St Cyril Academy
ALL CLASSES
The Challenge
THE CHALLENGE
St. Cyril Academy Alumnae Association, Danville, PA 17821-1699 Winter 2021
FROM THE MODERATOR
Dear Alumnae,
We stop and smile in the midst of COVID-19. The sisters and teachers have received their vaccines and we are grateful! We hope you are keeping safe and well.
St. Cyril Preschool and Kindergarten is very busy these days. The children, 50 of them, come to school each day wearing their masks, ready for a new day. They love school and are sad when they can’t attend. The enthusiasm of youth! We recently held our annual charity fundraiser for the Danville SPCA. We call it Pay-for-Play. Children assemble in teams in the gym and for one hour play at different stations set up by the teachers. Usually parents also help, but because of the virus, they weren’t allowed. Activities are being kept at a minimum his year. There IS a light at the end of the tunnel.
The grounds at the Academy are beautifully decked in snow, and we have plenty of it! Remember? Mother Nature is swathed in white and making up for the last three years.
I think of you often and remember you in prayer. Thanks to those who keep in touch. It’s great hearing from you. I’m looking forward to the 2022 Homecoming! Plan now and contact your classmates. Let’s have a grand reunion!
Love and happy memories, Sr. Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM (’52)
BRIDGING THE GAP
My young cousins in McLean, VA, came across lots of old photos from a byegone era. Some of the people in them were quite elderly when the snaps were taken. Others were only just recognizable as parents long before they were, or aunts- and uncles-to-be from two families that would later unite as one. Anyway, I have been getting these snaps by e-mail and am asked for my recollections. To put a fine point on it: Geeze Louise! I was a gleam in the eye of God when many of these photos were taken! And, let’s face it, now in my 70s, I am full of mis- and non-at-all-rememberings (like what I had for lunch yesterday).
This COVID-19 thing messes with your memory. After you are shut in for a year, days and dates all run together. It’s a constant challenge to stay sharp. My brother and I read a lot, keep up with current events, do crosswords, jumbles, and jigsaw puzzles, and watch “Jeopardy” faithfully every evening. There are some “spirited” debates over answers, er, questions. Recently, after I pulled ahead in the contest, my brother went out and bought one of those frequently advertised, pricey, over-the-counter supplements to aide his brainpower. I don’t know how to break it to him, but I don’t think it’s working any better than tapping a forefinger to the side of his head. Perhaps memories fade because they are meant to. We seem programmed to look to the future, to have hopes and expectations, to work toward them, and to keep achieving good things. Isn’t that what Excelsior means? Or was it Veni. Vidi. Vici? Caveat emptor? Whatever. Our time will come for resting on our laurels. Until then, Carpe Diem, my SCA sisters! Mercy Kowalczyk (’64)
May They Rest In Peace:
Please remember in your prayers the deceased and their families.
. Sr. M. John Vianney Vraniak, SSCM—20 December 2020
. Sr. M. Cyrilline Biel, SSCM—25 January 2021
Alumnae:
.Margaret (Kingston) Smitherman (’57)—25 August 2020
. Kathryn (DeGregorio) Pakuta (’58)—5 December 2020
. Mary Catherine (Mihalik) Kies (’60)—23 December 2020
. Anne (Misencik) Dancik (’50)—26 December 2020, sister of Gertrude (Misencik) Sinchak (’42) (dec.), Agnes (Misencik) Chinchar (’43) (dec.), Rose (Misencik) Mayton (’45) (dec.), and Sr. Theresa Misencik, SBS (dec.)
. Elizabeth (Harmon) Strittmatter (’70)—13 January 2021, sister of Jane (Harmon) Martin (’71)
. Sr. M. Paul (Lucy) Kurator, SSCM (’49)—10 February 2021, sister of Pauline (Kurator) Packard (’45) (dec.), Mary Kurator (’54) (dec.), Theresa (Kurator) Mathis (’52), and Barbara Kurator (’62)
Family:
. David Dik—1 March 2019, son of Margaret (Schott) Dik (’44) nephew of Irene (Schot) Mescan (’54) and Ethel (O’Brien) Schott (’49), and cousin of Kathleen (Mayan) Karchner (’68) and Ann Marie (Mayan) Stephens (’72)
. Joseph Schott, Jr.—1 March 2020, son of Ethel (O’Brien) Schott (49), nephew of Margaret (Schott) Dik (’44), and Irene (Schott) Mescan (54), and cousin of Kathleen (Mayan) Karchner (’68) and Ann Marie (Mayan) Stephens (’72)
. Thomas Schott, Sr.—12 May 2020, brother of Margaret (Schott) Dik (’44), and Irene (Schott) Mescan (’54), brother-in-law of Ethel (O’Brien) Schott (’49) and uncle to Kathleen (Mayan) Karchner (’68) and Ann Marie (Mayan) Stephens (’72).
. Robert Kahler—9 November 2020, husband of Carolyn (Burkland) Kahler (’62)
. Joseph M. Horecky—23 November 2020, father of Therese (Horecky) Hammond (’77)
, Catherine (Horecky) O’Neill (’79), Florence Horecky (’85), and Margaret (Horecky) Knepper (’87); brother of Josephine (Horecky) Mamone (’46) (dec.)
. Mark Molino—15 February 2021, husband of Mary Theresa Berrettini-Molino (’74)
Passages:
* Weston James Scott was born on 6 April 2020 to parents, Jessica Stephens Scott and Rob Scott. His proud, maternal grandmother is Ann Marie (Mayan) Stephens (’72). His arrival was also feted by great aunt Kathleen (Mayan) Karchner (’68) and great-great aunts Margaret (Schott) Dik (’44), Irene (Schott) Mescan (’54), and Ethel (O’Brien) Schott (’49).
