THETA PHI

Welcome to the Theta blog!

2020-12-31T23:59:00.004-07:00

Welcome to the Theta Phi blog!

This blog has been created to allow us to share what's been going on in our lives and communicate with each other in an open forum.

There are two ways you can add news or comments to the blog:

• You can email your comments (and photos) directly to me (azpook@gmail.com).

• You can also add news (but not photos) by clicking on "comments" at the bottom of each posting. Be sure to check for comments left by others!

Whenever there is a new posting, I'll send word out to everyone.
Spread the word! Please pass this site along to any Theta sisters you may be in touch with.

Looking forward to hearing from you!

Yours in Theta,

"Pook" Siprin Bellini
1967 Pledge Class President

Alumnae News

2019-07-01T22:05:00.045-07:00

This page has been reformatted to allow each new posting to be listed separately. Since there is a limit to how many postings appear on a page, you will need to click on "older posts" (lower right corner of each page) to see previous posts. There are lots of posts hiding there... don't miss them!

In most cases, you should be able to click on a photo to enlarge it.

Sandy Komonchak Center

2011-11-22T08:09:00.003-07:00

Hi Theta sisters,

I’m so glad to be back in touch after all these years.

Bill (Delphic – ’67) and I were married in New Paltz in 1967 and have lived in Richmond, VA since 1992. Before that, we traveled all over the country, first with the Air Force and then with the various marketing jobs he had. He does some pro bono consulting work now. My teaching career was sporadic because of all the moves but I enjoyed substituting a good many years. We have two sons and six grandchildren; one family lives here in Richmond and the other in D.C. We have a huge Golden Retriever (our boy) and a very skittish and paranoid cat. (our crazy girl)

I think back on the New Paltz years with great fondness and especially the Theta years. Hello to old friends – Olga, Strip, Ingrid, Dottie, Carmella, Maggie - and many others.

Looking forward to hearing more Theta news. Happy Thanksgiving to all.

Yours in Theta,

Sandy

We Mourn the Passing of Barbara D'Alisera Hansen

2011-11-19T09:37:00.014-07:00

I've been asked to relay some very sad news. Barbara D'Alisera Hansen, (class of 1970) died suddenly on Friday November 18. She suffered a brain aneurysm. We have no service details but we will pass them along as soon as we get them.
-Rosalie Meunier Pahel

This photo of Barbara was taken at the Theta Luncheon last month. Scroll down to the luncheon photos for additional photos.

Barbara Hansen's wake will be Sunday 7PM-9PM, Monday 2PM-4PM and 7PM-9PM at Wannamaker & Carlough, Rt. 59 in Suffern, NY.

The funeral is tentatively scheduled for Tuesday at 10AM at the Church of the Presentation, 271 West Saddle River Road in Upper Saddle River, NJ. . Burial will be at St. Anthony's Church in Nanuet, NY.

If you would like to send a card, here is the address of the Hansen Family (husband Marc, children Lara and Eric):

110 Spook Rock Road

Suffern, NY 10901

Theta Luncheon 2011

2011-10-23T17:54:00.024-07:00

What fun it was to share the spirit of Theta at the Luncheon held at The Postage Inn in Tillson this year! Thanks to Leslie, Strip, and Janice for all their hard work!

Please forgive my poor video skills... my son, a video journalist, told me (after the fact) that I should always take video with my phone turned sideways. Who knew? Thus, the rather strange vertical appearance of these videos. Also, I managed to catch both songs just after they started... sorry 'bout that! In spite of their poor quality, I hope that these videos will bring back some fond memories for everyone!

Remember that you can click on any of the photos to enlarge them on your screen. You should also be able to download them.

- Pook

Marilyn "MAP"Walsh, Barbara D'Alisera Hanson, Marilyn Adamik Lemchak, and Nancy Alfano Thayer

Ellen Listort and Judy Caruso

Kathy O'Connell Nelson and Leslie Drojak

Sandy Longfield, Pat Reynolds, Judy Mathews

Sandi Moure Maher, Dorothy Lieberman, Carmella Lagano Alfano, Julie La Joie Dickinson

Mo Johnson, Joan Castka, Elsa Thompson, Marie Martin, Linda Landers

Ruta Ronis, JoAnn O'Connor, Sandy Longfield, Pat Reynolds, Ginny Esser, Midge Dube

Linda Spiro Landers and Mary Troeger

Pat Withers, Barbara D'Alisera Hanson, Bobbi Murray, Rosalie Pahel, Judy Caruso, Ellen Listort

Barbara Terpening (Evie Catherwood), JoAnn Grell Miles, Bobbie Barr Devereaux

Pook Siprin Bellini and Rosemarie Stripoli

Marilyn Adamik Lemchak, Leslie Drojak, Kathy O'Connell Nelson, Nancy Alfano Thayer, "MAP" Walsh

Strip, Mo Johnson, Joan Castka, Elsa Thompson, Midge Dube

Ruta Ronis, Mary Troeger, Sandy Longfield, Ginny Esser

Barbara D'Alisera, Judy Caruso, Ellen Listort, and Pat Withers

Judy Mathews, Pat, Reynolds, Kathy Nelson, Leslie Drojak

Joan Castka, Elsa Thompson, Midge Dube, Marie Martin, Linda Landers, Ruta Ronis

Ruta, Mary, Sandy, Ginny, Rosalie, Barbara

Nancy, Sandy, Evie, JoAnn, Barbara, Carmella, Julie, Strip, Mo, Joan

Pook and Kathy

Midge Dube

2011-08-08T17:18:00.003-07:00

Midge and Mary Lou (now known as Shea)

This is a picture of my little sister from 1957 - now 50 years later. At that time her name was Mary Lou Dunham (Class of 1961), she changed her name to Shea Lauria - Her husband of many years is Al Lauria who she met when she taught in the NYC schools. We went to lunch last week and it was as if the years never separated us at all. How great to catch up on each others life stories.

