Fort Schuyler Magazine - Spring 2022

WHERE IN THE WORLD

Invasion of Islamorada When Maritime Alumni want to get together for a fishing trip, they do so in Maritime style. For the class of ’80 that entails going to Islamorada, Fl for a long weekend of fun, fishing, camaraderie, and… church. Beginning nine years ago several of the deckies from the Class of ’80 decided to escape the cold winter months of the Northeast and head to Florida for some fishing. Reaching out to theWater Buffaloes, an unsanctioned, unofficial, slightly illegal engineering fraternity from the Class of ’80, these classmates began a tradition that is now almost a decade strong. This annual fishing trip to Islamorada takes place the week between the NFL playoffs and the Super Bowl. Everyone is responsible for their own lodging, however theWater Buffaloes purchase all the food and adult beverages for the weekend. The weekend starts Friday night with Mama Nonna's meatballs, pasta and salad. One unit prepares breakfast for the group every morning. On Saturday night, after the all-day fishing event, they host their annual fish fry. Sunday is typically a down day by the pool. This year however, Father John Corbett ‘80 performed mass on Sunday morning for fishermen and guests. Monday is typically either more offshore fishing or a day trip to KeyWest. Tuesday is departure day. Every year, Doug McKay, the organizer of this trip, designs and supplies a commemorative baseball hat to mark the annual excursion. Doug shares, “We typically get around 40-45 friends and classmates coming down. It is no longer exclusive to the Class of 1980. We have members from '78, '79, '82, '83, '84, '85, '93. It is a great weekend with lots of laughs, sea stories and shenanigans, but most of all, fraternity and camaraderie. The Schuyler bond is strong with this group. “

Rob McCleery '75, with wife Cathy, and Lenny Pellegrino '75, also with his wife Cathy, in Hilton Head, S.C.

Annmarie Bhola ’98 and Chris Pitfick ’97 run into each other while hiking in Maui.

Matthew Bonvento ’01 and Christopher Shaw ’16 at a recent engagement party for Matt’s sister-in-law.

Class of 1980, during the annual invasion of Islamorada: Jennifer Barnes Hayes, Stephen Carbery, Randy Johnson, Earl Baim, (Sue Kelly, spouse), Bill Kreppein, Brian Kelly, and Douglas McKay.

40 | Fort Schuyler Spring 2022