Molloy Unveils New Student Cafeteria, Plans Next Phases for First Floor Chapel

In early summer, we shared photos in The Beehive of extensive renovations underway in Molloy’s student cafeteria. The new design required the work of many hands as well as many laborious hours, but the end result is nothing short of stunning. The upgraded space, which is one of the most heavily used rooms in the building, boasts a number of new features. Improved lighting is provided by not only new hanging pendants, but skylights as well. The 14 skylights, which existed in the 1957 design of the cafeteria, have been covered for many years. Now with the center core opened up, the skylights provide more natural light and a more inviting feel. New wall finishes bring the cafeteria into a new age, with colors and woodwork similar to other upgrades around the school including the William J. Murphy Library and the Track & Field Wall of Honor. Climate control improves comfort and better access to food service areas makes it easier for students to select and purchase their lunches. Access to the Jack Curran Gymnasium is enhanced by the installation of two new double doors, while a more functional and professional space for teacher assistants replaces the old glass booth. These upgrades make the student cafeteria a more modern, safe, and functional multi-purpose space. As you can see from these new photos, there’s cause for excitement.

In addition, Molloy’s first floor chapel also received upgrades this summer. New wall finishes, lighting, and carpeting was installed, while climate control also improves the functionality of the room. The glass case that was housed in the wall outside the chapel has been knocked out in favor of an attractive glass window, which will provide a view of the interior of the chapel from the main hallway. Further work inside the chapel is still ongoing in what will be a second phase. This portion of the project will include the installation of new built-in altar wall and other details that will enhance the Mass experience at Molloy and make it a much more comfortable and inviting place to reflect and pray. This phase of the renovation is projected to be completed in the latter portion of 2014.

The opportunity to implement these much needed renovations is due in large part to the generosity of Molloy’s alumni, parents, and friends. Without your support to The Fund For Molloy, Named Scholarships, the Walk-A-Thon, and other fundraising efforts at the school, Molloy would not be in a position to continually offer its students the best environment possible for faith and learning. Your commitment to the present and future of our students is the key to what we accomplish here on Manton Street every day. Upgrading the 6 acre campus on a year-to-year basis is crucial to not only daily operations, but to the perpetual recruitment of the best and brightest students in New York City. Our standards remain strong here at Stanner High, and your support is a big reason why (Read more about The Fund For Molloy).

NBA Draft Pick Russ Smith ’09 Visits Molloy

Earlier this week, 2014 NBA draft pick Russ Smith ’09 stopped by Molloy while on his way to visit a friend in Queens. Russ has been in New York recently, but he has also been preparing to head down to New Orleans where the next stage of his professional career will soon take shape with the Pelicans. During his visit to Molloy, Russ talked with teachers and coaches, took photos with students, and shot some hoops in the Jack Curran Gym, which was a thrill for a number of students who were excitedly following Russ around the building. Athletic Director Mike McCleary spent some time with Russ, pointing out his prominently displayed NCAA Division 1 plaque and thanking him for stopping by. Russ also spoke with President Richard Karsten ’81 and promised to stay in touch with his Molloy family. Looking ahead, Russ is excited to get to work with the Pelicans and show them what he’s got. We wish Russ the very best and will be rooting for him every step of the way as he attempts to forge a successful NBA career.

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Marist Provincial Meets Pope Francis

Br. Ben Consigli ’80 experienced quite a thrill recently during a recent trip to the Vatican. Br. Ben, a former faculty member here at Molloy and currently serving as a Marist Provincial in the Northeastern United States, was attending the Conference of the Major Superiors of Men (CMSM). CMSM is an association of the leadership of men in religious and apostolic institutes in the United States and represents U.S. male religious and apostolic communities before national and international congregations. While teaming with four other members of the Conference’s Executive Committee, Br. Ben was fortunate to be granted a meeting with Pope Francis himself. The two exchanged greetings and spoke briefly about the conference. Br. Ben was kind enough to share some photos of his meeting with the Pope, which you can enlarge above.

Upcoming Events

Alumni Oktoberfest

• When: Thursday, October 9th, 2014 | 6:30 pm
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: Alumni, parents, past parents, & friends (Ages 21+)
• Cost: $50 per person
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Alumni, parents, past parents, and friends ages 21 and up are invited to our second annual Oktoberfest event here at Molloy. Bring a friend and come out and enjoy German style food and craft beer (donated by alumni at Trinity Restaurant & Bar), music, and good company as the Stanner Alumni Center kicks off its 2014-15 event calendar. Everyone who registers will receive one free raffle ticket good for a prize drawing later in the evening. This will be a fun, relaxing evening with friends so we’re hoping for a great turnout.