* May 9, 2020 marked the 50th Anniversary of Susan (Gogolak) Rose (’64), and her husband, Tom. The all-family celebratory trip to Hawaii was shelved due to pandemic restrictions but the couple toasted the day with champagne at home before the fireplace.
* Also from the Rose Family, grandson Jordan Bell married Ariana Collins in an oceanside, sunset ceremony in September.
* Warm wishes go the happy new couple! Sharon (Fradkin) (Lowe) (’64) wed Vaughn Simon on 14 November 2020. The newlyweds now reside in Lake Worth, FL.
* Elizabeth (O’Neill) DiGiovanni (’62) and her husband, Ralph, Sr., celebrated 52 years of wedded bliss on 28 December 2020.
Adventure:
Christine (Valenta) Sams (’64) and her husband, Fred, live in Austin, TX, where the weather is almost always perfect for a game of golf. Thus, the week of 14 February proved quite an adventure when the State of Texas experienced snow and ice storms, sub-freezing temperatures for days, and the loss of light, heat, and power. Burst pipes and lack of drinking water added misery to the emergency. Christine reported they had power one day out of five and managed with radiant heat from two gas fireplaces; meals were cooked outside on a gas grill. “It was a whole new way of living, sleeping with three layers under four blankets, and hoping not to have to get up too often.” The couple also lost a 50 foot palm tree planted from a shoot 27 years ago but were grateful the heritage live oaks, though heavily ice-laden, were spared. This advice from Chris: “Enjoy the heat coming from your heating system tonight; it is a luxury we cannot take for granted.” VERY WARM thoughts to all of our Texas-based alumnae.
THE WEBSITE:
Our webmaster reports that rubber balls have nothing on the numbers of alumnae addresses that are bouncing all over the internet and back again. Ladies, ladies, please either update your e-mail address or delete it if you are no longer a user. Updating or removing your information is not something the webmaster can do for you. No kidding, it is a big headache having e-mail blasts bounce and it’s hard to get important information to you. Your help in this is urgently needed.
DUES: Please pay your dues. They are $10 annually and support all kinds of alumnae activities, including the publication of this newsletter. You are not liable for dues in arrears. Alumnae in religious communities do not pay dues. Please make your check out to the: SCA Alumnae Association. Your check should go directly to Treasurer Joanne Stahura (address below).
SUBMITTING NEWS:
When submitting your news, answer the questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY. If you are announcing something that includes your family members, please let us know their names. We’d like to congratulate both partners to a marriage by listing both names; if you are announcing a birth, tell us the name of the child, whether it is a boy or girl (as names may not, themselves, be sufficiently informative), and the names of both parents, along with their connection to you. When reporting the passing of a loved one, please include the person’s full name and the date deceased. If you are reporting the death of an alumna, please also provide the year of graduation and family connection(s) to any other alumna/ae. I need to know who you are and how to reach you so include your full name, class, mailing address, phone, text, and e-mail (to help me contact you with any questions/clarifications). Rapid response to requests for clarifying details assists timely publication. Submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk until a new editor is identified.
NEW EDITOR WANTED: It has been my pleasure to fill the editorial gap for the past three years. Now it is time for The Challenge to have a new voice. Please contact Joanne Stahura if you are interested in providing that voice to the SCA Alumnae.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE 2019-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202 570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joanne Stahura ‘59 1504 Poolside Drive, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
Secretary: Vacant
Alumnae Moderator: Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM ’52
Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821
570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor (Ret): Mercy Kowalczyk ’64, 441 Twin Streams Drive, Warminster, PA 18974 mercykowal@aol.com 215.880.2972
____________________________________________________________________________
THE CHALLENGE
St. Cyril Academy Alumnae Association Danville, PA 17821-1699
Summer/Fall 2020
FROM THE MODERATOR
Dear Alumnae,
A blessed Christmas to you and your family! This is a very difficult time of year for so many. We pray that this season brings peace, health, safety, and much happiness as we shelter in place, wear masks, and social distance when necessary. The sun is shining and a rainbow is near. Please know that you are in our thoughts and prayers.
Love, and many fond memories,
Sr. Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM (’52)
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Friends,
What a year! We’ve been through a lot. The list of challenges is long and needs no reprise.
I have mostly been cooking three meals a day, but occasionally picking up something unhealthful at a fast-food drive-in window. This is a recipe for spreading hips so I’ve gained a few pounds. Bad luck; the gym is closed for the foreseeable future. So is the beauty parlor. I gave up waiting in July, reached for the clippers, and “buzzed” my hair. I haven’t had a pedicure since I can’t remember when so I’m walking around in Birkenstocks and socks like a Trappist monk. I’m dying to wear something that doesn’t have an elastic waist. I really want to get my teeth cleaned!
Lamenting the loss of little comforts is an antidote for larger woes, so the experts say (Who are these people?). They also recommend, for several hours a day, turning off the news; shutting off social media; muting the phone; and consigning the newspaper to the recycle bin. At first, the “pandemic break” seemed to provide a great opportunity for a good housecleaning, including the garage and attic. About a week later, though, we were working jigsaw puzzles with cramped fingers, reading cheap paperbacks until our eyes watered, and patio visiting over a glass (or more) of wine with our neighbors.
Some friends put me to shame with their “pandemic projects.” One woman sanded down every wood surface in her farmhouse and re-stained it all. A former classmate is taking Italian language lessons online. One of my “Zumba Girlz” is baking cakes—tempting, elaborate works of art! What have you been doing to stave off the pandemic blues? Please share!
As we watch this year’s challenges scan by, we need to apply another of our “Academy Girl” lessons: dig deep into that combined reservoir of cheer and pluck and win the day!
Very Merry Christmas to you and your loved ones and a very Happy New Year of good health, peace, and promise.
