JASPER JOTTINGS Week 52 - 2014 Dec 28    

Jasper Jottings - The achievement journal of my fellow Jaspers, the alumni of the Manhattan College

http://www.jasperjottings.com/2014/jj2014W52.html

INDEX    

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BY CLASS YEAR


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POSITRACTION: A bald Cinderella

2014-Dec-22

http://www.foxnews.com/health/2014/12/11/wow-look-just-like-me-girl-battling-cancer-meets-bald-cinderella/?intcmp=features

CHILDREN'S HEALTH
'Wow, you look just like me!': Girl battling cancer meets bald Cinderella
Published December 11, 2014
FoxNews.com

2014 Dec 12 bald cinderella

*** begin quote ***

"She's OK at the hospital. She'll wear no hat at the hospital because other kids look just like her," Harvey told ABC. "It's more when she goes places where there are people that she knows, she gets more upset and she wants her hat on.”

Harvey wanted to do something special for her daughter— namely, to show her she wasn’t the only one who looks the way she does. So she contacted Gianna Nicole’s Heart of Hope, a group that works with families of children battling cancer. According to ABC, Heart of Hope was collaborating with photographer Alana Hubbard and Bella Princess, an event company that orchestrates princess-themed photo shoots and parties.

The organization created a surprise photo shoot for Isabella and Cinderella— a model dressed like a princess with a bald cap to help cast away Isabella’s insecurities.

*** end quote ***

Nice when folks doing something special.

Now I’d have been more impressed if the model was truly bald.

But, it’s a start.

"Bon courage a vous tous"

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JEMAIL: Flynn, Bro. Gregory (MC1957) gives an Addis Hope update

2014-Dec-21

Christmas, 2014

Dear John,

I hope this finds everything going well for you. You may be wondering
why you haven’t heard from me in a while; it’s because Ethiopian
telecommunications has been in the process of upgrading. As a result,
the network has been down for quite a while. I’m now racing before it
goes down again.

As we are an eastern rite Catholic Church our Christmas is January
seventh and our new year is September eleventh, following the Julian
calendar. No matter, we want to wish you a blessed Christmas and
joyous New Year.

All here at Addis Hope are doing very well thanks to the generosity of
our donor partners. During this Christmas season, I’m reminded that
many of our children live in terrible stable like conditions not too
unlike those of the Holy Family. Still, they are grateful for the
education they are receiving thanks to you. I had hoped to attach a
photo of the children expressing their joy and appreciation for all
they have received but it took almost ten minutes to download; thus
ended that wonderful show of gratitude.

Many thanks for your continuing generosity to our desperately poor and
marginalized children. Their daily prayers of thanks will continue to
be your reward.

May God bless and keep you,

Greg

Flynn, Bro. Gregory (MC1957)

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JOY: Knudsen, Tom [MC2010] engaged

2014-Dec-21

FROM FACEBOOK

2014 Dec 21 Knudsen

Knudsen, Tom [MC2010]

Got Engaged to Lindsay Farrell

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-21 @ 14:14 

JLINKEDIN: Kozersky, Lara [MC1991] Equity Sales at CRT Capital Group

2014-Dec-21

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lara-kozersky/49/4a1/6b8

Kozersky, Lara [MC1991]
Equity Sales at CRT Capital Group
Greater New York City Area   
Investment Banking

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-21 @ 21:49 

JHQ: Manhattan College Monthly

2014-Dec-22

News 
College To Honor Richard T. Anderson at Annual De La Salle Dinner

Manhattan College will honor Richard T. Anderson, Ph.D., president of the New York Building Congress (NYBC), with the 2015 De La Salle medal at the College’s annual De La Salle dinner on Jan. 20. READ

The Daily Beast Ranks College Among Top 25 Colleges with Best Return on InvestmentThe Daily Beast recently placed Manhattan among the top 25 institutions in the country for return on investment, citing the College for providing graduates an opportunity to earn a strong starting salary and mid-career average salary.
 
Manhattan College Takes On The Federal Reserve BankFor the fourth year in a row, economics and finance professor Hany Guirguis, Ph.D., led a successful team to the Fed College Challenge in New York City.

On Campus

Merry Christmas from Manhattan College

From all of us here at the College, we wish you and yours a merry Christmas and best wishes for a happy, healthy new year!
 
New Education Programs Geared Toward Special Education in High SchoolsManhattan College now offers two advanced education programs aimed at developing special education teachers specifically for job placement in high schools.
 
Ruben Carbonell ’69 Elected to the National Academy of EngineeringOn Nov. 24, Manhattan College honored Ruben Carbonell ’69 for his election to the National Academy of Engineering (NAE) earlier this year.

Athletics 

Manhattan Welcomes Julius Stevenson to the Jasper FamilyOn Dec. 17, Manhattan head coach Steve Masiello and the men’s basketball program officially welcomed two-year-old Julius Stevenson to the Jasper family at the team’ s morning shootaround at the Peterson Events Center. Julius was diagnosed with Chronic Myelogenous Leukemia (CML) on July 22.
 
Powers Honored With ECAC Lifetime AwardFormer Manhattan College student-athlete, head coach and administrator John “Jack” Powers along with Donald “Dee” Rowe (Connecticut) were honored by the Eastern College Athletic Conference (ECAC) with Lifetime Achievement Awards at the 2014 Madison Square Garden (MSG) Holiday Festival presented by Advanced Auto Parts. 

