Five Questions: Ray Bertrand

 

Ray Bertrand entertains at McGreivey’s Restuarant in Waterford. Photo by Mike McMahon, The Record.

Monday, December 1, 2008 10:00 AM EST

By Danielle Sanzone
The Record

Ray Bertrand is a 34-year veteran of the Waterford-Halfmoon Union Free School District. Since retiring as a teacher in 2004, he recently decided to host a trivia and stand-up routine at McGreivey’s Irish Restaurant in Waterford.

Q Do you see a lot of former students when you’re hosting trivia?

A About 90 percent of the audience has been either former students or former teaching colleagues. I wanted to make this a regular weekly thing, but the restaurant has been busy with the holidays. Our next scheduled event is on Jan. 8 from 8 p.m. until 10 p.m.

Q What kind of trivia do you do?

A I give 26 clues, interspersed, beginning with each letter of the alphabet. We also have a segment where people can try to stump a Waterford resident who participated on “Jeopardy” and won quite a bit of money on the show.

Q How did you think of doing this?

A Everything I do at McGreivey’s evolved from what I used to do in the classroom. I would do anything to get the kids interested so we would play trivia in the beginning of class. We would also have giveaways in my class.

Q What have you been up to since retirement?

A I threatened to do stand-up, but I decided to climb mountains instead since they’re pretty. It was either that or golf, and I figured I would lose less golf balls by hiking. I haven’t been hiking as much since I had a heart attack. I was so close to becoming a Adirondack 46er. I only needed to climb 45 more mountains.

Q Any hobbies?

A The heart attack hasn’t kept me back too much. I did go hiking about 40 times this year. I’ve been traveling a lot. I went to Hawaii and the Danube River recently. I also like to do road trips in my Prius. I figured I should see more parts of the United States since I taught about our country for so long.

Daniel P. Spratt.....Published in the Times Union October 3, 2008

Daniel P. Spratt

Spratt, Chief Daniel P. WATERVLIET Chief Daniel P. Spratt, 60, former Chief of the Watervliet Fire Department, died Wednesday, October 1, 2008 at home following a brief illness. Born on April 1, 1948, he was a lifelong Watervliet resident, the son of the late Asst. Chief Richard H. Spratt, WPD and Jane Clancy Spratt. Chief Spratt was educated at St. Brigid's School, Catholic Central High School and attended Hudson Valley Community College. He proudly served his country in the U.S. Army during the Vietnam War and was stationed in Korea during his service. Following his return from the military, Dan embarked on his career continuing to serve in his community in public safety as a member of the Watervliet Fire Department and, over 30 years, went through the ranks retiring as chief of the department in 2003. His dedication and commitment to his department, his men, and the citizens of Watervliet was noted by all. He loved his profession, his comrades and all those who serve in public safety. In his off time, he enjoyed planning and attending social activities with his brother fire-fighters, family and friends. Following his retirement, he continued to maintain his relationships with his colleagues, enjoyed gourmet cooking and dining, telling stories about times past, spending time with his family and especially the time he spent with his beloved granddaughter, Norah. Dan was a devoted son, loving father, grandfather, brother, cousin and friend to all. He will be sorely missed. Survivors include his beloved children, Ptlm. Joshua (Shannon) Spratt, WPD of Watervliet, Marcy E. Spratt of Latham; treasured granddaughter, Norah Jane Spratt; his brother, Richard (Joyce) Spratt of Gansevoort; nieces and nephews; his lifelong best friend, J. Michael (Leslie) Brady; special cousin, Tom (Dale) Leonard; and a host of many wonderful friends. Funeral services will be held on Saturday morning, October 4 at 10:00 a.m. from Parker Bros. Memorial Funeral Home, 2013 Broadway and at 11:00 a.m. at St. Brigid's Church in Port Schuyler. Interment will follow in St. Agnes Cemetery in Menands. Friends, relatives and brother firefighters are invited and may call on Friday from 4-8 p.m. at the funeral home. As a tribute to his memory, the family has requested that contributions be made to the Chief Thomas M. McCormack Memorial Scholarship Fund, c/o Watervliet Fire Dept. Online condolences and directions at www.parkerbrosmemorial.com

Dan Spratt Troy Record October 1, 2008

Former W'vliet fire chief Dan Spratt dies
By:Danielle Sanzone, The Record
10/01/2008

WATERVLIET - A 30-year firefighting veteran died Wednesday after fighting illness for many years.

