Chat Spring 2011

Gary Fountain, Editor

Laura Rand, Managing Editor

Design by Christine Rocha

Printing by Collinsville Printing, Martinsville, VA

CHATHAM HALL

Administration

Gary Fountain, Rector

Robert Ankrom, Director of Communications

Ned Edwards, Chaplain

Melissa Evans Fountain, Director of the Office of Advancement

Martha Griswold, Academic Dean

Kyle Kahuda, Dean of Students

Ronald Merricks, Chief Financial and Facilities Officer

Patricia Smith, College Counselor

Vicki Wright, Director of Admission and Financial Aid

Board of Trustees

Dora M. Thomas P’02, ’04, President

Lucy McClellan Barrett ’53

Nina Johnson Botsford ’72

Katharine Reynolds Chandler ’68

Jerry E. Clark P’04

J. Belk Daughtridge P’13

Sarah Martin Finn ’74

Patricia R. Frederick ’57

Douglas R. Goldstein P’12

Stacey M. Goodwin ’83

Susan Gillings Gross ’98

Katherine Coleman Haroldson ’75

Julia Morris Kashkashian ’75

Robert G. McIver P’10

Lisa Rosenberger Moore ’59

Tracy E.D. Spencer P’07, ’12

Robin Peake Stuart ’69

Penelope Perkins Wilson ’41, P’67

Ex-Officio Members

The Rt. Rev Herman Hollerith, IV

Salvatore S. Ferlise, President, Parent Advisory Committee

Priscilla Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62, President, Alumnae Council

Trustees Emeriti

Boyce Lineberger Ansley ’64, P’90

Polly Wheeler Guth ’44, P’70

Robin Tieken Hadley ’57

Chat is published by the Office of Advancement and is distributed to alumnae and those who have shown a continued interest in Chatham Hall. For comments and suggestions, or to request a copy of Chat please send an email to lrand@chathamhall.org.

Contributing Writers: Robert Ankrom, Gary Fountain, and Laura Rand.

Photography Credits: Robert Ankrom, Catherine M. LaDuke, Laura Rand, Lisa Richmond, and Don Wood.

Chatham Hall complies with applicable federal and local laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, creed, color, age, sex, disability, religion, national origin, or any other legally protected category.

800 Chatham Hall Circle • Chatham, VA 24531 434-432-2941 • www.chathamhall.org

© 2011 Chatham Hall

Letter from the Rector

D EAR F RIENDSOF C HATHAM H ALL ,

ON THE FINAL DAY OF CLASSES FOR THE WINTER TRIMESTER, I posted the following, printed on a single sheet of photocopy paper, on the bulletin board outside of my office:

Chat with the Rector

G ARY FOUNTAIN

Bell Johnson’12 & Margaret Spencer’12

mate math major (now a professor at Virginia Tech) over a controversial issue.

Learning is all about environment—intellectual environment. A school can have the brightest students and the most capable teachers, yet be intellectually dead. Not Chatham Hall. It is a mirror. We are sentences.

I borrowed these words (minus “written” before “sentence”— a memory lapse) from Luis Camnitzer’s 1966 Conceptual piece.

I waited patiently, and somewhat nervously, for a response.

One bright freshman was in my office immediately: “Dr. Fountain, sometimes I do seriously worry about what is going on inside that brain of yours.” An English teacher: “I am not a sentence. I am an epic poem.” A sophomore who is obsessed with video games and likes the darker sides of things: “If I am a sentence, this is one messed-up novel.”

There were debates in the hall about the nature of language. One philosophical response: “Makes sense. The world is blank. Our language gives it meaning. Of course we are sentences. That is all that we are.” Whew. In the beginning was the word. Some people simply shook their heads at the words.

Thus, what I call the “other education” that occurs at schools, took place that day. Those events—formal and informal, small and large, superficial and probing—that occur outside of the classroom and that deepen our understanding. I often say that I learned as much in college from my roommates and friends as I did from my professors and the long hours reading and writing that they required. There was nothing quite like an English and Creative Writing major (me) bumping heads against a room-

This issue of the CHAT is about those “other” encounters, those natural and planned (or semi-planned) moments outside the classroom in which the intellectual atmosphere of Chatham Hall thrives. Independent study. Service learning in South Africa. A distance-learning course. A gathering of poets. Selecting and preparing for a leader in residence.

An animating of the intellectual landscape with complex, interesting, creative sentences.

Late one March afternoon during final exams week, I sat in the Rectory living room with Bell Johnson and Margaret Spencer, both juniors, to talk about writing. Their writing. And their independent studies in creative writing with Dr. Ann Beal. It did not matter that these young women had completed two exams that day. Nor that two more were coming up the next day. They wanted to talk about a topic of powerful importance to them—their poetry and prose. Their latest work. Writer’s block. What was working and what was not. Why they both love Walt Whitman’s work. What it is that drives them to spend those hours writing every week.

BELL When I was younger, my mother pushed reading into my life, and through reading books, I gained admiration for writing. I liked writing stories in grade school. ThenI saw a television show about a girl who wanted to become a journalist, and she sparked my admiration for journalistic writing. When I arrived at Chatham Hall, I joined the staff of The Columns, and,

then, when I noticed that there is a creative writing course, I thought, Why not try that? Now writing has become a natural, regular way to express myself.

MARGARET I have always loved the arts. When I was younger, I loved watching ballet.I danced a little, but I didn’t like to stay quiet during ballet. I took art lessons for five years, and I performed badly with the brush. I love music, but I’m just not musically gifted—I took piano lessons for about two years and don’t play well.So I was resolved to be an art appreciator, a decision that was fine with me: I love museums and love reading.I never really thought of myself as an artist. Then I discovered that to graduate from Chatham Hall I had to have an art credit. Last year I signed up for an art class and lasted one day. Then I joined The Columns and discovered that I quite enjoy journalistic writing. I discovered that journalism is an art: I took something that had happened, interpreted it, and presented or showed it. Reading a lot of poetry helped me see how good poets are at what they do. I came to understand the art of poetry.So, creative writing

came to me as another way of challenging myself. I didn’t really consider myself poetic or artistic until about midway through my first term of creative writing—that first moment when I felt proud of something I’d written, proud of it in a way that it didn’t matter what other people thought of it. I think that that’s when one becomes an artist.

What’s it like discussing your writing with Dr Beal in your independent conferences?

MARGARET Terrifying. Dr. Beal reads what I’ve written right before me. I bring my new pieces to our meetings. I don’t like rejection, and it’s scary when she raises her pen over my poem. After it’s over, I usually feel better—it’s painful but clarifying, somewhat like surgery. BELL I am writing fiction, so my pieces are longer than poetry, and I turn my writing in the night before so that Dr. Beal has a day to read it. I worry and question myself that entire day, imagining all that I could have done better. When we sit down and I notice the question marks and other marks on the paper, I’m convinced that she didn’t like it. The good thing about Dr. Beal is that she’s a great critic She’ll look at my work, find some problems that I’m having, and give me positive feedback in a way that helps me rework it. Because writing is so personal, criticism can affect your self-esteem. It’s you on a page. Dr. Beal does an excellent job of respecting the writer.

This is a mirror.

You are a sentence.

Learning is all about environment— intellectual environment

We began by talking about when they had started being interested in writing.

MARGARET Sometimes I think that she knows what I’m trying to say better than I do.That’s a talent critical to helping me get to what I am trying to say, and there are situations when I am not sure what it is that I want to say. Listening to my work being read aloud and then having someone say “I hear what you’re trying to say with this particular stanza, it’s …” can lead me to realize “Oh, I am trying to say that.You’re right.”

Often something that I did not consciously intend is apparent to someone else in my writing. I’ve written a couple allusions that I did not consciously know were there, but apparently they were. Sometimes Dr. Beal sees things in my poetry that I didn’t recognize or intend consciously but that definitely make sense once they are pointed out to me.

One of the qualities of poetry, or any type of art, is that the artist isn’t around to tell you why she did something or what something was meant to be, so the interpretation is left up to you, especially with poetry That’s why we have volumes and volumes of criticism, many of which disagree If something strikes Dr Beal as particularly interesting or out of place, she will ask about it. However, she has a talent for assuming the role of a true reader, and she does not ask questions about sections where I intend to be

ambiguous. I have learned the difference between positive ambiguity and negative ambiguity.

BELL I’ve written a poem trying to sum up that experience, and you’ve just done it, Margaret.

What have you written so far that you’re proud of?

MARGARET As a sixteenyear-old, I find it hard to imagine that anyone would like what I’m doing. I’m proud of anything if what I’m trying to say is apparent to the reader. I’m proud of something if I see truth.I’m proud if I read a piece a month after I have written it to see if it feels as if it presents my deepest self, and if I connect with it, if it passes that brief test of time

BELL I’m proud of the progress I’ve made. I’m most proud of the extended piece of fiction I’m currently working on. It started out as a prose piece and evolved into a story. When I tried to write fiction before, I became bored. Now I have a deadline of cranking out one or two chapters each week. I have just printed all that I have written so far, to submit as my trimester’s work, and just seeing it made me proud. Even if it’s not my greatest work, even if it’s not perfect, it’s all out there—and it’s still not done I’ll see where it goes

And those weeks when nothing seems to want to be writ ten?

MARGARET If I’m not inspired by anything, I’ll read poetry, and, usually, if other poets don’t inspire me, nothing will.I read as much poetry as Dr. Beal can give me I frequently have writer’s block. It’s real. But generally I manage to write a few pieces a week, and we review them.

Thank goodness that Dr. Beal is such a seasoned literary guru. She understands those empty weeks.

BELL My stories are constantly in my mind. Sometimes, when I’m trying to fall asleep, I’ll come up with situations that I can add or other directions I can take.When I read a book or when I’m writing something, I see these as movies. The movie is constantly running. I have a kind of back-and-forth process. First I write a character’s name and a brief description. Character development first, followed by ideas about the story development. I leave all of that for a little bit, then return to it and see if I still like what I’ve written. The story I’m writing now, for instance, began as a prose piece, in the middle of a story, so I had to go back to the beginning, figure out character development, and decide how to lead into it and then move forward from it. It’s hard work, but it’s nice to have a place toward which I am moving.

MARGARET If I’m struck for inspiration, I usually just write, without looking back, just getting it out. Sixty percent of the time that leads to something really bad that I never use.When it does go somewhere that I like, I’ll then go back, do a lot of crossing out, a lot of changing of things I find with poetry that my initial inspiration is usually the most genuine, so it’s best to get that out while it’s still there. I can stylize later.That’s one way of doing it. However, recently, I have been studying form, and that, for me, is a completely different way to go about writing poetry. I might come up with a couple lines, but I have to work with them a lot more, and I’m less likely to use what I started with. This is the thing about writing: with your eyes closed, in effect, you sit down and do extremely intensive work until it’s there

Winter Chill

Crisp autumn air exhaled in delicate puffs. Leaves with profound pigments, falling, falling, Times full of familiarity, ove, of family, belonging.

Life springs forth with new vitality. ts frenzied pace propelling as time ticks, ticks, away until all is frozen when winter chill bestows its icy kiss.

The world lies dormant as I lose my senses in the blinding ivory. Breathing in the frigid December air all alone.

Yet when Jack Frost departs and the sun pierces through cracking, cracking, frozen time. I still can’t shake that lonely, guilty feeling.

Flowers bloom forth, as I’m forced to swallow my pride. Even then shiver in December’s chilling air.

Believe me, trust me, When I say I’m sorry. Because all do is remember past Decembers.

What is “ there”?

MARGARET I’m a Latin student, and in third-year Latin we read a lot of poetry, including quite a bit of Catullus. Catullus is a very interesting poet, and I have come to see how he has chosen every word, how his poems are condensed and perfected until they are tiny, powerful things that can’t be made any smaller and can’t be improved upon. Solidified. I’m not putting myself in the league with Catullus, obviously, but there have been a couple of times when I felt as if what I was writing couldn’t be any more condensed and every word was doing its part.There’s a goal for any writer

BELL I’ve written a couple of poems and like the way they went, and I want them to stand as they are. They are what I wanted to convey. But fiction is a whole different thing. It’s more difficult for me to let go. I keep thinking of adding more character development, expanding a section, foreshadowing an event more, and on and on. The movie keeps running.

So, it seems as if you both believe in moments of inspiration for artists.

MARGARET My inspiration, at the risk of sounding Whitmanesque, is everything— anything can strike me.I love Whitman’s singularity of personality and its encompassing quality. I find his poetry encouraging.

BELL That’s what I like about him. His tone can be somber, but you can still see hope in the poetry. He took everything, even the smallest thing, and made it beautiful.He’s my favorite.I wrote my junior-year research project on him, and the relationship between his journalism and his poetic style.

