Summer 2012

Magpiethe

Class Notes

Board of Trustees

Alumni Weekend

1

Hello and welcome to the Summer 2012 issue of The Magpie!As I’m sure you know, extraordinary things are happening at Chase – too many to mention in this short note and even too many to mention in this short issue – but I’m excited to touch upon three specific ones.At this year’s Commencement, Headmaster John Fixx presented Fern Feldman with an honorary Chase diploma in recognition of her decades of service to the School. On June 30, Fern officially retired as the Chair of the Board of Trustees, a position that she held and enhanced for sixteen years. Stepping into the role of Board Chair, the School community enthusiastically welcomed current parent John Pronovost, the father of two Chasies and member of the Board since 2007. To learn more about John’s vision for Chase and what Fern will be doing with all her free time, please turn to page 10.June 30, the end of the School’s fiscal year, also marked the successful completion of the largest fundraising drive in the School’s history - Cornerstone Campaign Two, a $15 million capital campaign. Of course, so much of the Campaign’s success is due to you – our alumni – who supported the School year after

year with your time, and treasure. Every gift, large and small, made a difference. Thank you!

Finally, I couldn’t be more excited about this year’s celebration of McTernan School’s 100th Anniversary! This milestone has been celebrated over the past several years with countless McTernan gatherings and meetings, the dedication of McTernan Centennial Library, the release of McTernan School: 100 Years of Excellence, and last month’s McTernan Golf Outing – and we’re only getting started. Please mark your calendar for the culminating event – the McTernan Centennial Celebration – on Friday, September 28 and Saturday, September 29, 2012!Warm regards, Mat Calabro ’04 Director of Alumni Relations

Director of Development Krista Coletti Director Alumni Relations Mat Calabro ’04Director of Parent Relations Maureen CarletonDirector of Information Resources & Records Faith Karzanjian StewartOffice Assistant & Special Events Coordinator Corinne CroccoArchivist Robin Burns

Board of Trustees 2011-2012

Chair John S. Pronovost Vice-Chair Margaret D. Smith ’69Treasurer Robert MazaikaSecretary Diana E. Smith ’55Trustees Peter D. Anderson Kevin Bennett Anne Briglia ’76 Doug Harrison Rick J. Errichetti ’82 Fern Z. Feldman Robert W. Garthwait, Jr. ’78 Steven Minkler Lisa Moisan Priscilla Mulvaney Kelley Murdy Ann Hodgman John Pronovost Carlos Rodrigues Judy Kellogg Rowley ’53 Marcia Tejeda C. Hiram Upson III ’46Ex-Officio Members John D. Fixx, Headmaster Celina DiSanto President, Parents’ Association Kelly Murtha Pelosi ’91 President, Alumni Association Life Trustees Nancy H. Camp ’49 Jane Punzelt Herfort ’44

Alumni Association Board of Directors 2011-2012 Mat Calabro ’04 Allison Pelosi Curtiss ’98 Robert Fenn ’56 Martha Somers Henderson ’62 Marcia Lenkowski Moriarty ’64 Michael Palumbo ’82 Kelly Murtha Pelosi ’91, President Marjorie Meyers Ross ’52 Diana Smith ’55 Matthew Titley ’88

Contents

pg 1

A Note from the Alumni Director

pg 2-7

Alumni Weekend 2012

& Reunion Class Pictures

pg 8-9

Commencement 2012

pg 10-14 Board of Trustees

pg 15 Faculty Notes

pg 16-24 Class Notes

Corrigenda

The editor regrets these errors from the previous issue of The Magpie.The Faculty Class Notes featured a picture of a Lenin statue outside of St. Petersburg’s Smolny Institute without indicating who submitted it. The picture was submitted by Upper School history teacher Jim Wigren, who traveled to the Russian city during a tour of Europe last summer.

A Note from the Alumni Director

Mat Calabro ’04 with Chase’s Development Director, Krista Coletti, on Alumni Day.

Cover and Table of Contents Photographs: Gabrielle Tougas, Current Parent

S A V E T H E D A T E !

Second Annual Amazing ChaseOctober 20, 2012

3

Top to bottom

This year’s Fairbanks Award recipient Marjorie Meyers Ross ’52.

Glenn VanMoffaert ’07 excitedly displays the Yankees tickets he won at the annual Alumni Luncheon raffle.

The Ladies in Blue: Nancy Montague Hotchkiss ’42, Gloria Weyand Standard ’42, Martha Somers Henderson ’62, Sally Shoop Vaun ’57, Robin Burns, Archivist

Alumni Weekend & ReunionsThe gray skies of May 4 & 5 were overcome by the warmth, brightness, and humor of all those who returned for Alumni Weekend! On Friday night, the School held the inaugural, and beautiful, Welcome Back! Reception on the South Porch where the guests were treated to a stunning view of the Copper Beech at sunset. Saturday saw more than 100 alumni return to campus to enjoy a terrific variety of events and simply enjoy the company of their old classmates and teachers. Alumni and friends enjoyed campus tours led by members of the School’s student guide program, Green Key; made their way to the Upper School to partake in a typical English class taught by Mary Sharnick; and had a glass of sangria at the afternoon’s Cinco de Mayo-themed Happy Hour. The day’s highlight, of course, was the Annual Alumni Luncheon at which three cherished alumni received awards, including: The Distinguished Alumna Award to Jayne Meadows Allen ’37, the McTernan Medal to Hi Upson ’46, and the Fairbanks Award to Marjorie Meyers Ross ’52.

20122

4

Class Photos

5

Top to bottom

Former teacher Michael Caroe with Headmaster John Fixx on the South Porch.

Gus Hampson ’55, left, presents this year’s McTernan Medal to his friend Hi Upson III ’46.

Alumni singing a hymn at the annual Service of Remembrance.