City native Dan Spratt, a retired city fire chief, Vietnam veteran, former bar proprietor, father of two, and grandfather of one, died suddenly in his home in Watervliet Wednesday, said Josh Spratt, his son and a city police officer.

"He loved Watervliet, he loved his family, and he loved life," he said about his father who retired from the city fire department in 2003. "He loved the guys he worked with at the fire department and talked about them like they were family. He was always so proud of them and their accomplishments."

Spratt started as a Watervliet firefighter on July 18, 1973. He became a captain in 1979 and a battalion chief in 1997. From March 25, 1998 until his retirement on July 18, 2003, he served as the city's fire chief.

Current Fire Chief Don Clickner said that Spratt was one of the first people he contacted before he became chief in January.

"Chief Spratt understood how to protect this city and its citizens," said Clickner who added that he discussed whether he should accept the chief job with Spratt in January.

A graduate of Catholic High School and a former student at Hudson Valley Community College, Spratt enlisted with the Army and was deployed to Vietnam until 1973 when he then joined the fire department.

Mayor Mike Manning said, "Chief Spratt was dedicated to the people of Watervliet and we were very sad to hear of his passing. He was a part of our fire department for 30 years and we are very grateful for the service he gave to our city."

When Spratt retired from the department, he bought a bar in Green Island called the George Street Pub.

"It was a great place to just hang out with your friends," he said.

Councilman Charlie Diamond said, "Chief Spratt was a lifelong friend who epitomized excellence in public service. He loved his family, his community, and his work as fire chief. He will be sorely missed."

Arrangements for the funeral services are still being arranged, officials said Wednesday.

Bob Gustin Captains Hockey Team

 

Recently, Mike Brady heard from classmate Bob Gustin who is married to Nancy Baker also from the Class of 1966.   Here is what Bob Gustin had to say:

“Hey big Mike, what a great surprise to get your note and pix of our great class at CCHS. I looked at almost all the pictures on my cousin Colucci's web site. And was really impressed with Ned's recollections in his talk. While Nance and I have been so far away from Troy, we still manage to "come home" once or twice a year but for pretty brief times.

In fact we were "home" last week, bringing our 4 grandkids (2 from Michigan and 2 from Colorado) to see both sets of our families - the Bakers and the Gustin/Hoffmans.

While I was never a naturally gifted athlete, I have found my passion in sports - hockey. At the blossoming age of 46 I joined my first hockey team and have been playing ever since. A photo of the "over 55" team I captained and played for is below.  I'm the bald but good looking guy with the C on his jersey.

Thanks so much for keeping Nance and I in the loop and a big hello to all my friends - the ones you never forget and the ones you had some of life's best of times with.

Regards,

Bob (Gus) Gustin

Congratulations Bob and thanks for helping us realize to live life to the fullest! Best wishes to Nancy, you and the family. Your classmates and friends.

Hall of Fame Edward “Ned” Babyak Class of 1966

Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner

On Friday, June 6^th 2008, at the 9^th Annual Alumni Hall of Fame Dinner, twenty one new members were installed. Our classmate Ned Babyak was honored and became a new member of this elite group of athletes, coaches and supporters. Ned's parents, brother, sister, his wife classmate Jackie and their two children were all present for the ceremony. Also becoming a member this year and a good friend of the class of 66 was Alan Shufelt. Alan is a member of the class of 67 and the brother of our classmate Mark Shufelt. I will share with you some of the highlights of the evening.

Edward "Ned" Babyak '66

While at Catholic Central High School, Ned was a three sport athlete playing football, baseball and basketball for one year. He was Co-Captain for the football team in his senior year. Ned was also named to the All-City team in both his junior and senior year. In baseball, Ned was the Co-Captain of his team during his senior year as well. Ned currently resides in Portsmouth, RI and works as an integrated supply chain manager for the Raytheon Corporation. Ned is married to Jackie (Taylor)'66 and they have two children Ned and Gretchen.

