Rarebits Fall/Winter by Rumsey Hall School

RAREBITS RUMSEY HALL SCHOOL | FALL / WINTER 2017-2018

OUR MISSION

Rumsey Hall School is committed to a whole child approach to education and believes that teaching academics and teaching an attitude of mind are of equal importance. The School emphasizes effort as a criterion for success and is dedicated to helping each child develop toward his or her maximum stature as an educated person, a successful member of a family and a contributing member of a community.

RAREBITS TEAM EDITORS/CONTENT Director of Communications Frankie Winter Alumni Coordinator Emily Kalis Administrative Assistant to Development Trish Silvernail ART & DESIGN Frankie Winter PHOTOGRAPHY Special thanks to Phil Dutton of PhotoTrophies and faculty and staff who contributed photographs. Cover: Girls’ Varsity Soccer team, fall 2017 Photo credit: Robert Mandl P ‘07, ‘11, ‘15 Rumsey Hall School does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, national origin, sex, age, religion or disability in admission or employment in its programs and activities.

rumseyhall.org Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington, CT 06794 860.868.0535

BOARD OF TRUSTEES Interim Chairman Nicholas N. Solley ’64 Interim Vice Chairman Frank Gavel ’78 P ’13, ’15 Headmaster Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81 P ’11, ‘15 Mary Barbour P ’14 Gary Cole P ’01 Tina Couch ’94 Gretchen Farmer P ’99, ’02 Dennis Fulling P ’16, ’16 Louis “Skip” Gardella ‘72 P ’09, ‘09 Craig Henrich P ’13, ‘14 Jeffrey Hugel ‘70 Nicholas Logothetis ‘03 Adrienne Lufkin P ’20, ‘24 William MacMullen P ‘10, ‘12 Gregory Matthews P ’18 Alexandra Miller ‘00 Murphy

This book was printed with solar power, using LED UV process ink on recycled paper.

James J. Pates Jr. ’47 P ’86 Rosemary Sagar P ‘15, ‘17 Thomas Sheehy III P ’00 Elizabeth Schereschewsky ’56 Stout Monica Vogelstein P ’14, ‘19 Gregory Warner P ‘17 Ex Officio Treasurer Karen Scodari Business Manager/CFO Assistant Treasurer Brooke Giese P ‘23, ‘27 Assistant Head of School, Director of Studies Secretary of the Corporation Julie Fredlund Executive Assistant

Bromley Ski Trip, February 2018

RAREBITS Fall/Winter 2017-2018

ON CAMPUS 2

Letter from the Headmaster Matthew S. Hoeniger ‘81 P ‘11, ‘15

Around Campus

Fall Athletics

FEATURES 12 A Team of Their Own - Let’s Hear it for the Girls! 16 Alumni Profiles: Careers in Nonprofit Work 24 Lisa Schereschewsky ‘56 Stout: Holiday Cards

10 Winter Athletics

ALUMNI

28 Upper School Student Art

22 Pride in Legacy

30 Lower School Student Art

32 Class Notes

46 Upcoming Events

40 Weddings & Babies 42 Rumsey on the Road

from the headmaster

Each winter the long stretch of cold and short daylight hours give way in early February to a welcomed break from the School routine. This year Rumsey celebrated its 45th annual journey to Peru, VT for three days of skiing and snowboarding at Bromley Mountain. The weekend kicks off with another grand tradition, our winter Alumni Games—a day dedicated to friendly competition in hockey, basketball and volleyball with former students from the 1960s to our most recent graduates from the Class of 2017 who came together, many for the first time since Commencement at the Young Alums Brunch in Farmen Hall. Add our current students to the mix and the Blue Dog and Magnoli Gyms and Lufkin Rink buzz with an electric energy. It’s that undeniable feeling we call Blue Dog Spirit. In the academic world there are many quantitative benchmarks for gauging a school’s success—retention, accreditation, standardized testing, value assessments. All important, valid and necessary but I can think of no better measurement of our School’s value than an understanding of how our graduates influence and enhance the lives of others. As a Rumsey graduate myself, what astounds me most about this weekend is learning about the deep connections our alums feel for Rumsey, linking their formative time at the School to the joy and success they experience today. I admire and appreciate how Rumsey alumni have evolved and that the values they learned here have guided and influenced their paths forward. That’s an assessment that can’t be explained on an admission tour, in a viewbook or by clicking through our website. Rumsey has a lifelong impact on our students. Many organizations and communities are better places because of the difference Rumsey graduates have made in them.

Matthew S. Hoeniger ’81 P ’11, ’15

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around campus

1. During Character Education Day in February, VIth Form students practiced goal setting, patience and communication skills in character development workshops. 2. Library Media Specialist Valerie DiLorenzo P ’15, ‘18 and Lower School students share during the Summer Reading Celebration. 3. Upper School Fall production of Zeus on the Loose 4. Clementina Marquez ‘22 presents her project at the IIIrd Form Anatomy Fair. 5. Community Service trip with CROP (Christian Rural Oversees Program) to help with one of their charity walks in Cornwall, CT 6. Reds and Blues face off on Spirit Day for a tug-ofwar challenge. 7. Charlie Zimmerman ‘20 with her mother, Kim, on Fall Parents’ Day.

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around campus

8. Primes students explore the ponds during a campus visit from the Sharon Audubon Society. 9. Ben Weiss ‘18 sings a solo at the Upper School Winter Concert. 10. Rui Hoshiyama ‘19 and Maegann Thompson ‘19 get into the spirit of International Dot Day in September. 11. Guest Speaker and IROC2 founder, Richard Guerry, discusses cyber bullying and cell phone safety with the student body in The MAX. 12. Gavin Bertuglia ‘25 participates in Lower School Climb Night. 13. Chelsea Hong ‘19, Elaine Ma ‘18, Kelsie Choi ‘19 and Kara Ro ‘18 dance in Upper School’s Airband. 14. Primes students dress up for Valentine’s Day. 15. North Dorm residents celebrate their Dodgeball Dorm Cup competition win.

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16. Washington Fire Department visits with Lower School students. 17. Annaleise Booth ‘20 and Kelsie Choi ‘19 perform during the Upper School Winter Concert. 18. Faculty member Michael Waller ‘08 helps Ray Kawaji ‘21 build a rocket during science class. 19. Students and faculty show their festive spirit at the holiday dinner in Farmen Hall. 20. Rumsey’s football coaches present Mack Segalas ‘18 with the Peter Carriuolo ‘74 Memorial Football Award at the Fall Athletic Awards. 21. McKenna Rook ‘18, Emily Lombardi ‘18 and Eva Evans ‘18 run through Lower School Street during the Blue Dog Run.

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around campus

22. Seniors organized a World Polio Day fundraiser through their Challenge 20/20 class, a leadership and service learning elective. Pictured here: Alex Salvatore, Mack Segalas, Aliquea Williams, Olivia O’Connor, Collier Cullen, Aaron DiLorenzo, Ben Weiss 23. The annual Lower School Checkers Tournament in Farmen Hall 24. Rumsey Circle and Lower School Student Council organize a Valentine’s Day fundraiser to purchase LifeStraws to benefit school communities in Puerto Rico. 25. Pedro Trevino ‘19 helps prepare a traditional Mexican meal to share with his ESL classmates.

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26. Upper School students make holiday cards to send to hospitalized children during the Hour of Service on Martin Luther King Jr. Day. 27. Maegann Thompson ‘19, Katie Gleason ‘19, Erin Loss ‘19, Emma Jacobi ‘19 and Gustavo Gonzalez ‘18 dress up for Bizarre and Extreme Day on Halloween. 28. Faculty members Craig ‘05 and Jaymie Naclerio walk their dog, Lola, through Finkelson Family Courtyard during the Blue Dog Parade in October. 29. Broomball Dorm Cup competition 30. Ben Weiss ‘18 and Eva Evans ‘18 performing in the Winter Musical Guys and Dolls

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FA L L AT H L E T IC S

1. Boys’ Varsity Soccer: Alex Salvatore ‘18 2. Varsity Cross Country: Colin Kennedy ‘18, Kenny Zhang ‘19 and Quinn Kennedy ‘20 3. Rumsey Outdoor Adventure (ROA) 4. Senior Varsity Volleyball: Eva Evans ‘18, Elaine Ma ‘18, Eugenia Torbar ‘18, Emily Lombardi ‘18, Breese Burlingame ‘18, Sofia Mendoza ‘18 and McKenna Rook ‘18 5. Varsity Football: Mack Segalas ‘18 6. Junior Soccer: Nicholas Kocienda ‘21 7. Varsity B Soccer: Pedro Trevino ‘19 8. Equestrian Team: Emma Pottow ‘19, Charlie Zimmerman ‘20, 8 RAREBITS

FALL SCOREBOARD VARSITY FOOTBALL Record: 3-3 JUNIOR FOOTBALL Record: 3-0 Coaches: Mr. Geagan, Mr. Ketchum, Mr. Miranda, Mr. Lord Captain: Blake Rossiter ‘18

BOYS’ VARSITY SOCCER Record: 7-7 Coaches: Mr. Dyball, Mr. Kolpak Captain: Henry Boyle ‘18 BOYS’ VARSITY B SOCCER Record: 9-1-2 Coach: Mr. Anderson Captain: Sawyer von Jess ‘19 Assistant Captain: Robin Young ‘18 GIRLS’ VARSITY SOCCER Record 3-3-3 Coaches: Mr. Buono, Mr. Naclerio ‘05 Captain: Mariana Vivanco ‘18