Midge Dube

Class of 1960

Pam Postle Elkins

2011-08-07T17:14:00.003-07:00

I visited the New Paltz campus this Spring. The new student center reminds me of the building at the Louve in Paris. Campus very quiet, Main Street looked the same and Theta house looked great.

Pam Postle Elkins
Class of '63
Ormond Beach, Florida

Class Reunions at New Paltz

2011-03-21T14:48:00.007-07:00

CLASS OF '66
Hi ’66 sisters! (June will mark the 45^th anniversary of our graduation.)

I’ve made it part of my ‘life’s plan’ to attend the New Paltz class reunions every 5 years. I think I began doing that with the 20^th anniversary of our graduation (I’m not sure that they did much of that kind of stuff before that time). So I’ve been doing this for almost 30 years. YIKES! Did I just say that? I still feel like running across the main quad from Old Main to the CUB to meet at the Snack Bar (oh, but can’t run too fast, once in the CUB, or Cleveland will get on my case). Now it would probably take me a good deal longer these days than it did then, but I think I could get there.

I hope that this time around, there’ll be a bunch of us Theta’s there for the Reunion Weekend. I’ve often been the only sister from our sorority in attendance. I usually sit with my Agonian friends (quite a number of them come), who are sweet and welcoming... But having some of you there would make this reunion quite special. So, please see if you can plan for it. Bring yourself and your husband, partner, sibling or friend, but try to make it!

Don’t know if this link will work, but if not, you can get the info at the New Paltz website. Please let me know if you are planning on attending - call or write. The more the merrier, and we can mix and match with college events, and then make our own fun!

Theta hugs for you –

Nina Lazar :-)
Ninanons@optonline.net

H. 973 433-4084

C. 845 304-6675

CLASS OF '61

Marie Martin & I are planning to be there and we hope other Thetas will join us, maybe we can have a Theta table at lunch. And of course we are planning to be back at New Paltz on the 3rd Sat. in October for our annual Theta luncheon.

- Linda Spiro Landers '61

Note from the Alumni Office

Plans are underway for a fun celebration this fall. Be sure to check back for the weekend schedule of various class and departmental events. Dress for all events is casual unless noted.
You should receive the registration form in the mail later this summer. Also, please take a minute to fill out your Class Memory Book survey and return it. Online and printed forms are available.
Early registrations are encouraged…and remember to check back on the web site often to see who else is coming! Mark your calendar now and plan to join us September 23-25. We look forward to seeing you soon.

Lisa Sandick
Events Coordinator
State University of New York at New Paltz

We Mourn the Passing of Carol Baldwin Dettmering

2011-02-01T14:56:00.009-07:00

I received an email from Josephine Cilmi Dayger, letting me know that Carol Baldwin Dettmering '64 passed away on Jan. 30. She had microscopic knee surgery and a blood clot dislodged, causing her death.

- Janice Oehler

Scholarship Fund Established in Dee Dee Stigbert's Name

2010-12-27T23:34:00.001-07:00

Just wanted to let you all know that a scholarship fund has been established in Dee Dee's name at Kingston High School. Checks can be made out to: The Diana M.Stigbert Scholarship Fund and sent to :

Mrs. Beth Woodard
Kingston Schools Consolidated
61 Crown St.
Kingston, NY 12401

-Linda Landers

Roni Cojac Mintz

2010-12-24T18:49:00.003-07:00

My husband (Alan) and I traveled to New York from Atlanta, GA. in October 2010. We planned to visit NYC, Danbury, CT. and New Paltz. I contacted Priscilla Tesone Tortorella, Ann Chumas Schebesta and Kathy Nicholas Ferrucci to see if they could join us for the class of 1965 45th reunion.Kathy had a prior commitment, Priscilla, Ann and I and our husbands enjoyed a dinner in the Student Union building laughing about old times and catching up on 45 years. The last time I saw them was at my June 1965 wedding. Wecontinue to stay connected via email and cards.

Happy Holidays!

2010-12-17T22:19:00.009-07:00

Wishing you and yours a joyous holiday season!

Please take a moment to view a card with wishes for the New Year. CLICK HERE.


The House on the Hill

There's a long, long line of Thetas,

A-comin' down through the years.

Bright eyes with youthful vision,

Still unknown to fears.

W're within that line of marching,

Sister to sister never part--

We'll hold high the name of Theta,

Through the years within our hearts.

We Mourn the Passing of Jane Yerick Frederick

2010-09-18T10:59:00.001-07:00

Janice Oehler received this message from Jane Yerick Frederick's ('57) husband...

"Jane entered into the kingdom of our Lord on Sept. 7, 2009. Jane had been the victim of severe rhumatoid arthritis for 46 years. Jane always appreciated and enjoyed any and all the leterature and contact she received from Theta. Thank you for remembering her and God bless all the sisters."

Donations in Memory of Dee Dee Dent Stigbert

2010-09-09T11:02:00.014-07:00

Richard & I talked and he has agreed that the following charity would be appropriate:

Make checks to: Diana's Cat Shelter Inc. (no relation to Dee) and send the checks to: Ms. Diana Banks P.O. Box 411 Accord, NY 12404

There is a discussion going on about a scholarship in Dee's name at Kingston High School but it may be quite awhile before anything is definite.

- Linda Landers

Naomi Rubin

2010-08-08T19:44:00.006-07:00

The last few posts have brought sad news to us all. The loss of our dear friends is a very sad occasion, even reading about the loss of Theta's who I did not know, saddened me. So, I thought I'd better hurry up and tell some good news.

End of October I took the Governor's offer to get the hell out of working for NYS. I did not intend to leave but I hated my job. I said if I didn't get a job by December, I'd retire......though in the interim, November that is, my sister threw me a wonder Retierment Party – I was actually surprised!!!! Anyway, on December 7, I started work at Parsons Child and Family Center in Albany and I love it!!!!!