Blerim Pocesta Garners ECAC Performer of the Week HonorsOne day after being named Metro Atlantic Athletic Conference (MAAC) Field Performer of the Week, junior Blerim Pocesta of the Manhattan College men’s indoor track and field team received Corvais ECAC Co-Performer of the Week honors.

Alumni 
 
Barclays Pregame Alumni Reception on Dec. 22All are welcome to attend a pregame reception prior to the men’s basketball game against Fordham at the Barclays Center (620 Atlantic Ave., Brooklyn, NY). The event will be held at Woodland Restaurant (242 Flatbush Ave., Brooklyn, NY) from 4-6 p.m., and there is no charge to attend, and registration is not required. A cash bar will be available. Tip-off is at 6 p.m. Game tickets may be purchased by emailing gojaspers@manhattan.edu or directly through Ticketmaster.
 
Support Manhattan College with AmazonSmileManhattan College has partnered with AmazonSmile, a simple and automatic way for you to support your favorite charitable organization every time you shop, at no cost to you. On eligible purchases, the AmazonSmile Foundation will donate 0.5 percent to the Fund For Manhattan. With the holiday season in full swing, give back to Manhattan while shopping for your family and loved ones. Get started today.
 
Alumni Events in 2015Stay tuned for news on upcoming alumni events this new year, including regional gatherings, the Jasper Open on May 5, Reunion Weekend, June 5-7, and many more. See the Alumni Calendar for the latest updates.

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PRAYERSREQUESTED: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) prays for Kevin

2014-Dec-22

Good Evening All,

Mike McEneney asks for our prayers for a good friend of his. Kevin, along with his other problems, has come down with pneumonia. We pray that the MDs are able to get this under control. Thank you. God Bless.

Phil Colon

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)

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JOBIT: Kilcarr, Andrew J. [MC1953 RIP]

2014-Dec-22

http://obits.dignitymemorial.com/dignity-memorial/obituary.aspx?n=Andrew-Kilcarr&lc=1143&pid=173558276&mid=6246075


In Memory of
Andrew J. Kilcarr
January 28, 1932 - December 21, 2014
Obituary

Andrew Kilcarr, who had earned a national reputation for skillful trial work in several landmark lawsuits and prosecutions, died on Sunday, Dec. 21 at his home in Arlington, surrounded by family. His death followed a mere four weeks after the passing of his devoted wife and partner of 60 years, Barbara Kilcarr. Mr. Kilcarr was 82.

After graduation from Manhattan College in 1953, Mr. Kilcarr served as a Captain in the U.S. Marine Corps. Upon receiving his J.D. degree in 1959 from Georgetown Law School, he was an attorney in the Trial Section of the Antitrust Division at the Department of Justice. He continued trying cases after joining Donovan, Leisure, Newton & Irvine in New York City in 1964, where he later revived and ran its Washington office. In 1986, Mr. Kilcarr moved his practice to Hogan & Hartson (now Hogan Lovells) where he remained as a Partner in the Litigation and Antitrust Practice group until his retirement in 2000. He was a fellow of the prestigious American College of Trial Lawyers and retired in 2000.

Among the highlights of Mr. Kilcarr's long and notable career as a litigator, he handled the administrative litigation regarding the start-up of the Trans Alaska Pipeline System (TAPS), eventually arguing new theories to the US Supreme Court on behalf of all TAPS owners. In addition, he led the defense of Mobil Corporation in numerous complex litigation and class actions, combining effective trial skill with statesmanship in finding alternative dispute solutions. He also provided counsel to trade associations and clients in businesses as varied as banana imports, tuna processing, movies and electrical manufacturing.

Mr. Kilcarr is survived by his brothers, Paul (Jean) and John (Marie), each a resident of Williamsburg, VA. He is also survived by two children: Theresa Kilcarr Balaran (Paul) of Washington, DC and Patrick (Alienor), also of Washington, along with nine grandchildren: Payton, Bryce, Benjamin, Mason, Trent, Troy, Reese, Delaney and Olympia.

A wake will be held on Tuesday Dec. 23 from 5:30 - 7:30 pm at Murphy's Funeral Home 4510 Wilson Boulevard Arlington, VA 22203. The funeral Mass will be held on Wednesday Dec. 24 at 10:30 a.m. at St. Agnes Catholic Church 1910 North Randolph Street Arlington VA 22207. Burial will follow at Columbia Gardens Cemetery, also in Arlington.

In lieu of flowers, charitable donations in Mr. Kilcarr's memory may be made to the Semper Fi Fund 825 College Blvd., Suite 102, PMB 609 Oceanside, CA 92057.

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Kilcarr, Andrew J. [MC1953 RIP]

Guestbook: same link

# - # - # - # - # 2014-Dec-22 @ 18:07

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) added this request to his prayer circle.

