Class Notes

Send alumni news and class notes via email to Cris Gomez ’10, Director of Alumni Relations: classnotes@westminster-school.org • Send updates to contact information to spierson@westminster-school.org

Tad Harvey writes that fall 2021 marks the 74th year since he entered Westminster as a Second Former and met what were to become most of his lifelong friends. He adds: “52’s ranks have thinned considerably in recent years, but I can still pick up the phone or drop an email, share words of wisdom, humor, nostalgia with such classmates as John Barlow, Rocky

Nice feeling! May such friendships still be forming among today’s classes.”

Dave Allen writes: “My wife, Sally, and I moved to a retirement community called The Springs at Greer Gardens in Eugene, Ore., (June 2020). The move involved considerable downsizing, but it was time to make the move. Hope to get back to Westminster in 2022, health permitting.”

Hal Anthony writes of the reunion: “You did an outstanding job getting us together.” He also wrote a remembrance of David Werblow (Spring 2020 Bulletin notice): “David was my roommate while I was there. After graduation, David came to Providence, R.I., to visit, and I went to visit him in Bennington, Vt. His family had a big farm there. In later years, David would drive his daily-driven car, a 1950ish MGB, to a big car show in Manchester, Vt., where I would join both David and his wife, Ginny. David became president of the MG car club of Connecticut, something he was very proud of. I was able to go visit David and his wife and her children at his home in Portland, Conn., just before he passed. David’s children were away at the time. One son of David’s got his MGB. This son is now living and working in Japan. I will miss David greatly.”

Rob Carson and his wife, Serena, moved to Moss Creek in Hilton Head, S.C., “in search of warmth and year-round activity. We have a beautiful view of a pond, which we share with herons and alligators.”

Woody Jewett writes: “My brother Jonathan died after a long struggle with COPD at age 77 July 9. Smart, funny, generous, opinionated and family oriented. I last saw him a year ago. Jon was 13 months older, and I remember when I grew just a bit taller than he. Sadly, the COVID-19 disaster has prevented us from gathering to mourn him. More family change: my sister Jennifer sold her house here and moved to Ohio to be near one of her twins. I will miss her. … A few successes: I’ve been reading a lot more. Also, I’ve tackled the piles of old photographs and albums, and have seen progress in getting them sorted and organized into three-ring binders. … I’m still not very good with Zoom, but I am trying. Lots of exuberant chats with grandkids.”

Peter Sonne writes: “I am currently still in South Carolina, raising two teenagers with my wife of 18 years. I am also still in metal sales but have switched over to the manufacturing side. I am also now living with my sister’s kidney after having lived with my father’s for over 20 years.”

Former Westminster trustee and vice chair of the board Spike Lobdell was named Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce 2021 Citizen of the Year. An article in The Westerly Sun stated: “Michael ‘Spike’ Lobdell, founder, president and CEO of New England Science & Sailing (NESS) in Stonington, Conn., has joined a distinguished group of local residents. Lobdell, widely applauded for creating one of the most successful community sailing programs in the country, is this year’s Citizen of the Year, an award bestowed by the Ocean Community Chamber of Commerce and considered by many to be the highest honor for business leaders in the two-state region.”

“‘I am incredibly honored to receive this recognition,’” said Spike in the article, “‘but I’m also humbled to be singled out. …The recognition is really for the whole team whose dedicated work in support of the students has transformed lives. That’s the real recognition. I am proud of the team.’”

Spike founded NESS in 2002 with a vision of enabling everyone to get out on the water, learning and having fun, regardless of financial needs, race or ability. The core values of inclusiveness, experiential learning, personal growth and stewardship remain his passion in leading NESS, which teaches 9,000 students annually, many of whom are on scholarship. Spike works as a full-time volunteer for the foundation.

NESS is the first, and only, program of its kind to be accredited by New England Association of Schools & Colleges (NEASC). Its STEM-based curriculum includes using marine science, sailing, power boating and adventure sports as learning platforms. In doing so, student’s acquire valuable life skills such as teamwork, communication, perseverance, confidence and self-control.

NESS has also done work with Horizons at Westminster. The NESS website address is www.nessf.org.

Ty Black writes: “Returned back to Goodwin University in East Hartford, Conn., as the vice president for student affairs and dean of students. My college counseling business, T. Carlton Educational Consulting LLC, just purchased a former elementary school in Stafford Springs, Conn., and is now offering college counseling sessions with room and board. Really excited about the new facility.”

Katie White O’Riordan writes that she and her husband, Brendan, and daughter (now big sister) Madison welcomed Sarah Kelly O’Riordan Feb. 20. The family of four recently moved to Milton, Mass., and is enjoying nights playing in the yard with dog Colby and making new friends.

Paul Fanelli and his wife, Emma, welcomed Welles James and Lily Jean Fanelli July 14 in Norwalk, Conn.

We are welcoming our largest ever crowd to return to Williams Hill as we celebrate the current reunion classes and make up for lost time with those classes that we have been unable to host in person!

Alumni from the Classes of 2017 through 1942 and all classes in between ending in 0, 1, 2, 5, 6 or 7 should plan to celebrate these milestones with us.

Whether you are celebrating your 5th or 80th reunion, this is an opportunity to reminisce about the place where it all began, reconnect with classmates, fellow alumni and faculty, and make new memories. Join us for the alumni parade, classes with faculty in Armour Academic Center, meals on Baxter Lawn and in Armstrong Dining Hall, stickball on the quad, dancing under the tent and so much more. Register and learn more at www.westminsterreunion.org. Questions? Contact Thea Leach, Director of Advancement Programs and Events at (860) 408-3724.