Last year you all might remember I went to Malta (the country in the Mediterranean) with my grandnephew who played on the Maltese National Basketball Team. Well this year I went again with the other grand nephew, only this time I stayed three weeks!!!!! Here are some photos.

No more trips planned for a while. Will stay home, enjoy my job, my home, my dogs, my friends, and a Northeast summer and fall!

- Naomi Rubin

We Mourn the Passing of Dee Dee Dent Stigbert

2010-08-05T01:06:00.004-07:00

Diana (Dee Dee) Dent Stigbert ('62) passed away on August 4th. Her illness and passing were very sudden. Anyone who'd been to our luncheons will remember Dee Dee for her beautiful script. She always had the greatest looking nametag!

- Janice Oehler

Dee Dee's Obituary
Daily Freeman

Laura Siracusano Dudek

2010-08-04T09:08:00.014-07:00

Laura Dudek of Chester, Vermont, and her sister, Louise King, of St. Louis, Missouri, walked in memory of their mother, Connie Siracusano, in this year's VT/NH Race for the Cure. The Race was held in Manchester, Vt on Saturday, July 17, 2010. Their team, The Grafton Pink Panthers, a team of teachers, former teachers, family members and friends, eighteen in all, walked in honor of Laura's mom, who was a 22-year breast cancer survivor, until her death in March of this year. The team raised $3167 for the Susan G. Komen Breast Cancer Foundation.

-Laura Siracusano Dudek '69

We Mourn the Passing of Bobbi Heckler Kane

2010-08-04T07:19:00.013-07:00

It is with sadness, a heavy heart, and special Theta memories that I share the news of the recent passing of Bobbi Heckler Kane , '63. Bobbi was short on stature but huge on spirit and love.

- Carol Hearst Brott, '63.

Anyone who'd attended our luncheon in 2007 at The Locust Tree will remember Bobbi. She came to the luncheon with her caregiver. Bobbi was thrilled to be able to attend, the first such luncheon she'd been to, as far as I can remember.
- Janice Oehler

Bobbi's Obituary:
Published in the Times Herald-Record on 8/2/2010

Barbara A. Kane, 68, of New Paltz, NY, passed away peacefully on Saturday, July 31, 2010, at her residence in New Paltz, NY after a long battle with ALS. She lived with the disease and lived a fulfilling life.

Mrs. Kane was born in Queens, NY. She was the daughter of Arthur and Lillian Bailey Heckler. She married Peter Kane.

Barbara retired from the Rondout Valley Central School District, Accord, NY in 1997 where she taught for over 30 years.

She is survived by her husband, Peter Kane of New Paltz; one daughter, Tracey and her husband, Mark Fleming of Liverpool, NY and one son, Christian Dixon and his wife, Jenny Kane of New Paltz; her mother, Lillian Heckler of Sunnyside, Queens, NY; one brother, Arthur Heckler of North Babylon, NY; grandchildren, Ian, Ryan, and Katie Fleming of Liverpool, NY; and Taylor and Bailey Kane of New Paltz; a long term caregiver and a very dear friend, Rose Smith, and a multitude of friends.

Calling hours will be on Tuesday, August 3, from 4-7 p.m. at Copeland Funeral Home, Inc., 162 South Putt Corners Road, New Paltz. The funeral will be Wednesday, August 4, at 10 a.m. at The Reformed Church of New Paltz, 92 Huguenot St., New Paltz with Rev. Howard Major III, officiating.

In lieu of flowers, the family would prefer that donations may be made to Hospice Foundation, Inc., Memorial Gift Program, 34 Broadway, Kingston, NY 121401.m

Cremation will take place at Poughkeepsie Rural Cemetery.

Arrangements are by Copeland Funeral Home, Inc.; 845-255-1212. If anyone wishes to express condolences online, please go to www.copelandfhnp.com.

Fall Luncheon 2010

2010-08-03T22:44:00.006-07:00

SAVE THE DATE!!
Saturday October 16 , 2010 in New Paltz at the Collegem

Pam Postle Elkins ‘63 shares this great idea:

I love looking at the photos of past luncheons but am unable to identify most sisters as we have changed greatly in the years that have past. If someone takes photos this year , would it be possible to take them of groups according to class year? Exp. -1950-55, 56-60, 60-65, etc. depending on number in each group. That is in addition to candid photos.

We Mourn the Passing of Virgina (Gina) Dailey Koll

2010-04-09T14:27:00.003-07:00

Virginia (Gina ) Dailey Koll passed away on April 8. She was very accepting of her terminal illness and was able to enjoy the cards that were sent. Thanks to the Theta Sisters who sent cards. She will be missed by family, friends and the five Theta Sisters that lived in the house with her and have kept in touch all through these 55 years. Theta friendships do last a life time.

- Shirley Gordineer Townsend

BJ Bozzone Fenton

2010-04-09T14:01:00.012-07:00

I have been unable to find any info on Betty Ann Brown who married Bill Jones. The last I knew she was in California. We were in the class of '62.

- BJ Bozzone Fenton

Shirley Gordineer Townsend Shares Sad News about Gina Dailey Koll

2010-03-27T07:35:00.005-07:00

Hello Sisters in Theta ~

Our Sorority sister, Gina Dailey Koll, has just found out she has terminal uterine cancer. It has spread to her lungs and her time is limited. I thought it would be wonderful to have a Shower of cards ~ "To cheer you" or "Thinking of you " sent to her in the nursing home (address below). She went for a check up last Monday and was put into the hospital and learned her fate two days later. She is accepting and has an upbeat attitude.

Gina lived in the house from the spring of 1951 in the big room over the dining room . She was our song leader in '52 and '53 and loved everything about Theta. About seven years ago she made a lovely scrapbook of our four years at Theta and I presented it to Theta at the fall luncheon in the alumnae building, but it seems it has been lost.

