News From Fort Schuyler

May 2, 1998 - Volume 2, No. 20

CADET GOURMETS VISIT SEA GRILL (NATURALLY) AT ROCKEFELLER CENTER - Our always inventive cadets have formed a cooking club, The Taste Court, to prepare for life after the Mess Deck and become more familiar with the various ethnic cuisines of our increasingly diverse student body. This club, the brainchild of 1/c Cadet ANN MARIE BHOLA, got a personalized cooking demonstration (with samples) by Sea Grill's famous Chef du Cuisine, Julian Alonzo. The Taste Court is mentored by the College Foundation's ANNE MARIE ANTONESCU (who comes from a long line of restauranteurs) and Professor KEVIN BOON of the Humanities Department. Bon appetit.

ALUMNI BOOKSHELF - Two books inscribed to cadets readers by distinguished alumni authors were received this week. STANLEY WOLPERT, Class of 1947, donated his new biography, "Nehru: Tryst with Destiny." Dr. Wolpert, one of the world's experts in Indian history and politics, is Professor of History at UCLA. Our other book, hot off the press, came from another prolific alumni author, Ambassador ERNEST H. PREEG, Class of 1956. Dr. Preeg, who fills the Scholl Chair in International Business at the Center for Strategic & International Studies in Washington, D.C. sent "From Here to Free Trade: Essays on Post-Uruguay Round Trade Strategy." Thanks to both.

WHAT DO SUNY AND ISRAEL HAVE IN COMMON? They are both celebrating 50 years. A press release from the SUNY HQ in Albany describing forthcoming events include:

1. May 18 - Chancellor's 50th Anniversary Dinner Series: State University Maritime College Training Ship EMPIRE STATE VI, New York City Harbor. The University will host both a luncheon and a dinner on May 18 to introduce business and government leaders to new initiatives being made by the University.
2. May 20 - Chancellor's 50th Anniversary Reception in Albany on the State University Maritime College's Training Ship EMPIRE STATE VI will be held for friends of the university.

LAST CALL - DAY AT THE RACES DEADLINE IS MAY 4 - The Maritime Industry Museum invites all local punters to a daily double luncheon at the Garden Terrace at Belmont Park, one of the classiest race tracks around. For $55 you get Clubhouse admission, food and a racing program - and the Museum benefits. Who knows, you might bet on a winner. For details call: 718-409-7218.

FAMILIES TIES CONTINUES - The additions continue to come in. A cumulated list will be compiled for distribution later in the month. So please keep sending more input and corrections.

ACKERMAN Family: Grandfather ST MARY? Father - NEWPORT? - Eugene 49

HANFT Family: George 47 - Catherine 85 - Robert 88

McALLISTER Siblings: Anthony 52 - Brian 56

PIZZARIELLO Siblings: Carmine 70 - Philip 74 - John 80

Contributors: Ed Dangler, Catherine Hanft, and Philip Pizzariello.

VILLELLA VIGNETTE - The following scene was recalled by LEN SUTTER, Class of 1953, in a recent e-mail: "It was a summer job for the Third Mate on the training ship in the summer of 1956. Shortly after we were at sea, in an effort to keep his hand in, the Third got up early to take morning stars. Dawn was just breaking when he arrived on the Sun Deck, sextant in hand. No sooner had he started shooting stars, when some kid in tights went twirling by him. There was a nut loose on the training ship. While this kid leaped and twirled all over the Sun Deck, the Third carefully went through the motions of taking stars. Then he casually walked down to the Bridge where the Second Mate was on watch. When the Third asked the Second to give him a hand with the crazy on the Sun Deck, he scoffed: 'That's just Eddie Villella. He wants to be a ballet dancer.'"

And WHAT a dancer EDDIE VILLELLA, Class of 1959, became - world class and world renown.

SHAMELESS ALUMNI ADVERTISING - Captain ROD McFADDEN, Class of 1975, notes that he maintains an informal e-mail list serve for Naval Reserve Officers. Contact him at rgmcf@aol.com. He also provided the following information about a more formal mailing list:

ATTENTION NAVAL RESERVISTS - The manager of the Merchant Marine Naval Reserve Program maintains a mailing list to distribute information to the officers of the program. If you'd like to be added to this list, please email LCDR Jon Furukawa: furukawa@cnrf.nola.navy.mil.