The Skirmisher
BORDENTOWN MILITARY INSTITUTE
"Rather Be Than Seem"
BMI
Alumni Association,
Web site: www.bmicadets.org
E-Mail: bmicadets@hotmail.com
Tersina DiPietro,
Editor May 2009
President's Message
Greetings!
I hope this
message finds you well. The cold weather
has left (we hope) and a beautiful spring has sprung. I am proud to announce that a BMI alumnus has
been elected Mayor of Bordentown City.
James E. Lynch, Jr., Class of 1973, was elected Mayor on May 12,
2009. Congratulations, Jim!
Work
has already begun on the next reunion scheduled for October 2010. If you have any suggestions for the reunion,
please let the committee know via mail, e-mail, or by telephone. Your suggestions are always appreciated. The Friday night meet and greet last October
was quite successful. Do you have any
suggestions for a Saturday morning activity?
Perhaps we could get a service at one of the local churches. Would this appeal to anyone? Let us know.
Just
a quick monument update. We have
arranged to have the fence surrounding the monument painted this summer. The cadet statue stands tall and is a
reminder of BMI's Glory Days.
I
hope everyone has a safe summer.
Anchors
Aweigh,
J. C. Platt
Joseph
C. Platt, '74
President
BMI
Alumni Association
REUNION 2008 REVISITED
Friday,
October 17th, was the start of our Reunion 2008 celebration. Many alumni, guests, and friends arrived at
the Alstarz Pub for an evening of camaraderie and the
consuming of libations as they became reacquainted with classmates of long ago.
Saturday,
October 18th, was the day of the "Main Event." Some alumni got together for breakfast that
morning but the proceedings officially began at 3:00 p.m. with a parade through
the streets of Bordentown.
Our President, Joseph C. Platt '74
(better known as J.C.), led the Ceremony at the Statue Site. Another alumnus, Jim Lynch '73, now Mayor of
Bordentown City, gave a brief address.
Quoting BMI's much respected Dean and President, Dr. Harold Morrison
Smith, Jim said, "The career of a schoolmaster has not been for me an easy
life, but the constant satisfaction of seeing many young people grow in
achievement and, subsequently, into mature strength and good citizenship makes
me feel beyond any doubt that if I had to do it all over again, I would still
be a schoolmaster. Happiness comes when
you know that the best attributes of your heart and mind can go on living in
your pupils long after you are dead."
Jim added, "He was talking about us and we thank Dr. Smith and the
entire BMI faculty for the faith they had in each and every one of
us." J. R. Arthur '58 and Mark
Manley '59 played the bagpipes at the statue ceremony and at the reunion
dinner. They are a couple of very
talented guys.
Following
the statue ceremony, everyone went to the Elks to sign in and to get ready for
the evening's festivities. J. C. Platt
welcomed the group and Rev. Harry Putnam, BMI faculty, offered the
Invocation. The dinner, catered by Mastoris' Diner, was a hit with the attendees. Then, of course, came the Old Boys
Drill. After a stumbling start, they
managed to remember how to respond to the orders. This part of our reunions is always great fun
for observers.
Congratulations
to the Class of 1959! They turned out in
record numbers thanks to Robert Wilmot Williams who searched, found, and
cajoled them into attending. J. R.
Arthur '58 tried hard but could not beat the fifty-niners.
The
following Board members were elected:
President - J. C. Platt '74; Vice President - John E. Harkins '67;
Treasurer - Robert P. Frisbie '61; Secretary - Tersina DiPietro;
Directors-at-Large - Angelo V. Candelori '56; David Harkness '58; Mark Josephson '71.
The
evening ended with dancing and many fond goodbyes....until 2010!
****************************
Robert Williams '59 found the following poem that was
written in 1924 by Alexander H. Weinberg '13 after serving in
World War I. The sentiment expressed herein refers to the
BMI cadets at that time who wondered why the "old boys" were glad to
get back. In some respects, it probably mirrors
the feelings of our alumni as they returned to Bordentown for Reunion 2008.
Glad to Get Back
"Glad to get back" – And we're hearing that you – Cannot
understand the reason why – The old grads speak as the old grads do – Listen
and learn, then, young B.M.I.
"Glad to get back" –
Though a short time through – Parted amain are the
friends of youth – So the old grads speak as the old grads do – Glad to get
back – and that's the truth.