Thank you in advance.

Sincerely,

Shirley Gordineer Townsend '54

Conway Lakes Health & Rehab Center

Gina Koll Room 115A

Curry Ford Road

Orlando, Fl 32812

Additional note: I do think the time is limited due to her lungs filling and having them drained every few days. This whole known illness is only twelve days old and she does not know how much time she has.

Gina has been a widow 29 years, one year longer than she was married, and her daughters live in NJ and New York. I was the one to go to Orlando for the procedure and take her to the hospital, so I feel very much involved, although I live two hours away from Orlando. Friendships made in Theta last a lifetime.

Joan Kisver Elbaz

2010-03-13T15:42:00.004-07:00

Attached is a picture of my husband and I taken at Hearst Castle a few years ago.

We were married 5 years ago after a 12 year courtship. It is the second marriage for both of us. We pooled our resources and bought a house in Ft. Lauderdale, a few blocks from the beach. He loves the beach, I don't. I have been a Professional Organizer for 15 years. Although I still retain a few clients, I am mostly retired. Some days are spent playing mah jong and sometimes canasta. I would love to get together with any of my Theta sisters visiting South Florida. Last November, Jean Schell Pardee and I got together when she was visiting her mother in Port St. Lucie. We hadn't seen each other in 40 years. This reunion happened because we had stayed in contact with other Thetas through the years.

- Joan Kisver Elbaz

Linda Yatchie Goncher

2010-01-07T21:17:00.003-07:00

I recently got reunited with a fellow sister/housemate of mine - Laurie Chase Spiegel. It was a long time coming and one evening wasn't enough to catch up on the years apart!

Thank you, Pook, for starting this blog and keeping Theta Phi's memories alive.

I also want to mention that my email address has changed to knitterforever@aol.com

Hoping to hear from more Thetas...

Linda Yatchie Goncher

Class of '75

THETA PHI

Happy New Year!

2009-12-29T19:27:00.002-07:00

Please click on the link below...

Happy New Year!

We Mourn the Passing of Elinore Winward Hanrahan

2009-12-17T20:09:00.006-07:00

Dear Thetas:

Many of you will remember our sister Elinore Winward Hanrahan from the years we shared at New Paltz and more recently at our annual Theta reunions. Ellie was my roommate when we taught in Westchester, and was a bridesmaid in my wedding. We kept in touch over the years sharing the good and bad times in our lives. Although distance didn't allow us more physical contact, telephone calls and letters managed for us to stay involved with each other. In October Ellie called me to see if I was going to this year's reunion, but since I was just starting to recover from a medical situation and couldn't drive, we both were looking forward to being together at the next one scheduled for October 2010.

Yesterday, after receiving a call from Ellie's niece in New Jersey, I learned that my Theta sister died on Saturday, December 5, 2009, in Florida. Elaine explained that Ellie was in good health and recently had hosted all of the children and her nieces and nephew for this year's Thanksgiving celebration. On Monday, November 30, Ellie suffered a stroke. She appeared to be getting better, but on Wednesday, December 2nd she went into a deep sleep/coma. She passed on Saturday, December 5th and is now with her sister Marge, and their parents. Ellie was cremated but at this time Elaine is not sure where they will place her ashes. If it is in the White Plains area with her parents, Elaine will let us know and perhaps we can hold a memorial for her at that time.

If our sorority or individuals wish to make a donation in Elinore's name, Elaine has suggested Hospice of Palm Beach.

Hospice of Palm Beach County

5300 East Avenue

West Palm Beach, Florida 33407

If any of you have addresses of other sisters who should be notified about Ellie's passing, please share this e-mail with them.

Love and condolences to all of us.
Midge Dube, class of 1960

Laura Siracusano Dudek and "Chi" (Sue) Chichester Johnson

2009-10-22T21:20:00.003-07:00

10/22/09
Laura & Chi and our husbands once again traveled to the OBX (Outer Banks) this fall to enjoy a wonderful week of perfect weather, company & food. We have 6 couples who love our vacation so much they re-up before we leave the beach house. This year all of the girls bought our new favorite shirts, Pacific Cotton & had our photos taken at the beach wearing the same shirt, different colors. Also, a once in a life time whale sighting from our beach front deck was awesome!!!! It was an orca who opened it's fluke twice--just in case we missed the first one. It was Laura's & my first ever whale sighting--right in front of our beach house, no less! We totally look forward to this time together & hope our sisters take some time & commit to a similar vacation. If you would like more info on our reunion at the OBX, just email me at scjohnson612@hotmail.com. We are both sorry we couldn't make the reunion this year & hope to be able to do so in the future.
Love in Theta,
Laura & Chi

Nancy Arcoleo Erikson

2009-10-20T23:59:00.000-07:00

I attended my first Theta luncheon, Oct. 17 '09 with THE SISTERS OF THE PURPLE and it was a BLAST! It was great and nostalgic getting to chat with sisters from the class of '59 and meeting new sisters too. I am going to make a serious effort to do this more often. Is there a list floating around with everyone's email addresses?? Would love it if it exists.

Nancy Arcoleo Erikson

Lesley Waschler Bank

2009-09-30T21:27:00.002-07:00

I just found this blog and I am thrilled about it - What a great idea! Thank you! It was wonderful scrolling down and reading the news about the sisters I knew (Joanne Fiore, Senny, MaryAnn Corrado, Patty McKeown, etc.) and those that have become legendary!

My life has been quite interesting since I graduated New Paltz in '72. I became a kindergarten and then a first grade teacher, and am still loving teaching my little ones. I married Ted Bank 35 years ago (oh my goodness!) and have a 31 year-old son, and 29 year old triplets (two girls and a boy). I am also the grandmother of two of the most beautiful boys in the world. I live on Long Island, and would love to hear from anyone who is around here. I am still best of friends with Meryl Weiss Linder '72 and hear from Carol Cooper Sonenblum ''72 periodically.

