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The Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic
The weather held out on Monday, May 16th as Stanners came out in impressive numbers to play a round of golf with classmates, friends, family and business associates at the 25th Anniversary Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic. The outing has always been Molloy’s largest all class reunion and one of the school’s biggest fundraisers. The day began with an impressive breakfast spread at Plandome and North Hills Country Clubs, where foursomes and old classmates talked about the day ahead and reminisced about past Stanner Classics. After a few warm up swings and putts in the practice areas, the shotgun start prompted each foursome to head out on their golf carts just as Jim Kinnier, Joe Smith, and John Gibbons did 25 years ago at the very first outing. This year saw a larger number of younger golfers than any previous years, as alumni from the classes of 1991, 1993, 1997, 2000, 2001, and 2003 were teeing up. In addition, many Stanner parents were on hand including Dr. Frank Siguenza, Bob Dittus ’81, Fred Dorgler ’81, Paul Gustafsson, and Desmond McGowan (this year’s shirt sponsor). Golfers progressed through the courses and enjoyed special holes including longest drive, hole in one (sponsored by Mercedes Benz of Massapequa), and closest to the pin where special prizes were offered to winners. Molloy President Richard Karsten’s ‘81 group consisted of two other fellow Stanner Hall of Famers: Steve Matteini ’71 and Tom Westman ’82. Food and beverages were also available at select holes on each course – always an important part of staying on your game! And while the weather wasn’t ideal, golfers had their Alumni Center issued windbreaker jacket, complete with the Molloy logo, to help them brave the elements. Some golfers made world class shots while other golfers may have wanted to take mulligan or two. No matter how the golfers played, however, it was a fun round of golf and friendly competition all across the greens.
In the late afternoon golfers finished filling out their scorecards and headed to the clubhouse at North Hills Country Club where cocktail hour began at 5:30pm. Guests enjoyed beer, cocktails, and a luscious spread of appetizers and fresh seafood. A wonderful ice sculpture, provided by North Hills manager Mike Bomenga, was a great conversation piece as everyone as they filled their plates to their heart’s content. Alumni Relations Director Maria Ford greeted everyone and thanked them for taking part in the 25th Anniversary event. Maria introduced Mr. Karsten, who despite the risk involved, promised that next year the weather would be perfect! Karsten spoke about the recipients of last year’s John Gibbons Memorial Scholarship and how well they are thriving at Molloy, and also introduced the 2011 recipients Melanie Santos ’15 and William Pabitero ’15. Both incoming freshmen were later approached by several distinguished alumni including Tom Westman, Mike McGuire ’81, Development Director Craig Katinas ’93, Gino Fazio ‘81, and Gene Logan ’58, all of whom shared their Molloy experiences with the soon-to-be Stanners. Needless to say, they became even more excited to join the Stanner family.
Dinner guests proceeded into the main room where auction items, door prizes, and other giveaways occupied tables lined all across the room. Several alumni and corporate sponsors took the time to place their bids for items and also purchase some last minute raffle tickets to have a chance at winning a trip to the Super Bowl, a trip to Las Vegas, or a Caribbean Cruise. Principal Br. Thomas Schady delivered a spirited vocation for the event, after which President Karsten spoke to the lively crowd about Jim Kinnier and Joe Smith, the honorees for the evening. Jim and Joe have given a lot of time and effort to the success of the golf outing since day one. The honorees were surrounded by their closest friend and family including Jim Kinnier (Jr.) ’81 and Andrew Kinnier ‘83. A special tribute video, prepared by Rich Martinez ’96, was shown and every soul in the room was touched by what they saw – a rousing standing ovation for Jim and Joe commenced right after the video’s conclusion. Jim (pictured) thanked the Marist Brothers, saying that none of this would be possible without them. He emphasized the importance of family, and thanked his own for all of their love. He spoke to the golf committee, past chairmen, faculty and administration, the Marist Brothers, and of course the dedicated alumni, thanking them for all their support over the years. And his biggest thank you was to Maria Ford, who he called the “devil in the details” because of the months and months of preparation that are needed for the Stanner Golf Classic. Joe (pictured) followed Jim at the podium and was a man of few words, reiterating what Jim had said and thanking all the friends and family in attendance because “that’s what makes the Stanner Golf Classic great.” As Jim and Joe were seated the buffet dinner became available. The winners at each course were announced: the winning foursome at Plandome Country Club included Jerry Schumm ’68, Vincent Schumm, Scott Mager, and Jack Irushalmi. The winning foursome at North Hills Country Club included Bill McGoldrick ’70, Tom McGoldrick, Ed Kurpiel Sr. ’71, and Ed Kurpiel Jr. Each names of each foursome will be added to the John Gibbons Memorial Trophy.