"Glad to get back" – We of
older years – Who witnessed the hell of the worst of wars – Think of those days
with smiles and tears – And sigh for the Haven on Delaware's shores.
"Glad to get back" –
Though there's some who are missed – Gallantly bearing our Standard on High –
Look on your Bronze Tablet and read of the list – Of your Brothers in Battle
who loved B.M.I.
"Glad to get back" – From
a world full of strife – Write it and speak it and shout it on high. – I'll
tell you, fellows, that this is the life – Right here at Bordentown, old B.M.I.
CLASS NOTES
'37 QUENTIN
SANDLER reported that his wife's
relative did a computer search and came up with a clipping from The New York
Times published on June 15, 1937, with the headline, "59 TO BE
GRADUATED FROM BORDENTOWN." The
article states, "Military Institute Will End 52d Commencement Today with
Conferring Diplomas." It lists all
of the graduates and further states, "Dr. Samuel P. Steinmetz, pastor of
St. Michael's Protestant Episcopal Church, Trenton, will be the guest
speaker. Dean Harold Morrison Smith will
confer diplomas and certificates."
Quentin also enclosed a list of 18 of his classmates and bits of
information he remembers about them. (Good
job, Quentin.)
'38 We received a note from Mrs.
Betty Anne Winkler concerning her father, ABE YOUNG (YASKOWITZ). She states, "Dad wants you to know how
much his BMI experience continues to mean to him and how much he treasures his
memories of his many years there."
'39 H. AUSTIN MITSCHER wrote
regarding Reunion 2008. He stated,
"Congratulations! In my opinion, it
was the best parade and ceremony at the statue that I can recall. It was thoroughly enjoyable. The pipes added class to the parade and
certainly made the city folks aware of our past presence if they did not
already know. I was the oldest cadet
marching at 89 years and in very good health for my age."
He added, "Anne and I were sorry not to be able to attend the
banquet at the Elks but we find it difficult driving back to Chatham after
dark."
'46 JAY SHERLACH, usually a regular
attendee at our reunions, was unable to attend Reunion 2008 due to his wife's
shoulder surgery. She provides the
chauffeur service necessary for the trip from Pawling, NY. He stated, "We both enjoyed our times
with you all and look forward to seeing you in 2010."
'47 BRAD BOONE was in contact
with WALT GODWIN '44 and Walt shared Brad's information with
us. Brad lives in Fitchburg, MA. He wrote, "Although blessed with two
wonderful daughters, my only claim to the role of grandfather lies in being a
granddad to my best friend's son. After
a lifetime running my own graphic arts business for 40 years, I have slipped
into the retirement mode. However, I do
keep busy working on a 16-page monthly 4-string banjo publication that I
publish as an ezine online."
'48 NICK (CHICK) CHERGOTIS wrote, "I have been fighting colon cancer for almost 14
years." (We wish you well, Nick!)
RICHARD WHELAN sent a note stating, "I'll be there in 2010!"
'50 RAY APY reports that his
traveling these days is usually linked to visits with his daughter and family
in Rhode Island and his son's family in upstate New York. Ray adds that he hopes to attend Reunion
2010.
'51 ALBERTO MIZRAHI sends "regards to all cadets."
'52 We heard from RALPH ARLEN who lives in Springfield, MA. He
asked to be added to our list of "found" alumni.
ALLEN REED, JR. was unable to attend our October reunion due to a schedule conflict. He wrote, "Retired 18 years; health
great; play golf, tennis, and bowl."
STEPHEN SORAK wrote, "Until recently I was unaware of a BMI Alumni
Association."
'55 We received an e-mail from GEORGE BRADLEY. He reminded us that he played
trumpet in the BMI band. George would
like to hear from NICK KRAWCIW
'54 and any alumni who may remember
him. George resides in Port Orange,
FL. His phone number is 386-763-4866.
'57 MARSHALL TILDEN, JR., wrote,
"I stumbled across BMI's Web site and enjoyed looking up all the
information. The last time I visited BMI
was Homecoming in October 1967. I would
be very interested in the next BMI reunion." Marshall resides in Yonkers, NY.
EDWARD TRIEFLER sent an e-mail stating, "Though I pass by every year on my annual
trips up north from my home in Florida, I had no idea that there was an active
alumni association. I have very fond
memories of my years there. I usually
followed the rules but the last day before graduation, I signed out after the
senior prom but I just did not sign back in.
