WINTER EDITION 2020
This
is the 47th edition of the Golden Burrs Quarterly
Newsletter sponsored by the Events Committee members. All the
committee members wish you and yours a very.....
Merry Christmas and a
Happy and Healthy New Year
In this issue under the "West Catholic Prep Banner" you will find a letter from Andrew Brady Interim President of West Catholic Prep, a picture of
the Burrs at the Beach Committee's check presentation to Andrew Brady, and an
article gleaned from WEST NOTES about a gift of $1 million to West Catholic
from the estate of a deceased member of the Class of 1952 and his
wife.
In the "News Features" section you will find an
article about the closing of St. Gabriel's Hall
and two Catholic High Schools.
Sadly, we have learned of the passing of three
classmates: Gene Carroll who came to
West from St. Clement Parish. Until a few years ago, Gene was a
regular attendee at Burrs at The Beach. Also, he attended several of
our annual class luncheon. Ed Gannon who also came to West from St. Clement
Parish passed away after a long illness. Doris Pavonarius wrote
to advise that her husband Rich Pavonarius passed away after a short battle with
lung cancer. Rich came to West from St.
James Parish. His family moved into St. Carthage Parish when he was in
high school.
May Gene, Ed and Rich Rest in Peace.
Rich Buzza once again closes the
newsletter with his "Final Thought".
EVENTS ASSOCIATED WITH WEST CATHOLIC
PREP
October 4, 2020
I am honored to be writing my first letter to you as the Interim
President of my alma mater, West Catholic Preparatory High School. I am
fortunate and grateful that I have been able to serve this school and its
students in a multitude of different roles for almost 12 years. Like many
before and after me, my experience here as a student changed the course of my
life.
While attending West Catholic, I wasnt what you would
call a model student. I had not yet learned the focus and the
discipline necessary to do well in the classroom. By the time I reached my
senior year, I was coasting through life. I wasnt
sure if I wanted to attend college, and I had no idea what I wanted to do for a
career. One day, a young Christian Brother I had gotten to know, Brother
Brad Flint, pulled me out of class to talk. He asked me about my plans
after college. I told him I wasnt sure what I would do. He responded
by saying, You should consider being a teacher
I think you would
be good at it.
I always felt like becoming a teacher was for students who got
better grades than I did, or followed the rules more closely than I had. But in
the weeks and months following, I couldnt shake what
Brother Brad had said to me. He must have seen something in me that I had yet
to see in myself- and that I couldnt see on my own. I started to kick around the idea of going to college
and coming back to teach at West Catholic. A year later, Brother Brad died in a tragic
accident. I remember how much hearing that news impacted me, and it made me realize the impact educators can have on
their students. It was in that moment that I decided that I needed to follow
Brother Brads
advice.
Three months after I graduated from college I walked into the
halls of West Catholic as a member of the schools faculty. In that
45 second conversation with Brother Brad he was able to make me see something
in me that led me to become a teacher. That is the power of education,
it provides the opportunity to build bonds and connections with young people
and to encourage them along their path.
As I contemplate the upcoming school year as president of West
Catholic Prep, I recognize the year ahead will present a unique set of
challenges. The stress and anxiety our students are dealing with as a result of
the pandemic are at the forefront of my mind. Im also concerned
for our families, many of whom are dealing with financial difficulties as a
result of COVID-19. The Lasallian mission of our school becomes even more
critical during times like this. We must provide our students and families with
the love and support they need during such a difficult and uncertain time. In a
world that is filled with uncertainty, one thing that I know will remain
constant is this incredible community of alums and supporters who are the
foundation of West Catholic Prep.
While Brother Brad started me on this path, I have stayed on this
path because of people like you who love and support West Catholic Preparatory
High School. The continued loyalty and dedication of this community
provides an opportunity for the next generation of students here to have a
spark ignited in them that will change the course of their life. Thank you for
your continued support, I look forward to serving this incredible institution
alongside all of you.
Gratefully,
Andrew Brady, 02
BURRS AT THE BEACH CHECK PRESENTATION
submitted by: TOM MCGINN
Below
is the photo of the Burrs at the Beach Committee presenting a $5,000 check
to Andrew Brady. This brings the total raised by
B@B, over its 32-year history, to approximately $825,000.
Tom McGinn, Peggy Panichelli, Andrew Brady, George Light
GIFT FROM THE ESTATE OF
PASQUALE AND BARBARA FRATTURA
Gleaned from the Fall/Winter Edition
of WEST NOTES
NEWS FEATURES
ST. GABRIEL'S HALL TO
CLOSE
Gleaned from CatholicPhilly.com
By Gina
Christian Posted September 25, 2020
A
long-running Archdiocese of Philadelphia program that has served thousands of troubled
youth over more than 122 years will soon be discontinued.