MARGARET There are moments of inspiration when your thought is so commanded by whatever it is that has caught you that you don’t know where you are, you don’t know your name, you just know this thing. It could be that you know something as mundane as a raindrop. It doesn’t matter.That’s all you know. And all you know how to do is write that thing.

BELL Inspiration is whatever you see, and it is different for everybody.Someone might see a doorknob and not be able to write anything about it, and someone might just happen upon it, and already have an idea in her subconscious that is triggered by the doorknob and be able to write a poem about it then and there When I was writing poetry, I listened to music, and I would transfer feelings from the music into my poetry.I found that instrumental music and classical music develop a stronger sense of emotion.With my fiction, I find that there is sort of a “thing” that dwells in my mind and slowly comes into being, until it’s finally something that I can write—and then I start.

How conscious have you found your writing process to be?

BELL When I write, I have an idea of what a chapter or a scene is going to be, and where it will end.Often this idea changes—something sitting in the back of my mind might jump out, my roommate might do something that gives me an idea,

that kind of thing. The ending might not turn out the way I had thought it would. Eventually the story just makes its own way.

MARGARET I’d say that my subconscious plays a very large role. I don’t make rational decisions about what I’m doing until the very end, especially if I’m listening to music and it elicits some emotion in me that I didn’t even know I was feeling. Even with things like word choice—I don’t really think about my words, and sometimes that’s bad because they don’t make sense.

Sometimes I’ll wake up in the middle of the night and roll over to my Moleskin notebook. In the morning, I’ll have three or four sizeable, decent things I can work with when I’m conscious. So, mine is definitely a stop-and-go process. BELL Yes, my journal is right next to my bed.

Apotheosis

What is there to do when the stars start to fall like suicidal signs from God, sent to make sure you still draw breath. Do you turn your eyes from this ethereal show?

What can you do when the frozen sky scorns the very tears the blinding sun forces to prove you are not as big as you seem. Do you have the will to dry your eyes in the face of a world unknown?

What happens to you if your hope has died dragging love, fighting, down the drain just to see if you can write it?

Are we b orn to paint for the world the light and shadows deep in our souls?

–MARGARET SPENCER ’12

The next stages for you as writers?

MARGARET I am going to work on more poetry and see if I can be published in some small magazines I’ve entered a few contests But this is scary BELL I was telling Dr. Beal that it looks to me as if a script would be a difficult form of writing. I’d have to set up a scene and then only have dialogue to convey the actors’ emotions I’ve done journalistic writing, poetry, and fiction, so I think I’d like to try script writing.

Margaret writing her poem

I love working with clay, whether I am throwing or building with slabs. Terra sigillata has helped me enjoy ceramics even more because I can be directly involved with every stage, from the formation of the vessel to the creation of the glaze and the final finish. It has helped me to focus more equally on ever y aspect of the process and to mature as an artist.

—ARDRA HREN ’11

A piece burnished with a layer of terra sigillata (a smooth, lustrous coating of clay) and carbonized with horse hair. The clay and horse hair were collected from Chatham Hall’s campus.

2010–2011 Leader in Residence Judith Jamison

As a dancer, I have always found the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater inspiring. They have taken modern dance from a lowly and less-than-lucrative ar t for m to the most innovative, flexible, and experimentally progressive for m of dance we see today They have defined the course of modern dance, from modest beginnings to their currently epic, inter national influence. In large par t, the success of the Ailey Company is due to Judith Jamison, Chatham Hall’s 2010–2011 Leader in Residence. Nervous before giving the introduction to her keynote speech, I received this advice from Ms. Jamison:

“Speak like you’re talking to your friends, because they are your friends. You’re my friend, and when I get up there to speak, I’m going to be talking to you.” Ms. Jamison was true to the sentiments, as she made her way from required events to study groups during her two days at Chatham Hall. Her calm, confident, and somewhat grandmotherly demeanor gave comfort from and insight into the joys and struggles we all might face outside the protective walls of Chatham Hall. Ms. Jamison confidently discussed her accomplishments, giving the impression neither that they had been realized without hard work nor that they were realized through any force uniquely her own.

Laura Olsen ’11

Independent Study: Modern Dance: Akwaaba, Ye fere me Judith. (Hello, They call me Judith)

I chose to undertake this study because Judith Jamison is a woman who has overcome great obstacles. She is a powerful role model for women trying to make it in the field of dance and also for every woman just trying to make it in life. When I found out that Judith Jamison would be our Leader in Residence, I instantly wanted to know more. She has become a heroine to me and, in some ways, a mentor. Her energy and the knowledge that I have gained about her life experience have helped me to form the final product of my independent study.

I admire how she stands up for what she believes in and sticks her neck out for the ones she loves. She is an amazing person and a great dancer and choreographer for an aspiring dancer to look up to

CATHERINE MERWIN ’11

Again and again, Ms. Jamison gave credit to a higher power for leading her through life and allowing her to accomplish all that she has in her career as a dancer and as Artistic Director of the Alvin Ailey American Dance Theater. The greatest impact Ms. Jamison made on me was not as a dancer, but as a strong, beautiful, and successful woman in the world of the arts and business, pushing through racial and sexual barriers to chase the world to its rightful place: our fingertips.

Chatham Liturgy: The Work of the People

The

Worship is not the sole purview of the clergy: it is about all of us and how we relate to the sacred. Each girl has something to share about her experience and understanding that can add to the whole, and our worship is richer when we share it together.

T HE REV.DR.NED EDWARDS,CHAPLAIN

I believe what one of my teachers told me—God is a great diamond, and every side of it reflects the light in a different way, so itmeans something to each group of people.

I do not think that God will be angry just because I pray a Buddhist prayer. If it matches my beliefs, it is fully acceptable.

I hope that you think that God loves all of us. All the 6.9 billion people in the world, regardless of how you pray and what name you use.

—SEGMENT OF WORLD RELIGION MEDITATION WRITTEN BY FLORA KERESZTELY ’12

Line of Greatness

BY DASIA MOORE ’14

I descend from a line of greatness, Of proud ebony faces fighting for what should be theirs.

I come from a people of faith, Songs guiding them through the weary days to the near And distant tomorrow.

I am the daughter of heroes, Courageous figures, even though many knew Only their children would see Canaan land.

I have resilience, the foundation my fathers built, A glowing ember forever lit so that I will not wilt – but stand. I hail from innumerable tears, Some of pain, others of will that steers on to better things.

I have ancestors with strong minds, Like clocks ticking through time to create the path leading to Eden.

I am the granddaughter of loving hearts, Great-aunt porch talks, open arms, and smiles sparkling like the sun.

I am of a diligent race, Preferring to work instead of wait for the changes we seek in the world.

I am marches, and home-made signs, child, Offspring of protesters with determined eyes and hearts to press past hatred.

So I peer into the mirror, I gaze into my own brown eyes, And I search, hoping to recognize the things that made those before me wonder— The dignified face, the praying hands, the steady steps, the thoughts they inspired, The tears they wept, the roads they paved, the brave spirits, the strong souls, The boycott signs, the caring hold…….the cries to overcome—

I find these because I am a dreaming child, And I, I descend from a line of greatness.

CHATHAM HALL PRAYER

A Compilation of Words Shared by Faculty and Students for a Service about Friendship

G RACIOUS G OD ,who helps those in need, we pray for happiness and health for our friends, our families, Chatham Hall, and for all the people of the world. Heal those who have lost someone. Strengthen those who are going through a hard time, so that we can all laugh a little more and hurt a little less and have better lives.

In the name of the one who’s got the whole world in his hands, Loving God, hear our prayer.

Ever-present God, who is always listening, we pray for an end to all conflicts in the world, and especially for peace in the Middle East. Encourage us to understand and respect people who are not like us, so that all of the dissent and strife in the world may be transformed into love, respect, and friendship for all the world’s people.

In the name of the one who’s got the whole world in his hands, Loving God, hear our prayer.

Generous God, who wants the best for us, help us to acknowledge our fears and to share our needs. Make us generous in what we have and keep before us the good of all people as we seek to find ways to make things better, so that all people may live the abundant lives for which you have created us.

In the name of the one who’s got the whole world in his hands, Loving God, hear our prayer

At a special chapel service devoted to the victims of Japan’s tsunami and its nuclear aftermath, Victoria Fitzgerald ’13, who initiated and planned the service, and Tomoka Murakami ’11, who was in Japan when the tsunami hit its coast, provided background and an update on the disaster As a symbol of unity with the victims, all who attended the service created hundreds of paper cranes (later to be hung in the Well) and contributed more than $400 to support the relief efforts of World Vision and the Red Cross.

Student rock band, the Niche, perfor med U2’s “I Still Haven’t Found What I’m Looking For,”at the U2charist, an Episcopal Eucharist ser vice that eatures the music of the band U2. The music in the service was about global reconciliation, justice for the poor and oppressed, and the importance of caring for your neighbor, particularly the most vulnerable and in need.

God of hope, who has given us amazing lives so far, we pray for serenity and peace. Through the power of your Holy Spirit, make this community a sanctuary from the sadness, anger, hatred, and violence in the world around us. Surround us with the laughter and support of friends that will be there for us, so that through them we may feel your love and acceptance and reach out to others with that same love and acceptance.

In the name of the one who’s got the whole world in his hands, Loving God, hear our prayer. A MEN

Dasia Moore ’14 reads her poem, Line of Greatness, at a chapel service dedicated to The Rev. Dr. Marin Luther King, Jr.

word “liturgy” means, literally, “the work of the people.”

Crucifer Elizabeth Ferlise ’11, Chaplain Ned Edwards, and Head of Church Life Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12 discuss plans for Chapel

Communionware handmade by Ardra Hren ’11 sits on the alter in St. Mary’s Chapel

2010–2011 Freshman Leader in Residence Ishmael Beah

BY DASIA MOORE ’14 & CAITLYN MORRIS ’14

Imagine a place where the sun throws golden rays on your face, a lush landscape surrounds you, and people greet you with a smile and the creole salutation, “How de body?” as you kick a soccer ball down the road, laughing and singing the newest songs with your brother. This is the Sierra Leone that Ishmael Beah, Chatham Hall’s Freshman Leader in Residence, likes to remember.

Mr. Beah did not have running water or electricity as a young boy, but he did enjoy the luxuries of listening to the enchanting yet wise stories of older generations, running fearlessly through the bush surrounding his village, and swimming in a nearby river. As Ishmael Beah recounts in his book, A Long Way Gone: Memoirs of a Boy Soldier, all of this contentment was taken away when civil war entered his life in January of 1993. The sun became a burden that added to the weight of everyday life, the bush became menacing, and every stranger was someone to fear and be feared by.

Ishmael Beah was traveling with his brother and friends to the town of Mattru Jong to go to a hip-hop competition when the sound of gunshots and screaming began to overwhelm them. He was only twelve years old. From that day on, Mr. Beah’s childhood rapidly evaporated through the chaos and terror of a war-torn country. He fled the fighting, losing his family, friends, and freedom in the process. Eventually, his flight led him to take sanctuary in a government army base. However, Mr. Beah and other young boys were later given the choice of joining the army or being turned out of the base to face the effects of war on their own. Afraid of what might happen and feeling loyalty to the Sierra Leonean government that had given him shelter and nourishment, he agreed to stay. For over two years, he engaged in horrific acts that would brainwash him and be the cause of many sleepless nights.

The turning point in Mr. Beah’s life occurred when he was pulled out of war by UNICEF volunteer workers. Since his rehabilitation, he has been a child ambassador to the United Nations and has permanently settled in New York City with his adoptive mother, successful storyteller Laura Simms. “Both cultures are a part of my identity; I feel one should not be apart from the other,” Mr. Beah commented on his experience in the United States. Mr. Beah has founded the Ishmael Beah Foundation, an institution that provides educational opportunities for

children and youths who have been affected by war or any other form of suffering. The sponsorship supports students financially through the end of their chosen educational paths. Mr. Beah wishes that all children could discover “strength before they go through difficulty.” He also wrote A Long Way Gone, his touching account of his journey from a peaceful Sierra Leone, to war, to the United States.

Throughout the first and second trimesters, the class had a series of meetings and elections. Mr. Beah achieved a landslide victory for first place. In the weeks before Ishmael Beah’s stay, the freshmen plunged into the task of preparing the rest of the Chatham Hall community for his visit. We divided into Publications, Educating the Community, and Scheduling committees with class sponsors Dr. Fountain, Mrs. Thomas, and Ms. Greenberg providing guidance and assistance. “I was looking forward to having him come because his book was so inspiring. I wanted to meet the person who wrote such an amazing piece of literature,” said freshman Emily Hussey.

