Editor’s Note: Welcome to Inside Out, our weekly roundup of stories about Staten Islanders making waves, being seen, supporting our community and just making our borough a special place to live. Have a story for Inside Out? Email Carol Ann Benanti at benanti@siadvance.com
STATEN ISLAND, N.Y. — Some five decades may have come and gone, but memories linger on for members of the Delta Nu fraternity who once again proved the power of enduring brotherhood forged during their formative college years — is everlasting.
Earlier this month, longtime friends from the Wagner College Class of 1972 organized a reunion around a football game played between Wagner and the University of Kansas.
The fraternity brothers from several parts of the country made arrangements to fly to the Sunflower State and meet in Lawrence to take in the game — and reconnect through shared traditions, a spirited atmosphere and a full slate of planned activities — on a trip that was planned about a year ago.
The six fraternity brothers — who’ve kept in touch over the years — and organized the trip were:
John Iasparro, from West Brighton and New Jersey, an impactful teacher for the Department of Education who has taken part in numerous causes to support Staten Island’s community for decades;
Matt Pastore, also from New Jersey, who played football at Wagner;
Louis (“3.0″) Dupart of Denver, Colo., who worked for White House Chief of Staff/Vice President Dick Chaney;
Dave Whalen of Florida, who taught and played basketball at Wagner;
Andy Cortese, who was on the Board of Directors at Wagner College, also of Florida;
Artie Zinicola who played, baseball and was part of the wrestling team at Wagner, who lives in Kansas City.
“It’s a miracle in a way that we all met in Lawrence, (Kansas) for the game where the University of Kansas is located,” said John Iasparro. While we were there we saw Jeffery Doggett, the president of Wagner College and we sat in a box on the field to watch the game.”
After the game and sports related activities, the cronies got to spend two more days with Zinicola in Kansas City, Iasparro went on to explain.
“It was a Wagner College Delta Nu team and we got to share a million stories from our years at Wagner College. It was just a lot of fun. Six guys from all different parts of the country – met and spent five days together. What could be better than that?”
HIGH SCHOOL REUNIONS
Susan Wagner High School
Members of the Susan Wagner High School Class of 1985 will host their 40th Reunion at Nino’s Restaurant in Grasmere on Saturday, Oct. 4 from 7 to 11 p.m.
The cost per ticket is $85 per person.
The event includes a dinner, beer, wine and soda and musical entertainment from the 1980’s to the sounds of a professional deejay.
Those who have questions should contact Valerie Pepe, chairwoman of the event, atValerie.m.pepecooper55@gmail.com
Curtis High School
Members of the Curtis High School Class of 1965 are gearing up for their 60th reunion set for Saturday, Oct. 25 from 1 to 5 p.m. at LiGreci’s Staaten.
A reunion committee has been working to bridge the gap the 60 years have created.
“It’s hard to believe that it’s been 60 years since we grduated Curtis,” said retired New York State Supreme Court Justice Philip Straniere, who’s a committee member. “The reunion is a chance to renew lifelong friendships and memories. What I’ve noticed about reunions is about five minutes into the event you’re back in high school. Some guy who had to surrender his lunch money every day became a millionaire. Or some woman you barely knew achieved fame in her career choice. It’s also sad to realize how many classmates are no long with us or whose health prevents them from attending. The likelihood is that this is our last because in 10 yeras we’ll be pushing 90.”
Justice Straniere went on to explain Curtis was a life change experience.
“We all had teachers there who profoundly influenced our lives and made all of us who we became as adults.”
On tap will be a cocktail party, a buffet luncheon with open bar and dancing.
The cost of the afternoon is $125 per person.
Kindly send a check payable to the Curtis High School Class of 1965 Reunion as soon as possible.
Mail checks to Doreen Gunning Dillon at 607n Oakland Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10310-2913.
The Hilton Garden Inn or the Hampton Inn are options for those who are interested in an extended stay.
Kindly contact Sue Quin Ford at 917 647-0803 or email her at sueford269@msn.com or Elwell Murray at 917 647-8281 or email him at murrayv0725@gmail.com
AN AUTUMN EVENING SOIREE
Since Melody Alesi’s longtime dream has been to reach the community of Staten Island through opera and create a concert opera company comprised of an audience that appreciates the art form, she continues to spread the word about the New York Concert Opera, an educational opera company that creates a “magical experience” for adults and children.
“An Autumn Evening Soiree” is being planned for Thursday, Nov. 6 from 6 to 10 p.m. at Santina Osteria Restaurant, 502 Jewett Avenue in Westerleigh.