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JHQ: Faculty and Student Accomplishments: December 2014

2014-Dec-22

http://manhattan.edu/news/faculty-and-student-accomplishments-december-2014

Faculty and Student Accomplishments: December 2014

Administration

Lois Harr, director of campus ministry and social action at Manhattan College and assistant to the vice president of student life, was a presenter and participant at Catholic Relief Services trainings this fall in Baltimore, Queens, N.Y., and Malvern, Pa. Harr also organized a campus ministry roundtable at the Huether Lasallian Conference.

School of Arts

Mehnaz Afridi, Ph.D., director of the Holocaust, Genocide and Interfaith Education (HGI) Center and assistant professor of religious studies, recently had an article in a new book by Hong Kong University Press. “Jews and Muslims: Collaboration through Acknowledging the Shoah” was released in Sander L. Gilman’s Judaism, Christianity and Islam: Collaboration and Conflict in the Age of Diaspora.
In addition, Afridi was a part of the Interfaith Thanksgiving Service in Riverdale at the Presbyterian Church.

On Nov. 25, James Behr, adjunct instructor in music theory, presented the final recital in historic Steinway Hall before it was torn down. As a Steinway recorded artist, Behr had the privilege of performing on a Steinway & Sons concert grand piano, and the recital included pieces by Chopin, Mozart, Beethoven and a piece composed by James.

Ashley Cross, Ph.D., professor of English and chair of the department, released a blog entry, “Teaching Romanticism VIII: Mary Robinson” for Romantic Textualities: Literature and Print Culture, 1780-1840. This fall, Cross also had an article, “Writing Pain: Sensibility and Suffering in the Later Letters of Anna Seward and Mary Robinson” included in the Bulletin of the John Rylands.

Michael Grabowski, Ph.D., associate professor of communication, is the editor of Routledge’s new book, Neuroscience and Media: New Understandings and Representations. The book examines how new research on the brain informs media studies, and it explores how mass media depicts that new research.

Peter Heller, Ph.D., professor of government, had an article “Technoethics: Nature and Cases” published as part of the Evolving Issues Surrounding Technoethics in the Digital Age. A new book published by IGI Global in 2014.

On Dec. 18, Natalia Imperatori-Lee, Ph.D., an associate professor of religious studies, wrote an article on Pope Francis’ intervention in the U.S. and Cuba relations for theconversation.com. Read more.
Paige Hughes ’16, a urban affairs major, was accepted to the state assembly intern program during the spring 2015 semester.

On Nov. 21, Julie Leininger Pycior, Ph.D., professor of history, wrote a Huffington Post blog post entitled, “Odd Couple? U.S. Catholic Bishops and Community Organizers.”

School of Business

Poonam Arora, Ph.D., assistant professor of management and marketing, was recently elected as the representative-at-large to the Board of the International Association for Conflict Management.

School of Education and Health

Shawn Ladda, Ph.D., professor of kinesiology presented with two students (Angel Martinez ’15 and John Mitchell ’15, both physical education majors) along with Ariela Herman and two of her students from Queens College at the New York State Association for Health, Physical Education, Recreation, & Dance (NYSAHPERD) conference. The presentation was titled, edTPA Faculty and Students Reflect on Teacher Performance Assessment and held in Verona, N.Y., Nov. 19-22.

Caitlin Hynes ’15, kinesiology major of the year at Manhattan, and Ladda were recognized by NYSAHPERD with the Amazing Major and Person awards at the ceremony held at the November conference.

School of Engineering

On Dec. 19, Sina Shahbazmohamadi, Ph.D., visiting associate professor of mechanical engineering, was featured on Connecticut Public Broadcasting’s (CPTV) for his work with digital imaging with UConn to recreate antique instruments.

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JFOUND: Hadjiyane, Stephen [MC1995] NYWEA LI Achievement Award

2014-Dec-22

http://www.gannettfleming.com/Newsroom/2014/HadjiyaneHonoredforDedicatedService122214.htm

Hadjiyane Honored for Dedicated Service to New York Water Association

Dec. 22, 2014

Stephen Hadjiyane, PE, BCEE(Woodbury, N.Y.) After a decade of spurring progressive initiatives to protect and enhance New York’s water resources, Stephen Hadjiyane, PE, BCEE, received the New York Water Environment Association (NYWEA) Long Island Chapter Achievement Award. Hadjiyane accepted the award on Oct. 24, 2014, during the chapter’s annual dinner-dance. Based in Gannett Fleming’s Woodbury, New York, office, he is a vice president responsible for managing water/wastewater projects.

Throughout his 10 years of service to the chapter, Hadjiyane has held numerous positions, including serving as a member of its board of directors. Currently he is the vice chair/secretary of the chapter, as well as the chair of the Scholarship Program, and is a member of the chapter’s Society of Sanitary Sludge Shovelers. As one of the founders of the chapter’s Young Professional Committee and the Scholarship Program, Hadjiyane is credited with developing an outlet for increased social interaction for young industry professionals and a forum for networking and professional growth.

Founded in 1929, the NYWEA promotes sustainable clean water quality management through science, education, and training. It also aims to advance the professional well being of its membership, which totals more than 2,500.

“Steve has established himself as a trusted advisor to our clients and as an asset to our firm,” said James M. Crandall, PE, vice president and Northeast Region Water/Wastewater and Environmental Practice leader. “We are proud of Steve’s dedication to the growth and strengthening of our industry, and I’m thrilled that the NYWEA Long Island Chapter honored him in this way.”