Mercy Kowalczyk (’64)
May They Rest In Peace:
Please remember in your prayers the deceased and their families.
Sr. M. Paulette Lendacky, SSCM—23 October 2019
Sr. Florence Marcin, SSCM—28 January 2020
Sr. M. Zoe Zollar, SSCM—23 July 2020
Sr. Virginia Zapotocky, SSCM—19 August 2020
Sr. M. Noel Stasko, SSCM—20 October 2020
Alumnae:
Mary Elizabeth (Reilly) Mayan (’46)—28 June 2020, sister of Frances (Mayan) Cesarano (’44) (dec. 2018), and aunt of Kathleen (Wintersteen) McWilliams (’66)
Sheila (Parrick) Kelly (’71)—16 July 2020
Bernardine A. (Lazur) Santora (’49)—27 July 2020
Mary (Sotack) Wrazen (’48)—23 August 2020
Sr. M. Rosanne Kmetz, SSCM (’51)—18 September 2020
Family:
John Heller—7 March 2020, husband of Cecilia (Dlhos) Heller (’50) and father of Alyson (Heller) Gish (’87)
Jozef Grohol—4 August 2020, husband of Lydia (Gluvna) Grohol (’64) and father of Kristina Grohol (’95)
Lucille M. “Celley” Keener—19 November 2020, daughter of Jane (Angle) Keener (’64)
Passages:
Aileen (Morrison) Dellacato (’56) and her husband, Frank, celebrated their 60th Wedding Anniversary on 14 May 2020. Due to restrictions for COVID-19, the devoted couple celebrated at home with a nice bottle of wine.
Joseph Conti, son of Grace (Zaretti) Conti (’67), and his wife Elizabeth, welcomed their first child, Valentino Enzo Conti, on 22 September 2019. His grandparents have been following his progress via social media during COVID-19 restrictions.
The Class of ’67 travel group got together again this year, just before the rules for pandemic confinement went into effect. March 2-7, they gathered in Turks and Caicos to enjoy the beauty of the sands and sea. In addition to good food and many laughs, one (unnamed) brave classmate even attempted parasailing!
Celebration of a Lifetime—Together:
The August mail brought a delightful letter and newspaper article from Mary Ruth (Cabala) Tachovsky (’47). On 1 July, Mary and her dear husband, Hilary, celebrated their 70th Anniversary. Well-wishers formed an auto parade outside their home on Baldwin Road in Solon, Ohio, where they’ve lived for 65 years, as Mary and Hilary waved their thanks.
Hilary and Mary met at a friend’s wedding where they were both in the bridal party. He noticed her; liked “her spunk.” She noticed him, and played a little hard to get. They were engaged and married a year later.
Hilary marked the secret of their success as “taking the good and bad as they come. But [Mary] was number one always.” Mary gave her advice for a happy marriage: “We didn’t get angry at each other too much.”
The couple have been active in their community all their married lives, at their church, the local hospital, and the senior center. Mary and Hilary proudly boast a family of four children, 10 grandchildren, and 11 great grandchildren. You can read all about the Tachovsky 70th Anniversary celebration online. The article published in the Solon (Ohio) Times, 9 July 2020.
Another Door Closes:
It was announced on 19 November that the John W. Hallahan Catholic Girls’ School in center city
Philadelphia will close its doors at the end of the 2020-2021 school year. This announcement comes
hard on the heels of another girls’ school, St. Basil’s Academy, in Jenkintown, PA, announcing its
closing earlier this year. Hallahan was the first all-girls’ Catholic diocesan high school in the
United States, opening its doors in 1911. Since then, it has educated 37,000 young women.
THE WEBSITE:
The number of alumnae joining the website is increasing ever so slowly. The site is great way to stay abreast of alumnae activities. Which reminds me: please keep your profile up to date.
DUES:
Please pay your dues. They are $10 annually and support all kinds of alumnae activities, including the publication of this newsletter. You are not liable for dues in arrears. Alumnae in religious communities do not pay dues. Please make your check out to the: SCA Alumnae Association. Your check should go directly to Treasurer Joanne Stahura (address below).
SUBMITTING NEWS:
When submitting your news, answer the questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY. If you are announcing something that includes your family members, please let us know their names. We’d like to congratulate both partners to a marriage by listing both names; if you are announcing a birth, tell us the name of the child, whether it is a boy or girl (as names may not, themselves, be sufficiently informative), and the names of both parents, along with their connection to you. When reporting the passing of a loved one, please include the person’s full name and the date deceased. If you are reporting the death of an alumna, please also provide the year of graduation and family connection(s) to any other alumna/ae. I need to know who you are and how to reach you so include your full name, class, mailing address, phone, text, and e-mail (to help me contact you with any questions/clarifications). Rapid response to requests for clarifying details assists timely publication. Submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk until a new editor is identified.
SIGNING OUT:
It has been my pleasure to fill the editorial gap for the past three years. Now it is time for The Challenge to have a new voice. Please contact Joanne Stahura if you are interested in providing that voice to the SCA Alumnae.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE 2019-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joanne Stahura ‘59 1504 Poolside Drive, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
Secretary: Vacant
Alumnae Moderator: Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM ’52
Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821
570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor (Ret): Mercy Kowalczyk ’64, 441 Twin Streams Drive, Warminster, PA 18974
mercykowal@aol.com 215.880.2972
______________________________________________________________________________________
The CHALLENGE
Winter/Spring 2020
HOMECOMING 2020 CANCELLED!
FROM THE MODERATOR
Dear Alumnae,
I had hoped to begin on a very happy note, inviting you to participate in Homecoming 2020. Unfortunately, recent events have altered all plans. My prayer is that you are safe and you are well.