JR. BLUE SOCCER Record 4-4-1 Coaches: Mr. Kinsella, Mr. Mandl Captain: Taylor Brown ‘20 JR. RED SOCCER Record 0-5 Coaches: Mr. Simonelli, Mr. Linn ‘10

VARSITY FIELD HOCKEY Record 5-5-1 Coaches: Ms. King, Ms. DeGrazia ‘09 Captains: Mari Leonard ‘18 & Haruka Masamura ‘18 VARSITY B FIELD HOCKEY Record 2-5-1 Coaches: Mrs. Bender, Mrs. Kappler Captain: Renata Ibarra-Rocha ‘18 CROSS COUNTRY Record 14-1 Coaches: Mrs. Butler, Mrs. Mandl, Mr. Fuhrman, Mr. Craft VARSITY VOLLEYBALL Record 9-3 Coaches: Mrs. Spooner ‘90 Linley, Mrs. Kolpak Captain: Emily Lombardi ‘18

VARSITY B VOLLEYBALL Record 2-10 Coaches: Ms. Dufresne, Ms. Keech Captains: Sarah Cai ‘18 & Rui Hoshiyama ‘19

Ava Anton ‘20 and Julia Golden ‘19 9. Varsity Field Hockey: Kelsie Choi ‘19, Eleanor Frisbie ‘19, Collier Cullen ‘18, Mari Leonard ‘18 10. Girls’ Varsity Soccer: Katharine Benson ‘19 and Mariana Rovalo ‘19 11. Varsity B Field Hockey: Jasmine Zhu ‘20 and Olivia O’ Connor ‘18 12. Varsity B Volleyball: Sierra Cortes ‘20 Fall/Winter 2017/18 9

W I N T E R AT H L E T IC S

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1. Girls’ Varsity B Basketball: Lisa Ji ‘19 2. Recreational Skiing 3. Boys’ Junior Basketball: JC Chen ‘20 4. Developmental Hockey 5. Varsity A Ski Team: Peter Lyon ‘18 6. Wrestling: Jayden Nguyen ‘19 7. Girls’ Varsity Hockey: Erin Butler ‘20 8. Junior Volleyball: Ava Wishkoff ‘19 9. Girls’ Varsity Basketball: Mia Perrucci ‘18 and MacQuarrie Stone-Folmar ‘18 10. Varsity B Basketball: Richard Li ‘18, Elliot Cantor ‘19, and Andreas Sorosiak ‘18 11. Boys’ Varsity Hockey team won the Pavek Cup Tournament for the fourth consecutive year at Lufkin Rink in February. 10 RAREBITS

WINTER SCOREBOARD BOYS’ VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Record: 10-12 Coaches: Mr. Butler, Mr. Naclerio ‘05 Captain: Cullen Mulhern ‘18 BOYS’ VARSITY B ICE HOCKEY Record: 8-1 Coaches: Mr. Mandl, Mr. Simonelli Captains: Brett Foster ‘19 & Alex Withers-Clarke ‘18 DEVELOPMENTAL ICE HOCKEY Coach: Mr. Ough 4

GIRLS’ VARSITY ICE HOCKEY Record 11-4-3 Coaches: Mr. Kinsella, Ms. DeGrazia ‘09 Captain: Mari Leonard ‘18 BOYS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Record 9-6 Coaches: Mr. Dodge Captain: Mack Segalas ‘18 BOYS’ VARSITY B BASKETBALL Record 10-4 BOYS’ BLUE BASKETBALL Record 5-3 Coaches: Mr. Perreault, Mr. Buono Captain: Nick Pesce ‘18 BOYS’ JR. RED BASKETBALL Record 7-0 Coaches: Mr. Lord, Mr. Linn ‘10 Captain: Jack Yang ‘21 GIRLS’ VARSITY BASKETBALL Record 11-0 Coaches: Ms. King, Mr. Anderson Captain: MacQuarrie Stone-Folmar ‘18

GIRLS’ VARSITY B BASKETBALL Record 2-9 Coaches: Ms. Kalis, Mr. Scheidt Captains: YoYo Cao ‘19 & Indiah Kent ‘19

WINTER VOLLEYBALL Record 2-1 Coach: Mrs. Bender Captain: Erin Loss ‘19 WRESTLING Record 40-38 Coach: Mr. Dyball Captain: Blake Rossiter ‘18 VARSITY A SKI TEAM Record 38-3 Coach: Mr. Miranda Captains: Peter Lyon ‘18 & Benjamin Weiss ‘18 VARSITY B SKI TEAM Record 1-0 Coach: Mr. Fuhrman Captain: Sage Pottbecker ‘18 Athletic Trainer: Michael Waller ‘08 11 Fall/Winter 2017/18 11

A Team of Th

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heir Own

Letâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s Hear it For

The Girls! Fall/Winter 2017/18 13

umsey Hall’s soccer program has historically had a significant amount of student interest, and this past fall was no exception.

The Varsity Soccer team is essentially a highly competitive boys’ team to which only a handful of girls within the past decade have made the cut. Over the seasons, Varsity B Soccer Coach, Carmine Buono, witnessed discouraged girls lose interest in the sport. He recalls one talented and hard-working Varsity B player who faithfully participated in every pick-up game on the weekends to develop her skills in preparation for a coveted spot on Varsity. When she wasn’t selected to advance during her VIIth Form year, she switched to Cross Country. Inspired, Carmine presented Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ’81 and Athletic Director Jay Przygocki with a proposal to start a Girls’ Varsity Soccer program. He researched local schools for competition and polled interest among the students. Not atypical, the fall 2017 athletic season opened with two coed Varsity B teams. However, a week into the term, the logistics to build a girls’ team began to align. Sophie Tibbatts ’21 recalls the day when one of the Varsity B coaches, history teacher Christian Anderson, asked the girls on the team to step forward after warm-ups and run to their new, all-female team on the adjacent field. Carmine and co-coach Craig Naclerio ’05 were amazed with the effort the girls put into the program and how well they competed against teams who had been practicing together for years. They ended their inaugural season with a 3-3-3 record.

The development of the girls’ soccer program was a pivotal moment for Rumsey Hall Athletics. Creating opportunities for female student-athletes has been an ongoing process since Rumsey officially began accepting girls in the fall of 1949, after the School moved to Washington, CT. The first girls’ interscholastic athletic contest took place in the spring of 1953, a softball game against Indian Mountain School. Twelve girls were enrolled, just enough to field a team. Their first game ended with a 3-2 victory against IMS. Field Hockey was introduced in the fall of 1953, and a Girls’ Ice Hockey team was initiated in the winter of 1956. Despite this momentum, the enrollment of girls fluctuated during the succeeding years, and in 1960, out of the School’s total enrollment of thirty, only three were girls. Rumsey maintains a tradition of welcoming change by creating a comfortable environment for students to expand their horizons and try something new. When Lissy Dyer ’85 started skating on the pond in her backyard, the boys on Rumsey’s Hockey team encouraged her to try out for their team, during a time when not many girls in the area played the sport. Lissy commented that it was tough being the only girl on the bus, but she loved the sport and the team; she didn’t want to quit. With her positive team mentality, natural leadership abilities and for upholding the School’s values, Lissy was unanimously voted Captain of the Boys’ Varsity Hockey team her Senior year in 1985. “It was not about gender,” Lissy commented. “It was about me being a team player and evoking team spirit. This is what Rumsey, the coaches and the team taught me, and I took gender out of it.” Today, Rumsey has twelve girls’ athletic programs including some co-educational teams such as crew, cross-country and tennis. Jessica Kamen ’98 played on the Junior Football team her VIth Form year, and this past fall, MacQuarrie Stone-Folmar ’18 was the first girl to receive a Varsity Letter for Football as one of the starting quarterbacks. MacQuarrie commented that the boys and coaches were very welcoming to her joining an all-male team to pursue her interest. In addition, Aliquea Williams ’18 joined the Varsity B Football team as a running back in the fall 2016 season but transferred to the new Girls’ Varsity Soccer team this year. She, along with her fellow teammates, finally found a team of their own.