During his 29-year tenure at Gannett Fleming, Hadjiyane has played a key role managing and directing many strategic water and wastewater infrastructure projects in and around New York State, including upgrades to the Grass Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Greenwich, Connecticut; sanitary sewer repairs at the U.S. Military Academy in West Point, New York; and numerous projects for Nassau and Suffolk counties and for the New York City Department of Environmental Protection.

Hadjiyane earned his master’s degree in environmental engineering from Manhattan College and his bachelor’s degree in chemical engineering from the State University of New York at Buffalo.

For more information, please contact Ali Detar, CPSM, at 717.763.7211, x2272 or via email.

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Hadjiyane, Stephen [MC????]

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-22 @ 18:19 

Dear John,

I believe that Stephen received his Masters in 1995.

Mike

McEneney, Mike (MC1953)

Hadjiyane, Stephen [MC1995]

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JNEWS: Colella, Marina [MC????] NAPW PwoY

2014-Dec-22

http://inspiredspacesdesigns.com/national-association-of-professional-women-announces-marina-colella-master-license-owner-at-decorating-den-interiors-a-2014-professional-woman-of-the-year/

National Association of Professional Women Announces Marina Colella, Master License Owner at Decorating Den Interiors, a 2014 Professional Woman of the Year
December 22, 2014

Garden City, NY (PRWEB) December 22, 2014

NAPW honors Marina Colella, Master License Owner at Decorating Den Interiors, as a 2014 Professional Woman of the Year. Ms. Colella is recognized with this prestigious distinction for leadership in Electrical Engineering. As the largest, most-recognized networking organization of professional women in the country, spanning virtually every industry and profession, the National Association of Professional Women is a powerfully vibrant networking community with over 600,000 members and nearly 300 Local Chapters.

“Decorating Den Interiors is truly a unique and amazing organization,” says Ms. Colella, who's been with North America’s largest home furnishings and interior design franchise company for more than nine years. Decorating Den Interiors has been featured in nearly every major home shelter magazine in the US, including House Beautiful, Traditional Home, Woman’s Day, Good Housekeeping and Better Homes and Gardens.

As a Master License Owner of her own Decorating Den Interiors franchise, Ms. Colella enjoys the opportunity to offer clients her expertise when it comes to transforming buildings and living spaces into architectural masterpieces. Working closely with her clients, Ms. Colella creates beautifully decorated rooms and homes that stay true to their vision, lifestyle and budget.

Previously, Ms. Colella worked for industry leaders such as General Electric and Burlington Industries. She's a Bachelor of Arts in Electrical Engineering from Manhattan College. She's a member of CID and NAFE.

NAPW’s mission is to provide an exclusive, highly advanced networking forum to successful women executives, professionals and entrepreneurs where they can aspire, connect and achieve. Through innovative resources, unique tools and progressive benefits, professional women interact, exchange ideas, advance their knowledge and empower each other.

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Colella, Marina [MC????]

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Dear John,

I do not find anything in my 'stuff' for Marina.

Mike

McEneney, Mike (MC1953)

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JLINKEDIN: Clancy, Lorraine [MC1987] Account Executive PROFESSIONAL GRAPHICS

2014-Dec-23

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/lorraine-clancy/45/467/201

Clancy, Lorraine [MC1987]
Account Executive
PROFESSIONAL GRAPHICS
Reducing costs of in-house printing situations. Specializing in Epson and Xerox printing solutions.
Greater New York City Area
Printing

Summary

Highly effective at generating new accounts and winning competitive business
Detail-oriented, finance-based approach to situation analysis, proposing innovative investment options for capital equipment
Excellent presentation skills to C-level officers and other decision makers
Strategic customer relationship management to identify and capitalize on additional opportunities that satisfy customer needs
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JFOUND: Barrett, William Edmund [MC1922 RIP] From Wikipedia

2014-Dec-23

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/William_Edmund_Barrett

William Edmund Barrett
From Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia

William Edmund Barrett (November 16, 1900 – September 14, 1986) was an American author.

Born in New York City, he studied at Manhattan College. He married Christine M. Rollman on February 15, 1925. He worked as an aeronautics consultant with the Denver Public Library from 1941 on. He received a citation from Regis College in 1956. He was a member of PEN and the Authors League of America. Barrett was a Roman Catholic.[citation needed]

He was a member of the National Press Club of Washington, D.C. and the Colorado Authors League, serving as its president from 1943-1944.

Three of his novels were made into films: The Left Hand of God, starring Humphrey Bogart; Lilies of the Field, featuring Sidney Poitier; and Pieces of Dreams, based on The Wine and the Music.

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Dear John,

I believe that William is a member of the Class of 1922.

May He Continue to Rest In Peace.

Mike

McEneney, Mike (MC1953)

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Barrett, William Edmund [MC1922 RIP]

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Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) added this request to his prayer circle.

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[JR: Wikipedia updated.]

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PRAYERSREQUESTED: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) prays for an East Brunswick boy

2014-Dec-23

Good Evening All,

John Reinke has shared some terrible news. A young boy, 8 years old in East Brunswick, N.J., was Air Lifted by East Brubswick Police to St. Barnabas Hospital Burn Unit in Livingston, NJ. Please pray that the burns on his legs can be treated with no complications. Thank you. God Bless.