Middle photo

Class of 1952 Upper: Nancy Hertzmark Robins, Roberta Reichenbach Hodgson, Charlotte Cassidy Chamberlin Middle: Wayne Goss Douglas, Nancy Griggs Razee, Carolee Gordon Stray, Claire Couch Bosee, Betsy Cassel Stern, Deiredre Carmody Millones Lower: Marilyn McKenna Zolot, Marjorie Meyers Ross

Bottom photo

Class of 1957 Upper: Alison Ferrara Chase, Margery Warner Christie, Carolyn Couch Rhoades Middle: Penny Heaven Mahar, Anne Abbott Hobson, Nancy Corbett Russell Lower: Margaret Adams, Janet Vaill Day, Sally Shoop Vaun

Top photo

Class of 1942 Gloria Weyand Standard, Dorothy Reymond, and Nancy Montague Hotchkiss

Class Photos

7

Top to bottom, left to right

Class of 1962 Upper: Sharon Strow Sahl, Julie Guyton Landsman Lower: Betsy Wilson Pelz, Martha Somers Henderson, Alice Dalrymple McDonald, Betsy Plume, Francis Lovering Rounds

McTernan School Class of 1962 Chuck Fulkerson, Hem Merriman, Ed Goss

Class of 1967 Marcy Tillson Baratt, Sarah Lovering Johnson

Class of 1977 Upper: Dennis Jackson, Richard Marinara, Tom Devino, Eric Albert, Stephen Kaplan, Joe Spagnola Middle: Teacher Michael Colligan, Susan Osborne White, Ralph Belvedere Lower: Former teacher Grace Green, Lisa Stroker, Karen Gugliotti Harris, Ariane Sirop

Top to bottom, left to right

Class of 1982 Upper: Teacher Michael Colligan, Lorin Friedman, Bridget Miles Middle: Mike Palumbo, Rosemary Heap, Nancy Ryan Smerekanicz, David Frennesson Lower: Michael Buckley, Josh Singleton (eldest son of their late-classmate, Jeffrey C. Singleton ’82), William Kooper

Class of 1992 Matt Brito, Roger Kimball, Mike Friedman, Scott Gygax, Kendel Quinn Lambe, Laurel Miller Pirelli

Class of 2002 James Accuosti, Dan Gaulzetti, Laura Gaulzetti, Brian Sollanek, Vivek Sureddi, Laura Owen, Dan Siconolfi

Class of 2007 Scudder Baggett, Keiran Schwoerke, Jon Brinnier, Emily Dinova, Meg Bonner, Glenn VanMoffaert, Melisa Latifi

6

98

Class of 2012 College Matriculation

Amherst College

Arizona State University

Boston College

Boston Conservatory

Boston University (2)

Clark University

Colgate University

University of Connecticut (4)

The Culinary Institute of America

University of Delaware

Emmanuel College

Fairfield University

Franklin College - Switzerland

The George Washington University

Gettysburg College

High Point University (2)

Hobart & William Smith Colleges

Iona College

Johns Hopkins University

Lafayette College

Loyola University Maryland

Michigan State University

Mount Holyoke College

New York University

Northeastern University (2)

Northwestern University

Pennsylvania State University, University Park

Providence College

Quinnipiac University

Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute

Roger Williams University

Skidmore College

St. John’s College

Suffolk University

Trinity College

Warren Wilson College

Western Connecticut State University

On June 8, under the South Porch’s beautiful wisteria, Chase held its 144th Commencement and we welcomed our 45 newest graduates into the alumni community. Jim Lazor ’12, this year’s Edna R. Crane ’33 Alumnae/i Award winner, presented the Senior Address and spoke poignantly of the important and overarching lesson that he acquired during his time at the School. “I have learned so much in my years here, but the key lesson I took from Chase is that there are things in this world more important than knowing everything. Amidst all of my school-work, I have learned that having a broad mind is better than simply absorbing information and that there is far more to an education than can be taught in a classroom. I have discovered that there is a difference between knowledge and wisdom; to have knowledge is to have learned, but to have wisdom is to have learned to help others with your knowledge.”

Following Jim’s speech, the 2012 Commencement speaker, Aili Arisco PP ’12, ’09, took to the podium to address the graduates. A consummate volunteer and generous friend of the School, Aili is a social worker who provides career readiness skills to a targeted group of Connecticut prisoners. “So here is my advice – you know me enough to know I would eventually offer it – take what you said you stand for and define your life philosophy. Filter your day to day decisions by it and you will fight off the kryptonite around every corner. But don’t stop there… go one step further…imagine the sum of this class’s intellect, talent, passion, and perseverance and how powerful that collaboration could be to forward change; to make not just a ripple in a pond one person might make, but a tidal wave in an ocean. You are talented individually. What might you do collectively if you take the initiative to collaborate beyond Chase?”

Page 8, left to right Jim Lazor ’12 delivering the Senior Address.

Aili Arisco PP ’12, ’09 providing the Commencement Address.

Page 9, top photo The Class of 2012

Bottom photo Victor Queiroz ’12, center, accepts the Shawn Anton Walsh ’67 Award from McTernan alumnus Lance Walsh ’71 and Headmaster John Fixx.

2012Commencement

11

Soon, Fern found herself serving as the Board Secretary, and by 1993 she was excited to see her friend and fellow Trustee, Laetitia “Tish” Samponaro, ready to take up the mantle of Board Chair. “Sadly, Tish fell ill and I was asked if I would step in and serve as Chair in her stead. I never expected to be Board Chair and it was a pretty intimidating proposition, but I was immensely fortunate to have such amazing support from Margie Field, the new Head of School, my mentor Joe Bizzozero, and all the other Trustees.”Fern served as Board Chair until 1999 before stepping down for two years. In 2001, Fern once again answered the call to serve as Chair, remaining there until 2012. “Over the years I was so lucky to have the support of so many wonderful people on the Board including John Fixx. John is a marvel and we have had an excellent working relationship for the past decade.”During her time on the Board, Fern saw the School meaningfully expand and develop. The School’s endowment grew significantly; the use of technology on campus became ubiquitous and well-integrated into the curricula of each division; new Front Entrances and Linky’s Place were constructed and Saint Margaret’s Hall, Goss Field House, Fulkerson Arts Center, and McTernan Centennial Library each received substantial upgrades. In a recent address acknowledging Fern’s endeavors, Headmaster John Fixx remarked that, “Individually, these accomplishments are impressive. Taken as a whole, they are breathtaking.”What, though, does Fern personally consider the greatest accomplishment of her tenure? There are two of which Fern feels particularly proud. “I will always consider the Upper School expansion to be the most innovative decision made by the Board during my time as Chair. There were many divergent opinions on the Board about if and how to move forward with the project, but in the end we reached a consensus, made it happen, and everyone couldn’t be prouder of what was accomplished.” Even more transformative in Fern’s view is the 2005 name change. “The decision to change the name of the School was not an easy one. How do you balance preserving the School’s tremendous legacy while ensuring its

