with his wife Karen, and children Kate (17) and Michael (14) and dog Julie. On the right, daughter Carolyn McNamara Barry with husband, Dan Barry, and two boys Kevin (15) and Ryan (11). (Click on photos to enlarge) 
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Guess who the little boy was?
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The kid sitting on Santa's lap happens to be one of our own classmates. This was in all the newspapers of New York at the time. It was also one of the few times that the Thanksgiving Parade was cancelled.
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Hey, if you guessed Bob Carty, you are correct!
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Guess who? Courtesy of Joy
Playing softball with seniors in Florida...Who is it?
Congrats, Joy!
 Congratulations, Joy! (Click to enlarge)
Hi all,
I just wanted to let you guys know that Joy has been chosen to be inducted into the USA Softball, CT Hall of Fame in October. She got word from the Chief Umpire in the area, Steve Kolitz, on Saturday evening. It is a special honor. I know many of you have been a part of Joy's softball life, as well as those of you that are family and friends, and thought you might like to know. She was very surprised and actually speechless, if you can believe that?!, but now very happy for the honor! We are all thrilled for her and proud too. Best regards to all, Rick |
A Joke from Joy
RoadTrip.. While on a road trip, an elderly couple stopped at a roadside restaurant for lunch. After finishing their meal, they left the restaurant, and resumed the trip. She had left her glasses on the table, and didn't miss them until they had been driving for about forty minutes. They had to travel quite a distance before they could find a place to turn around, in order to return to the restaurant to retrieve her glasses. All the way back, the elderly husband became the classic grumpy old man. He fussed and complained and scolded his wife relentlessly during the entire return drive.The more he chided her, the more agitated he became. He just wouldn't let up for a single minute.To her relief, they finally arrived at the restaurant. As the woman got out of the car, and hurried inside to retrieve her glasses, the old geezer yelled out to her, "While you're in there, you might as well get my hat and the credit card". 
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A Bunch From Mary O'Neill
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From Joy Kisling |
Our second great-granddaughter, Hannah Marie, born July 24. We haven't seen her yet due to virus so we are treasuring the pictures!! I don't FEEL like a GREAT grandparent!!.......most days that is!!! Best to all for good health. Joy |
Two Videos... from Jim Levey
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From the Lost & Found Department
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FOUND: PHIL LUND!
Dear Classmates, Phil was among the missing for awhile. But we found him and I spoke with him last night. He is locked down in an assistant living facility, Hilton Head, SC. Phil is doing OK but has some physical issues. He fell in the shower and broke a few ribs and spent some time in a hospital. He now uses a walker and gets around OK. His spirits are good and was happy to hear from me. I gave him all your best regards and he told me that he was sorry he could not make the last reunion and he sends his best to all of us. Phil's address: The Cypress 111 Bird Song Way, Unit E-212 Hilton Head Island, SC 29926 email: fliplund@hotmail.com Be safe, ED |
Happy Independence Day!
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Hello Classmates!
This page is for stories or "happenings" from all of you for our "2019 Journalette by Joy" page. And.....If you are into something fun for your retirement years, have NEW contact information, new family members, a special event, a good story, a difficult period you have experienced or any updates that you would be willing to share with your classmates, even a family picture, email them to me so I can check you off!!! I will then get them to our web genius, Mary, for posting. The sooner the better!!! In the meantime, you MUST explore this website because Mary is always updating it and it is AWESOME. She is always looking for more memory type stuff from the "old days" for her "Just for Fun" section. She really makes it a fun experience. Joy |
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From Rick Kisling via Ed Ryznar
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Dear Classmates, Received the following from Rick. I'm sure this affects all of one way or another. You may wish to check with your financial advisors. Hope you all have a healthy and safe 4th of July weekend. ED
Ed, Hope all is well with you and Jane. Here is something from the IRS 6/23/20 which effects most of our troops. There were new guidelines added by the IRS to the RMD rules which just came out on June 23, 2020. Anyone taking RMD's from their retirement accounts are now eligible for more that one rollover this year, which means that a person can now do a rollover of any RMD that they took in January, 2020, in addition to later in the year. The rollovers must be done by August 31, 2020. Keep the faith. Rick |
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From Steve Richter
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I was having medical problems a year ago and down in spirits when a friend told me about Clint Eastwood responding to a question shortly after turning 80.
When Clint talked about a movie he was making, his friend asked why, at age 80 he wasn’t retired and finished w making movies. He further asked how did Clint find the energy and stamina to keep making great movies? Clint replied with “Don’t let the old man in.” My friend also quoted lyrics from the song that had immediate impact on me. “How old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born!” To this day, anytime I am down, I begin humming the line “Don’t let the old man in.” It brings back focus and lifts me up. When I play Pickleball and race back for a lob, or charge a soft shot, I think of the other line that asks the question (How old would you be if you didn’t know the day you were born), and it takes 20 years off my mental state of mind. 
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From Gene Sweeney on June 9, 2020 |
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Where were you this day 56 years ago?? Yup, the Pentagon, getting sprung from the Fort. Enjoy what we have left!!