After all of the work that led up to Mr. Beah’s visit, the entire school community was delighted to have him come on February 11. After arriving on

campus in the middle of the night, Mr. Beah still had the energy to wake up for breakfast in Yardley, where he met and talked with members of the freshman class. Mr. Beah also addressed all faculty and students in the Van Voorhis Lecture Hall. He not only shared some of the heart wrenching details of his life during the war in Sierra Leone, but also evoked some laughter with stories of his amazement at the American sense of community and technology.

In the course of the day, Mr. Beah attended two seventy-five minute Q&A sessions with the class of 2014, and a photo and interview session with those of the freshmen who were working on the Publications committee. During these times, we were able to get a sense of how down-to-earth and charismatic Mr. Beah is, even after all of the traumatic events that he has experienced. After being affected by being a child soldier, he is still much like any other person walking down the street. He enjoys playing soccer, reading, and walking around in New York City. Mr. Beah still enjoys oldschool hip-hop, as well as jazz and blues music. He hopes to study International Criminal Law at Columbia University, Stanford University, or Harvard University. His hero is Nelson Mandela because when his country was in turmoil, he showed absolute selflessness. Mr. Beah is most inspired by Mandela’s principle to “live your life for others.”

Ishmael Beah still returns to Sierra Leone approximately two times a year to visit family and experience the feeling of contentment and serenity that he once felt at home, because, in his own words, “my root is my foundation.”

The freshman class read his memoir in World Cultures when we were learning about the many customs of Africa. After reading his moving story, we were certain we wanted Ishmael Beah to share his outlook on life with the school as the 2011 Freshman Leader in Residence. The process was not that simple, though.

Freshman Class President Walker Abbott ’14 and Mr. Beah

Ishmael Beah with the freshmen

Freshmen Alex Varanelli, Amanda Booth, Caitlyn Morris, Dasia Moore, Kaylee Berkun, and Merjen Atayeva interview Mr. Beah for various campus publications.

Long-distance learning class,Exploring the Islamic World through Film, was offered at Chatham Hall this spring for the sixth consecutive year.Taught by Chatham Hall alumna and renowned Iranian/ Persian scholar Olga “Holly”Davidson ’70, the class has given students the opportunity to learn about the Islamic culture in such places as Iran, Egypt, and Lebanon.Dr.Davidson has taught at Brandeis, Wellesley, and Boston University, and is founder of the Ilex Foundation, which is dedicated to improving Americans’understanding of Islamic culture.

Arthur Ashe Award for Courage Recipient Visits Campus

She greets you with a dazzling smile and an upbeat attitude. However, there is a lot more to Shamila Kohestani than meets the eye. The Chatham Hall community was fortunate enough to host Ms. Kohestani in January. Initially, one would not guess the circumstances of her childhood.

Ms. Kohestani was born in Afghanistan in 1988, during the withdrawal of Soviet troops. The Taliban came to power in 1994, forcing women to wear the burka in public, but even more repressive was the fact that it was illegal to educate women. She was six at the time. “The most important part was that I had to stay home and get no education; basically, they killed my childhood,” she said. In spite of these circumstances, her older sisters tutored her during the Taliban rule.

Ms. Kohestani started playing soccer in 2004, three years after the fall of the Taliban. At the age of 17, she became the captain of the Afghanistan Women’s Nation Soccer Team. At the 2006 Excellence in Sports Performance Yearly Awards, she, along with Roia Ahmad, a fellow team member, won the Arthur Ashe Award for Courage.

In 2007, Ms. Kohestani came to the United States and attended Blair Academy in New Jersey. World Cultures teacher, Don Morley, knew Ms. Kohestani when he taught at Blair Academy, and brought her to Chatham Hall to complement the curriculum in his classes. Now a junior at Drew University, she is working toward a double Political Science and Women’s Studies major and a double Arabic and Sociology minor. She is also a member of the Drew University soccer team.

When asked whether she plans to return to Afghanistan, she responded, “Definitely, if things get settled. I want to empower women through sports and help them find what they are really capable of.” —WALKER

ABBOTT ’14

loved

scenery, particularly the majestic mountain fields that the children ran across. These lush, green fields were a far cry from the barren desert that I had previously imagined most of Iran to be.

CHA T MUSIC

Nixon in China. John Adams, composer and conductor.Peter Sellars,director PERFORMED AT THE METROPOLITAN OPERA, NEW YORK CITY, FEBRUARY 2011.

2010–2011

Writer in Residence

Li-Young Lee

If I had been asked what I knew of Iranian culture five weeks prior to this course, I would have said, “Very little.” I knew that Iran was a country in the Middle East, one of which the United States has not been particularly fond in the past thirty years. I could have said that Farsi is a language spoken there, and that women have to wear burkas or veils and have little rights. I would have said that Iran was an undeveloped country. Looking back, only some of my perceptions are true. Others were not.

Nixon in China debuted twenty-three years ago at the forward-looking Houston Grand Opera. It made its way, at last, to The Metropolitan Opera in February. The production is exhilarating–and, am pleased to announce, the opera is still edgy and, well, naughty, particularly the final act, which is set in the bedrooms (beds lined up in front of the curtain) of the Nixons, Chou, and Mao. Thank you, John Adams and Peter Sellars! Nixon in China is a grand and intimate work. When Nixon and Chou exchange toasts in the Great Hall (an event from February 1972), Adams' pulsing minimalism rises—as do the lights in the opera house!—to a pitch feverish enough to thaw any cold war. In the final scene, Chou reflects upon The Cultural Revolution: “I am old, and cannot sleep…How much we did was good?” The heart soars; the heart breaks. Adams is epigrammatic and lyrical, satirical and poignant, philosophical and mundane, raw and sublime. Check out the clips on YouTube, purchase the video, and sprint to the next available production.

GARY FOUNTAIN

On a spring evening in Dutch, a man of Chinese descent clad in dark clothes with black funky glasses takes the stage. He begins by comically saying that he’s “finicky,” straightening the podium before beginning his address. His quiet voice is soothing as he recites one of his own poems. This man, Li-Young Lee, Chatham Hall’s 2010–2011 Writer in Residence, exceeded any expectations.

Mr. Lee spent most of his childhood traveling from place to place because his parents were Chinese political exiles. After finally arriving in the United States, he discovered his passion and talent for poetr y when he attended the University of Pittsburgh. From then on, his poetry has gained critical praise, and his books have earned many awards. His poetry carries otherworldly, religious undertones with mystical themes and reminiscences of his childhood, making a style all his own.

The themes present in his poetry carry over into his everyday philosophy. When asked to describe his poetry, Mr. Lee responds, “A poem is a graph of human thinking. All human speech is done with a dying breath.” He continues, saying, “Poetr y is a musical score for the human soul. The more I say the more meaning I give.”

Mr. Lee concludes his address to the School by asking us not only to enjoy his poetr y but also to question ourselves and our lives. He does not want us merely to sit and to listen. “It’s not about the writer for me. If you can look and observe the richness in your own lives, then my job is done.”

Merjen Atayeva ’14, Shamila Kohestani, and Walker Abbott ’14

—BELL JOHNSON ’12

After taking this class, I realize that our fear of the Middle East has taken over our logic.

—MAREN SHERRILL ’13

I still have many questions about the religion of the Islamic world.

I will not stop my learning about Islamic culture, and I hope I can communicate with Islamic culture more and more in the future.

—JIACHEN JI ’12

“This class was very eye-opening for me, as it fit things that I already knew into a great web of an ancient and beautiful culture and showed me that people my age act very much the same even in Iran. Their culture had always seemed foreign and vaguely dangerous to me, but now I see that it is not so different from our own.

—ARDRA HREN ’11

—KATHLEEN DONAHUE ’11

Moving, stunning, simple, and filled with heart, The Colour of God was a joy to watch. I

the

—LAURA KELLOW ’11

Chatham Hall Students Honored at the White House

O N O CTOBER 18, Chatham Hall students, Tally Stanley ’11, Chen Xie ’11, Libby Goldstein ’12, and Meredith Lee ’12 travelled to the White House Science Fair at the invitation of President Obama, who recognized the young women for their exceptional participation in the 2010 TEAMS (Test of Engineering Aptitude Math and Science) Competition. TEAMS is an annual high school competition designed to help students explore their potential for engineering, and for the third consecutive year, a team from Chatham Hall has competed at the highest level of the competition. The group is coached by Chatham Hall physics instructor Molly Thomas.

It was such an honor to be selected to attend. And even cooler to get to shake the

Using their math, science, and 21st-century learning skills (critical thinking and problem solving, communication and collaboration, and creativity and innovation), the Chatham Hall team worked together to solve everyday technological challenges. From exploring how engineers are involved in the logistics of large-scale athletic events, like the Olympic Games, to using their skills to provide access to clean water, the Chatham team has excelled in the TEAMS Competition.

The TEAMS program offers our girls the opportunity to work as scientists, as problem-solvers, and to experience what engineers, mathematicians, and others do everyday figure things out.

—ACADEMIC DEAN MARTHA GRISWOLD

The girls and coach Molly Thomas outside the White House, where they were honored for their participation in the 2010 TEAMS competition.

The girls met Jamie Hyneman and Adam Savage from the show “MythBusters,” while waiting outside the White House.

President’s hand.

—LIBB Y GOLDSTEIN ’12

Tally Stanley ’11, Libby Goldstein ’12, Meredith Lee ’12, and Chen Xie ’11

Well-known author John Grisham and Virginia’s former 5th District Congressman Tom Perriello visited with Chatham Hall students and faculty on October 22, 2010. Grisham was in town campaigning for Perriello, who asked to visit campus. Chatham Hall had accepted and followed with an invitation to Perriello’s opponent Robert Hurt—who was unable to visit—to do the same. Perriello and Grisham met with students and faculty to discuss politics, books, service, community involvement, and social concerns. Grisham

himself practiced law for 10 years in Mississippi, and was elected from his district to serve in the Mississippi House of Representatives from 1983 to 1990.Grisham also discussed his newest book, The Confession, which was released shortly after his visit.

“The informal gathering with Tom Perriello and John Grisham was a wonderful mixture of books and politics,” said English Instructor, Dr. Ann Beal. “It worked so seamlessly into our day that it just seemed another part of the learning life of Chatham Hall.”

CHAT READS Doing Girlfriend Theology: God-talk with Young Women

Dori Grinenko Baker

T HE PILGRIM PRESS, 2005

Who would have guessed that one of the experts in the study of girls’ spirituality lives in the area and has a daughter at Chatham Hall? Dori Grinenko Baker, mother of Erin Baker ’13, from Altavista, VA, is the author of four books, plus numerous articles, and is a sought-after workshop leader. In Doing Girlfriend Theology, she provides a framework for not only understanding but also experiencing the way girls think about the sacred. Central to her method is beginning with the voices and life stories of adolescent girls and engaging them with the stories and experiences of adult women. The result is a fascinating look into how girls experience “God moments” in their lives, and how these moments become opportunities for spiritual growth and new ways of engaging the world. As one person has noted, Baker writes beautifully, “with a pastor’s eye, a scholar’s voice, and a mother’s heart.”

Two Cool Camps - One Great Location

Summer Investigators Science Camp

July 24 - Aug 4, 2011

forgirlsgrades6-8

DennisOliver,ourheadof science,bringshisacclaimed SummerProgramtoChatham Hallagainthissummer.Make useoftheschool’sstate-of-theartfacilitieswhileintegratingthe areasofScience,Mathematics andComputerTechnologyinto areal-lifeexperiencewhere studentsassumetheroleof forensicinvestigatorsasthey solveamockcrime.

Seniors celebrate 100 Days until Graduation

Riding Camps

Session I

July 10 - 23, 2011

forgirlsage12-16

Session II

July 24 - 30, 2011

forgirlsage9-12

30-Hour Famine

Chatham Hall sophomore Victoria Fitzgerald organized a 30-hour Famine event through World Vision, an international Christian relief organization.

Director of Communication Releases S olo Album

Chatham Hall’s Director of Communication, Robert Ankrom, released his first solo album, Rise Above, in January 2011. “I guess you’d classify the music as folk-rock with spiritually charged lyrics,” said Mr. Ankrom, who started recording the songs last year, mostly out of a desire to document the songs for his daughter Fiona. His songs fit into one of two categories, “hopeful and positive or darker examinations of the human experience,” said Mr. Ankrom, adding that at this point in his life, and with all the blessings he’s been given, it was important to focus on the former. “Many of my songs examine the darker side of specific situations, but I really wanted to release this particular collection of songs because I felt so strongly about the positive story they told together,” he shared.