Fern Feldman, Past Board Chair By: Sarah Nelson ’12Fern Feldman and her husband, Barry, first considered sending their two sons to Chase after meeting Headmaster Hugh Slattery and his sister, Margaret, at a School gathering in Cheshire. “We didn’t have a particularly good experience at our public schools, and after meeting Hugh and Margaret we knew that Chase was the perfect place for the boys. David entered the seventh grade in 1979 and Jonny followed suit the next year.” Fern adds, jokingly, “If we had any brains, we would have started earlier!” From that first exposure to the School in 1979 to her retirement as the Chair of the Board of Trustees on June 30, 2012, Fern always put the best interests of Chase before all other concerns. As a new parent, Fern completely immersed herself in the life of the School. She was a consummate volunteer, an ever-present face on campus, and served as the president of the Parents’ Association for two years. Her dedication and wit caught the attention of many people at the School, including the Board of Trustees. Upon the graduation of her younger son, Jonny, in 1986, Fern was approached by Board Chair Joe Bizzozero, PP ’82, ’84, ’85, ’87, ’88. “Joe came up to me and asked if I would consider serving as a Trustee. This was completely unexpected and I remember feeling utterly surprised, delighted, and humbled.” Fern accepted the offer and began taking on Board work with characteristic vigor.

Passing the Torch: The Past and Present Chairs of the Board of Trustees

“I will always consider the Upper School expansion to be the most innovative

decision made by the Board during my time as Chair. There were many

divergent opinions on the Board about if and how to move forward with

the project, but in the end we reached a consensus, made it happen, and

everyone couldn’t be prouder of what was accomplished.” - Fern Feldman

10

Fern poses with two long-standing Board members, Robert W. Garthwait, Jr. ’78 and Judy Kellogg Rowley ’53.

1312

John Pronovost Present Board ChairOn July 1, John Pronovost became Chair of the Board of Trustees, taking the reins from Fern Feldman, who had served in the position for a combined 16 years. Fern saw the School through Cornerstone Campaign One, Cornerstone Campaign Two, the Upper School expansion, the Name Change, and countless other important improvements. “Fern has left some very big shoes to fill, there’s no doubt about it,” John says, “but she’s also left a Board and a School that are in very strong shape and I hope to build on all that she’s done over the past two decades.”A native son, John was born and raised in Waterbury. His parents were both educators in the Waterbury school system and he credits them with instilling in him a love of education and the understanding that a solid educational foundation is absolutely essential for living a full and rewarding life. “My parents were passionate about teaching and were monumentally supportive of me while I was in school. That drove home two points: the importance of having passionate teachers in the classroom and the importance of parental support and involvement.”John pursued his education at Connecticut’s Fairfield University, obtaining a B.S. in Finance. Directly out of college he took a position with MML Investor Services, Inc., the investment arm of MassMutual Insurance, where he remained for eight years and was nationally ranked among the top 5 MML representatives from 1996 to 2007. In 2008, John opened his own investment group, Main Street Financial, LLC, in Watertown.Outside of his career, John is an active and engaged member of the community. He is currently a member of the Watertown Foundation, the Rotary Club, the United Way’s Fiscal Policy Committee, and the Board of Directors of St. Mary’s Hospital. He is also a past member of the Board of Directors of the Watertown-Oakville Chamber of Commerce and of Holy Cross High School. John first became involved at Chase in 2003 when he and his wife, Kristin, enrolled their son Austin in Chase’s Pre-Kindergarten. “Both Kristin and I were so impressed the first time we stepped foot in the Lower School. The students were incredibly well-behaved and courteous, and you could hear the wonderful

future success? With the guidance and leadership of Judy Kellogg Rowley ’53, both the Board and the School community were able to manage a smooth, successful transition.”After seeing the School advance on so many fronts, Fern decided that this year was the “right time” to step down as Board Chair. “I loved being Chair of the Board but I also knew that at some point you need to step aside, and somehow I knew that this was the right time. We had a wonderful person to replace me, we had accomplished a great deal, and the Board was in a very strong position.” Though she will be remaining on the Board, Fern will be enjoying a great deal more free time. “Aside from serving as a Trustee, I am very excited about pursuing other volunteer opportunities at the School and helping to further various initiatives, including enrollment.” Outside of Chase, Fern is excited to spend time following her other passion: horses. Five days a week she travels to New York to ride her two ponies, a 19-year-old Connemara named Deli, and a 9-year-old Welsh-Holsteiner cross named Rio. Though Fern took up horseback riding only about 20 years ago, she regularly competes in Dressage competitions, participating in the Adult Amateur division. “One of the things that is so much fun about riding, just like being Chair of the Board of Trustees, is learning. Learning as an adult is wonderfully exciting and you appreciate it in a very different way than when you’re a child. Learning as an adult is such a thrill.”Additionally, Fern is eager to devote herself to her son David’s company – Generation UCAN – an organization dedicated to finding a cure for Glycogen Storage Disease. GSD is a genetic disorder that causes the body to be incapable of making or breaking-down glycogen, and a disease from which David’s oldest son currently suffers. Fern and her husband Barry will also be dedicating themselves to developing an endowment at Temple Beth David in Cheshire.During her sixteen years as Board Chair, Fern positively impacted both the School and all those around her. As her accomplishments and time on the Board are recalled, John Fixx, along with all of the other members of the Chase community, acknowledged how much she has truly done for the School: “Trustee, Board Chair, mother, grandmother, wife, friend, supporter, Fern has done it all at Chase.”

The Feldman Family at Fern’s retirement party on May 24. Over 65 guests gathered at Chase to thank Fern for her service to the School and congratulate her on all she has done and continues to do for Chase.

Wendy, holding Michael, Barry, Allison ’16, Ryan ’21, Fern, Jonah ’20, Sarah ’18, Jonny ’86, Deb, David ’85, with Andrew.