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left to right 1. First Girls’ Varsity Soccer team fall 2017 with Coaches Carmine Buono and Craig Naclerio ‘05 2. First Girls’ Basketball team winter 1999 with Coach Whitney Ryan P ‘12, ‘16 3. Fall 1969 Girls’ Varsity Field Hockey team 4. Varsity Football quarterback MacQuarrie Stone-Folmar ‘18 5. Varsity Ski team 1969 with Palmer Marrin ‘70 (fourth from left), first female student to receive a Varsity Letter background image: First Volleyball team fall 1974 previous page: First Girls’ Field Hockey team 1953

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PROFILE

KRISTEN GOLD ’00

A Career in Nonprofit Work

How has your career unfolded since leaving Rumsey? After Rumsey, I attended Tabor Academy, MA, followed by undergraduate study at Northeastern University, MA, which I chose for its cooperative education and career development program. Because I had my sights set on a career in the fashion industry, I applied for a co-op working at the retailer Neiman Marcus. My second and dramatically different coop experience was a volunteer position teaching English to students in Thailand and Tibet. This was a pivotal time which defined my true career path. After graduation, I joined the Peace Corps in Nicaragua followed by a move to San Francisco where I landed a job in marketing and business development at a law firm. After a relocation to their New York offices, I needed a change and fulfillment in my career. I pursued a certificate in environmental conservation and sustainability at Columbia University, NY. Through my ongoing job search I discovered the field of corporate social responsibility. This brought me to the opportunity at Americas Corporate Responsibility Team at Ernst & Young, NY, where I have served for the past five years as the Assistant Director of Volunteer Programs. What volunteer programs do you currently manage for EY, and what is the focus of these programs? In my current role I focus on placing employees in “immersive volunteer experiences,” which is defined as reciprocal skills-based volunteering— giving back to a community by leveraging EY employees’ interests, strengths and support while exposing them to experiences that help them develop valuable work skills that best prepare them to contribute to EY. The first program I oversaw sent our mid-career professionals to Latin America to work with high-impact entrepreneurs. These types of projects are meant to be “stretch” opportunities for our people. EY participants develop their global mindset by working directly with c-suite professionals, leveraging their network. On the flip side, the entrepreneurs receive support to address any obstacle that may prohibit their own growth. The second initiative sends early-career professionals in teams of ten, to either Mexico or Peru on a week-long expedition, spending half of their time working on a skills-based project with an entrepreneur and the other half conducting environmental field research. At the end of the expedition, the teams visit the local EY office to learn about the local market. These teams of 10 are deliberately diverse across our different regions and service lines, which allows participants to experience what it is like working within a high performing team. Additionally, participants are able to network with people from across the Americas and Israel as well as learn about the different services EY offers. The last two programs I’ve worked on are special because I was able to create them from the start. The first is a program that embeds our employees into a strategically aligned nonprofit in their local community for one to three months. The second program was EY’s Olympic Sponsorship for Rio 2016. The program was a mix of virtual and in-person volunteering in teams supporting Rio-based organizations. Participants were selected from across the Americas, Israel and Europe. The teams spent three months volunteering virtually, supporting the nonprofit on a project they identified. The teams then flew to Rio to meet with the nonprofits and close out the projects as well as attend some of the Olympic games. What does your day-to-day operation as an Assistant Director at EY look like? As it relates to the programs, I manage everything from the application process – internally and externally, working closely with the nonprofits we partner with to execute on the programs, communicate about the

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program, select participants, match projects, hold debrief calls, host trainings, collect feedback and make continuous improvements to the programs. I love speaking to our returning participants and hear about their experiences. Many say that participating in these programs has been the best experience of their careers. Where have you traveled while working at EY? Most of the travel I do is within the United States, to attend conferences. However, a trip to the Atlantic Rainforest in Brazil, to participate in a week-long expedition was a memorable trip. I caught, held and measured birds, and I helped a family business with their marketing efforts. I have met so many wonderful people, both inside and outside of EY. Being able to participate in the program has definitely been a highlight of my career. I’ve also traveled to Medellin, Colombia, to observe one of our nonprofit partner’s selection panel for high-impact entrepreneurs. Finally, last year I traveled to London for a two-day workshop I planned around reinvigorating our corporate responsibility strategy globally. Tell us more about the company you launched. In February 2018, I launched ARISE, a company that offers handcurated restorative, self-care gifts that nourish mind, body and soul, as an alternative to flowers or traditional food gift baskets. My work in the social impact space directly influenced my business model. All of our products are made by women-owned businesses in the U.S., and a percentage of sales goes to Girl, Inc., a nonprofit that inspires and empowers young women. What do you feel were the most important ideals you learned while at Rumsey? Honesty, Kindness and Respect. Any time I do an exercise around my values, these always make the cut. What advice would you give current students who are interested in community service? Find a cause you’re interested in and join in! You can help plan a volunteer event and invite your friends, or join an existing one and make new friends. There are a lot of opportunities out there, from lending a pair of hands (clean-ups, painting, food banks) to skills-based. And don’t be intimidated about skills-based, people are always surprised how much they truly know when they are put in a situation to be resourceful. Even as students you can participate in skills-based volunteering such as reading to younger underprivileged students.

top: EY-Earthwatch Ambassador expedition in Xochimilco, Mexico. The Ambassadors collected water samples as part of the scientific research. bottom: While participating in the Olympic Legacy Volunteer program, EY volunteers conducted a site visit with a local NGO.

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Childhood Who are your Rumsey heroes? The Faxons. I was close friends with their daughter, Danielle, and I spent many recesses and weekends at their house, and summers camping with them. Basically, the Faxon’s was my home away from home (even though I was a day student). What tradition will you always cherish? Hot Chocolate at the Farmen’s and Mr. Farmen

reading The Giving Tree. What did you treasure most about Rumsey? That the School instilled the values of honesty, kindness and respect in me. If you were to host a Rumsey dinner party, who would be on your guest list? It would be fun to see everyone from the Class of 2000 to see what they’re up to. If you could change one thing about your Rumsey experience, what would it have been? I always felt left out of the seven-year club as I was only

there for six – so close! If you were given a superlative your senior year at Rumsey, what would you have been awarded? I’m not sure! I like my smile and I’ve never had braces, so “Best Smile”? When was the last time you were on Rumsey’s campus? This past fall. I was showing my childhood homes to my significant other before visiting family in New Milford. Rumsey was conveniently located in between the two, so it was easy to drive through to show him.

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PROFILE

BOBBY BOYLE ’05

A Career in Nonprofit Work

How has your career unfolded since leaving Rumsey? I spent a semester abroad hiking the Himalayas with the Outdoor Leadership Experience at University of Puget Sound, WA. I think it was memories of Rumsey’s beautiful campus, and focus on leadership, that seeded my interest in outdoor education. In college, I wrote my thesis on the intersection of wilderness therapy and education. After graduation from the University of Washington, WA, I had planned to become a wilderness educator; however, some charismatic friends enticed me to help them with their small business, a skate shop dubbed the Grit City Grindhouse. The shop focused on community and supporting youth by providing a community hub for the sport. We started in a 3,000 square foot retail space – a space which eventually became the skatepark for the nonprofit startup Alchemy Skateboarding. Shortly after Alchemy began its first programs at the Grit City location, I was invited to be the Board Treasurer, and later honored with the title of Executive Director. I believe that helping youth through the sport of skateboarding offers countless learning opportunities. As we deepen our impact in our community, we are better able to provide quality programs for future generations. My own passion for skateboarding began years ago, I brought my very first skateboard to Rumsey. I find it to be an incredibly freeing experience; the freedom to be yourself, freedom to travel where you want to, (yes, skateboarding is recognized as a legal form of transportation in Tacoma) freedom to skate in ways you find fun, and the freedom to connect with new people. What was the inspiration for Alchemy Skateboarding? When was it founded and how was the program developed? Our founder, Ben Warner, recognized that skaters are an historically marginalized group with great potential for leadership, mentorship, and positive community building. He and a group of interested volunteers recognized that the highest priority–with the rainy Tacoma climate– was to create a dry, indoor skate park. As they began to discuss how to cultivate a positive community space, they realized that skateboarding could be a powerful tool for teaching. With this in mind, Alchemy developed the first comprehensive high school skateboarding class in the country, which was led by a youth leadership team and a partnership to mentor the areas most-at-risk youth. Today we serve 250 skaters each month through six different programs. Alchemy Skateboarding began in July 2012. Alchemy’s Board of Directors, which include a city council member, nonprofit leaders and a nonprofit professor, was formed in November 2014. It received its 501(c) (3) status in June 2014 and started its first high school skateboarding class that September. What does your day-to-day operation as Executive Director at Alchemy Skateboarding look like? As Executive Director the most important thing I do is act as the glue between skaters, stake holders, board members, and staff. This largely means connecting, code switching, and communicating effectively. As an organization with only several full-time employees, I have acted in every possible role, sometimes all in the same day. This means programming, bookkeeping, grant writing, program development, board development, cleaning the space, and general operations. Tell us about the future vision for Alchemy Skateboarding. Do you see the organization expanding to other communities? Alchemy Skateboarding has the potential to operate on a national level. Its programs are more relevant than ever to today’s youth, and

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skateboarding as a sport is still very underdeveloped. Almost every school has a football field, a basketball court, yet it’s still common to see a “No Skateboarding” sign. Alchemy reverses the narrative that skateboarding is a destructive component of society by actively demonstrating that young people can learn and grow into happy healthy adults as a result of skateboarding. For now, Alchemy will concentrate on growth and program impact in the greater Tacoma area. After we have further proof of concept and the development of a stable infrastructure, Alchemy will seek funding for programming in new locations. What is the best advice you were given at Rumsey? As Tom Farmen used to say, “it takes a whole community to build a cathedral—from the architect to the person that sweeps up the wood shavings.” In Alchemy’s case that applies to the eager six-year old skater inquiring about lessons, to the community partner, to the Board President. Mr. Farmen’s message was clear: treat everyone with kindness, honesty and respect. The tenets of Rumsey Hall are very much the tenets of Alchemy Skateboarding. I also remember Matthew Hoeniger saying “you know something Bobby, you’re going to be a really interesting person when you grow up.” I like to think I have fulfilled his prophecy. What advice would you give current students who are interested in community service? Community service is probably one of the most rewarding fields you could contribute to. A life dedicated to service is a rich life; much richer than any financial wealth you might find by climbing the corporate ladder. I would also say that, whether you’re a current student or an alum of Rumsey, the nonprofit sector needs your support. You have the privilege of attending, possibly the best middle school in the world, an experience that will shape your leadership skills for the rest of your life. The nonprofit sector is an American staple, and one that fills the service gaps left by government institutions. Remember that your voice as a young person always outshines ours as adults. If you see an injustice or a cause to support, offer your voice as an advocate.

top: Participants of Go Skate Tacoma’s skate camp and their instructors. bottom: Graduates of Alchemy Skateboarding’s keystone program, SALT (Sponsored by Alchemy Youth Leadership Team).