Once everyone was settled with their meals, Jerry Schumm hosted the first live auction in the history of the Stanner Golf Classic. Prizes included a trip to London/Dublin, and a gourmet dinner prepared by Molloy’s President himself, Richard Karsten (pictured in full chef attire with Schumm). Schumm had fun hyping the prizes as bids came in from Committee member Neal Duffy ‘93, Committee veteran Billy Rose, Past Committee Chairman Lou Milo ‘78, and golf prodigy Mark Bradley ’03, settling on some very generous winning bids. Later Jim and Joe cut the dessert cake together and gave way to Assistant Principal of Students Mr. Ken Auer, who picked out the three winning raffle tickets: First Prize (Two Super Bowl Tickets, airfare & hotel included) – ticket # 13065, Second Prize (7-Day Carnival Caribbean Cruise for Two, airfare included) – ticket # 55016, Third Prize (4 Days / 3 Nights in Las Vegas, NV for Two (airfare & hotel included) – ticket # 09923. All winners of raffles and silent auction items were announced as guests finished their desserts. This brought a close to what was a very eventful, very exciting day.
From prizes like hats, windbreakers, golf balls, autographed sports memorabilia, a 40 inch TV, and luxury vacation homes to the seemingly endless line of food served all day long (on the courses and at the clubhouses), there’s no question that the Jim Kinnier Stanner Golf Classic is a fantastic experience. Alumni Relations Director Maria Ford and all of us at the Stanner Alumni Center would like to thank all alumni, corporate sponsors, faculty and administration, and Stanner family members who took part in this year’s Stanner Golf Classic, and we hope that all of you, as well as some new blood, will join us next year as we set out on the greens for the 26th time! Click below to access the photo gallery from this year’s event, or to view an online edition of this year’s golf journal.
ONLINE EDITION OF GOLF JOURNAL
Around the School
Assemblyman Lancman Visits Molloy
New York State Assemblyman Rory Lancman accepted an invitation from the Stanner Alumni Center and visited Archbishop Molloy High School this past week to tour the campus and get a better understanding the school and its day to day operations. Assemblyman Lancman represents the 25th District in Queens, which includes Bowne Park, Broadway-Flushing, Station Road, Auburndale, Kissena Park, Hillcrest, Flushing Suburban, Kew Gardens Hills, Hillcrest Estates, Parkway Village, Jamaica Hills, Richmond Hill, and of course Briarwood – a big reason why Molloy’s success is important to the Assemblyman. While this was the assemblyman’s first visit to Molloy, he has always been very well aware of the school’s reputation as a great place to learn through friendships with alumni, including John Umland ’79, and constituents whose children attend the school. Assemblyman Lancman is attentive to community needs and is interested in programs and services that make a positive impact in Briarwood and beyond, a point of view he discussed with Principal Br. Thomas Schady, President Richard Karsten ’81 and Alumni Development Director Craig Katinas ’93. The group also discussed how well the school is meeting the challenges of changing demographics and trending parish consolidation, as well as the increasing number of students coming in from public schools. Following the Assemblyman’s visit he tweeted, “Just toured Archbishop Molloy High School, a city treasure. Go Stanners!” Molloy has been making sincere efforts and positive strides in sharing the vision and mission of Archbishop Molloy High School and will continue working with its local representatives to better the relationship with the community and local political representatives.
Congratulations to “The Stanner”
Excellent work all year by “The Stanner” newspaper staff, moderated by Mr. Charley McKenna, has led to a first place High School Press Award in 2011 from The Tablet – the second such honor in as many years. The Stanner earned nine certificates overall covering categories including Best News Story and Best Sports Story. The awards, held on May 12th at St. Francis College in Brooklyn Heights, featured a talk from New York Daily News features reporter Gina Salamone, who shared personal experiences and advice for students interested in pursuing a career in journalism. The Tablet has been sponsoring these awards for 30 years to encourage the growth and continuation of interest in journalism among young talented students.