John and Kristin Pronovost with their sons, Austin ’18 and Logan ’22.

1514Carol Deming will begin her 33rd year at Chase this fall. The best thing is that she still loves her job! “Coming to Chase every day is so wonderful, the kids absolutely love school.” Carol is currently teaching three and four year olds, Kindergarten, and grades four through eight. She continues to coach Middle School Girls’ Soccer and Basketball. Carol also coaches the Varsity Softball team and was honored this past season with a beautiful new set of dugouts and a new softball (skinned) field. “This could not have happened without the generosity of a lovely Chase family. Stop by to see it, simply breathe taking.”

Caitlin Hurtgen has been at Chase Collegiate School for fifteen years now. This year has been another amazing whirlwind of teaching and learning with her students. It was bittersweet to see another class of fourth graders go off for summer fun, and a former class of fourth graders graduate and head off to college adventures. Now that things are settling down, she is busy packing for a much anticipated trip to Rome, Italy. Caitlin and her husband are going on their first trip without their three children since before the two of them were born! It is sure to be an adventure. She loves hearing about what her former students are up to, so drop her a line and send in your notes to the development office. Better yet, become a fourth grade pen pal!

Jim Wigren participated in a Gilder Lehrman Institute at Georgetown University in June. The Gilder Lehrman Institute is a seminar about a controversial era masked in myths and memories. The seminar’s main focus is to offer a balanced history of a turbulent time which continues to influence much of American politics, culture, and society today.

Faculty notes

Faculty Notes

learning going on in all the classrooms,” remembers John. “Just seeing the progress that Austin has made so far during his time at Chase is incredible. You hear about academic excellence at all private schools, but at Chase it’s not lip service; it’s reality.” Delighted with their experience at the School, John and Kristin enrolled their youngest son, Logan, in Pre-Kindergarten in 2007. In that same year, 2007, John was approached to serve as a Trustee. “I was absolutely flattered to have even been considered for a position on the Board, and was humbled and honored to accept the offer.” During his time on the Board, John has served as a member of the Executive Committee, the Investment Committee, and the Committee on Trustees. On these committees, and on the Board itself, John distinguished himself with his sharp mind, clear vision, and ability to bring people together. So, when Fern announced that she would be stepping down from her position as Chair, John was immediately mentioned as the top candidate to take up her mantel and lead the School. How does John see his role as Board Chair? “As Board Chair, I see my role as a sounding board for all members of the Chase community; to be an advocate of the School at all times; to provide positive support and constructive criticism to the Headmaster; to help find creative ways to further the academic and strategic goals of Chase; and to work with the Board of Trustees to ensure the financial security of the School.”John’s most significant interests fall within two categories: endowment and faculty. “A larger endowment will help ensure the long-term viability of the School and will allow Chase to remain in a solid financial position in the future, even during difficult economic times.” Additionally, John feels that support of faculty is absolutely vital and plans to create an endowed fund solely to support faculty salaries. “Albert Einstein said that, ‘It is the supreme art of the teacher to awaken joy in creative expression and knowledge.’ That quote has always made me think of my parents and reminds me why I have such a great appreciation for teachers. An endowed fund would allow us to increase the salaries of our wonderful teachers and continue to attract the best educators possible.”John couldn’t be happier or more excited about his new position and is looking forward to speaking personally with parents, students, teachers, and administration. “I have a very open door policy. Anyone from Chase who has a question or concern should never hesitate to speak with me. With feedback from the community, we can continue to make this School strong, vibrant, and exceptional.”

“My parents were passionate about teaching and were monumentally

supportive of me while I was in school. That drove home two points:

the importance of having passionate teachers in the classroom and

the importance of parental support and involvement. - John Provonost

1716

Cla

ss n

ote

sC

lass notes

Suzanne Hichney’s daughter Suzanne, center, and her four children. • Elaine Serafine Laird ’52 with her black Lab, Tillie.

Suzanne Hoben Hinchey ’52 and her late husband, Richard.

Eleanor Forman Campbell has been very active for 40 years in the Garden Club in Virginia Beach. She has been doing lots of traveling with a cruise or two a year. Eleanor is busy with family gatherings, which includes lots of noise, meals, and fun!

Charlotte Cassidy Chamberlin is thriving on the wonders of nature in this area. She has en-joyed interesting trips, includ-ing travels to China, Eastern Europe, Ireland, France, and is now waiting for space on a voyage to Cuba. Charlotte also informed us of the death of Suzanne Hoben Hinchey’s husband, Dick, last winter. “Our prayers go out to Sue and her children.”

Suzanne Hoben Hinchey attended her youngest son’s wedding in New Smyrna Beach, Florida. Her six children along with her nine grandchildren were there too! It certainly was a big reunion.

Roberta Reichenbach Hodgson is in and out of New York City, which she enjoys every week. She also travels to London to visit her daughter and grandchildren.

Judy Norwash Jackson and her husband, Al, are still living at their current address in West Islip, New York. Both are retired. Judy continues to do some volunteering in their local hospital.

Polly Eggleston Johnson has been married to her husband for 58 years now and they are still enjoying each other’s company! They have a farm in Vermont and go to Fort Pierce, Florida in the winter. Polly left Saint Margaret’s School after eighth grade and finished at Dana Hall School in Massachusetts.

Elaine Serafine Laird recently took a trip to four islands in Hawaii. She was lucky to spend six months in Palm Springs, California for the past twelve years but she misses the snow in Maine! Elaine retired from nursing school fourteen years ago. Now she enjoys her black Labrador retriever, Tillie. Elaine remains very happy, upbeat, outgoing with everyone she meets, and enjoys excellent physical health.

Barbara Larson Loveridge and her husband just celebrated their 56th wedding anniversary in December. They met at Miss Slocum’s dancing school when they were twelve years old. Their son, Mark, his wife, Elizabeth, and their three children live nearby in Sarasota, Florida. Barbara’s daughter, Lynn, lives in Madison, Connecticut with her husband, Frank, and their two daughters. Alan and Barbara continue to divide their time between Sarasota and Block Island, Rhode Island. Barbara keeps busy swimming, walking, playing bridge, and reading.

