Chapter of the OLLO Alumni Association

We are proud to report that, as far as we know, we achieved 100% attendance. In the photo, from left, are Matt Leone and Ed Lataille. The membership voted unanimously to meet again sometime soon.

I was passing through Cassadaga last week early morning in the fog and I diverted through Lily Dale because (a la recherche du temps perdu) I knew I would find that ethereal spectacle when OLLO aka The Job Corps Center would appear suspended above the fog and Lily Dale would be buried within. Whether your view was from St. Peters or St. Augustine you must remember that magical moment, or la memoire c'est la faculte d'oublier as Fr. Antonio put it, or was that Pascal? who came first? Deus sive Natura. Those moments then and now are where my spirituality lounges. Likewise, reading Leaves of Grass in Fr. Eugene's English class I remember leaning and loafing observing a spear of summer grass on the slope below the flagpole. Those were the formative years and I am forever grateful to those young priests and brothers who made them happen. I would really like to know where they are today, as well as every one else.

- Joe

Some of us have recently had the privilege of re-connecting with fellow Cassadagans over lunch and a few times over dinner. It has been great fun looking back at the "good ole days" of a much simpler life and sharing memories. It's amazing how one remembrance triggers another.

I can't believe I'm seen Michael Bunyar three times in three months after not knowing what happened to him the last 30 (ok 40) years...and he lives in Montreal.

A la Recherche du Temps Perdu' : Proust wrote it. Ten of us lived it for a brief time on May 20th. Without reservation or inhibition, we picked up where we left of 36 years ago. Admitedly, while the passing of time seems to have exagerrated or,in cases, levelled our memories of some events, it clearly has had little affect on the friendship and familiarity we once enjoyed. A tribute most certainly to that special time and place we know as Cassadaga.

Thank you Bro, Mike and Milty for getting this underway.
I trust we will do this again sometime before the the next 36 year anniversary. I fear otherwise the redemptive powers of our medications and imaginations will have us telling tales about the coed seminary we all attended near the tropical shores of Lake Erie in the glacial foothills of the Great Chattaqua Mts. Warmest regards to all, Al Gaulin