First Annual Science Symposium
Founded in 2008, the Science Research Program at Archbishop Molloy teaches students the fundamentals of scientific inquiry and its application to discovering novel ideas. This June the first Science Research class will be graduating. Many of these students will pursue majors in the physical and life sciences. A group of driven, talented juniors and seniors have been conducting independent research during their time in the program and prepared presentations on their results for the first annual Science Symposium at Molloy. Some examples of their projects include building eco-friendly home insulation, studying the effectiveness of tea on stomach pH, the effect of magnetic fields on the growth of fauna, and a study analyzing the effect of pre-sleep habits and activities on dreams. Presentations were shared on May 17th for interested students and faculty who perused each table and asked questions about each project to learn more about how they really work. According to Ms. Mary Mallia, “The day went great. We had 15 poster presentations and 5 Powerpoint presenters. Many students and faculty attended, so we hope this will be the first of many because we do have many talented Stanners!” The symposium gives Molloy students the forum to learn more in depth about the future of science and technology, and also to share their hard work and excellent ideas while defending their research – a fine exercise as many of them prepare for college. Thanks to Ms. Mallia for providing information for this story, and the Yearbook Staff for the photo.
Dress…Up Day?
On Monday the seniors took advantage of the dress down day they earned from showing the most school spirit during Spirit Week in April. Being the start of their final week of classes at Molloy, this particular group of seniors felt it was the perfect opportunity to make a statement one last time before they head off on their post-Molloy journeys. Brandon Rodriguez, TJ Darcy, Agata Michalak, Sean Harrison, Angelane Gonzalez, Chris Mosco, Daniel Morgan, Riendrix Loisedu dressed up in full business attire…just because they could! It’s a sure sign that Molloy has given them confidence, and they’re ready to face new upcoming challenges head-on. Congratulations to the class of 2011 on your successful Molloy careers, and good luck as you head off to college. We look forward to seeing you back at Molloy in the near future as alumni!
Sports Update
Varsity Softball Wins CHSAA City Championship!
The Molloy Varsity softball team and coach Maureen Rosenbaum captured the Brooklyn/Queens “A” Division title for the third straight year. Molloy beat St. Francis Prep 4 – 3 after freshman Taylor Moss’ RBI double broke in the eighth inning broke a 3-all tie. Molloy’s pitcher Maria Palmeri, one of the best in the city, tallied 10 strikeouts while weaving her way through several tough innings. Following this accomplishment, the Varsity team went on to defeat Moore Catholic in a 10 hit barrage that ended with a decisive 7 – 2 victory, earning the Stanners the CHSAA City Championship. Maria Palmeri provided a 2 run bomb over the centerfield fence in the first run, part of a 3 run inning that would put the Stanners up early and for good. Next week the team will head off to the CHSAA State Tournament where they will face Kellenberg. Go Stanners!
Faculty Update
Br. Jogues Featured in Art Exhibit
Br. Jogues Cormier, former art studies and art techniques teacher at both St. Ann’s Academy and Molloy, recently received a bit of recognition for his life-long passion. A former resident of Brookhaven until the Marist house was sold last November, Br. Jogues’ art inspired by his the adjacent community of Bellport was awarded top billing in the 100th Anniversary Poster Contest for the Bellport Festival. The artwork, titled Whalehouse Point, will be used as a collectable piece by the Bellport Chamber of Commerce and is on display now through June 18th at Bellport Arts & Framing Inc. “It means a lot to me. It’s sort of a ‘local boy makes it big’ story,” said Jogues.