Barbara Byrnes Marcus has three grandchildren in Illinois (seventh grade, eighth grade, and ninth grade). Her daughter, Kate, has two girls, one is at Auburn and the other is a sophomore in high school. They live near Barbara in Georgia. Her daughter, Maura, recently retired and lives with her three children (one set of twins) and husband, Craig, in New Jersey. Her other son, Mark, lives out west.

1941Betsy Barber Sanderson’s husband, Sandy died at a few months short of his 90th birthday. Despite having Parkinson’s for nearly 20 years he kept participating in whatever activities he could until a few days before he died of an unrelated infection. When Sandy could not ski, play regular tennis or golf, he participated eagerly via the Nintendo Wii, often serving three aces in a single game. A couple of days before he died he listened and followed the score of the entire Messiah. The next day he attended a performance of the University chorus. Betsy recalls, “At his peaceful death all the children were with me at his bedside and again a month later with spouses and grandchildren and some two-hundred guests at a memorial service here at our CCRC at Kendal at Hanover.” The best decision they ever made was going to a wonderful place with excellent health care associated with Dartmouth.

1947Betsy Phillips Rich left SMS in 1942 or “the WWII years.” During those years she attended eight schools, finally landing back in Fairfield, Connecticut. After two years at Goucher College in Baltimore and a couple of years working in New York City, Betsy found the perfect mate, Jack Rich, with whom she shared 57 wonderful years, two children, four grandchildren, lots of travelling, and nonstop (liberal) political and community activism. Fifty of those years they lived in Stamford; but once empty-nesters, they departed in 2004 to a point almost midway between their daughter and family in Burlington, Vermont and son and family in Bel Air, Maryland. It is an outstanding retirement community named Seabury, just outside Hartford, unusual in its diverse activities as well as its activism. In May of 2011, Jack died from Alzheimer’s, leaving a huge void in her life, but Betsy is enormously grateful for Seabury and her strong links to Stamford. “Life really does go on.” She writes, “it is especially nice to have a strong contingent of Cruikshanks in residence here:

Janet Cruikshank McCawley, Elaine Cruikshank Luckey, Sally Cruikshank Foster, and Pete and Alice (Wayland) Cruikshank.”

Sarah Buck Thompson enjoys gardening, photography, and church work. She is trying to figure out how to stay in her house and keep active because no one in her family has lived as long as she has. Sarah still remains in contact with Ronnie Williams Watlington ’47.

1952Kevin Bergen enjoys playing golf, woodworking, and skiing. He also is the president of a local college foundation and enjoys serving as a bank board member. He has also been nominated for the International Penmakers Guild.

Class Notes

1918

Cla

ss n

ote

sC

lass notes

Sherry Raeburn Matthies sold her horse farm and is now able to get out more. She fondly recalls her love of Saint Margaret’s and remarks that she’s had a fabulous life so far. Three of her four children live nearby in Connecticut and her other daughter is in New Hampshire. She speaks lovingly of a new fifteen-month-old grandson.

Deirdre Carmody Millones is currently serving as an advocate for victims of domestic violence and represents them in District Court.

Marjorie Meyers Ross lives with her beloved husband of 48 years, David. Together they have three children – Jane of Massachusetts, Sarah of Ohio, and Karen of Connecticut – and six grandchildren. Marjorie is retired but spends time volunteering at the Cancer Society and St. Mary’s Hospital. She enjoys swimming, playing tennis every day, and walking her dog, Leo.

Stevie Becker Schmidt writes that she and Bart had a little reunion with her daughter, Cindy, in California in February. Cindy had a 35th reunion and Stevie’s granddaughter also celebrated her fifth this year at Hotchkiss. Unfortunately, Stevie cannot get to Connecticut but has wonderful memories of school and sends us all her best.

Betsy Cassel Stern tries to keep up with children and grandchildren. She volunteers as a reading partner at a local elementary school and is a

book discussion leader at an elderly home. Betsy is also a community panelist at a juvenile review board and an advocate for CASA (Children in Court System). She takes a couple of trips a year with her last one being to Florence and Sardinia. Her next one planned is to Paris with their 16 year old granddaughter. “I have been very fortunate.”

Carolee Gordon Stray has been able to speak to three of her classmates on the phone. They had a wonderful reunion on the telephone.

Abby Vincent and her husband now enjoy living in South Carolina after 42 years in North Haven, Connecticut. Over the years they have enjoyed taking care of many families of French poodles and outings on their boat, once going as far as Nantucket. Abby worked at International Silver in a variety of jobs, ending in their plastics division where she found herself fulfilling many roles. It is now difficult for her to get around but she finds it easier living in her new home, especially enjoying the air conditioning.

Peg Rose Webber’s grand-daughter is Junior Phi Beta Kappa at Tufts, sings “like an angel” and “writes well.” Peg says that she gets it from both of her grandparents! Peg’s daughter and son-in-law did very well at Brown and UCLA but did not make Phi Beta Kappa in Senior Year.

1954Allie Woodward Funnell saw Betsey Pender in Florida this spring and had lunch with June Lawrence Palmer on the Cape last summer. Allie talks often with Bibby Bock Ditlev-Simonsen in Oslo. “Thank goodness for today’s low ‘long distance’ rates,” she says, “because ties from SMS are certainly life-long.”

1956David Brooks is currently employed at Steward Hospice as a Hospice Chaplain.

1957Margie Chamberlain Davis is semi retired. She recently traveled to Disney World, Martha’s Vineyard, and Saratoga Springs, New York. Margie enjoys singing in her church choir, traveling, and reading. She still is in contact with a few of her classmates such as Sally Vaun, Angue Garrido, Anne Hobson, Penny Heaven Mahar, and others through Facebook.

Charlotte Encinares misses the Waterbury and Woodbury area. It was an idyllic childhood that she had! She always wanted to return to the area. Charlotte keeps very busy with her volunteer jobs, the hospital, child abuse center, and ushering for the theatre. She is single now after losing two spouses, but keeps very busy and enjoys activities with her friends. Her favorite outdoor activity is a peaceful paddle down the Hillsborough River. Charlotte has one daughter nearby in St. Petersburg who she sees often, and the other not so

much as she is married to a German gentleman and lives permanently outside of Munich.