Lesley Waschler Bank '72 (motherbank@aol.com)

Barbara Passmore

2009-09-27T21:30:00.000-07:00

My husband Hunter and I visited Jean Valentine Ward '64 at Jean's house on Echo Lake in Boonville, New York on September 18th and 19th. See attached photo. We enjoyed boating around the lake, visiting the local canal museum and walking around the remains of a four lock system. Who knew there were so many canals besides the Erie.

I hoped to get apples, but the ones I really wanted, Northern Spy were not in yet. They make the best apple pie. I had to make a pie with the Cortlands I brought back with me. I put up six pints and still have half a box left. What was I thinking?

Since I'm on a roll here, I reconnected with Arleen Marcone Schatz '64 a couple of years ago. We are now meeting weekly at the Thistle in Glastonbury where we "stitch." Arleen has completed several projects including a needlepoint of her condo building. That inspired me to design a needlepoint of my house, which is still in progress after about three years. I keep plodding along....

I correspond with Mary Terp Jankowski '64 and it was actually Mary's visit here a few years back that initiated the reconnection with Arleen. We were sitting around reminiscing and decided to try and find Arleen. Surprise, surprise we were successful.

I have enjoyed the yearly reunions, but will be unable to attend this year. Hunter and I are off to South Africa for two weeks.

Yours in Theta,
Barbara Passmore '64

Nina Friedman Lazar

2009-09-26T18:32:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

I wanted to write and wish you all a fun-filled reunion… I try to attend each year, but sometimes ‘life’ gets in the way of other plans. This year I won’t be able to be there, and I’m very disappointed! Previous plans were in place for months before receiving the information for the luncheon date. I’ll be up in the Berkshires with family. My husband and I closed on our ‘getaway home’ in June, and are truly blessed to be living our retirement dream.

I loved reconnecting with those at my table at last year’s reunion. Carleen reminded me of some special times we shared, and I was delighted to hear that I ‘had her back’ during pledging. I had forgotten, but apparently it meant a great deal to her – and that made me smile!

Life is busier than ever – I still do some work with the Early Intervention Program in NJ. We service ‘at risk’ babies/toddlers up to the age of 3 years, and then they enter the public school system. I’m also busily blessed to have 9 grandchildren, who keep my husband and me ‘hopping.’ They are great motivators for keeping that ‘spring in our step.’

I’ve continued my connection with Shirley Froman MacRae (my big sister – class of ’65). She lives in Texas and New Mex., and I’m in NJ, but we manage to see each other about once a year. We write and talk throughout the year. Recently I wrote to Ann Guthman, whom I knew way before New Paltz. She lived in the apartment just above ours, and entered college 2 years after I did. I had no idea that she was attending until she showed up at one of our Teas one evening. Via e-mail we reminisced a bit, and hopefully we’ll connect again in the near future.

For those who are begin the New Year, I wish you a sweet, happy, healthy and peace-filled year ahead. And to all sisters, I wish miles of smiles and a wonderful luncheon. If no songleader is amongst you this year, just sing from your hearts, and I’ll be listening for you :-).

Here’s to memories and sisterhood…

Nina (Friedman) Lazar

Carleen Schneider Wald

2009-09-16T21:34:00.001-07:00

To all Theta Sisters especially the Class of 1968,

It breaks my heart, but I am going to miss the reunion by hours. Gary and I have to be in Baltimore for a major family event on Friday the 16th. After a breakfast Saturday we start driving north to New York and New Paltz. We plan to spend most of the week in the area visiting friends, relatives and old haunts. The following weekend is my high school reunion in Vestal. We drive to Albany on Sunday and return home to Chicago from Albany.

Gary, my husband is a native Californian. We met at Otto's Bar, Latham Circle, Troy, NY in 1970. He was on a 9 mos. triaining program from Chicago with GE Schnectady. We met at the beginning of the program and were married 9mos. later. We moved to Chicago and have been here ever since. We call it comprmise, but truthfully we love it here. We do love to go back east to visit and we are also exploring places to retire. Did I mention we have a truly midwestern 24 year old son named after his father?

Hoping to be able to visit with some of you who are in the area. My email address is carleenwald@comcast.net or waldgw@att.net.

Last year I went to the reunion with Susan Kramer and it was very special. I hope everyone goes this year and sings "There's a Long long LIne of Thetas".

A very special thank you to the dedicated group of Thetas who started the reunions and all of you who continue to work hard to keep Thetas connected.

Love in Theta,

Carleen Schneider Wald '68

Carmella Lagano Alfano

2009-09-11T21:37:00.000-07:00

Hey, Theta Sisters,

Have you seen the trailers for the new horror movie, Sorority Row, which is about the sisters of Theta Pi???? Carrie Fisher apparently plays the housemother, which probably will make Mrs. Brice happy...I don't plan on seeing it, so those of you who do, please share...

Yours in Theta,
Carmella Lagano Alfano (Cape Cod, MA)

Linda Spiro Landers

2009-09-10T21:39:00.000-07:00

Hi, Sorry I missed last year's luncheon but I was homebound due to my health problems. Woody & I are now grandparents for the first time. Jacob was born on Aug. 14 and we are enjoying this new phase of our lives. I am looking forward to this year's luncheon. Hope to see lots of you there!

- Linda Spiro Landers '61

Carol Schack Brown

2009-09-07T21:42:00.001-07:00

It was wonderful to find Theta and the blog after all these years. Like many others after graduation I left NY and have lived in several states in the Midwest and Texas. I am now back in New York working for SUNY as the President of North Country Community College which is located in the heart of Adirondack State Park. It is amazing to come full circle. I am planning on attending the reunion in October and reconnecting with New Paltz and Theta. Naomi Rubin and I are in contact and it has been fun to catch up.

