2005 Chapter at Former SFS

Friday evening, June 24, 2005

The first get-together event of the 2005 Chapter took place at Staybridge Suites where a good number of FAA out-of-towners resided for the weekend. Many alumni arrived at 6 p.m. and stayed for several hours to enjoy the conversation, food and beverages. 

Several classmates from the final years of the minor seminary brought school memorabilia to share and a large poster with photos.

Fr. Berard Doerger led the prayer before dinner and welcomed everyone in true Franciscan spirit. 

Savio Russo got a little nervous when he noticed "Big John" Peroutka assisting Tim Lacey with the gas grills in the courtyard - "an accident waiting to happen" - but fortunately, the only things they managed to burn were some hot dogs. The food choices for the evening reflected a taste of Cincinnati, with Coney dogs and bratwurst as the entrees. Veggie trays, snacks, cold beer and sodas rounded out the meal.

       

The 60+ attendees on Friday night had a comfortable environment, plenty of food and drink, and the conversations went well into the evening. Some chatted past midnight in the pleasant evening air of the courtyard. The rooms and breakfasts at the hotel were outstanding.

Meanwhile, also on Friday evening, the class of '55 held its fiftieth reunion at the Manor House Restaurant nearby in Springdale, Ohio. Those in attendance for the celebration were Fr. Murray Bodo, OFM of Ohio, Joe and Joanna Buening of Indiana, Ralph Hatke of Michigan, Bernard Lohkamp of Missouri, Terry and Joan McNally of Kentucky, Fr. Joe Nelson, OFM of Texas, Charlie Neuhaus of Ohio, Bill and Thelma O'Neill of Iowa, Charlie and Judy Rausch of Indiana, Fr. Gilbert Schneider, OFM of Arizona, George Ski of Michigan, Leonard and Delores Stonestreet of Kansas, and Bill Westendick of Florida (and his sister Mary).

Saturday morning, June 25, 2005

Father Dan Anderson ‘65 is curator of the St. John the Baptist Province Archives, now located at St. Anthony Friary, site of the former novitiate. On Saturday morning, Fr. Dan graciously hosted a fairly large group of FAA’ers and family members. The group numbered approximately 45. Fr. Dan opened all rooms and answered many questions as the tour group meandered through exhibits of the history of the Province. Many commented how interesting the displays were, and there were some personal recollections of memories related to various exhibits. A highlight of the Archives tour was the presentation of his high school diploma by Don Weller ‘80. Don’s was the very last diploma to be issued by St. Francis Seminary, so he and the Class of ‘80 agreed to donate that diploma to the Archives of St. John the Baptist Province. Fr. Dan gratefully accepted the diploma and mentioned, at that time, that an unidentified class ring from 1980 had been found and was also now exhibited in the Archives of the Province.  

     

Many from the Archives tour visited St. Anthony Friary which is now the residence of postulants for the Order. The Chapel was in use for a 25^th anniversary Mass at the time, so it could not be viewed, but the area which had formerly housed novices was open for touring. Bro. Greg Mayer, Guardian, led folks through the area. Most of it has been fairly well preserved, but also painted, updated and devoted to some new uses. The Friars are expecting six postulants to join them soon. We viewed the small suites that had been prepared for the postulants. Then, on to the old St. Francis Seminary grounds!

Saturday afternoon, June 25, 2005

The registration table, managed by Rick ‘75 and Kathryn Gardner and Norb ‘52 and Rosemary Garmann, was set up in the basement of the gym building because of the 93 degree temperature outside. All afternoon, alumni arrived, met old buddies, and introduced themselves, their wives, and children to anyone who happened to be around. Phil Fluegeman ‘74 hailed from San Jose, California, and was probably the one who traveled farthest to attend this Chapter in Cincinnati. Bill Jansen ‘40 was a first-timer and the most senior alumnus to check in. He and his wife Joan enjoyed getting acquainted - or reacquainted - with others, and Bill was eager to revisit sites on the grounds. Early registration, socializing and self-guided touring made for a very casual and enjoyable beginning for the afternoon activities.

