Another enjoyable SRL Alumni Day yesterday. The crowd was a bit smaller than last year but no less enthusiastic. Thanks to Fr. Rainforth for an enjoyable and surprisingly informal Mass; to Chef Jimbo Crowley for once again cooking up an excellent spaghetti and meatball dinner; to Candida Esposito for arranging the participation of the students, all of whom we found charming and bright; to the staff, who welcomed us and prepared nice little surprises for us, and last but not least to the dedicated alumni who took the time to visit our old school to show our gratitude and support. I believe we even put a little money in the kitty.

Notes: Unfortunately, Principal Arthur Wilson was still ill and unable to attend the function and accept the Award of Appreciation we had prepared for him (which Danny Lane broke his neck to have ready -- thanks again, Dan). We'll schedule a presentation soon to express our appreciation for this hard-working gentleman.

In the Battle of the Classes, 1968 won with six members attending, closely followed by the mighty Class of '65 with five. Wait 'til next year!

On a downer note, we somehow lost Peter Podeszwa on our way to Cryan's. Sorry, Pete!

A pleasure to be there, and a pleasure to "give back" something to those inspiring, delightful kids! Thanks to you for making it all possible, John. Unfortunately Danny Moore and I had to leave early because Danny was driving and I had to pick up my daughter in Trenton.

It was kind of eerie being in those classrooms I last left in 1957, but nice to meet fellow alumni from a variety of years. Never thought I'd get to talk to "Spinach" Walsh again in this lifetime -- and he straightened me out on couple of old stories that I only had half right. Since we were the only two guys there from the class of 1957, our stories become the true ones, right?

I'm the guy who took the photo on the front steps with 8 different cameras and my shoe.

I had a very good time meeting the SRL gang and putting faces to the names of those I see posting here so frequently. It was great speaking to so many of you, especially Carol Raab Davis and Frank Wimbush. You've made this 'outsider' feel welcome.

I can't get the impression out of my mind of Jimbo Crowely making his entrance. Tall guy, chef garb buttoned up, hat standing up straight, moustache, marched through the room like an English officer. He should have music to underscore his entrances. Maybe the opening bars from the Rocky movies, or Ruffles and Flourishes, maybe a Sousa March. I wish I had a rewind button so I can see that again. VERY impressive.

Keep up the good work SRLAA!

(PS: JOHN! I'm class of '65 from a grammar school in Harrison. Does that count?)

Dan -- I determine that it DOES count, and I now declare a tie!

Thanks for the remarks about my brother. We are all very proud of him.

(As far as you being an outsider: You married our Martha Cook, which makes you an insider in my book, and that's not even counting all the things you've quietly done for the Association. You're one of our best.)