RUMSEY QUESTIONNAIRE What is the first word that comes to mind when you think of Rumsey Hall? Community Who are your Rumsey heroes? Tom Farmen, Fran Ryan, Matthew Bagley, and Matthew Hoeniger. Also, those donors who supported the crew program, which taught me so much about leadership, hard work, and determination. What tradition will you always cherish? Hot Chocolate and Mr. Farmen reading The Giving Tree at the Headmaster’s house What did you

treasure most about Rumsey? The friends I made! What was your fondest memory of living in a dorm? The chaos and the order. I remember how wild we were as IVth Formers, but also remember everyone brushing their teeth at the same time, waiting in line for the shower, and generally respecting lights out. Dorm life taught me how to be flexible and how to always hold members of your community in positive high regard. These lessons transferred

directly into the positive relationships I have had with significant others. What schools did you attend after Rumsey? Blair Academy, NJ, University of Puget Sound, WA and University of Washington, WA If you were given a superlative your senior year at Rumsey, what would you have been awarded? I gave and received the most hugs! When was the last time you were on Rumsey’s campus? 2007

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PROFILES

ALUMNI

in Nonprofit Work & Public Service

bianca razzano ’93

Bianca is a human rights advocate and policy advisor with 15 years experience working with various stakeholders to address child health and human rights. She holds a Master of Anthropology from the New School for Social and Economic Research in New York. Bianca recently published her first children’s book, The Mouse from Laos, which is part of a literary series to stimulate curiosity and tolerance among youth. She actively supports NamChai Community Center in Laos with literacy programs and Southern Poverty Law Center’s (SPLC) Teaching Tolerance initiatives by donating 5% of the net proceeds from The Mouse from Laos. Moonjami Press, Bianca’s publishing company, works with female-led businesses and people with disabilities to produce her books and merchandise. She has worked on projects in 16 different countries and currently resides in Vientiane, Laos with her husband, Christian, two children, Aidan and Anéli, and their dog, Kujo. Currently, Bianca is finishing her thesis for her LLM in International Human Rights and Humanitarian Law at Europa-Universität Viadrina in Frankfurt, Germany, researching rights and responsibilities of closed social media networks during armed conflicts. In April, The Peacock from Bangkok and The Kitty from Ho Chi Minh City will be released.

craig gordon ’72

Craig is the Founder and Director of N.E.A.D. (Nutrition & Exercise vs. Addiction & Disease), a Connecticut-based non-profit which provides strategies, tools and socially responsible programs to individuals suffering from many of America’s most difficult social and biochemical challenges. Aligned with the Center for Disease Control, N.E.A.D.’s mission is centered on teaching the importance of physical and mental well-being through nutrition and exercise. Craig’s vision and inspiration for founding the organization in 1987 was to develop an outlet to bridge the gap between research and implementation by bringing the information directly to the people to help empower healthy selfchoices. Backed by research and in collaboration with local Connecticut scientists, N.E.A.D. works to spread the word of more aggressive health initiatives and proper funding to address crime, mental health issues, chronic disease, and many more social and biochemical challenges. Thousands benefit from the programs N.E.A.D. offers each year, and the organization continues to grow.

josé ignacio valls-Martinez ’90

By profession, José is a vitreo-retinal subspecialist at Hospital Vega Baja, Spain’s Public Health system, and refractive surgeon for Clinica Baviera. Since 2014 José has been collaborating with “Fundacion Iluminafrica” a non-governmental organization dedicated to eradicate avoidable blindness in Chad, Africa. In a country with a limited health infrastructure and only a handful of ophthalmologists for its population of 15 million, José visits Chad Hospital Saint Michel in Dono Manga and Hospital Saint Joseph in Bebdjia each year for two weeks. During that time, he consults with over 500 patients, performs over 180 surgical procedures and trains local nurses in ophthalmic first aid care and anesthesia techniques. After graduating from Rumsey Hall, José attended Choate Rosemary Hall, CT, then onto medical school at Universidad Autónoma de Madrid. He earned his ophthalmology residency at Hospital Universitario de San Juan de Alicante. José and his wife, Leyre Corretgé, live in Alicante, Spain with their three sons and daughter.

20 RAREBITS

sam mandl ’07

Sam works as the Program Coordinator for the National Geographic Society in Washington, DC on a project called “Pristine Seas.” He and other members of his team identify wild and uncharted places in the ocean, areas that have seen little or no human impact and represent the last bastions of resilience. These places, as of now, preserve their ecosystems and organisms that inhabit them and work to protect them against major threats such as overfishing and pollution through precise environmental policy work. As the Program Coordinator, Sam arranges the NGS scientists’ and photographers’ travels to the remote locations, organizes equipment and expedition gear and ensures a complete and full assessment of the area being researched. To date, Sam and his team have identified and protected 23 locations around the world, spanning from the Russian Arctic to remote Central Pacific Atolls and the Southern Atlantic, just north of Antarctica, a cumulative 4.5 million square kilometers of ocean (roughly the size of Canada). Sam is driven by his passion to preserve the pristine seas despite resistance from various vested interests that would rather the ocean remain a lawless “wild west.”

jon D. neuhaus ’87

Former Rumsey Hall Board Chair Jon is active with City Year, a youth service and leadership development organization. Jon served as a full-time corps member in Boston, while taking a gap year after graduating from Phillips Exeter Academy, NH in 1990. He later served as a member of the start-up team in Chicago in the summer of ‘94. Jon helped found the LA site 11 years ago. He serves on the Associates Board and leads LA’s major gifts program as its “Red Jackets Society” Chair. In its 29th year of operation, City Year is a national education non-profit that brings together 17-25 year-olds for a year of service. City Year places AmeriCorps members in the nation’s most challenged schools to serve as mentors, tutors and role models. The Red Jacket Society brings together individuals and families who show significant and recurring financial support to City Year’s core mission. Los Angeles is home to the largest of the City Year’s 28 sites nationwide. 270 corps members serve in 31 schools. Jon’s efforts are helping saturate schools with a City Year corps member in classrooms throughout a student’s education. In November ‘17, Jon became the first CY alumnus to sponsor a City Year team. The ‘Neuhaus ‘91 ‘94 Legacy Team’ works at the Edwin Markham Middle School in Watts, CA. At Markham, the corps members are having a phenomenal impact, from the time they show up at 7:15a.m., to when they leave at 5:30p.m. Given their age and that they often come from the same neighborhood, they are ‘near-peer’ to the students they serve. Each corps member works 1:1 with 11 students, providing mentoring, behavioral and academic support. The team also provides classroom and school-wide programming, changing the school culture. While Jon’s name and years of service appear on the team patch, he asks the team to focus on the idea of “Legacy.” He asks the team to honor those with whom he served, and also their own service, as their impact on the students will carry on throughout the rest of their lives.

john payne ’55

For over a decade John has mentored high school students to develop life/vocational plans, attend appropriate colleges and attain advantageous entries into professions of their choice. The fee for John’s “graduates” is that they have to use their experience to help others. “Students today, regardless of background or resources, face a daunting rate of change fueled by technology and global impacts. Despite efforts to provide information relevant to the new world students will encounter, many high schools and colleges fail to provide adequate guidance for the future. Without guidance and a life/vocational plan, students have little practical basis on which to select a college or an appropriate curriculum.” John has had appropriate experience for the task. Crediting Rumsey for his foundation, he went on to Pomfret, CT, Harvard University, MA and an international business career in mining materials for nuclear research in China, Australia, Korea and the Philippines.