In a
Sept. 25 statement, the archdiocese announced the closure of the St. Gabriels System (SGS), a multi-service agency of Catholic
Social Services (CSS).
Currently,
the SGS program comprises St. Gabriels Hall (SGH),
an Audubon-based residential and educational program for Philadelphia
court-adjudicated youth ages 13-19; the Mitchell Program, an intensive 120-day
residential treatment program within SGH; and De La Salle Vocational (DelVoc), a day treatment center and educational program
located in Bensalem.
The
archdiocese said it will work with the City of Philadelphia over the next 60
days to ensure a safe and healthy transition for the 30 young men currently
enrolled in the SGH and DelVoc programs. As part of
that effort, the youth will receive six months of community-based aftercare
services through SGSs intensive Reintegration Services program.
Long-term
social welfare trends, combined with the financial fallout of the COVID-19
pandemic, prompted the decision, according to the archdiocese.
Over the
past decade, public policy has been directed at reducing the number of youth
committed to congregate care facilities such as SGS,
the statement noted.
A 2019
Youth Residential Placement Task Force convened by the City of Philadelphia
identified a 72% reduction in the number of delinquent youth committed to such
settings, from 867 in December 2014 to just 244 in April 2019.
Over the
course of several recent meetings, the archdiocese communicated with Philadelphias Department of Human Services (DHS) regarding
the sharply decreasing census numbers at both SGH and DelVoc.
Since March, the number of young men assigned by the Philadelphia courts to the
programs has dropped by 70%.
In
response to the decline, the archdioceses Catholic
Human Services (CHS) division had contributed more than $3 million over the
past five years to support the SGS mission.
However,
the supplemental funding was insufficient to offset a pandemic-related drop in
census that, along with an ongoing budgetary shortfall, threatened the programs financial solvency, said the archdiocese.
At
current levels, the SGS program is projected to sustain a $3 million loss for
the first six months of 2020. DHS has not indicated the number of
court-adjudicated youth assigned to SGS will increase in the foreseeable
future.
Although
both DHS and CHS have worked collaboratively to find a viable financial
solution, said the archdiocese, no pathway has
emerged that is tenable for either party.
The
approximately 180 employees of SGH and DelVoc have
been notified of the closure in compliance with the Worker Adjustment and
Retraining Notification Act (WARN), said the archdiocese, adding that it would
work to provide staff with alternate positions or severance packages.
The SGS
ministry was initially established in 1898, when Philadelphia Archbishop
Patrick John Ryan invited the Christian Brothers to administer the Philadelphia
Protectorate for Boys in Audubon, offering education and care for at-risk
youth.
In 1960,
the ministry was renamed as St. Gabriels Hall and
extended under the SGS umbrella to multiple sites within the archdiocese,
drawing its guiding principles from the work of St. John Baptiste de La Salle,
founder of the Christian Brothers and a pioneering advocate of education for
impoverished and at-risk youth.
Over the
ensuing decades, SGS developed close, collaborative relationships with
Philadelphia agencies such as DHS, Family Court and Community Behavioral
Health, as well as state educational entities.
In
particular, the ministry along with all CSS outreaches has focused on
providing youth with trauma-informed care, a treatment modality that addresses
the core reasons why clients engage in at-risk behavior. As part of the
approach, staff focus on fostering communication
skills, emotional intelligence, non-violence and a sense of social
responsibility among students.
TWO CATHOLIC HIGH SCHOOLS
TO CLOSE IN 2021
Gleaned from CatholicPhilly.com
By Matthew
Gambino Posted November 18, 2020
Citing
declining enrollment and underutilized buildings, the Archdiocese of
Philadelphia announced Nov. 18 that John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls High School
in Philadelphia and Bishop McDevitt High School in Wyncote, Montgomery County
will close at the end of the 2020-2021 academic year.
Faith in
the Future Foundation, which operates the archdiocesan high schools and schools
of special education, said in a joint statement with the archdiocese that a committee of business executives
had analyzed the high schools last summer to gauge sustainability as part of a
strategic planning process.
The
group studied current and projected student enrollments, student retention,
demographic trends, capacity of buildings and financial solvency for each of
the 17 schools and across the system.
Faith in the Future leaders along with the archdiocesan Office
of Catholic Education and senior archdiocesan leaders recommended the closure
of Hallahan and McDevitt, which Archbishop Nelson Pérez accepted.
Hallahan, located in center city
Philadelphia on Wood Street between 18th and 19th streets, is
operating at only 36% of its building capacity.
At the end of the 19th century
several wealthy individuals saw a need to educate Catholic young women,
and they led the development of five small sites in Philadelphia in 1901.
In 1911 they had grown into Catholic Girls High School, on
the corner of 19th and Wood Streets just one block north of what today ins the Benjamin Franklin Parkway.