Because of existing conditions in the U.S. and the world around us, and for the safety of all, Homecoming 2020 is cancelled. We will hold the next event on 15 October 2022. Hopefully, by then, the world will be clear of this virus and a vaccine will be available for all.
Until then, catch up on your reading, take care of those extra activities on the rainy-day list, keep in touch with shut-ins, write a letter to cheer someone, and keep close to God.
You are in our thoughts as we pray for you, your loved ones, our nation, and the world.
Lovingly,
Sr. Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM (’52)
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Friends,
Nothing gets my heart racing like a new bug! It may look undignified to run, shrieking, into the house whenever I cross paths with a new critter. I don’t care! Here, on the US East Coast, we have a new insect called the lantern fly. It’s actually quite beautiful. I met with one in my driveway a few weeks ago. As I leaned closer to admire its stained-glass wings, it launched itself right into my face! This menace likes to hide in the wheel wells of cars for free rides to its next munching ground. It is voracious; is killing trees at a rapid rate; and has no known remedy.
My brother and I have been sequestered here, in the Philadelphia suburbs, for 66 days now. The gym is closed up tight so walking the neighborhood is just about the only exercise available. I’ve tried doing bicep curls with soup cans in the family room. I found my old hula hoop in the garage and, with one mighty twist, promptly threw out a knee and a hip. We won’t even discuss the jump rope.
So, I’ve decided walking’s not so bad. There are rotating fields of wildflowers to enjoy: forget-me-nots, dandelions, goldenrod, and fialky, as well as clumps of daffodils and tulips--the remnants of wayward bulbs. This means I also get to see all kinds of creatures. Occasionally, I run across the local kit fox, displaced by the building of new “McMansions” on the farm that was once its habitat. A vulture appeared ahead of me in the cul-de-sac one day. That was an experience I hope never to repeat. In the face of anything that creeps, crawls, or is faster and has more legs than a new puppy, I make a mad dash for home! Goodbye dignity!
Faced with the unknown, we all seek out the place where we feel protected: HOME. It’s a small word—four letters, one syllable—but it is invested with the length and breadth of life lived there. It represents safety and harmony, love and family, pain and promise, memories and achievement, and so much more. Now, especially, home is the place where we spend our days sheltering from a new “critter” that can’t be seen without a microscope, that takes whatever free rides are available, and that is completely indiscriminate in who and what it attacks. Like the lantern fly, coronavirus has, as yet, no known remedy. Until one is discovered, please remain in your safe place—your home. Follow the rules for social distancing and masking when you must leave it, and come back safely to its protection.
Good health to you and your loved ones as we weather yet another challenge. I look forward to seeing you on 15 October 2022 at our next Homecoming!
Mercy Kowalczyk (’64)
May They Rest In Peace:
Please remember in your prayers the deceased and their families.
Sr. Margaret Mary Fest, SSCM—22 March 2020
Sr. M. Gilbert Dluhy, SSCM—12 April 2020
Alumnae:
Susan (Miller) Conway (’80)—3 December 2019
Cecelia Zurick (’66)—9 February 2020
Sandra (Jepko) Greco (’60)—2 April 2020
Sr. Cynthia Marie (Patricia Gazdo) (’61), SSCM—3 April 2020
Family:
Paul Kocela—11 December 2019, brother of Margaret Kocela (’56)
Barbara D’Orazio—15 February 2020, mother of Jane (D’Orazio) Whitney (’74) and Beth (D’Orazio) McGill (’81)
Patrick Johnson—19 April 2020, brother of Ida Cherasaro-Neal (’53) and Lucy Johnson (’62)
Passages:
Erin (Kotheimer) Helgers (‘ 92) and her husband Pepijn celebrated 10 years of wedded bliss on 20 February 2020. They currently reside in Washington, DC, while awaiting new Foreign Service assignments in 2021.
Cynthia (Galinas) Al-Qawasmi (’81) reports that her daughter Rachel and husband Joah Hendrix welcomed their first child, a girl, Willow Ashoka Hendrix, in December 2019. This brings the grandchild count to 3: 1 boy and 2 girls. Rachel and Joah currently reside at Fort Bragg, NC.
Wendy Lee (Lewis) Bokrosh (’81) and her husband George, Jr., will celebrate their 35th Wedding Anniversary on 14 June 2020. Wendy now boasts 7 grandchildren. Jayden (12), Lillie (10), Liam (8), and George IV (1) are the children of Wendy’s son George III. Wendy’s son James Patrick (JP) is dad to Landon (9) and Lucas (7). I am pleased to announce that Wendy’s new grandchild, a girl named Raegan, was born 16 April. Parents are Wendy’s daughter Maribeth and her husband Jamie Ferraro. Jamie serves with the US Navy out of Norfolk, VA.
THE WEBSITE:
In the last issue I reported that lots of e-mail broadcasts are bouncing because of out-of-date e-mail addresses. If you are no longer getting e-mail here are the possible reasons:
- You changed your e-mail address and didn’t update the Alumnae website; or
- Your e-mail server was down temporarily or was otherwise inaccessible to receive an e-mail from the website.
Here’s how to fix the problem:
Log into the Alumnae Association website (www.stcyrilacademy.org); a “bounce” notice should be displayed. You can enter an updated e-mail address (or keep your current one if it is valid). Then, click the link provided to send yourself a verification e-mail message. When you receive the verification, click the link inside that message in order to receive e-mails from the site again.
It’s important to note that you must manage your own e-mail account; the web administrator cannot do it for you.
The number of alumnae joining the website is increasing. It’s a great way to stay abreast of alumnae activities. Which reminds me: please make sure your profile is also up-to-date.