Gene |
From Grandpa Yogi
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Enjoying my grandson on his first birthday. He's all set for the cruise. Regards, Vince Barra |
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From Steve Richter |
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April 21, 2020
Hello Joy, et al., Just a SHOUT OUT thank you to Joy for her diligence in working hard to stay in touch with everyone. It was good to hear that Richard E. Is fine. As for Waz (Christian Sweeney), that is a concern. At our 50th Reunion, I enjoyed spending an hour with Waz reminiscing and bringing each other up to speed on the decades since we last were together. I was on active duty with the Air Force and had taken 30 days of leave to ship out as a relief mate and keep time on my license. I caught the Moore-McCormack Pride and we were in Philadelphia when I went ashore with the ship’s Chief Mate, and ran into Waz. We spent the evening checking out the cleanliness and OSHA compliance at several 4 star gentlemen’s clubs and social enhancement/enlightenment — would you believe lounges. We parted wishing each other well, but not realizing it would be 47 years till we would get together again. I was looking forward to seeing Waz again at our 55th. Please continue your efforts to reach out to Waz. I missed visiting with him in October. |
Contribution from Mary O.
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With all our worries about Coronavirus, I thought it my civic duty to share this ingenious method of staving off the Covid-19 virus. This gem comes courtesy of a resident Redneck from the south somewhere. As seniors, Jack and I take no chances.
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Basketball Game (Updated on 2/28/2020 by Joy) Scroll down...
Dear Classmates, Several Classmates have asked me if we are doing a Basketball Game at Maritime this season. Again, another great idea to get together. How does
Saturday,1 February 2020 at 1300 hrs at the Fort against Farmingdale??
Followed by a beer or two at the Vous... Let me know if you are interested and I will let the coach and the Admiral know that the Class of 1964 will be on Campus. Best to all and a Happy Holidays to all..... ED
Hi guys, So far we have the following Classmates going to the basketball game on Saturday February 1, 2020 at 1300 hrs at the Fort: Ryznar, Kisling, Ingram, Barra and McNamara. WIVES are WELCOMED...... Send me an email if you are planning to attend..... Best to all, ED
In case you have forgotten or reconsidering, a group of our Classmates will be attending the Maritime vs Kings Point Basketball game on Saturday February 22, 2020 at 1300 hrs. The game is at the Fort and several of our wives are also attending. After the game MAYBE a beer or two or three at the "VOUS". Hope you can join us.
"GO MARITIME BEAT KP" Best to ALL, ED
Hi all............(Ed promised me he would send this out to all our classmates),
Ed Ryznar organized a small gathering of classmates this past weekend at the Fort for the Maritime/Kings Point basketball game on Saturday. We enjoyed a GREAT game in which Maritime led most of the contest by a small margin. Both teams were very competitive and KP took home the glory, only in the very exciting last minutes of the game with a score of 85-80. We were all on the edges of our seats cheering as loud as the cadets that filled the gym!! Those that got together were Jim/Connie McNamara, Jane/Ed Ryznar, "Yogi" Barra, Al Paris and Joy/Rick Kisling.
After the game, all met at the "Vous" and continued to enjoy the experience of reconnecting. The reminiscing that happens when our classmates gather never ceases to delight me!!!
Now, as I tell you that it was Ed that organized this "happening", I must also tell you that he left us with the BEST LAUGH OF THE DAY!!!!! Our beautiful young waitress left the check at the table. After Ed collected the cash from all, he put his credit card in the folder for her to retrieve. After a few minutes she returned and said something quietly to him.........I have actually NEVER seen Ed look sheepish before but he did when he explained that he had put his HOTEL ROOM KEY in the folder instead of his credit card!!!!!!!!!!!!
We were all still laughing as we departed to our cars!!! It was a great day!!
Love to all,
Joy
We were all still laughing as we departed to our cars!!! It was a great day!!
Love to all,
Joy
Ed's misadventure with his hotel key...cough.....the Webmaster took some liberties with the story.
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Having taken liberties with the original story, your Webmaster stands corrected and will no longer perpetuate FAKE NEWS. This is what really happened....
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Ed and the Waitress
COMMENTS FROM MY SO-CALLED FRIENDS--Ed Ryzar
Ditto Joy’s remarks and can vouch for Ed turning a little red. Great day, good game and super company.-- Jim and Connie (McNamara)
Fox in the hen house! Once a seaman always a seaman-- George "BEAR" Koch
And you thought that was an accident? Nice try Ed! (Better luck next time 😜)--Eileen Femenia
Ed, Ed, this begs for a new image with the pretty waitress. Wait for it!
--Mary O'Neill
Slick move, Ed, you haven't lost your touch!--Bob Schwieger
I thought Ed was hitting on the young pretty waitress with his hotel key while sitting next to his wife Jane. I thought what a big set Ed has, but then again nothing has changed in 55 years!--Rick Kisling
Fox in the hen house! Once a seaman always a seaman-- George "BEAR" Koch
And you thought that was an accident? Nice try Ed! (Better luck next time 😜)--Eileen Femenia
Ed, Ed, this begs for a new image with the pretty waitress. Wait for it!
--Mary O'Neill
Slick move, Ed, you haven't lost your touch!--Bob Schwieger
I thought Ed was hitting on the young pretty waitress with his hotel key while sitting next to his wife Jane. I thought what a big set Ed has, but then again nothing has changed in 55 years!--Rick Kisling
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Ed Ryznar sent in this article written by Captain James McNamara for the Dec. 25, 2019 edition of Freightwaves.com. The photos are from that article.