Isabella Horsky is retired in Denver, Colorado. She enjoys volunteering at a local day shelter for the homeless, tutoring students, and knitting with her church group for shelters. Interestingly, Isabella also sponsors a child at El Hogar de Amor y Esperanza in Tegucigalpa, Honduras.

Penny Heaven Mahar currently resides in Canton, Connecticut and is enjoying her two grandsons, Pace and Charlie. When she travels to Maine this September her grandchildren will happily join her. Penny enjoys traveling, gardening, and volunteer work. She participates in fundraising activities for local organizations and also volunteers at Farms Village Antiques in Simsbury, Connecticut. Penny is still in touch with many of her classmates including, Anne Abbott Hobson,Carolyn Couch Rhoades, Sally Shoop Vaun, Nancy Corbett Russell, Lucinda Clark, Ginny Wynne Dodd, and Rosalie Russell Renfrew. She has very fond memories of the Glee Club and the Christmas Pageant at St. John’s Church every year.

Sally Shoop Vaun lives in Norfolk, Connecticut with her husband William. Last summer she had a wonderful time in Ohio, visiting family. Sally is still in contact with quite a few of her classmates and has many fond memories of her athletic participation and physiography.

Susan Belfanti Crittenden moved into a retirement resort six months ago and enjoys it very much. It is only a half an hour from Brisbane and is very convenient to everything. She has taken up tap dancing and enjoys walks around the lake every day. Susan recently ran a 5K on the Gold Coast, and still feels the pull to the USA.

Frances Lovering Rounds’s husband recently retired from the University of Michigan after 35 years in Ann Arbor, at which point they moved to San Francisco. Their daughter, Anne, received her Ph.D. from Harvard in 2009 and got married on September 3, 2011.

Sandra Hoben is honored to be one of 40 contributors to an anthology “Coming Close: Poets Pay Tribute to Philip Levine as Teacher and Mentor.” Philip Levine was last year’s U.S. poet laureate. The anthology will be published by University of Iowa Press in early 2013. “Also, my volume of poetry, New Moon, will be published by Ash Tree Poetry Series, edited by David St. John.”

1965 Anne Makepeace is looking forward to a relaxing summer mostly at home in Lakeville after an intense year of travels and screenings of her film, We Still Live Here. In July, she will be teaching a summer portal course at Hotchkiss School, a three week session on leadership and documentary filmmaking to 17-20 year olds, many of them Native American students who are headed to

Ivy League colleges. In August, Anne and her husband, Charles, will be taking an actual vacation to Scotland, a National Geographic expedition on a small ship through the Hebrides. Next fall she will be back on the film road again, heading to Brazil to screen We Still Live Here in four cities throughout the country. Anne is also starting a new project at last, so stay tuned!

1966Ann Sullivan recently took a trip to London and Dublin. Ann and her daughter waited four hours in the rain on the Westminster Bridge for the boat parade, but she did see the Queen through her binoculars. They also went to the Tower of London and had some great Indian food; then Ann and her daughter flew to Dublin, where she went to a conference on travel medicine, which had some old and new things, and various providers from northern Europe, South Africa, Spain, Italy, and the Czech Republic whom she met. Dublin was also rainy and Ann had forgotten that both the English and Irish walk a lot and “just a little bit up the road” usually meant a long walk. They did shopping and went to the lovely Glendalough and Kilkenny. By then, the rain had stopped (even the locals in both countries felt it was a bit much!). Lastly, Ann tried to do some genealogy work, but was not successful as she did not have enough information

2120

Cla

ss n

ote

sC

lass notes

practices that she has learned since her exposure to academia has deepened her understand-ing of what it is to learn. For Jennifer, learning is a holistic experience that includes body, mind, and spirit.

1982Alison E. Clark Hobbie currently lives in New Hampshire with her husband, Erik A. Hobbie, and her two children, Julia and Clara. She graduated from Wellesley College, earning her B.A. in Chemistry and also graduated from the University of Virginia earning her M.S. in Environmental Science. She is employed by Phillips Exeter Academy as the Hayes Instructor of Science and is still in contact with her classmate, Karen Kleinschmidt.

1987Heather Zucca Fogg currently resides in Prospect, Connecticut and is the owner of a pottery and glass painting studio called Glazey Dayz, located in Watertown. She is still in contact with Nancy Richardson Pelczar and has very fond memories of her favorite teacher, Andrea Carter.

Dean Kotsaftis opened his new restaurant, Town Tavern & Pizza, on June 3. Town Tavern is located in the Village Square Plaza at 550 Middlebury Road, in Middlebury, Connecticut.

1989Tracy Feliciani enjoyed catching up with an old class-mate, Mac Hampson ’89, on the ski slopes of Vail, Colorado.

1992Josh Hughes lives in West Hartford, Connecticut with his wife, Susanna Boman, and their two children, Astrid and Sander. He is employed by Hughes & Cronin as a lobbyist and attorney. Josh is still in contact with Jim St. Clair, Mike Fasano, and Erik Baldovi and has very fond memories of Peter Herger, Coach Ray Behr, and Maryellen Holden.

1993Mark Belinsky is a Major in the United States Army and is currently deployed in Afghanistan.

Brandon Nappi continues his work teaching meditation and spirituality. He will be presenting a meditation and mindfulness retreat at the Kripalu Center for Yoga and Health entitled

The Best Season of Your Life on December 21-23, 2012. Learn to slow down, breathe, and enjoy your life more fully. Beginners to meditation are most welcome to join! Visit www.kripalu.com for details or e-mail him at bnapi@cpprov.org.

1997Jacki Puma Chechile currently lives in Sturbridge, Massachusetts with her husband, Peter Checile, and her twelve month old son, Benjamin Louis. Jacki graduated from Northeastern University earning a B.S. in Rehab Sciences and a M.S. in Physical Therapy. She is still in contact with Taryn McDermott Cocheo and has fond memories of Maryellen Holden, Karl Schwoerke, and Ann Gygax.

such as the parishes they came from or what counties they might have lived in. She will keep on plugging on this side which will involve a trip to the records in New York City. “I wish that my forebears had picked unusual first names: too many John, James, Robert, Jeremiah, etc.!” Ann is looking forward to a summer filled with going to the beach and little rain.

