Dear brother Kantyite:
Benedicamus Domino…
We have returned home from the Willow Grove Pa. ’09 school reunion. I can not believe the event is already history. There is never enough time to exchange our viewpoint and opinions when it takes at least a day to settle in and become comfortable with not only fresh surroundings but also such an eclectic group. Ninety six members so varied yet so much the same, sharing a common experience from the distant past.
A banner turnout by our class of ’57: Andy and Joyce Brzozkiewicz, Joe Burkacki, Joe and Nancy Czarnecki, Stan Dziuba, Caz Kalinowski, Stan and Marian Karpinski, Joe and MaryAnn Lepkowski, Phil and Camille Spletzer, Ray and Pat Wisniewski, Mike and Diane Zimmer. Ten of the remaining twenty, 50% is not bad!
The Friday hospitality rooms were well attended prior to the guys breaking up for a casual supper at numerous available restaurants. The night was young for some to visit later into the evening both at the hospitality and private rooms.
Saturday opened with a generous selection for breakfast gratis by the Marriott hotel.
Rain precluded the extensive Polish Festival offerings however we were most impressed by the marvelous Our Lady of Czestochowa Shrine maintained by the Paulist Fathers. Many Doylestown boutiques and small restaurants provided a delightful opportunity for repast in the afternoon. A short nap and we were ready for the cocktails and banquet dinner-dance at Williamson Restaurant. The orchestra made it easy to talk yet perform on the dance floor. Of course many took advantage of the photo opportunities.
Sunday Mass was concelebrated at Connie Czaplicki’s parish, by a St. David’s parochial vicar Anthony Rossi and Msgr.Bernie Witkowski and Fr.Lou Dytkowski. Directly after Mass a hot brunch was presented in the church social center.
In an unprecedented and gracious move the pastor, Msgr. Richard Bolger directed the ushers to withhold the collection basket from the Kanty delegation as we are considered guests to be provided for in their house. I suspect, some of the hospitality of Connie Czaplicki must have rubbed off into the church.
Joe Bielawski of Deltona, Fl. could not leave the sunshine to make the trip this time;
Alex Chimochowski of Scottsdale Az. is involved with his printery investment;
Frank Gosciminski of Sewell, NJ is vacationing post bi-lateral hip replacement;;
Ziggy Gucfa in El Cajon Ca. at the most distant point could not make it this time;
Frank Kalista of Brentwood LI, NY is dealing with illness in the family;
Casey Kiczek in Gray Ga. under medical consult is unable to attend to at this time;
Fr.Gerald Przywara of Staunton, Va.or Medford, N.Y. did not respond; KEEP HIM IN PRAYER;
Fr.Brian Shaw in New Britain Ct.claimed a commitment to parish duties;
John and Mary Swoszowski of Wolcott Ct. experienced the tragedy of the death of their twenty five year old daughter in an automobile accident a week earlier; PLEASE KEEP THEM IN PRAYER for the following several years of grieving;
Fr.Carl Urban had a wedding and parish commitments;
It’s a blessing to meet on these annual occasions.
for “the boys” to come together and appreciate each other;
sharing our triumphs, our failures;
our talents and our foibles;
our power and our weakness;
our needs and our wants;
our growth in chronology or growth in wisdom;
our self puffery or our humility;
our personal progress or struggles in our walk in life;
our reaching out to God for help or direction;…or just to laugh.
An informal post-brunch business session lead to the same alumni officers reelected by acclimation.
$20 annual dues are to be sent to treasurer Richard Cywinski, 105 Heather Drive, Pittsburgh, PA. 15209.
Speculation anticipates the class of ‘60 will conduct a reunion in Cleveland Ohio however as no specifics from that class were forthcoming. Particulars have to be ironed out in the next few months.
I previously forwarded the most recent update of our class roster. Please make use of it and maintain contact with your Kanty brother; it will enrich your quality of life.
…Deo Gratias
May the true peace of Jesus be with you always and in all ways;.
Mike “judge” Zimmer ‘57