Phil Colon

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-23 @ 21:49 

JLINKEDIN: Ivezaj - Nikolla, Natalie [MC2005] Director, Package Dev at MAST Global

2014-Dec-24

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/natalie-ivezaj-nikolla/8/9b4/591

Ivezaj - Nikolla, Natalie [MC2005]
Director, Package Development; MAST Global - BBW
Greater New York City Area
Packaging and Containers

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PRAYERSREQUESTED: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) prays for the Maksomski's

2014-Dec-24

Good Morning All,

Nancy Maksomski has updated us on her Dad, Dave, who has been in our prayers. The MDs feel surgery is not required and extensive Physical Therapy is called for. Mr. Maksomski is still in a lot of pain. We pray that this will subside and we pray for positive response to his Therapy. Thank you. God Bless.

Phil Colon

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)

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JEMAIL: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) A Very Merry Christmas

2014-Dec-24

Good Morning Dear Friends,

As we approach this wonderful day, I thank you for always being there, for being special and as we praise the Lord, I wish you A Very Merry Christmas full of love, happiness and joy and only good things in the New Year. God Bless.

Phil Colon

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)

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[JR: Dona Nobis Pacem ]

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-24 @ 11:53 

JHQ: Alma Mater’s sports site with a “birth control” ad

2014-Dec-24

2014 Dec 24 ad

[JR: Hmmmm, a “birth control” ad on Alma Mater’s sports site. Wouldn’t happen on my watch. Argh!]

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-24 @ 11:56 

JBLOGGER: Petrone, Louis S. "Key West Lou" (MC1957) tells us about Christmas

2014-Dec-24

Christmas….A Legal Holiday

Posted on December 22, 2013 by keywestlou

http://konknet.com/konk-life/columns/key-west-lou/2014-12-25

CHRISTMAS 2010, I WROTE AN ESSAY DETAILING HOW CHRISTMAS CAME TO BE A LEGAL HOLIDAY. THE STORY INCLUDES MANY INTERESTING FACETS NOT GENERALLY KNOWN. THE ESSAY WAS NOT PUBLISHED IN THE BLOG AT THE TIME. I SHARE IT WITH YOU NOW WITH MY WISHES FOR A BLESSED AND MERRY CHRISTMAS.

 

Christmas….A Legal Holiday

 

On this wonderful Christmas Day 2010, most of us are sitting back happy with ourselves. In a joyous festive mood. Thankful for family and friends. Pleased by gifts and food.

And we might believe that Christmas in the United States has always been such. That Christmas as we know it always existed.

Shockingly, it did not!

Let’s go back to the Puritans. Those hearty immigrants from England to the shores of Massachusetts. Those who gave us Thanksgiving.

Christmas they did not give to us. In fact, they took Christmas away from us. The earliest Scrooges of record!

From 1659 to 1681, Christmas was outlawed in Boston. By the Puritans. They believed that Christmas was not consistent with their Puritan ideas and religious reforms. So one of their acts was to abolish Christmas!

Christmas remained a no-no through the American Revolution. The English influence in the colonies prevailed. Christmas could not regain its foothold.

A few years after the Revolution, the colonists, rid of the English influence, started celebrating Christmas. But it was not Christmas as we know it.

The early 1800s found Christmas being celebrated in a bit of a rowdy fashion. Much like Mardi Gras and Fantasy Fest.

Then came a couple of books which influenced the situation.

The first was by Washington Irving. In 1809, he wrote The Sketchbook of Geoffrey Crayon. It portrayed Christmas as a peaceful loving holiday. Many attribute Irving’s novel as setting the mood for present day Christmas.

Irving actually created with words Christmas Day as we know and celebrate it. He mentally conceived his concept of Christmas and wrote it on paper. Christmas to that point had not been as he portrayed it.

About the same time, there was another writing. A Christmas Carol by Charles Dickens. This, too, captured the American imagination.

During the 1830s, several southern states legalized December 25 Christmas Day as a legal holiday. The first was Alabama in 1836.

The South continued to favor and celebrate Christmas up to the time of the Civil War. Whereas the North basically paid little attention to the day. Christmas had become a Southern thing.

Now comes the Civil War. Lincoln wanted to demoralize the Confederate troops. He wanted to show that the South’s Santa Claus was on the side of the North. He authorized a famous artist late in 1862 to do a drawing of Santa Claus watching over Union troops. The picture was the front cover on January 3, 1863 of a prominent national magazine. It was sort of God is on our side thing. Some believe it achieved Lincoln’s desired effect.

President Ulysses S. Grant is given credit for making Christmas a national holiday. I question the accuracy of the representation. In 1870 Grant signed a bill into law regarding Christmas Day. The new law read that Christmas “…shall be a holiday within the District of Columbia.”

The District of Columbia is not the whole of the United States. However, Grant is usually given credit for making Christmas a national holiday by that act.

The last state to legalize Christmas as a legal holiday was Oklahoma in 1907.

I suspect that it was the combination of Grant’s signing regarding the District of Columbia and all of the states legalizing the holiday that finally made Christmas Day a national holiday.

Christmas Day received a further boost by the 1897 editorial in the Sun of New York. We all know it. ”Yes, Virginia, there is a Santa Claus.”