Camperswillliveinairconditioneddormitorieson

ChathamHall’sbeautiful 360-acrecampus.

Joinusforanexcellentriding andresidentialexperience packedwithfun-filledactivities tohelpyoulearntorideand/or improveyourridingskills.

Victoria enlisted more than 40 fellow students and faculty members to participate in the event. Participants fasted for 30 hours and raised $1,300 for the cause.

Mr. Ankrom presented a show in St. Mary’s Chapel— where a number of the songs were recorded—on January 9, and is interested in performing for congregations, youth camps and conferences, and other schools. “The show at St. Mary’s Chapel was really special,” he said, “because so many of the songs were written and shaped with my family’s experience at Chatham Hall in mind.”

Rise Above is available at the Chatham Hall bookstore and online at Robert Ankrom’s website http://robertankrom.com/ home.html, or through CDBaby. Downloads are also available through iTunes.

Chatham Hall is proud to offer two different camps for girls.

“When the earthquake had just happened in Haiti, many sprung into action to help, but when the news stations moved on to other topics, people started to forget. Going on with life as normal, when I know people are still struggling in Haiti and around the world, is nearly impossible. I wanted to make a change,” said Victoria.

Chanel Forbes ’12, John Grisham, Tom Perriello, and Laura Kellow ’11

Slipper Found: Evil Stepsisters Defeated

Race for the Cure

When Chatham Hall hosted Nancy Brinker, sister of Susan G. Komen, as Leader in Residence in 2005, the Chatham Athletic Council organized a Chatham Hall Race for the Cure event with all proceeds going directly to the Susan G. Komen Foundation. This year 135 members of the Chatham Hall community gathered to take part in Chatham Hall’s 4th Race for the Cure event to raise awareness and support for the fight against Breast Cancer.

Speaker Urges Students to Look Beyond the Name to Find the Best College Fit

Chatham Hall’s Drama Department breathed new life into the well-known story of Cinderella in the 2011 Winter Musical, Cinderella’s Glass Slipper.

Chatham Hall’s Drama breathed new life into the well-known story of Cinderella in the 2011 Winter Musical, Cinderella’s Glass Slipper.

Each of the colorful cast members added her own charm to the comedic musical. “The chemistry of this cast was just incredible,” said Victoria Fitzgerald ’13. “We all really enjoyed feeding off each other.”

“The cast committed two hours every weekday to the theater,” said director Sheppard Morrison. “This time gave us the opportunity to work on improvisations, voice exercises, character building, and even a little dance.”

The cast and crew for Cinderella’s Glass Slipper were: Amelia Altizer ’14, Kathryn Bennett ’11, Amanda Booth ’14, Sandra De Anda ’11, Victoria Fitzgerald ’13, Chanel Forbes ’12, Elizabeth Garner ’14, Ardra Hren ’11, Trilby Hren ’13, Flora Keresztely ’12, Sydney Lane ’12, Dasia Moore ’14, Caitlyn Morris ’14, Rebecca Oh ’12, Sasha Seliverstova ’13, Margaret Spencer ’12, Tally Stanley ’11, Cassidy Tebeau ’13, Rachel Tuite ’14, Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12, and Siyi Zhao ’12.

Marty O’Connell, President of the non-profit organization Colleges That Change Lives, Inc. (CTCL), spoke to the Chatham Hall community on December 2 about the college selection process. CTCL was founded as a result of a book by the same name written by the late Loren Pope, former New York Times education editor. In the 1996 book and its two later editions, published in 2000 and 2006, Loren listed 40 liberal arts colleges that offered as much to students, or in some cases more, than did Ivy League schools. Ms. O’Connell, who has been featured on MSNBC and in the New York Times, suggests that the college search should begin with the student. What are the student’s needs and interests and which colleges best “fit” them? Ms. O’Connell warned that students who focus primarily on the prestige of colleges risk overlooking the colleges that are most suitable for them. She urged Chatham Hall girls to examine who they are and why they are going to college “College is a match to be made, not a prize to be won,” she said.

Juvenile Diabetes Walk

Forty-three members of the Chatham Hall community participated in the Juvenile Diabetes Research Foundation Walk for the Cure event in Roanoke, Virginia. Junior Hannah Early, who was diagnosed with Diabetes Type I when she was 13, organized the event. With the support of faculty members Robert Ankrom and Ned Edwards (who also has Diabetes Type I), she raised $1,664 for the cause.

“It was such a special feeling, as the walk started, to be surrounded by my friends and classmates. That support was tremendous,” commented Hannah.

Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12 and Ardra Hren ’11

Victoria Fitzgerald ’13, Trilby Hren ’13, Kathryn Bennett ’11, and Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12

Amelia Altizer ’14, Sydney Lane ’12, and S andra De Anda ’11

Rebecca Oh ’12 and Sasha Seliverstova ’13

Elizabeth Garner ’14 and Siyi Zhao ’12

Amy MacDonough ’13 at the Chatham Hall Race for the Cure

Marty O’Connell discussing college selection with Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12

Each one. Making a difference.

MARY COLLINS ATKINSON ’13

Despite a record-breaking snowstorm and one cancelled flight, the Model United Nations class arrived n Chicago—one day behind schedule—on Friday, February 4, for the Annual Model U.N. Conference held at the University of Chicago. Chatham Hall delegates, representing Namibia, joined the 2,600 other delegates in attendance—some who came from as far as China—in introducing working papers, debating amendments, and voting on resolutions. After spending 12 hours each day on such work, each committee in attendance was able to pass a resolution for its country. Although the resolutions do not affect the real world, the process gave each student a glimpse into the workings of the United Nations.

Alumnae Boost Admission Efforts

WITH RECORD-HIGH INQUIRIES AND CAMPUS

VISITS THIS YEAR, Chatham Hall’s Office of Admission is excited about the strong pool of new prospective students—and the bright future of the School. “Admission is a process that requires patience and concentrated follow-through over a period of time to reach set goals,” shared Admission and Financial Aid Director Vicki Wright. “We have worked hard at building a solid enrollment pipeline,” added Director of Communications Robert Anrkom. “This includes fine-tuning the pieces that represent the School and streamlining the entire Admission recruitment process. It’s all about working harder and smarter, and staying on track.” That is not to say that the team hasn’t had some muchneeded help from the School’s number one salespeople—Alumnae!

“Alumnae have graciously welcomed us into their homes, referred phenomenal girls, met us for a casual lunch, and hosted admission parties, and we are so grateful for all of their help and support

in keeping the traditions of Chatham Hall ongoing,” shared Admission Counselor Lelan Dunavant ’05.

Chatham Hall alumnae continue to refer dynamic, bright, strong, young women to continue the Chatham Hall tradition.

STE PHANIE HEWITT HEDGE ’89

With a growing arsenal of unique and dynamic programs and scholarship opportunities, including the new Nilsen Scholars Program, Chatham Hall continues to stake its claim as one of the country’s finest all-girls schools. No forum has proven more successful in helping to spread the word than alumnae-focused events. “I cannot tell you how many times I have found myself striking up a conversation with someone in an airport or waiting room,” said Associate Director of Admission Stephanie Hewitt Hedge ’89, “only to find that a sister, wife, aunt, or grandmother is a Chatham Hall aluma. Chatham Hall alumnae continue to refer dynamic, bright, strong, young women to continue the Chatham Hall tradition.” For more information on how you can help the Office of Admission recruit girls in your area please call the Office of Admission’s toll-free number, 877-644-2941.

Chatham Hall Takes Another Green Step

Chatham Hall’s Environmental Science class is doing its part to create on-campus solutions to environmental issues. As part of a class project, spurred by a gift from the family of Sudie Brown ’09, the students proposed that the School purchase a compost barrel. Their suggestion was approved and Chatham Hall is on its way to creating fertile soil for its campus green house.

“I hope that our composting project is merely a launching pad for implementing other green solutions at Chatham Hall,” said science and math teacher Amy Davis.

A key part of this project has been the creation of a Sustainability Committee that oversees green solutions at Chatham Hall. Currently, the Committee is working to educate the community on the use of the composter. The Committee is also researching a more advanced composter, the Earth Tub, that would allow the School to compost all food wastes—everything on every plate, including meats and cheeses. The approach is a step-by-step one, with the ultimate goal of becoming certified as a “green school” through the Virginia Association of Independent Schools.

“It’s important to know how to make yourself heard, how to develop your good ideas into feasible solutions, and how to ask the right people to approve the changes you seek,” said Ms. Davis. “I’m a huge fan of getting these essential life lessons across, using project-based learning experiences that teach students not only about science but also about how they, as individuals, as leaders, can make a difference in their communities.”

Tally Stanley ’11, Rachel Quinn ’11, Hannah Early ’12, and Kathryn Bennett ’11 enjoying the sights of Chicago

Bell Johnson ’12 and Hannah Early ’12 at the conference

Tomoka Murakami ’11

Family Day, 2011 • April 1, 2011

Parent Advisory Committee Meeting, Family Day

Walker Abbott '14 with grandmother Beth Turner and mother Darnell Abbott

Alexandra Powell ’14 with grandmother Ellen Jo Powell and mother Elizabeth Powell

Elise Dugan ’12 and mother Valerie Welch

Amelia Altizer ’14 and grandmother Anna Altizer

Parent Committee Meeting Family Day, Jenkie Atkinson P’13 and Karen Soderstrom P’12

Annette Vosteen GP’13, Louis Vosteen GP’13, Paul Vosteen P’13, Vaden Vosteen ’13, Wils Vosteen, Stryker-Ann Vosteen, and Madge Vosteen P’13

Krista Phillips ’12 and mother Nancy Phillips

Dasia Moore ’14 and grandfather Bishop Fred Moore

Madison McAdams with aunt Bekki Jucksch and cousin Avery Jucksch

Mary Madison Laffitte ’14 and parents Sterling and Lin Laffitte

Victoria Fitzgerald ’12 and grandmother Nancy Gillespie

Kathleen Amos P’07 P’12 and Rector Gary Fountain enjoy the Family Day soccer game

Catherine Morris P’14, Ned Morris P’14, Alexandra Morris, Caitlyn Morris ’14, and Dick Jackson GP’14

Jim and Lisa Tuite P’14 enjoy watching a soccer game on Family Day

Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12 and grandparents Joan and Wirt Winebrenner

Maren Sherrill '13 and mother Lori Wainright

In the College Ranks

Fall Honors and Awards

The

CROSS COUNTRY

The team repeated as team champions of the Greater Danville Metro Cross Country Championships.

ALL-METRO TEAM

Isabelle Dunham ’11

Christina Ostro ’13

Mary Soderstrom ’12

Stephanie Tuck ’13

THIRD PL A CE BRC CHAMPIONSHIP

The team competed with 167 runners in Division I I and finished in 11th place in the Virginia Independent Schools Athletic Association State Meet.

VOLLEYBALL

FIELD HOCKEY

The Turtles played an outstanding BRC championship game and dropped the 1-0 match-up to Carlisle School.

BRC FIRST TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

Hannah Haymes ’12

Bell Johnson ’12

Chiara van der Put ’13

BRC SECOND TEAM ALL-CONFERENCE

Libby Goldstein ’12

Madison McAdams ’14

BRC ALL-

T OURNAMENT

TE AM

Tyler Burkett ’11

Hannah Haymes ’12

Bell Johnson ’12

2010 BRC C OACH OF THE YE AR

Cathy LaDuke

Laurel Street Honored

Each fall, the prestigious and highly competitive High School Heisman Program, sponsored by Wendy’s, recognizes the nation’s most esteemed high-school-senior men and women for excellence in academics, athletics, and community involvement. Chatham Hall senior and Student Council President, Laurel Street, was recognized this year as a part of the program.

Winter 2011 Sports Highlights

Senior field hockey captain, Tyler Burkett ’11, has been named to the 2010 High School National Academic Squad sponsored by Gladiator by SGI and the National Field Hockey Coaches Association.

The varsity swim team wrapped up their competitive season with a 4th Place finish in the BRC Conference Championships on February 8. Captain, Catherine Merwin ’11, was named to the BRC All-Conference team.

The Varsity Basketball team finished their season with a loss to Carlisle School in the Quarter-Final round of the BRC Basketball Tournament. Elise Dugan ’12, was named to the BRC 2nd Team All-Conference.

The JV Team wrapped up their season after a loss to Liberty Christian Academy in the Semi-Final round of the BRC Basketball Tournament.

Purple- Gold Basketball was played on Friday, February 25, with the Purple Team taking the 26-9 victory. udent Basketball game, the Varsity Turtles topped the Faculty All-Stars 32-30

Madalyn Crowell ’07 – University of Mary Washington Cross Country Crowell captained the UMW cross country team this fall and the team finished in10th place at the NCAA Division III South/Southeast Championships in Memphis, Tennessee. Crowell took 62nd place at 24:28.00 in the NCAA Championship Meet.