There I was returning at 3:00 a.m. to be greeted by the Commandant of
Cadets, sitting in his car in front of my dorm.
He said, 'Report to the Headmaster after First Mess.' When I got to his office, I was greeted by my
not-too-happy father and Dr. Smith. It
was a long hot summer before I received my diploma in the mail and got my
graduation present, a new car, which sat in our garage the whole time."
'59 ROGER
MARKS attended Reunion 2008,
following which he wrote, "I had a great time." Roger said he especially enjoyed seeing LTC
George Nelson who was in attendance. Roger
added, "He is such a wonderful man and really meant a lot to the cadets
who knew him back in those days when he was stationed at BMI."
BOB SELIGA's business, R & M Rosary, has custom,
hand-made (in USA) Gem and Crystal rosaries.
You can reach Bob at rmseliga1@msn.com
or 908-769-7735.
We heard from BRIAN WILLIAMS who wrote, "I was a member of the marching band in 1955-56 and
during football season we were the team to beat. But nobody did...including AF." Brian makes his home in Zephyr Cove, NV.
Prior to attending
Reunion 2008, ROBERT WILLIAMS and his wife Judy took a trip to China and
Tibet; however, that did not stop him from working diligently to bring many of
his classmates to Bordentown for Reunion 2008 in October. (Good work, Bob!)
'61 NORM
KIRSCHBAUM and his wife will be
heading for Germany soon to work in a US Army Hospital for a few years.
ROBERT LOW sent an e-mail after locating us on the Web. Some alumni may remember that Robert was the
son of Major James Low who was PMS&T during the late 1940s or early
1950s. After many years, Robert returned
to Bordentown to attend BMI for his junior year of high school (1959-60). He wrote, "I must admit that BMI
probably provided the direction I needed at that point in my life. I (rather sadly) spent only one year at
BMI. I anticipated returning for my
senior year but it was not to be."
Robert said his father retired as a Full Colonel and died at age 96 in
2006.
KEN WILLIAMS reported that he had a "great time" at Reunion 2008. He wrote, "It was my first and I look
forward to the next one." Ken also
provided addresses for ROBERT
MORTON '60 and HARRY BROWN '65 both of whom reside in New Jersey.
'62 Through an old friend of EDWARD PRINTZ, we learned that Ed has had a successful career as a Media
Director/Producer and is now living in semi-retirement in Houston, TX.
MANUEL LAUREDO learned of the BMI Alumni Association after joining Classmates.com. Manuel resides in
We received our annual
Christmas letter from BOB MACARI. In
it, he reminds us that "we should devote our energies to the realization
of new goals: establishing new
friendships and renewing old ones."
'63 JACK AQUILA operates his family's printing business, Inter-City Press Inc., in New
York City. Jack is also a commercial
real estate broker in NJ and PA. He is
President of the Italian-American Heritage Club, 200 Club, Rotary Club, North
Hunterdon Municipal Alliance, Clinton Business Group, and Treasurer of the
Republican Club of Clinton Township. He
adds, "I almost forgot!!! I'm a
Grandfather!!!" Jack and his wife,
Dorothy, plan to retire to North Carolina in the near future.
LEN FINK asked, "Did you check out (Vice-Presidential candidate) Joe Biden's mention of my BMI championship football teammate, FLOYD LITTLE, at the Democratic Convention?"
(We did.)
MARK GOLBY wrote, "Thanks for all your good work and service."
FRANK MAURIO resides in Trenton, NJ. He would
like to hear from fellow alumni. Frank
can be reached at 609-888-2321.
GENE REID wants to know if there are any BMI grads living on the "Grand
Strand" (i.e., from NC/SC line along the Atlantic Ocean to a small town
called Georgetown, SC). Contact him at genereidsc@yahoo.com.
BERNARD SANSARICQ contacted us with startling news. He wrote, "As I threw my hat in the US
political arena, declaring my candidacy to the US Congress for the 23rd
District in Florida, former BMI cadets immediately started offering their
help. JERRY KRAWITZ '61 flew down
to Florida and spent a whole evening with me in my home to offer his
advice. I also heard from BOB SANDLER '48, DON BIGGS '54, RAY APY
'50, and JOHN AQUILA '63. So in November 2010, a former
BMI cadet will be in the US Congress and I can already tell you that the doors
of my office in DC will always be open for you.