Fall/Winter 2017/18 21

John Salvatore ‘86 P ‘18

Ali Spooner ‘90 Linley P ‘23

“My wife and I have enjoyed watching our son, Alexander, grow up here. He has had an opportunity to take risks, be creative, and is encouraged to advocate for himself, and try new things. When he has failed, there has been the support needed to pick him back up. The friends he has made while being here I know will last him a lifetime! We want to thank the Rumsey Hall teachers and administrators that have been so committed to their mission. You make Rumsey Hall a truly special place.” — John

“My grandfather (Former Associate Headmaster Rick Spooner P’88, ’90, ’94, GP ’23) would tell me about the School’s history when I asked him questions about it. I like to ask him what it was like to teach here. I love seeing my mom and Uncle Stephen (Stephen Spooner ‘94)on campus and I know how special it is to go to the same school as my family and where they work. It’s our family’s school.” — Noah Linley ‘23

Pride in Legacy

For many Alumni, sending their children to Rumsey Hall was a natural choice. Together, they can share in the traditions and create a special bond. Enrolling their children in Rumsey demonstrates pride in their alma mater, and parents are excited to pass the baton to the next generation, as their children grow and learn by the same values. Benjamin Duell ‘78 P ‘18 “Whenever we talk about Rumsey, I can tell he liked it a lot. I feel connected to him when I play football and when I wrestle because he did those sports when he was here.” — Marcus Duell ‘18

Lili Dyer ‘80 P ‘19, ‘22

“We chose Rumsey because of the family and community feel, the traditions, the continuity, the diversity and clear philosophy. It makes it all the more meaningful that my mom and some of her siblings also attended Rumsey - they can connect with our kids and ask about the Reds and the Blues, the sit-down meals, and some old stories about teachers from the past (like Madame Algrant).” — Lili

22 RAREBITS

Peter Klemm ‘87 P ‘23, ‘25

“When I came to Rumsey in Kindergarten, I didn’t know Reds and Blues was a family thing, so I was so excited to be a Blue just like my dad and uncle. I have a lot of good friends here, and my dad tells me about all of his good friends while he was here, like Jon Neuhaus.” — Natalie Klemm ‘23

Truman Brooks ‘89 P ‘22, ‘24

“My dad and I both share friends and sports because while he played sports, he made a lot of friends. I think we also learn respect for others, friendly competition, and how to do things in an efficient way here.” — Samantha Brooks ‘22

Metta Rehnberg ‘91 Desmarais P ‘18, ‘20, ‘23

“There was no doubt that I’d send my children to Rumsey Hall. It was a great education for me and my brothers, and it’s only gotten better. The facilities are beyond measure and the children are exposed to all the skills and experiences that they need to thrive. I have so many very fond memories of being at Rumsey and now my children do as well. I love that we have that shared experience.” — Metta

Rodney Meissner ‘87 P ‘15, ‘19 ”I sent both of my kids to Rumsey for the educational programs. Effort was a huge component for me when I was at Rumsey. Effort – regardless of result – seems to be an important value for Connor and Kori too.” — Rodney

Scott Schereschewsky ‘73 P ‘20, ‘23 “It’s been a very special experience to share in my children’s experiences at Rumsey. When we talk about their days, it brings back my own happy memories.” — Scott

Stephen Brown ‘89 P ‘20, ‘22

“My dad always taught me that you can take away things you’ll never forget from Rumsey, like table manners. I love that we can bond over sports too. He earned a place in Varsity Club. Here is where he learned sports just like I will!”

Shannon Young ‘89 P ‘22, ‘23, ‘26

“There’s something very special about watching your kids discover the same things you did, such as exploring Mohawk Mountain on their own, and the ongoing saga of losing your formal school dress tie, finding it, then losing it again.” — Shannon

— Morgan Brown ‘22

Peter Houldin ‘88 P ‘18, ‘18

“I love having my dad as an Alum of Rumsey because I have some of the same teachers he had. My twin brother John and I talk to our dad about what’s changed over the years, like the buildings and traditions.” — Mary Houldin ‘18

Fall/Winter 2017/18 23

LISA SCHERESCHEWSKY ‘56 STOUT Creating Rumsey Holiday cards for over three decades

“The exact year I first made a drawing for the Rumsey holiday card is, I’m afraid, veiled in the mists of time. However, it may even have been back in the 70’s when my brother, John Jr., was still Director of the School. Having grown up on campus, having been taught by both my parents, and having later done dorm duty at the Main House, Rumsey has always been my home and my history. My talent for pen and ink drawing has always been meager, but my love for the school is boundless. The underlying idea for the cards has always been to express the warmth of community that is shared by everyone on campus. Sometimes the subject has been new construction which is meant to convey the excitement of expanding opportunity. I’m very grateful to have been offered the chance to help with the cards, but can’t help but feel it’s time for a new perspective after so many years!

24 RAREBITS

” – Lisa

Fall/Winter 2017/18 25

Tate Brown 1931-2017

Family, friends, and faculty, gathered to honor the life and achievement of Former Board Chair PW Tate Brown at a memorial celebration in Farmen Hall on January 8, 2018. The tribute was led by School Chaplain Pastor Linda Williams of the Salem Covenent Church. Mr. Brown passed away on November 19, 2017 at age 86 in Santa Barbara, CA. Tate first became involved with Rumsey in 1975 as a volunteer teaching an Upper School creative writing course. His interest and devotion to the School and its students never waned. Tate leaves an indelible legacy marked by his prominent leadership and extraordinary contributions toward the School’s growth and success. He served as an admired and respected Chairman of the Board for ten years from 1980 until 1990 under the Headships of both Lou Magnoli and Tom Farmen. During this formative era, Tate strengthened the structure of the Board by formalizing the function of Trustees, increasing their number and diversity. During his tenure, he led the pivotal development of a longrange master plan that would significantly reshape the campus. His four children Daryl ’76, Monte ’78, Dwyer ’81, and Nicole ’77, are Rumsey graduates. Rumsey is humbled by Tate’s remarkable generosity and wish to support the School community and programs into the future. His posthumous gift is the single largest bequest in the School’s history. “How flattering and comforting that Tate’s ashes have been sprinkled in the Bantam River, this little stream that hugs the campus and keeps it snug. We should think of it as Tate’s timeless embrace, and the rippling of the water over the rocks his voice, endlessly cheering Rumsey on.” — Headmaster Emeritus Tom Farmen P ’97, ’99

26 RAREBITS

IN MEMORIAM CHARLES SACKETT HODGMAN ‘43 1928 - 2016

GEORGE LABALME ‘42 1927 - 2016

JOHN ZABRISKIE ‘43 1929 - 2017

STEPHEN C. HOPKINS ‘70 1954 - 2017

Alumni Games 2018

1. Alumni, current students, and faculty participate in the basketball game 2. Alumnae volleyball players with current Varsity Volleyball coach Ali Spooner ‘90 Linley P ‘23 and Former Associate Headmaster Rick Spooner P ‘88, ‘90, ‘94, GP ‘23 3. Members of the Class of 2015 enjoy returning

to campus for the Young Alums Brunch before Alumni Games. 4. Alumni Basketball game: Will

Finch ‘17 and John Salvatore ‘86 5. Stephen Solley ‘68 is ready for action during the Alumni hockey game. 6. Alumnae volleyball game: Emmalyn Brenner ‘14 7. Alumni hockey players

7 Fall/Winter 2017/18 27

STUDENT ART

U p p e r S c h o o l A r t o n D i s p l ay i n t h e A ll e n F i n ke l s o n G a ll e r y

top, left to right 1. Julia Schereschewsky ‘20 - Gondola 2. Julia Boffa ‘18 - Rainbow 3. Rose Shen ‘19 - Bird 4. Tyler Farmen ‘97 helps Marcus Duell ‘18 on an art project 5. Haruka Masamura ‘18 Elephant 6. John Houldin ‘18 - Black with Orange Circle 7. Hannah Hanson ‘18 - Yoga Ball Face 8. Rachel Cho ‘18 - Plaid Color Pattern 9. Mari Leonard ‘18 - Colors with Black Border and Silver Frame 10. Hannah Hanson ‘18 - Drip Face

28 RAREBITS

Fall/Winter 2017/18 29

After running down the hill , Lower Schoolers burst through the art room door each

day anxious to see what Mrs. Bender P ‘26 has in store for them. Once settled, they gather around the

demonstration table to learn about the day’s work. This community of budding young artists is ready to create, and eager to bring their ideas to life. Masks and Faces was the theme this fall, and Lower Schoolers discussed the traditions associated with mask making, the feelings they evoke, and their significance in different cultures. Kindies and Pre-Primes stretched their imaginations, found faces throughout their surroundings and then created their masks using mixed media and repurposed materials. Primes and Ist Formers drew an assortment of faces and then printed them with colored inks, crafting them into wild papier-mâché masks. IInd and IIIrd Formers applied plaster pulp and formed their masks over molds. Taking it to the next level, the IIIrd Formers finished their designs with paint and mixed media, constructing some uniquely beautiful and, at times, terrifying masks using recyclables. Once their masks were complete, Lower Schoolers rendered self-portraits in pencil and paint. Older students then looked at Pablo Picasso’s abstract portraits and created small portraits with views from many sides, as Picasso did. While creating these portraits, classes explored a variety of famous abstract and realistic portraits by Leonardo da Vinci, Vincent Van Gogh, Chuck Close, and Frida Kahlo and watched a slideshow of master portraiture by Rembrandt. Adding to their study of masks and faces, students worked throughout the term in their sketchbook, they embarked on a “Pinwheels for Peace” project in September, and they launched a Fall Term exhibit in the Lower School Gallery as well as a winter-themed exhibit in the Allen Finkelson Gallery for the Winter Concert. The Kindergarten/Pre-Primes explored the work of Wassily Kandinsky, and the Primes worked on a river rock project inspired by “Global Read Aloud”. The Lower School art room is truly a magical place.