Sarah Hibler ’10 – Sweet Briar College Riding Hibler won the championship in the Hunter Seat Medal Finals while competing in the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association Annual Show, held November 5–7, at the Virginia Horse Center in Lexington, Virginia. Hibler was also honored with the Iris McNeil Junior Sportsmanship Award at the Southwest Virginia Hunter/Jumper Association year-end banquet.

Sandy Turnbull ’07 – Rensselaer Polytechnic Institute Field Hockey Turnbull has been selected as a member of the 2010 Longstreth/NFHCA Division III All-Region Field Hockey North Atlantic First Team. Turnbull also picked up 2010 Liberty League All-Academic Team and 2010 Second Team Liberty League Honors and was named the RPI Most Valuable Player at the team’s yearend banquet.

CHA T MOVIES

The Fighter direc ted by David O.Russell.Starring Mark Wahlberg,Christian Bale and Amy Adams

There is plenty of boxing in The Fighter, but do not let that stop you. Based on the story of Irish Mickey Ward (Wahlberg), a Lowell, Massachusetts welterweight boxer, the film is focused more on the strange and wonderful family that supports and sabotages Mickey’s career than on boxing. Mickey is trained by his brother, whose former boxing greatness is lost in a cloud of crack smoke, and managed by his mother, a tough-talking, hard-asnails mother of eight ever-present grown children. Bale, as Mickey’s brother and trainer, gives a performance that justifiably won him an Oscar, as a loveable and tragic crack-head who cannot accept that his best days are behind him. Adams does a great job as the sharp-tongued girlfriend willing to go up against Mickey’s dysfunctional family. The Fighter is an unsentimental treatment of the classic underdog story, told with compassion, humor, rapid-fire dialogue, and the best collection of dead-on Massachusetts accents since The Departed.

GRIFFIN

Coach LaDuke, Mary Kate Winebrenner ’12, and Margaret Spencer ’12 take a moment to talk strategy during a timeout at the Virginia Episcopal School game.

Mary Soderstrom ’12

Members of the Chatham Hall Swim Team ake a plunge.

Turtles bring success to the athletic program this fall with a strong showing

Lillian Calhoun ’11 was recognized by the coaches of the conference and named to the B R C Honorable Mention All-Conference Team.

The cross country team with coach Eva Greenberg

The volleyball team with coach Meredith Schwane and assistant coach Dennis Reichelderfer

The field hockey team with coach Cathy LaDuke

The varsity basketball team with coach Don Wood, assistant coach Jane Allen, and Don’s daughter Leigh Wood

South Africa: 2011

Jean Yoon ’11

March 15, 2011 at 11:58 p.m.

My group’s major task of the day was to read books and teach English at the Lawrencia Primary School Library, which was built by previous Chatham Hall students and teachers. The library was filled with pictures of Chatham Hall and colorful, welcoming notes. We quickly bonded with our partners and started to read the books either in English or Afrikaans. We talked about our cultural differences, and they also mentioned a couple of Chatham Hall students from last year and asked me to say hello for them.

March 12, 2011 at 11:12 a.m.

The children at Steenvlit School were amazing. They were so energetic and happy that we were there. One little girl really touched my heart when she came up to me and showed me a small brown bracelet that had the name Catherine engraved into it. She told me that a girl from Chatham Hall last year, named Catherine, had given it to her, and she asked me to tell Catherine that she misses her and loves her. So, Catherine Merwin, your friend in Touswriver is doing just fine.

Kelly Kim ’11

March 15, 2011 at 11:57 p.m.

I worked making meals in the Lawrencia School kitchen today When I prepared for the first meal, the director of the kitchen told me that the kids come to school sometimes primarily just to eat two meals. I have never had to go to school just to eat, but the two meals are the most important thing to Lawrencia kids. Even though they are in a poor environment, they never lose their smiles. I’ll never be able to forget their smiles!!

Dr Edmonds, Teacher of English

March 16, 2011 at 11:31 p.m.

This morning Dr. Spearman and I came down to breakfast in the Hotel Graeme and were pleasantly greeted by another hotel guest, a gentleman who works for the South African government in areas of conservation. He had overheard our group yesterday morning as we had blogged about our work in Lawrencia and talked about our upcoming endeavors against the water hyacinth. He said that he wanted to do something to recognize our group’s efforts and to say “thank you.”

He then handed Dr S. a bouquet of the South African national flower, the protea, a pink flower reminiscent of our magnolia but with a pin cushion in the middle. There was a flower for every girl.

Michelle Penot ’13

thetoastfromcoasttocoast

More than 360 members of the Chatham Hall family gathered in 21 cities in 18 states on November 11 to toast the School. We raised our glasses to the completion of a $58.9 million capital campaign, to the growth of the School’s endowment from $12.9 to $60 million, to new facilities and enhanced athletic and academic programs, to a new Nilsen Scholars Program initiative, and to much more. We also toasted the girls of Chatham Hall—academic achievers invited to the White House because of their exemplary course of study, athletes who play to win, dedicated volunteers serving others at home and abroad, and future leaders conversing easily with the presidents, artists, and scientists brought to campus. Finally, we toasted our alumnae, parents, and friends whose dedication and faith in Chatham Hall’s mission advances the School’s position as a leader in girls' education.

San Francisco, California Jacquie Pottorf '06, Sarah Yardley ’66, Daphne Crocker-White ’59, Liza Bartlett Reavis ’77, Lynn Rosengarten Horowitz ’67 Dena Donahue P’11, and host Elizabeth Yarborough ’98

Santa Monica, California Sharon Ellis Miller ’57, Sarah Morris ’72, Sherri Talbert Caruso ’78, Nini Hadjis ’89, Julie Bennett Cleveland ’72, and Laura Moore Buddine ’66

Charleston, South Carolina Jennifer Hills ’04, Mindy Allen Deriso ’89, and Mia Hudson ’07

Greenwich, Connecticut Stephanie Nunes Kies ’64, Lori Braun Jackson ’74, Lydee Conway Hummel ’72, and Susan Huntington Fisher ’60

Portland, Maine Host, Sarah Shartle Meacham ‘51, gathered with alumnae to toast the School

Santa Fe, New Mexico Polly Wotherspoon ’67, Ellie Wotherspoon ’73, Juliana Brown Henderson ’72, and host Jane Yardley Amos ’59

Denver, Colorado John Moore, Doris Beasley Martin ’48, Julia Morris Kashkshian ’75, and Mary Tiedeman Hoagland ’42

Houston, Texas Lorena Vega ’06, Maria Vega ’06, and Genie Richardson Nash ’62

Chatham, Virginia Kathryn Waters ’14, Anna-Lena Scherer ’13, Trilby Hren ’13, and Victoria Fitzgerald ’13

Sarasota, Florida Sydney Goldstein and Jerome Goldstein GP’12 and Host Dora Thomas P’02, P’04

Brooklyn Heights, New York Babs Harrison ’74, Josie McFadden ’57, Jane Garnett ’73, Olga Ramsay ’06, Elizabeth Hutchinson ’98, Gary Fountain, Christina Fountain, Gifty Amponsem ’07, Susan Bruce ’75, and Emma Smith ’05

Washington, D.C. Lindsay Hockensmith ’06, Nell Gilliam ’06, Amanda Smith ’06, and Ashley Hockensmith ’05

Jackson, Mississippi Cynthia Bryant Parker ’61, Jen Hollingsworth McGehee ’91, Sarah Dabney Gillespie ’77, Pace Cooke Emmons ’77, and Nell Wade ’73

Left: Alumnae, friends, and faculty celebrate Chatham Hall’s toast from coast to coast at Red Oak Brewery in Whitsett, North Carolina

Birmingham, Alabama Walker Johnson Jones ’70, Kenzie Logan Graffeo ’02, Lelan Dunavant ’05, Julia Rowe P’05, Julia Rowe ’05, Katherine McLean Ryan ’98, Donie Martin Carlson ’87, Frances Sommers Wheelock ’75, Maibeth Deas Keith ’98, Ann Ward Morgan ’48, and Nina Johnson Botsford ’72

Book Review

THE MASTER OF PETERSBURG by J. M. Coetzee (Penguin Books, 1994)

TRAVELS IN SIBERIA by Ian Frazier (Farrar, Straus and Giroux, 2010)

In rather serendipitous ways, I recently came upon two extraordinary books about Russia, and thought it would be fun to review them both for those who, like me, may be infected with the “love-everything-Russian” bug or for others who may be looking for something unusual to read.

J. M. Coetzee’s The Master of Petersburg and Ian Frazier’s Travels in Siberia take the reader on complementary though wildly different adventures. Coetzee’s fictional exploration of Dostoevsky by imagining his return to Petersburg to investigate the mysterious death of his stepson Pavel focuses on discovering the very heart of the master Russian writer and allows the Nobelprize-winning South African writer to explore questions that have troubled him in his own writings as well. Frazier’s much more light-hearted book about Siberia combines travel book, history, vivid descriptions of landscape and people, and an astute review of other books written about Siberia, all in an engaging style of narrative that will be quite familiar to Frazier’s fans who may regularly follow his contributions to The New Yorker. Coetzee’s book is one that is hard to put down once it is started in earnest; Frazier’s invites a leisurely read, a welcoming book to return to for an hour or so in the evening. Both, however, seem to be saying to the reader, “I’ve discovered something essential here, so listen!” I found the listening part very easy.

Coetzee’s novel presents us with a multi-layered structure that toys with our understanding of Dostoevsky, his novels, Russian history, and our own sense of truth, art, and morality. The fictional Dostoevsky, haunted by the death of his stepson Pavel and desperately wanting to reconnect with him, sneaks into Petersburg on a fake passport. Did Pavel commit suicide? Was he murdered? Is Dostoevsky himself in some way responsible for his death? The real Pavel outlived Dostoevsky by almost 20 years. The fictional Pavel comes to represent not only the younger generation that Dostoevsky came to question, to be troubled by, and even to denounce, but also Dostoevsky’s alter ego. As Dostoevsky gathers more and more disturbing information about Pavel’s Nihilist terrorist comrades, Coetzee unfolds more layers, and the irony begins to dazzle: the historical monster Nechaev plays a major role, the police inspector who is in possession of all of Pavel’s papers has the same maddening philosophical depth of Raskolnikov’s nemesis, and there is even a young prostitute named Sonya.

In the end, Coetzee gives the reader much to contemplate. Especially in the dramatic confrontations between Dostoevsky and

Nechaev, we revisit the questions Dostoevsky asked in his novels but through the eyes of our modern dilemmas. In the end, there is a reaffirmation of Dostoevsky’s views of truth and freedom, and of the role of the artist, despite some of the darker realities expressed, for example, in Dostoevsky’s answer to what kind of books he writes: “I write perversions of the truth. I choose the crooked road and take children into dark places. I follow the dance of the pen.” If Coetzee captures the spirit of Dostoevsky, Frazier comes close to capturing the spirit of the land of Siberia. Yes, both do so as outsiders, but this sense of figuring out something elusive and precious is, nonetheless, present in both works. In tracing his adventures during his travels to Siberia, coming at it from both east and west and over a number of years, Frazier begins in relative ignorance, comparing himself to a dog or cat living in a strange world with no sense of the language being spoken. His first triumph with the language occurs when, still a relative novice to the language, he makes people laugh by blurting our, “Pushkin lyubil kidat’sya kamnyami!” (“Pushkin likes to throw rocks”), while he is on a fishing trip helping others fill burlap bags with stones to anchor the nets. Gradually he weaves together this masterpiece of a volume, taking the highly entertained reader along with him every step of the way.

While the main stream of the book consists of the very human story of Frazier’s travel adventures with his Russian guides and companions, interlaced throughout are rich veins of history about the Tsars, the Mongols, the Decembrists, whom Frazier calls “incomplete grandiosity personified,” and the many important personages exiled for political or literary reasons. The author’s ink drawings, which are woven throughout the book, draw the eye and the imagination to the elegant beauty of the harsh landscape that Frazier’s words also describe so well: “sky-high larches, rank on rank of birches, poplars four feet around, and an understory of blueberry, currant and red raspberry bushes, along with ferns of many kinds and mushrooms soggy with rainwater and shot through with worms.” The index, the notes, the selected bibliography, all well-done, add depth and value to the work, but its main strength is Frazier’s unfailing ability to find language to bring the traveler’s curiosity to life and to tell stories that hold the experience forever. His self-effacing tone adds humor, as when he says of his fishing adventure early in the book, “Aside from the rain and wind and chill, and chronically damp clothes, I enjoyed the fish camp.” However, it is the cumulative effect of having all these stories in your mind, along with the added layers of history and miscellaneous information about the land and the people, as you complete the book that makes reading it such an enriching experience.

