Association Of Former Basilians 

Reunion Aug. 2-4, 2002

The Big News was the Papal Visit to Canada for the World Youth Conference being held in Toronto. The Conference was held the week before our reunion, and the Pope had come to Strawberry Island to rest up for a few days.

The Island is a short Helicopter ride from Toronto and  provided a restful retreat from activities at the conference.

What had been planned as just a two night stay was extended at his request to four days.		 banne

One of the first items on our agenda was a briefing by the Island Director on  the Popes visit. Preparations for the visit started over a year before.

The Aerial Photo at the right was taken in the spring by the Royal Canadian Mounted Police as part of the security preparations.

During the Visit there were as many as five Helicopters parked in the large open area on the island:  Three Military, One Medical Evacuation, and the Popes Transport.  In addition there was a 500 yard zone of exclusion around the island enforced by the RCMP and OPP boats.
 Strawberry Island

A couple of rooms on the first floor of the Bunkhouse were converted into a small suite for the Pope. It has a bedroom, bathroom and small chapel.

A wheelchair ramp was added from lawn level to the front porch of the Bunkhouse.

The visible reminders left behind included a Papal flag and a World Youth Conference flag flying on the Bunkhouse.

Also several Conference banners decorated the Recreation hall and the Hotel..
 Bunkhouse

The Congregation of St. Basil was very honored to play host to the Pope on this historic visit to Canada.

We were all thrilled to walk the same paths and sit on the front porch where he was the week before.

Recreation

There are all kinds of recreational activities at the Reunion.

Trail

We did Power walks around the Island Trails. three times around the island is about three miles.

Listening Ladies

Harry Cashion, Jim Strickland, Saundra Glynn
and (help with name)

Lifeguard

Acting Lifeguard Rev. Bob Madden is ready
to move out if required.
Reading

Marion does Power reading

Talking

Joe Dietrich does Power Talking with feet on table. Paul Glynn and Jack Neary  listen  inattentively.

Swimming

Ed found a box to Check off

check Swim in Lake Simcoe


Group Photos Section

Click on picture for a bigger copy
Reunion 2002 Strawberry Island

Big Group

The Bottom Feeders

Bottom Feeders

  Dick Morrison, (help with Name), Len Else, Fergal Nolan, Dick O'Connor, Emmet Neary, Ed Herndon, Tom Hickey
Dan Cutcher

We are named Bottom Feeders because we left before making it to the top.  Don't be upset by our title.
 Many of our favorite foods are bottom feeders:  Crabs, Oysters,  Flounder, Cat Fish, Mussels, Scallops.  

Those who left after making it to the top need to establish their collective Moniker.

Rochester Class of 57

Class of 57

 Len Else, Paul Murphy, Wayne O'Reilly,  John Sullivan, Dick Morrison, Fr. Joe Quinn, CSB, Steve Martin
             Dick O'Connor, Fr. John Wheeler, CSB, Dan Cutcher, Fr. Don Hyatt, CSB.


Goodbye to Strawberry Island till 2004

Ferry


For Report of the Previous Year 2000 Reunion Click here