Elyse Lottier

Wow. 40 years ago whoda thunk it? My life today is wonderful. It took some time but it is incredible today. I certainly don't regret one day of the life I have had because it led me to where I am today. I graduated SJB at the ripe old age of 16 and spent the next 10 years "sowing my oats"! Hey, it was the 70s!! I did settle down just in time for our 10th reunion. Got married in August of that year to a man with two children, Thomas and Tricia, and we had a son, Frankie the following year. The marriage lasted 17 years and in spite of the divorce, thankfully, he and his children are still a part of my life all these years later. It is wonderful to have a successful melded step family. I have been blessed with eight grandchildren, five with my step-daughter Tricia and her husband Peter, and three with my son, Frankie and his wife Michelle. I remember visiting colleges with Anne Dunleavy and her family and had my heart set on going to Oneonta. My parents wanted me to stay home and offered to buy me a car if I went to Suffolk Community college. Hmm, college or a car??? Yeah, loved my 1968 Dodge Dart. Well, it took me 38 years and about 6 different colleges along the way but I finally was awarded a BS in Human Services in 2008 from SUNY Empire State. I even ended up in Oneonta eventually in 1993. Of course I was working in the Neptune Diner there and living in Walton but I got there! My mom came to visit me and said "Wasn't this the college you wanted to go to" and I replied "Yeah, Mom. Why didnt' you and daddy want me to go there." "oh", she said, "you were too young and wild and we just thought you would get in too much trouble." I laughed and asked her "Hmm, how did that work out for us?" You see, I really really sowed some wild oats for those 10 years after graduation and for another nine years into my marriage as well. In 1989 I discovered a new way of living without alcohol and drugs and have been sober for the past 25 years one day at at time! Don't get me wrong-- I loved so much of my crazy times at SJB! Ohmigod - I just flashed back to a pajama party at Pat Miller's house when her parents came home early and found about 100 boys and girls in the house! And I think it was Chris DeForest who drank bleach to cover up the booze on her breath!! hahaha. Oh so many funny memories. Life is good and I was thrilled to see so many of you at our 40th Reunion. Since then reconnecting on Facebook and at times in person has been a real gift.

elottier@gmail.com

Thrilled to find this site!! And to connect with my SJB alums. Yes, it was 40 years ago but I still remember it with fondness. The things I remember that is!!! Life is good, better than ever and I am looking forward to seeing so many of you in July!!

Wow. Of course it would have to be the Junior class trip to Washington D.C. that turned into a front page story!! Who was it on the cover of Newsday in the fireman's arms - Pat Collins??? Or maybe it was the Senior trip where we got nailed trying to sneak beer into the motel room by, I think, Sr. Maureen Peter who was there waiting when somebody's cousin, who lived in Virginia, was returning our room key to us after depositing the beer in our room while we were roller skating!! Oh my - how about Halloween at Sequam's Colony??? I remember Joe Graney rescuing me from the cops and then all of us marching single file out of town like it was the Wild West!! I absolutely loved being the first graduating class of 1970! When I started at SJB I was not thrilled. My parents were sending me to straighten me out!! Didn't work at all. But I still think about those days and smile. I loved being at SJB.