Lisa Thompson continues to practice and teach Taoist Tai Chi, which brings a certain joy and peace to her life. Lisa also enjoys working with the first-grader with whom she meets with once a week for reading, story-telling, puzzles, and puppets – anything to spark and engage her interest in words. She is also collaborat-ing on a theatre piece about accumulating memories that what we own and what we (don’t, can’t, refuse to) pass on to others. If anybody has experiences – stories about this that you would like to share, feel free to contact Lisa through the Alumni office. She would enjoy hearing from you, as this is something we are all facing in various ways.

1967Debbie Ams resides in Massachusetts where she has created her own business called, Ams Design. She continues to stay in touch with her classmate, Marcia MacMannis.

Marcy B. Tillson Baratt has very fond memories of singing in the service and the School’s beautiful campus. She continues training in her field and enjoys dressage riding and dancing.

Sheryn M. Carew is waiting until she can retire! She visits her sister and her family in Illinois as often as she can. Sheryn enjoys traveling to Bermuda. She took her first trip to Bermuda during the Spring Break of her senior year at SMS and she recently enjoyed her seventh trip to Bermuda last June, sailing out of Boston.

1968 Fourteen years ago, Governor Rowland upon the recommen-dation of Lt. Governor Jodi Rell, appointed Tim Beeble to serve on the Connecticut Historical Commission. The Historical Commission became the CT Historic Preservation Council nine years ago after the functional merger of the Commission on Culture and Tourism. The Council contin-ued its duties after the 2010 merger with the Department of Economic and Community Development. For last 11 years, Tim served as its Chairman. Having come to his statutory-term limit, Tim stepped down from the Council in February.

For 30 years, Tim and his wife, Valerie, had lived in Bethel in a 1734 colonial saltbox, until they completed construction on a new home in Bethel in 2010. The new home is an Adirondack shingle style home that is Energy Star rated and features geothermal heat and air conditioning. Tim’s dad, Dr. John Beeble, lives with them and recently celebrated his 90th birthday.

Tim is the Community Development Director for the City of Stamford where he is responsible for the use of

federal, state, local and private funds for the development of affordable housing.

1973Peggy Dibble Allen’s two oldest children are both married now, one working on her Master’s and the other on her Ph.D. Her youngest graduated from Eastman last May and is at Yale this year, starting his Master’s in percussion performance. Peggy has decided to return to a settled ministry and accepted a call to the Milton Congregational Church in Litchfield.

1977Susan Osborne White reminisces about the time she visited the scientologists in Boston with Rich Marinara, Tom Devino, and Jeanne Anderson. Susan loves supporting the great things that the teachers and coaches do at Chase.

1978Jennifer McGann attended St. Paul’s School in Concord, New Hampshire and Smith College in Northampton, Massachusetts after attending St. Margaret’s- McTernan through eighth grade, graduating with many academic awards. She wound up going west in 1986 and put together an expressive arts therapy certificate through what is now known as Naropa University, a Buddhist institution. Jennifer also has a yoga teaching certification. She completely let go of her life back east and is curious to reintegrate it from a different perspective. The spiritual

Top Brandon Nappi at the Holy Family Passionist Retreat Center.

Bottom 1989 classmates Tracy Feliciani and Mac Hampson meet-up in Vail, CO.

2322

Cla

ss n

ote

sC

lass notes

Amy Fasano Grenier and her husband had their first child together and her nine year old stepson couldn’t be more excited. Graduating from Quinnipiac University with a Bachelor’s in advertising and marketing, Amy is currently an administrative clerk for the Superior Court in Bantam. She enjoys staying in contact with her classmates through Facebook and reminisces about the close knit community that exists at Chase.

2002Laura Owen graduated from Harvard in 2006 with a degree in English and American Language & Literature. She currently lives in New York City and is employed by PaidContent/ContentNext Media as a Staff Writer. Laura keeps in touch with many of her classmates from Chase.

Dan Siconolfi resides in New York City and is employed by New York University as a research scientist. He also graduated from NYU in 2008 earning his Master’s in Public Health. Dan still keeps in touch with classmates Laura Owen and Kristin Kovacs Houlihan.

2003Karl Shehu recently became Managing Member of Palisades Modern Beauty, an online haircare, skincare, and cosmetics retail shop with a broad range of high-end beauty products offered at very competitive prices. You can find them online at www.palisadesbeauty.com.

2004Mat Calabro is still working at Chase as the School’s Director of Alumni Relations. Over the summer, Mat will be traveling throughout New England to visit friends from Chase and Wheaton. He also plans to do some fishing and skeet shooting, play golf, and will be driving in his first Autocross event in Hartford in July.

Jeff Harger is currently living in Connecticut after spending four years in Barcelona, Spain. He is currently the Manager, Quality Assurance at a company that develops soft-ware for large pharmaceutical firms. When he’s not working, Jeff enjoys skeet shooting with classmate Mat Calabro and visiting several of his Chase friends in New York City.

2006Peter Avoletta moved to Los Angeles one month after his 2010 graduation from Bentley University. “I landed a job as a business analyst in the international strategic planning department at Guthy-Renker in Santa Monica. Guthy-Renker is the direct response company primarily known for its Proactiv products. About 5 months into my job, my boss left to pursue another opportunity and I was named Interim Director of MP&A International for 3 months. Shortly after a replacement was found, I received a promotion to a more senior level analyst. I am loving Los Angeles and look back at the decision to move out here as one of the best of my life as much as I miss my friends and family back in Connecticut.”

2007Jonathan Brinnier graduated from Bryant University earning his Bachelor of Science in Business Administration with an Accounting Concentration and a Political Science minor. He recently moved to West Hartford with two classmates

Mat Calabro ’04, left, at the McTernan Golf Outing with Jim Matons PP ’08, ’12 & ’15, James Matons ’15, and Toby Nelson ’15.

Left to right Dave VanMoffaert ’07 and Brian Michaud ’07 at their Syracuse graduation. • Nate D’Amico ’12 receiving his Volunteer Award.

from Bryant and still is in contact with Jenna Rosenberg.