Alan Shufelt '67

Alan was a two sport athlete at Catholic Central. In basketball, he played on two championship teams. In 1967 the team was ranked as one of the best ever. In the 1967 season, Alan averaged 18 points per game including six games over 20 points and 2 games over 30 points or better. As a member of the New York State All – Star team, Alan was high scorer in the Schoolboy Classic in Allentown, PA. Alan also played baseball as a third baseman on a winning varsity squad, hitting 302 one year. Some of Alan's honors include 1^st Team Diocesan League All – City, All Capitaland team and selected for the East/West Capitaland Area All – Star Game scoring 16 points and named Most Valuable Player in the Eastern New York State Playoffs. Alan resides in South Carolina with his wife Vivian.

On an informational note, Ned joins fellow '66 classmates Bill Kalbaugh (2000), Rich McDonald (2000), Tom Hayes (2003), Jack Fitzpatrick (2003), Mark Shufelt (2005), and Jack Kilgallon (2007). Alan joins fellow classmates Peter Knapp (2003), John Wilson (2004), Tom Farrelly (2005), Vince Bisceglia (2007), and Kevin McLoughlin (2007).

To All Classmates and Friends . . . . . . .

We would encourage you to use the blog on this page and pass it along to other class mates and friends. It is a pleasure to bring this information to our web page. Don't forget to check out our photo album for this event, and the added bonus of speeches made by both inductees. Congratulations! - Your reporter, Mike Brady

Hope Center Ukraine Worktrip Spring, 2008

This is from Tom Norton and his wife Darlene. You can reach their blog at:

Hope Center Ukraine Worktrip Spring, 2008

As some of you know and some who don't, Darlene and I were given the opportunity to go to the Ukraine on a 2 week mission trip recently. There was no mistaking that this was a gift from the lord so we could not refuse. We left on April 23rd and returned May 8th. we were 36hrs. traveling to get there via 4 plane transfers and a 6hr van ride. The place we arrived at is called Hope Center in Kerch, Ukraine. I felt like I was back in time to the early 50's. The center provides work skill training for young underprivledged men and some women. They stay there for about 6 months and recieve a certificate of completion upon graduation. They also run summer camps for many of the surrounding orphanages, these are like 2 week vacation bible schools. The camp also provides pastoral training twice a year. this camp was a former youth camp for communist indoctrination, how ironic it is now being used to bring Hope and God's love to the Ukraine people. Our 2 weeks was filled with mostly work, for me it involved mostly concrete work, not something a man pushing 60 needs to be doing. However the Lord filled our hearts with joy in all that we did making it a wonderful, fulfilling experience for Darlene and I. I invite all of you to visit this blog site for daily updates and pictures of our trip. I thank you in advance for letting share this experience with you.

Capt. Robert Cipperly

Blue just runs in the family   Troy swears in five new police officers, three of whom have blood ties to the department

By KENNETH C. CROWE II, Staff writer First published: Wednesday, January 16, 2008

TROY -- It was a moment of family pride and tradition as badges were passed from father to son and father to daughter. Capt. Robert Cipperly pinned his old badge on the chest of his son Brandon C. Cipperly, while retired officer Russell Coonradt placed his badge on daughter Danielle K. Coonradt. The Troy Police Department swore in five new officers Tuesday morning in a ceremony attended by about 100 people in the City Council chamber at City Hall. Three of the five rookies have family ties to the department. "Nothing is more important on the job than personal integrity. We're entrusting you with a badge previously worn by another officer," Assistant Chief Richard McAvoy advised the new officers. Mayor Harry Tutunjian added, "Being a police officer is something that involves the entire family. The Troy Police Department is rich in tradition." Those family ties and police tradition grew stronger Tuesday. "This was a decision he made on his own. I'm glad he did," Cipperly, who commands the detective unit, said of his son. "It's always been a dream of mine to one day be a Troy police officer and work alongside my father," said the younger Cipperly, who is leaving his job as a Nassau village police officer. Brandon C. Cipperly said he has to get used to calling his father "captain" or "sir," not "dad" when they're on the job. Russell Coonradt retired 16 months ago. Tuesday was special, he said. "Actually, Danielle wanted to be a police officer in Troy as long as I could remember. She is," the proud father said. Danielle Coonradt had two reasons for following her father onto the force in the Collar City. "I always wanted to do something where I helped people," she said. "I always looked up to my dad." Dominick J. Comitale received the badge of his uncle, Officer John Comitale Jr., who now wears the badge of his father, retired Detective Sergeant John Comitale. Dominick J. Comitale's father, Dominick, is retired from the North Greenbush Police Department. The other new officers are Matthew D. Beaudoin and Charles D. Castle III. "I'm proud of their decisions to become a Troy police officer. I'm excited for them on joining a department with strong traditions," said Officer Robert Fitzgerald, president of the Troy Police Benevolent Association. City officials said they expect to see about 10 more openings for new officers by the end of the year due to retirements from the department. Kenneth C. Crowe II can be reached at 454-5084 or by e-mail at kcrowe@timesunion.com.

