12/06/2016
Here is Bob Bozzone's report on the most recent reunion:
MU CHAPTER CHI PHI REUNION 2016 - MAY 17th TO MAY 20, 2016
Another wonderful 4 day event bringing together 30 seniors (brothers and their gals), this time to the Mid-Hudson Valley\Poughkeepsie area, home of Vassar and Marist colleges.
The event was hosted by Carsten Sibbern (Sib) ’57 and his wife, Rosemary; they did an outstanding job of finding occasionally ‘lost’ brothers (thanks to cell phones and GPS’s) and obtaining a new vessel when the company that we were originally contracted with, went bankrupt. Some brothers came from far away including Florida and New Mexico. Most folks arrived on Tuesday afternoon and after checking in at the Inn & Suites at the Falls, went directly to the reception suite. At lot of hugs and handshakes were exchanged and some refreshments were consumed. Dinner for all was at a local place, the Hobnobbin’ Pub.
4 tours in one day; but our group could handle it. The first on Wednesday was at Eleanor Roosevelt’s home where she lived after FDRs passing. It was called Val-Kill, a national historic site. We saw a short video and were given a tour by a forest ranger who showed us all around the house and explained about Mrs. Roosevelt’s activities with the UN after WWII. The second was at the nearby Vanderbilt Mansion in Hyde Park, also a national historic site. The third tour included FDR’s home, Springwood, and gravesite. Here is where he loved to be, where he entertained friends and public figures, and here is where he raised his large family. The fourth tour was at the nearby CIA (Culinary Institute of America). At the CIA were greeted by students who explained much about the curriculum and gave us tours of the bakeries and kitchens where pastries and chocolates were prepared. With a quick stop at the bookstore and the Apple Bakery, we were ready for dinner. The Italian Restorante Caterina De’ Medici presented the group with a customized menu for the Chi Phi Ancient Brotherhood Mu Chapter; the wines and dinner were superb.
On Thursday, May 19th we boarded the 100’ two deck luxury yacht Marika for a 2 hour cruise; the weather was perfect. Later, some couples had lunch on the outside patio at the Ice House. A few brave souls took the elevator up 212 feet and strolled the 1.5 mile foot bridge over the Hudson River.
Thursday night was our ‘formal’ dinner at Shadows on the Hudson and there, some memories and stories were told. 50 year pins were awarded to brothers Fred Kopper ’64 and Roger Kellman ’70. Our plans for the next reunion in the Fall of 2017 will be in Connecticut, perhaps the Hartford or Mystic area - Tuesday thru Friday - Exact dates TBD.