"Maritime History Notes: Hazards of the sea"
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/maritime-history-notes-shipboard-cargo-concerns
"Maritime History Notes: Hazards of the sea"
https://www.freightwaves.com/news/maritime-history-notes-shipboard-cargo-concerns
Also from Ed......Ultimate Senior Moment
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From Joy Kisling |
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Dear friends and family, I hope you all had a wonderful Christmas, filled with laughter and love. Somehow, we managed to get everyone in our family together for Christmas Eve and despite a small glitch, we all had a wonderful time. (Pics below) The glitch I mention was that after a couple of years of back pain, off and on, it got bad enough consistently for me to finally have back surgery on 11/20. The last 6 weeks have not been predictable so Christmas Eve was a bit of a challenge but without further ado, I am doing “ok”. I will get therapy in January and hope then to be able to say “great”! Rick is doing well and has been a wonderful support through some rough days. We both keep ourselves quite busy. We continue to be involved with girls’ softball in our town, which we both agree….keeps us on the ball…no pun intended! We still have my Mom at 97, and she continues to live about 12 minutes from us in her apartment in a senior residential building. Though she lives alone, it does mean we have to monitor her health issues and other things. Again, I don’t know what I would do without Rick. All of our family members still live within 50 minutes of us and are busy like everyone is these days. All are well and happy doing the things they need to do. We tend to see them more on an individual basis than have family gatherings. Even our annual “family” ski weekends and Jersey Shore trip doesn’t get them all at the same time. We have four that have airline schedules to deal with, therefore, I cherish the memory of Christmas Eve to get them all together!! We both hope that you will have a wonderful and healthy New Year and that 2020 will bring you only happy days. With love from both of us, Joy |
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Seems as though I am following the Bear's footsteps as well as Pete Baci and probably a mess of other classmates!
I think of you guys quite often and I really appreciate the effort all of you have made towards keeping our class a solid unit to be proud of. Our son, Patrick, who did the chartering for Eagle Bulk decided shipping was not for him and he, Kasey and son Owen recently opened a craft beer and cheese place in Kinderhook, NY, "Saisonnier", so if ur ever heading from Bethel to Albany, stop in and say hello. |
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From Larry Kenny...continued
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Folks....my sincere appreciation for all you have done! I feel bad lurking in the back without assisting you and your mates!
Thanks for making the effort in mentioning Patrick's new venture. It's funny, but Patrick wasn't up for a life at sea so we went to Hobart and has a degree in history. So, after graduation what does he do...... goes to work for a Chinese outfit (global) as a ship's agent. He and his wife, Kasey, spent time in Beijing. At one point, he left Global and became an operations guy for Eagle Bulk and then did the chartering. Kasey is from New Paltz and they decided to leave the Orchard street on the LES and Boreum Hill, Brooklyn for the sticks. They are loving the rural life with son, Owen, and opening a cheese charcuterie place in Kinderhook, NY. Owen is the only 3 year old, I know who knows what a combine is! I am getting a big kick out of their location as all of a sudden, I am finding places where our classmates came from, Troy, Ghent,Hudson and the like. I always thought they made up those home towns 'cause, being from Hempstead, I never knew there was any place north of the TNB! I am proud to be a member of '64 and it was the best thing that ever happened to me other than marrying the lovely Monica Marie McLauhlin! Cheers, Larry |
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From Geroge Koch to Rick Kisling
 Get well soon, George!
Rick,
Yea I had my right knee replaced Dec10, all going well to date. Nothing left to replace now as both hips and the other knee have been done. Also now have nine vertebrae fused. I have some fun with TSA. Interesting enough Larry Kenny is having his knee done this Tue by the same doctor I will be starting out patient PT tomorrow. Trust all is well with you, Joy and the family. My very best regards to you all George (Koch) |
From Jose and Eileen Femenia
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We had a new granddaughter early December, a little touch and go as they had her on a respirator after birth (full term) but unable to breath on her own after being delivered.
Much of the time that followed is a blur. She appears to be fine now and our son John and wife Kristine settling in to new parenthood with baby Olivia Mae. Jose and I just finished our routine and five year check-ups ourselves (thankfully all OK) and my last PT for arm tomorrow. Never a dull moment. I’m so glad though to hear Steve and Jay are doing so well as well as our Joy hopefully recovering nicely too. Happy New Year team. Let’s make sure it’s a healthy one for all. Hugs, Eileen |
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Olivia Mae! She is our sixth grand child, 3 girls and 3 boys. We are overjoyed having these little ones in our life. Never thought they would be so much fun. Feeling blessed!
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Deb and I were delighted to see everyone at the reunion; our most sincere thanks to everyone who helped to make it happen. Here, I will remember our classmate Vinnie Tabbone, no longer with us. (I wrote a brief memorial to Vinnie about 06-06-17. This was shortly after his death on 23 May 2017. With the help of Ann and Larry Benincasa, his sister and brother-in-law, I have added some details here, especially concerning Vinnie's son John.)