Christmas was practiced and recognized as a holiday through World War II. For whatever reason, it received its most gigantic step forward recognition and celebration wise following World War II. Everyone got into the act after the war! Maybe because people were happy and grateful to have won.

Such is the story of the legalization of Christmas Day.

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[JR: And, I’d question why the Gooferment is involved in any “holy day”. Leave that to The People to sort out. That goes for “President’s Day” even more.]

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PRAYERSREQUESTED: Colon, Philip J. (MC1962) prays for Diane's Mom

2014-Dec-25

Good Afternoon All,

As you receive this, the Mother of Diane, a friend of Mike and Cathie McEneney, is in surgery for a very painful abcess on her Spine. We pray that the MDs are able to relieve the pain and that Diane's Mother does not suffer complications. Thank you. God Bless.

Phil Colon

Colon, Philip J. (MC1962)

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-25 @ 00:19 

JLINKEDIN: Barreto, Thomas [MC1997] Sr Proj Dir NYS Storm Recovery

2014-Dec-25

http://www.linkedin.com/in/thomasbarreto

Barreto, Thomas [MC1997]
Senior Project Director at Governor's Office of Storm Recovery, State of New York
New York, New York
Information Technology and Services

Summary

Over 15 years experience in design, execution and solving problems. Reduced processing time by creating automated solutions and presenting big data analytics in a meaningful way. Worked with executive leadership teams across functions including Corporate, HR, IT, Legal, Marketing and Sales. Industries involved beverage, entertainment, financial, media, non-profit and retail. Highly motivated recognized for strong leadership, management, interpersonal and written communication skills.

Specialties: Microsoft Windows Server, 8, 7, Vista, XP, 2000, Apple MAC OSX Mavericks, Mountain Lion, Snow Leopard, iOS, Microsoft Office 365, Access VBA, Excel VBA, Outlook VBA, MS Project, PowerPoint, SQL Server, Internet Information Services, Visual Studio, SQL, SharePoint, XML, HTML, CSS, Rapid Weaver, Word Press, Word, Adobe Photoshop, Aperture, MS Dynamics, Final Cut Pro, Workday, Salesforce.com

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MFOUND: Roman Zvarich was at MC for two years

2014-Dec-25

http://geworld.net/View.php?ArtId=2546&Title=&lang=en

Lesson of German Language for Ukraine and not only for Ukraine

*** begin quote ***

Roman Zvarich was born in 1953 year in Yonkers, near New York, in the family of Ukrainian political migrants.  In 1971-76 years He studied in the Manhattan College. In 1976 year he continued his studies in the Columbian University. After two years he received the permit to start teaching and started his dissertation about Platoon. In 983-1991 years, according to the official resume, Zvarich taught political theory, intellectual history and the theory of law at the New-York University.

*** end quote ***

JR: Long strange rambling article with a connection to Alma Mater! 

— 30 —  2014-Dec-25 @ 10:04 

ADMINISTRIVIA: A small formatting change

2014-Dec-25

In preparation for my new Jasper Jottings project, (i.e., a Jasper Jottings Wiki), I’ll be making some small formatting changes.

In the past, I used brackets to indicate that I didn’t have an email for the individual and parenthesis to indicate I did.

Since brackets are a special character in wikis, I’m going to ignore this subtle distinction.

I’m hoping to have the name be a live link into the wiki where I’ll have a history, as well as live links to Google+, Facebook, and LinkedIn.

As soon as I can figure out how to do it securely, I’ll allow others to participate in building the wiki.

For those interested, https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Wiki

I think this is necessary because I have been singularly unsuccessful in getting more Jaspers into Wikipedia.

Laugh!

So, I’ll do my own.

Standby for further details.

— 30 —  2014-Dec-25 @ 10:18 

MLINKEDIN: Mancini, Edward (MCattendee) Sales Engineer

2014-Dec-25

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/edward-mancini/17/6a1/577

Mancini, Edward (MCattendee)
Sales Engineer- Currently looking for a new career opportunity
Greater New York City Area
Semiconductors

Summary

Product, sales, and marketing professional with a proven track record of success in the sale of specialized products. Frequently selected by executive management to open new territories and rapidly develop sales pipelines through the use of innovative sales and marketing programs designed to achieve maximum market exposure.

• Outstanding record of improving profitability and productivity while positively impacting bottom line.
performance. Recognized for significant achievement in market and opportunity identification,
effective analysis, and successful product introduction.

• Driven to achieve goals and overcome obstacles, confident, highly energized, effective, and
persuasive communicator with strong interpersonal and management skills.

— — — — —

(JR: It’s Christmas. Anyone, who’s ever been “out”, knows the feeling. Reach out to help him get “in”.)