Credit to founding what would be the first all-girls diocesan
high school in the United States goes not only to the aegis of then Father
Philip McDevitt, the superintendent of Catholic Schools in the Philadelphia
Archdiocese, but especially to benefactor Mary McMichan. Upon
her death and at her request, the name of the school was changed to John W.
Hallahan Catholic Girls High School in honor of her brother.
Bishop McDevitt, located at 125 Royal Avenue in Wyncote, is at 40% of
capacity.
McDevitt was founded in 1958 and saw its first graduating
class in 1961. Traditionally it has been one of the more modest archdiocesan
high schools. Its peak enrollment in 1968 was 2,086, at a time when Cardinal
Dougherty High School, not far across the Montgomery County line in Philadelphias Olney section, boasted more than 4,700
students. That school closed in 2010.
As a point of fact, Bishop McDevitt High School shares a
historical link to Hallahan High. The former was named for a Philadelphia
priest who would go on to be bishop of the Harrisburg Diocese (where another
high school named for him still operates today), and the latter was begun
through his encouragement.
MAIL FROM CLASSMATES AND FRIENDS
Ann Cahill former teacher at St. Gabriel's Hall: Hi Rich, For me, the Christian
Brothers' presence was the heart of that very successful program.
Jim Maynes: Another wonderful newsletter just brings back so many
good memories of West Catholic and the great
brothers and teachers we had who molded us into men. God Bless West
Catholic.
Joe Grimley: Thank you.
Charles Porrini
WC '49: Thanks Frank for sending this to my Dad!
Have a great day! Karen
Joe Semeister: Frank, First of all, you have
done another great job. I do have, I think all or most of the Sr. Class
Cards. Now, I have to locate them. As soon as I locate them, I will
try to send them off.
Stay well, Joe
Andy Thompson: Thank you Frank for producing and
sending the 46th edition which is thoughtfully written and very much
appreciated. Andy (Don) Thompson
Andrew Brady: Frank, I just wanted to send
you a thanks for all of the hard work that goes into
this newsletter. What is happening here at West Catholic would not be
possible without our committed and loyal
alums!
Andrew Brady 02
Interim President
West Catholic
Preparatory High School
George Light: Frank, you have again put out a great news
letter. Thank you for all your hard work. George
Frank Murphy WC '56: Just came across your newsletter, really enjoyed the
read thanks. I graduated West in 1956 went to Our Mother of Sorrows
in Philly, we moved to Drexel Hill in '52; St. Bernadette
parish. We lived at 1229 Bryan St. right off Township Line;
enjoyed growing up in the area from 7th grade. Enjoyed
some conversations with your classmate John Gallagher when we
could communicate over West email. Understand he
passed? Thanks again, can you add me to your list if
continued? Best Regards, Frank Murphy '56
:Brother
Steve Casale: Frank, Thank
you for publishing the newsletter. I appreciated having it and reading
about what is going on as well as former classmates.
The
Lord's blessing on you and yours. Steve Casale
FSC
Joe Murphy:
Frank, As always another great and informative
edition. Thank You. Joe
Tom Hughes: Hi Frank, Great info on the last
newsletter, your team always does a great job in collecting interesting info
for the newsletter.
Missy Light Dougherty: Thanks, Frank! Hope everything is good with you
during these crazy times.
Stay well,
Missy
Brother Kevin Stanton: Dear Frank, Thanks very much for the Fall issue of Golden
Burrs. I thought I would let you know that its arrival coincided with the
death of Brother Thomas Caldwell who served at West as Vice Principal from
64-66 and Principal from 68-70. He died at 93 after 75 years as a
Christian Brother, 30 of which were at St. Gabriel's Hall (the former Catholic Protectory for Boys). He was there with your recently
deceased classmate, Brother Lawrence Dempsey, who also worked with
the boys there for 25 years. May they rest in the peace of our Risen
Lord.
Blessings
on all your good work. Brother Kevin
Gleaned from LASALLIAN NOTES
Joe Semeister: Frank, I have found
the cards. I have over 40 of them.
It may take me a little more time to send pictures. My wife, Elaine has
had open heart surgery for six different procedures. After 7 days she has
be sent from CCU to a Step-down unit. She had a rough time.
My sister informed me that Gene
Carroll past on Sept. 26. One more of us checking out.
I hope ALL IS WELL, Joe
Joe Gavaghan:
Hey Frank, The Phillies offered these cutouts all around the ballpark to fans
for a $40 donation to Phillies Charities.
You supply the picture and they do the rest.