Vinnie was born in Genoa -- that's Italy -- in 1941, and lived the latter portion of his life in Naples -- that's Florida. Why the move from Genoa to Naples? In what I wrote in '17, I mentioned that he and I did some interviewing in Naples on our First Class cruise. I was young and naïve, Vinnie somewhat less so. As roving reporters, we did street interviewing, and so spoke with the people who walk the streets. Some of you may recall that Naples was a leading center of casual jewelry, especially of the sort that expresses the vitality of the (male) spirit. To my lasting regret, I did not procure one of these classic items. I do not know whether Vinnie did, and have no access to his personal effects-- which may be just as well. How oddly lasting some memories are! After graduation, Vinnie was commissioned in the USCG, and sailed for the Coast and Geodetic Survey (later NOAA).. He married Natalie, who was Ann's Maid of Honor at their wedding; and whom I had the great pleasure of getting to know a bit. I don't have exact dates here, but Natalie and Vinnie were married for about twenty-five years, until her death at age 52. They had a son John, of whom more in a moment. Following his C&GS service, Vinnie sailed for Texaco, rising to Captaincy. He then married Mary Ann, who survives him, as do son John, daughter-in-law Sung Soon, and "beloved" grand-daughter Natalie. I wish that I had more personal information about Vinnie's life after Schuyler; if anyone does, please contribute. I had a delightful conversation with Ann and Larry just prior to the reunion, especially about John and his accomplishments. In an email, Ann noted that Vinnie loved opera, and had become an accomplished wood sculptor and model ship builder. Perhaps the Benincasas can send along some pictures of his ship-modeling work. And, I'm wondering whether one or two of them might be included in our fine Maritime Museum; are you listening, Jim Mac? Vinnie and Natalie's son John is a recent alumnus of the Cal Berkeley School of Information. He is a Data Engineer and has been a "Senior Software Engineer with Unix system administrative and networking experience." Writing this, I recall that each of us Meteo guys was required to write a computer program in order to graduate. No doubt sensing the emerging domination of the human mind by Info-machines (there was more than habitual procrastination involved), I resisted (very passively). So, as I remember, Vinnie wrote "my" program (or maybe he only "helped" me with it.) The Johannine apple evidently has not fallen far from the Vincentian tree. But here's the best news on John. He was the Technical Director and lead programmer of Star Trek: Klingon interactive episode ... and "was once conversant in Klingon." Well, it's a good thing that I didn't have much data on Vinnie, or this would never end. But it does indicate the (incomprehensible) depth of feeling all FS guys have for each other (as the reunion certainly showed). Somehow, we exist interdependently. Then, one paragraph on Wilsons. We were about to move to North Carolina, where daughter Marie, son-in-law Danny, and grand-daughters Jill and Madi live; but some health issues arose, and the move has been set back slightly. So, for a few more months, we remain in Paradise, where son Jesse (and friend Paige) reside nearby. Deb is finishing her very long tenure at the UH Federal Credit Union; and I am reviewing/rearranging the (finally completed) draft of The Authority of the Trinity. So, enough, for the moment. Thanks for reading, and please remember Vinnie, and all those no longer with us -- physically. |
From Ann Benincasa
What a cutie! Larry Benincasa back in the day.
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It is hard to believe it has been 5 yrs since we all got together. Sadly a few of our class have passed in this time. Last year I stepped down as Chairman of our Maritime Museum and will only serve as Historian. I am still working one day a week at NCB and continue on a few Maritime oriented boards and write a monthly article for American Shipper magazine. Last year I received an Honorary Doctorate degree from Maritime and was the graduation speaker. I spoke about the varied diverse careers our graduates receive and used you all as examples. My family were all present for this special occasion.
Connie and I are planning for our 50th wedding anniversary next year and it could be a cruise with our children and grandchildren. We still enjoy time at the Jersey shore. We look forward to seeing many of you in October. Till then, Jim McNamara |
"LIVE YOUR LIFE AND FORGET YOUR AGE".
"We haven’t aged at all in 30 years!!!!"---Vince Barra (Yogi)
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From Joy Kisling
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On our Delta flight to LA in June, Rick and I had the delightful honor of sitting with a soon-to-be second classman at Fort Schuyler. His name was Jordan Emery.