Your password will be 'BMI Cadet!'
I will make Dr. Smith and every one of my teachers and instructors at BMI
who contributed to make me what I am today, very proud." My Web address is www.sansaricq4congress.org.
Our
mail brought this message from RONALD WALDHEIM. "To
all those on the J.V. football team – Football Season 1962 – Best wishes! Dutch Waldheim,
Co-Captain."
'64 RICHARD GUIDETTI missed
Reunion 2008 due to illness but he wrote, "I am looking forward to the
2010 Reunion. I really enjoy the
reunions and seeing old friends."
NORM MAZER wrote that he returned to BMI a few times
after graduation including Homecoming 1964 for the "old boys
drill." He added, "I prize the
memories."
We heard from HOWARD "HL" SMITH. He said he googled "Bordentown Military Institute" and was happy to find us. Howard earned his Ph.D. in Educational Leadership. He graduated as an educator. He wrote, "I wanted to replicate BMI in some fashion. Imagine, another Dr. Smith and BMI! Hope JOE FLAMINI put his massive brain to good use over all these years. We all knew that BOB DUNCAN '65, that's The Rt. Rev. (Bishop) Duncan, would be a general or a Bishop or maybe both."
'65 Rev. JAMES DULL, a Roman Catholic priest, has been appointed Parochial Vicar at St. Bernadette Parish in Fuquay-Varina, NC.
LOU MANCUSO and his wife Jo Ann are enjoying retirement in Arizona.
'66 WES HAND has relocated to Tucson, AZ, and is again working for the police department there.
RON HOEHN, son of Coach Doc Hoehn, wrote to say that he retired after 36 years with the State of NJ. He added, "It's hard to believe that the Class of 1966 is made up of 60-year-olds!"
We heard from DARYL SCHNEIDER. He resides in Tarpon Springs, FL, and is General Manager of D & G Motors in Port Richey.
Capt. STANLEY WINOWICZ was the keynote speaker at
a Veterans Day ceremony in Ewing, NJ. In
his address, he stated, "Veterans Day belongs to everyone who has fought
for their country, not just those recognized as heroes. Whether it is in the mountains or plains of
'67 JIM ESPIN was unable to attend Reunion 2008 because he was preparing for knee surgery the following week. He wrote, "The same knee that was injured while playing football for Coach Luisi. If he were still with us, I'd give him a big hug!"
ART MADRAZO tells us he finally retired after almost 25 years of service with American Airlines. He wrote, "The big 6-0 is around the corner and I want time to run at least five sets of tires off my Honda Cruiser. Besides, somebody has to watch out for my seven grandchildren. Regards to one and all."
'68 MARK MASTER found us on the Internet. After BMI, he graduated from American University with a degree in accounting. He is currently a CPA and a partner in the firm of Amper, Politziner and Mattia, LLP, located in Jenkintown, PA. He has been married for 35 years and has two children.
TOM O'DONNELL is beginning his 10th year at Richard Stockton College of NJ. As Assistant Dean of Students, one of his assignments is to oversee the Veterans Program there. He added, "As we prepare for the new GI Bill, I am so proud to be able to assist our wonderful veterans as they prepare for college. My training at BMI has been a tremendous asset to my current position." Tom recently held a statewide conference at Stockton College for student veterans.
Although JOE VRABLIK and MIKE HURKA were unable to attend Reunion 2008, they wanted to be sure that the attendees at the dinner had a great time; therefore, they provided the table wine for all to enjoy. Joe wrote, "Tell the Class of '68 that as we all head toward retirement, it is time to now consider how we shift from focusing on being successful to the more important goal of being significant."
'69 We heard from PAUL FAY who
lives in
ROBERT PENHALLOW (nee WILLIAMS) would like to find his old friend, RICHARD CONTE.
DOUG PALMER, Mayor of the City of Trenton,
recently received an honorary doctorate in humane letters from Hampton
University in recognition of his contributions over almost 30 years as an
elected official: Mercer County
Freeholder and the first black mayor of Trenton, NJ.
ARTHUR SAWL sold his newspapers (covering all of Silicon Valley) and has been living "in a paradise in the foothills of the Sierra range about one hour from Lake Tahoe." An internet search put him in touch with BRUCE BENDER after no contact for 40 years! Arthur would like to hear from JOE VRABLIK and other classmates. He wrote, "My days at BMI truly had an impact upon my character and my comportment (my wife marvels at how neat my dresser drawers and closets are.)