DUES:
Please pay your dues. They are $10 annually and support all kinds of alumnae activities, including the publication of this newsletter. You are not liable for dues in arrears. Alumnae in religious orders do not pay dues. Please make your check out to the: SCA Alumnae Association. Your check should go directly to Treasurer Joanne Stahura (address below).
HOMECOMING:
As noted above, Homecoming 2020 has been cancelled. We will gather together in 2022 on 15 October. The Association officers deliberated this decision carefully and came to the conclusion, shortly after Easter, that the safety of attendees, and our Sisters in community, far outweighed the pleasure we derive from gathering in Danville to share our news in person. Maybe, in the vacuum left by our Homecoming event, you will want to submit some news to The Challenge. If we get enough submissions, we may publish an extra issue this year.
SUBMITTING NEWS:
Please help your editor! When submitting your news, answer the questions: WHO, WHAT, WHEN, WHERE, WHY. If you are announcing something that includes your family members, please let us know their names. We’d like to congratulate both partners to a marriage by listing both names; if you are announcing a birth, tell us the name of the child, whether it is a boy or girl (as names may not, themselves, be sufficiently informative), and the names of both parents, along with their connection to you. When reporting the passing of a loved one, please include the person’s full name and the date deceased. If you are reporting the death of an alumna, please also provide the year of graduation and family connection(s) to any other alumna/ae. I need to know who you are and how to reach you so include your full name, class, mailing address, phone, text, and e-mail (to help me contact you with any questions/clarifications). Rapid response to requests for clarifying details assists timely publication. Submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE 2019-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joanne Stahura ‘59 1504 Poolside Drive, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
Secretary: Vacant
Alumnae Moderator: Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM ’52
Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821
570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Mercy Kowalczyk ’64, 441 Twin Streams Drive, Warminster, PA 18974
mercykowal@aol.com 215.880.2972
The date is getting closer and I am looking forward to seeing you at Homecoming on the 20th of October. Father Heintzelman is planning to celebrate the liturgy.
Moderator
FROM THE EDITOR
ALUMNAE NEWS
Best wishes for a very happy retirement go to Catherine Kane (’67). After 26 years of teaching psychiatric nursing, research and theory, Catherine departed from the University of Virginia School of Nursing as Professor Emeritus of Nursing. Retirement date was 24 May 18.
Bernadette (Sudol) Kitchen (’65)—19 November 12
Sr. M. Patricia Woll, IHM (’50)—28 December 13
Rose Marie (Hvisc) Dzurenda (’46)—16 June 17. Rose Marie was the aunt of alumnae Audrey (Morrison) Sexon (’56) (d.7 July 17) and Aileen (Morrison) Dellacato (’56).
Frances (Reilly) Mayan Cesarano (’44)—22 January 18. Frances was the sister of Mary Reilly (’46).
Mary (Havas) Lazar (’41)—23 February 18
Helen (Komoda) Sabo (’49)—26 May 18
Gail Marie (Bassett) McGlinn (’75)—12 June 18
Family Members:
Alfonsas Radwill, husband of Martha (Bensko) Radwill (’49)—18 April 17
7 June 18
1942-1943 75 years 1958-1959 60 years 1992-1993 25 years
1948-1949 70 years 1967-1968 50 years 1997-1998 20 years
By our numbers alone, we alumnae form an exclusive “club.” In the school’s 73 years it graduated approximately 1550 students. The graduates form the membership of the SCA Alumnae Association for which we are asked to pay dues. Our dues support the website, publication of The CHALLENGE, expenses related to homecoming activities including supporting attendance of our alumnae religious, and a host of aperiodic expenses. Dues have been $10 per year for many, many years, and payment is a matter of individual commitment to the SCA Alumnae Association. This means no bills are sent and there is no requirement to pay dues in arrears.
If you are reporting a death, please give the full name of the individual, their connection to you and/or other alumnae, the date of death, and any other salient information. We are interested in the births of children/grandchildren and their educational and other major achievements. If you travel, we’d like to hear about your adventures. Please submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk.
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18201
570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
610.399.1140 lemmr01@aol.com
Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821 570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
mercykowal@aol.com 215.880.2972
THE CHALLENGE
St. Cyril Academy Alumnae Association Spring 2018
FROM THE MODERATOR
Mark your calendars for October 20th. Contact your classmates; refresh your stories; be prepared to have a good time!
Lovingly with prayer,
Sister Donna Marie Ivanko (’52)
Moderator
Dear Friends,
Thanks for your kind messages of support. The news is beginning to flow! You will see some notices that predate my editorship, published in the spirit of keeping you all informed. Thanks, too, for the news about your travels responding to an item published in the last issue.
In this issue, please note the changes to the Homecoming schedule. These changes respond to requests by alumnae to spend more unstructured time together, and also accommodate travel plans. Invitations will be mailed in August, but this early notice will allow you to better plan your activities for 20 October.
This issue also contains two questionnaires to help us get to know each other as the women we have become since leaving SCA. The idea of exploring our “grown up” selves came from a conversation with Sr. Teresa Urda at Family Day a few years ago. Sister was anxious that alumnae return to the school, at least for Homecoming, and enjoy the experience of seeing classmates and old friends again. We came down on the side of leaving the past where it was and advancing relationships whence we stand. Thus, the questionnaires, which I hope to continue for several issues until we all have a better profile of the WOMEN of SCA.
I hope you will participate by completing and returning a questionnaire when your category appears. The questions are straightforward; the results are not meant to be exhaustive or scientific. But your responses may help
engender new friendships and bring excitement to old associations through comfortable sharing of experiences and expertise. Results will be reported out in a future Challenge. I have started with what I perceive are the two largest professional groups among us: educators and nursing professionals.
Another form of connectivity begins with this issue. In an effort to help us appreciate the “quilt” of Academy families, alumnae connections will be reported when they are provided to me with a news item.