As this clean cut, very handsome young man put his bag in the overhead compartment, I glanced at the emblem on his navy blue polo shirt and thought I saw something familiar. After he got seated next to me, I leaned over and asked him what the emblem on his shirt was. He explained that it was from the N.Y. State Maritime College. I gave him a very knowing smile and from there our short flight to LA began!!! Jordan was on his way to Australia from Norfolk, VA with another classmate to pick up a ship as part of his summer cruise fulfillment (instead of on the training ship). His former ship had stayed mostly in port in Norfolk, so he was excited about this upcoming adventure. With his Mug year and cruise done, his third class year over, he was well on his way. Sitting between him and Rick, I felt like I was at a tennis match! Jordan brought us up to date and we brought him back in time! He told us stories of today’s FS and Rick gave him snippets of “back in the day”. I also told him about our “Cruise Endowment Fund” and he was so thrilled because he had been a recipient of some funding from it. He is the same age as our fourth grandson, Matthew, so we could relate with him so well. We had so much to talk about and he was so intelligent and well spoken. He was truly where he wanted to be at this moment in his life. Jordan had had a lot of recreational experience on the water so he felt at home on a ship. His dad had gone to Kings Point so he was pointed in that direction somewhat early in his life. As we landed in LA, we began our hugs and goodbyes, so cute…..he said “I feel like I have known you guys all my life!” We exchanged phone numbers and we wished him and his buddy the best of luck and proceeded on our separate ways with a promise to catch up at Homecoming. My heart was HUGE in my chest and I was once again in love with a Fort Schuyler cadet!!! UPDATE: Update to my story about Jordan Emery: I did text him to tell him I was thinking about him and hoped all was well. He is headed to Singapore and probably out of contact range at this point. However, due to the fact that he told me he was from Glastonbury, CT, I was able to locate and eventually speak with his father.....who was in Algeria when I reached him!! He was so happy I called to tell him about our experience with his son!! Being a graduate of Kings Point, he loved some of the stories I shared with him about the conversations we had with Jordan. He promised to text me when he next heard from him. I must have conveyed how much his son had crawled into my heart in such a short time!! I felt so great after that conversation. I feel like I have another grandson!! Joy 
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Vinnie Cox Updates
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First of all thank you for thinking of Vinny and keeping us up to date on his classmates activities and lives. At this point he isn’t much of a conversationalist, but I tell him all the stories from you all and I am sure deep in his heart some of them still resonate! Now for the Journalette….
Vinny lives in Forest Grove, Oregon in a small Adult Foster Home that provides for his Alzheimers care needs. He is widowed, with one son, a DIL, and 4 grandkids. HIs most prized possession is his black cat Ebony. A few years back, Vinny would weigh his black cat daily to make sure that it was not 13 pounds as having a black cat that weighed 13 pounds would certainly bring him bad luck. Now he has practically a black panther!! Sadly, Alzheimers continues to take ahold of VInny and at this point he is a man of few words. When asked how he is, he says “still kicking” or “old fart” so his sense of humor remains! Although he can’t be with you all in person, he is with you all in spirit and loves to hear how everyone is faring. --Carl Cox FROM BILL FLEMING TO VINNIE COX: Vinnie: I have fond memories of our cross-country practices on Fort's cinder track, and at the meets at Van Cortland Park farther north in the Bronx. Coach Matt Twomey gave a lot of encouragement for us runners. After 55 years, I can still sort of hear him calling things like: “ Hey Phil (Lund), shorten your stride going uphill ”. “ Vinny, longer strides downhill” “ Steve (Hewitt), Chris (Krussa) is closing in on you.” “ Great! , Steve (Tommony) just broke 32 Minutes.” “ Young Bill (Fleming), you need spikes for more speed." “ Young Vinny really poured it on in the last stragtht-away.” And after a Saturday morning meet, Pete (Finnerty) called... “ I’m going back to the Fort in TB’s convertible.” |
We cannot solve our problems with the same thinking we used when we created them. - Albert Einstein
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The last time we reunioned I was relating my football game version of life. Well here’s how it ended (the football game, not me, at least not yet).
I scored the last TD but was still one point behind, (Gene vs. the Corporate World). I decided to go for two points and the win. Pass knocked down, I lost and was “Retired” Oh well, it’s not if you win or lose It is how you play the game. I don’t believe that at all! Final statistics: Team: Gene and Carolyn 56 yrs and counting Time: About 290 million minutes since graduation Attendance: 20, including great-grand kids Injuries: replaced right hip Passing: On our way to Japan and our 39th cruise Rushing: 300 miles to Mayo Clinic in Jacksonville, Fl Next Game: I’ve learned a lot since my days at the FORT, but forgetting most it now. The one thing I do want to keep is my relevance. Define it as you will, but we all need to be relevant as we age. Be it Al Paris cleaning fish or His Honor John putting the bad guys away: stay relevant to yourself and your loved ones and there will always be a bright sunrise next morning! AND… why do we drive on parkways and park on driveways? |
From John Ingram |
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I am still lecturing in Admiralty Law at Maritime College and received a
10-Year Certicate from the College for being an Adjunct Professor. I have served on the Fort Schuyler Maritime Industry Museum Board for the last 10 years. Great museum and if you have a chance, take a tour during Homecoming. I will be retiring as a New York Supreme Court Justice on 31 December 2019. It has been a great 17 years and [I] served mostly in the Criminal term, nearly 2 years as Surrogate Judge in Kings and Richmond counties, and presided over the Big District Attorney race in Queens County in July and August. In retirement I plan on doing some Arbitration and Mediation and may serve as a Judicial Hearing Officer on a part-time basis. Maureen and I have 4 children and 8 grand-children from ages 24 to 3. All are pretty close by. All our children have homes in Breezy Point. I still belong to the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Dept., but do not suit up and run for the jobs. I am also an Honorary Battalion Chief in the FDNY. We are off on a Holland America Cruise on 27 September, up the East coast and into Quebec. We are looking forward to the Reunion. John and Maureen Ingram I am still lecturing in Admiralty Law at Maritime College and received a 10-Year Certicate from the College for being an Adjunct Professor. I have served on the Fort Schuyler Maritime Industry Museum Board for the last 10 years. Great museum and if you have a chance, take a tour during Homecoming. I will be retiring as a New York Supreme Court Justice on 31 December 2019. It has been a great 17 years and [I] served mostly in the Criminal term, nearly 2 years as Surrogate Judge in Kings and Richmond counties, and presided over the Big District Attorney race in Queens County in July and August. In retirement I plan on doing some Arbitration and Mediation and may serve as a Judicial Hearing Officer on a part-time basis. Maureen and I have 4 children and 8 grand-children from ages 24 to 3. All are pretty close by. All our children have homes in Breezy Point. I still belong to the Point Breeze Volunteer Fire Dept., but do not suit up and run for the jobs. I am also an Honorary Battalion Chief in the FDNY. We are off on a Holland America Cruise on 27 September, up the East coast and into Quebec. We are looking forward to the Reunion. John and Maureen Ingram
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From Eileen Femenia |
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A little story from Eileen Femenia..............