30 RAREBITS

Lower School Student Art 1

top, left to right 1. African-inspired masks,

focusing on symmetry 2. Mia Foley ‘26 in her self portrait 3. View From Beneath The Sea by Liam Kinsella ‘22 4. Ty Taylor ‘24 works on his tile for the ceramic mural project 5. Picasso-inspired painting by Caroline Traina ‘22 6. Lucy Traina ‘24 and Addy Perreault ‘24 build their tiles for the ceramic mural. 7. Lower School self-portraits

Fall/Winter 2017/18 31

class notes 32 RAREBITS

class notes

1940’s

1970’s

“For the last three years I’ve put aside my writing for adults to concentrate

“I’m still living in Salt Lake City, UT for the past 40

on writing for children. You may be familiar with my two books of Mrs.

plus years and had a great career in the oil and

Parsley stories or my best-selling Scholastic memoir, Escaping the

gas industry, which permitted me to pseudo retire

Holocaust. In the process of writing these books, I’ve come across story

in 2000. Then I started my own Accounting for

ideas that don’t fit together as a collection for publication. Fortunately, my

Small Businesses and Homeowners Association

wife, Donna, has discovered a computer program for turning a manuscript

Management and Consulting business in 2004 called

into a booklet, which I can then print on my own printer and staple as a

Urban Outsourcing Inc. I have a passion for Spain and

ten or twelve-page booklet. I have ‘published’ a number of my stories in

walking the Camino de Santiago, inspired by my first

this manner, and then given them to families with children that I encounter

visit when I walked with my then 75 year-old father in

on our travels.”

2001. I’ve recently taken up pottery which has been a

1950’s

lifelong dream.”

“I was a newspaper and TV photographer for many years as well as a

This year, Thaddeus moved from New York City, NY

Julian Padowicz ’46

Alex Gundry ’55 photographer in the U.S. Army. Eventually, I became a two-way radio technician and spent about 30 years in that business. I retired in 2002 in Starr, SC and have kept busy with family ever since. We now have 13 grandchildren and 8 great-grandchildren. I’m enjoying retirement and remain active with volunteer EMS and the Fire Department. Good to see that real winters are returning to the Northeast. I remember Rumsey at

Elvie Charles ’72 Nelson

Thaddeus Gray ’74 and retired from his job as an Investment Analyst at Abbott Capital Management. He is now running as a local Republican candidate for Connecticut State Treasurer in the 2018 election against Denise Nappier, the Democratic incumbent since 1998.

Cornwall where we had waist deep snow and made forts in the banks of

Joshua Kaiman ’74

snow left by the plow trucks clearing the parking lots there.”

“I just moved from Orlando, FL to Malvern, PA to assume a new position as a Senior Capital Buyer

Ginna Boynton ’55 Fishburne “My husband, Joe, and I have just moved to a retirement community in Mount Pleasant, SC. We have a beautiful cottage situated on a lagoon, and I am quickly getting adjusted to no housework or dinners to prepare.

for Saint-Gobain Corporation, the largest building materials manufacturer in the world, a $46 billion enterprise that has been doing business globally for 350 years. In my role, I will be negotiating

We have lots of things to do and places to go, and we don’t have to drive!”

construction contracts for new buildings and

John McDonald ‘59

Gobain facilities around the world, situated at their

John continues to live on Cape Cod and run his Internet company. He recently traveled to California where he reunited with some of the musicians he promoted in the 1960s including The Strawberry Alarm Clock and composer Robert Folk.

facilities management in support of various SaintNorth American Headquarters in Malvern, PA. As my wife JoAnne was born and raised in nearby Lehigh Valley, she and her family are excited about our move back ‘home.’”

Fall/Winter 2017/18 33

class notes

Henry Jackson ’75

Michael Sher ‘96

Henry was deployed to Puerto Rico to support

Michael currently resides in Shanghai, China

the response efforts of the City of San Juan

working as Development Project Manager for

following Hurricanes Irma and Maria. He led

Niu Technology, which is developing electric

a team of NYC Emergency Management and

two-wheel mobility solutions for urban

Police Department employees supporting the

commuters. Niu Technology’s mission is to

Mayor of San Juan, Carmen Yulín Cruz, in her

make a difference by creating sustainable

recovery efforts. Their initial tasks included the

lifestyle brand for green influences to rethink

establishment of a Commodity Staging Area

and redefine what electric energy means for

to receive and distribute critical supplies to

future transportation. 3 Michael traveled to

the residents of Puerto Rico. 1 Henry (second

campus from China with his father in October

from right) with his team in the Emergency

to see campus improvements.

Operations Center they established at the Roberto Clemente Coliseum.

Kira Sandmeyer ‘97 Woods “I have a real estate investment company

1980’s

Sam Herrick ’88

“I am living in Sun Valley, Idaho with my wife,

where I buy properties in Tax Deed Auction sales, fix them up and either keep to rent or flip them. If you have ever seen any of the flipping tv shows, that is pretty much what

Elizabeth, and two children, three year-old

I do. I also have a residential real estate

Grayson and Gus, age five. I am a School

company called Sands Realty Group, of

Administrator working at the Community

which I am the managing broker. Lastly, I

School in Sun Valley, Idaho. We spend a lot

own UP Software & Consulting, which helps

of time skiing, biking, swimming, and hiking.

dental practices understand how to manage

One of these days I plan to get back to the

their business. I am currently re-writing our

Rumsey campus.” Before becoming the Head

flagship program, an inventory management

of Middle School at the Community School,

system that covers everything inventory

Sam held the position of Middle School

related for a non-point of sale environment.

Admission Director and Dean of Students at

This program will be launched in the Spring

Prospect Sierra School in El Cerrito, CA. He

of 2018, and I am VERY excited about it.”

was the Dean of Student Life at the Live Oak Charlie Kleeman ‘99 and his family on a ski

School in San Francisco, CA, and served on

the Board of Trustees for the East Bay School

trip at Mount Sunapee, NH in February

for Boys in Berkeley, CA. 4

1990’s 2

Peter Austin-Small ’90 with Headmaster

2000’s

Adam King ’03 Adam works in commercial real estate in New

Matt Hoeniger ‘81 during a campus visit in

York. He enjoys playing golf and tennis in

October

the summer and paddle tennis in the winter.

David Soady ’95

classmates and faculty. 5 Adam with Tami

He is still in contact with numerous Rumsey

“In December, I opened my own restaurant,

Couch ‘01 Rance and Austin Farmer ‘99 at the

13 Fronteras, located in the heart of historic

New York City Reception at the Union League

Buenos Aires. So far, the reception has been

Club in November

overwhelming and so much fun. I thought at first only a few people would come, but

Pierce Ogden ’04

we’ve had lines (literally) out the door and

Pierce moved to Cambridge, MA to study at

amazing reviews. It’s been an unbelievable

Harvard Medical School.

amount of work, but so worth it. Hope to see

34 RAREBITS

some of the Rumsey family in South America

Jessica Sherrod ‘05

for a tasting of travel-inspired foods from our

Jessica is working and living in New York City

Cocina de Aventura.”

where she is a Litigation Case Manager at

Alec Cornell ’11

playing volleyball, field hockey and running

“I’m studying Hospitality Management at

in her free time. She can often be found

James Madison University in Harrisonburg,

running the streets of New York with fellow

VA and will be graduating in May 2018.

Rumsey Hall Alumnae Shana Grossman ’05

Following

and Caroline Banfield ’05. 6 Shana, Caroline,

a position with Marriott International in

graduation,

have

class notes

Cravath, Swaine & Moore LLP. Jessica enjoys

accepted

and Jessica, at the New York City Reception

their Voyage program at the Renaissance

in November at the Union League Club

Washington DC Downtown Hotel.” 10 Alec Cornell ‘11, Luke Hoeniger ‘11, Jack Kolpak

Paige Ogden ’06

‘13 and Jake Mandl ‘11 give future Alumni Jake

Paige works as a nanny for a baby girl named

Newman ‘22, Liam Kinsella ‘22 and Gunnar

Mazzy and as a chef for Mazzy’s family in

Ough ‘23 some pointers during a weekend

Venice, Italy. She is also writing a children’s

pick-up game of pond hockey in January.

book that she hopes will help children to conceptualize death and find their lost one’s energy in living things.

Ryan Nizolek ’11 “I recently served on a disaster relief mission in Puerto Rico with my Joint Task Force,

Zachary Karlan ’09

Phino, composed of Army, Air Force and

“I’m currently in my second year of law school at

Navy personnel. Together we spent 50 days

Georgetown. I am looking forward to working

on the ground assisting with aid distribution,

in NYC this summer at Kramer Levin LLP. This

security operations, debris removal and

past summer, I worked at Children’s Rights

critical infrastructure rescue.” 11 Ryan during

Inc. in NYC where I worked with attorneys on

his service in Puerto Rico in November

filing class-action lawsuits in states that have failing foster care systems. I still enjoy playing

Sydney O’Connor ’11

soccer and basketball with friends, but most

Sydney is a senior at Colgate University in

of my time right now is spent studying for

Hamilton, NY.

school.” 7 Zachary (middle) with his brothers, Jake and Graham

Max Enis ‘12 Max is completing his junior year at Purdue

2010’s

University in West Lafayette, IN where he’s majoring in Aeronautical Engineering &

Pupp Charuvastr ’10 returned to campus to

Professional Flight. He recently flew a round

teach Upper School art classes in the J. Seward

trip solo flight across the country from

Johnson, Sr. Fine Arts Building with Faculty

Philadelphia, PA to Los Angeles, CA and

Member Tyler Farmen ’97 in November

earned his Flight Instructor Certificate (CFI).