Mercy Kowalczyk (’64), Editor
Cynthia (Galinas) Al-Qawasmi (’81) welcomed a new grandchild on 11 October 17. Lillian Nicole Jones joins big brother Landon Christopher Jones, age 3. The proud parents are Cindy’s daughter, Ashley, and her husband, Christopher Jones.
Alina Rivera, granddaughter of Agnes (Drahovsky) Finkle (’56) and daughter of Eileen (Finkle) Rivera (’90) married in 2017. She and her husband are expecting their first child in July.
Please remember in your prayers the deceased and their families.
Sister Maria Goretti (Hudak), SSCM, 16 February 18
Alumnae:
Joan (Dennen) Harner (’59)—14 September 16
Virginia (Kubko) Bryant (’59)—12 December 17
Helen (Horvath) McCarthy (’53)—17 November 17
Patricia (Lupinski) Andrezzi (’56)—30 January 18
Frances (Yenchik) Polchin (’46)—26 March 18, sister of Mary (Yenchik) Novotnak (’44), as well as Catherine (Yenchik) Bartol (’40) [d.] and Barbara (Yenchik) (’53) [d.]; aunt of MaryAnn (Novotnak) Askam (’67), Barbara (Novotnak) Mosca (’69), and Michelle (Bartol) Iobst (’73).
Family Members:
Alfonso Radwill, husband of Martha (Bensko) Radwill (’49)—18 April 17
Joseph Flaherty, husband of Terry Ann (Jacobs) Flaherty (’55)—20 October 17
Margaret Spodnik, sister of Josephine (Spodnik) Anderek (’51)—2 February 18
Michael Dean, husband of Marie (Sofianek) Dean (’60)—7 March 18
William Dolehide, son of Judy (Mensik) Dolehide (’59)—8 March 18
The special intention of Martha (Bensko) Radwill (’49)
HOMECOMING:
Please mark your calendar: 20 OCTOBER 18
The schedule has been revised as follows:
Registration in the Study Hall, concurrent with Continental Breakfast in the Dining Room, will start at 9:00 AM (travelers don’t have to stop at a restaurant en route). Registration will be followed by the group photo and the business meeting. A reception and dinner will begin at 1:30 PM and the (Sunday) liturgy will be celebrated at 5:00 PM in the Basilica.
This year the following Jubilee Classes will be celebrated:
1938-1939 80 Years 1958-1959 60 Years
1942-1943 75 Years 1967-1968 50 Years
1948-1949 70 Years 1992-1993 25 Years
1952-1953 65 Years
Please contact your classmates to assure broad circulation of these changes. Homecoming invitations will be mailed in August. If you don’t receive an invitation, or you know of a friend or classmate who would like to receive one, please contact Joanne Stahura.
DUES:
Alumnae Association dues remain $10 per year. You are not required to pay any dues in arrears, just start with 2018. Please send your dues directly Joanne Stahura. Make your check out to: SCA ALUMNAE ASSOCIATION. In the memo portion of the check please write: “ Dues” and the year.
THE WEBSITE:
Alumnae are encouraged to participate in the Academy website. The site is well maintained and contains information about alumnae, activities, photos, announcements. You can also post messages to classmates. The site address is: www.stcyrilacademy.org. Sign in and select a password.
HAPPY TRAVELERS:
This summer, Agnes (Drahovsky) Finkle (’56) plans to head for Myrtle Beach, SC, for sun and sand, and to Cleveland, OH (where she will view a replica of the Ark). At the end of September, she will travel to Ontario, Canada. Agnes enjoys being on the move and has toured numerous sites in the US and Canada, including Mackinac Island, Michigan, and Branson, Missouri. Agnes will also be traveling to family weddings this fall with a son scheduled to be married in September and a grandson marrying in early October.
In the winter issue, Grace (Zaretti) Conti (’67) extended an invitation to any alumnae who wished to join the “Girls Only” travel group formed many years ago by members of her class. Their most recent destination was Las Vegas. The group usually includes the following, all from the Class of ‘67: Grace (Zaretti) Conti, Connie Gordon, Kathy (Hritz) Briant, Margaret Mary Baran, Ellen (Kerr) Ryan (and her sister-in-law Bette Ryan), Elaine (Kopecky) Sweeney, Eileen (Kusbel) Schneider, and Carol (Kessler) DeSilva (along with her daughter). Other trips have included Patricia (Pachence) Gaebl, Cyrila (Gerdelan) DiGiovanni, and Janine Corbett. Friends and relatives who are not SCA graduates join in from time to time. Grace reminds us that all alumnae are welcome to join in. Contact Grace directly for more information on future plans.
Most alumnae are familiar with the art of Kristyna (Szajowska) O’Hop (’62). Kristyna has made gifts of her work to the Sisters; a limited edition of prints of “Angels of the Tower,” honoring SCA alumnae, was available at Homecoming a few years ago. Kristyna has a particular interest in capturing less-widely-known religious figures. Much of her work is donated to benefit religious sites and organizations, involving extensive travel for presentations. In 2017, Kristyna presented paintings of San Bruno’s “Profession of Faith” to the Carthusian Monastery at Serra San Bruno, located in Vibo Valentia, Calabria, Italy. She returned at a later date to attend the San Bruno Festival; this visit inspired new efforts. Later, in Malaysia, at the Refugio en el Bosque (Shelter in the Forest), Kristyna designed a booklet as a guide for visitors. A red maple, in honor of her late husband, Bill [d.2015], was planted there.