Did I ever tell you the time I was walking through one of the NY airports and saw a familiar face walking toward me, tall and handsome to say the very least? The Admiral’s wife, who happened to be with me, told the story for years....... "and there was Eileen running in slow motion toward a very handsome pilot who swooped her up in his arms and swung her around and the gave her a big kiss!" Can u guess who that handsome pilot was?? (I’m not telling). Made MY Day for sure!!!! |
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 Al Paris
Since our last re-union, it's official, I've gotten old, closer now to eighty than seventy (as I was then)! All over my torso my wrinkly crepe skin has barnacles (wens). My body aches in places I didn't know I had.
There have been four operations on my left eye from a botched cataract operation. I now wear/use hearing aids. I've had a caudal block for my back and hips [it works]. My hair is a lot thinner. I tip the scale at 200 lbs. (my chest sunk to my stomach). And yet....... I thank the Lord every morning when I get up! I enjoy my four kids, relish the time with my eight grandkids and found out that my youngest daughter, Maureen, is best friends with Rick and Joy's daughter Kris. Our grandsons were at Cooperstown on the same team. Marion, who happened to be there too, noticed a Maritime shirt and discovered the connection. Maureen and her three kids and Kris and hers are coming to Schuyler for the family part of the day. Hard to believe Maureen's oldest daughter Molly is the same age as Marion was when we first started dating. Ah, the circle of life. I work ten hours a week at a small supermarket called WEGMANS. I'm in seafood, turns out there's nothing I can't do to a fish! It gets me out of the house (man and woman were not meant to be together 24/7). Working with young people I laugh a lot. I'll be opening the Brooklyn Navy Yard store three days after the re-union. I'm thoroughly enjoying life and looking forward to seeing everyone. Al
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Behind Every Great Man, There Is A Surprised Woman
Congrats, Grandpa Yogi!
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I have great news. I am a grandpa for the first time!!
I know to most of you it's not that big a deal and some may be great-grandparents. But at 76 years old IT IS A BIG DEAL. Born May 8th, Hudson Gabriel, 7 lbs 14 oz, 20" long. Not because he's my grandson, but he is one good looking dude. I now have a great entry for my Journal entry. Best regards, Vince Barra (Yogi) 
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John McMurray Interview
The One!....The Only!... DRUM ROLL, PLEASE.....John McMurray!
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Meteorologist John McMurray explains the forecast with anchor Dawn Jones during the ABC 12 news at noon on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the ABC 12 news station. After 47 years with the news station, McMurray will be retiring.
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John McMurray shares the following interview with us…..
(He has given me permission to edit it a bit to shorten it. I promised I would try hard to keep the “true John that I read about). jk FLINT, MI – 2016…… When meteorologist John McMurray's son asked him, prior to his high school graduation, if he accomplished everything he had hoped in his life, he thought before saying, “Yes, yes I have”. "I went to the college I wanted to go to, studied what I wanted to study, worked in a job I wanted to work, started a business, and I have an incredible family. I really have done everything I've wanted to do." After 47 years (in 2016), of delivering weather forecasts on and off for the ABC-affiliated station, McMurray, is retiring from the business. Jayne Hodak, news director at the station, said McMurray is going to be missed. "He's that person people have always been able to rely on. He never over-hyped storms, he just gave you the information you needed in a manner you could understand. He's truly one of the best in the business." MLive.com caught up with McMurray a day before his final broadcast to talk about his career, the future of the news business and what he has in store for retirement: Q: This is the last week in the TV business for you and the last week of waking up before a majority of people in the Eastern Time Zone. What's going through your mind? It's a little surreal. I set my alarm at 10 p.m. last night and my alarm went off at 1:30 a.m. I need to get into the station early, set up my graphics, prepare my reports. A lot happens before that 4:30 a.m. show. It's going to require some adjustment, but I don't think it'll be too difficult. Q: Your day ends after the noon newscast. Do you try and sneak in a nap afterward? Usually I do, because I do other things later in the day, like teach classes at (Saginaw Valley State University). I have some other projects outside the TV business that keep me busy. Q: Take me through your life. You grew up in New York and have now called Michigan home for nearly the past 50 years -- how did you get here? I went to New York State Maritime College where I studied meteorology. I graduated from there in 1964. At the time, the Air Force was in need of meteorologists and they had this fantastic deal where they would essentially allow you to work for a year and then after that, you agree to go into the Air Force and do something with your degree. Back in the mid-'60s, the draft was still in effect, so it was a good deal to be able to graduate from school and essentially be deferred from being drafted. It took the guessing game out of our life. That first year, I worked for Bethlehem Steel as a Third Mate at its home port. That was my first gainful employment. I basically stood watch from 8 a.m. to noon and 8 p.m. to midnight. When you're on watch, it's your job to maintain the ship's position, but remember, you didn't have any GPS or electronic navigation. You did everything by star