     

It was a hot and humid afternoon, and even hotter in the seminary gym. The caretaker of the gym, Bob Salak, opened it up for us. He started two floor fans and kept the lights off, which also helped keep the heat to a minimum.

The gym itself was pretty much as it was in the early 70’s, except for the blue and white three-point lines and the blue cat’s head painted on the floor. Someone said that the gym is now home to the Cincinnati Ice girls’ basketball team. But other than some wear and tear on the bleachers and some tracked in tar on the floor, the gym is in pretty good shape.

Fr. Berard Doerger, OFM ‘52, Bob Hassenmiller ’59, Jim Graf ’59, Ed Graf ’61, Roy Brannan '75 and Rick Gardner '75 were some of the first to come in and a few of them began to "warm up." 

Roy had a triple bypass just the previous November. This was the first time he’d picked up a basketball since then. After shooting around awhile, he was hitting outside shots just like when he played varsity for the SFS Saints.

Bob Hassenmiller lives in California. He met up with Jim and Ed Graf in Wichita, Kansas. Bob and Ed were classmates. The three of them drove to the reunion together from there. Like Roy, Bob has a good outside shot. If only they'd had 3-point shots when these guys were on the seminary team!  

Fr. Berard told us that, at two different times, he ruptured both of his Achilles tendons. But he still loves to play basketball.

Eventually a two-on-two game began, one point per basket.  Bob and Rick teamed up against Roy and Fr. Berard. Bob, Roy and Rick were shooting for the most part from the outside. Fr. Berard was grabbing all the rebounds under the basket.

Fr. Berard still plays tough. He and Bob had a collision in which Fr. Berard had a little wind knocked out of him. He shook it off after a minute and play resumed.

It was too bad that there weren't enough people for a full-court game. One of the Association’s customs at the reunion is to pass a microphone around during dinner. We introduce ourselves by name and class year and share a little something with other alumni. When the microphone reached Fr. Berard, he introduced himself and then told everyone he expects a much better turnout for basketball next time!

So, who won the game? When the players stopped for a break - from which they never returned - team Gardner/Hassenmiller was ahead of team Brannan/Doerger 7 to 3.  

             

Throughout the afternoon, many alumni and guests chose to tour the apartments now located inside the old Seminary building or walk around the grounds they once knew so well. There are changes aplenty, but many memories were shared about every nook and cranny of the building and about every tree, walkway and pond still remaining on the site. Father Aubert’s garden is beautiful, thanks to the frequent weekend labors of Mike Niklas ‘75, his family and a good number of other alumni. Newcomers were amazed to view the current usage of the “old swimming pool.” The newest addition to the property - viewed up close by some FAA’ers - is the group of cottages for seniors, some of which are already occupied. They are located in the field behind the gym in the tennis court and orchard areas of the property. At least one alumnus plans to purchase and move into a cottage on the grounds at a later date. Things are coming full circle, with former seminarians returning to the SFS property as seniors!

     

Holy Mass in a fairly warm chapel followed at 5:00. Fr. Gil Wohler ‘53 was the celebrant. Butch Feldhaus ‘75 and his group provided inspiring music for the celebration, almost enough to make folks forget about the temperature. Other musicians and singers included Mary Wiley (wife of Donn ’76), Mike Lippman ’76, Paul Landers ’76, and Mike Niklas ’75. John Peroutka ’75 served as a lector for the liturgy.   

Neither heat nor crowded quarters (due to overflow attendance) could still the enthusiasm of the alumni, their family and friends of FAA. The Ultima sung at the end of Mass would have made Fr. Aubert proud. It was a resounding tribute to the spirit shared by the men who were present, and a true inspiration for everyone.