- Carol Schack Brown (68)

Pam Postle Elkins

2009-07-04T21:44:00.000-07:00

Photo: Carol Hearst Brott and Pam Postle Elkins, Theta 1963, at Carol's home in Cape Coral, Florida March 2009

Carol and I met again for the first time in 48 years. I now live in Ormond Beach, Florida

- Pam Postle Elkins

Ann Guthman Byrne

2009-06-17T21:46:00.000-07:00

Dear Theta Sisters;

What a delight to find this blog. I enjoyed reading the postings from those sisters I know and even those I don't. The pictures were a real test of my memory (not always successful)! My name is Ann Guthman Byrne and I was in the pledge class of 1965. I graduated New Paltz in 1968. Those of you who know me, might remember that I was going to Israel for a year to teach English. That I did, and I did meet my husband there; however, he is from England not Israel. We married in New York in 1970 and moved to Colorado in 1971. We currently live in Broomfield, CO a city just north of Denver.

We are both retired now and enjoying our life in our new community. In the past two years we have traveled to Italy, Russia and England with smaller trips to Florida and San Francisco. I would love to hear from those sisters who remember me and would like to catch up on the past 40 or so years. You can reach me at byrnera@comcast.net.

Yours in Theta,

Ann Guthman Byrne

Pam Postle Elkins

2009-03-12T21:48:00.000-07:00

I reconnected with Carol Hearst Brott, a sister Theta, after years yesterday in Cape Coral, Fl. She sent me this site so that I might also have news about Theta. I was at SUNY New Paltz from 1959-1961 and lived in the Theta house my sophomore year.

Pamela Postle Elkins "Pam"
424 Harbour Town Lane
Ormond Beach, Florida 32174
pamelkins@cfl.rr.com

Laura Siracusano Dudek

2009-03-10T19:49:00.000-07:00

3/9/09

Hello Theta Sisters,

Chi and I still get together, as you can see from the photos. We don't see each other as much as when they lived in NY, but we correspond almost daily via e-mail. These photos were taken in the Outer Banks, where we go every Fall with four other couples. Tom and I go to Chi and Dan's house, in New Bern, NC for a day or two and then drive to the Outer Banks with them. We rent a beautiful house (with three floors and an elevator) right on the beach and have a wonderful week every year. Then we drive back to New Bern with Chi and Dan and spend a day or two and then fly home.

Chi and Dan are loving the retired life in North Carolina, and play a lot of golf, make a lot of baskets, do a lot of traveling, have a lot of company and have a very full social calendar!

Tom and I were married almost three years ago, and added a master bedroom suite on my Mom's house and moved in with her in September. It was a crazy Fall, which is why we didn't make it to the Reunion this past year. We are hoping to make it in 2009. Things are going well living with my Mom. She has pulmonary fibrosis from breast cancer chemo. twenty years ago, so she has a lot of problems breathing. It was definitely time for a change, so we sold our house and moved in with her. Now we live in Chester, VT.

I hope this message finds you well. Here in New England, we are ready for Spring!

If you would like to e-mail, mine is talk@vermontel.net and Chi's is scjohnson612@hotmail.com

Love in Theta,

Laura Siracusano Dudek

Nina Friedman Lazar

2009-03-09T17:51:00.000-07:00

Hi Ladies,

Just read the note from Naomi Rubin, and was inspired to make a connection. I had such an enjoyable time at our last reunion, and hope that all who were there, as well as some others who weren’t, will be able to make the next one. I will certainly attend, if there are no major conflicts on my calendar. I re-read some of the older comments on the site and when I read Jo Cilmi’s notes, and saw her name, I got a huge memory flash… at least I think I did! I believe that I bought my blazer from her – the old purple, before they changed the fabric and dye lot. Jo, do you remember that transaction? I think Shirley actually brokered the deal, because you had left the blazer with her. Or maybe not! :-)

So here’s the update… First of all, I posted an incorrect date in my previous notes. I said that I had retired from teaching in 2007, but not so! I retired in 2000. Still working with very young ‘at risk’ kids – one on one – and I love it. It’s part time, and that allows me plenty of time to do all the other things that keep me pretty busy. The problem is, ‘plenty of time’ is never enough to get through my daily/weekly lists. I still amazes me when I recall how I was able to juggle a fulltime job, raising children, maintaining a home, participating in community work, and more… But I did… and so did so many other women who had careers and families. I guess the difference is the energy level. While I still do lots of running around, I am not holding down a fulltime job.

The latest news from Cedar Gove, NJ is that my husband and I have purchased a new condo in the Berkshires, and we will be closing in May. It’s being built as I write this. This will be a 2^nd home, so that our kids and grandkids can have cozy, clean, and inexpensive (for them :-) ) frequent vacations. Our grandkids range in age from 2-18 (nine altogether) and are very excited (as are we). That brings us closer to the Cape, and the possibility of visiting with some of the sisters who have moved up there. All welcome to visit us, if you are ever vacationing in the Berkshires.

Spring is in the air, and if I can keep it in my ‘step,’ I’ll be busier than ever this season. Hope all of you are happy and healthy, and that life is treating you kindly. I expect a visit from my big sister, Shirley Froman MacRae, sometime in early May. I’m looking forward to it, and love the fact that we have been able to maintain our very close friendships over the years and over the miles (she lives in Angel Fire, NM and San Antonio, TX). We went out to NM a couple of years back, and she has come east at least once a year, because she still has family on the east coast.

Wishing everyone the very best. Enjoy the change of the season, and keep in touch. For anyone who would like to contact me directly, my email is: Ninanons@optonline.net

-Nina Friedman Lazar

Naomi Rubin

2009-03-08T21:53:00.000-07:00

Nothing new here, just figured out I have 711 more work days, not counting vacations, holiday, etc, until I retire..but who is counting?

