MICHAEL SMITH
Former Corrections Officer

Michael Smith is a former New York State Corrections Officer. He was employed at Attica prison during the riot there in 1971, and held hostage for the duration of the four-day siege, which ended with the bloody retaking of the facility, by force.

Michael was 22 years old on the morning of September 13, 1971. He was blindfolded and surrounded by three inmate/ executioners. He could feel the wash from the blades of the helicopter overhead; hear the "pop" of the tear gas and a deafening roar as 2000 rounds of ammunition were unleashed in prison yard D at the end of the four day standoff. Michael was shot five times during the retaking.

Michael is a spokesperson for the group FVOA, Forgotten Victims of Attica. The Forgotten Victims of Attica are employees of the New York State Department of Corrections who were slain or injured while held hostage in the Attica Prison Riot, and their families. The purpose of the FVOA is to bring about public awareness of the truth of events leading up to and during the riot of 1971, continuing up to the present. Also, to expose the State's political manipulation and criminal acts during and subsequent to the riot.

Michael and his wife Sharon have four children and live in Western New York.

DR. BARRY KRIKSTONE

 This year's Jack Hickey Award is being presented posthumously to Barry Krikstone, a St. Michael's College psychology professor and long-time friend of Dismas House, who died March 1, at his winter home in Florida.

 From 1995 through 2001 Barry served as President of the Vermont Dismas House Board of Directors. His leadership style was crucial in guiding the organization through the transition of becoming a Vermont Corporation.

 Barry was a Pittsburgh native who arrived in Vermont in 1972 when he began teaching in the Psychology Department at St. Mike's. When Barry first arrived the Department specialized in experimental psychology. He played a key role in expanding the Department into different areas of psychology, including social and clinical psychology. Now the Department is one of the largest on campus.

 Barry is remembered as a warm and caring person who looked out for the good of the college. He had a keen wit and a love of classical music.

 St. Mike's students remember him as a "saving grace" who encouraged them to appreciate all they have experienced and challenged them to find insight and to push themselves further.

 Barry will be remembered by the Dismas Community for his gentle guidance on the Board of Directors and his compassion for people who struggle.

RECENT JACK HICKEY AWARD RECIPIENTS

          2004 Lucy Samara                     2002 Hon. Francis B. McCaffrey
         2003 Sen. Jean Ankeney           2001 Sen. James Leddy

"In the courage of those who suffer, and the compassion of those who stand with them, people will see God at work and join in."

     -- Father Jack Hickey
Founder, Dismas House

The Auction

Auction Sampler

·     Handcarved Walnut and Lacewood Side Table by Richard Gagne
·     Weekend at Eagle's Wings, a retreat house (up to nine adults) next to Weston Priory, Weston, Vermont.
·     Tickets to the Boston Celtics, Boston Red Sox
·     Watercolor Landscape by Vermont artist Tom Veith.
·     Romantic Getaways
·     Season Tickets to St. Michael's College Basketball
·     Sporting Equipment Apparel from Rossignol, Nordia, St. Michael's College
·     Kayak
·     Handcrafted Items
·     Gift Certificates for local restaurants & businesses
·     Eighteen tables of silent auction items, including gift certificates for restaurants, theaters, greenhouses, local artists' works, savings bonds, books of interest, hand-crafted items, apparel, pottery, food baskets.

Donation $35.00 per person - Reservation Required
Call: Kimberly Parsons, 658-0381