sightings and a navigation sextant. From 1965 to 1969 I was in the Air Force, stationed in northern Oklahoma. Q: Where does the TV business come into all of this? As I was getting ready to separate from the Air Force, I was watching the news stations in Oklahoma and saw these meteorologists on all three local network-affiliated stations. I remember thinking to myself that that wouldn't be a bad job. You work 15 minutes at 6 p.m., 15 minutes at 11 p.m. -- I could live by that. So, I sent out resumes, mainly to the New England area, because I have this accent, this regional dialect, and I figured those stations would be the most interested. Eventually, I found that WJRT in Flint -- was looking for a meteorologist. I had three kids and a wife, so I knew I really needed that job. Ironically, I ended up interviewing in Rhode Island for that job and at the end of the day, one of the managers came up to me and said, "Are you sure you've never done this before?" He told me I was a natural and gave me the job. Q: Tell me about the difference in weathercasting from when you started in 1969 compared to today. It's a night-and-day difference. Back then, all of your information came across a Teletype machine. The information was coded, and you needed to hand-plot everything on the maps for hourly reports. It was a lot more prep time. Today, everything is readily available on the Internet. All the maps can be pulled up at a click of a mouse. It's so much easier and faster. Much easier. Q: Your time at the station ended suddenly in 1975. What happened? (Laughs) Well, in 1972, I started my own weather consulting business. It was something that kind of happened by accident instead of design. On St. Patrick's Day that year, I was studying some weather pattern that looked like it was really going to hammer us with some heavy snowfall. I went on air that night and said if you're not heading to where you're supposed to be going tonight right now, you're not going to get there. Most people didn't believe. Sure enough, we got hammered. Twelve to 14 inches of snow from Flint all the way down to Ohio. A manager from General Motors Milford proving grounds, who was partying in Flint, was stranded here for the next two or three days. About five days later, he showed up at the station and asked how I came up with that forecast. Turns out, he was in World War II, working as an engineer and was later sent to MIT to study meteorology. He recognized what I was doing to come up with the forecast and was impressed. He asked if I could send him daily forecasts for the proving grounds. I told him I already had a job at the TV station, but he told me, "Everyone has two jobs." He was willing to pay me, so I agreed. Q: So, how does this lead to you losing your job at the station? Well, I started getting more clients and the consulting business was growing. At the time, I was also doing some weather forecasts for a few different radio stations. To make that work easier, I asked the station if I could bring the Teletype machines home. I told them that I could get the data before coming into work and then start working right away in the morning. What I didn't tell them was that I was running this business. They eventually found out and took the machines back and that was that. I still had the consulting business, so it wasn't a huge deal. Q: But you eventually returned to the station? It was the beginning of an off/on again relationship. In 1982, after the station went through management changes, they needed someone to do the weather. I went in, auditioned for the job and they hired me again. Then in 1995 my role was diminished at the station and I was essentially fired again. That's the nature of the business. I had all of these other things to fall back on, so it wasn't terrible. In the early 2000s, before 9/11, there was another ownership change and they brought me back on again. I've been around ever since. Q: Are you still running the consulting business? Yes. Primarily, my work is for attorneys, a lot of insurance claims. I help reconstruct weather conditions. Some of them are civil cases, but sometimes there are criminal cases, the first being a murder incident in Shiawassee County. A missing person report was filed around the first of January and the victim wasn't found for 31 days. I needed to testify and say that when the victim was killed, the weather was so cold -- below freezing for so many days -- that you couldn't really tell if the person was dead for 24 hours or for 31 days. I had no idea studying Meteorology would bring me to this. When you do something you love, though, it can take you anywhere. Q: What are your thoughts on the TV business today? You've seen it change drastically over the past nearly 50 years. All media has evolved drastically over the years. Newspapers, TV-- they're doing a lot of the same things. On TV, they try to deliver the information, but they also try to blend entertainment with the news. It can be a little difficult at times, but they're trying to adapt. Social media seems to be a big driver for news today, too. |
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Q: Do you have a Facebook account?
I do, but only because my kids set it up for me one day. People send me things all the time, but I don't know how to use it. I could probably learn, but I don't really care to learn. People spend too much time on social media. Q: Any advice for budding meteorologists? Be enthusiastic in everything you do. You don't want to be 40 years old and asking yourself why you didn't do this or that. Find your path and run with it. If you do a job you love, you'll never work a day in your life. Q: Looking forward to sleeping in on Monday? You bet I am. |
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From the MLive.com website: Meteorologist John McMurray prepares before a broadcast for the ABC 12 news at noon on Thursday, March 31, 2016 at the ABC 12 news station. After 47 years with the news station, McMurray will be retiring.