I live in Troy, NY and am working for the Department of Health as a planner. Bought a 2 family house about 3 years ago with my sister and we're both enjoying living here. I have two pet dogs and mostly like to go on vacations. In the past 4 years have been to Europe three times, Israel twice and I think there might have been other smaller trips but I forget. No big vacations planned except for Williamburgh and Las Vegas in May and Santa Fe in August.

I've lost and gained about 100 million pounds since I graduated, or at least that's what it seems like. As opposed to the economy, I seem to currently be in an upward phase......oh well.

I've stopped volunteering with different groups and am trying to learn to relax.

Here's a picture taken of me in the Negev this past November.

I'm looking forward to making it to the next reunion, sorry I had to miss the last one. I hope everyone is well.

-Naomi Rubin

Virginia {Gina} Dailey Koll

2008-11-05T21:55:00.000-07:00

Hi I'm Virginia {Gina} Dailey Koll -Theta Phi 1954. The living Shirley Townsend gave me your e/mail so I too could have acess to Theta's blog. It was a shame the Observer made a mistake in their latest issue about Shirley & it has caused some people anxiety. I live in Orlando, Fl. & have been here for 25 years. I have contact with Shirley, Fran Freer Monahan,Meg vogler Hatheway & Christmas card contact with Louise Dietz & Lois Fleth Tryon. Loved the pictures of the house. I lived there for 2 years & have many fond memories of those times. Glad to be added to the blog.

-Gina

Shirley Gordineer Townsend

2008-11-03T21:56:00.000-07:00

Sorry I could not attend fall luncheon, perhaps because the latest copy of The Observer lists me on the In Memorium page as deceased. I am very much alive and well and living in Port St. Lucie, Florida. I keep in touch with Gina Dailey Kioll, Louise Dietz, and Fran Freer Monahan regularly all from the class of 54. Would love to hear from other sisters wintering or living on Florida's east coast.

-Shirley Gordineer Townsend '54

Maryann Corrado Risi

2008-09-05T20:58:00.000-07:00

Hi Long Island Thetas,

Anyone interested in carpooling to this year's luncheon?
Call me...516 804 4724

-Maryann Corrado Risi '70

Linda Yatchie Goncher

2008-09-04T17:59:00.000-07:00

Hi, thanks to Janice I found out about this blog. I have been living in Florida for 25 years now & would welcome a reunion of those who live down here.
Missing those sisters I knew from 1971-1975.

-Linda Yatchie Goncher
yarnweaver00@aol.com

Josephine Cilmi (Dayger)

2008-01-07T22:01:00.000-07:00

Hi All,

I just found out about this blog from Barbara (Fredericks) Bruce 1964. I manage a mall in Poughkeepsie, NY so didn't move far from our alma mater and pass by our beautiful Theta Phi House several times a year. I recently went through my college photo albums and it brought back wonderful memories. This blog is a great idea to find lost sisters and friends. Please add my name to your email list so I can receive info on a regular basis. If anyone is in the area I would love to see them. My email address is jodayger1@juno.com. To all my sisters from the class of 1964, a special Hi and it would be great to all attend the next reunion.

Love,
Josephine Cilmi (Dayger)(64)

Joanne Fiore Powell

2008-01-06T21:04:00.000-07:00

It's great to read the news from everyone. Wish I could have gone to the luncheon but I'd just been to New Paltz for the reunion weekend and to see my son, Ian who is going there now! Saw Mary McCafrey and Maryanne DeGenarro at the reunion.

-Joanne (Fiore) Powell '72

Margo Gangel Breen

2008-01-05T21:02:00.000-07:00

I had no idea that Theta alums had any connections with each other. When I found out, it was like finding an old and dear friend. I've lived in Denver for 47 years and rarely get back to NP. But since I was injured for my 50th, I returned for my 55th, this October. I was impressed with the school and the weekend and there was still P.& G.s. I regret that there seem to be few if any, of my comtemporaries but it is so much fun to read about all members. Pook, you've done a wonderful thing and I thank you.

-Margo Breen (Margaret Gangel '52)

Pat McKeown Withers

2008-01-04T20:05:00.000-07:00

Thanks, Pookie, for starting this blog. It is a great way to communicate with each other. I wish more of the sisters from the late 1960's - early 1970's would get involved. We miss you at the reunions. This year Dollar, Rosalie, Judy, Roe and Mickey McCune were there. After the reunion I was able to contact Bobbie Burns and hope to see her once the Christmas craziness is over. She is a mother of 2 college students and is still teaching. If you know of a Theta who doesn't know about the blog, let her know.

Have a happy, healthy new year, all.

Love,
Pat McKeown Withers

Olga Vezeris

2008-01-03T19:07:00.000-07:00

It's time for me to get it together and check in. And to tell you how wonderful it is that you have taken this project under your wing. It reminds me of how much I do miss Theta. I'm in close touch with Naomi Rubin and she and I went down to the 67 class reunion for the day in October. Until this year, Ive missed most of the Theta reunions because I was travelling for business. But that is no more so October will be great to s ee people. I'm now, after years working for some major book publishers, becoming an independent literary agent selling general fiction and non-fiction. It's a great change and will take a while to get established but I finally got out of the corporate life. My career has been wonderful and now it;'s time to plan the next part of my life. I still live in New York City and welcome seeing anyone who comes to the area. My favorite thing is my volunteer work at the Metropolitan Museum two weekend afternoons a month. No husband or kids but a fabulous life anyway.

Hope all is well and again, thanks for doing all this. It's the greatest.

Love,

Olga Vezeris '67

Marilyn Adamik Lemchak

2008-01-02T17:08:00.000-07:00

Eva Abbate Murray (I think class of 66) just passed away yesterday (1/1/08).
She had two wonderful girls, Jane and Susan, and a husband, Greg. She lived in Yonkers, NY.