My
niece Peggy had a picture of me wearing a t-shirt from the Eagles Super Bowl
win in 2018. The shirt pictured the famous "Philly Special" and
was a birthday gift last year from my nephew Jim in Atlanta. Their mothers
and my wife Jeanne were sisters. Peggy gave the cutout to me for an
early 80th birthday gift. It was displayed in the outfield to the
left of the right field fair pole in the back row. I never saw it
watching the games but a friend of Peggy's did see it. I think they were
out there for about 25 of the 30 games played this year at Citizens Bank
Park. My friend Kathy, a Phillies VP, called me last week telling me that
she had my cutout and this morning we met for breakfast and she gave it to
me. Kathy said the Phillies were very happy with the response to the
program which added more funds for Phillies Charities. Joe
Gav
Bob
Dowd: Frank - I don't know if this is what you were
asking for in the past newsletter or if I am late in getting it in...? If so
just ignore.
Anyway
this is the Bronze medal (3rd place) I received still in its original box from
Jewelers row in Philadelphia.
I
was in my junior year and was on the track team. Brother Luke said
anyone on the team who had not earned their letter was eligible to participate-
! Never did earn it (strict)....!
Anyway
the story was the kid that beat me and earned the silver was wearing his school
shoes and kept his tie on....he later told me he always wanted to
participate in track but had to work in-town after school. But just this
once told his work that he would be coming in late that day. The race he
decided on was the 110 low hurdles....I was humbled-I always thought I was the
fastest kid ever-but it was my neighborhood that I hung in with some of the
slowest guys on the block....until I got to WC and I became the slowest
sprinter on the team. ! I never found out who
the kid was who got the Silver!
EARLIEST MEMORIES FROM THE 1940's and 1950's
submitted by: FRANK ADOLF
WHERE LIFE BEGAN FOR MANY OF US
Misericordia Hospital - Circa 1950's
PHILADELPHIA FAVORITES
Captain and Mrs. Noah, Larry Ferrari, Al Alberts,
Chief Halftown
a
Dick Clark on ABC's Bandstand
The Wanamaker Monorail
1956 - Demolition of the El at 30th and
Market Sts.
The Wanamaker Christmas Display
PLEASE REMEMBER IN YOUR PRAYERS
Care for the Sick -Transfiguration Church
WE REMEMBER and ask for your prayers for those
who are ill, especially Dave Crines who is recovering from a stroke, Tom Henry who is battling Hodgkin
Lymphoma, Brother
Robert Sentman who is dealing with back problems, Father Richard McAndrews who has Parkinson's disease and now
resides at Little Flower Manor Nursing Home, and Barry Carey who suffered a heart attack in May.
Our
Webmaster Jim Prendergast completed Chemo
and Radiation treatments in February. A post treatment Cat Scan and other test revealed that the cancer has
spread. Jim is receiving additional chemo treatments
and is in need of your prayers.
Two
former teachers from West are in need of prayers; Brother
Gregory Cavalier has moved to
the nursing home in Lincroft, NJ, and former Brother Gratian
Joseph (John Gardiner) is in the beginning stage
of Alzheimer's disease.
WE
REMEMBER and pray for all of our deceased classmates who have gone to
their eternal reward, especially Gene
Carroll, Ed Gannon and Rich Pavonarius.
EUGENE
J. CARROLL JR. - SEPTEMBER 26, 2020
EDWARD
J. GANNON - NOVEMBER 28, 2020
RICHARD
N. PAVONARIUS - NOVEMBER 30, 2020
FINAL
THOUGHT
submitted
by: RICH BUZZA
I
saw in the news that Kevin Dobson has passed away on September 6, 2020. Who was Kevin Dobson? You might
remember him as "Crocker" on the old Kojak TV series. I
remember our John Gallagher telling me that he was best friends with
Kevin. One day when John and I were swapping war stories about our
time in the Army, he told me that he and Kevin were MP's together and after
they got out of the Army, he and Kevin traveled Europe via MATS staying at
different Army installations. A good memory of John and
Kevin.
As
this is our Christmas newsletter my thoughts of Christmas' past become
more precious every year, and I cherish these later in life Christmas's
more and more. I have a friend who lost his wife a few years ago, and
every time we talk on the phone he tells me to hug my wife and
appreciate her love. I do!
We
at the Golden Burrs appreciate your loyalty and supporting of our Newsletter
and wish everyone a very Merry Christmas and Happy New Year.
God
Bless WEST CATHOLIC! Live Jesus in our Hearts. Forever.
KEEP THE
SPIRIT ALIVE!
THIS
E-MAIL IS BEING SENT TO ALL MEMBERS OF THE WEST CATHOLIC BOYS' CLASS OF 1958
AND FRIENDS OF THE CLASS. IF YOU NO LONGER WISH TO RECEIVE OUR
COMMUNICATIONS OR IF YOU ARE RECEIVING UNSOLICITED E-MAILS FROM ANYONE
PERTAINING TO THE CLASS OF 1958, PLEASE NOTIFY FRANK ADOLF AT: FJAPFA1539@COMCAST.NET