Class Notes

SPRING 2011

Leila McConnell Daw has had works exhibited in Teaneck, New Jersey; Woodstock, New York; St. Louis, Missouri; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania; Rutgers, New Jersey; Brooklyn, New York; New Haven, Connecticut; and at Auburn University in Alabama this year She also did an installation in the window of Boston Sculptors Gallery which was up through the winter, and created permanent site-specificinstallations for the Hartford CT airport, Wilson Library in New Haven, and Northwestern CT Community College in Winsted. “Mapping, as concept and as process, is the underlying content of my work. Mapping is a way of representing the convergence of place and movement, a means of imposing human ideas over the contours of the natural world, a system of filters through which we see the landscape, a process by which we attempt to make sense of mixed cultural and spatial nonsense. My structures, installations, paintings, and drawings map (in some form or other) the course of disasters, travels, myths, confusions, ruminations, stasis, and change.”

If Coetzee captures the spirit of Dostoevsky, Frazier comes close to capturing the spirit of the land of Siberia.

Northeast Seas Exploration, Fragments — 2010, Mixed media on silk, 12' x 5'

Map Icons – 2006–2010, Mixed media on wood, each c. 9" square

Flow – 2010, Mixed media on paper, 5–4" x 28', installation length variable

37 Mary Dykema

McGuire My husband Jim McGuire died January 7 after five tough alzheimers years. We shared 39 wonderful years—four granddaughters, 25, 24, 23, 20 and one grandson, 18. I am so lucky that I am still mobile with a walker. I don’t hurt! And, I sleep well. I send love and gratitude to Chatham Hall.

39 Mary Speer Marr

In close touch with neighbor and Chatham roommate Bunny Hathaway ’39.

41Joan Brewer What a gift to see Pinkie Lasell Whipple ’39. She befriended me when I was a freshman—in 1937— and she was a junior–living next door to our three-room, in Pruden. Life is good for me right now. Doing a lot of theater. Great fun.

Tina Jewett Hartshorne

I now have seven great grandchildren! Unfortunately none of them live anywhere near me, but we keep in touch.

43

Edith Bettle

Gardner I have just become a great grandmother for the first time

45

Eleanor Ogg Cooper Thankful cheers to Hook who keeps us together and participating proudly!

Charlotte Streeter Goodhue

Living happily in a retirement community. Just back from hiking along Hadrian’s Wall in England. Planning more long distance hiking. We’ll keep going as long as we remain healthy

Mary McChesney Ten Eyck

I am completely blessed to count my four children and partners, 13 grandchildren—seven of whom are married with children, gifting me five precious great granddaughters! I am still deep into community volunteer service, primarily Hospice and jail ministry, but allowing time for writing (memoirs and perceptions)!

46

Nancy Ober Bowman See Ann Mitchell Throop ’46 often and correspond with Allie Erskine Farrar ’46 and Joan Houston McCulloch ’46 Despite creaky joints and a couple of junkets to the ER, all is more than well.

48

Margaret Ker Gotz

Best wishes to all ’48 classmates, and their

earlygreen

Jean “Bunny” Brundred Murray ’38 came of age at a pivotal time in our nation’s history.She served during World War II,first as a Red Cross Volunteer and,then,in the Navy’s WAVES (Women Accepted for Volunteer Emergency Service) where she trained as an aviation mechanic and attended O fficer Candidate School.While in the Service,Bunny met Jim Murray,and the two were wed soon after they had been discharged.They eventually settled on an 850-acre farm in Virginia,which Bunny had come to love during her time at Chatham Hall.Soon,Jim was directing his own manufacturing business and teaching at U.Va.and Bunny was running the farm, raising cattle,sheep,and eight sons! Panorama Farm sits on land that is part of the Chesapeake Bay watershed.Bunny and Jim implemented “low-till”farming methods that protect water resources by reducing soil erosion. They also shunned the use of pesticides, planting and sacrificing additional crops to pests.They currenlty have a composting operation that supplies local gardeners and farmers with nutrient-rich soil additives that reduce the need for chemical treatment.Bunny and Jim have been honored for their conservation and civic leadership by the Charlottesville and Albermarle County Chamber of Commerce,the Virginia General Assembly,the Garden Club of Virginia,and the Virginia Conser vation Network.Years before the first Earth Day,and decades before organic food and sustainable farming became common,Bunny Murray and her family were protecting their land.Their leadership and civic engagement established a model for workable,sustainable,farming methods.

families. I lost my husband, Gene, recently, but the children and five “grands” (ages 9 to 21) are thriving. I enjoy all your news.

Sandra MacRae Halsey Corozal is emerging from the 3rd world status—the people are happy and the weather mostly sunny and warm (we call 65 degrees cold, and it rarely gets there)! If you’re ever coming this way, give me a holler.

50 Cynthia Murray Henriques We are settling into our new digs, a big change from the farm and ponies, but one we needed to make.

Sara Reese Pryor On my way home from round-up fun at the Blacktail Ranch (called “gathering” in Montana). I visited Margaret Gammage Nicol ’50 in Fort Collins, CO. My roommate during our senior year, she

also was a bridesmaid at my wedding in 1954. We enjoyed talking about our present lives, reminisced those past, and hope to reunite again (before too long!).

Theresa Williams Webb

After graduating from Chatham Hall, I attended Smith College then got my MA degree from the University of Michigan, my Masters in Education from the University of Pittsburgh, and my Doctor of Philosophy from University of America. Since 1991 I have travelled extensively training counselors and helping to establish prevention programs in Russia, Romania, Tajistan, Honduras, Egypt, Kenya, and Tanzania. Today I write middle school historical fiction and serve on the board of one of the organizations I founded.

51Mary Shoup Gardner Not many Chathams around us—

Povy LaFarge Bigbee ’51 is the closest, plus a few in Denver, and Baba Berger Owen’s ’51 frequent visits to her home here. I appreciate Chatham’s religious emphasis more than ever as I am taking a great Bible class at our local Episcopal church under the Rev. Margaret Austin. We are active at St. Peter’s and love it. See Caroline Moore ’54 often at a summer music festival–look forward to spring and my next visit to the South.

Joanna Sperry Mockler

I’ve just retired off the World Vision US and World Vision International Boards after 12 very challenging and rewarding years

Christina Sawtelle Teale

Looking forward enormously to our 60th!!! reunion in April. Still learning to be American again. Not easy after 55 years in England!

52 Nancy Kester Neale

My granddaughter, Isabella Yeager ’07, is back at Smith College for her senior year, after last year at the Sorbonne University in Paris, France.

54

Susanna Van Cleef

Joannidis My husband, Costa, and I are enjoying a life of simple retirement: two adorable toddler grandchildren 20 minutes away; involvement in Condo Assoc. where we moved to three years ago; volunteering with Lincoln Council on Aging; going to the gym. Our fling, instead of travel to far away places, is the rental of a house in Tamworth, NH for a year as a “second home.” Stopped by Chatham on a road trip last spring and at a coffee house, learned about the delights of retiring to the town of Chatham. Sounds attractive!

Caroline Ramsay Merriam Still working at my founda-

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Denver, CO Cory Freyer ’70, Steve Wilson, and Caroline Young Moore ’54.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Houston, TX Host John Wallace P’08, Elisabeth McGinty Laigle ’49, and George Laigle.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Portland, ME Audrey Sawtelle Delafield ’60, Christina Sawtelle Teale ’51, and Janet Satelle Houghton ’54.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Greenwich, CT Alice Pack Melly ’52 and Olivia Hutchins Dunn ’53.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Houston, TX Rebecca Brown Hutcheson ’70, Tarleton Russell ’71, and Susan Judd Brown ’46.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Portland, ME Kerry Cogburn Tietjen ’73, Sarah Lawrence Clark ’40, and Cynthia Waterbury Cole ’46.

to be backpacked. A tough hike but so rewarding!

tion, giving away to community and international development/organizations and efforts to combat abusive child labor and sex trafficking. My husband is retired from the World Bank. We have three children (one died three years ago), seven grandchildren, and two great grandchildren. To Turks and Caicos this winter and Brittany in June and July (after Paris and Saint Mâto).

Caroline Young Moore 2010 was another busy year. Sailed in Tahiti in January, took grandson Reid–13 yrs to Brazil in June and visited

the Dominican Republic in October. Visited with Bobby Greene Plauth ’54 in Santa Fe in August. Our family are well–grandson Tyler now at University of Colorado–still have four to go to college. Would love to see old Chatham friends if you ever are in the Aspen area.

58 Molly Buck Wissie Thompson ’58 and Lee Porter Page ’59 stayed with me on their way back from the Alumnae Council weekend. Our mouths were going a mile a minute. It was great fun!

55

Louanna Owens Carlin After 48+ years, my roommate, Barbie (now Barbara) Barker ’55 and I reconnected in NYC. Very fun to catch up with the Chatham Hall experience. It was like a reunion of years ago. My life is full and busy in Brooklyn with grandchildren nearby. Deep into trying to learn to speak and understand Italian— hard work but enormously engaging.

Wissie Thompson Enjoy being on the Alumnae Council. It gets me back to the school twice a year and gives me a chance to meet with special friends who also live in Chatham. Have been in touch with and/or have seen many Chathamites over this past year

Jane Clark Warren Stuart has almost retired and we are learning about the fun and foibles of retired life! Our 10 grands are growing like the proverbial weeds. They go from twelve to six with one pair of twins. We are off to Morocco in the early Spring. Can’t wait!

59

Jane Yardley Amos

My big accomplishment for 2010 was completing hiking the 487 mile Colorado Trail. It took me 46 days over the course of four years—250 miles had

60 Audrey Sawtelle Delafield We had such a wonderful 50th Reunion this year! Looking forward to our 60th! Also enjoyed a Maine alumnae lunch at Sarah Meacham’s ’51 this fall. So lovely catching up with alums from around the state— all ages—great fun!

61Susan Goodfellow Hamilton was spotted by Chatham Hall’s, Missy Fountain, while vacationing in Santa Fe. Susanna, who goes by the professional name of Susanna Carlisle, is a remarkably talented video artist. Check out her Web site at http://www.c1h2.net/

65 Mary Fry Edmunds

Haywood John and I have had a very exciting year. Our daughter Betsey was married to Davidson classmate, Tim Dillon, in September, and son, John, to Taylor Tyson, whom he met at Williams College, in November.

documentaries and the latter for gyms, libraries, rehab medical centers, and private home use.

69 Janet Lewis Peden is serving as Chairman of the Board of a new Boys and Girls Club in her town of Bay City, TX.

57

Martha Moffitt Carlstrom Continued abundant praise for Robin Hadley ’57 who verifies Chatham Hall’s mission in her support of MANY worthy causes

62 Judy Treppendahl Robinson Thanks to Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62 and Carol Jane Van Landingham ’62 who’ve done a fantastic job as coclass agents! I run into Cynthia Bryant Parker ’61 on occasion. Her intelligence, beauty, and giving spirit have definitely made Jackson a better place!

63 Susan Beekman Clough Thanks to Barkie Billings Supplee ’53 and Sherley Young ’57 for Philadelphia evening on November 11, 2010.

Jane Webb Crawford Still enjoying teaching in the Classics Department of the University of Virginia. I am also serving as the Chair of the AP Latin Test Development Committee; it is very challenging and a lot of fun, working with a wonderful group.

66 Julia Felker Was freezing at her home in Northern Virginia in early winter, but returned to Florida after Christmas. Grandson, George P. Goodwin, was born on 10/10/10 and enjoyed celebrating his first Christmas.

Carolyn Carter Yawars Judy Carter ’63 and Carolyn Carter Yawars ’66 stayed with Mimi Walker Ward ’66 in Lexington, KY while attending the World Equestrian Games, October 2010.

67 Debbie Humphreys-Henn Jones I visited Polly Wotherspoon ’67 in Santa Fe and Tricia Noojin Dudley ’67 in Memphis this past year. Such fun!

Kathryn Carter Jacobs My husband, Wayne, and I formed our corporation 11 years ago as a second career. We travel extensively, in Europe and the US, filming HD stock footage and our own brand of virtual treadmill walks/bike ride DVDs. We edit the former for usage in

Laurie Nussdorfer Adams I have had several visits with Nancy Remley Whiteley ’68 this year, as she continues her courageous struggle with MSA (Multiple System Atrophy), a particularly debilitating form of Parkinson’s Disease.