Stanner Alumni Reunion & Hall of Fame Induction

• When: Saturday, November 1st, 2014
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Reunion Years: All class years ending in 4 and 9 (excluding 2014)
• Hall of Fame Honorees: RADM Robert Duncan, USCG ’68, Sister Elizabeth Bickar S.C., Dr. John Scileppi Ph.D. ’63, and Police Officer John Williamson ’86 (posthumously)
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

The Stanner Alumni Reunion for class years ending in 4 and 9 is just six weeks away! The reunion, which is hosted here at Molloy, will include the classes of: 1944, 1949, 1954, 1959, 1964, 1969, 1974, 1979, 1984, 1989, 1994, 1999, 2004, and 2009. The Class of 1964 will celebrate its 50th anniversary while the Class of 1989 will celebrate its 25th anniversary. In addition, if you are a classmate, family member or friend of one of our upcoming Stanner Hall of Fame honorees, you are invited to attend their induction ceremony and enjoy all the accommodations of the larger class reunion taking place the very same night. Please spread the word to your classmates!

Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K Fun Run

• Who: Molloy Community
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• When: Sunday, October 5th, 2014
• Mass: 8:00 am | 5K: 9:00 am
• Cost: $20 per person
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Molloy will host its 27th annual Andrew Harvey Memorial 5K on Sunday, October 5th. A Mass will be held at 8:00 am followed by the 5K, which begins at 9:00 am on the school’s track. The race will progress through the surrounding neighborhood before ending back on the track. There will also be a one mile race and a “little one’s dash” for young children. All runners will enjoy coffee, cake, rolls and other refreshments upon completion of all races. Medals will be awarded to the top three finishers in each race and age group. When registering online please choose your t-shirt size and include the following information in the comments: age group, race you plan to run, and how many of you will be attending mass. This race is named in honor of Andrew Harvey ’98, a bright young student whose life was cut tragically short during his junior year at Molloy. Help us remember Andrew’s memory by running this year’s 5K.

Veteran’s Day Memorial Event

• When: Friday, November 7th, 2014 | 3:00 pm
• Where: Archbishop Molloy High School
• Who: Molloy Community
• Cost: Free
• REGISTRATION NOW CLOSED

Molloy will honor Stanners who have fallen in battle, as well as all other Stanners who have served for the United States armed forces, during a special Veteran’s Day Memorial Event on Friday, November 7th. The event will take place at Molloy at 3:00 pm and feature a ceremony followed by a reception featuring light refreshments. We are expecting a large contingent of family and friends in support of Private First Class Louis Willett ’63, a fallen Vietnam War soldier that gave his life to save the other members of his platoon. PFC Willett was posthumously awarded with the Medal of Honor for his bravery, and remains the only Stanner to be awarded with this honor. (Read more about PFC Louis Willett). We also encourage our alumni and friends to inform us of any other Stanners they are aware of who have been killed in action. Please forward any names of fallen Stanner heroes, questions, or comments to jsommo@molloyhs.org.

As We Prepare for Molloy’s Veteran’s Day Event…

Bernie Adamec ’52 received Stanner Life magazine this past summer and was delighted to read all about “Lifetime Connections” around the St. Ann’s / Molloy community. Bernie contacted us with some memories of his own. “Many years have passed, but the memories of my exciting experiences and character building events at St. Ann’s are as vivid as only yesterday. Your magazine prompted a response to the memories it triggered. Thanks for keeping the Stanner vigil alive and well.”