— 30 —  2014-Dec-25 @ 10:25 

ADMINISTRIVIA: Christmas wish for all my fellow Jaspers

2014-Dec-25

Christmas wish for all my fellow Jaspers

"Last Lecture" by Randy Pausch (RIP 2007 at age 47)
https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Randy_Pausch
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ji5_MqicxSo

— — — — —

(JR: It’s my personal “It’s a Wonderful Life” movie. Whenever I’m having a pity party — You know ‘woe is me’ — I watch this and count my “opportunities”. I do admit that yesterday at 11AM I texted and face booked "Finally have turned off the radio. TOOOoooo much Christmas music. They should intersperse a Public Service Announcement for the suicide hotline! 1 (800) 273-8255”)

— 30 —  2014-Dec-25 @ 10:58 

JLINKEDIN: McGarvey, John (MC1977) Construction Management

2014-Dec-26

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/john-mcgarvey/a/690/764

McGarvey, John (MC1977)
Construction Management
Hoboken, New Jersey
Construction

— 30 —   

JOBIT: Kelly, Robert J. [MC1949 RIP]

2014-Dec-26

http://obits.nj.com/obituaries/jerseyjournal/obituary.aspx?n=ROBERT-J-KELLY&pid=173603859

ROBERT J. KELLY
Obituary


ROBERT J. KELLY PASSED AWAY, PEACEFULLY, AND SURROUNDED BY HIS FAMILY, ON TUESDAY, DECEMBER 23, 2014, AT THE AGE OF 88. BORN IN UNION CITY, ROBERT RESIDED IN SEVERAL HUDSON COUNTY COMMUNITIES OVER THE YEARS.

ROBERT GRADUATED FROM MANHATTAN COLLEGE IN 1949, PROUDLY HOLDING THE RECORD AS THE FIRST BASKETBALL PLAYER TO SCORE 1000 POINTS IN THE HISTORY OF THE SCHOOL, AND RECEIVED HIS M.A. IN EDUCATION FROM SETON HALL UNIVERSITY.

Robert then went on to have a full career in both education and school sports in the Jersey City School System for over thirty years. He retired in 1985 as Vice Principal of Lincoln High School and previously, was Vice President of Discipline at Dickinson High School as well as basketball coach. Robert was a member of the coaching staff at St. Peter's College under Don Kennedy and head coach from 1977 to 1978. He also coached at the Lou Carnasecca summer basketball camps.

Robert was a U.S. Army veteran and after his military service, played professionally for the Scranton Miners and Rochester Royals.

He was a member of the NJEA and the NEA and a parishioner of Our Lady of Sorrows Church in South Orange.

Robert is the beloved husband of Marian (nee Leane) Kelly; devoted father of Robert P. Kelly (Kelly Hendry), Sean F. Kelly (Dina), Kevin W. Kelly, Owen G. Kelly (Susan) and Jeffery M. Kelly; cherished grandfather of Bobby, Shannon, Mikaela, Malachy, Mary Catherine, Brenden and Sean. Robert is predeceased by siblings Adelaide, Margaret, Florence, William and Gerard.

Visitation will be held at McLaughlin Funeral Home on Friday, December 26, 2014, from 4 to 8 PM. Family and friends are invited to assemble at the funeral home on Saturday morning at 9:30 AM. A Mass of Christian Burial will be celebrated at St. Joseph's Church in Jersey City at 10:45 AM. Interment will follow in Gate of Heaven Cemetery, East Hanover, NJ. MC LAUGHLIN FUNERAL HOME 625 PAVONIA AVE JERSEY CITY , NJ 07306 (201) 798-8700


Funeral Home
McLaughlin Funeral Home
625 Pavonia Avenue 
Jersey City, NJ 07306
(201) 798-8700

Published in The Jersey Journal on Dec. 26, 2014

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Kelly, Robert J. [MC1949 RIP]

Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/jerseyjournal/robert-j-kelly-condolences/173603859?cid=full#sthash.mf8axwuC.dpbs

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-26 @ 23:45

JOBIT: Oefelein, Joseph C. [MC1957 RIP]

2014-Dec-26

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/dailyrecord/obituary.aspx?n=Joseph-C-Oefelein&pid=173610238

Joseph C. Oefelein
Obituary

Joseph C. Oefelein
AGE: 85 • Succasunna

Joseph Oefelein passed away peacefully on December 24, 2014 from a short illness. He was born in Staten Island, NY to Andrew and Mary Rose (Gallagher) Oefelein. He served in the United States Marine Corps from 1948 to 1952. He graduated from Manhattan College with a B.S. in Electrical Engineering and obtained his M.S. from New Mexico State University. He worked for Western Electric, Bell Laboratories, and Lucent Technologies, as a member of the technical staff, during the course of his career. He was a member of the Roxbury Auxiliary Police Association and was an usher for St. Therese's Church in Succasunna. He enjoyed cryptography and crossword puzzles and stayed current on technological and scientific information.

He was predeceased by three sisters and one granddaughter. He is survived by his loving wife of 62 years, Melissa (Bluemel) Oefelein, his brother Andrew (Sonny) Oefelein; and his seven children MaryAnne Cospito of Ormond Beach FL; Joseph Oefelein and his wife Lisa of Pleasanton CA; Carol and her husband Alan Bilsky of Bangor, PA; Peggy and her husband John Kavanaugh of Rockaway, NJ; James and his wife Kathy Oefelein of Wesley Chapel, FL; Peter and his wife Carolyn Oefelein of Washington, NJ; and Melissa and her husband Albert Wartman III of Columbia, NJ. He is also survived by seventeen grandchildren and two great grandchildren.