Having relocated to Queens following his departure from Bellport, Br. Jogues has taken the opportunity to pay several visits to Molloy to reconnect with resident Marist Brothers, put some of his artwork on display in the Stanner Alumni Center, and also volunteer part-time to provide special painting demos and lessons for a smalls group of interested students in Mrs. Terri Burke’s art class. Br. Jogues takes the students through the basics of water color and how it should be painted, how it should be approached and with what paper. Br. Jogues said the students “get the idea” and he is very pleased with the sessions. “At first I wasn’t sure if the group would be “ho hum” or enthusiastic, but it was just great. They were just as good as I was back when I was following the same steps.” Elizabeth Langer (in black & white photo with Br. Jogues) and David Polanco, two current Molloy students that were inspired after having experienced several of these sessions, went out to Bellport to see Br. Jogues’ artwork on display – an honor for the humble Marist Brother. On continuing to take a role in educating youth, Br. Jogues said, “Retirement is not in my vocabulary.” Molloy President Richard Karsten ’81, who has made a living with art and graphic design for many years, called Br. Jogues his mentor and “a very talented man.” Mr. Karsten recalled being a student of Br. Jogues’ in the early 1980s and described him as a huge influence on his career. Br. Jogues is also an expert craftsman, having built elaborate woodwork furniture and even a boat over the years. Indeed his creativity and hard work knows no bounds. It’s no wonder he became a Marist Brother. Br. Jogues was honored last month at the St. Ann’s Communion Breakfast for his time as a teacher at St. Ann’s Academy and his dedication to teaching Stanners for so many years.
Upcoming Events
Online registration is now available! Come out on June 18th for a day of wine, food, music, and relaxation at the Diliberto Winery in Jamesport, New York as the event is fast approaching! Alum Salvatore Diliberto ‘63 and wife Maryann have been gracious enough to open their venue to fellow Stanners looking to reconnect and enjoy each other’s company as the summer commences. Guests will enjoy award winning wine, cheeses, lunch, and music provided by Molloy faculty members Frank Gambino ’74, Eric Stoltze ’86 and Jim Sheehan ’75. The mic will also be open to any guests interested in playing a few tunes of their own.
A single admission ticket can be purchased $45 while a couple admission costs $80. Admission covers wine tasting, cheeses, lunch, and refreshments. The festivities begin at noon and will end at 4pm. All are welcome to stay as long as they wish for the day. For those looking for alternate transportation, the Hampton Jitney provides service in close proximity to the Diliberto Winery. For nearby hotels, in case you’d like to plan a weekend getaway, click here. If you have any additional questions about the Afternoon at the Vineyard, please contact me anytime.
Please RSVP by June 14th, online registration will close at that time.
Ernest Rouse ’10 is currently a point guard on the Harvard University basketball team. His team was one shot away from the NCAA tournament this year, but missed out after a buzzer beater in the final seconds. Still, Ernest’s team earned an Ivy League shared title with Princeton. Ernest previously played Varsity ball at Molloy under the guidance of Coach Jack Curran. Ernest is considering what area of study to concentrate on as he progresses through college. Right now he is thinking about a major in government or possibly psychology. According to Ernest the work at Harvard is “non-stop.” Ernest hopes to land an internship in the future with Goldman Sachs to help him earn some important hands-on experience. On his time at Molloy Ernest said, “Molloy is very unique, and it played a part in shaping me into the person I am. It’s very family oriented, very close knit. Coach Curran, Coach Shannon, and Coach DeSarno were all serious about discipline and definitely confidence.” Ernest won the city championship in 2008 under Coach Ed Shannon ’84 (pictured with Ernest), and he will always remember that moment.
A New Beginning
This past January saw a new beginning for Ms. Sabina Kobinski, Class of 2004. Part of Molloy’s first coed graduating class, Ms. Kobinski has found herself back at Molloy in a new role teaching American History and Global II. She began her journey toward teaching by majoring in Political Science with a minor in Sociology at Queens College. After two years she transferred to Manhattan College where she earned a BA in Government and a minor in Religious Studies. Following graduation, Kobinski jumped right in the professional world as a substitute teacher in NYC public schools and in Catholic schools in the Brooklyn/Queens Diocese. Ms. Kobinski also worked as a direct service professional (counselor) in a group home for 9 adults with developmental and physical disabilities. While subbing she also began attending grad school in secondary education at Queens College with a concentration in social studies (she will graduate this coming June). Where her story comes full circle is with the chance to return to Molloy to educate young Stanners. “I am so lucky to have this opportunity to teach what I love at Molloy.” said Kobinski, who commented on the ease of adapting to working at her Alma mater as compared to other schools. Ms. Kobinski looks forward to mentoring students further through the clubs and activities that helped guide her as a student such as Campus Ministry, Briarwood Shelter, Eastern European Club, and SMILE. “I have tried to become more and more involved. I have been on the Encounter, and I am having fun attending the various concerts, sporting events and ceremonies around the school. I have also been volunteering at Esopus summer camps during the past 8 years.”