The evening will include a four-course dinner with wine and much more, while celebrating the timeless beauty of opera in an intimate performance with members of the New York Concert Opera.
The fundraising event will feature Melody Alesi, Joan Callaghan and Anna Tonna with a special video presentation by Opera Educator, Louis Barrella.
Tickets are $110 per person.
Kindly RSVP by Oct. 30 by phoning 347 489-1129 or 908 635-2694.
Make checks payable to the New York Concert Opera, and mail to New York Concert Opera, 837 Jewett Ave., Staten Island, N.Y. 10314.
FRIENDS OF THE COLLEGE OF STATEN ISLAND SIGNATURE LITERARY LUNCHEON
Join the Friends of CSI for their signature Literary Luncheon featuring alumna Barbara Worton ’73 and her book “Chatterbox: Stories from a Noisy Life,” on Sunday, Oct. 5 from noon until 3 p.m. at Osteria Santina Restaurant, 502 Jewett Ave. in Westerleigh.
Those participating in their signature event, can enjoy heartfelt stories and support scholarships for generations of CSI students — at the same time.
The Friends of the College of Staten Island is a volunteer organization comprised of community members who are dedicated to the mission of the College.
They hold the distinction of being the longest-serving volunteer group at the College for more than 49 years.
“Chatterbox: Stories from a Noisy Life” is a vivid, humorous, and deeply human collection of personal essays, memories, and reflections on growing up, growing older, and everything in between.
From loud family dinners on Long Island to quiet moments of reflection, Worton captures what it means to be a lifelong observer in a world full of chaos, charm, and contradiction.
With warmth and wit, she invites readers into a life lived with open eyes and an open heart.
Worton is an author, poet, playwright, blogger, songwriter, and storyteller at heart.
She co-founded the publishing company Great Little Books and has written everything from children’s books to “choreopoems,” web memoirs, and essays featured in literary journals like The Haight-Ashbury Literary Journal, Paterson Literary Review, and VIA: Voices in Italian Americana.
A proud member of the Italian-American Writers Association and an occasional actress and lyricist, Worton lives in New Jersey with her husband Geoff, and she never stops telling stories.
Visit https://www.barbaraworton.com/ to learn more about Worton.
Books will be available for purchase at the event.
CELEBRATIONS – SEPT. 28 TO OCT. 4
SEPT. 28
Sunday is birthday time for former State Senator Diane Savino, for Christina Noce, Rosemarie Barnickel, Joe Hicks, Ernst Pierre, Eileen Loeffel and Layla Elizabeth Hickey who is now 3 years-old and Stephanie Mollenthiel of Meiers Corners who turns 62.
SEPT. 29
The happiest of birthdays on Monday to Geri DeMaio, who shares her birthday with Charles Dugan Jr., who turns 61, Lisa Marie Romano, Bob Turrisi, Caitlin Persch, Vicki Rosenthal, Kerry Rose Harris, Sonia Pederson and Mya Greene who celebrates her 21st.¶
Happy wedding anniversary Monday to Juliane and Stephen Cottone.
SEPT. 30
Happy birthday Tuesday to Dr. Frank J. Lacqua, Thomas Watson Jr., Brittany Donna Brown, Andrew Parker, Samantha Rose Guash and Robert Kruse.
OCT. 1
The best of birthdays Wednesday to Vincent D’Antuono, owner of Pastosa Ravioli of West Brighton, who turns 85, to Mike Hennessy, Isabella Drouin, Tom Matteo, former Borough Historian and Advance Columnist, and Danielle Van Name.
Wednesday is wedding anniversary time for Peggy and Raymond Cebula.
OCT. 2
Birthday wishes are in order on Thursday to Rev. Terry Troia, Anita Petzold, Gary Persch, Norma Canlon, Ray Flannagan III, Stephen Paul Brooker, Gary Cognetta, Cassondra Phares, Jessica Collins, Joann Cinquemani, Bruce Thorsen and Fred Benton.
Wedding anniversary wishes are in order on Thursday for Herb and Nicolette Noss.
OCT. 3
Happy birthday on Friday to Jacqueline Haley, Sarah McGarry, Jordan Nicole Anderson who turns 23, Steven Roberts, Christopher Motola, Isabelle Pillarella and John Cocozza.
OCT. 4
Birthday greetings on Saturday go to Rocco R. Andriulli, Sarah McGarry, Egan Geraghty, twins Chelsea Rae and Melanie Smith, Sydney Marie D’Agostino and Ava Rose Tripo who turns 15 and Oldies and American Bandstand Girl Carol Browere Rabold.