ARTHUR SCHALICK checked in. He resides in Vineland, NJ.
RICHARD SEWELL retired to Princeton, NJ, six years ago after 25 years in Manhattan. He has been in contact with HARRY THOMAS and DOUG PALMER, mayor of Trenton. Richard ended by saying, "I'd love to hear from others. As for now, it's off to the golf course."
'71 HORACE ORR planned to attend Reunion 2008 but serious heart problems prevented his doing so. He wrote, "I challenge all my classmates from 1971 and 1970 to make a concerted effort to attend Reunion 2010. Personally, I have a few things up my sleeve and surprises will be of the essence. There is lots of time to plan so NO EXCUSES! Thank you."
JIM REBER is the Vicar (priest) at St. Francis
Anglican Church near
Via e-mail, we heard from TONY SINKOSKY. He wrote, "I hope my Young Hall housemates, STEVE MORETTO, GERRY DiMARZIO, and TIM PALMER read THE SKIRMISHER. I would love to hear from them at tony@gtpcorp.com.
'72 We learned that HANS ERDMAN is a state park ranger with the Minnesota Department of Natural Resources at Sand Dunes State Recreation Area in Orrock, MN.
GENE FRIEDLAND would like to reconnect with former alumni and classmates. His e-mail is Genefriedland@comcast.net.
'73 ROBERT CLARK wrote that he attended BMI for only one year but "it still remains in my mind as one of my most memorable high school years for so many different reasons."
Bordentown City has a new mayor and it is none other than our own alumnus, JAMES E. LYNCH, JR. Jim served the City as Commissioner for over twenty years.
STEVE SPINELLI has been named President of
Philadelphia University in
FACULTY
Harry Putnam who was on the military staff and later faculty at BMI now serves on our Board of Directors. Harry recently suffered a fall that resulted in a fractured femur. After surgery and many weeks of hospitalization and rehab due to complications, he is recuperating at home. (We wish you well, Harry.)
********************
DURLAND HOUSE FOR
Those of you who attended BMI
while in the elementary grades lived for a time in Durland
House. The house was purchased by GARY
WEISBERG '69 at the time of the auction of BMI properties. Gary resides in Florida and has put the house
up for sale. For additional information,
you may e-mail
MEMBERSHIP DUES
Dues cards have been sent via first-class-mail to all alumni on our
mailing list. Annual dues are $15. If you have not already paid dues for 2009,
please do so as soon as possible so that you may be retained on our active
mailing list. Make checks payable to BMI
Alumni Association and mail to P. O. Box 91, Bordentown, NJ 08505. Please note:
Dues and other contributions, although much appreciated, are not
tax deductible.
COMPANY STORE
Maroon
Sweatshirt w/embroidered BMI logo (Size XX-Large only) - $15
Maroon
Polo Shirts w/BMI logo (sizes S, M, L, XL, XXL)
- $30
Medallion
w/stand - $5 (reduced from $10)
Baseball
Caps w/BMI letters - $10
BMI
Decals (2) - $1
Note
Cards - $8
The
above prices include postage. To order,
send check or money order (payable to
BMI Alumni Association) to BMI Alumni Association, P. O. Box 91,
Bordentown, NJ 08505. Be sure to
designate size when ordering shirts.
WEB
SITE
If you have not gone into the BMI Web site lately, you are in for a
treat. Bob Frisbie '61 has added many items
of interest: a list of known deceased
alumni, athletic pictures, etc. Go into
bmicadets.org, click on the Subject Page, and click on whatever interests you. Bob continues to update the site; therefore,
we suggest that you make a habit of checking it frequently. He is in the process of adding reunion photos
and needs our help in identifying some of the people in the pictures. Please send an e-mail to bmicadets@hotmail.com
if you can assist us. Thank you.
********************
IN
MEMORIAM
The officers and members of the
Executive Board join with the entire membership of the BMI ALUMNI ASSOCIATION
in extending sincerest sympathy to the families of:
Allan R. (Bud) Bucher '44
Robert E. Deignan '59
James G. Homan '59
Benjamin M. Lowe '73
Robert Pate '59
Robert L. Place '56
George Sander '34
Wayne Seiber '54
Henry M. Weeks '27 (died in 1981)
Clark P. Zitzmann '41