Dianne Covey Ohlandt I’m enjoying Florida life in the Tampa Bay area. My son and grandbabies are in Arizona, one daughter is with me, and the other is still in Alabama. I try to see them when work permits.

CHAT READS

Talmadge Ragan Most of my professional experience has always been in the arts or media/communications. After going to UNC-Chapel Hill, I lived in NYC for over a decade, Vancouver a few years, Washington D.C., where I worked on Capitol Hill, a brief stint in London, and the last 20+ years in Los Angeles. I’ve just returned to NC where I’m primarily doing audiobooks and commercials, possibly maybe returning to doing more theatre again soon. So happy to be back in North Carolina! Charlotte is a great place to start Act 3! I just recorded a new audiobook, “The Women’s Rights Movement” by Shane Mountjoy that will be out soon. More to come!

Sisters: An Anthology edited by Jan Freeman,Emily Wojcik,and Deborah Bull PARIS PRESS, INC. 2009

This Christmas I received the book Sisters from, of course, one of my sisters. This anthology of both prose and poetry speaks about that competitive, supportive, maddening, and loving relationship between sisters. As a middle sister, hold the position of both younger sister, as well as older sister; the one attempting to measure up, and the one playing a protective role. The authors, some well-known, some not, are all sisters themselves. Through their anecdotes, they expose the many complexities and emotions of sisterhood.

The stories are from different eras and are cross-cultural. Some contain humor, some despair; all are moving. Through their sharing, one feels the sometimes painful, sometimes joyous specialness of being and having a sister.

Our sisters knew us then; they know us now. As Tsipi Keller points out, they are the early witnesses who help us chronicle our lives. Here’s to all our sisters!

PETIE PUGH KIRKPATRICK ’62

Judy Carter ’63, Mimi Walker Ward ’66, and Carolyn Carter Yawars ’66.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Sarasota, FL Judy McMurray Achre ’54 and Ann Tracy Ross ’51.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Portland, ME Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62 and Shirley Grange ’62.

Carol Dabbs, P’89, G P’03 and Robin Holt Cochran ’59 at a Chatham Hall reception in Charlotte, NC.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast San Francisco, CA Daphne Crocker-White ’59 and Liza Bartlett Reavis ’77

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Portland, ME Weezie Pugh Smith ’66, Georgia Pugh ’59, and Petie Pugh Kirkpatrick ’62.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast San Francisco, CA Lala Harrison ’78, Noree Lee ’60, and Susan Quinn P’11.

Catherine Walker Still working for the United Nations High Commissioner for Refugees in Geneva.

71Camille

Agricola

Bowman I hope everybody will try to make it to reunion–Chatham is a much happier place than when we were there. Come see what’s happening at Chatham and where fellow classmates are! I hope to see each and everyone of you.

Caroline Hedegaard Boyd I’m currently a patent/ trademark secretary at a DC branch of a large Indianpolis law firm. I live

with my husband, Mark, one beagle, Custer, and one cat, Bella Bleu, in a small house in Pimmit Hills, VA. I have no children. My brother is currently a writer for Rolling Stone.

Margaret Malloy Sanders I had a wonderful reunion with Edith Williams ’72, Mary Malloy Kelley ’72, and Nona Pinkoson Upshaw ’71 in Naples, FL.

Nona has recently relocated here so now I have a great friend close by!

73 Kathleen Ray Creekmuir Kathy welcomed her first grandchild, Henry Marshall

Knight, on July 20, 2010. It’s heaven!

Mia Miller We are still living in Anchorage, AK. I do charge backs for an AK Bank up here. We spend a lot of time fishing on the Kenai River in the summertime and enjoying the Alaskan outdoors.

Eugenie Russo Rector Gary Fountain and his wife

Missy had the pleasure of seeing Genie Russo and husband Helmut Weihsmann in Vienna, Austria in early March. Missy reports:

“I can’t think of a better way to see Vienna for the first time than with Genie and Helmut at my side!”

Would love to hear from classmates! I also am currently serving on the Alumnae Council for a second term.

87 Ann Leineweber I am the single, proud parent of Kate, who is four years old!

93 Laurel Cobble Fountain, husband Michael, and son, Flynn, announce the birth of another son, Graydon Clark Fountain. Graydon was born on July 13, 2010. He weighed 8 pounds, 6 ounces and was 19.5 inches long.

84 Katie Van Lennep and former faculty member and honorary alumna Alice Cromer celebrated the filing of their domestic partnership on January 05, 2011.

78

Margaretta Gallagher Archie I am the mother of three wonderful kids: Ellen, Sam, and Jamie.

80

Allison Sutton Fuqua Loved being at the reunion last year and seeing several classmates. I also had a wonderful time at a Toast from Coast to Coast at the Red Oak Brewery.

Annette Kirby I am still living in Roanoke working on my Master’s Degree in Liberal Arts with an Art concentration at Hollins University. I also have just finished in June 2010 a vacation home in Bath Co. near the Homestead.

85 Elizabeth Free Benton I have t wo boys, ages 14 and 12. I have been a stay at home mum since they were born. I have had various parttime jobs but currently spend a lot of my time volunteering.

Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek and husband, Charles, announce the birth of a son, Gerrit Ford Molhoek. Gerrit was born September 28, 2010. He weighed 9 pounds, 1.5 ounces and was 21.5 inches long.

96 Tanya Mahdi McMain, husband Neil, and sister Sarah, announce the birth of Sophia Grace McMain on August 10, 2010.

89 Ginger Lindsey On March 11, 2011, at Fado’s Pub in Atlanta, Georgia, Ginger Lindsey shaved her head for the fourth time to raise money to help cure cancer. She pledged to donate $25 to St Baldrick’s Foundation, www.stbaldricks.org, for each Chatham Hall girl who came out to see her “go bald.” Ginger started shaving her head for cancer when a co-worker’s son, Tanner, was diagnosed with Leukemia. Please contact Ginger at lindseyginger@att.net if you are interested in learning more

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Washington D.C Lucille Pilling ’63, Amanda Young ’99, and Emmalyn Cochran ’02.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast San Francisco,CA Sharon Lu ’99 and Isabelle Selby ’73.

Above: Sophia Grace McMain, daughter of Tanya Mahdi McMain '96

Top left: Graydon Clark Fountain, son of Laurel Cobble Fountain '93 and Michael Fountain

Left: Gerrit Ford Molhoek, son of Kerrington Ramsey Molhoek '93 and Charles Molhoek SPRING

Shannon Lee Smith '86 with husband Morgan and daughers Shaylin (7) and Sheridan (5).

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Houston, TX Megan Grant Lawrence ’98 and Maria Vega ’06.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Washington D.CSusan Wright ’83 and Jennifer Austell-Wolfson ’82.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Sarasota, FL Heidi Evans ’75, John Turnbull P’07, and Kathy Turnbull P’07.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Chatham VA Alice Overbey and Kaylee Berkun ’14, daughterof Beth Duncan Berkun ’78.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast San Francisco, CA Jacquie Pottorf ’06 and Sarah Wright Ryan ’79.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Houston, TXMarie and Vianney Bollier with host Frannie Wallace Robertson ’73.

The Fountains visited alumae Eugenie Russo and her husband Helmut Weihsmann in Vienna, Austria.

97Candice

Dickinson Hamilton Hi friends!

It is with great joy that I introduce to you my daughter and future Chathamite, Savannah “Savy” Jayne Hamilton, born May 15, 2010. She weighed 9 lbs. and measured 23.5. She is the best baby and already has her Daddy wrapped around those little fingers and even big brother, Joseph, 3 yrs. old, is smitten with her. I am still COO of the Hamilton Household, Inc. and loving every minute of being an SAHM. My grandfather, Sidney Albert Bazzrea, Jr. of Staunton, VA passed away in January 2010 from cancer. I am pleased to report everyone else is doing well. We have made several trips to Oklahoma to visit my grandmother, and I traveled to Missouri to co-host a Baby

Shower for Lori Palmore Heath ’98 in March 2010

(see a very pregnant photo of us). We also reunited with Rose Ward ’98 at Lori Heath’s home in October 2009. My sister, Gabbee Dickinson ’05, had a beautiful and healthy baby boy, Jackson “Jax” Wylie Blalock, on February 11, 2010. She is studying at Belmont University to complete a degree in Public Relations and minor in Political Science. I would love to catch up with anyone in or around the Mid-South. Praying God’s blessings on each of you!

crd4u2@gmail.com 901-405-9494.

98 McKinley Greer

I am back in school getting a Master’s degree in Divinity from Duke University.

99

Mari ArmstrongHough I graduated from the University of Wisconsin at Madison with degrees in History, Political Science, and Sociology. So far I’ve lived in the UK and Japan, and spent a fair amount of time traveling in the developing world. I’m currently three years into a PhD program in Sociology at Duke University. When I finish I have dreams of a visiting professorship in Sarajevo or Prishtina.

Carolyn Watson Flood I just wanted to let you all know

that Elizabeth White-Hurst ’99 and I walked in the Susan G. Komen Atlanta 3day together! We had a great time catching up. Hope everyone is well!!

Kristine Velasco Pincock

This picture was taken during our trip to MontrealOttawa-Palmyra, NY in September. We visited my alma mater, McGill University, and had a wonderful time seeing some college friends. I was sorry to miss our 10-year reunion at Chatham Hall in 2009, but it was a little tricky since

00

Cannon Hodge, Social Media Manager for Bergdorf Goodman, was recently featured in Paper Magazine’s Beautiful People Issue (pictured below in the middle) as well as in a February 5 article in The New York Times, which praised her for her expertise in social media. “With 140-character comments on the weather, style, beauty wisdom and, yes, new merchandise, Ms. Hodge has helped usher a 110-year-old department store famed for its snooty air and imposing facade into a less-intimidating milieu,” the article said. Follow Cannon/ Bergdorf Goodman on Twitter @bergdorfs. Below are just a few of Cannon’s tweets from February: Coming from a very short girl, high-waisted wide-leg pants can be quite the secret weapon. No doubt about it, you will need a hat tomorrow. And scarf. And to-the-elbow gloves. And sunnies (just for glamour’s sake). Go on, let your accessories steal the show.

Joseph was only a year and a half at the time, and I was expecting Levi (born August 2009). I will certainly make arrangements for our 15 year reunion, and hope everyone in our class can come! Joel and I celebrated our 6th year anniversary in October, and we are now residing in Germantown, MD. I’ve worked with educational organizations here and there, but my full time loyalty is to my home and family. I enjoy being with my kids every day as we go to parks, play dates, and learn new things together. My sister, Katherine Velasco Rutherford ’00, is the best aunt there is and my kids just adore her. I’m very fortunate to have our families nearby

to visit on a regular basis. We hope everyone is doing well, and I enjoy getting these updates in the Chat (facebook works well, too!). Thanks for keeping us updated!

Lauren Taylor I will be graduating from the NC State College of Veterinary Medicine with my DVM degree this coming May 14. I will then be moving to Simpsonville, Kentucky for an internship at Equine Services Hospital. While still slightly overwhelmed by the thought of taking on the name “Dr. Taylor,” I am overcome with excitement about such an exciting opportunity.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Charleston, SC Ann Pope ’04, Sterling Laffitte P’14, and Linder Laffitte P’14.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Washington D.C.Elisabeth Campbell Cales ’02 and Susan Wright ’83.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast San Francisco, CA Host Elizabeth Yarborough ’99, Jacquie Pottorf ’06, and Laura Rand ’06.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Washington D.C Lydia Beresford ’03 and host Mary Freed ’86.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Washington D.C. Maggie Logan ’04 and Dean of Students, Kyle Kahuda.

thetoastfromcoasttocoast Charleston, SC Mindy Allen ’89, Hunter Higgison ’01, and Stewart James.

Erika Olson '96 and Cristina Murphy '95 at a Chatham Hall reception in Charlotte, NC.

Kristine Velasco Pincock ’99 and Family Lori Palmore Heath ’98 and Candace Hamilton 97 Savannah ‘Savy’ Jayne Hamilton, daughter of Candace Hamilton 97

01Bayley Fannin

Engaged to Daniel Hochradel!

Hunter Higgison passed the South Carolina Bar.

02

Kimberly Daniels

The Country Bookshop (in Southern Pines) is the most adorable store! It is an interesting time to run a bookstore, the creative opportunities are endless...I provide a location for those in this golf/horse/ military/resort community to come together for local events and to feel connected with each other and the world through great books, ideas and conversations. Please stop by and visit!

04Abigail Haymes is now living in Fredericksburg, VA, teaching French to elementary school students. She loves having visitors and would be happy to be reunited with her Chatham friends!