Saturday evening, June 25, 2005

       

A buffet dinner in the old Study Hall followed the Mass. Everyone appreciated that the study hall is now air conditioned. The dinner was prepared and set up by Mike Niklas’75 and his helpers - especially Marge Wagner (wife of Mario ‘52), Nancy Imhoff (wife of Dave ’70), Charlie Bullington ’67, Pat Daly ’76, and the rest of the crew. Many delicious foods were arrayed, including special Italian sausages and bratwurst donated by Jim Burke ‘62 who is vice-president of Fresh Sausage Specialists, penne pasta with marinara sauce, shredded beef barbecue, green bean casserole, baked beans and a large variety of desserts prepared by residents of Mercy Franciscan and Marge Wagner. Marge’s chocolate chip cookies were irresistible! Other items available included wine, pop, beer and chips. Beverages and snacks for Friday and Saturday were provided by Pat Findley ’74 and Pat Daly ’76. Products from Fresh Sausage Specialists are available at Kroger supermarkets, labeled as the Kroger brand. The leftover food and drinks were given to the residents of Mercy Franciscan, who were very appreciative. It was our way of saying thanks – and it made cleanup easier, too.

   

Although it took awhile for more than 130 people to make their way through the buffet, the wait provided a lot of socializing time for everyone. It also provided time for those gathered to make bids on the silent auction items - two $50 Sears gift cards, a German cuckoo clock, a wall clock, two handmade Santa Claus figurines, and a Family Tree album. Winning bidders were eventually announced as: Nicole Imhoff (gift card), Mike Niklas ‘75 (gift card), Bill Morehead ‘62 (cuckoo clock), Fr. Tom Richstatter ‘57 (wall clock), Pat Daly ‘76 (2 figurines), Jill and Mike Bramer ‘80 (Family Tree album).

After all had visited the buffet - some more than once - Rick Gardner ‘75, President, called the Chapter meeting to order. In the absence of Phil Zepeda ‘66, Treasurer, Rick read the treasurer’s report. He also proffered the minutes of the 2004 Chapter which were immediately approved.

Mike Niklas welcomed and introduced Pat Otto (sister of Fr. Aubert Grieser) and Vickie Dudley (worked with Fr. Aubert in the gardens for years). Pat thanked everyone for remembering her wonderful brother and carrying on his work in the seminary gardens. Pat and Vickie said were very impressed by the Fr. Aubert Grieser Memorial Peace Garden and touched by the efforts of all those who helped restore and sustain it. They were also overjoyed with all the stories of Aubert that people shared with them.

A wireless microphone was passed around the room so each alumnus could introduce himself and make a few comments. One alumnus suggested that a plaque to honor Mother Teresa be installed in the Peace Garden. Mother Teresa visited the garden during the last decade, so the Board will consider the suggestion to remember the occasion in a special way.

     

Mike Thomas ’74 announced that next year’s Chapter will be in the St. Louis area in June 2006. The activities for the reunion will be similar to this year's, with interesting sites, great food, entertainment, spiritual invigoration, and plenty of time to socialize with old friends. Bro Donald Lachowitz '80 and Mike will be the primary coordinators of the event. The shrine of Our Lady of the Snows (www.snows.org) is in the area. It's a peaceful location with gardens, grotto, and other sights in the 200-acre estate. Cahokia Mound, a huge, fascinating earth work by early Native Americans is nearby. St. Louis has the famous Arch, St. Anthony of Padua Church (Franciscan) where we plan to have dinner and mass, a spectacular zoo, gambling boats, and a great variety of entertainment. Details will be forthcoming on this website and in the newsletters.

Several association members were nominated and agreed to serve on the Franciscan Alumni Association Board: Don Weller ’80, Terry McNally ‘55, and Mike Bramer ‘80. Bro. Donald Lachowitz, who was nominated but did not accept a position on the board, agreed to help Mike Thomas with the next Chapter in St. Louis.