Friends and relatives may visit at the Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home, 96 Main Street, Succasunna 973-584-7264 (davishepplewhitefh.com) on Sunday from 2 - 6 pm. The Funeral Liturgy will be held on Monday, 10:30 am at St. Therese R C Church, Succasunna. In lieu of flowers, a donation to your favorite charity would be appreciated.

Funeral Home
Davis & Hepplewhite Funeral Home
96 Main Street
Succasunna, NJ 07876
(973) 584-7264

Published in Daily Record on Dec. 27, 2014

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Oefelein, Joseph C. [MC???? RIP]

Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/dailyrecord/joseph-c-oefelein-condolences/173610238?cid=full#sthash.O0uRVW0a.dpbs

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-26 @ 23:57

Dear John,

I believe that Joseph is a member of the Class of 1957.

May He Rest In Peace.

Mike

McEneney, Mike (MC1953)

[JR: Thanks, Mike. Much appreciated.]

Oefelein, Joseph C. [MC1957 RIP]

— 30 —  2014-Dec-27 @ 15:54 

JLINKEDIN: Banks, Bruce (MC2000) Security and Investigations Professional

2014-Dec-27

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/bruce-banks/15/647/830

Banks, Bruce (MC2000)
Security and Investigations Professional
Greater New York City Area
Security and Investigations

Summary

SECURITY PROFESSIONAL

Skilled investigative supervisor recognized by the United States Secret Service for outstanding investigative performance. Dedicated manager with demonstrated expertise in loss prevention, operations, and business development. Known for honesty, integrity and achieving exemplary results in investigations, claims reduction initiatives, and employee relations.

Specialties:Analytical skills, auditing, cost control, customer relations, labor relations, law enforcement, quality control, strategic planning.

— 30 —

JOBIT: Ambrosini, William Fred [MC1950 RIP]

2014-Dec-27

http://www.legacy.com/obituaries/newsday/obituary.aspx?n=WILLIAM-FRED-AMBROSINI&pid=173619935

WILLIAM FRED AMBROSINI (1926 - 2014)
Notice


AMBROSINI - William Fred, born January 22, 1926 to Geoffredo and Carmela in Harlem, NY, died December 25, 2014. Attended Evander Childs High School. A US Navy sailor 1944-1946, he saw combat at Iwo Jima. Earned a BEE from Manhattan College, 1946-1950, and worked as a defense industry engineer at Sperry Gyroscope, 1954-1991. Married Catherine Moore, RN, in 1951.

He is survived by his wife of 63 years, his 11 children: Jean (Billy), Nina (Teddy), Barbara (John), Stephen (Dee), William Neil (Caroline), Jeffrey (Becky), John (Lorraine), Robert (Joanne), Martin (Denise), Kathleen (Andrew), Eileen (Bill), 16 grandchildren, and 4 great-grandchildren.

Funeral arrangements at William Law Funeral Home, Massapequa, Sunday, December 28, 2-5 and 7-9pm. Funeral Mass, Monday, December 29, 10:45am, Maria Regina R.C. Church, Seaford.

Funeral Home
William E Law Funeral Home Inc
1 Jerusalem Ave
Massapequa, NY 11758
(516) 541-8070

Published in Newsday from Dec. 27 to Dec. 28, 2014

#-#-#

Ambrosini, William Fred [MC1950 RIP]

Guestbook: http://www.legacy.com/guestbooks/newsday/william-fred-ambrosini-condolences/173619935?cid=full#sthash.eAkuRQT0.dpbs

# - # - # - # - #  2014-Dec-27 @ 12:09

JLINKEDIN: Riverso, Milo [MC1981] CEO STV Group

2014-Dec-27

http://www.linkedin.com/pub/milo-riverso/5/965/a42

2014 Dec 27 Riverso

Riverso, Milo [MC1981]
President and Chief Executive Officer at STV Group
Greater New York City Area
Construction

— 30 —

ENDNOTE: Don't underestimate human beings

2014-Dec-27

http://www.foxnews.com/science/2014/12/17/prisoners-ingenious-162-alcatraz-escape-could-have-survived/?intcmp=latestnews

Prisoners of 'ingenious' 1962 Alcatraz escape could have survived
LiveScience
By Megan Gannon
Published December 17, 2014

*** begin quote ***

"We didn't know exactly when the inmates launched their boats, or their precise starting point, and so we decided to release 50 'boats' every 30 minutes between 20:00 and 04:00 (11 p.m. and 4 a.m.) from a range of possible escape spots at Alcatraz to see where they would end up," Fedor Baart, a hydraulic engineer at the Netherlands-based research instituteDeltares, said in a statement. "We added a paddling effect to the 'boats,' as we assumed the prisoners would paddle as they got closer to land."

If the three men left Alcatraz any earlier than 11:30 p.m., they would have been swept out to sea by strong currents, Baart and his colleagues found. But if the prisoners set off on their raft between 11:30 and midnight, it's likely that they could have landed just north of the Golden Gate Bridge, at Horseshoe Bay. The models also show that any debris after the landing might have drifted toward Angel Island, north of Alcatraz, which is where the FBI found a paddle and some personal items linked to the men.

*** end quote ***

Never underestimate human beings.

Interesting that they never showed up anywhere.

But now we have a “unsolved mystery”.

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