Christina (Valenta) Sams (’64) sent in a marvelous recounting of her family’s visit to the Czech Republic (her Father was born in Vresovice) and Slovakia (her Mother was from a border town near Vresovice), in 2013. The trip included 10 family members and was planned by Chris’ sister-in-law who was interested in discovering her own ancestral roots. The group was fortunate to have an excellent guide, Marie, who hired buses, arranged hotels, meals, passes, etc., for the 10-day adventure. Marie diligently arranged visits to villages identified by the family as part of their history. Then she went the extra mile and contacted the mayors of these places to assure that nothing of importance was missed. Consequently, two cousins were located in a different part of Vresovice who, heretofore, were unknown to the family. A proposed 20-minute meeting in the morning resulted in a delightful party that lasted deep into the afternoon, with the sharing of food and drink, family stories, and photos. The “new” cousins, Josepha and Vera, remain in contact and hope to visit family in the US in the near future.
Please include your full name, class, mailing address, phone, and e-mail (we will use this to keep mailing lists current as well as confirm receipt of your item and contact you with any questions/clarifications).
If you are reporting a death, please give the full name of the individual, their connection to you and/or other alumnae, the date of death, and any other salient information. We are interested in the births of children/grandchildren and their educational and other major achievements. If you travel, we’d like to hear about your adventures. Please submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk.
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18201
570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joanne Stahura ‘59 1504 Poolside Drive, Hazle Township, PA 18202
570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
Secretary: Elaine Kopecky Sweeney ’67 870 Echo Hill Road, West Chester, PA 19382
610.399.1140 lemmr01@aol.com
Alumnae Moderator: Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM ’52
Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821 570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
Mail to: The CHALLENGE
Mercy Kowalczyk, Editor
c/o 441 Twin Streams Drive
Warminster, PA 18974
SURVEY OF ALUMNAE EDUCATORS
My full name is: _________________________________________________________
First (maiden) married/last
I graduated from SCA in _________(year)
After graduation from the Academy, I pursued a career as an educator over the period of
_____years.
My level of education is (circle one):
BA BS MA MS PhD Other ________________________________________
My primary area of endeavor is/was (X one):
_____ Pre-K _____ Kindergarten _____ Primary Grades
_____ Middle School _____ High School _____Trade School
_____Junior College _____ Special Education _____College/University
_____Other _____________________________________________________________
I teach/taught the following subject: _________________________________________
I decided to pursue a career as an educator because:
_____a family member, friend, or role model was an educator
_____I was encouraged by my parent(s), teacher(s), role model
_____other______________________________________________________________
I find/found my profession fulfilling because: (briefly describe)
My most meaningful experience as an educator was: (briefly describe)
VOLUNTARY: I would be happy to be in contact with other alumnae who share my profession. You may list me on the Circle of Contact sheet distributed only to other Circle members for the period ending June 2019. My preferred means of receiving these communications is as follows: address and/or e-mail address and/or phone: (please provide one or more means of contact below)
Mail to: The CHALLENGE
Mercy Kowalczyk, Editor
c/o 441 Twin Streams Drive
Warminster, PA 18974
SURVEY OF ALUMNAE NURSING PROFESSIONALS
My full name is: _________________________________________________________
First (maiden) married/last
I graduated from SCA in _________(year)
After graduation from the Academy, I pursued a career in nursing over the period of
_____years.
My level of classification as a nursing professional is/was (circle one):
LPN RN MSN PA NP Other ________________________________________
My practice specialty is/was PRIMARILY in the following area (X one):
_____ Acute Care _____ Addiction Treatment _____ Doctor’s Office
_____ Emergency Room _____ Geriatric _____ Hospice _____ Military
_____ Pediatric _____ Post-Operative Care _____ Private
_____ Psychiatric _____ Public Health _____ Surgical Suite
_____ Other ___________________________
I decided to pursue nursing as a career because:
_____a family member, friend, or role model was a nurse
_____I was encouraged by my parent(s), teacher(s), role model
_____it was one of few professional fields open to me
_____other_____________________________________________________________
I find/found my profession fulfilling because: (briefly describe)
My most meaningful experience as a nursing professional was: (briefly describe)
VOLUNTARY: I would be happy to be in contact with other alumnae who share my profession. You may list me on the Circle of Contact sheet distributed only to other Circle members for the period ending June 2019. My preferred means of receiving these communications is as follows: address and/or e-mail address and/or phone: (please provide one or more means of contact below)
______________________________________________________________________________________
Click on link for pdf version of the Challenge Winter/Spring 2019:
/000/8/3/1/15138/userfiles/file/Challenge_Winter-Spring_2019_convert%20(1)(1).pdf
Or read below.
THE CHALLENGE
St. Cyril Academy Alumnae Association, Danville, PA 17821-1699 Winter/Spring 2019
FROM THE MODERATOR
Dear Alums,
School is out but I’m knee-deep in Summer Stage for the next three weeks. All is well here and I hope you are as well. It’s nice to hear from some of you from time to time. It’s really great remembering happy times, and we did have many of them. Best wishes for a wonderful summer! I look forward to seeing you at the Summer Festival and at the next reunion. Contact some friends and make it a great weekend!
Lots of love and prayer,
Sr. Donna Marie Ivanko , SSCM (’52)
FROM THE EDITOR
Dear Friends,
Wow! Time has flown! One minute I’m writing about homecoming and the next I’m announcing that the Summer Festival (JULY 13, see ad on last page) is almost here! I haven’t been resting on my laurels; folks have been writing in about wedding anniversaries, First Communions, grandkids’ college plans and dreams, travel, etc. There has also been sad news as our number continues to dwindle. My recent birthday has caused me to think more about the importance of living every minute of every day (even during restorative, afternoon napping). Now is the perfect time to complete old projects; plan a trip; join a gym; reach out to old friends. Remember writing letters on Saturday mornings at school? It was a painful exercise for me. How much news is there to report from a girls’ boarding school, particularly when you are reminded to give your poor parents a break by being positive in your correspondence? Really, from where I sat, not complaining made for a very skinny letter. Only recently, I discovered that some of my schoolmates dabbled in “spycraft”, using predetermined code words to convey certain messages. Imagine! Still, the exercise of writing letters assured that we learned that gracious art as we practiced good penmanship. Times have changed, but maybe not for the better. It would be great if each of us sat down today, handwrote a note on paper, and sent it through the good old USPS to someone we’ve been thinking about for a while. It doesn’t matter if the handwriting is wobbly and there are misspellings. Written communication among friends is seldom perfect but always energizing and sometimes even cathartic. Imagine the excitement of finding a return note among the bills and flyers in our mailboxes! Who knows, the concept just might catch on!