Stephanie Sorosiak ’10

at the University. Over the summer, he worked

He currently holds a position as an instructor “I will be graduating in May 2018 from the Herberger Institute for Design and the Arts from Arizona State University in Phoenix, AZ,

as a corporate pilot based at Wings Aviation in Philadelphia.

Magna Cum Laude, with a BFA Degree in

Chandler Houldin ‘13

Dance Performance and a minor in Psychology.

Last spring, Chandler was presented with

My thesis/senior capstone show for my

the Award of Excellence for 2020 at the

degree candidacy was titled ‘Transitions I

Student Affairs Leadership Ceremony at

& II: Fit to be Tied.’ I performed, as well as

Bucknell University, PA. Awards of Excellence

presented, an original choreographed work.

are given to a member of each class for

After graduation, my immediate plans are

displaying exceptional leadership through

to move to downtown Phoenix, where I will

their involvement and impact on campus.

be networking with local dance companies

He also was re-elected this year as the Class

to pursue a professional career as a dancer

President for the Class of 2020. 12 Chandler

or arts educator.” 9 Stephanie’s marketing

accepting his award at Bucknell University in

poster for her senior capstone show

Lewisburg, PA

Fall/Winter 2017/18 35

class notes

Gillian O’Connor ‘13 Gillian graduated from Deerfield Academy, MA and is a freshman at Middlebury College, VT. Caroline Ricke ’13 After graduating from Suffield Academy, CT in May 2016, Caroline is now studying at the 13

University of Colorado at Boulder, CO where she is currently a sophomore majoring in Sociology and Anthropology. 13 Caroline reunites with Athletic Director Jay Przygocki P ‘00, ‘03 and Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 P ‘11, ‘15 during a campus visit. Sam Johnson ’15 Sam played the lead role of Mortimer

Brewster in Arsenic and Old Lace at The Gunnery in Washington, CT in December. This is Sam’s fifth performance in a Gunnery production during his two years as a student. 14

Eleni Kolpak ‘15 spent a day teaching in

the Kindies class for her Senior Service Project for The Gunnery in Washington, CT in October.

Taylor Ettore ‘14, Eleni Kolpak ‘15,

Sage Valente ‘16 and Ellyn Fritz ’15 represent their various secondary schools during

field

hockey

tournament

September. 16

Max

Scapachini

‘17

and

Diego

Hernandez-Sampelayo ‘09 with Director of Admission Ben Tuff P ‘22, ‘24 in Mexico City, 16

Mexico in February 17

Brad Ellis ‘16, Levi Mercier ‘15, Alec

Maxwell ‘15, Bryan Ellis ‘15 celebrate Levi’s birthday in Washington, CT. 18

Headmaster Emeritus Tom and Ashley

Farmen P ‘97, ‘99 with Zaneta Miller ‘17

and Alex Cohen ’15. They are both currently

studying at Kimball Union Academy, NH. Alex had a lead role as the Boy Scout in the school’s musical production, Putnam County Spelling Bee.

36 RAREBITS

CHINESE NEW YEAR

DiLorenzo ‘15, Sam Johnson ‘15, Anna

faculty notes...

1 Faculty member Carmine Buono and wife,

Nicole, welcomed their fourth child, Ella Rose, on November 10, 2017. Pictured here with her siblings, Michael, Ava and Christian.

Library Media Specialist Valerie DiLorenzo P ’15, ’18 presented “Move It! and Breathe” at both the New England Library Association’s and the Connecticut Educators Computer Association (CECA) & Connecticut Association of School Librarians (CASL) Conferences in the fall. Her presentation explored how and why movement is paramount to life and learning. 2 Business Manager and CFO Karen Scodari

presented at a panel of the Connecticut Chapter of Professional Women in Construction. She spoke about the several Rumsey construction projects she has overseen during her time here, including the 42,000 sq. ft. Campus Center. 2

3 Griffin Winter Alejo Dodge, the second child of

Director of Technology Steve and Jessilie Dodge, was born on January 15, 2018.

Former faculty member Georgina Duff is pursuing her Doctorate in Education at Columbia University, NY. 4

5 Infinity Hall in Norfolk, CT hosted faculty member

Alicia Mordenti’s P ‘22, ‘23, ‘26 art show featuring her oil landscaping paintings. Her show represents a year of landscape near her home in Washington Depot, CT.

The annual celebration of the Chinese New Year in mid-winter is a tradition that allows students and faculty to embrace a foreign culture and celebrate Rumsey’s diversity. On Thursday, February 15th, twelve families from China traveled to campus for the third consecutive year to help organize the festivities. After an afternoon of hand-rolling 2,000 dumplings and preparing other Chinese delicacies such as Peking Duck, the Chinese New Year dinner was served to the entire boarding community. Farmen Hall was decorated with paper lanterns, paper cuttings and couplets to create an authentic backdrop for a memorable meal. The students enjoyed hearing their fellow classmates and their parents explain the Chinese calendar, the lore behind zodiac animal signs representing each year, the significance of ‘the year of the dog’ and the symbolism of good fortune and joy found in the color red. Rumsey extends its sincere gratitude to the families who traveled from China to share their holiday and a delicious and unique meal with the School community.

Fall/Winter 2017/18 37

class notes

LOUISE GAGNON ‘14 Louise traveled back to Rumsey to teach in Mr. Kandel’s IInd Form class in October 2017. Currently a senior at the Taft School in Watertown, CT, Louise has been accepted to the University of Chicago, IL. Her strong interest in mathematics and science, began at Rumsey with faculty members Mr. Dyball and Mr. Perreault. While

pursuing an interest in astronomy and physics, she found local institutions whose core mission is to educate their communities such as the John J. McCarthy Observatory (JJMO) in New Milford, CT. She learned how to operate a telescope, participated in projects to image deep space objects and was even able to take spectra of a passing comet. She was offered an opportunity to present findings to the community at one of the JJMO’s monthly Second Saturday Stars programs. 9

LUFENG “MAY” CHEN ‘12 May returned to campus in January 2018 to perform with her co-ed jazz a cappella group, Take Five, from Kenyon College in Gambier, OH. May’s passion for singing began when she first joined choir in the fifth grade in Shanghai, China, but her first introduction to a cappella was Rumsey’s group, Passing Notes, led by Ali Spooner ’90 Linley. May is studying Political Science and English at Kenyon but hopes to always make time to sing. May and the ten other members practice five days a week, focusing on jazz with hints of classic and pop rock tunes. May commented that by arranging different styles of music, Take Five can transform original tracks and incorporate the flavor of blues and jazz. 38 RAREBITS

1. Dean of Students Clayton Ketchum P ‘14, ‘17 with Sam Fifer ‘07 and girlfriend Emily, on campus in September. 2. Alex Lo Faro ‘17 and Jack LaCasse ‘17 raced at Ski Sundown in New Hartford, CT in January. 3. Ana Mendoza ‘10, Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 and Sophia Mendoza ‘18 on campus in October. 4. Ann Marie Bennett ‘83 with Director of Development Carol Maxwell during a visit to campus in October for the first time in three decades. 5. Tim Knauth ‘76 stopped by to pick up the latest editions of Rarebits from Administrative Assistant to Development, Trish Silvernail. 6. Bindu Padmore ‘85 Wotorson P ‘16 with Headmaster

class notes

Matt Hoeniger ‘81 during a campus visit in October. 7. Former faculty member Christian Budd ‘05 stops by campus in November and reconnects with Dean of Students Clayton Ketchum P ‘14, ‘17. 8. Charlie Webb ‘15, who currently attends Mercersburg Academy, PA, and Idriss Traore ‘15, who attends Saint James School, MD, after a football game in September. 9. Jack Lavin ‘14 and faculty member Sean Kinsella P ‘22, ‘23, ‘26 catch up following Young Alums Brunch in January. 10. Rachel Geagan ‘16 and Claire Geagan ‘13 support the Varsity Girls’ Field Hockey team in October. 11. Suffield Academy, CT students Abby Fort ‘17, Shaina Fuente ‘17 and Nelson McMillen ‘17 travel to Avon Old Farms, CT to cheer on Miles Wotorson ‘16 and Tyler Cox ‘17 at their basketball game. 12. Former faculty member Jeff Magnoli ‘72, P ‘02, ‘07 returns to campus with his granddaughter, Anastasia, and connects with Athletic Director Jay Przygocki and Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81. 13. Dimity Wanag ‘13 and Ellie Marousis ‘13 at Heavenly Mountain, CA. Dimity is a certified ski instructor, in the process of getting her national accreditation. 14. Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 and Director of Technology Steve Dodge with Eliot Ramirez ‘09 during a campus visit in October 15. Helen Atkins ‘10 returns to campus in January. 16. Headmaster Emeritus Tom Farmen P ‘97, ‘99 and Ben Vereen ‘81 met in New York City in February 17. Lilly Hoeniger ‘15, Peter Doyle P ‘18, McKenzie Doyle ‘18 and Trustee Craig Henrich P ’13, ’14 at the Rangers game in March. 18. Jim Pollock ‘41 and Barbara MacDougall enjoy winter in Palm Beach, FL in January. 19. Katie Jarvis ‘16, Spencer Crisson ‘16 and Will Duys ‘17 meet up with the Farmens at the Special Olympics Prep School Plunge at Brewster Academy, NH, in December. 20. Larry Daniels ‘99 stops by with his family for a campus tour with Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ‘81 in November.