Emily Dinova graduated from Marist College in 2011, Cum Laude, with a B.A. in English and a concentration in Theater. She was recently accepted to the graduate program for screen and play writing at Regent’s College in London England. Regent’s accepts only 20 stu-dents to this program; everyone is extremely proud of her!

Lorna Mulvaney currently lives in Washington, D.C. and is employed by Studio Theatre as a Business Apprentice.

She graduated from George Washington University with a theatre major and a business minor.

Dave VanMoffaert sends along a picture of him and Brian Michaud at their graduation from Syracuse University this spring. Brian graduated from L.C. Smith School of Engineering and Dave graduated from S.I. New House School of Public Communications. Dave plans on visiting Chase when he has some free time.

2012Nate D’Amico poses with Barbara Ruggiero, Principal, and Annie Scott, President of the Board of Directors Children’s Community School at the Annual Dinner where he received the Principal’s “Youth Helping Youth” Vol-unteer Award which “honors those unsung heroes who share the CCS belief in the empowerment of education”. He is holding his CCS Award and Official Citations from the Connecticut General Assembly and the City of Waterbury.

A Short Story from Tim Beeble ’68 At McTernan School, breaking a leg or arm was a rite of passage. My turn came in the winter of 1966. It was the end of the wrestling season, and we were on McTernan’s third floor. The room was equipped for wrestling with mats on the floors and walls and the windows were screened to keep the boys from tumbling out of the windows. We were having chicken fights supervised by the beloved wrestling coach, and science teacher, Barry McNutt. I was teamed with Matt Carey and was riding on his shoulders when we were knocked down. Falling to the floor, I fractured my ankle. The next day I came to school on crutches and sporting a bright white plaster cast.

Over the next two months, twenty-seven classmates signed my cast, including: John Babin, Binky Bayne, Jason Beeble, Peter Bertolette, Rip Bowen, Craig Czarsty, Rob Feeley, Doug Foster, Jon Gibbs, Grant Goodeve, Barry Huber, Kenny Kaess, Robert Largay, Bruce MacLean, Hank Myers, Charlie Poindexter, Phil Porter, Mike Richards, Jeff Rogers, Tommy Santopietro, David Schlink, Alan Shealy, Richard Spencer, Jeff Sturman, Robbie Whittemore, David Wolcott, and Chris Wolford. During my recovery period, the sidewalk surfing craze swept the school. By the time my fracture healed, the sidewalk surfing was passé. This likely saved me from a broken arm.

I hope to see my classmates reunited at the McTernan School 100th Anniversary Gala on September 28th and 29th.

24

Cla

ss n

ote

s

F R I D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 2 8

McTernan Visit Day 8:30 am to 3:00 pm Get a special behind-the-scenes look at Chase Collegiate School! Visit Lower, Middle, and Upper School classes; chat with students, teachers, and administrators; and take a special McTernan-themed tour of campus with Headmaster John Fixx.

S A T U R D A Y , S E P T E M B E R 2 9

Dedication Breakfast 8:30 am to 10:00 am Enjoy a wonderful breakfast in Chase’s McTernan Centennial Library as we hold a special dedication.

Historic Waterbury Tour 10:00 am to 2:00 pm After breakfast, board a luxury bus and enjoy a fun and festive tour of Waterbury’s historic sites featuring tours of several exciting locations culminating in a visit to 106 Columbia Boulevard.

Green & White Gala 6:00 pm Gather at Chase for this once-in-a-lifetime occasion! The Gala will begin with the dedication of the McTernan School Copper Beech and the presentation of two McTernan Medals, followed by an extraordinary evening of wonderful food and drinks, live entertainment, and more!

T H A N K Y O U !Thanks to the generosity of nearly 3,000 trustees, alumni, parents, friends of the School, foundations and corporations, Chase Collegiate School has completed Cornerstone Campaign Two – the single largest fundraising initiative in the history of the 147-year-old institution!

Your dedication and generosity since the launch of the Campaign in 2006 have allowed your alma mater to:

• Grow the Chase endowment from $5.7 million in 2006 to nearly $11 million today.

• Renovate and expand the Upper School, which can now accommodate 220 students, enabling 60% growth in Upper School enrollment.

• Strengthen the athletics program by renovating and reconfiguring our playing fields, constructing dugouts for softball and baseball fields, and adding three new rowing shells for the crew program.

• Provide enhancements and renovations to every major campus facility, including student classrooms and computer labs, Garthwait Dining Room, McTernan Centennial Library, Fulkerson Arts Center, the campus entrances and pathways, and Linky’s Place.

• Construct a new Campus Maintenance Center this fall, which will free up our front lawn for a future Early Learning Center.

• Triple the size of the Copper Beech Society, Chase’s planned giving program.

Each and every gift has made a difference and, for that, we thank you!

Special thanks, as well, to Campaign Co-Chairs Maggie Smith ’69, Hi Upson ’46, and Ellen Walsh Parent ’01, ’04 for their generosity and leadership!

P L E A S E J O I N U S !

McTernan Centennial CelebrationSeptember 28-29th, 2012

McTernan Anniversary Steering Committee

Sandy Larkin ’59 Chair

Chuck Kellogg ’45 Honorary Chair

Hi Upson ’46

Gus Hampson ’55

Rob Fenn ’56

Peter North ’58

Chris Brooks ’59

Schuyler Thomson ’61

Alexander Thomson ’70

Mat Calabro ’04

Krista Coletti

John Fixx

McTernan Campaign Cabinet

Hi Upson ’46 Campaign Chair

Chuck Kellogg ’45

Chris Brooks ’59

Hem Merriman ’62

Jim Smith ’63

Krista Coletti

John Fixx

For more information, keep your eye open for your invitation and visit us online at www.chasecollegiate.org/mcternan.

Alum

ni O

ffice

565

Cha

se P

arkw

ayW

ater

bury

, CT

067

08-3

394

(203

) 236

-955

7m

cala

bro@

chas

emai

l.org

ww

w.ch

asec

olle

giat

e.or

g

Non

Pro

fitU

.S. P

osta

gePA

IDW

ater

bury

, CT

067

08Pe

rmit

No.

13