Along with his comments about the magazine, Bernie also provided information about his prior service with the US Army. As Molloy prepares for its upcoming Veteran’s Day Memorial Event on Friday, November 7th, we thought it fitting to share Bernie’s story:

“After graduating from St. Ann’s Academy, Bernie studies architectural drawing while working as a draftsman at Gibbs & Hill, Inc. in New York until he was drafted and inducted into the US Army as a Private at Fort Dix, NJ on November 15th, 1954. He would eventually be assigned to the 3rd Armored Division at Camp Chafee, Arkansas, where he trained as a Forward Observer for the 105 mm Howitzer. In 1955, Bernie was transferred to Ladd Air Force Base in Fairbanks, Alaska, where he was assigned as Forward Observer for the 4.2 inch Heavy Mortar Company of the 4th Regiment, 71st Infantry Division. His mortar company was part of the base’s defensive perimeter to protect the Bering Straight from the Soviet Union during the Cold War. Later, Bernie served as the Orderly for the colonel commanding the Regiment. After 18 months, Bernie returned to Fort Lewis, Washington, where he was released from active duty on September 30th, 1956 and assigned to the Army Reserve until his discharge as Specialist 4/C on October 31st, 1962. He was awarded the National Defense Service Medal, Good Conduct Medal, and Expert Rifleman Badge. Bernie would later enter a 34 year career in architecture with the General Services Administration in Washington, DC, bringing his life full circle. Though his career was demanding, he still found time to be a loving and dedicated husband, father of four, and grandfather of thirteen.” Today, Bernie is a proud Stanner and active parishioner in his community.

Class Updates

Kristen N. Risola ’04, Magna Cum Laude of her Class of 2008 at Quinnipiac University, earned her PhD at Hofstra University earlier this year after completing an internship at Pilgrim Psychiatric Center. September 2014 marks the next step in Dr. Kristen Risola’s journey as she begins her employment at North-Short L.I.J.

Joseph Hosey ’90, editor of the Illinois-based Joliet Patch, was honored by the National Press Club in Washington, D.C. on July 30, 2014 and given their highest award: The John Aubuchon Freedom of the Press Award. According to The Business Journals, “The National Press Club, founded in 1908, is the world’s leading professional organization for journalists. The club defends the rights of reporters and fights for transparency worldwide.” Joseph earned this award following his refusal to reveal the names of confidential sources that provided him crucial details during coverage of a high profile police investigation. A judge found Hosey to be in contempt of court and fined him $300 per day for every day he did not disclose his sources. He also faced indefinite jail time, but despite this pressure Hosey refused to name his sources citing press freedom. While there is still much contention given the circumstances, Hosey gained the respect and admiration of many journalists for his actions. For more information please refer to the following links: Joliet Patch | The Business Journals

Dr. Daniel A. Pietras ’00 graduated from the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine in June 2013. After an intern year in Michigan, he began his anesthesiology residency at the University of Florida in July 2014.

We are saddened to share the passing of Jack Gremse ’68. Jack, who’s picture was featured in The Beehive just two weeks ago along with a group of his classmates, passed away after battling an illness. He was a proud Stanner throughout his life and maintained close bonds with many of his high school friends. Those who attended a gathering for the Class of 1968 over the summer were thrilled to see Jack, and are now more thankful to have had one more opportunity to reminisce and share stories together. He will be sorely missed. Jack will be waked tonight at Vanella’s in Oceanside from 2-4pm and 7-9pm. A funeral Mass will be held on Saturday, September 20th at St. Ignatius in Long Beach at 10:30am. Please keep Jack in your prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of Br. John Bantz, beloved Marist Brother and former president of Mount St. Michael Academy. Br. John passed away peacefully at the Brothers’ resident at Champagnat Hall. He was 76 years old. From Mount St. Michael: “Brother John embodied and taught us what it means to be Marist, so that we as a community could do our utmost to help our students and their families as much as possible.” Please pray for Br. John and our friends at Mount St. Michael.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Ruth A. Guy, mother of Patrick ’69.

Edwin Ramos ’85 requests that our community pray for his father Jorge E. Ramos, who passed away on August 31st. Please keep Jorge and the Ramos family in your thoughts and prayers.

We are saddened to share the passing of John Mooney, grandfather of Ryan Contino ’96 and Patrick Contino ’01, father of Judith Contino, and father-in-law of Mike Contino ’68. Please keep the Mooney and Contino families in your prayers.

We pray for the repose of the soul of Jacqueline Chiarelli, mother of Lawrence ’76.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Br. Stephen Hauley. Br. Hauley attended St. Ann’s Academy, before transferring to the Society of the Atonement at Greymoor prior to his graduation. Classmate and friend Thomas Bergin ’47 asks that the community rembembers Br. Hauley in their prayers this week.

Please pray for the repose of the soul of Wayne Rogers.