-Marilyn Adamik Lemchak

Penny Long Evans

2007-11-19T22:09:00.000-07:00

Hi Everybody,

I wish I could get to the Reunion. It looked like lots of fun. I just got this blog address from Mickey. Thank you!!! Hey Corrado, my 29 year old daughter just got married on 9/1/07here in MD.We just get better-our kids do the growing up:)) Senny, I be on LI for Thanksgiving. I'd love to hear from Judy and Ellen too.

Love,
Penny (Long) Evans '71

Laura Siracusano Dudek and Sue Chichester Johnson

2007-11-16T22:11:00.000-07:00

Laura Siracusano Dudek (69) and Sue Chichester Johnson (69) enjoyed sharing time with hubbies and friends on the Outer Banks this year.

Ginny Apuzzo

2007-11-15T22:12:00.000-07:00

Great blog!

Sorry to have missed the luncheon in New Paltz. The pictures reminded me of some of the greatest times I had in my wild and crazy youth!

-Ginny Apuzzo ('63)

Theta House Photos

2007-11-14T21:14:00.000-07:00

Thanks to Janice Oehler ('66) for sending in photos from the 2005, 2006, and 2007 luncheons, and these photos of Theta house!

If any of you have old Theta photos and access to a scanner, please scan the photos and email them to me.

Thanks,
Pook

Rosanne (Senny) Senatore

2007-11-11T22:16:00.000-07:00

This is such a wonderful idea!! It's a great way to keep in touch. I'm so sorry I had to miss the luncheon this year. I love the pictures of the 2004 luncheon and I need to know something: Is that Ellen Bickwit in the crowd?? If so, Hey Ellen it's Rosanne (Senny) Senatore. Talk to me soon!

Love in Theta--
Senny

Nina Friedman Lazar

2007-11-10T21:17:00.000-07:00

Looks like it's time for me to check in and say, 'Hi.' I was at the luncheon last month, and had a wonderful time! The weather was lovely, and the autumn smells brought me back to the good old days.

Two of our six kids graduated from New Paltz, so I've been around quite a bit over the years. I also held a post that was created (but then eliminated soon after). I was the chair of Parent Network. I've seen the campus grow, and while I'm all for progress, I miss the special feeling of the main quad, the campus school and yes, even the coops!

I retired from teaching in 2007, and now work a few hours a week for an agency that provides early intervention services for very young children who have developmental deficits. I love it!
I have 3 biological children, and 3 stepchildren. My husband had custody of his 3, so we had an active household (and 4 in college at one time - how did we survive?) We are blessed with 9 grandkids, ranging form 5 months to 16 years of age... We do a lot of babysitting, and that's fine with us!

We spent about 5 days with Aulay & Shirley (Froman) MacRae last winter, at their home in Angel Fire, N.M. Shirl was my big sister, and we have kept that bond over the past 40+ years.
Would love to hear from others about what you've been up to...

Naomi, I'll never forget when you came back from seeing 'Fiddler' and raved about it. I have such a clear image of that day at the house... We were either in the living room or the chapter room.

Ah, memories! Well, for those of you who were there when I was the songleader, all I have to say is... "be on time for song practice, or I'll have to fine you :) (was that a quarter? ...it meant something in those days!)

Wishing you all good health, and the hopes that you have much for which to be thankful. Have a great holiday, and we'll talk again.

-Nina (Friedman) Lazar '66

Naomi Rubin

2007-11-09T18:19:00.000-07:00

Me too, sorry I missed it-I was st Cruise (jury is still out on if I liked it).
I've recently bought a 2 family house in Troy NY and share it with my sister-we say it's our retirment home! I'm not retired yet, working for NYS as a Health Planner.
Since New Paltz I've lived many place only to settle down in the Hudson Valley!
I went to the 67 reunion with Olga Vezeris and we had a really fun time! Life is good, this blog is good. I look forward to reading about everyone!

-Naomi Rubin (68)

Maryann Corrado Risi

2007-11-08T22:20:00.000-07:00

My 29 year old son was married last week...how can that be? I'm still singing those Theta Phi Blues!

-Maryann Corrado Risi '70

Pook Siprin Bellini

2007-11-07T22:23:00.001-07:00

Thank you! Thank you!

What a surprise to receive such lovely flowers from my Theta sisters today in appreciation for this blog! I probably don't have to tell you that it is really my pleasure to be doing this. I have great hopes that, once everyone starts sending in information and photos, this blog will become a special place for all of us. Please don't be intimidated if blogging is new to you... a weB Log is really just an online journal. The way I have set it up makes it more of a website... but, call it what you will, it's a fun way to keep us all in touch. To keep it easy, I will handle all the posting to the site. You can just email me the info (including the photos) you want posted and I'll take care of it. Since I will be getting a list of everyone's email addresses, I will notify everyone anytime I add something to the site.

Thanks for your thoughtfulness!

Love in Theta,
Pook

Jean Valentine Ward

2007-11-05T21:21:00.000-07:00

I just lost my husband, Ron Ward, '65- a Phi Eta, to cancer on October 2, 2007. We had many great memories of New Paltz, my sisters in Theta and the sorority house. Living in Florida, it is not always convenient to get to the luncheons. Can we get together a list of sisters that may be in this area and do a luncheon in Florida? I would love to have names and addresses so we could get together.

Love in Theta,
Jean Valentine Ward /64

Kathy O'Connell

2007-10-15T22:26:00.000-07:00

Hi all,

I am so sorry I have to miss this year's luncheon, but I will be in Chicago at a Notre Dame game!!! Have a great time. I plan on seeing you next year.

Love,
Kathy O'Connell (69)

Leslie Drojak

2007-10-14T22:27:00.000-07:00

I sent a Theta Phi mug from the Saratoga luncheon to Carleen Schneider Wald in Illinois, and she called back. We had a delightful hour long conversation.

-Leslie Drojak '67