05

Megan Grissett

Hello all! Right now I’m currently living in Boston, MA and working as a Networking Specialist for an Innovation company based out of Montréal, Canada. My job is to help raise the company’s awareness in the U.S. through conducting research and dispensing branding and social media advice. The beauty is that it involves two of my favorite hobbies: traveling and speaking French!

Samantha Giles I am graduating from Radford University in May and I am waiting to hear back about being accepted to grad school for Physical Therapy!

Taylor Nyberg I’m going to London in March to visit Taylor McCall ‘06 who is in graduate school! I can’t wait to see her!

Erin Renn I have finished my undergrad education! I now have a B.A. in Physical Anthropology and a minor in Creative Writing.

Caitlyn Bishop Graduated from Virginia Tech in December 2010 with a BA in History. Will be going to Graduate School at Virginia Tech to get a Masters in Education.

Raquel Helmer Was at LSU for fall 2010 and am going back to Old Miss for spring semester. Visited Axi Walker ‘09 for the Holidays in Lynchburg.

Obituaries

Carolyn Thompson Broaddus ’28 died February 15, 2011. She was pre-deceased by her mother Irene Vaden Thompson class of 1897, and, her aunt Madelen Vaden Fitzgerald ’22. She is survived by her daughter Irene “Rene” Broaddus ’67 and granddaughter, Amy Zimmerman Geyer ’81. Mrs. Broaddus taught Latin at Chatham Hall in the late 60’s.

Clement ’43, her nieces Anne “Sandy” Clement Haddad ’63, Margaret “Molly” Lovett Simpson ’72, and, a cousin Andree Audette Stevenson ’45. Peggy served on the Alumnae Council during 1948–49.

Anne Steffey Collins ’39 aunt of Molly Steffey ’70 died February 7, 2011.

Sylvia Morton Kinsley ’46 died November 12, 2010.

Eugenia “Genie” Rose ’52 died December 9, 2010.

Joan Loomis Hastings ’56 died November 15, 2010.

Madeline “Madie” Mix Hunter ’63 died February 1, 2011.

November 21, 2010. Elizabeth Harris mother of Elizabeth “Tinker” Harris Rossi ’67 died October 4, 2010.

Eleanor F. Johnson mother of Julie Johnson ’69 and Sally Johnson ’70 died February, 8, 2011

06Paige

Abe I graduated from James Madison University with a Bachelor’s Degree in Biology in May of 2010. I am currently working as a Residence Director and attending Appalachian State University to earn my Master’s in College Student Development.

Joanna Caldwell Currently employed as Site Manager at Victoria Mansion in Portland, ME. Am enjoying life in Maine.

Virginia Thomas I graduated from Virginia Tech in May 2010 with my B.S. in Marketing and my B.A. in Geography. I am still living in Blacksburg, VA, and working as a Management Trainee for SherwinWilliams. If anyone is in the New River Valley, Roanoke Valley area, e-mail me at vrthomas@vt.edu.

Helen Jones Still lefthanded and loving it!

Sierra Moon Still attending VA Tech and studying Ocean Engineering and Spanish. I will be going on a mission trip to Danli, Honduras this March.

Alexandra Walker Had a great time visiting with Raquel Helmer ’09 over Christmas

Anna Boyce Rankin Lineberger ’31, former Trustee and Alumnae Council member, died February 10, 2011. She is survived by daughters, Anna Lineberger Stanley ’58 and Boyce Lineberger Ansley ’64, and granddaughter Anna Ansley Davis ’90.

Mary “Polly” Sharp Holley Doremus ’32 died August 13, 2010.

Sarah “Sally” Ferguson ’37 died February 8, 2011. She was pre-deceased by her sister The Rev. Jeffrey Ferguson ’41 and is survived by her nieces Sarah “Sally” Boy ’64 and Mary Boy ’75.

Alice Cocke Goodwin ’38 died October 14, 2010.

Mary “Peggy” Campbell ’39 died October 26, 2010. She was predeceased by her sister Joan Campbell Lovett ’45. She is survived by her sister Anne Campbell

Helen Daniel Rodman ’39 died December 31, 2010 in Charlottesville, Virginia. Helen was the author of From This Day Forward: Memoirs of an Attache Wife (1999) and With Dearest Love (2009).

Marguerite “Judie” Gray Stinchfield ’39 died December 13, 2010. Judie had served on the Alumnae Council from 1961–1963.

Helen Wolcott Parson ’41 died August 20, 2010.

Sally Palmer Kurtz ’44 died November 1, 2010.

Carter Mac Rae Chatfield ’46 died in Lake Forest, IL on December 15, 2010.

Carter was the mother of Ninna Fisher Denny ’70. A 1990 recipient of the Ellie MacVeagh Award, Carter Chatfield served on Chatham Hall’s Alumnae Council and Board of Trustees in the 1980’s.

Lisa Bullington ’97 died October 9, 2010.

Juanita Easely Andrews mother of Patience “Patty” Andrews Graber ’73 and grandmother of Marian Shupik ’89 died December 11, 2010. Mrs. Andrews worked as the school nurse from 1968 to 1972.

David Davenport, husband of Carol Babcock Davenport ’47 and father of Carolyn Davenport ’70, died December 25, 2010.

Henry “Diz” Dunbar died September 27, 2010. Mr. Dunbar was predeceased by his first wife Ruth Cunningham Dunbar ’38. He is survived by his daughter Mary Dunbar ’71. Mr. Dunbar was also a member of the Chatham Hall Board of Trustees from 1998 to 1999.

Francis Farwell II, father of Susan Farwell Houston ’65 and husband of the late Jean Campbell Farwell ’40, died

Jacob Houston Kiser, 19, died in an airplane accident on December 31, 2010. He was the son of Cynthia “Laura” Crowley Kiser ’73 of Verona, Virginia.

Anne Murnick, mother of Abby Murnick ’06, died January 2, 2011.

Lavera Kathleen Pittman, mother of Kathleen “Sharon” Pittman ’71 died February 19, 2011.

Jo Ann Ederington Pugh died October 21, 2010. She is survived by her husband, former Chatham Hall trustee Robert D. Pugh, and, daughters Virginia “Jenny” Pugh de Hernandez ’73, and Mary Pugh Manning ’74. She was predeceased by her youngest daughter Martha Ann Pugh ’77.

Peyton Richmond Russo, a celebrated artist and photographer and the mother of Genie Russo ’73, died in Wise, Virginia on September 17, 2010 at the age of 92.

Helen Jones ’09, Morgan dePaulo ’09, Raquel Helmer ’09, Axi Walker 09, and Laura Price ’09 at a young alumnae Christmas gathering.

Mary Kathryn Atkinson ’10, Christen Laughorn ’10, Maddy Hicks ’10, Sierra Moon ’09, andCourtney Atkinson ’06at a young alumnae Christmas gathering.

Courtney Atkinson ’06 and Erin Haymes ’05 at a young alumnae Christmas gathering. Sandy Turnbull ’07, Emily Dale Willmott ’07, Liz Loewenstein ’07, and Isabella Yeager ’07 at a mini reunion in NYC.

Caitlyn Bishop ’07, Maggie Oakes ’08, and Kate Thomas ’08 at a young alumnae Christmas gathering. Schay Goss ’06, Laura Rand ’06, and Rimes McGinn ’06 at a mini reunion in Charlotte, NC.

Tales from Chatham Hall

From Our Last Issue

Dance Committee

Row One: Gladys Lloyd ’61

Row Two: Susan Turcan ’61, Lynn Scholz ’62, Petie Pugh ’62

Row Three: Gay Newbern ’61, Mimi Luebbermann ’63, Susan Beekman ’63

Is this you?

If you know what’s happening in this photo from the Chatham Hall archives, we’d love to hear from you! If you can accurately describe who is in this picture and/or what is going on, you will receive a fun gift from the Chatham Hall b ookstore!

Row Four: Scottie Liipfert 62, Hansell Gaines ’61, Anne Boone ’64

Row Five: Miss Henry, Miss Harlow, Mrs. Yardley, Miss Holt

AN IDEAOFA LIFETIME:

Thanks to Cynthia Bryant Parker ’61, Debby Detchon Dodds ’61, and Susan Beekman Clough 63 who all wrote in to identify this photo.

Please send your entry to Laura Rand ’06, Managing Editor of Chat, Chatham Hall, 800 Chatham Hall Circle, Chatham, VA 24531, or by email to lrand@chathamhall.org.

CHAT MUSIC

You Are Not Alone Mavis Staples A N T I, 2010

What do you get when you introduce a Gospel legend to the leader of Rock’s premier Americana band? The answer comes in the brilliant package of Mavis Staples’ most recent collection. The Grammy Lifetime Achievement Award recipient benefits greatly from the new energy breathed into her arrangements courtesy of Jeff Tweedy, the singer/songwriter from alt-rock champions Wilco. The mixing of legends with underground artists has become a bit of a regular sight on the musical landscape (think Rick Rubin and Johnny Cash or Jack White and Loretta Lynn) but the secret to this project’s success is a real commitment to the Gospel tradition that has served as Staples’ foundation for more than sixty years. Tweedy has built an impressive resume of organically textured songs and sounds with Wilco that fit perfectly with these gospel classics. The songs are overflowing with joy and are sure to lift the spirits of all who hear them. R O

Do you have a photo to include with your Class Note? Please make sure your digit al picture is large enough for us to use. If you don’t see yours here, OR are wondering why it may not look good, OR is shown so small, it may have been a very small file size. We want to use your pictures! So please supply an image we can use.

Social Networking with Chatham Hall

®

Join Chatham Hall Alumnae on Facebook

Our page provides the most up-to-date information about alumnae gatherings and Chatham Hall news. Search for Chatham Hall Alumnae to find us!

If you are job searching, looking for new business opportunities, or just looking to network professionally,please find us (Chatham Hall Alumnae) on LinkedIn so that we may connect you with other alumnae who can help.

Follow us on twitter @chathamalumnae

If you have questions please contact Laura Rand ’06, 43 4.432.55 05 or lrand@chathamhall.org

GIFT PLANNINGAT CHATHAM HALL

GIFT PLANNINGAT CHATHAM HALL

You can Chatham Hall’s future.

You can make a difference in Chatham Hall’s future.

My planned gift is part ofa comprehensive plan for giving back to Chatham Hall that includes service as well as financial support.I contribute an unrestricted gift to the Annual Fund each year and,as capital projects arise,I support those needs ofthe School as well.Planned giving is the third tier ofsupport I have committed to Chatham Hall. The needs ofthe School are ongoing;the facilities need continual maintenance and modernization and faculty needs must be supported.I have chosen to make an unrestricted planned gift so that the future leadership ofChatham Hall can allocate those resources as needed.

–Patricia R.Frederick ’57

Chatham Hall means so much to me.Lifetime friendships and great memories...rainy day walks...footprints on Senior Stairs left at 3:00 a.m...spitballs propelled onto Mrs.Crandall’s ceiling...red and green sweaters worn backward a month before Christmas...Curtis...Phyllis...

John Henry and the gong...

I believe it’s important to support Chatham Hall through the Annual Fund—the Chatham Hall oftoday.But,I also believe it’s important to plan for Chatham Hall’s future,just as we should make plans for our own.For that reason,I’ve taken out two insurance policies on my life and have given them to Chatham Hall.Each year,I give Chatham Hall a gift that pays the premiums on these policies.

Life insurance satisfies multiple objectives.I am able to make a much larger gift to Chatham Hall than I normally would be able to make.The annual premium payments are within my means and tax deductible.Most important,I know that the school I love will benefit in the years ahead.

–Muffy Dent Stuart ’68

I owned property bought years ago at $4 an acre,now worth $4,000 an acre. I contributed this land to a Charitable Remainder Trust, allowing me to avoid a heavy capital gains tax and to take an income tax deduction.The managers ofthe trust sold the property and invested the proceeds in the trust.The trust will provide me with a steady income for the rest ofmy life and at my death will make possible significant gifts to Chatham Hall and my church.

This trust is a blessing.IfI had sold the property outright I would have lost halfof the proceeds to the government.Now I have a steady income until I die and am helping two institutions I care about. – Amand a Mackay Smith ’58

To learn the essentials ofestate planning,to receive free ebrochures,and to learn how you can help shape Chatham Hall's future,visit the continuously updated Estate and Financial Planning section on the Chatham Hall Web site.Please visit http://www.chathamhall.org/giving/ and click on “Planned Giving”on the right hand menu.For more information,please contact Melissa Evans Fountain,Director ofAdvancement,at (434) 432-5549 or mfountain@chathamhall.org.

B ERT ANKROM

www.chathamhall.org

Michelle Penot ’13 and Kathleen Donahue ’11