Fall/Winter 2017/18 39

Weddings

top, left to right: 1. Monique Arsenault ’84 married Dr. David William Vormohr in September 2017 on Hilton Head Island, SC. Her siblings, all Rumsey Alumni, were also part of the wedding with Deena Arsenault ’80 Olivolo as the Maid of Honor, Michele Arsenault ’79 Warbiany as a bridesmaid and Arthur Arsenault ‘82 as a groomsman. 2. Kara Fenn ’02 married William McDonald in Raleigh, NC in December 2017. The ceremony was officiated by Kara’s brother, Colin Fenn ’01, and Emily Patnaude ’02 was a bridesmaid. Mallory Farmer ’02 was also in attendance. 3. Breezy Grenier ’03 married Mark Mollicone in September 2017 at St. Peter’s Church in Danbury, CT. Elizabeth Keen ’02 Blank was the Maid of Honor. 4. Tim Knauth ‘76 and his new wife, Elaine, and her mother, in May 2016 in Dallas, TX.

40 RAREBITS

babies

left to right: Pamela Gremion ‘05 and Emilio, born January 2018 in Mexico City. Todd ‘95 and Kylee White welcomed Lincoln’s younger brother, London, in November 2017. Turner, born in November 2017, is the second son for Kira Sandmeyer ‘97 and Ryan Woods. Jeff ‘94 and Karen Goldberg welcomed Reese Skylar in July 2016.

Fall/Winter 2017/18 41

RUMSEY on the road 42 RAREBITS

NEW YORK CITY NOVEMBER 8, 2017

SEOUL KOREA NOVEMBER 16, 2017

MEXICO CITY FEBRUARY 16, 2018

ATHLETIC HALL OF FAME WHERE IT ALL BEGAN

The first time a child experienced competitive sports may have been at Rumsey Hall, making it the place where it all began – where they first kicked a soccer ball, pitched a softball or spiked a volleyball. From this initial step, these young athletes went on to develop a love and passion for their game. To recognize the athletic achievements of our Alumni, Rumsey Hall School is inaugurating an Athletic Hall of Fame. Each year, Rumsey will induct a few members into the Hall of Fame during the annual winter Alumni Games in early February. This high honor will recognize Alumni who have competed at the Varsity Collegiate level or beyond, coaches who have inspired and impacted students, and notable teams throughout our School’s history. To showcase this honor and preserve their legacies in Rumsey’s history, a special plaque for each athlete, coach and team inducted will be hung outside the Magnoli Gymnasium. In order to be nominated, you may choose to nominate yourself or be nominated by a fellow Alum or family member by clicking the link under Athletics on the website or contacting Alumni Coordinator Emily Kalis. The first induction class will be presented with a special tribute during the 2019 Alumni Games on Saturday, February 2nd, 2019. Alumni Coordinator Emily Kalis: ekalis@rumseyhall.org | 860.868.0535

CRITERIA:

• Alumni are considered for this honor 10 years after graduating Rumsey • Must have competed at the Varsity Collegiate level or beyond • Nominations will be recognized for a 10-year period

Fall/Winter 2017/18 43

BRIGHTENING SPIRITS AROUND THE WORLD The Rumsey Card Project

The Rumsey Card Project has developed into one of the students’ favorite community service initiatives this year. Card-making was inspired by a news segment about a boy with a terminal illness who wished only to be sent Christmas cards during the holiday. Three cards were creatively hand-drawn with enough open space for all the Upper and Lower School students to sign them. What began as a one-time effort quickly evolved into requests for monthly opportunities for the program, Cards for Hospitalized Kids, which sends handmade cards to children across the United

States. Coordinator of Community Service/ Service Learning Craig Ough P ’23 organizes the Rumsey Card Project with student leader Seongha “Elina” Choi ’19. They brought supplies to Farmen Hall to make creative cards for children in hospitals with terminal or longterm illnesses. Almost 300 cards were made for the winter holiday season, and 150 were made for Valentine’s Day. Elina read a letter from a boy who received Rumsey students’ cards, which explained his sincere gratitude and happiness for the students’ initiatives. She commented, “It’s exciting to see a group of

students work together for an hour, and it’s been powerful to learn how much joy that produces.” Elina took the Rumsey Card Project overseas. She was motivated by her classmates’ spirit and organized a card making activity for hospitalized children in South Korea. There she made cards with the children in the hospital, instead of sending the cards to them. She created the Rumsey Card Project logo, which was made into stickers to put on every card Rumsey students make, and hopes to work with the School to develop the program further in the upcoming year.

A VERY HONORABLE MENTION Book Dedication

It is an incredible honor to have a book dedicated to you. Rumsey’s Lower School teacher Cynthia Hill P ’04 inspired just that. When Sarah Albee P ’08, ’10, ’13 wrote a book about the inspirational Martin Luther King Jr., she thanked her children’s former teacher, Cynthia Hill, on the inside copyright page. Not only did Mrs. Hill inspire Sarah and her three children, but she herself was in the March on Washington, D.C. in 1972 to get Martin Luther King Jr. Day celebrated as a national holiday.

44 RAREBITS

top to bottom: Guests mingle at the “disco”. Trustees Monica Volgelstein P ‘14, ‘19 and Adrienne Lufkin P ‘20, ‘24 hit the dance floor. Rumsey Circle President Jessica Dell’Aera P ‘23, ‘25, Sara Barwikowski, Richard and Anne Block P ‘23 enjoy the evening.

Fall Parents' Weekend Brings Community Together $389,000 Raised

The 33rd running of Rumsey Hall’s Annual Benefit on Friday, October 13 brought together guests to celebrate this longstanding community event. The success of the gala is a tribute to the tireless work and creativity of Rumsey Circle Parent volunteers, faculty and staff who helped transform the John F. Schereschewsky Sr. Memorial Tennis Courts into a 1970’s discoteque. Trustees, alumni, current and past parents, grandparents, and faculty lifted paddles and spirits high. The Live Auction items, presented with enthusiasm by Auctioneer Headmaster Matt Hoeniger ’81, included vacations, a golf cart, tickets to Hamilton on Broadway, and perennial favorites such as “Dress Down and Sleep In for A Week,” and “Sleepover in the Gym”. A special note of appreciation is extended to Auction Chair Trustee Monica Vogelstein P ’14, ‘19 for her hands-on leadership throughout the months of planning. The proceeds of the event directly benefit enhancements to student programs. Fall/Winter 2017/18 45

upcoming events SPRING PARENTS’ DAY Saturday, May 5th GRANDPARENTS’ & SPECIAL FRIENDS’ DAY Wednesday, May 9th TRACK AND FIELD DAY Saturday, May 26th 118TH COMMENCEMENT EXERCISES Commencement Speaker: Nicholas Cornell ’08 Saturday, June 2nd ALUMNI REUNION Saturday, June 9th

Welcome!

A Rumsey Hall alumna from the Class of 1994, Tina is thrilled to be returning to the Rumsey family as the Director of Advancement starting in July, 2018. Her husband, Chris, two-year old daughter, Olivia, and fouryear-old son Matthew—who will be joining Rumsey’s Class of 2028—are also excited for this new adventure. Tina has worked in independent schools since 2003. She began her school career teaching English at Westminster School, in Connecticut, where she was also a coach and dorm parent. After relocating to New York City in 2005, she shifted her focus from teaching to development, working at the Morristown Beard School and then Saddle River Day School, both in New Jersey. In 2008, she joined Collegiate School as the Director of Annual Giving, overseeing fundraising for Collegiate’s annual operating budget. In 2011, Tina was promoted to Director of Major Gifts. In this role, she raised funds to support a historic capital building project that resulted in the construction of a brand-new school, which was completed in January of 2018.

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summer programs rumseyhall.org/summer

summer academic enrichment / july 2-august 3

A balanced five-week program of academics, recreation and enrichment. Focusing on academic enrichment, language skills, developmental reading, English as a Second Language (ESL). Also, daily recreational activities, field trips and cultural experiences are offered. Day and boarding options are available.

summer camp / july 2-august 3

Five-week Summer Recreation Program for children ages 3 –10. Weekly themes explore exciting activities designed to expose campers to new and interesting projects. Experienced staff, small counselor-to-camper ratio, in our beautiful Bantam River Valley setting.

volleyball skills / july 23-july 27

One-Week program for girls in grades 6 –10, designed to develop and strengthen skills and understanding of the game, while increasing self-confidence.

This is Rumsey.

Thank You Fall/Winter 2017/18 49

Rumsey Hall School 201 Romford Road Washington, CT 06794 Parents of Alumni: If this publication is addressed to your child and they no longer maintain this address, please send updated information to ekalis@rumseyhall.org 860.868.0535 Thank you!

SATURDAY, JUNE 9, 2018 SCHEDULE OF EVENTS 9:30 Registration & Continental Breakfast 10:00 Campus Tour 12:00 Lunch 1:00 Class Photos 1:30 “Rumsey Past & Present” 2:00 Campus Scavenger Hunt 2:30 Indoor Rock Climbing 3:30 Reds vs. Blues Softball Game 3:30 Outdoor Volleyball Game 5:30 Dinner

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