Called to be Church -- again

Called to be Church -- again

Bill Kalbaugh Times Union Article March 31 2008

Bonnies: Huge 'What if?'

Siena's trip stirs memories of Bonaventure's Final Four

By MARK McGUIRE Senior writer Click byline for more stories by writer.

First published: Monday, March 31, 2008

As great as Siena's run into the second round of the NCAAs proved, you couldn't expect more, right? The idea of a small upstate Franciscan school making, say, the Final Four is preposterous.

"They played well," Billy Kalbaugh said. "Next year the goal is to win a couple of ballgames" in the tournament.

But a Final Four appearance for a school like that? It could never happen.

Except it did.

Thirty-eight years ago, St. Bonaventure -- a small Franciscan school from Olean -- made it to the Final Four. The Bonnies were led by seniors Bob Lanier, the Hall of Fame center, and his co-captain and roommate, Billy Kalbaugh, the point guard out of Troy by way of Catholic Central.
All these years later, Kalbaugh remembers the joy of beating Villanova (yes, the school that ousted Siena) to reach the Final Four, played in 1970 at Cole Field House at the University of Maryland.

"I remember the jubilation, the bench rushing out," Kalbaugh said. "We were thrilled; we were going to the Final Four."

But the joy was short-lived.

Lanier suffered a knee injury in that Villanova game. The senior's season was done.
"It was a real strange one for me. ... Bob was an indestructible guy," said Kalbaugh, who now lives in Greensboro, N.C. "You never felt he was going to get hurt."

Team trainer Dick Gigliotti broke the news to Kalbaugh while he was still on the court celebrating the Elite 8 win. "It just tempered the elation immediately," he said.

The team returned to upstate New York and visited Lanier at a Buffalo hospital. In the Final Four, the Bonnies played Jacksonville tough before losing 91-83, then lost the (now-defunct) consolation game to New Mexico State, 79-73.

Kalbaugh is the son of a local basketball legend, Bill Kalbaugh. In a two-season stretch from 1951 to 1953, the elder Kalbaugh led Mechanicville High to a pair of sectional titles; the "Whiz Kids" went 38-1 over those seasons. He moved on to coach hoops at RPI for 34 years. Now 86, he's a member of the New York Basketball Coaches Hall of Fame.

Today, the son works as national field director for Coaches vs. Cancer. (The national director is former St. Bonaventure coach Jim Satalin.) The organization, started in 1993 following the death of Jim Valvano, has raised $40 million over the years. Kalbaugh works with coaches around the country. "A really rewarding job," he said.

Kalbaugh will be in San Antonio for the Final Four. Inevitably, his thoughts will drift back to '70. And that NCAA Tournament produced one of the great What-if questions in sports:

If Lanier -- arguably the best player in the country that year (Pete Maravich won the Naismith) -- had not gotten rolled by Chris Ford and hurt his knee in the Elite 8 game, had he been able to play in the Final Four ... would the Bonnies, that little upstate Franciscan school, have won it all?

"Not a doubt in my mind," Kalbaugh said. "I still think about it quite often." Mark McGuire can be reached at 454-5467 or by e-mail at mmcguire@timesunion.com. Visit his blog at http://blogs. timesunion.com/mcguire.