What does Ms. Kobinski bring to the classroom? She explains, “People always say history is boring, and while there are certain topics that are a little dry, I try to infuse them with interesting facts or funny stories (Did you know: President Taft was the last president to own a cow in the White House?). I also try to relate historical events to student’s lives or current events. It wasn’t too long ago when I was sitting in these classrooms so I know what it feels like. I try to be understanding with the students, but also firm. We have fun in the classroom, but we also need to be serious about learning the material.” It hasn’t been very long since she walked these halls as a student herself. “It feels great to be back. I feel as if I never left.” Having her former teachers as colleagues may be her biggest challenge, however. “The hardest part is calling them by their first names!”
Ms. Kobinski looks back on her time at Molloy with pride. “Being part of the first coed graduating class is a great source of pride for me as a Stanner. We were a great class and I know a lot of us keep in touch,” said Kobinski. “Sometimes the students can’t believe that the school used to be all boys! But Molloy has been able to adapt very well over the years and it is still a great school with amazing students, however their questions about my time at Molloy do make me feel old!” Ms. Kobinski is truly grateful to be back at Molloy. “Non scholae sed vitae” influenced me to the fullest. Respect, hard work, compassion, dedication are all traits I learned at Molloy that I have been able to apply to my life. Every teacher influenced me in one way or another.” It is great to have another Stanner back in the fold, and no doubt Ms. Kobinski will be a wonderful mentor for Molloy’s students for many years to come.
Class Updates
William Fregosi ’62 continued his post-“retirement” career as co-author with his partner of the script for “A Place of Beauty,” an opera based on the life of Boston social rebel and arts icon Isabella Stewart Gardner, that premiered in Boston in mid-May. Bill also designed the scenery, props and lighting. He continues to write and lecture on opera and theater on a free-lance basis.
Salvatore Sapienza ’82 has just released his third book, entitled Mychal’s Prayer: Praying with Father Mychal Judge. During his years in the Marist novitiate, Sal worked with Father Judge at Saint Francis AIDS Ministry in Manhattan. Sal was also a teacher at Molloy from 1990 to 1992. Sal’s books are available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble.com.
Sean Mahoney ’95 and wife Mary are now the proud parents of Jack Mahoney, born May 13, 2011 at 5:11 PM. Jack is a healthy 7 pounds, 7 ounces, and 20 inches. Congratulations to the Mahoney family!
Britney Dombrowski ’09, daughter of Molloy teacher Joe Dombrowski, is currently attending Cornell University where she is studying mathematics. She said she has always liked numbers and is interested in actuary risk management and calculating risk insurance. In addition to being on the track team at Molloy, Britney is also part of Cornell’s track team. In her Stanner career she won the indoor and outdoor track titles as an upperclassman. She also played soccer in her senior year and played in Pipes & Drums. Britney is hoping to secure an internship at New York Life this summer, and is looking forward to a trip to Madrid for World Youth Day. She is no stranger to traveling, as talked about having gone on a Catholic Pilgrimage to see the pope, which took her through France, London, and Amsterdam. Britney’s favorite teacher at Molloy was Mr. Joe Smith, who she said gave her “many life lessons.”
Please keep in your prayers Mr. Roberto Ochs, father of junior Marc Ochs and alum Marissa ’08. Mr. Ochs passed away late last week.
We were informed by Dan Clancy ’57 that his classmate and brother-in-law James Leddy ’57 passed away on May 8th. James was a retired captain of the NYPD after 34 years of service. He is survived by his 5 children and 17 grandchildren. Two of his sons were Stanners, James ’84 and Matthew ’94, as well as both of his brother-in-laws Dan and George Clancy ’55. Please say a prayer for James and his family.
We received news from Joseph Folchetti ’68 that his father passed away last week. Please pray for Joseph’s father and the Folchetti family.
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