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Dear Joy, Fantastic job by you and Mary and all the team. Web site first class work and really enjoyed looking at your features and the total composite. Churned many memories and and became immersed in all tales (how did I miss so many?) that had tons of humor.
Anyway it inspired me to create. Two photos (May 2019) leaving TAMPA. and the second in Amsterdam (a re-visit) to the Indonesian "LONG PURA" for the Ricetafle. I have created and attached "word" file that is a "Chapter" to add to the one you published in the 50 book. I will be charging the ancient photo albums seeing what I can collect and get off to Steve. Thank you for providing the update- without it I would not realize I am already late. Sincerely, Jay Barsin |
Jay & Carol Barsin "Leaving Tampa"
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Amsterdam (a re-visit) to the Indonesian "LONG PURA" for the Ricetafle
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Update to life story Re-Union 55 (SPAN 50 to 55)
Workwise: retired from B&W (the corporate life) at 50 and activated “TECHNOCRATS-Inc.”, an engineering consulting firm that provided advice, designs and systems that would enhance capacity, reduce emissions or increase efficiency of the fossil fuel fleet in the power, refining, metals, trash to energy and paper markets. That niche has now disappeared following past president Obama setting the USA CO/CO2 limits so high that potential clients gave up.
Play: In 2011 we started an EXPERIMENTAL vineyard growing Sauv Blanc and Syrah grapes in the Indian Valley of SW Virginia near village of Dougspur. The elevation at 2700 feet, with average drainage, high in clay with slopes leading to the Greasy River, success problematic. We learned the hard way (defeating rabbits, deer, Japanese beetles, birds, and bear), eventually providing defenses to keep most of our grapes. We realized that if we really wanted to run a vineyard we would have to live on the farm-it could not be managed from Charlotte (2 hour drive one way) and the soil would require massive conditioning to improve grape quality. Wine knowledge, coupled with certification as a Sommelier encouraged the establishment of ‘BARSINS BODEGA” permitting us to offer commercial wine tastings, classes, stocking assistance and the setting up of visits to both domestic and international vineyards.
Carol enjoys travel and now we have more time to take advantage of the cruise ship repositioning events coupling them to shore travels. We have settled “in” in Charlotte and both enjoy a group of friends we value highly.
Family: Our sons have progressed nicely and we are deeply proud of them. Joe 3rd, excellent graphic designer (JEBDESIGN.com) successfully running his own business in partnership with his wife Eva located in the ANNAPOLIS area. They have produced two grandsons both on the BSA Eagle trail. They enjoy sailing in the Chesapeake and pulling steamed blue crabs.
Our son Scott (Schuyler 94), at this writing is Captain of the “DOUBLE DOWN”, a 215 foot private yacht that winters in Palm Beach; summers cruising the Med; spring in the Caribbean. Scott also is a broker for WORTH Yachts-Palm Beach.
I had several medical adventures in the interval: - One stent in heart blood supply, a new left hip (bad snow skiing incident) and cancer in the prostrate are the majors with several minors.
But, I do believe in total, I’m healthy and very fortunate to be with you as a part of this fascinating brotherhood.
Workwise: retired from B&W (the corporate life) at 50 and activated “TECHNOCRATS-Inc.”, an engineering consulting firm that provided advice, designs and systems that would enhance capacity, reduce emissions or increase efficiency of the fossil fuel fleet in the power, refining, metals, trash to energy and paper markets. That niche has now disappeared following past president Obama setting the USA CO/CO2 limits so high that potential clients gave up.
Play: In 2011 we started an EXPERIMENTAL vineyard growing Sauv Blanc and Syrah grapes in the Indian Valley of SW Virginia near village of Dougspur. The elevation at 2700 feet, with average drainage, high in clay with slopes leading to the Greasy River, success problematic. We learned the hard way (defeating rabbits, deer, Japanese beetles, birds, and bear), eventually providing defenses to keep most of our grapes. We realized that if we really wanted to run a vineyard we would have to live on the farm-it could not be managed from Charlotte (2 hour drive one way) and the soil would require massive conditioning to improve grape quality. Wine knowledge, coupled with certification as a Sommelier encouraged the establishment of ‘BARSINS BODEGA” permitting us to offer commercial wine tastings, classes, stocking assistance and the setting up of visits to both domestic and international vineyards.
Carol enjoys travel and now we have more time to take advantage of the cruise ship repositioning events coupling them to shore travels. We have settled “in” in Charlotte and both enjoy a group of friends we value highly.
Family: Our sons have progressed nicely and we are deeply proud of them. Joe 3rd, excellent graphic designer (JEBDESIGN.com) successfully running his own business in partnership with his wife Eva located in the ANNAPOLIS area. They have produced two grandsons both on the BSA Eagle trail. They enjoy sailing in the Chesapeake and pulling steamed blue crabs.
Our son Scott (Schuyler 94), at this writing is Captain of the “DOUBLE DOWN”, a 215 foot private yacht that winters in Palm Beach; summers cruising the Med; spring in the Caribbean. Scott also is a broker for WORTH Yachts-Palm Beach.
I had several medical adventures in the interval: - One stent in heart blood supply, a new left hip (bad snow skiing incident) and cancer in the prostrate are the majors with several minors.
But, I do believe in total, I’m healthy and very fortunate to be with you as a part of this fascinating brotherhood.
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