Mercy Kowalczyk (’64)
ALUMNAE NEWS:
Warm congrats to Susan (Gogolak) Rose (64) and husband, Tom, who celebrated their 49th wedding anniversary of 4 May 19.
Rebecca Ann (Legler) Shelton (’60) has received the 2018 National Recognition from the National Society of Daughters of the American Revolution in the sewing category under the American Heritage section. Rebecca Ann demonstrated and displayed a worked piece of needlepoint featuring the floss technique used in the late 1800s and early 1900s by her ancestress. Congratulations!
Gloria (Musil) Vadovic (’64) and husband, Joe, just returned from Las Vegas where they attended the First Communion of grandsons Bobby and Michael. The twins’ parents are Gloria’s and Joe’s son Bob, and his wife Diane.
Anna (Kadvan) Cudrak (’64) wrote that her granddaughter, Sasha, has been accepted into a 5-year Masters Program at Duquesne University in Pittsburgh, PA. Sasha will study criminal science and law. Anna is planning to research her Mother’s background in the Pittsburgh area during visits.
MAY THEY REST IN PEACE:
Please remember in your prayers the deceased and their families.
Alumnae:
Sr. Therese Misencik (’47)—30 June 18, sister of Gertrude (Misencik) Sinchak (d) (’42), Rose (Misencik) Mayton (’45), and Ann (Misencik) Dancik (’50).
Delores (Valenta) Casin (’54)—11 December 18, sister of Rosemarie (Valenta) Foytlin (’40), Eleanor (Valenta) Nelson (d) (’43), Mary Ann (Valenta) Hranek (’51), Lillian Valenta (’55), and Christine (Valenta) Sams (’64). She was aunt to Linda (Foytlin) Sheehan (’64), Elizabeth (Valenta) Mandak (’68) and Marlene (Foytlin) Kearney (’68). Her cousins were Dorothy (Foytlin) McMinn (d) (’48) and Carol (Foytlin) Brincka (’60).
Sr. M. Cabrini, SSCM (Mary Steber) (’45)—19 December 18
Clare Grinvalsky (’80)—11 March 19, sister of Roseann (Grinvalsky) Schink (’79) and Susan Grinvalsky (’82).
Elaine (Stancik) Kondracki (’65)—4 May 19, sister of Annette Stancik (’69)
Mary (Yenchick) Novotnak (’44)—22 May 19, mother of Mary Ann (Novotnak) Askam (’67) and Barbara (Novotnak) Mosca (’69). Mary was the sister of Catherine (Yenchick) Bartol (d) (’40) and Frances (Yenchick) Polchin (d) (’46).
Lori Ann (Lewis) Esposito (’82)—25 May 19. Lori Ann was the sister of Wendy (Lewis) Bokrosh (’81).
Family Members:
Barbara Bach—29 August 18, mother of Mary Jane (Bach) Overmyer (’81)
Katherine Savery Gray—7 December 18, daughter of Susan (Lechner) Shwed (’64)
Brian Cannon—26 January 19, husband of Barbara Jean (BJ) Manns (’60)
Katherine M. Charleston Beck—26 January 19, mother of Jeannie Charleston (’61)
THE WEBSITE:
The number of alumnae joining the website is inching up. This is a good thing! Remember that The Challenge is published on the website! The official website for the SCA Alumnae Association is: www.stcyrilacademy.org. The website gives access to a significant amount of password-protected information about us, our teachers, and our school and its heritage. You can communicate with classmates and friends through the Facebook page. Join the website today!
DUES:
Any day is a good day to pay your dues! They are only $10 per year and you are not liable for dues in arrears (quite a deal). Send your check to Joanne Stahura, Alumnae Treasurer. Make it out to the SCA Alumnae Association. Your dues support alumnae activities, the website, the newsletter (recall that only dues-paying members receive The Challenge in hard copy), and so much more.
SUBMITTING NEWS:
Please include your full name, class, mailing address, phone, and e-mail (we will use this to keep mailing lists current as well as confirm receipt of your item and contact you with any questions/clarifications). If you are reporting a death, please give the full name of the individual, their connection to you and other alumnae, the date of death, and any other salient information. We are interested in the births of children/grandchildren and their educational and other major achievements. If you travel, we’d like to hear about your adventures.
Please submit all items to Mercy Kowalczyk.
CONTACT INFORMATION FOR THE 2019-2021 EXECUTIVE BOARD
President: Mary Teresa Berrettini-Molino ’74 745 Arthur Street, Hazle Township, PA 18202 570.578.7507 coco.74530@yahoo.com
Treasurer: Joanne Stahura ‘59 1504 Poolside Drive, Hazle Township, PA 18202 570.436.1839 joannestahura1@verizon.net
Secretary: Vacant
Alumnae Moderator: Sister Donna Marie Ivanko, SSCM ’52 Villa Sacred Heart, 1002 Railroad Street, Danville, PA 17821 570.275.3581 donnascasscm@hotmail.com
Newsletter Editor: Mercy Kowalczyk ’64, 441 Twin Streams Drive, Warminster, PA 18974 mercykowal@aol.com 215.880.2972